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Chapter 22
Realising he had been quietly lost in his own thoughts for several minutes, Felix coughed, causing her to turn around. He softened his face to give her a gentle grin, allowing the pleasure of her company to show on her face.
“Anything you wish to learn about me Athena, it seems only fair…I hear I come with quite the reputation these days?”
Her solemn face yielded into a soft smile “I do not know whether I wish those rumours to be true or not Sir, some are so deviant as to be impossible.”
“Well this is an opportunity, I shall tell the truth. You may decide if I am truly deviant”
“Hmmm, I think I might already know you are less than virtuous Sir” she muttered as he pulled Achilles up alongside her. Their
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Down in London, the past twenty-four hours for Oliver had been a roller coaster. He had spiralled between despair and elation multiple times as Fate had toyed with him. Now as he sat eating a quiet lunch in his hotel room he tried to go over the turn of events and rationalise his situation. Upon arriving at the Gilded Falcon from Lady Daphne's gathering, he was surprised to be denied entrance for the first time. Despite his title and connections it appeared his name had a red creditor mark against it. The odious bald gatekeeper had politely and in a quiet voice reminded him that his previous visit was still unpaid. Sulking angrily at the bar he watched the other gentlemen gamblers come and go. Sipping a claret, his mind was a torrent of self-pity and unfairness.
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The room erupted into a braying circus, all decorum and breeding seemed to have vanished along with the evening. It was approaching morning and the amounts of claret and brandy consumed had reduced the audience to that of a prize fight mob. I would like to wager ten thousand on this hand – he says so casually! “Have you ever seen the like?” “Looks like the Fairfax family have another clever rogue amongst them!” “I never…Cedric are you taking bets on top for this one?” Cedric, the slim man with slightly bulging eyes who had patiently dealt throughout the night looked over to his concerned bosses, they gave him a subtle sign. &n
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 25
The arrival of Oliver's letters announcing his plans the following day caused enormous upheaval and welcome distraction to both Athena and Felix. Both buried themselves away in their respective studies focusing on arrangements, business and contractors. Oliver returned to Fairfax Manor without any sense of the raging tension between the two people. He was entirely focused on his mission to dazzle his party guests with the completed project. He had even begun to expedite Craig directly, no longer using the lake as an excuse to flirt with Athena. Oliver had to admit that they had performed an amazing transformation. Within two weeks the lake was completely dug, lined and slowly being pumped full of water. The ironwork pagoda had been delivered and was assembl
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 26
After the horse ride to Remmington, Athena had thoroughly stamped down her feelings towards Felix. Oliver's letter and party planning had given her more than enough distraction. She had also ridden Tempest over to Lord McDonald's estate regularly to take tea with Lady Louisa. She had become something of a mother figure, always interested in the projects progress and her opinions on the latest news. These pleasant afternoons with Lady Louisa had yielded a prospect for more work. Lord and Lady Trimble had a country estate that they used as a summer residence when not in London and they wanted to get her perspective. Her latest letter from Lord Trimbles estate manager suggested it best she visit in person to compose her proposal. Lady McDonald assured her they were a respectable family, the Lord and Lady around fifty yea
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 27
The following morning Athena woke to a grimy, cloudy sky that fit her mood exactly. She packed her portfolio and drawing book strapping them to the saddled sides of Tempest. The black mare seemed to read Athena’s downbeat mood, nuzzling her shoulder and behaving impeccably as she prepared. Thomas Mellor had offered her the other horses but Athena begged the use of Tempest. Her temperament was no longer frightening, it was a reflection of their bond and she adored the black eyes that shone out of her shiny black coat like something from another world. The ride to Paven Hall was twelve miles and by the time she arrived at the house her optimistic energy had resurfaced. Determined to put her best foot forward she shook off Felix’s warnings. In all the gossip rags she had ever cast her eye over or parties attended she had never notic
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 28
Sometime later Athena woke to find Tempest gently nuzzling her cheek. The grey clouds made it difficult to trace the time of day but the available shadows suggested she had been knocked out for at least a couple of hours. Back on her feet she examined herself for injury and found apart from a very sore head and aching shoulders where she had landed and rolled, she was largely uninjured but poor Tempest had a slight limp. Athena petted and caressed the strong neck of the beautiful mare. She could not be ridden but was able to walk alongside Athena. She estimated they had another six miles back to Fairfax Manor. Taking the reins in her hand and planting a kiss on Tempest's soft black nose the pair started walking. Another hour passed of gentle rambling and a worry about being out alone in the dark as dusk started to arise.
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 29
Athena was forced to remain in her room for several days after the visit to Lord Trimble. The doctor ascertained she had suffered a mild concussion. Oliver sent gifts of chocolates, fresh flowers and funny notes. Lily was a never-ending supply of tea, biscuits and blankets and Athena felt herself turning into an old woman as she quietly rested by the fire.There was no word from Felix, not that she expected anything seeing as she had shouted at him yet again. She was more convinced than ever that her future lay away from the rigid manners of rich men and their properties. His whisper "I am afraid...of you" she dare not trust as a memory as it formed a part of the black haze of her faint.Craig visited, somehow always at the same time as Lily but she decided not to tease them about their secret affection for each other. His eyes and s
The Baron's Cold Proposal Chapter 30
"Excuse me?" "Are you in love or in a relationship with Oliver? I need to know." His voice was flat and severe, demanding an answer from her. The statement caused her soft pink lips to drop open slightly in shock and a hand to clasp to her chest. "I cannot believe you would ask that of me," she replied in a hurt tone, "I have absolutely no interest in your brother apart from as my client and it has been that way since the day we met. I think I har best bid you goodnight, Sir." She turned her face away from his and started to retreat from the study in anger. In the flickering shadows of the darkened room, she seemed to glow with energy. Suddenly he grabbed her hand and pulled her round to meet his huge frame.
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