To Dare a Rogue

by Lana Williams

  “Perhaps if I were ruined, I wouldn’t have to worry about marrying Lord Samuelson.” She shivered at the thought of him.

  “Ruination isn’t the answer.”

  “Then what is?” How she wished he’d tell her. She was willing to do nearly anything to avoid the current path her future was taking.

  “I don’t know.” Then almost reluctantly, he bent his head to kiss her.

  A thrill swept over her when their lips touched, igniting passion in an instant. Her feelings were hopelessly entangled with this man. She’d thought of little but him the entire evening. He was the reason she’d downed the glass of champagne so quickly, for it had proven impossible to enjoy the party when he held her attention.

  She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and held tight as their tongues danced. The welcome feel of his strong body pressed against her made her long for more.

  “Redmond,” a voice called, breaking through the haze of desire that captured her so effortlessly.

  “Damn,” James muttered beneath his breath. He shifted then turned to face the caller, blocking Charlotte from view.

  “I wondered where you had gotten to,” the caller added.

  Charlotte gasped as she realized the identity of the man—Edward. Of all the people who might’ve come upon them, why did it have to be her brother?

  “You looked occupied so I thought I’d find my own way home,” James replied.

  “I’m happy to offer a ride to you and your lady friend.” The amusement in her brother’s voice brought heat to Charlotte’s cheeks.

  If only he knew who James hid behind him. Thank goodness she still wore the mask James had provided just in case Edward caught a glimpse of her.

  “No need. We’re enjoying our walk.” James glanced back at Charlotte.

  “So I see.” Her brother chuckled. “I have a friend as well.”

  Charlotte resisted the urge to peek over James’ shoulder to see if anyone was visible.

  “Glad to hear it,” James said.

  She had no doubt he was gritting his teeth at the lengthy conversation.

  “Join us,” Edward suggested. “We’ll have our own party.”

  “Thanks, but we’d appreciate a bit of privacy.”

  “On the pavement? That seems an odd choice.”

  Good heavens, since when had her brother become so chatty and persistent?

  “We won’t be on the pavement for long,” James said.

  Edward laughed again and a feminine trill joined in. “Are you certain you don’t want a ride?”

  “Positive.”

  “Very well. Don’t you want to introduce your friend before we go?”

  Charlotte stiffened. The mask she wore wouldn’t hide her identity from her brother.

  “Another time, perhaps,” James responded. “We’re still coming to know one another.”

  “I understand. Enjoy yourselves.”

  “And you as well.” James released an audible breath when the carriage finally rolled away.

  “Who was with him?” Charlotte asked, curiosity getting the better of her as they continued to walk.

  “A certain opera singer would be my guess.”

  As her imagination took hold of what the woman and her brother were going to do, she sighed with envy. While such a life would be difficult, at least the woman could choose her partners. However, one never knew when a lover might lose interest and seek another.

  There was no easy answer for women it seemed.

  “Let us get you home.” James quickened his pace, obviously eager to be rid of her.

  If only...

  She closed her eyes briefly, hoping to stop the wish before it took a deeper hold. James had made his feelings clear. He was not hers, nor would he ever be, despite how much she loved him. The crumb of hope she’d held so tightly to fell away, leaving her with an aching heart.

  Chapter Thirteen

  James reluctantly folded the newssheet and set it aside as Edward slid into the chair across from him the following afternoon at Brooks’s.

  “Good afternoon.” Edward’s smile suggested he was in a fine mood. Apparently everything had gone well with his opera singer.

  “You seem to be in especially good spirits,” James said.

  “I am. I’m surprised you’re not as well.”

  James’ stomach tightened. If Edward knew who had been in his arms last evening, would he call him out? The worry was another reason not to see Charlotte again. Yet given what had happened when he didn’t escort her on the adventures she insisted on having, he worried what trouble she’d next find herself in.

  He silently berated himself. Now he was making excuses to see her again. Grasping at reasons to seek out her company.

  How did he move forward from this point? Each time he was with her, his feelings only deepened. Their relationship could lead nowhere. If only his heart would accept that.

  “My evening was good, but obviously not as good as yours.”

  Edward offered a satisfied smile. “The chase was worth the delightful outcome.”

  “Pleased to hear it.” James nodded at an acquaintance passing by, hoping against hope that Edward would change the subject.

  “You’ve nothing more to add?” Edward asked, his gaze pinning James.

  “Can’t say that I do,” James said, wondering if he looked as uncomfortable as he felt.

  Never mind that nothing untoward had occurred last evening with Charlotte. At least, not after the kiss Edward had interrupted. James preferred to think he’d been the perfect gentleman as he’d procured a hackney, seen her home, and left. But none of that had matched what he wanted to do.

  Edward waved for a waiter to order a drink, but James shook his head. He was drinking coffee this afternoon.

  Edward sat back, his brow puckered. “Did you have anything to do with the rumor that Palmer received a beating for attempting to take advantage of someone at the party?”

  “Did he? I hadn’t heard.” James hoped his expression didn’t reveal anything other than the surprise he truly felt. How had anyone found out about their confrontation?

  “I left shortly after a stir was made when a masked lady who sounded suspiciously like his sister declared he was missing. Rumors abounded.”

  “Interesting.”

  “I find it more interesting that you missed it, considering I saw you with a woman directly afterward. Do tell. Whose honor were you forced to protect?”

  “What makes you think I had anything to do with it?” James focused on remaining still. Fidgeting would surely declare his involvement.

  “I also have to wonder,” Edward continued as if he hadn’t spoken, “if the situation has anything to do with the fact that you’ve disappeared several times over the past two weeks. I know you’re no longer involved with the actress, so who has captured your interest?”

  “No one.” Charlotte deserved someone better than him. Yet the image of Lord Samuelson had him frowning. Was Samuelson better? Surely not. Had he been looking at the situation in the wrong light?

  “You sound so certain,” Edward said. “Is she another actress then? Or a merry widow, perhaps?”

  “No.” The denial slipped out before James could stop it. He should’ve lied. Then Edward wouldn’t continue this ridiculous line of questioning.

  “Hmm.” Edward seemed to ponder various possibilities. “A marriageable lady whom you won’t be marrying. How intriguing.”

  “There’s nothing intriguing about any of it.” James adjusted his position, unable to sit still. “The situation is over and done and will not be repeated.” Why did he feel as if that was a lie? He nearly scoffed. The answer was simple. He didn’t want it to end. He couldn’t get Charlotte out of his mind.

  Or his heart.

  “We shall see.” Edward’s knowing smile annoyed James all the more.

  The urge to tell Edward exactly the reason there would be no announcement tempte
d him. While sharing the truth might wipe away that smile, it could easily destroy their friendship.

  “Does your question mean marriage is on your mind?” James asked, hoping to shift Edward’s attention by turning the subject on him.

  “Good heavens, no.” He nodded his thanks to the waiter who brought his drink then took a sip. “I intend to wait as long as possible before marrying, but Father has stated that I need to marry well. Preferably to someone with a title and great wealth.”

  “Don’t you already have both?” James asked.

  “Yes, but it’s important that we solidify the longevity of the Wynn line.” He shook his head as if he found the idea ridiculous.

  “Are you willing to do as he asks without regard to your own happiness?” Lord Wynn had a poor notion about his children’s future as far as James was concerned.

  “Of course.” Edward shrugged but his lips tightened, making James wonder if it would really be so easy for him to agree to a marriage of convenience when the time came.

  “Perhaps the perfect lady will also be one who will make you happy. No harm can come from hoping, right?”

  “Dashed hopes are difficult to overcome,” Edward said. “Just look at my sister’s predicament.”

  “What do you mean?” Edward had never shared anything about Charlotte’s situation. James was eager to hear what he thought.

  “Father has selected Lord Samuelson as her future husband.” Edward scowled as he turned the crystal glass idly on the table’s smooth surface. “He’s declared him the perfect match for her. But I have difficulty believing that, as does Charlotte.”

  “Perhaps the two of you should discuss it with your father together.” James wished Edward would do something to aid his sister. Charlotte’s misery was causing her to put herself in danger. But he didn’t dare reveal that.

  Edward scoffed. “Even if we spoke with Father on a good day, there would be no discussion, nor would he listen. The man doesn’t have a sympathetic bone in his body. Grandfather was exactly the same way from what I remember.” He paused for a long moment. “Do you think I will be that way as well?”

  “No.” James leaned forward, surprised by how concerned Edward appeared at the idea. “You’re nothing like your father.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” His customary smile returned. “All of this talk about our futures reminds me how important it is to enjoy life while we can. Surely serving in the military proved that to you.”

  “True.” James leaned back, wishing he could do more to help Charlotte. How could Samuelson possibly make her happy?

  “Why is it you never speak of it?” Edward held his gaze. “So many other former officers are eager to share each and every battle in glorious detail, whether we ask to hear it or not.”

  Disquiet bubbled alarmingly inside James like a simmering cauldron. The thought of telling someone what had happened made his mouth go dry. Surely the memories and nightmares would grow worse, not to mention the questioning looks he’d receive. “Nothing much to tell,” he managed at last.

  “I don’t believe that for a moment.” Edward reached for James’ arm, surprising him with both the tightness of his grip and the sincerity in his face. “I would be happy to listen should you ever decide to speak of it.”

  The tight band ever present around James’ chest loosened a notch. “I appreciate that.” While it was reassuring to think he had someone to speak to, he could only guess at Edward’s reaction if James shared how frightened he’d been. How he’d nearly lacked the courage to see to his duties and the safety of his men. How unfit he’d felt to lead his troops on the battlefield only to come home and realize he was also unfit to live in polite society.

  He didn’t belong in either place—an imposter living a lie.

  With a sigh, he reached for his coffee, wishing he’d chosen something stronger to drink.

  ~*~

  “He did what?” Margaret Gold’s voice echoed in the vaulted ceiling of the lending library and had the other patrons turning to stare in disapproval.

  “Hush.” Charlotte glanced about, dismayed to see how much attention they were receiving. She took Margaret's arm and guided her toward a nearby empty table where they could speak with more privacy.

  Two days had passed since the party, and it seemed as if it had taken that long for Charlotte’s aching head to subside. She could think of no one other than Margaret with whom to share the details of the story. At least, most of the details.

  “Did you tell your father?” Margaret asked with wide eyes as they found an empty table.

  “You can’t be serious.” Charlotte stared at her friend in disbelief as they took a seat. “Why on earth would I do that?”

  “Someone should be told.” Margaret’s outrage on her behalf was touching. “How dare the man go about drugging young ladies. That is unbelievable. What if you’d had a second glass of champagne?”

  “I’m pleased I didn’t.” Charlotte shuddered at the thought. “However, I believe he learned his lesson.”

  While James’ ability to deal with the situation had come as no surprise, watching him strike Lord Palmer had been shocking. She'd never before witnessed violence firsthand. Yet a part of her insisted Palmer deserved each blow James had thrown. However, the strength and efficiency James had used left her breathless.

  “I sincerely hope so. Thank goodness Viscount Redmond came to your aid. Palmer’s behavior is truly appalling. Has anyone seen him since?”

  “I haven't and that's all that matters to me. I suppose he carries a few bruises on his face which would make it embarrassing to be seen. From what I’ve heard, Lady Barbara hasn’t made an appearance either.”

  Charlotte had been unsurprised to hear she’d made a public spectacle of herself. If not for her outcry at her brother’s disappearance, no one would’ve discovered what had happened to him. Now rumors abounded.

  But not all of the evening had been terrible. The delightful kiss she and James had shared was something she continued to relive. At least, up until Edward had interrupted them. After that, James had kept his distance while seeing her safely home. Had the close call with Edward worried him so much? She feared it was more than that. James obviously didn’t want her.

  Margaret shook her head. “I hope this means you will be more cautious before going on another adventure.” She raised a brow. “Or have you given up on those?”

  Charlotte sighed. “I know I should, but how can I when in a few weeks’ time, I will be married to a man I can’t abide? Nor do I want to even try given how I already feel about him. That makes me want to gather as many memories as possible.” Yet what was the point without James?

  Margaret tapped the table with a gloved finger as if deep in thought. “There is one way you could get out of the marriage.”

  “How?” Charlotte was certain Margaret couldn't come up with any idea that she hadn't already considered herself.

  “You merely need to be caught in a compromising situation. The key would be to make certain it was with someone you like. Such as Viscount Redmond.” A smile played about Margaret's lips as her gaze shifted to Charlotte.

  “No. Absolutely not.” Charlotte shook her head for emphasis. Of course, the idea had already crossed her mind. But she would never do that to James. Not after all he’d done for her. He was a man of honor and the least she could do was act the same way.

  “It seems as though he enjoys your company. I think the two of you would make a fine pair.”

  “He obviously has no interest in courting me or he would already be doing so.” Never mind the kisses they had shared which he seemed to enjoy as much as she had. Those didn't mean he wanted to marry her. Nor did she think her father would approve of him. Lord Wynn seemed convinced that only he knew best, which meant Lord Samuelson would soon be her husband.

  “If not him then perhaps someone else.” Margaret glanced about the room as if she intended to select someone.

 
Charlotte squeezed her friend's arm. “Stop. I am not going to trick someone into being forced to offer me marriage. That would be trading one set of problems for another.”

  “Well, I hope at the very least you won't be going anywhere else with Lord Palmer or his sister. I still can't believe he did that.”

  “Nor can I.”

  “Did you at least tell your brother?”

  “No. That would mean admitting I’d been to the party.” Thank goodness he hadn’t recognized her from his carriage. “Nor do I want to mention James’ part in it.”

  “But he came to your rescue.”

  “Yes, but I'm sure Edward would think James should’ve involved him in the situation.” It seemed neither of them had any desire to tell Edward what happened. “I'm just lucky Edward didn't see me.”

  “Yes, you are. Each new outing places you in danger. You do realize that, don't you?”

  “I have only been in danger when I went on an adventure without James. But I can’t count on him for further assistance.” She had to think about how to proceed with her quest. Over the past two days, she’d decided she wasn’t ready to give up on it.

  “I’m sorry you’re facing this.” Margaret’s expression was filled with sympathy.

  “Thank you. While I know other women face the same dilemma without such a fuss, I don’t seem to be able to.”

  “Understandable. Lord Samuelson is not a man I would choose either. The good news is that you are not yet betrothed. Perhaps something will change. Perhaps Lord Samuelson will decide he’d prefer someone else.”

  “Hmm.” That would be one way to avoid the marriage. “But who?”

  “Lady Barbara,” Margaret suggested, causing them both to erupt into giggles. The sound gained more frowns from the other patrons reading or speaking quietly among the tables and chairs. “I can’t believe I said that.”

  “Nor can I,” Charlotte agreed as her breath caught. “But maybe they would suit. Surely an introduction wouldn’t hurt.”

  “That means speaking with the woman again.” Margaret lifted her nose into the air. “I’m not certain I can forgive her.”