To Tame a Rogue

by Aston, Alexa

  “Good evening, Lady Covington,” he said, bowing to her.

  “Good evening, Mr. Nicholson,” she responded.

  “Might you wish to stroll the room with me?”

  “Certainly.”

  She took his arm and they set off.

  “Did you learn anything today?”

  “No,” he said, his disappointment evident. “Mrs. Crawford’s maid wasn’t allowed to serve the gentlemen at their meeting last night. She was banished to her attic room and didn’t even see anyone arrive. She thought it was because I spoke to her at the market yesterday.”

  Hearing Selina Crawford’s name gave Gemma pause. Their encounter at the modiste’s shop today had left her rattled.

  “Is she in danger of losing her position?” she asked.

  “She didn’t think so but I gave her my card and told her if she had any more information for me—or if she found herself in a precarious position—she was to come for help.”

  “That’s good. What about the thin man?”

  “I spend a good portion of my day at White’s and never saw him. That doesn’t mean he isn’t a member. I’m already frequenting the place as it is. If he belongs, I’ll see him, hopefully sooner than later.”

  “I learned Elise’s surname today. It’s Martin.”

  He stopped. “How did you do that?”

  She shrugged. “Oh, you’d be surprised what ladies discuss when there are no gentleman around.”

  “You discuss Lord Melton’s former mistress? That sounds a bit racy.”

  “Well, you know it now. See if you can locate her and who her new protector is, if she’s been able to find one.”

  They began strolling again and Burke casually asked, “How was your tea today?”

  Gemma didn’t bother hiding her smile. “Oh, it was lovely. William and I had a lovely time together.”

  She sensed his arm tense under her fingers.

  “You do remember we’re to have tea tomorrow and be seen in the park together?” he asked gruffly.

  “Yes. I do. I hope the weather will be nice. I’m tired of the rain we’ve had the last two days. At least it stopped before tonight’s ball.”

  The musicians began tuning their instruments and Burke said, “Dance with me.”

  “It’s not a waltz. You said you wanted that dance.”

  “I want to waltz with you later. And dance with you now.”

  They joined the others assembling on the floor and danced to the lively tune. Gemma found herself out of breath when it ended and Burke escorted her from the floor—directly to a couple she didn’t recognize. The man was a few inches over six feet with brilliant blue eyes. The woman was a foot shorter with dark brown hair and lively green eyes. While he was handsome, she had to be one of the most beautiful women Gemma had ever seen. The way the couple gazed at one another, it was obvious they were in love.

  “I see you finally made it to London,” Burke said and greeted the pair warmly. Turning to her, he said, “Lady Covington, I’m pleased to introduce you to one of my closest friends, the Earl of Crampton, and his lovely wife, Lady Crampton.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Gemma replied.

  “Burke and I have been as thick as thieves since we were seven and started school together, along with the Marquess of Medford, who is still fighting without us in Spain,” the earl shared.

  She vaguely remembered the former Earl of Crampton, a man who’d grown so obese he’d remained in the country during the Season.

  “Oh, dear,” the countess said.

  “Again?” her husband asked, a smile on his handsome face.

  “Yes. If you’ll excuse me, I must visit the retiring room.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Gemma volunteered.

  As they left the ballroom, Lady Crampton said, “I spent the first three months sick and weak. Now that I feel myself again, I find the burning desire to locate a chamber pot every hour or so. I’m afraid I’ll spend most of tonight in the retiring room instead of on the dance floor.”

  Gemma had noticed the countess was with child and nodded sympathetically.

  “Will you attend many events this Season, Lady Crampton?”

  “No, only a few. I really didn’t want to come to town at all but I never had a Season of my own. Tonight is my first ball. It seemed important to Gray for us to come and I will do anything to please my husband. I suppose we’ll make a few affairs in the next couple of weeks and then I’ll be happy to return to Gray Manor as I grow too large to be seen at ton events.”

  They’d arrived at the retiring room and Lady Crampton went behind a screen as Gemma waited for her.

  Once they were back together, she asked, “Were you and Lord Crampton childhood sweethearts? Since you didn’t have a Season, I wondered if you might have married straight out of the schoolroom, before your husband went to war.”

  Her eyes twinkled with mirth. “Oh, no. I only met Gray last year, when he returned from Spain after his brother’s death.” As they left the retiring room, Lady Crampton added, “I was governess to his nieces.”

  Her words surprised Gemma.

  “You see,” the countess continued, “I was on my own from the time I was eighteen. I served for years as a companion and then a governess. Then I met Gray—and here we are, celebrating the Season.”

  Warmth spread through her. “I admire your pluck and spirit, Lady Crampton. And it’s apparent how much your husband does, too. Your love is evident.”

  “We both were wounded in different ways. Gray from the war and I from the circumstances I endured. Love has brought so much happiness to us both.” She smiled. “I would very much like us to be friends, Lady Covington. Would you call me Charlotte?”

  “I’d be delighted to do so. I am Gemma. I would like to extend an invitation to you and Lord Crampton to come to tea tomorrow. Mr. Nicholson will be there, as well. We can all go riding in the park together afterward.”

  “I would enjoy that.” Charlotte hesitated and then asked, “May I ask you how long Burke has been in love with you?”

  Gemma stopped in her tracks. “What?”

  Charlotte pulled her to the side to prevent them from reentering the ballroom. “It was clear to both Gray and me as we watched the two of the dance just how much Burke holds you in esteem.”

  “But . . . I . . . I . . .”

  “You don’t feel the same way.” The statement rang with disappointment.

  “I . . . I don’t know,” she admitted. “You see . . . I’m a war widow.”

  “Ah,” Charlotte said, understanding lighting her eyes. “You are conflicted and feel disloyal to your husband by feeling something for another man.”

  “Yes.”

  Charlotte studied her a moment. “You loved your husband?”

  “Yes,” Gemma said, knowing it wasn’t the kind of love the Cramptons possessed.

  Charlotte took her hand. “Let me say this, Gemma. Love can heal. I’ve seen the power of love with Gray and me. Burke is a good man. He’s suffered a great deal. I’m only asking that you give him a chance. Whether it’s Burke—or another man someday—I believe your husband would wish for you to be happy. You’re still young and have many years left. From experience, I can tell you having love in your life makes all the difference.”

  “I know,” Gemma said softly. “I . . . may love him. I don’t know.”

  Charlotte squeezed her hand. “Give yourself and Burke the gift of time. If it’s meant to work out between you, it will.” She smiled. “Shall we return to the gentlemen?”

  When they arrived, she saw relief on Lord Crampton’s face.

  “I was ready to send out a search party for you, my love,” the earl said.

  “The retiring room was very crowded,” Charlotte replied.

  “Well, we came to dance,” said her husband. “Would you be interested in the next dance, Miss Nott?”

  Charlotte’s face radiated with happiness. “Very much so, Major Grayson.”

  They too
k to the dance floor as Gemma and Burke watched them.

  “Why did he call her Miss Nott?” she asked.

  “Gray says when he’s feeling especially affectionate, he calls Charlotte that. She was a governess in the Crampton household and was known as Miss Nott.”

  “She told me. I like her. Very much. We’ve decided to be friends. They’re having tea with us tomorrow.”

  Burke smiled. “I couldn’t think of any group I’d rather spend time with.”

  He gazed at her with more than fondness—and Gemma wondered what exactly was between them.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Gemma danced several times after that, once with Burke when the waltz began. When it ended, William claimed her for the supper dance. She was pleased that Burke acted cordially toward her friend and she and William enjoyed supper together, along with several of his friends from university.

  After supper, she found herself standing near Lord Melton. Since he was high up on Sir Paxton’s list and worked at the War Office, Gemma engaged him in conversation. When he asked her to dance, she agreed. He was an excellent dancer and their conversation turned from light to flirtatious. She laughed at a few things he said and made sure she worried her lip at one point. Just as Burke said would happen, Melton’s eyes fell to her mouth.

  As the dance finished, he said, “It’s grown rather warm in here. Would you care to get some air, Lady Covington?”

  She readily agreed, hoping to pump him for more information away from the other guests.

  They strolled along the terrace, going to the far end. Gemma couldn’t help but remember the last time she’d stood on a darkened terrace. Burke had giving her lessons in flirtation and then kissed her until flames engulfed her body. She thrust those thoughts aside, knowing it was important to concentrate on her current companion.

  He came to a halt and said, “I remember you attending events with Covington. We worked together at the War Office.”

  “Yes. Lord C thoroughly enjoyed his work for the crown. Do you also enjoy working for our government, my lord?”

  “I do.”

  She licked her lips. “What is it exactly that you do? I never really knew what Lord C did. Just that he said his work was very important.”

  His eyes were drawn to her mouth as he said, “All kinds of things, my lady. I don’t think you’d find any of them interesting.”

  Gemma batted her lashes. “Oh, but I think I would. I love to hear about new things. My late husband served in the army. He was an officer in Spain. He never came home on leave and I always wondered what he did.”

  “As an officer, he ordered people about,” Melton said languidly. His hand rose and stroked her face once, causing her to tense. “I do much of the same. Nothing interesting. Just reading dispatches and making decisions. A lady wouldn’t find it interesting at all, I’m sure.”

  She wanted to reply that this lady did but he stroked her face again, distracting her, and she tried to pull away. His hands slid up her arms and tightened on them.

  “You’ve been a widow a good while now, Lady Covington.”

  “Yes,” she said nervously.

  “I know you’ve become friendly with Nicholson. Perhaps we, too, might become friendly.”

  His head moved toward hers and Gemma pushed against his chest.

  “I don’t think so, Lord Melton. I—”

  He frowned. “The trouble is I don’t think you know what you want, my lady.” His fingers dug into her flesh and she knew it would leave bruises. “I believe I can help you.”

  His mouth came down on hers. She wriggled, trying to escape his hold, but couldn’t. He forced his tongue into her mouth and disgust rose in her. She pushed harder against his chest and couldn’t budge him.

  Gemma did the only thing she could think of.

  She bit down on his tongue. Hard.

  He jerked his head away and she saw the fury in his eyes. His fingers now dug into her flesh. Terror seized her.

  “There you are, Lady Covington. I’ve been looking for you. It’s almost time for our waltz.”

  She’d never been more relieved to hear Burke’s voice.

  Melton released her and in silken tones said, “Thank you for the dance and conversation, my lady.” He sauntered away as if he’d done nothing wrong.

  Tremors ran through Gemma. Burke caught her elbows and his warmth brought a deep comfort to her. She felt tears of relief slide down her cheeks.

  “Did he hurt you?”

  “No. Well, a little. He held me very tight. I’m sure I’ll have bruises tomorrow.”

  Burke cursed. “I’ll see to him.”

  “No, don’t,” she pleaded. “I tried to learn what I could from him but he put me off as if I were some fluffhead. I won’t be able to get any information from him. I know not to ever be alone with him again. Just leave it be, Burke. Please.”

  “He was kissing you when I approached and then jerked away.”

  She grimaced. “He did. It was awful.” Then despite everything, a giggle erupted. “I bit him. He’ll have a sore tongue tomorrow, courtesy of his ill manners.”

  Burke laughed softly as he removed a handkerchief and wiped away her tears. “I’m sorry for what he did to you.”

  “It was a mess of my own making. I flirted with him. He probably thought I wanted him to kiss me and was surprised when I resisted. That’s why he forced the kiss. He was angry. You shouldn’t be sorry, Burke. It was all my fault.”

  “No,” he said, his face solemn. “I taught you to shoot. I’d also said I’d teach you to defend yourself—and neglected to do so. Come tomorrow morning, Gemma, you will receive those lessons so that the Meltons of the world will never take advantage of you again.”

  “All right.” She removed the handkerchief she held and blew her nose loudly. “I’m fine, Burke. Really.”

  “Can you return to the ballroom?”

  She flinched. “Must I?”

  “No. I think you should go home.”

  “Oh, I came with Sidney and Aggie. They won’t want to leave.”

  “I’ll find them and tell them the Cramptons will take you home.”

  Gemma took his hand. “Thank you.”

  He tucked her hand through his arm and led her inside. They skirted the edge of the ballroom and quickly left. She saw Charlotte coming toward them, probably returning from another trip to the retiring room.

  “I’ll wait here with Charlotte.”

  Burke agreed and left the two women together. He returned a few minutes later with Lord Crampton. By now, Gemma had told Charlotte of her encounter with Lord Melton and they understood why she wished to leave early.

  As the footman handed the women into the carriage, she overheard the earl softly say, “You’ve met your Miss Nott.”

  “I have,” Burke replied.

  His words caused Gemma’s insides to glow.

  *

  Burke arrived for breakfast at seven as usual. Bosley admitted him with a grunt, used to him appearing on a daily basis. He doubted the butler would be happy that Burke would return for tea later today. Best leave that as a surprise. He made his way to the dining room and found Gemma already seated.

  Mrs. Pettigrew brought out a tray with a plate heaping with food for him and Gemma’s daily dose of poached egg and toast.

  Once the cook left, he asked, “Did you sleep well?”

  She shrugged. “I feel asleep quickly but awoke several times. My arms were throbbing.”

  Anger stirred within him. “From Melton clutching you?”

  She nodded and lifted her cup, sipping to avoid further conversation.

  “Let me see.”

  Gemma placed her cup down on the table. “No, I don’t think that’s a good idea, Burke.”

  “I do,” he said firmly, leaning over and unclipping the shawl she wore about her and pushing up the sleeve of her gown slightly.

  Sure enough, Melton had marked Gemma. Burke could see each separate finger and the dark bruises that marred
her flesh. Anger sizzled through him as he repaired her sleeve and she wrapped the shawl about her again. Though she’d asked him not to confront Melton, Burke had already decided he would—once they’d finished their mission for the War Office. It would be late some night and Melton would need to be alone, with no witnesses to see what Burke did. When he did find the earl alone, he would dole out a suitable punishment.

  They finished the meal in companionable silence and he asked if she had time to practice shooting today.

  “Yes. I’m free until the Cramptons call.”

  “Then Jones will drive us outside London now for another practice round. Fetch your pistols. We’ll work on your other lesson while we’re there. I’ll meet you outside.”

  He explained to Jones that they were to be driven to the same estate as before. As he thought would happen, the driver said, “I’ll leave you there and return in an hour and a half.”

  Burke wondered what the agent did during his time away but knew better than to ask.

  Traffic was light and they arrived in the country in three-quarters of an hour. Jones departed, leaving them alone. Burke watched Gemma load her pistols and then had her aim and fire at a few targets he set up. As before, she proved accurate. He had her keep up firing until he was satisfied.

  “Do you carry at least one of the pistols in your reticule at all times?” he asked.

  “Actually, I keep it strapped to my leg. I had it with me on the terrace last night but I didn’t think killing Lord Melton in the middle of the Parkers’ ball would be a wise choice.”

  He saw the trace of a smile playing about her lips and laughed aloud.

  “Melton deserved to be shot. He’s an ass.”

  “Language, Mr. Nicholson.”

  “I’m sure it’s something you’ve heard before.”

  “Not really. Father frowned on cursing and never did so himself. I had no brothers so I didn’t hear it from them. Rob—and William—were always very gentlemanly when in my presence.”

  Hearing her husband’s and his friend’s names irritated Burke but he tried not to show it. He still wanted Gemma in his bed and didn’t want to alienate her by disparaging those dear to her.

  She grinned. “But I do know several interesting words. I used them on occasion. My governess was horrified when I did so. She told my father and he would put me on bread and water for a day and lock me in my room, anytime she reported it to him.”