She faced him with a dawning anger in her eyes. “Is not this a little petty, Lord Worth?”
A sardonic smile curled his lips. “I see. I am jealous, I suppose? My good girl, your conquests have mounted to your head. You are not the only pretty female I have kissed.”
Her breasts rose and fell quickly. “You are insufferable!” she said. “I have done nothing to deserve such an insult from you!”
“If we are to talk of insults,” said the Earl grimly, “you will come off very much the worst from that encounter. The insult of informing you that I am not a suitor to your hand is hardly comparable to the insult of ascribing to me jealousy of such a person as Mr. Bernard Taverner.”
“I am very happy to think that you are not my suitor!” flashed Judith. “I can conceive of nothing more odious!”
“There are times,” said the Earl, “when, if I were in the habit of uttering exaggerated statements, I could almost echo that sentiment. Do not look daggers at me: I am wholly impervious to displays of that kind. Your tantrums may do very well at home, but they arouse in me nothing more than a desire to beat you soundly. And that, Miss Taverner, if ever I do marry you, is precisely what I shall do.”
Miss Taverner fought for breath. “If ever you—Oh, if I were but a man!”
“A more stupid remark I have yet to hear you make,” commented his lordship. “If you were a man this conversation would not be taking place.”
Miss Taverner, failing to find words with which to answer him, swung round on her heel, and began to pace about the room in a hasty manner that spoke more clearly than any words the agitation of her spirits.
The Earl leaned his shoulders against the bookshelves, and stood with folded arms, observing her perambulations. As he watched her the anger died out of his eyes; his mouth which had been set in a straight line relaxed; and he began to look merely amused. After a few minutes he spoke, saying in his usual calm way: “Do not be striding about the room any longer, Miss Taverner. You look magnificent, but it is a waste of energy. I will apologize for the whole.”