by Gill, Tamara
Renn laughed. “It was a good night if I remember.”
Royce raised an eyebrow at Renn’s ignorance to his sarcasm. He shook his head. “What brings you to town? I thought you were for the continent this season?”
“I was. Made it all the way to Spain, then turned for home. Problem with my prized mare. Seems she’s fallen pregnant and will not be racing this year after all.”
Royce knew very well about prized mares. His gaze sought out Miss March. “Perhaps her foal will be your next great galloper.”
Renn snorted. “Highly doubtful when its sire has a tendency for laziness during a race.” He took a sip of his drink. “Saw you dancing with Miss March and having a cosy tête-à-tête with her brother. Care to enlighten an old friend?”
Royce stifled a growl over the reminder. “March was merely warning me off his sister.”
Renn sputtered and choked on his drink. “Like you could possibly be interested in such a disaster. Do you remember last year when she spilt her champagne down the front of her white dress at the Dupree’s garden party? But for all her awkwardness, she did have a lovely décolletage.”
Royce clamped his hands into fists. The last thing he needed to do was lose his temper and come to blows with his best friend before the ton. He took a deep calming breath. “I would suggest you forget about Miss March and her awkward first season. I would also recommend your low opinion on Miss March be kept to yourself.”
Renn looked at him with astonishment. “You’re courting the disaster?”
Anger surged through Royce, and he turned a menacing glare on his soon-to-be ex-friend. “One more word against Miss March, and we are no longer acquaintances,” he said, barely controlling his temper. “I wronged her last year and wish to make amends. I’ve always admired her person. It is just unfortunate she cannot choose her relatives.”
“Yes, what a ghastly family. They stink of trade. Why, before her father died I swear he would arrive at entertainments covered in ink,” he said and laughed. “I’m surprised Miss March can attend any balls and hold her head up high.”
Royce watched Suzanna make her way back to her sibling, her easy graceful movement sure and confident. Last season she would have tripped over her own feet by now and would probably have been trying to stand without showing her ankles. Royce reluctantly admired her transformation into a graceful butterfly. She was a remarkable woman to grace the high sticklers of the ton and face them square on. Last season she could barely muster a word without stuttering but not anymore. “I suggest you leave, Renn. Now.”
Renn frowned. “Apologies, Danning. I did not know your intentions toward the girl had changed.” He cleared his throat. “Do not take offense, old man; who is to look out for you if not I. I am your oldest and best friend. One who, I believe, has the right to remind you the Dannings do not marry those without a title.”
“Her brother’s a gentleman,” Royce said, not bothering to mask his menacing tone. “She is then worthy of my hand by your values.”
Renn held his hands up in defeat. “All I meant was the people from trade are different from us. I do not want you to regret a decision you cannot easily mend. I mean, get hold of yourself, Danning; her grandfather was a farmer.”
Royce gave his friend a hard look and refused to answer the man’s spiteful and lofty principles. He let the taut silence stretch between them.
“Will we see you at Ascot this year?” Renn asked at length.
“No.” Royce glared at March across the crowded ballroom, one of the men responsible for his missing the meet. The weight of the debt he owed settled on his shoulders and threatened to crumble him to his knees. “Not this year I’m afraid.” Royce pushed the disappointment aside. Such circumstances were wont to happen when one was broke. He should probably start getting used to it.
“Probably a wise move. I hear Jannette is odds-on favourite of winning the Gold Cup. Next year perhaps,” Renn said, signalling to an acquaintance across the room. “I’m off then. Good luck with Miss March or with whatever you decide.”
Royce watched Renn walk away, and he glared at his retreating back. He didn’t appreciate being reminded of her lineage. Lineage that, should his parents still be alive, would never have suited. Yet Suzanna intrigued him. Had done so since the first night he saw her across the room last season, trying to hide behind her aunt and an abundance of fernery. She was sweet but with a strength of character that suited him. All he had to do now was convince her of this fact and see where it took them. Maybe all the way down a church aisle.
***
“Lost in thought?” her brother asked Suzanna as he came to stand at her side, Victoria clasping his arm.
Suzanna pulled her mind away from the past. “Yes, you could say that.”
“Why was Lord Danning sniffing about your skirts?”
“Henry,” she admonished. “You should know better than anyone. Lord Danning would not go sniffing about my skirts.”
“He might with the newly improved Suzanna who now graces the ton and lights up every room.”
Suzanna slapped her brother’s arm with her fan. “Don’t be such a tease. His lordship cares for me as much as I care for him, which is naught. He was merely being polite, I imagine.”
Her gaze sought Lord Danning, who was bending to talk to a dark-haired beauty in a deep blue gown. “See,” she gestured toward his lordship, “he’s already found what he sought. I was merely a host’s duty and unable to be ignored.”
“You would be hard to ignore, Suzanna.”
“Thank you, Victoria, you’re a dear friend,” she said, swallowing the lump in her throat at the sight of Lord Danning taking the woman out to dance. It was silly, really. Kisses like the one he bestowed were granted, no doubt, many times to other women. To think she had seen or felt anything further in his actions other than lust and need was a notion she should throw to the wind.
“Are you sure he was so very mean last season? Perhaps you caught him at an unfortunate moment.”
“Suzanna will not be marrying Viscount Danning, no matter his past or future intentions toward her.”
“Why do you hate him so much, Henry?” Suzanna asked. Never had she heard such hatred in her brother’s tone.
“I think what he said to you last year is reason enough.” He waved the comment away. “In any case, be assured I will not approve of such a choice and would recommend you look elsewhere for a husband.”
“First of all, I was never looking at Danning as a suitable candidate in the first place. He spoke to me, and I ended the conversation as quickly as it started. Do not worry yourself over a possibility that will never occur.”
“I lost sight of you for a time.” Her brother gave her a pointed stare. “Tell me you did not step out with him. You know he’s a rake and would probably welcome ruining you now that he realizes the atrocious way he spoke to you last season didn’t kill you stone dead in the ton.”
“Don’t be absurd. Lord Danning, for all his politeness—or lack thereof—has not done me any damage this eve.” Besides kissing her senseless.
Victoria looked at her with narrowed eyes before she turned toward the dancing couples. “I see he’s dancing with Lady Flintstock, an heiress from Cumberland, I believe,” she said with a consoling smile.
“Yes, a thorough and pure lady with a title that stretches back to Queen Elizabeth,” Suzanna said on a sigh.
“She has a rather pinched face, though, don’t you agree?” her brother asked, one eyebrow raised.
Suzanna frowned. “Henry you should know better than to be so insensitive. At least she’s not tarnished.”
“You are not tarnished, Suzanna. Unless there is something you are not telling me,” Henry replied.
“No,” she said, clasping her brother’s arm, and hoping a blush, over what she’d done earlier, didn’t bloom on her cheeks. “I only meant we are tarnished...by trade.”
“Oh, of course, how could I forget,” Henry said and laughed. “But better tha
t, my dear, than tarnished by debt.”
Chapter Five
“Lady Victoria to see you, Miss Suzanna.”
Suzanna looked up from her latest La Belle Assemblée, and noted the time. “Tea, please, Peter and have cook bring in some macaroons. I know they’re one of Lady Victoria’s favourites.”
“Yes, miss.” The butler dipped his head and departed. A smile quirked her lips at the sound of Victoria’s slippered feet patting across the parquetry foyer floor. She was a loyal and wonderful friend, and after the questioning look Victoria had bestowed on her at the ball last week, Suzanna had been waiting for her to call.
“Beautiful weather we’re having, Suzanna,” Victoria said, coming toward her and kissing her cheeks. “Perhaps tomorrow we could persuade Henry to take us out in the carriage, perhaps a turnabout Hyde Park? What do you say?”
“Sounds like a marvellous idea. I’m sure Henry would agree.”
They sat on the settee before the unlit hearth. Victoria pulled her gloves off and placed them on the table, then turned to her. A knowing silence stretched between them.
With a resounding sigh, Victoria spoke. “At the ball last week, I saw you step out with Lord Danning and not reappear until sometime later. What were you up to?”
“Nothing of consequence.” Suzanna paused, her mind a whir of excuses. “He apologized for his treatment and harsh words last season. That was all.”
“Why are you blushing then? I am your dearest and best friend, so please tell me. I would never dishonour you by telling anyone else, if that is your concern.”
Suzanna slumped back into the settee. The overwhelming urge to confide in her friend was too much to resist. “He kissed me. Well, actually, we seemed to kiss each other at the same time. One moment, we were arguing and then the next I had an urge to show him what he threw away.” Suzanna touched her lips remembering the feel of him, his ardent mouth, and hands all over her body. Her cheeks burned.
“You kissed Lord Danning! Oh my,” Victoria said, sitting bolt upright on the settee and fanning herself. “What was it like?”
Suzanna smiled. “Marvellous. His lips were quite energetic and able. But then… He did the oddest thing and used his tongue. It was most interesting and made my stomach feel as if butterflies were taking flight within.”
“That does sound marvellous but a little strange. Will you be doing it again, do you think?” Victoria asked, her eyes wide.
“No.” Suzanna frowned, as her answer brought forth a deep emptiness inside. “Well, perhaps if he bestows such liberties again on me. You know I could never initiate such wantonness myself.”
“Why do you think he kissed you? After his words last season…”
It was a question Suzanna had been asking herself. Perhaps Lord Danning was sorry for his rudeness and really wished to make amends. And being a rake of the highest calibre, perhaps kissing innocent women was his way of making it up to them.
“I’m not entirely sure,” she answered in all honesty. “Perchance he is truly sorry. He certainly seemed sincere.”
Victoria chuckled and rose from her seat, pacing before the hearth. “I think you should play a little game with Lord Danning. He was rude and uncouth last year to be sure and now he should pay a penalty for his behaviour. I think,” she said, coming to pull Suzanna to her feet, “that you should dangle yourself before him, make him realize what he has thrown away, and can no longer have. Tease him shamelessly.”
Suzanna stilled, hearing a plan she herself had thought to accomplish the eve of the kiss; before Lord Danning and his wicked lips had taken her senses and decorum and thrown them into the cesspit of loose morals and gentlemanly needs.
“Are you telling me, Victoria, you think I should kiss him again? That such behaviour would be something with which you concur when a woman’s been slighted as I?”
Her friend grinned and nodded. “That is exactly what I think you should do. It’s about time we women stood up for ourselves and were no longer seen as a commodity to be bought when a gentleman has tired of his latest chère-amie.”
“This is such a wicked plan.” Suzanna paused. “His kisses were very nice, but what shall I do if he tries to take my favours further?”
“You are a sensible woman. I know you’ll not allow it to proceed too far. And then when the season ends and you receive a proposal from Lord Danning, you may give him his congé and marry someone else. And serves him right, too,” Victoria said with a decisive nod.
The thought of the proud Lord Danning heartbroken and at Suzanna’s feet, tears running down his strong, unshaven jaw… No, such an image didn’t suit him at all. She shook the reflection away. He’d more than likely shrug and head to Whites for a game of cards and a glass of their finest brandy.
“Very well, I’ll dangle myself before him like a ripe mouse before a cat and we’ll see if he walks into my trap. What do I have to lose?”
“Well, your reputation, my dear, should anyone find out about the game you’re playing with Lord Danning. You must be discreet, that is foremost important. Yet you should also make him believe he could receive further favours from you other than kissing, yet never in reality. Oh, this will be such fun. You must promise to keep me informed,” Victoria begged, clasping her hands, only restraining her excitement when a footman brought in the tea tray. Her friend’s eyes lit up when she spied the macaroons. “Oh, you’re a dearest, Suzanna. You know how much I love macaroons.”
Suzanna laughed, poured the tea, and ensured Victoria had an ample serving of her favourite sweet. “So where do you think I should start my plan of seduction?”
“Oh yes, seduction is just the right word to use,” Victoria said, her gaze bright with mischief and the crumbs of her macaroon speckling her lips. “The Staffon’s ball is three days away. Lord Danning is sure to be there, as will you.”
“Yes, Aunt Agnes has already started to worry about the engagement. You know how she is in such company.” Suzanna bit into a macaroon and wondered how her aunt would handle one of the biggest events of this season.
“Mama will be attending with me; and she will keep your aunt company. Do not worry, Suzanna.”
“Thank you, Victoria, you’re a true friend.”
“That I am, my dearest. One who is determined to see you marry well while at the same time bring the high and mighty Lord Danning to his knees. He shall pine forever over the loss of you.”
It was what Suzanna wanted as well as long as she did not encourage an entanglement ending in her ruination.
***
Three days later, Suzanna stood alone watching Lord Danning from across the room at the Staffon’s ball. Unaware of her gaze, he moved through the ton like a predator stalking its next meal. Little did he know he was going to be hers.
Tonight, he wore a shadow across his jaw that made him seem more wild and roguish than normal. Given his reputation in the ton already, many a woman’s head turned at the sight of him and Suzanna was no different. She couldn’t look away from him. He might not be easy to seduce, but he would be worth the effort—she was sure.
One taste of him had proven that.
Dressed in white silk, Suzanna blended with the many white-clad women privileged with an invitation. Lady Staffon always stipulated her guests wear one colour of her choice to her balls, whereas the hostess was free to wear any colour she chose. Blue was her choice this evening with a gown that drew the eye of many a gentleman, and Lord Danning was no exception.
Suzanna frowned as his lordship’s gaze lowered on the bountiful décolletage of the married hostess for longer than was deemed proper as if any time at all was deemed proper to view another lady’s breasts. She gazed down at her own cleavage and wondered if there was enough there with which to tease him. Certainly, the other night he had seemed pleased with her person. The rake obviously had some sort of tendre for that part of a woman’s anatomy.
How strange…
“You look beautiful, Suzanna. Do not worry; as soon as Lord Dann
ing sees you, my dear, he will make his way over. Why, you’ve already danced with many a gentleman, enough to cause even our hostess to become a little jealous.”
“He has not noticed me yet.” Suzanna met Victoria’s gaze and raised her brows. “Perhaps a plan of seduction was wishful thinking on my part.”
“Nonsense. He has only just arrived. Give him time.” Her friend paused and took a sip of her champagne. “Is your brother coming tonight?”
“No. He said he had a previous engagement.” Suzanna looked out into the throng and met the heavy-lidded stare of Lord Danning leaning against the wall. She took in his fine skin-tight breeches that left nothing of what lay beneath to the imagination. Not to mention his wide shoulders and large hands...hands that had been against her body, pulling her close, and touching her with a reverence that still left her breathless.
“See, my dear. Here he comes.”
So lost in her perusal of him, Suzanna hadn’t noticed him walking their way. Oh dear, what would she say to the man? Now the time had come to play the siren, she wasn’t at all sure she was capable of such antics. It was one thing to think she could do such things but quite another to actually do them.
She looked away from the delectable sight he made and watched the elderly Lord Bromley dance with his wife, thirty years his junior. A disturbing sight, sure to pull one’s mind away from what was bearing down on her with belly-tensing speed.
“Good evening, Lady Victoria, Miss March,” Lord Danning said with a slight bow. Suzanna curtsied and took in his smouldering eyes. Embarrassment swamped her when she realized his gaze was not directed at her but her friend.
“Good evening, Lord Danning,” Victoria said, meeting her gaze before looking back at his lordship. “Are you enjoying the ball, my lord?”
“I am, my lady and ever more so now that I may have the delightful pleasure of dancing with you.”
A flush rose on her cheeks. “Oh, I hadn’t thought to dance tonight, my lord.”
