The Awakening Of Miss Henley. Julia Justiss

sure she wanted to express the alarming possibility even to herself ‘—what if Mama and all the others are right, and a life on my own is…lonely and unfulfilling?’

      ‘I don’t think you’ll need to worry about being alone.’

      Emma looked up to find Lord Theo’s intense gaze fixed on her, a strange little smile on his lips. Her anxiety and confusion faded as a wave of sensual awareness washed through her.

      Was it truly desire she saw in his eyes, or did she just want him so much, she only imagined it? Could a handsome man like Lord Theo truly want her?

      And if he did… His romantic entanglements had all been brief, no matter how lovely the lady. Such a man would make a poor husband for a woman who valued fidelity and involvement in some higher purpose, if he could in fact be induced to marry her.

      But if she were living in her own establishment, on her own terms, no longer subject to the rules and restrictions society imposed on a gently bred maiden… Could she dare explore passion for its own sake…outside the bonds of marriage?

      Every nerve humming in response to his molten gaze promised the pleasure he could give would be incomparable.

      A rider suddenly emerged from the mist, making her mount shy. Feeling her cheeks heat, she bent to control her horse, turning away from Lord Theo’s perceptive gaze.

      Forcing her thoughts from the carnal, she said bracingly, ‘I expect my life will be as fulfilling and happy as I make it. If I do accept Mama’s bargain, as I am inclined to, I intend to begin immediately to investigate how one leases a house—a subject about which I know nothing. And to consider seriously what good works will occupy my time.’