Tempted

by Rita Thedford

  He gave her his most benevolent smile and straightened. “Au revoir. Till we meet again."

  "Christian?"

  He turned at the door and raised a brow. “Yes, my dear?"

  A regretful, knowing smile curved her lips. Her eyes gleamed suspiciously with tears. “The gift is exquisite. I wish you only the best. Always. You are a charming man and how very well you say goodbye."

  Christian stepped onto the street and spied his carriage. Being a careful man, he had covered the black and gold family crest with a simple black board. It would not do to have someone see his carriage outside the modest home of Delphine Beauchamp.

  "Ah, Rawlins, what have you learned?"

  Geoff Rawlins, pickpocket extraordinaire turned gentleman's gentleman, grinned, showing deep dimples as he stepped forward. Young and handsome with a wealth of curly brown hair, he bowed in a cheeky manner and opened the carriage door. Before entering, the manservant was quick to remove the black board. The Haverton crest gleamed once again with its gold lion and background of black.

  Once inside and on their way, Rawlins gave Christian an account of his efforts, outlining every move of his prey. “She rides nearly every morning in Hyde Park and again in late afternoon. As Lady Henry Grayson doesn't ride, Elizabeth takes a groom. Very fine rider from what I've learned."

  "That's convenient, Rawlins. Makes it quite simple to run her to ground."

  Rawlins grinned. “Quite right, m'lord."

  "Her social engagements?"

  "For tonight, she has accepted an invitation to a musicale at the home of Lord and Lady Howard Smythe. Her mother will attend with her. Then she shall be off again, without her mother and only a maid to chaperone. Lord and Lady William Glenwallace are hosting an engagement party for their daughter at their home near Trafalgar Square. Have you an invitation for that one?"

  "Of course. I have an invitation for everything. The lady will not escape me so easily. I believe I shall forego the musicale as I detest them.” Christian stared broodingly out the carriage window.

  It seemed imperative that he haunt every move she made, though it irritated him to have to move so quickly. His birthday was but a month away, and already there was news of Park coming to town. The cretin was no doubt drooling over the notion of taking over his title. If he was to claim his birthright, he did not have much time to court Elizabeth as she deserved. He wondered if she liked the flowers.

  * * * *

  Knowing she must look her best to face the most dreaded gossips of the ton, Elizabeth entered Hyde Park that afternoon dressed in a new riding costume. The crimson-colored gown, done in the military style, was trimmed with a double row of shiny jet buttons. A matching hat, featuring a jaunty black feather, sat atop her head.

  The morning rain might never have happened at all, she thought, as she looked out over the green-drenched park. The sky was blue and the air was fresh as the haute ton took in the scenery from within open carriages or on horseback.

  Drawing upon her personal stores of courage, Elizabeth lifted her chin and rode deeper into the throng. She spotted Christian Delaford almost immediately. Every muscle in her body tightened at the splendid figure he made. Dressed to the nines in buff trousers, brown boots, and a bottle green coat, Christian was the epitome of the proper English gentleman, despite the rakish tilt of his beaver hat and the rogue's grin on his gorgeous face when he saw her.

  She tried to ignore his effect on her feminine senses, but it was no use. Her heart began a mad thumping in her chest and her palms grew damp within the confines of her kid riding gloves.

  Elizabeth could do nothing but reign in her mount as he approached with a purposeful expression. Several gentlemen paused to nod and smile at her, but Christian had captured her attention completely. Though he scowled after the other gentlemen, he turned his most wicked grin in her direction. Her hands began to tremble, and she tightened her fingers on the straps she held.

  "Good day, my lady,” he said in a deep voice. “May I join you?"

  The aura of power and sensuality that surrounded him threatened to send her reeling, but she recovered quickly.

  "Hello, Your Grace. I suppose.” She wanted him gone, but polite behavior demanded the answer she gave. Her heart stuttered at the sight of him. She shouldn't have ventured forth today. Bravery be damned! Christian Delaford was much, much too handsome. Surely the papers would once again link them. Blast it!

  After this morning's floral offering, she should have known the man would stalk her every move.

  "Did you receive my gift?"

  Thinking of all those baskets of orchids sent her senses spinning and though she knew she shouldn't encourage him, she could not help the faint smile she cast his way. “They are lovely. Thank you so very much, but you shouldn't have."

  "Why not?"

  She speared him with a glance. “Because there is nothing between us, and I was embarrassed in front of my family."

  Christian frowned. “Embarrassed? How? Why?"

  Elizabeth huffed as she guided her horse around a sharp curve in the path. “They are not used to my receiving gifts. Now they have ideas about my marrying, and that is not to be borne."

  "Obviously they only want the best for you. Why should you be so appalled?"

  "Because you are so ridiculous! You are going to ruin my life. I just know it."

  Christian grinned. “I hope not, my dear, and I assure you, I am anything but ridiculous. Flowers are just one of the ways a gentleman shows his affection. During our courtship, I shall demonstrate other ways as well."

  Gasping, she stared at his handsome face, wishing him to Perdition. Lifting her chin, she looked away, vowing to ignore him. Other women driving by, however, did not. It was difficult to ignore the ladies who seemed to devour Christian with their eyes. Like a bevy of lap dogs, they fairly drooled at the sight of him. Silly twits! Couldn't they recognize the devil behind that boldly handsome face?

  Christian drew closer. “You think me too forward, my lovely,” he murmured. “Perhaps one day you will appreciate that particular quality.” He sighed and gazed upward at the glimpse of sky shining through a leafy canopy of green. He seemed to come to a decision and pierced her with a look.

  "Please, let us not quarrel any longer. All teasing aside, I could not help but send the flowers. Their color reminded me vividly of your remarkable eyes. I simply could not resist.

  "And yes, I realize that often I am far too forward.” He shrugged guiltily. “A fault I developed while living in the Orient. I mean no insult."

  Elizabeth looked into the clear gray of his eyes, the boyish slant of his grin, and could not help softening a little. Being a bit forward was a fault of her own that she'd always recognized, so how could she be so harsh? She flashed him a grin of her own. “Perhaps you should tread more carefully, Your Grace. One day a young lady may take a bite out of your hide."

  Christian threw back his head and laughed deeply, causing a number of people to glance their way.

  The deep sound of his voice, the white slash of his teeth caused her breath to hitch. With an oddly tingling feeling, she looked at his face, gentled by laughter, and sighed. “I sent a card for the flowers. They truly are very lovely. Orchids are my favorite flower, and I still wonder how you knew. Or did you guess, Your Grace?"

  "Christian."

  She nodded solemnly. “All right, Christian.

  "Merely a lucky guess, I suppose. Have you received many flowers from gentlemen of late?"

  Elizabeth looked away from his penetrating gaze. “Not since my coming out several years ago."

  "When you came out with your sister, Charlotte?"

  She gave him a glance. “Yes."

  Christian watched her quietly for several moments. His smoky eyes were soft with what she suspected was compassion. Suddenly, he reached out to lay his hand over hers. He gave them a gentle squeeze. “I am sorry, dearest. Forgive me. I did not mean to make you sad. Come. Let us ride together and enjoy this beautiful da
y."

  For several moments, they rode companionably together, side by side. Approaching around a bend in the trail, Elizabeth saw Lord Stephen Darlington whom she'd briefly met the night before. He was accompanied by an older woman. Lushly built, though petite in stature, the lovely brunette resembled Lord Darlington, and Elizabeth presumed her to be some relation to the handsome earl. Beside her, Christian stiffened, giving the newcomers a cool look. To all appearances, he wasn't pleased to see them, making Elizabeth wonder at their relationship. Hmm.

  "Ah, Lady Elizabeth Grayson. What a pleasure to see you again.” Stephen drew up on his impeccable chestnut gelding and nodded his head graciously. “Haverton."

  "Darlington.” Christian nodded brusquely before turning his attention to the older woman. “Lady Beatrice. You have changed very little over the years."

  The air seemed suddenly chilly as Beatrice turned pale blue eyes in Elizabeth's direction. The quick piercing glance was touched with malevolence as she studied Elizabeth from top to toe and seemed to dismiss her out-of-hand.

  Lord Darlington made quick work of introductions. “Mother,” Stephen said, eyes narrowing, “this is the young lady I spoke of meeting last evening."

  Beatrice suddenly beamed a white smile. “Ah yes. Lady Grayson. I do remember. How delightful to make your acquaintance, my dear. Over the years, everyone wondered where you'd retreated. Such a shame to waste your youth on mourning."

  Elizabeth gasped at her bad manners. “I assure you, madam, my mourning years were not wasted."

  Stephen cut his mother an angry look.

  Beatrice blushed becomingly despite the flash of temper in her eyes. “Please, my dear. I did not mean to offend. It's just that you are so very young. I have been widowed several years now and I feel it's best to continue on. Surely that is why you are in London for the Season?"

  Stephen cleared his throat. “She is in London, I suspect, to enjoy herself. And are you, my lady?"

  Lord Darlington was a very handsome man, Elizabeth noted, and his interest in her seemed deeper than mere casual conversation. In fact, the gazes he sent her made the man seem positively smitten. Beside her, Christian looked like a bit like a thundercloud, and she realized with a shock that he was jealous. Imagine!

  Feeling decidedly naughty, she smiled her most flirtatious smile at Stephen Darlington. Perhaps the handsome Duke could use some competition. If he thought her seeking the attentions of another man, he might give up the fight. Relent.

  "Oh yes! I stay ever so busy with the delights of the Season. Tonight I plan to attend Lord and Lady Howard Smythe's musicale. Do you plan on coming, Lord Darlington?"

  "I am quite sure I shall come sometime this evening."

  Stephen laughed wickedly, and Beatrice gave him a coy smile as if they shared a private joke. Christian scowled at the two, and Elizabeth quickly reached the conclusion that she'd missed something. No matter. Christian's obvious jealousy made her want to laugh.

  Elizabeth beamed a big smile. “Wonderful, my lord. I shall anticipate seeing you there."

  Once Stephen and his mother had ridden away, Christian and Elizabeth resumed their ride. An uncomfortable silence fell between them. The imp inside her was jumping up and down. Christian was positively seething. Good. Let him pursue other, more interested prey. A muscle twitched in his jaw, prompting Elizabeth to lift her chin and stare straight ahead.

  "Tell me, my lady, why you did not inquire whether or not I was attending the musicale?” he snapped at her, causing her head to jerk quickly around.

  "Why should I?

  "Mean little witch. Do you think to make me jealous?"

  Elizabeth felt heat steal over her cheeks. Had she been so transparent? His wicked grin answered that question.

  "Absolutely not, sir! All right then, I shall ask.” Adopting her coolest expression, she met his gaze. “Will you, Your Grace, be attending the musicale at the Smythe home this evening?"

  "Absolutely not,” he drawled. “Musicales bore me to tears."

  Stunned, she jerked around. “No? But I thought—"

  "You thought I should pant after you like a favorite hunting hound, did you? Well, my dear, I never pant after a woman, at least, never in public. Perhaps I should just give up my cause. Allow you to spew your venom at some other poor sod. I need not take your abuse."

  Elizabeth's temper exploded as it often did when deeply angry. The beast! He purposely taunted her, rebuffed her ... embarrassed her! Why, he'd made her look a fool! Snapping the reins of her mount, she vaulted off Hyde's Rotten Row and launched herself down one of the parks many side trails. It was a particularly narrow trail, seldom used, and overgrown with tree limbs and vines.

  No one was about, but she heard Christian call out to her.

  "Stop. Elizabeth, don't."

  "Hah!” she shouted just as a nasty branch seemed to reach out and pluck her from atop her horse. “Damn! Blast!"

  The frightened horse raced off into an empty clearing near the Serpentine River and stopped just as she looked over her shoulder. Christian, red-faced with fury, bore down on her as if he planned to take a switch to her bottom.

  Suddenly, she knew she'd goaded him too far. This was not a man to take lightly. Fear pushing her, Elizabeth turned and ran quickly toward the clearing and her mount.

  She had just reached for the reins when a shot rang out. Majesty reared, hooves flailing in fright, screaming in wild panic. Elizabeth cried out as the hooves came toward her, struck her. Air exploded from her chest as she fell toward the ground and her world went black.

  Five

  "Elizabeth!"

  Electrified with fear, Christian leapt from his mount and raced to where she lay in a crumpled heap. The skirts of her scarlet riding costume spread over the emerald grass like a pool of blood. Dripping like honey through a sieve, time seemed suspended as he knelt over her. All around them voices raised almost surrealistically in alarm.

  Thomas, Elizabeth's groom, had not been far behind. Easily, he captured Majesty, who panted and blew some distance away. Seeing that, Christian reached for Elizabeth's wrist. Checking her pulse, he noted the slow but steady beat. Needing to be certain, he laid his head against her chest.

  Soft. She was so soft and delicate despite her proud manner. Rage and the thirst for revenge battered his blood into a hot frenzy he could not act upon until he was sure she was safe again.

  Acting swiftly under pressure, Christian checked thoroughly for broken bones. Disregarding propriety, he drew his hands down her limbs from thigh to ankle then moved his attentions to her arms and shoulders.

  Air soughed from his lungs as relief struck him. Nothing was broken from what he'd discerned.

  Ignoring the chaos around him, he drew his arm beneath her shoulder blades and lifted her to him. Elizabeth was warm and pliant and thankfully, quite alive. But was she truly all right? Her cocky feathered hat drooped to one side, and Christian untangled the unnecessary bit of frippery and tossed it aside before returning his attention to the woman who lay so still in his arms.

  Suddenly she gasped as air re-entered her lungs. Chest heaving, Elizabeth clutched wildly at him and, gladly, Christian held her more tightly in his arms as relief flowed through him. Squeezing as if to never let her go, he breathed in the fresh, delicate scent of her hair and closed his eyes in silent prayer as she trembled in reaction.

  So close. He had been so close to losing her! He hardly knew her, yet she moved him in ways he didn't understand.

  "Christian,” she panted as she gripped his shoulders. “Umm. What happened?"

  The thready sound of her voice terrified him anew. “Hush, sweeting. Shhh. I have you now. God, you frightened me."

  She trembled in his arms as he crooned soft words against her disheveled hair. “You are fine. You are fine, darling. I've got you now. You are safe.” Christian exhaled a breath as she slowly relaxed against him.

  "My horse. Majesty. How is he?"

  "Shhh, darling, he's fine. Do not speak
. You must regain your breath. I am here, and no one shall harm you, I promise!” Christian felt his heart begin to beat again and felt wonder at the feel of Elizabeth, fragile, docile, and very much alive in his arms.

  For several minutes, he simply held her there in the midst of Hyde Park. Other riders, having heard the shot ring out, began to search the area.

  "Have you spotted him?” Christian called out.

  "Nay."

  "No, Your Grace."

  "Nary a sign of the bounder."

  Though Elizabeth's head remained nestled against his chest, Christian looked up and tried to discern from where the shot might have come. The attack was obviously directed at Elizabeth, so the villain must have been following her, lying in wait to make his move. Across the Serpentine River, he noted immense foliage and a million places for a man to hide.

  Stanhope.

  It could be no other, considering his threats. Black rage rose up to choke Christian, and he knew he'd kill the sod when he found him.

  Calming himself with effort, he gazed at the top of Elizabeth's head, his heart softening at the feel of her tears wetting his shirt. “Poor love,” he murmured. “Come and allow me to see you home."

  Whispering unintelligible words, she continued to cling. Standing, Christian lifted her into his arms, unmindful of those who watched. Elizabeth's shaken groom stood by ready to help.

  Christian mounted his horse and soon Elizabeth was settled on his lap for the short ride to her home. Thomas followed behind leading Majesty. All eyes watched their passing with speculative glances. Gossip would once again follow them, and though it suited his purposes, he had not wanted notice in this fashion. Ignoring the crowds, he frowned. She needed rest and care, and Christian vowed to be the man to see to it, gossips be damned.

  Elizabeth felt woozy but comforted as she rode through the park held comfortably on Christian's lap. Resting her cheek against him, she noted his overt masculinity. His chest was so hard, rigid against her cheek. Big. He was such a large man. She hadn't realized. Sitting atop muscular thighs, she couldn't prevent her woman's fancy from feeling pleasure at being there, safe in his arms.