by Dawn Brower
Ezra shook his head. He hoped that Graystone wouldn’t come to regret his decision. In Ezra’s experience nothing good came out of marriage. Sometimes he wished his sister wasn’t so set on finding a match. He’d always take care of her, so she didn’t need a husband. “I wish you nothing but the best. What happened after I left with Sheffield? Foxworth was supposed to stay back for moral support.”
“He did stay for a bit. Don’t worry so much. Everything happened as it was supposed to.” He tapped him lightly on the shoulder. “You should consider finding a nice lady and getting leg shackled.”
“Be quiet,” Ezra hissed out. “One of them might hear you.”
“Whom?” He lifted a brow. “The marriage-minded mamas with daughters to spare?” Graystone chuckled. “I hate to tell you this, my friend. What I say doesn’t matter. They already have their greedy eyes set on you. You’re wealthy, titled, and come from what they deem a respectable family. Any one of them would gladly throw their offspring at you in the hopes you’ll take a liking to them and propose on sight.”
Ezra rolled his eyes. “Who are you and what did you do with my friend?”
“I’m the same person I’ve always been. Am I not speaking the truth?”
He hated to admit that Graystone was right. “You are,” he agreed. “They’ll know I’m here for Amelia, but they will still try to corner me at every turn.” He hate society functions for that reasons. “I’ve no desire to marry and nothing is going to change that.”
“Be careful,” Graystone warned. “I used to spout the same rhetoric. Marriage wasn’t for me, until it was. Billie changed everything. You don’t know with any certainty that your mind won’t change too. The right woman, love, and the possibility of a happily ever after makes all the difference.”
Ezra didn’t want to argue with his friend. “Love made you want something different. It won’t for me.” He didn’t believe in romance, and didn’t want anything of that nature for himself…ever.
His parents had married for love…or so he’d been told. They had been happy for a time too. Until they weren’t. He remembered them fighting. A lot. He used to cover his ears with his hands in an attempt to block it all out. Not long after that, his father had imbibed way too much brandy and went riding. He broke his neck when he fell off his horse. His mother had mourned him, but she had almost seemed relieved. As if she were finally free from her obligations to him.
“I’ll let you figure it out for yourself,” Graystone said. “We all have to come to our own realizations. In time, I think you will change your mind.” He shook his head lightly. “I didn’t want to love Billie. I fought it every step of the way. But now…she’s my everything.” He smiled. “I must go find my wife and her sister. Try to enjoy yourself.”
With those words, the duke walked into the crowd. Ezra supposed he should quit lurking on the edge of the crush and go find his sister and mother. He wanted to do none of it. He took a deep breath and stepped forward. No time like the present to enter the lion’s den. Perhaps he’d survive his first foray into society this season. Somehow, he doubted it.
Chapter 2
What was it about a ball that everyone seemed to like so much? Teddy shook her head and sighed. She hated balls. Sometimes she believed she hated people, but that wasn’t entirely true. There were some people she loved, albeit they were all her immediate family, but that didn’t negate the fact they were indeed…people. Perhaps it was the ton she disliked so much. They all seemed so judgmental. Do one little thing wrong and the gossipmongers would start spreading rumors immediately. None of them noticed Teddy though. She was safe from their wagging tongues.
At that very moment she was not exactly hugging the wall of the Windley Ball, but she might as well have. No gentleman had asked her to dance, not one of them had even glanced in her direction. She was all right with that for the most part; however, it also irritated her. Teddy wasn’t so displeasing to look at. She might be a little vain, but she believed she was at least passable. She had her mother’s honey gold hair and cornflower blue eyes. Her figure was acceptable. For some reason though, she was unnoticeable.
Perhaps she could find the library. No one would even realize she’d left. There might be a decent novel she could read to pass the time. Of course, the only problem was her sister. Billie would notice. Not right away, but in time. She danced with her husband and she wasn’t paying any attention to Teddy. After their dance, that would change. Billie would come and search for her and attempt to introduce her to eligible gentleman.
Perhaps she would go to the library after all…
Teddy left the ballroom and went in the direction of the ladies' retiring room. No one would question why she went in that direction. She fully intended to go right past it though and explore the house a little bit. That was perhaps wrong, but she didn’t much care.
Voices echoed behind her. She couldn’t quite make them out. It was enough for her to duck around a corner and behind a large plant though. Hopefully whoever was nearby wouldn’t notice her. She would hate to be found lurking nearby. Someone might think she was on her way to an assignation of some sort. At least she wasn’t hiding with a gentleman in the vicinity. That would be inherently worse.
“Lady Windley,” a man said. “It was a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for the invitation. My sister, Amelia, is having a lovely evening.”
“The pleasure was all mine,” Lady Windley replied. “I do hope you are finding the entertainment to your liking as well.”
The man cleared his throat. “It’s been…pleasant.” His tone held a hint of horror in it, and yet it was even, almost benign. That was a talent Teddy wished she had. How did one convey a tone in such a manner?
Teddy might be wrong but she didn’t think the man found it pleasant at all. She had to hold back a snort and the laughter starting to build up inside of her. Poor man was cornered and had no way to escape. She could take pity on him and do something to rescue him. Teddy wouldn’t though. She had no way of discerning the man’s identity, and it would put her in an awkward position. Teddy hated scrutiny.
“Wonderful,” Lady Windley said. “I’m so, so glad.” She practically cooed out the words. What was she trying to do? Seduce him?
Teddy gagged a little. The gentleman sounded much younger than Lady Windley. Did he even find her attractive? She hoped she didn’t have to listen to them do…well, whatever two people in an active seduction did.
“Um, yes…” That tone sounded almost like a frightened animal trying desperately to escape. “I’m, um, glad you’re glad.”
A giggle escaped her mouth. She lifted her hand and covered it as fast as possible. Good grief. He was running out of words and kept repeating himself. This conversation was the most interesting thing she’d witnessed all night.
“Did you hear that?” Lady Windley asked.
“Hear what?” he said.
“That sound…” She sighed. “You really didn’t hear it?”
Teddy held her breath. Drat. She should not have given in to that giggle. They would discover her hiding place and then it would be all over. It was fun while it lasted.
“I’m afraid I did not.” The man sounded a little relieved. “Perhaps you should go to the retiring room and see if your daughter needs you. Is that not where you were going when we crossed paths?”
“You are right, of course, “she said and sighed again. “She does need me. Will you wait for my return?”
Teddy wished she could see his face. He clearly didn’t seem to want to spend any more time with her. Who was he? How had he found himself in his current predicament? Teddy was worse than a cat with her curiosity. Maybe she could follow him back to the ballroom. There it would be easier to identify him.
“Perhaps,” he said cryptically. “I must check on my sister.”
“Of course you do,” she replied easily. “She is fortunate to have you to protect her.”
That was a good trait. Not all family members could be relied up
on. Unfortunately, Teddy understood that too well.
“I like to think so,” he said. “But she would disagree. She calls me beastly often.”
“She’ll think differently one day. When she truly understands what you are doing for her.” Lady Windley laughed. “All young ladies believe they know best. Now, I’ll let you get back to your sister, and I’ll go see to my daughter. I do hope you enjoy the rest of your evening. If you do not, come find me, and I’ll rectify that immediately.”
Teddy breathed a sigh of relief as her footsteps echoed as she walked away.
“Well, well, what do we have here?” His tone was husky as he spoke. “What are you hiding from? Hmm?”
Teddy swallowed a lump in her throat, as she met his gaze. Drat… Somehow, she should’ve known. This man was the one gentleman she desired. Even when she knew better. He was a rake and handsome as sin, and Teddy wanted him. “Hello, Lord Carrolton. I could ask you the same thing. Are you hiding?”
Ezra stared down at the lovely woman in front of him. She seemed to be aware of his identity, but he couldn’t recall ever being introduced to her. He definitely wanted to rectify that neglect on his part. He most definitely should have paid attention to this gorgeous lady.
“You caught me,” she replied dryly. “I’m skulking behind this potted plant. I didn’t wish to disturb your tête-à-tête with Lady Windley.”
“Were you now?” He lifted a brow, then leaned a little closer and said, “Tell me the truth. You were hoping to witness something scandalous.”
“That is absurd,” she scoffed. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open for a brief moment before she spoke again. “I’d never…”
“You most certainly would,” he interrupted her. “Your cheeks are flushed, there’s a hitch in your breath, and dare I say…a sparkle in your eyes. You, my dear, are excited. What do you believe would’ve happened in the corridor?”
She shrugged. “I honestly had no expectations when I left the ballroom. I knew one thing with certainty.”
“And what was that?” He lifted his lips into a half-smile. He liked her. If only he knew her name…
“That balls are designed to torture those in attendance, and I had to make a hasty retreat.”
She said it so seriously it took him aback for several moments. “I thought all ladies adored balls and dancing.”
“I assure you my lord that not all ladies are that frivolous.” She glanced away from him and down the hallway. “Are you expecting Lady Windley to return?”
“Are you still hoping for some scandal?” He winked. “I don’t need Lady Windley to assist you in that endeavor.”
What was wrong with him?
He should not be dallying with a proper young lady in a secluded area. It might lead him to a leg-shackling that he hoped to avoid at all costs. She was pleasant enough, but Ezra had no desire to wed anyone. He’d make a terrible husband. He really did like her though…
“I’m sure you’re capable of a great many things, my lord. I have no interest in any of them.” She lifted her chin high as if to belittle his efforts.
He couldn’t let that go easily. He had to make her understand he was a rake, and a gentleman of his stature took a dare like hers seriously. He took a step closer to her until there wasn’t much distance between them. Ezra leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I do not believe you.”
She shrugged nonchalantly. “Believe what you will. It matters not to me.” She stepped back and hit the wall. He had pinned her in place without actually touching her. Escape was impossible unless he moved out of her way. He would. When he was ready…
He placed his hand on the wall above her shoulder. “Do you want to try answering that again?”
She shook her head. There was something different in her eyes this time. She wasn’t enticed or even interested in him. There seemed to be…fear in her eyes. That unnerved him and he took a step back. He never meant to make her feel uncomfortable. Well, not in that way. He was hoping to lead her toward seduction of a sort. A stolen moment and a few intimate kisses. Ezra did not hurt women. “Let me pass,” she demanded. Her voice wavered, but the command, the need to be free, was clear in her tone.
“Certainly,” he agreed and stepped to the side. “My apologies.” He felt like a complete and utter arse. “I didn’t intend…”
“Of course not,” she said. “Think nothing of it.” She waved her hand and started down the hall.
Ezra frowned and followed behind her at a slower pace. It wouldn’t do for them both to arrive in the ballroom at the same time, from the same location. His interest in her was piqued though. He would discern her name at the first opportunity and pay a call on her.
When he arrived back in the ballroom, she was nowhere to be found. Where could she have gone off to this time? The balcony? Hiding behind another plant? There were a lot of people in the bloody room and locating her would be almost impossible. He took another step forward and stopped. She didn’t seem like the type to be a social butterfly. The normal debutante wouldn’t have been hiding behind a plant to begin with. That meant he wouldn’t find her on the dance floor. He turned and scanned the edges until finally he noticed her.
It wasn’t a plant, but it might as well have been. Instead, she stood next to a pillar with a bust of one of the past Windley earls on top of it. He began to cross over to her, but his path was blocked by Lady Evelyn Andrews—Lady Windley’s daughter. “My lord,” she greeted. “How fortuitous. I had hoped we would have the opportunity to dance.” She held up her card. “Will you sign it, or perhaps we could dance the next set.”
He frowned. Ezra didn’t dance, and this little minx knew it. He only attended the ball for his sister. She had effectively cornered him, or so she believed. “I’m afraid I cannot,” he said in his most apologetic tone. “I’ve already promised another that I’d lead her on the floor for the waltz, and after that I must leave. Perhaps another time.”
“You’re going to dance with another?” Her mouth dropped open for a brief moment before she realized how unladylike it was and closed it. “Whom?” Her tone was quite demanding, and under other circumstances he would have ignored her and let her stew in her curiosity. He was tempted to ask her about his mysterious woman, but decided against it. Any conversation with her was far too long in his estimation, and he refused to engage her in any fashion. It might only serve to encourage her and that was the last thing he wished to do.
He nodded toward the lady he’d met earlier and still did not know her name. Ezra prayed she didn’t ask him what it was. “Her.”
She turned toward the direction he indicated. “You’re going to dance with Lady Theodora? Why? She’s a wallflower. No one ever dances with her.”
“Is that so?” He glared at her. “Well, the rest of the gentlemen here are bloody idiots then. If you’ll excuse me, I must retrieve my dance partner.” With those parting words, he crossed over to Lady Theodora and held out his hand. “I do believe you owe me this dance.”
He didn’t give her a chance to object. Ezra led her to the dance floor and waited for her shock to wear off. After it did, she’d turn into the spitfire he’d found intriguing in the hallway. At least he knew her name now. Lady Evelyn had been good for one thing, not that he’d ever tell her that…
Chapter 3
Why did he insist she dance with him? What game was he playing? For a brief moment, his closeness had unnerved her. When he’d stepped close and put his hand on the wall she’d had a flash of memory. To the man who’d attacked her, and might’ve hurt her even more if her father hadn’t stepped in. Teddy didn’t know why Lord Carrolton had reminded her of that time, but she hadn’t been able to control her reaction. It was probably because the low light in the corridor, and the fact no other gentleman had ever gotten quite that close to her before.
Truthfully, she wanted Lord Carrolton closer. He was the one man she desired. The viscount was gorgeous with bronze-colored hair streaked with gold, and dark brown eyes she lon
ged to become lost in. He was her ideal man—at least in appearance. She wasn’t foolish enough to believe he desired her in return.
“Why are we dancing?” She couldn’t hold her tongue any longer. Teddy had to know what had driven him to seek her out again. “I thought we had concluded our conversation.”
“Hardly,” he drawled. “My dear, our interactions are about to commence farther. Would you like to tell me why you ran from me like a frightened rabbit?”
“I did no such thing?” She lifted her chin defiantly. “I run from no one.”
His lips twitched as if he were fighting a smile. “And yet you did scamper away from me. Why do you deny it?”
Why did she? Because she didn’t want to admit that he did scare her. Not in the way the man who assaulted her had, but because Lord Carrolton had the power to hurt her in other ways. She could easily lose her heart to him, and she’d vowed long ago to never love a man. They were, as a rule, not dependable. Teddy couldn’t trust him with anything, especially her fragile heart. She could never admit any of that to him. He’d never understand. “Why does it bother you? Surely you’ve had a woman willingly walk away from you before.” She narrowed her gaze. “Ah, I see you haven’t. Interesting….”
He scowled. “Now you’re making assumptions. I’m not so vain as to believe I’m irresistible to all women.”
“Aren’t you though?” She lifted a brow. When he didn’t answer, she said, “I stand by my conclusion.”
He remained quiet as he twirled her around the floor effortlessly. Teddy had never actually danced at a ball. Her sister’s husband had offered, but Teddy had declined. If the viscount had given her a chance to refuse she would have with him a well. This dance, with him, left her breathless. She hated to admit it, but she was enjoying being in his arms. The dance was exhilarating, and the thrill would stay with her always. It would probably be the only time she danced, so she might as well take the time to memorize every detail.
