The Art of Love by Lilac Lacey Read Free Book Online Page B

chuckled. ‘I don’t think anyone could ever forget about you,’ he said and Tara looked at him sharply wondering if his reply was a compliment or a comment of a more acerbic nature. The music drew to a close and in the silence between dances and Tara was suddenly aware that with Rodney’s attentions engaged elsewhere she had no need to continue dancing with Leo but she realised that she couldn’t bear to let him end this moment, to politely take his leave and dismiss her.
    ‘Thank you for helping me with an awkward moment,’ she heard herself say, too high and too fast, but hoping to prolong their contact. He said nothing and she quickly added ‘Maybe I will be able to do the same for you one day.’ As soon as she had said it Tara was aware of how imbecilic the comment sounded.
    Leo’s face seemed to close. He gave her the merest of bows and said ‘Maybe.’ Then he swiftly turned away, and embarrassed, Tara hastily took herself over to the refreshment table. There was a carafe of lemonade and several containing wine. Under most circumstances she would have chosen the lemonade, preferring to keep her head clear at all times, but she seized a glass, poured herself a generous measure of white wine and gulped it down. What must Leo have thought of her? She had practically thrown herself into his arms like a lover, pressing close to him during the waltz, letting the music speak for her as if they had known each other for years instead of just a few days. Where was the sparkling conversation with which she should have politely entertained him? Somehow in Leo’s arms the communication had felt beyond words and she hadn’t felt the need to speak. From his curt farewell Leo had remembered what their relationship really was; one akin to craftsman and client. She must keep that firmly in mind when she saw him next Tuesday. She must keep to her resolve and treat him like a cousin.
     
    Tuesday could not come quickly enough. Rodney collected her in his Phaeton and for a moment Tara was afraid that she had misjudged the transferring of his affections. ‘You look beautiful,’ Rodney said as he handed her into the carriage.
    ‘Thank you,’ she said automatically even as her heart sank.
    ‘Your portrait will be a lovely ornament,’ Rodney continued. ‘I may give it to my father; he has always been a great admirer of yours.’
    ‘Oh…’ said Tara, feeling just the tiniest bit miffed that he did not want to keep the painting for himself. Then she quashed the feeling as firmly as she could, she did not want Rodney’s affections for herself, she should be pleased with his volte-face, but she couldn’t help feeling just a little bit offended.
    ‘I’ll be off then,’ Rodney said, pre-empting Leo after he had escorted Tara up to the studio.
    Leo nodded to him. ‘Half past four,’ he said. ‘The third and final sitting will be next week.
    ‘Good day,’ Rodney said cheerfully, closing the door behind him and leaving Tara alone with Leo.
    She was immediately conscious of the impropriety of the situation in a way in which she hadn’t been the week before. Maybe it was because she and Leo had danced together at Lord Carlshot’s ball, or perhaps it was because it was abundantly clear to them both that Rodney now held no claim over her. Or maybe it was the way Leo was dressed. It was a warm day and his flowing white shirt was unbuttoned at the neck. She could see a scattering of dark hairs on his chest and the smooth line of his collarbone as he reached for his palette.
    ‘Please be seated,’ Leo murmured, indicating a white damask chair which hadn’t been present in the studio last time she had visited. ‘I am primarily working on your colouring today and it will not be necessary for you to resume your exact pose, as long as the light strikes you from the same angle.
    Self-consciously Tara sat on the chair. It looked new. ‘Turn your head so you are looking just to the left of the easel,’ Leo said. ‘Your