An Inconvenient Arrangement: Rose Room Rogues ~ Book Three

by Callie Hutton

  Cursed man.

  He was a true flirt, there was no doubt about that. But she’d also found a hard-working, intelligent man under the shell of libertine. He had also been protective of her the night before when the one young lord had begun to annoy her.

  She’d tried over and over again to ignore the women—not ladies—who had draped themselves all over him while he worked. He was pleasant and friendly, but she could honestly say he did not seem to encourage any of them.

  Once again the idea of an affair with Dante teased her mind. With his reputation there was no doubt he knew how to prevent conception. As far as she knew—and she had asked around when she had first learned about the assignment with him—he had no by-blows himself.

  The most distressing thing about their arrangement was the fact that she had also begun to think in terms of husband, marriage and children. For someone who’d been so adamant against the wedded state, it was a chilling thought. Her biggest concern had been being under a husband’s control.

  What she’d seen so far with Dante, either her negotiation skills were better than she’d known, or he respected her enough to listen to what she had to say and allow her to do things of which he might not approve.

  Her ruminations were interrupted by the carriage slowing down. Dante had apparently been lost in thought, also, since he drew his eyes away from the window where he watched the lights of London pass them by and smiled at her.

  Oh, dear. His smile had her insides turning to mush.

  He had the audacity to wink. “Are you ready?”

  Attempting to calm her now racing heart, she took a deep breath. “Yes. I am.”

  She gathered her shawl and reticule and moved forward on the seat. Dante stepped out and turned to assist her. His touch was strong, warm, and did not help her racing heart.

  They made their way up the steps to the front door that was held open by a butler. “Good evening, Mr. Rose, Miss Sanford.”

  Lydia was impressed that the butler had recognized them. It appeared their pretend courtship was becoming known.

  They followed a footman upstairs and down a corridor to a room filled with other guests, gathered into small groups, chatting away.

  Since they would not be announced as they would have been at a ball, they entered the room. And were immediately surrounded by women.

  Dante had spent the entire carriage ride dwelling on the upcoming house party. Five days! That meant five nights, also. Five nights when he would be in a bed in the same house where Lydia was in a bed.

  Hopefully, the men would be a distance from the women. Although he’d never attended a respectable house party—he grinned—from what he’d heard there was a great deal of room switching at the Upper Crust events.

  Much to his chagrin and annoyance they’d barely stepped over their host for the evening’s threshold when several women walked in their direction and immediately surrounded him. Aside from his growing feelings for Lydia—not completely admitted just yet—it was rather bad manners for women to step up to him, edging aside the woman with whom he’d entered the room.

  He pulled Lydia closer to his body. “Good evening, ladies. I assume you all know Miss Sanford?”

  “Yes. Of course. She has been around for years.” Lady Emmaline offered a smug smile in Lydia’s direction.

  “That is true, my lady. And the reason you know that is because you have been around for years, as well.” Lydia’s smile was friendlier, but still her words cut.

  Dante had to forced down the laughter. He turned to Lydia. “Shall we find our seats.”

  “Dante, I would love if you—and Miss Sanford—would join us.” She waved at another young lady seated in a group of chairs tucked away in a corner.

  “Thank you so much, Miss Thompson, but I believe Miss Sanford prefers to stay closer to the music.” He glanced down at Lydia who seemed to be suppressing a laugh herself.

  “Yes. I do prefer closer.” Lydia turned to the three women remaining. “I’ve heard the Misses Price perform before. They are very good.”

  Dante nodded and moved Lydia way from the startled looks on the women’s faces. “Once the Ambassador arrives, we will probably have to switch seats anyway, and I didn’t want to be confined in the corner.”

  She looked up at him. “Is that the only reason you declined her invitation?”

  Bloody hell. The woman was still fixated on the attention he drew wherever they went. What was he to say, yes, that is the reason? Or admit he had become tired of all the innuendoes and open invitations he’d been receiving? Perhaps the most startling fact was that he’d had no intimate contact with a woman since he’d met Lydia.

  Truth be known, this foray into the Beau Monde had him thinking hard about his life up until now. He’d always enjoyed a fondness for women, loved his single state and reveled in his work at the club, watching the business grow with his and his brothers’ hard work.

  Lately he’d been feeling a bit uneasy about it all. Perhaps it was the women swarming him at every event, or the look of annoyance and in some cases, hurt, on Lydia’s face when he bantered with the ladies.

  He knew in his heart he owed her nothing. They were partners, doing a job for the Home Office. Once the assignment ended, most likely they would never again cross paths since he had no intention of ever stepping foot into a ton ballroom or other event for the rest of his life. Yet never seeing Lydia again did not sit as well with him as it would have weeks ago.

  “I suggest instead of taking a seat, we stroll the room and watch for the Ambassador to arrive,” Lydia offered.

  They kept their heads together, speaking nonsense, just to avoid anyone interrupting them so they could watch the door for the Ambassador.

  About five minutes before the musicale was to begin, the man entered, again accompanied by the same companion.

  Lydia sighed. “I don’t think the man with the Ambassador is our contact. They spend too much time together speaking of Germany and what they miss of the place. I’m beginning to think they are merely friends.”

  Dante nodded. “I believe you are correct. We must focus on who else he speaks with. He might not be spending a great deal of time with his contact, just enough to get what information he needs.”

  “I think the house party is our best opportunity.” Lydia looked up at him as they passed the French doors off the music room. “How do you feel about being stuck in the country with members of Polite Society for five days?”

  He patted her hand and looked forward as they continued to stroll. “It is not something I would ever do on my own. I’ve passed up numerous invitations to house parties over the years.” He slid his eyes in her direction briefly. “The only ones I have attended were not for ladies.”

  To his amazement, Lydia blushed. “Oh. I think I know what you mean.”

  After a few steps, she said, “I believe it’s time to take our seats.”

  Since the Ambassador had finally settled himself in the second row, Lydia and Dante immediately took the seats behind them. The men exchanged a few words in German that Lydia said were merely comments on the room.

  Growing frustrated at the lack of progress, Dante barely listened to the two girls who played the pianoforte and the violin. Both were not particularly inspiring, but certainly competent. To his dismay, the Ambassador and his friend left during the brief intermission.

  Since Dante and Lydia had become involved in a conversation with Lord Beauchamp and his daughter, they were unable to leave before Mrs. Price called everyone back to their seats.

  The second half was the same as the first. Same girls. Same instruments, except a girl who was introduced as their cousin, sang. Again, skilled but not necessarily talented.

  As soon as the applause died down, Dante stood and reached out for Lydia. “Are you ready to depart?”

  He’d checked his timepiece and decided he had enough time to visit the club for a few hours.

  “Are you going to the club?” Lydia asked.

  �
��Yes.”

  She nodded. “Fine. I will go with you. I’m not tired and I can do some more work on the books.”

  It would be rude of him to tell her no, but his self-control was slipping. The gown she wore was not as revealing as the one she wore the night before, but still outlined her curves quite well. And a whiff of her now familiar scent was driving him crazy.

  They settled in his carriage, and he told himself numerous times he would ignore her, and then after they arrived, he’d let her settle in the office upstairs in the club and he would wander the floor. Distance was a good thing given his frame of mind.

  Within seconds, his arm having a mind of its own, he reached across the space, pulled her onto his lap and devoured her mouth like a man who hadn’t eaten in days. She must have been in the same frame of mind because she kissed him back with identical fervor.

  He tugged her shawl down her arms and cupped her jaw, moving her head back and forth to gain the best position to take the kiss deeper. Lydia gripped his shoulders and moaned when he pulled his mouth away.

  He scattered kisses along her jawline and down to the tops of her breasts. Warm, soft, scented skin. Plush. He reached into her neckline and ran his index finger over her nipple. She sucked in a breath and squeezed his arms. “Yes. Do that again.”

  Aware that the ride to the club was not that long, he shifted her so she was lying on the seat. He covered her with his body and pushed the top of her gown down, revealing her exquisite breasts in the pale moonlight. He suckled. Hard. She gripped his hair, pulling almost to the point of pain.

  The carriage stopped. He looked down at her. Swollen lips. Messed hair. The top of her gown almost to her waist. He heard the driver jump down and immediately Dante sat up and opened the door, his body blocking Lydia. “I have this, John. You can return to your seat.”

  Being a good servant, the man merely nodded. Dante turned back to Lydia and pulled her up. He yanked the top of her gown up and stared at her. She looked well kissed and a bit on the confused side. “Let us wait a minute.”

  Lydia nodded and licked her lips. He groaned. Waiting was not a good idea either. Dante opened the door and stepped out, holding his hand out for Lydia.

  Once they made it to the back door of the club, he placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward him. “There is a washing room on the same floor as the office. About three doors past the dining room. You might want to fix your hair.”

  “Yes. Indeed. That is what I need to do.” She seemed much too cooperative for Lydia, so she must have been more than a little affected by their encounter in the carriage.

  He walked her upstairs, down the corridor to the washing room. “I will see you when the club closes.”

  She nodded and he kissed her briefly on the forehead and made a quick exit.

  This upcoming house party would be a disaster.

  10

  Lydia leaned her head on the back of the smooth leather seat as her carriage began the trek to the Battenberg estate in Hertfordshire. She’d decided for purposes of maintaining her reputation, it would not do for her and Dante to arrive for a five-day party in the same carriage. Although her lady’s maid, Alice, was accompanying her, she would not be considered a chaperone. Thank goodness for Lydia’s advanced age. She no longer needed one.

  However, based on the last time she and Dante had been together she probably needed one more than any other time in her life. The man had the ability to turn her well-honed brain to mush. But then, it should not have surprised her given his reputation, of which she’d been aware before they’d even met.

  At least he had avoided her for the rest of the time they were in the club after the musicale and the scandalous carriage ride. He’d also wisely had one of his employees escort her home when the club closed. She hated the disappointment she’d felt.

  Having tossed and turned in her bed most of the night in anticipation of today’s trip, she was quite drowsy, and soon the book she’d brought with her to read dropped from her lap and landed on the floor as she slipped into a peaceful slumber.

  She awoke when the carriage bounced and tossed her to the floor. “Ouch.” She climbed back up onto the seat and looked out the window. Alice reached out to pat her hand. “Are you well, Miss Sanford?”

  Lydia rubbed her bottom. “Yes. Just a bit sore.” She settled back into the seat. “How long have I been asleep?”

  “About two hours.”

  “Goodness. We must be quite close to the Battenberg estate, then.” She moved the window curtain aside with her finger and gazed with glee at the rolling green hills. As much as she enjoyed London, it was always nice to breathe the cleaner air of the countryside.

  Hopefully when they finally arrive Lady Battenberg would have arranged for a light repast. Not able to eat upon arising, her stomach was reminding her of that fact.

  She picked up her book again and resumed reading. Although she and Alice enjoyed a friendly relationship, the girl was very quiet, and it was not at all strange to take a two-hour trip with them not speaking.

  Lydia grabbed for the strap alongside her head as the carriage took a right-hand turn. She looked out the window again and in front of them rose a large mansion, sporting various styles of facades and wings in different styles in a mixture of architecture.

  Majestic trees rising above the huge home lined the pathway as they moved forward behind two other carriages. Once they rolled to a stop footmen and maids rushed from the house to help the passengers alight.

  Lydia took a footman’s hand and climbed down the steps. She shook her skirts out and stretched her back muscles. Lady Battenberg hurried up to her, her arms extended. “Miss Sanford, how lovely to see you.” She gripped Lydia’s hands, then dropped one hand and waved at the two carriages in front of them. “As you can see several guests have arrived at the same time. If you don’t mind, I will turn you over to my daughter, Lady Louisa to assist you and your maid.”

  Lydia nodded. “Of course. It is a pleasure to be here, thank you for including me.” She turned to Lady Louisa. “It is nice to see you as well, Lady Louisa.”

  Lady Battenberg quickly moved to the carriage in front of them.

  Lady Louisa linked her arm in Lydia’s. “I will show you to your room so you can get settled. When you’ve refreshed yourself, tea is served on the patio.” The girl looked up at the sky. “Unless it rains, then we’ll move it into the drawing room.”

  They chatted amicably as they made their way into the house and up the stairs. The enthusiasm she generally felt for house parties seemed to double. She hated to think it was because Dante would be attending.

  Almost as if Lady Louisa read her mind, she said, “I understand from Mother that Mr. Dante Rose is joining us.”

  Lydia hoped her blush was not visible in the semi-dark corridor. “Yes. I believe he is expected.”

  The girl leaned in close. “I cannot believe Mother invited him. He has such a reputation, you know.”

  Actually, Lydia did not know how Dante came to be included. She assumed since he’d told her an invitation had been sent to him, that Sir Phillip had something to do with it. “You mustn’t believe everything you hear, Lady Louisa. A man’s reputation can be somewhat exaggerated when gossip is passed from one to another.”

  Lady Louisa opened the door to a bedchamber. “Perhaps you are correct, Miss Sanford. I guess we shall see for ourselves after he arrives.”

  Apparently, Lady Louisa had not heard the gossip from London that Lydia and Dante had been arriving at events together. However, the girl’s comment about when he would arrive answered the question Lydia wanted to know but had not wanted to ask. He had not arrived yet.

  “I will leave you to get settled.” Lady Louisa left the room; apparently with guests continuing to arrive, her mother kept her quite busy.

  “Alice, I think my deep rose gown for tonight’s dinner. I’m sure it needs to be pressed.”

  “Yes, Miss Sanford.”

  Lydia moved to the dres
ser where hot water in a pitcher stood alongside a bowl and washing linens. She washed her face and hands and fixed her hair the best she could.

  “Would you like me to re-do your hair, Miss?” Alice asked as she shook out Lydia’s rose gown.

  “No. I think it is fine. Just continue with your work. I assume refreshments will be available for the servants, so you might want to find your way to the kitchen if you are hungry or thirsty.”

  Alice nodded and continued to examine the gown. Lydia took one last look in the mirror and left the room. A footman stood at the end of the corridor and directed her to the patio.

  A gathering of about twenty people mingled there, conversing in small groups and sipping from teacups. Lydia made her way to a table along the balustrade covered with tea, small sandwiches, fruit and cheese. Another smaller table held fruit tarts and petit fours.

  She filled her plate and poured a cup of tea. A footman approached her and offered to carry her things to a table. She thanked him and followed the man to a table with two open seats.

  Miss Evermore and Mr. James Williams sat side-by-side. They had recently become betrothed. They didn’t seem too happy, but Lydia had heard that it was a match arranged by their parents. Such an old-fashioned notion. She smiled to herself imagining the conversation between her and Father should he ever suggest such a thing.

  “Felicitations on your engagement,” Lydia said.

  They both thanked her in such a way that she felt as though she was insulting them. Deciding to move onto more pleasant matters, she said, “I am so looking forward to this party. Have you heard what entertainments have been arranged?”

  Miss Evermore finally smiled. “Yes. There will be boats available for the lake, a picnic, a trip into the village, and I believe Lady Louisa also mentioned parlor games and an evening of musical entertainment.”

  Everything the young lady mentioned was common to house parties. But since Lydia had never been to one at the Battenberg estate, she’d hoped for something different.