His Lady Mistress

174 His Lady MistressHer jaw dropped. Was he saying he preferred her to hiswell-bred, well brought-up mother?Max smiled and reached for her hand. ‘She didn’t like thefirst Earl’s portrait very much. She wanted to put him in theattic, but our father refused. I’ve always rather liked him.After all, he did make our fortunes! An inspiring thought.’‘I see,’ said Verity, wondering where her breath had gone.How could a gentle handclasp squeeze all the air from herbody? Could he see how deeply he affected her? Would itshock him? Desperately she tried to recover. ‘Then...then Ishall have your disreputable ancestor cleaned up to inspireyou.’‘You do that,’ said Richard. ‘A little inspiration will dohim the world of good. Speaking of which, could you notfind a subject more inspiring than my poor self for your birthdaygift?’A hot blush mantled her cheeks. ‘I know it wasn’t verygood, but—’Max’s quiet tones cut her off. ‘It was exactly right, althoughI must say Richard got the better bargain with a portraitof the dogs!’ His smiled warmed her. ‘Thank you.’ hecontinued. ‘I meant to say something earlier today and whenI came to find you just now, but I...we got...distractedand...’ His voice died away and Verity felt hot all over rememberingwhat had distracted them in the stillroom, andsaw that queer hardening of his jaw as their eyes met.He spoke again. ‘Which reminds me, you must tell mewhen your birthday is.’Her birthday. Her knife and fork clattered on her plate.‘I...no. No. I don’t have a birthday.’The blank astonishment on his face would have been funnyif not for the pain cutting at her deep inside. ‘Well, of courseyou do. Everyone has—’‘No!’ She struggled to stop her voice wobbling. ‘Please. Ihate having a fuss made. I would rather...please, Max.’‘But...’