Forged by Love: Even Gods Fall in Love, Book 4 by Lynne Connolly Read Free Book Online Page B

Marcus spoke to her caused a delightful tremor to shiver over her skin.
    “You took me by surprise last night, my lord,” she told him. People all around them were agog, their ears all but flapping. Would she treat them to another example of her behaviour? They didn’t have to say it for her to hear it.
    A candle flickered as someone laughed, their breath causing the flame to waver. The shadow rippled against his dark face, making the craggy peaks and hollows somehow sinister. But attractive too.
    The response was dry, but not as harsh as she was expecting. “My lady, I hardly expected you to approach me tonight, since my gift obviously displeased you.”
    “It’s a pretty thing, skilfully wrought. It amuses me.” She didn’t mention the tear the raindrop on the rose had nearly drawn from her. No need for anyone to know that.
    “I have a forge at my home in Cheshire and an attached workshop for more delicate pieces. I enjoy the pastime.”
    She raised a brow, trying not to appear impressed, because she didn’t lie. “I assure you, sir, it’s more than a pastime. The work is so skilful I thought it created by a master of the silversmith’s art.”
    He gave her a half-smile, one that, while not transforming him, certainly softened his features. “Can a dilettante not be a master?”
    “I don’t know. But I’m glad you find something to do with your time.”
    “Rather than run an extensive estate and pay heed to affairs of national policy?”
    “You attend Parliament?”
    His face darkened. “You know what I mean.”
    Yes, she did, but she wouldn’t give way.
    When a familiar voice said her name, in the low, throbbing way that turned her limbs to jelly, she forgot the blacksmith. She turned to Marcus, catching herself before she spoke his first name. Society might forgive much, but not flaunting her familiarity in that way. “M-my lord, what a pleasant surprise!”
    “Take me away from here,” she begged him, mind-to-mind.
    He extended his arm, smiling fondly. “It is always a pleasure to see you, Duchesse.” He nodded to Valsgarth. “Good evening, my lord.”
    Valsgarth gave a short bow. “Good evening, your grace.”
    “I trust you will excuse us if I escort the duchesse on to the dance floor.”
    “By all means, but I would crave a word with you in private, as soon as you can spare me the time.”
    Marcus paused and gave Valsgarth a direct glare. “Do you have a particular matter to discuss with me?”
    “A most particular matter, sir. Of the utmost importance and urgency.”
    She stiffened. Marcus must have felt the rigidity of her fingers on his sleeve or the tension in her mind. His attention went to her, and then back to the earl. His eyes were hard. “If you mean to make personal remarks or cast aspersions, I should tell you I would not take such interference kindly.”
    “Not the remarks you mean.”
    Something passed between them; she felt the slight hum that indicated mental communication, but she wasn’t privy to it. That annoyed her, having these two men tussle over her. She would not become a bone between two dogs.
    An unpleasant description, but appropriate in the circumstances. “Gentlemen, I believe our business is done.” She meant she wanted no meeting and she reinforced that with a savage reminder to both of them. “You forget who I am. You do not subject yourselves to unseemly displays in public and you will not fight over me.”
    Valsgarth bowed. She couldn’t help admiring such a practiced gesture from a man with a noticeable disability. She curtseyed in return. “If you will excuse us, my lord. Did I not hear you say you planned to leave town soon?”
    “As soon as I can deal with the unexpected business that occurred today.” He glanced at Marcus. “The business has to do with you. It is probably a small matter that has escaped your notice.”
    Valsgarth’s eyes flashed, but he veiled the expression so quickly Virginie wasn’t sure she’d seen that spark of