Embracing the Knight

by Langston, Jenn

  “Are you ready to go?” Gordon surprised her as he approached.

  She wrinkled her nose at the smell of spirits on his breath. “How are you going to be a proper chaperone if you have already begun your descent into the cups?”

  “Haven’t I kept you safe all these years? I never even let a man get close enough to kiss you. Besides, nothing is going to happen to you in a crowded ballroom.”

  Biting her tongue, Claire refused to mention the picnic. If he hadn’t given in to Ian’s plan and switched carriages to ride with Camellia, his statement would be true. He’d done a good job. Until then.

  As they took the carriage drive to the ball, memories of Ian’s lips on hers filled her mind. The amazing feelings she’d experienced in his arms was something she’d never forget. Heat ran up her cheeks and made the place between her legs uncomfortable.

  When the carriage pulled to a stop, Claire quickly cast the thought aside. If her brother had any idea of what she was thinking, he would probably challenge Ian to a duel. However, somehow Ian had left her innocence intact. Perhaps what they had done in the hunting cabin wasn’t as big a problem as she thought.

  “Claire,” Camellia exclaimed as soon as she and Gordon had made it past their host and hostess. “Where have you been?”

  “I’m sorry. I took longer with my father than I expected. What is so urgent that I should have been here sooner?”

  “Lord Knightly arrived a while ago, and he hasn’t danced a single set. I need you to get your brother to talk to him.”

  “Gordon can’t make him dance. What do you propose I—”

  “Good evening, Miss Ashford, Miss Bradley.” Claire froze at the sound of Ian’s voice.

  Camellia bowed her head. “How wonderful to see you Lord Knightly, Lady Knightly.”

  The noise from the crowded room faded into the background as Claire’s focus pivoted from Camellia to Ian, and then to Lady Knightly. Claire cringed at the determination in the lady’s face. Clearly, she intended to make good on her threats. Lady Knightly, for some reason, had decided Claire needed help this season. Claire would wring Ian’s neck if she found out he had anything to do with it.

  “It’s a pleasure,” Lady Knightly commented. “Now Claire, might I have a private word with you?”

  Clenching her jaw, Claire nodded and allowed the woman to lead her away.

  “Where is your brother?” Lady Knightly whispered as they walked away from Ian and Camellia. “As your chaperone, he should be out here keeping an eye on you.”

  “I’m positive he’s around here somewhere. We’ve only just arrived so I’m certain he’s making necessary greetings.”

  Her tight lips betrayed her displeasure. “Well, until he returns to see to his duties, I expect you to remain close by my side. A lone woman is simply asking for trouble.”

  Claire’s mouth fell open. “I’m hardly alone. Besides, this is how my brother and I have attended each ball since our arrival in London.”

  “Then your brother should be scolded. Due to his lack of skill at chaperoning, I will take on his duties.”

  “With all due respect, my lady, I—”

  “I will hear no arguments on the subject. When I spoke to your father the other day, he made mention of retaining my services. At the time, I hadn’t seen a need. Now, however . . . Oh, never mind. Stand up straight and smile, a gentleman is approaching.”

  Head spinning, Claire turned to see Lord Higgins walking up to them. She had no idea what just happened with Lady Knightly. Claire wondered if it was in the woman’s nature to take over, or if her father truly had asked. Either way, she planned to take it up with him. Spending the next few months under serious observation wasn’t appealing.

  “Good evening, Miss Ashford,” Lord Higgins greeted when he arrived. “I wonder if I can have your next dance?”

  Claire refused to allow this woman to be her voice. “Of course, Lord Higgins. You may have the next set.”

  With the bow to her and Lady Knightly, he took himself off.

  “In the future, you will wait for my reply. Do you know anything about that gentleman?”

  Putting her shoulders back, Claire faced her opponent. “Excuse me, Lady Knightly. I’d like to get back to Miss Bradley. Our conversation hadn’t concluded when you arrived.”

  A challenging brow rose on the elder woman’s face. This wasn’t going to be an easy relationship. How had Ian survived his childhood with such a relaxed personality while having this harpy as a mother?

  “I believe she’s more agreeably engaged at present.” The woman’s eyes turned to the dance floor. “Don’t she and my son make such a charming couple?”

  Turning to the crowd gliding across the floor, Claire watched her friend move through the waltz in Ian’s arms. Envy burned hot when he threw his head back and laughed. If Camellia’s flushed face was any indication, she was enjoying the dance as much as her partner.

  This wasn’t part of the plan. Camellia was supposed to be finding out the type of woman Ian wanted, not dancing with him like she wanted him. Claire’s head began to ache. What if Camellia was the perfect woman for Ian?

  Forcing her eyes away, Claire tried to tamp down her growing jealousy. This wasn’t good. She couldn’t bear the thought of Ian belonging to her friend. Honestly, she wouldn’t be able to stand him belonging to anyone but her. This evening couldn’t get much worse.

  “What is wrong, dear?” Lady Knightly’s voice held only a marginal bit of concern. “Are you ill?”

  She shook her head, not trusting herself to speak. They spent the rest of the dance in silence as Claire waited for the interminable song to end. Her gaze followed the couple until the last notes rang out. When Ian’s eyes made contact with hers, he quickly looked away. As if he couldn’t stand the sight of her. Whatever had gone on between the two of them was officially over.

  When Lord Higgins arrived, she gratefully allowed him to lead her into the set. Although the music was lively and she loved to dance, she couldn’t bring herself to rouse her usual happiness. Why hadn’t she remained home?

  “You seem occupied tonight,” Lord Higgins observed when they came together in the dance.

  “I’m sorry, my lord.” A blush raced across her cheeks at his perceptiveness. “I’m simply feeling overheated. There are quite a few attendees tonight.”

  At her words, she began to scan the crowd for Ian. When she found him, she stumbled, barely managing to catch herself before finding herself sprawled on the dance floor. Ian had partnered yet another woman. For someone who hadn’t been dancing, he surely was making up for it now. He also didn’t seem to be aware of her at all.

  “Perhaps you need some fresh air,” Higgins suggested. “The gardens here are nice, or so I hear. Would you like me to show you?”

  Glancing up at Lord Higgins’ hopeful face, Claire nodded. She needed to forget Ian, and a walk in the garden would give her an opportunity to talk to the earl in private. For her father’s sake as well as her own, she needed to marry quickly. Perhaps the joy of her nuptials would help him heal faster.

  As soon as the song ended, she took his arm and allowed him to take her out on the terrace. Taking a deep breath of fresh air, Claire’s outlook already began to improve. Although they weren’t the only couple enjoying the night air, outside proved much more pleasant than the ballroom.

  “Feeling better?” He chuckled.

  Heat rushed to her cheeks at her transparency. “Much. This evening has become more taxing than I had hoped.”

  “I hope I haven’t added to your discomfort.”

  “Oh, no,” she rushed to assure him. “I enjoy your company and sharing an occasional dance with you.”

  Lord Higgins puffed out his chest as he led her down the few steps to the garden. “So, where—”

 
“Miss Ashford.”

  Claire cringed at the sound of Lady Knightly’s voice. Not now. The woman needed to give her some space. No other chaperones were barreling down on their charges. Well, some of them were. The lucky girls were taking in strolls at their leisure.

  “Yes, my lady?” Claire asked sweetly as if unaware of the lady’s reason for stopping her.

  “I don’t recall approving a stroll.” Lady Knightly glanced at the earl. “You should seek her chaperone’s approval before whisking her away. Have you no thoughts on propriety?”

  He stiffened. “No harm will befall the lady or her reputation during a stroll among the other couples.”

  “The only way to ensure that is to have me here with her. Now, you may continue. I’ll keep my eyes on the two of you.”

  Feeling sick, Claire took a few deep breaths. This lady would be the death of her. Not to mention her own father. And, her marriage prospects. Claire was ready to quit this evening. Tomorrow she fully intended to talk to her father and her brother. Someone had to stop this madness.

  Anticipation welled up in Ian’s breast as his carriage stopped outside Lord Dailey’s house. He had agreed to meet Gordon here to join him and his sisters for a walk through town and the nearby shops. Honestly, he wasn’t sure why his friend had invited him, but he refused to pass up an opportunity to see Claire.

  Last night he had ignored her as thoroughly as he could. He even went as far as to dance every single set with a different lady. Although he couldn’t recall any one girl, he could picture the irritation on Claire’s face clearly. Had it been jealousy forcing her eyes to him over and over? He hoped so.

  Once Ian made his way inside the townhouse, the butler informed him Gordon was waiting for him in the study. Knowing the way, he took himself down the hallway. As he neared the door, he jumped when a hand reached out of the darkness and grabbed his arm.

  “Shhh! Come with me,” Claire ordered, pulling him into a dark room and closing the door.

  His heart raced at her proximity and the low light. “What are you doing?” he demanded, his voice thick.

  “I told my brother to invite you today. I needed to talk to you, privately.” Her breath washed over his face, making his body harden.

  “I’m listening.”

  She took in a gulp of air then released it slowly. “I need you to talk to your mother for me. For some reason she’s decided to take over the duties as my chaperone. My brother has done a fine job so far and I don’t need another one.”

  Chuckling, Ian recalled how horrified his mother had been at Gordon’s lack of involvement with his sister. Then not so amusing was how she almost walked off alone with Higgins. The thought made Ian clench his fists.

  “My mother can be a little overbearing, but she means well.”

  “I know.” Her shoulders sagged. “I just don’t need a new chaperone. Please tell her I really appreciate what she’s trying to do, but she can stop.”

  Ian crossed his arms. “You should be grateful for her help. After all, she saved you from Higgins last night.”

  “I wouldn’t call that saving. There was nothing wrong with a stroll in the garden with him.”

  “Last night, and again today, you proved just how much you need my mother’s help. Even now, you put yourself in danger and aren’t even aware of it,” he growled.

  She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “I wasn’t in any danger in the gardens with Lord Higgins, and I’m certainly not in any danger now.”

  “Oh, no?” He lifted an eyebrow and took a step toward her. “You are alone with a man in a dark room.”

  “No. I’m alone with you.” Her chin lifted in defiance but she retreated a step.

  “Yes. And I’m a man.” His eyes dropped to her lips as he moved closer to her. “Most definitely a man. I could ravish you right now.”

  Her throat worked as she swallowed and retreated until she hit the wall. “But you won’t. And I could scream.”

  “And I could silence you with my mouth.” He put his hands against the wall on either side of her head. Leaning his face closer, he took a deep breath of her scent. Jasmine and woman. His heart beat so wildly, he was surprised Claire didn’t hear it. He wanted her so badly.

  “But you won’t.” Her sultry voice held a quality of need that drove him mad. “We’ve already proven that.”

  “Maybe I was simply exhausted by the journey that night. I’m perfectly fit now.”

  Her lips parted. “Are you?”

  Unable to take it any longer, he sealed his mouth over hers. Instead of resistance, she grabbed the lapels of his jacket and pulled him closer. He groaned as he pressed himself up against her, pinning her to the wall. Pleasure fueled him as Claire’s arms slipped around his neck, her fingers sliding into his hair. He gathered her to him as his leg wedged between hers.

  Thoughts of her and their time together had tormented him far too long for him to hold back. He wanted her, and the urge to slake his lust beckoned. As his hands gathered yards of fabric, he felt her body tremble. He couldn’t be sure if it was due to desire or fear, but the little movement managed to cool his ardor. Well, slightly.

  Reluctantly, he drew back from her. She tugged at him to stay, but he ground his teeth together and unclasped her arms from around his neck. The woman was so passionate. She would be the death of him.

  “As I said. You wouldn’t.” Her breathy voice took out the majority of the sting, but Ian heard the insult.

  “Do you want me, Claire? Do you really want me to take your innocence? A man can only take so much teasing. But if you do, you will suffer the full consequences of your decision.”

  “Which are?”

  The fact she still contemplated it made keeping his hands off her more difficult, but also gave him hope. Giving into temptation, he ran a finger down her face, reveling in her shiver. They would be so good together. Anticipation made him smile. It wouldn’t be long.

  “Just one rather simple thing. You have to marry me. You see, unlike Higgins, I don’t make a habit of ruining innocents, then turning them away to society censure.”

  She sucked in her breath then crossed her arms. “If that’s your stipulation, then no thank you.”

  Anger surged inside him. Did she want to be ruined? Resisting the urge to shake her, he turned away and paced the small space in front of her. She wasn’t like any woman he’d ever known.

  “Why not? I’ve asked you to marry me twice, and both times you deny me. Why?”

  “A smarter man would realize I don’t want to marry him and stop asking.”

  “For arguments sake, let’s say I’m not a smarter man. What should I do then? As I said, I have a limit to what I can take.”

  Without responding, she pulled open the door. “I don’t want to have this conversation.” Then, she disappeared.

  “Wait, Claire.” Swiftly, he moved to the door, then almost plowed into her as she reversed her steps. Hope flared. Had she come at his calling? Or had she decided to tell him the truth?

  “Look, I promise to allow your mother to chaperone me if you promise not to breathe a word of this to my brother. He isn’t exactly disappointed to be relieved of his duties to me.”

  His hope faded. “I promise. You have to know I would never do anything to bring you harm or discomfort.”

  She nodded and to his surprise tears welled up in her eyes. “I know.”

  As he opened his mouth to question her, she threw out a hand and shook her head before hurrying away from him. Confusion swirled inside him. One thing was certain. His plan to ignore Claire definitely wasn’t going to work. He needed to discover whatever it was that made her reluctant to marry him and convince her he could change.

  The task would prove to be difficult if Claire continually ran from him, like today. Perha
ps it was time to recruit a little help. Gordon might not be thrilled with the idea of Ian and Claire, but he would come around. Ian would have to make sure of it.

  When he finally made it to the study, for the first time nerves assailed him at the thought of facing Gordon. Ian pushed past it as he entered. They had been friends a long time. Gordon would have to at least give him a chance to say his piece.

  “Finally,” Gordon exclaimed. “It seems like punctuality has somehow lost its importance to you.”

  “I’m sorry. I . . . got held up.”

  “Have a seat. You look like hell.”

  Ian offered a wry grin. “Thanks. I see you have somehow come out of your recent depression.”

  “For now. It seems that a few of my worries are being taken care of by someone else.”

  “That’s good,” Ian responded, honestly happy for his friend.

  “I would offer you a glass of liquid happiness, but my dear sister has forbid it today. She said she wanted to have a pleasant walk without the stink of alcohol following her.”

  Ian laughed. Definitely Claire. “She’s never been one to hold back.”

  “No. She hasn’t. And speaking of Claire, did you know it was she who insisted I invite you? Do you have any idea why?”

  Shifting uncomfortably in his chair, Ian tried to think of some excuse. “Perhaps she imagined this outing would be more fun with someone else to torture besides you.”

  “She’s not a child any longer.” Gordon’s eyes became serious. “Haven’t you noticed? While we weren’t looking, she turned into a woman.”

  Oh, Ian had definitely been looking. Not that he would admit that to her brother. As it stood, this conversation was already too discomforting for him. Had Gordon learned how close Claire and he had become when they were stranded in the woods? He hoped not.

  “I noticed,” Ian replied dryly.