Falling Into Bed with a Duke (Hellions of Havisham) (17 page)

No bended knee, no gazing into her eyes, no taking of her hand.

His tone had been similar to the one she used when selecting a blend of tea in a teashop. When she suggested they not rush into anything, he’d merely shrugged and walked off. A week later, she read of his engagement to another.

She knew that later she would analyze this moment and every moment that came before it. Six Seasons had taught her that a man’s attentions came with a price, and when she was unwilling to pay it, they faded away as though they’d never been. But for now she shoved aside all the doubts that clamored for attention and locked them away. For now, she allowed herself to believe she was desired. That this man longed to be with her as much as she yearned to be with him.

She nearly cried out in disappointment when his mouth left hers, before sighing with wonder as he cradled her face and rained kisses over every inch of it as though he adored what she had never learned to appreciate. Returning his mouth to hers, he gave no quarter as he deepened the kiss, and she fell irrevocably into the fiery passion burning within her. He stoked the flames with so little effort.

Drawing back, he skimmed his thumbs over her cheekbones. His grin flashed white in the darkness. “Well, hello, Lady V.”

M
INERVA’S heart slammed against her ribs, her breath backed up in her lungs. She considered denying it, but how could she do it with any level of believability? What was she to say?
I haven’t a clue regarding what you’re referring to.
On the other hand, she was somewhat relieved to have it out in the open. “When did you know?”

With a finger, he slowly outlined where the mask had been, along her hairline, around her lower cheek, across her upper lip. “I suspected when we were talking at Lady Greyling’s party. Your size and shape seemed right, but it was more the passion with which you spoke. Your voice gave me pause, and your clothing. Women’s clothing can be so ghastly deceptive. But then I danced with you at the Dragons, and my certainty increased. Plus, there was the verbena.”

He’d known that long and had continued to pursue her, to meet with her at the Nightingale? “It’s not an unusual fragrance.”

“However, perfume provides a subtle difference in bouquet based on the skin to which it is applied. But the kiss just now sealed it. Your taste, your boldness, the manner in which you kissed me back. I could no longer deny the truth of who you are.”

“This changes nothing between us.”

“It changes everything. Knowing what can be between us, you can’t expect me to blithely walk away, especially when there can be so much more between us. And I know you like me immensely; otherwise, you’d have not asked me to kiss you. Nor would you have allowed me the liberties I took last night.”

“Shh. You don’t know who’s lurking in the shadows.” She’d pressed two fingers to his lips to gain his immediate silence. Now he took her hand, turned it over, and placed a kiss in the heart of her palm, before curling her fingers over it as though for safekeeping.

“You weren’t too concerned with who might be lurking about when we were kissing,” he said.

“A kiss is one thing. The other is something else entirely.”

“They’ll both get you to the altar just as quickly if a father finds out about either one.”

“No. My father’s finding out about the other will get you a casket.”

He seemed unconcerned, and he’d yet to release his hold on her hand. “Not if I have honorable intentions where you’re concerned,” he said.

She stared at him. “Are you talking . . . marriage?”

“It is within the realm of possibility.”

“Even knowing who I am?”

“Especially knowing who you are. You intrigue me. A rose by any other name and all that nonsense. You’re a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. You’re not some mewling miss whining in the corner, waiting for someone else to make her happy.”

“Most gentlemen are put off because I don’t mewl about or faint or pretend helplessness.”

“I’m not most men.”

He could not have spoken truer words. Part of her concern was that she feared she could very easily find herself falling in love with him, and she didn’t think he was the sort to love. While she’d been fond of a couple of her suitors, she hadn’t been madly in love with anyone. Did one have to love in order to be loved?

Stepping back, she leaned her hips against the railing of the bridge, finding it easier to think when he released her hand and his wonderful masculine scent wasn’t wafting around her. “Why do you want to marry me?”

He stepped forward, and she was immediately aware of his nearness, his legs brushing her skirt, his chest nearly touching hers. It would involve little more than her inhaling deeply to close that space between them. “There is fire between us. We’re good together.”

She narrowed her eyes. “What is your financial situation?”

“Not every man is after your dowry,” he said curtly.

“Then why are you in pursuit?”

“Was it not your cries echoing around me last night?”

“And when the fire of passion burns out?”

“It won’t.”

“You can’t guarantee that.” Moving away from him, she faced the darkest part of the gardens. Was the physical reason enough to marry? Could a relationship without love satisfy for a lifetime?

Coming up behind her, he placed his mouth on the nape of her neck. Such a simple touch that caused everything within her to melt.

“I want you more tonight than I wanted you last night,” he said, his low voice sending a warm shiver over her skin.

“Why didn’t you tell me last night that you knew who I was?”

“You seemed to need the anonymity. Perhaps it was part of your fantasy. I wanted to give you what you desired. But I want to court Minerva Dodger. I don’t think she’d understand if I was having an affair with Lady V while courting her.”

Why couldn’t she trust his motives? Why couldn’t she believe he truly wanted her? “Do you love me?”

“Do you love me?”

She spun around and found his mouth on hers before she could utter a word. The fire ignited almost instantaneously. She melted against him, winding her arms around his neck. Was this enough to keep them both happy for the remainder of their days?

He trailed his mouth along her throat. “Allow me to call on you tomorrow. Give me an opportunity to show you that you can be as happy with me in the light as you are in the shadows.”

At such a simple request, she could do little more than nod. He eased away from her. “You were correct,” he said quietly, seductively, skimming his finger along her lips. “I very much appreciate your brother’s fishpond.”

Her laughter bubbled out, making her feel younger than she’d felt in a good long while. “I’m not certain I’ve ever enjoyed it quite so much.”

“That’s good to know. I have a competitive streak. I don’t want you giving yourself to anyone else.”

She couldn’t think of a single gentleman who could compete with him, but she wasn’t going to tell him that. He didn’t need any more confidence.

“We should return to the ballroom,” he said, “before our absence is noticed, and tongues start to wag.” He extended his arm.

She had a hundred questions, a thousand, but she didn’t want the warm glow to dissipate.

When they reached the terrace, he stepped away from her. “We’ve been gone a rather long while. To protect your reputation, you should go in without me.”

“Would you be here with me now if I wasn’t the woman—” She glanced around, not certain how to ask her question without giving away too much in case someone were listening. “—you thought I was.”

“But you are, so it’s moot.”

“You know what I’m asking. I don’t think it’s what you’re answering.”

He studied her for a moment. “I don’t know. I do know that the woman I met that first night at the Nightingale intrigued me, and I was desperate to find out who she was. Talking with you at Lady Greyling’s I found equally intriguing. That the ladies are one and the same is my good fortune.”

“At least you’re honest.”

She thought that in the space of a single heartbeat, he flinched, looked guilty. Why did she have to look for things that probably weren’t even there? Footsteps sounded as other couples neared.

“Thank you for the pleasure of your company, Miss Dodger. I look forward to tomorrow.”

“Your Grace.” She went up the steps and crossed into the ballroom. No one approached her, no one stopped her as she headed across the room and ascended the stairs. She carried on until she reached a doorway that led onto the balcony that overlooked the grand salon. Ashebury had entered sometime while she made her way here. He was now dancing with Lady Honoria. It hadn’t taken long for him to give his attention elsewhere. She fought not to feel jealous. It was a ball, people danced.

She stayed where she was, watching as he danced with Lady Julia, then Lady Regina. She couldn’t help wondering if he might have photographed them.

Suddenly aware of a powerful presence coming through the doorway, she stiffened. Her brother rested his forearms on the railing.

“He’s a womanizer,” he said without preamble.

“And you weren’t?” she asked, not bothering to hide her sarcasm or irritation with him for pointing out a fact of which she was already incredibly aware.

“I had my reasons.”

“Perhaps he does as well.” She turned to look at him. “Is it inconceivable that a man could desire me?”

“No, of course not. To be quite honest, I’m unclear as to why you’re not yet married. And I’m not saying he doesn’t desire you. I just don’t believe he’s the marrying sort.”

“I’m not searching for the marrying sort.”

He straightened so quickly, she heard his spine pop. With eyes narrowed, he was quite formidable. “What are you implying?”

“That I’ve had it with fortune hunters. That I’m done with being on the marriage block. I’m not here to find a husband. I’m here because Grace is my dear friend, you are my brother, and you always host a smashing party.”

“Then why accept his attentions?”

“Why not? No longer having any plans to marry is quite a relief really, freeing actually. I don’t have to care if a man finds me pleasing. I can speak my mind and know it won’t make a bit of difference, that his opinion of me is inconsequential to bringing me joy.”

“Have you told your father this?”

“He approves.”

His jaw tightened because obviously he didn’t. “And our mother?”

“She only wants my happiness.” Or so her father had said, and she believed him. “It’s silly really for a woman’s goal in life to be obtaining a husband.”

“What is your goal then?”

“Whatever I want it to be.” No reason to upset him further by spelling it out. Pleasure.

A footstep sounded. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Edward standing just in the doorway. He scowled. “Stop shooting daggers at me, Lovingdon. I’ve only come to collect a dance with your sister.”

Lovingdon gave a nod, looked at her. “Remember what I taught you.” Then he walked off.

She sighed before turning her attention to Edward. He was remarkably handsome tonight in his swallow-tailed jacket. He smiled at her.

“I’m hoping your next dance is open,” he said.

“It just so happens that it is. Shall we be off?” She took a step for the doorway, and he placed his hand on her arm, staying her actions.

“Let’s dance up here. It’s less crowded.”

“It’ll draw attention.”

“I like attention.”

“Are you trying to make someone jealous?”

He lifted a shoulder in a careless shrug. “Wouldn’t
you
like to?”

Swallowing hard, she squeezed her hands together. “I’m certain I don’t know what you’re trying to imply.”

“I saw Ashe take you into the garden. I also know that the ladies aren’t going to let him be, and he’s too polite to turn them all away. Can’t be fun watching him dance.”

“They don’t usually let you be.”

“ ’Tis true. I have only the next dance.” He held out his gloved hand. “So shall we?”

“I suppose there’s no harm in it. Perhaps we’ll start a new tradition.”

The music for a waltz started up. She expected him to take advantage, to hold her more closely than necessary, but he kept the appropriate distance between them.

“He likes you,” Edward said.

“Pardon?”

“Ashe. He likes you.”

“Because he took me on a walk in the garden?”

“Because he looks at you as though you matter. I’ve seen him with a lot of women. We both tend to use them as distractions.” He shook his head. “Won’t go into that. He doesn’t see you that way. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since we got here. Even now, he’s watching.”

She fought not to look out over the balcony to verify that he was.

“It might not look like he is, but he is aware of everything. It’s the reason he’s so dashed good at taking photographs.”

“Have you posed for him?”

“On numerous occasions.” He glanced around before leaning in, and whispering, “Once I posed nude.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I think you’re embellishing.”

“Well, I was nude beneath my clothes.”

She laughed. “You’re awful.”

He smiled broadly. “Well, I am that. And our dance has come to an end.”

Only then was she aware of the strains floating away.

He took her hand, kissed the back of her knuckles. “Thank you for the waltz, Miss Dodger.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He released his hold, took a step away, turned back, his eyes somber. “He’s a good man. Don’t hold it against him because he’s my friend.”

Then he disappeared through the doorway before she could respond.

“I
TOLD you that if you got within three feet of her, I’d lay you flat,” Ashe growled.

Edward pressed his booted foot to the bench seat opposite him as Ashe’s coach rumbled through the streets. He was surprised his friend had waited so long to confront him. On the other hand, the close confines would make it easier for Ashe to pummel him. Ashe had two inches on him, dammit. “No, you warned me away from the white swan. So I assume Miss Dodger
is
the white swan. I thought as much. She’s the right size.”