“Governesses,” he continued, “always wear garments which cover their collarbones.” His finger trailed over Charlotte’s chin and down to the base of her neck. “I am something of an expert after ushering five such women in and out of my house in the past few weeks. Governesses,” he said softly, “never, never, never allow a man to see something as beautiful as this….” His finger swooped over her curves, falling into the delectable dark shadow between her breasts and lingering there.

Charlotte drew in a sharp breath. She didn’t move for a second, shaken by a storm of desire that began low in her belly and moved up her chest. Then she pulled back. This was exactly what had happened three years ago. She was about to be seduced on the grass, and this time in broad daylight! In fact, this particular earl likely made a habit of ravishing young ladies outside. She, however, was not a pullet ready for plucking.

“My lord,” she said coolly. “I must beg you to curb the wandering tendencies of your hands. There are those who find such undesired caresses … distasteful.”

Alex’s eyes darkened. He leaned forward until there was hardly room between their faces for a breath of air.

“Are you such a one?” he said, his deep voice sending tremors through Charlotte’s knees. She kept prudently silent. Slowly, keeping his eyes fixed on hers, Alex lifted her right hand to his mouth and pressed her fingers against his lips. His lips opened and he delicately bit the tip of one finger. Charlotte’s eyes fell, afraid that he would be able to tell how much his very touch affected her.

“Perhaps you are right,” he said, with amusement in his voice. Her eyes flew back up to his. “Even Aunt Henrietta could hardly expect me to marry a reluctant woman.”

“Exactly!” Charlotte said, collecting her scattered thoughts and pulling her hand out of his. “I know just what your aunt would like. A young damsel, just out of the schoolroom.” She looked at him mischievously. “She will fall desperately in love with you on first sight and she probably won’t mind your advanced age … much,” she added with just a touch of doubt. “You are an earl, after all!”

“That’s true,” said Alex. “I should probably be wise to point out the coronets on my coach two or three times, in case she forgets my rank.”

“Precisely,” said Charlotte approvingly. “Now you’re beginning to understand the situation, my lord. I’m afraid that those with white hair”—she glanced at his curls—“can’t expect the same success in love that is enjoyed by younger men.”