Lessons of Desire by Madeline Hunter Read Free Book Online Page A

say. It should sell very well."
    "I am not sure that my publisher agrees."
    "Then perhaps you should find another one. I would be honored to publish it if you can bear the thought of conducting business with a woman."
    He laughed at her shrewd expression. That press might survive after all if Miss Blair displayed such talent in flattering authors into throwing in with her.
    Her mood had improved since they began their walk. Perhaps the softening light of the low sun and the cooling breeze were the reasons. More likely Miss Blair had decided dial anger would interfere with enjoying her new freedom.
    Joy sparkled in her eyes as she marched along observing the passing crowds, the boats, and the gulls. She smiled his way often with a warmth that might be misinterpreted as flirting. He did not miss the way men looked at her. The novelty of her red hair was enough to draw attention, but Miss Blair would do so in any case.
    She did not miss those looks either. She did not invite or discourage them. She took neither satisfaction nor insult either, from what Elliot could tell. She merely walked on, those black, swaying drapes revealing more than they were supposed to, confident in her difference.
    She subtly projected an aura, however. It bore the same challenge that he had felt in her chamber, only now it spoke to every man who looked too long. You want me, but I haw decided it will not happen.
    She stopped to purchase a little bouquet of flowers from a girl selling posies from a box. He tried to pay for them but she waved his coin away and paid herself. She continued on, holding the fragrant blooms to her nose.
    "Lord Elliot, I would like to make a proposition."
    Not the one he wanted. His body tightened anyway. Her words had been chosen to tease. That only angered him because it worked.
    He shouldn't, but ... "I have seen the result of the terms you offer men in your propositions. Miss Blair and I must decline."
    Her expression fell. "What is that supposed to mean?"
    "Oh, did I misunderstand? My apologies."
    "What did you mean?”
    He shrugged. "I thought you were going to offer to make me one of your friends. One of those bees who buzz around the queen."
    Her white skin flushed. Her anger carried a good dose of dismay.
    "What do you know of my friends?"
    "You may scorn polite society, but it is aware of you. Everyone knows about the daughter of Artemis Blair, and how, like her mother, she considers herself above all those stupid social rules."
    "Your rudeness astonishes me." Anger won out, and she stopped flustering. "You are so typical in misunderstanding my friendships, which is why I would never consider having one with such as you."
    Oh, she would consider it. She already had. Negotiations had begun earlier today. "If I have been Hide, I must apologize."
    Her expression relaxed.
    "Although—"
    Her eyebrows shot up.
    "—if you are above stupid social rules, is it even possible for me to be rude, Miss Blair. Within the context of your beliefs, I mean. The word 'rude' is all about those rules, is it not? In the days ahead you will have to help me see where your subjugation to the rules begins and ends, so I do not misunderstand again."
    Again that knowing confidence, that challenge, saturated her. "You can be certain that I will. Lord Elliot."
    Their walk had taken them to the Riviera di Chiaia and the great villas that overlooked the bay. Miss Blair admired their beauty while she buried her thoughts behind a passive mask.
    "Lord Elliot, it is convenient that you speak of the days ahead, and that you have expressed your disapproval and scorn of me. As it happens my proposition has to do with both those attitudes."
    "I neither disapprove nor hold scorn. I merely decided we should have a right understanding on one small point.” The most important one.
    "That you so badly misunderstand both my friendships with others and my interest in you indicates that we will not rub well together. Nor can you want the burden of a mere tourist