Before she could answer, another couple, the Earl and Countess of Granger, joined them.
“Lady Charlotte, what a pleasure to see you again so soon,” the countess greeted Charlotte warmly as did her husband.
James had been introduced to them before but didn’t know them well.
“Indeed, it is,” Charlotte replied with a genuine smile and a curtsy as James bowed. “I believe you are acquainted with Viscount Redmond?”
“Of course,” the Earl of Granger nodded. “Good to see you, Redmond. Thank you for your years in the army. Your efforts on the battlefield continue to be lauded by many.”
James blinked in surprise. “I was pleased to do my part.” That much was true.
The earl glanced toward the instruments as if to determine how much time they had before the performance began then looked back at James. “I should very much appreciate your opinion on a few issues. Perhaps we could meet at my club sometime?”
“Of course. The pleasure would be mine.” James couldn’t imagine why Granger would want his opinion but was curious.
“I believe the musicale is about to begin,” Charlotte said and tipped her head toward the pianoforte where a young lady was taking her seat. “Shall we take our seats?”
James soon found himself sitting beside her, her chaperone, and the Grangers, thinking what an odd twist the evening had taken but enjoying it all the same.
If Charlotte’s time was growing short, so was his own. Was it so wrong to enjoy the moments they had left? Yet the more time he spent with her, the more his feelings for her grew. How miserable would his life be once she was no longer a part of it?
His thoughts latched onto the image of her in another man’s arms. Samuelson’s. He nearly shuddered as details took hold. But he could easily imagine her with children. Eventually, her life would be full and rewarding.
While his would continue to be empty and meaningless.
It was suddenly all he could do to keep his seat and pretend as if he were listening to the music.
Chapter Ten
Excitement bubbled through Charlotte as she and James entered Vauxhall Gardens along with several friends. While the evening would surely prove entertaining, being with James was what caused the pleasure coursing along her skin.
“I believe Madame Saqui is scheduled to perform,” Charlotte told him after they paid their admission.
The Frenchwoman was a popular tightrope walker and dancer who, at the end of her performance, descended an inclined tightrope at a run with fireworks exploding above her.
“Do you hope to watch her this evening?” James asked.
“If possible, but I especially want to see the Cascade.” Charlotte had only seen the popular attraction one other time with her mother. Lady Wynn hadn’t enjoyed the noise and insisted they leave soon after the performance started.
Nor had Charlotte’s mother cared for the wide range of people who roamed the gardens, claiming she didn’t feel safe. Charlotte adored it all. She worried that outings such as this, along with other pleasurable pursuits, would be discouraged by Lord Samuelson when they married. She shook her head, refusing to allow the thought to take hold. It only made her more determined to enjoy this evening.
“I have yet to see either act, though I’ve heard they’re both entertaining.” James looked about with interest.
Charlotte glanced over her shoulder to see the others in their group directly behind them, including Lady Barbara, Viscount Chivington and Miss Penworthy, along with Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Walker.
Mrs. Walker smiled at Charlotte, seeming as excited about the upcoming performance as Charlotte. She was relatively new to London and hadn’t yet seen many of the amusements London offered. Her husband was the brother of the Earl of Aberland. Charlotte knew Mrs. Walker had become very close to the Countess of Aberland, Margaret’s oldest sister. When Charlotte had asked if she’d serve as a chaperone for the group, she’d readily agreed.
The mention of Mrs. Walker accompanying Charlotte and her friends had been enough to gain her mother’s nod of approval for the outing. Of course, Charlotte hadn’t mentioned James would be joining them.
Though Charlotte had asked Margaret to join them, she’d declined, stating she was staying home with her father. Charlotte had been tempted to convince her to change her mind but decided against it. Margaret had refused for a reason and Charlotte wanted to respect her wishes.
Barbara had overheard Charlotte speaking to Mrs. Walker about the outing and assumed she was invited as well. Charlotte was relieved her brother, Lord Palmer, hadn’t done the same.
The evening was a fine one. The air was cool but not overly so. They arrived in time to hear the last portion of an outdoor concert and within a few minutes, a bell rang, indicating the Cascade would soon begin.
Charlotte tucked her gloved hand in the crook of James’ arm and held tight as they made their way with the other couples toward the attraction.
The throng of people who moved in the same direction was both alarming and exhilarating. From James’ frown, he didn’t care for the crush. He looked about as if unsettled as they walked closer to gather around the stage near the woods.
The Cascade only ran for a quarter of an hour each evening and re-enacted the sights and sounds of a grand waterfall using tin sheets on belts with bells set in a beautifully painted scene highlighted by clever lighting. It took a team of men to run it. During the daylight hours, the area was kept hidden by a curtain. At night, the area was transformed into a water mill with a bridge and an artificial waterfall.
Soon the thunder of the pretend roaring water drowned out the excited shouts of the onlookers. Charlotte pressed a hand against her chest where she felt the rumble echoing inside her. She turned to look at James, wondering if he felt the same thrill as her.
A hint of unease was visible in the tautness of his expression and his flickering gaze.
“James?” she asked, voice raised to gain his attention.
He looked down, his eyes latching onto hers. Was that a hint of panic in their depths?
Uncertain what was wrong, she smiled and tightened her hold on him. The roar made it impossible to talk. Lights flashed, resembling lightning, catching her attention, and she looked back at the attraction.
James shifted again, and it only took one more glance to realize he was not enjoying the performance in the least. What had she been thinking to suggest the waterfall?
Without a second thought, she tugged on his arm to move them away from the scene and to the rear of the crowd. But that meant moving past the interested onlookers packed behind them eager to see more of the show. She took James’ hand and led the way, threading through the crowd until they were well away from the deafening noise.
She paused to face him. “Are you well?” She placed her hand along his cheek, wishing she didn’t wear a glove.
He nodded, drawing a slow, deliberate breath. “I can’t say I care for the noise.” He stared at something just past her shoulder, though based on his blank gaze, she didn’t think he saw the scenery behind her.
Then it dawned on her that the sounds might remind him of the battlefield where the air would’ve been filled with the blasts of cannons and gunfire. Added to the noise was the crowd itself.
She’d seen Peter Paul Rubens’ painting, The Consequences of War, and it was one she’d never forget. The twisting bodies, the desperate women and children, and the fear and anger on the faces portrayed—the entire scene was shocking. While allegorical in nature, it had made a lasting impression on her as to the horrors men faced in battle.
Her entire being hurt at the thought of James enduring such an event, let alone numerous times.
“I’m so sorry for suggesting this. Let us leave,” she said and took his arm again.
“No.” He placed his hand over hers. “I’ll be fine.”
“But you aren’t enjoying yourself. Therefore, there’s no purpose in remaining.”
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James smiled, and the sight eased the clutch of her heart even if the attempt was less than genuine. “You are the purpose. Attending the performance is your adventure, remember?”
She shook her head. “Our adventure. But not when the cost is too high.”
“The show is nearly at an end. It’s not as disturbing from this distance.” He glanced to where lights still flashed then looked back at her. “Have you ever seen a real waterfall?”
“Only a small one. Delightful, but not nearly as loud or impressive as this display.”
The etched appearance of his features eased. “I hope you have the pleasure one day. It truly is a sight to behold, especially if you are near enough to hear the roar and feel the spray of the water. The Cascade is interesting but not the same as the true experience.”
Charlotte smiled at the thought, imagining it clearly. The odd thing was that her image also included James standing beside her. Longing rushed through her, much like a roaring torrent, and she blinked back sudden tears at what could never be.
Everything she’d experienced in the past two weeks had been better—richer—because James was with her. Would this be the final adventure? He’d made it clear he thought it should be. If that were true, she was selfishly pleased he hadn’t wanted to leave. She longed to enjoy every moment to its fullest.
“Now, let us enjoy the remainder of the show,” he advised as he turned with her to face the stage, keeping her hand tucked against him.
The continued rapid thud of her heart as they watched had little to do with the performance and more to do with the man at her side. At that moment, she realized she’d been looking for adventure in the wrong place. But was she brave enough to seek it with James?
~*~
James was incredibly relieved when the waterfall performance ended. The loud rumble of the metal panels had brought a terrible dread to the pit of his stomach. No matter how many times he told himself it was all an act, he could barely keep his panic at bay.
Thank goodness for Charlotte's presence, or he would have been cowering on the ground with his hands covering his ears and looking the fool.
What was it about her that calmed him to his bones? Her touch along his cheek had given him an anchor, a port in which to calm the storm swirling in his mind.
While the remainder of the show had been unpleasant, it hadn't been as debilitating with her holding onto him so tightly. Heaven knew what would happen when the fireworks started. He would have to take great care not to be bothered by the explosions. Perhaps by bracing himself, he'd be better able to endure them. He didn’t want Charlotte to see him come unhinged in full.
The next scheduled performance was the tightrope walker and the group moved to where it would take place. James had seen similar acts before. Why anyone would choose to walk the rope high in the air before a cheering crowd was beyond him. So many other aspects of life were filled with stress and uncertainty. Why create the feelings deliberately? Then again, perhaps the performer only felt excitement.
Lady Barbara giggled and clapped her hands. “I cannot wait for the performance.”
He glanced at Charlotte, wondering why she’d invited the lady. Her remarks and behavior were often childish from what little he’d witnessed.
“I know,” Charlotte whispered as if she read his mind. Then she leaned closer. “But at times her enthusiasm is highly entertaining.”
“I suppose seeing other people's excitement can add to one’s own. I’m just relieved her brother didn’t join her.”
“As am I.” Charlotte sighed. “Though I’m not certain Lord Samuelson is any better.” She shook her head, suggesting she didn’t want to discuss him further.
She was right. Neither of the men was good enough for her. But he didn’t want to upset her by stating the fact. He dearly wanted to tell Lord Wynn he should reconsider. That Charlotte deserved someone so much better than Samuelson. Someone better than James as well. Someone who would make her happy.
He clenched his jaw, the idea of losing her more than he could stand. How he wished he were better—undamaged by what he’d endured—and confident that he could be the man she deserved.
Soon the tightrope act began, and they all watched as the scantily clad woman walked along the thin rope above their heads. Whether her near mishaps were staged or true, they still caused the crowd to gasp with fright as she swayed alarmingly high in the air. The performance hadn't yet concluded when Charlotte tugged on his arm.
“Let us go,” she whispered.
“Go where? It’s nearly time for the most exciting part of the performance.” The element he’d been dreading.
“There is one more attraction I would enjoy seeing this evening.” Her breath tickled his ear as she leaned close.
“Oh?” He was almost afraid to hear her request.
Charlotte glanced about as if to make certain no one overheard her. “Walk with me along one of the paths.”
James hesitated. Did she understand what she was asking? The paths in the gardens were well known for providing couples with an opportunity for romantic assignations. As attracted as he was to her, he wasn't certain he could resist her charms if they were alone.
Then he realized she could be requesting this now to provide him the chance to be farther away during the firework display.
Something deep within his chest performed a somersault similar to the one the woman on the tightrope had. Charlotte’s consideration left him stunned. She seemed to forever be thinking of everyone but herself. This night was supposed to be her adventure. Not his.
“Please?” She gazed into his eyes, and he was lost. How could he refuse?
“Are you sure?” He watched her face carefully to make certain this was what she truly wanted. There was always the chance they might be caught, and her reputation ruined.
“I am.” Her smile convinced him of her sincerity.
“Very well.” He glanced to where the others in the group stood just ahead of them, noting they were all focused on the act. He eased back, leading Charlotte through the crowd.
At last, they made it to where the crowd thinned, and the sights and sounds of the show faded. The quiet evening settled around them, giving him pause.
His purpose in accompanying Charlotte was to protect her. He didn’t want to be the reason she landed in trouble. Her request to walk along the dark path might have been to take him away from the fireworks. But that didn't keep him from thinking about taking her into his arms, kissing her, touching her.
His pulse quickened as they started along a path. There were only enough lanterns to make certain the meandering trail could be seen. The darkness added a layer of intimacy to what was otherwise a lovely walk in the daylight.
The trees were taller and thicker the farther they walked, creating a canopy above them, leaving only hints of the starry sky visible. A sweet, heady fragrance filled the air from some exotic bloom.
“It’s so dark.” Charlotte eased closer, her voice breathless.
“I believe that is intentional.”
She laughed, just as he meant her to.
Benches were positioned along the path, set back slightly from the walkway.
James passed the first one, uncertain whether Charlotte would want to make use of it. Perhaps she preferred the experience of walking along in the dark. They continued their stroll and soon the muffled sounds of an amorous couple could be heard.
“Oh,” Charlotte exclaimed quietly. “For a moment, I thought a strange beast lurked behind the bushes.”
James chuckled. “Nothing so frightening. Just another couple enjoying the evening.” By the sounds of it, they were very much doing so. Thank goodness the darkness hid them.
“Have you ever brought a young lady here?” Charlotte asked.
“I have not.” Though James couldn't imagine telling her if he had. They came to another bench, this one sitting more in the open. He considered the view. “From here we sh
ould be able to see the fireworks if you'd like.” From a bearable distance.
“That would be lovely,” she said and released his arm to take a seat then patted the place next to her.
He joined her, appreciating the feel of her alongside him even as he told himself to keep his hands to himself. He glanced up at the sky, hoping the fireworks started soon before he gave in to the lure of Charlotte.
“I would think they should begin any moment,” he said to fill the silence as he kept his gaze on the blanket of stars above them. Anything to keep from drawing her into his embrace.
“James?”
“Yes?” When she didn't answer he slowly turned to look at her.
“I don't want to watch the fireworks.” Her voice was a soft lilt that beckoned him.
“You don't?” His entire body heated as the spark of desire deep within flickered into a flame.
“No. I would much rather kiss you.”
How could he resist? He placed his arm along the back of the bench and held her gently. “As would I.”
Then he leaned close and pressed his lips to hers. Though he meant for the moment to be sweet, the desire that swept over him in a hot rush was anything but.
He deepened the kiss, thrilled when her lips parted beneath his. Their tongues met, then danced, throwing fuel onto his already burning desire. She was both sweet and spicy. Gentle and aggressive. She was everything he ever wanted and more.
The realization had him jerking back.
“What is it?” she whispered then glanced about as if expecting to see someone.
“I thought I heard something.” He looked around as well, drawing a gulp of air with the hope it would clear his head.
This was Charlotte. His friend’s younger sister. She was special, and he was supposed to protect her. Not allow his own wants and needs to overcome him.
“Where were we?” she asked, her breath a rush of air along his skin.
Before he could utter a word, she kissed him. As if she meant it. As if she couldn't get enough of him. He recognized it as he felt the same way.
To Dare a Rogue Page 12
