Catching the Baron

by Jenn Langston

  Kenneth was in London. Her breath caught as the crowd seemed to move aside, allowing him a clear path to her. Their eyes met, bringing an awareness to her body. His intense gaze didn’t waver from her face when he turned his body toward her, leaving her no doubt as to his destination. Was it anger propelling him to her? Or something else?

  “May I have this dance?” His face offered no hint of his true feelings. Was he happy to see her?

  Unable to voice her assent, she placed her gloved palm on his arm, allowing him to escort her onto the dance floor. When his strong arms encircled her, she almost melted.

  The provocative steps of the dance were intensified by the strong male body pressed against her. She missed more than one step, whether from her lack of skill or the erratic beat of her heart, she didn’t know.

  His embrace drew her in a little closer, forcing her to feel his powerful thighs brushing up against hers. Longing settled in the pit of her stomach and extended outward. Although she needed the dance to stop, she never wanted it to end.

  “How are you enjoying London, Lady Samantha?”

  His raspy voice felt like a caress, but she didn’t care for the accusatory tone he used when saying her name. She didn’t ask for the strange turn her life had taken, nor would she wish to change anything about it. In the country, her life had been simple and easy, but also overshadowed by the desperate need to survive. She didn’t have to worry about that now.

  “Immensely. I find it more to my liking than my previous situation.”

  “Is that the reason why you didn’t retain any of your belongings?”

  She kept her face as expressionless as she could. “The only items of value didn’t belong to me.”

  His grip tightened on her as fury darkened his face. “So you intended to return my gifts? Why?”

  “I am not in the habit of accepting presents for . . .” She lowered her voice. “Favors.” Pain stabbed her in the chest from simply uttering the word.

  A vein on his forehead throbbed as he glared at her with almost black eyes. She didn’t care. Her anger was justifiable.

  When the music stopped, she shot him a smug smile, but he didn’t release her immediately. He took her arm and guided her toward a hallway. She wanted to protest but refused to make a scene. Her grandmother made her position very clear in that respect.

  “Berwick,” Lord Klein said in a smooth voice. “Where are you taking this lovely lady? I believe the next set is mine.”

  Although she didn’t like the possessive way he responded, she welcomed the opportunity to escape Kenneth’s grasp. She couldn’t be alone with him, and over the past weeks, Lord Klein had been nothing but kind to her.

  Seeing the fire in Kenneth’s eyes, she disentangled her arm from his and quickly accepted Lord Klein’s.

  “How silly of me to have forgotten,” she replied, gazing up at Lord Klein the way she’d seen so many of the young girls do. “I had asked Lord Berwick for a . . . walk on the terrace.”

  She’d intended to save Kenneth from having to explain his direction, but judging by the hard set of Lord Klein’s jaw, she hadn’t succeeded.

  “Berwick, I fear you are in need of some direction. Clearly the terrace doors are located on the other end of the ballroom.”

  “I must have made a wrong turn.” Kenneth’s reply came through clenched teeth. “Next time, I’ll request directions from someone who can find their way out of a card room.”

  “You know all about that, don’t you?” Lord Klein tapped his finger against his chin. “Or have they banned you from entering the room entirely?”

  Samantha listened to the exchange with wide eyes. Had these two men gambled against each other and lost? Their hatred for one another crackled in the air. Regardless, she couldn’t allow the argument to go on.

  “Lord Klein, I’m afraid we have missed the majority of our dance.”

  He glanced down at her. “That is all right. If you wish for a walk, I’d be happy to accommodate you. After all, I know which way to go.”

  Without waiting for Kenneth to respond, he turned them around and exited through the door that, as he mentioned, could be nothing but the terrace. Her cheeks heated knowing she inadvertently put Kenneth into an uncomfortable position. In the future, she’d have to be more careful when she spoke.

  The fresh air felt like Heaven compared to the stuffy ballroom. Although her grandmother seemed pleased by the number of guests, Samantha believed there were far too many. Why would anyone want to put up with the hassle of entertaining so many people? Surely it wasn’t an easy feat to ensure your guests were satisfied.

  “I’m sorry you had to hear our discussion in there. Berwick has never been a man who knows how to hold his tongue.”

  Images of how Kenneth used his tongue on her made her shiver. She wished her traitorous body could forget him the way she taught her mind to. Regardless, she couldn’t think of him any longer.

  “Don’t apologize. Clearly you two have a history together.”

  “Yes. The two of us even shared a friendship at one time. However, the baron’s inability to refrain from gambling led to his downfall and the end of our connection.”

  Samantha stifled her surprise. She had no idea Kenneth experienced any trouble in that regard. Her heart ached for him. Too many men suffered from similar afflictions. Luck proved to be an unforgiving mistress.

  “Do you gamble as well?”

  When he didn’t respond immediately, she faced him. His color was high, and he didn’t meet her eyes.

  “Occasionally, but not to my detriment. Some men simply don’t know when to stop.”

  “I’m glad to hear you don’t suffer from such a problem.”

  He cleared his throat. “I hear another set beginning. Would you care to dance?”

  She nodded, and he escorted them back in as he let out a breath.

  He appeared to be a nice fellow, and she appreciated his honesty. However, their discussion gave her something to contemplate. During their dance, she caught sight of her grandmother’s dress shimmering in the light, screaming of luxury. No one could question that she and her grandmother were wealthy. There could be many men out there who wanted to use them exactly like Kenneth had intended.

  From now on she would have to be on her guard. Apparently being the granddaughter of an earl didn’t come without complications.

  Chapter 9

  Rage was insufficient to describe the feelings constantly coursing through Kenneth’s veins since the moment he’d discovered the identity of Lady Laramie’s granddaughter. This new knowledge gave credence to the fact that Samantha was perfect for him, but for some unfathomable reason, she didn’t seem to agree.

  When he first caught sight of her at the ball a fortnight ago, he thought all his problems were solved. Then she’d insulted him and made him appear like a villain to the one man he despised the most. Not only was Klein the reason why Kenneth took up the first set of cards, but the man aided in his ruination. To make matters worse, Klein now sought to steal Samantha away from him. It wasn’t to be borne.

  Seeing them together at event after event made Kenneth want to howl. Did she not see through the façade Klein presented to the world? He clearly wanted Samantha for her dowry. Knowing Lady Laramie, it would be vast.

  Kenneth downed his brandy and signaled for another. The quality of liquor at Ravenhurst far exceeded all the other clubs.

  “Slow down, Kenneth,” Jonathan said, shaking his head. “Nothing is worse than the ache you will suffer tomorrow if you over imbibe.”

  “I’ll worry about tomorrow when it arrives.” Kenneth brushed off the comment, not appreciating being handled like a child.

  “You’ll have to learn to change your thinking,” Richard warned. “At least as long as you remain as a guest with your cousin.”

  Jonathan laughed. “Yes. Catherine doesn’t appreciate me arriving home soused, so she takes special care to make sure I pay the next day. I suppose quiet isn’t in her vocabulary.�
��

  Kenneth shook his head. “And you call that a loving wife?”

  “I know she holds my best interests at heart, and besides, she only makes me suffer on days she specifically requested I come home sober.”

  “It doesn’t matter. Women are terrible.” Kenneth heard the bitterness in his voice, but he couldn’t mask it. “Why do we put ourselves through the pain and suffering? Where is our masculine pride?”

  Both men looked upon him with raised brows. Did they not see it? Had they become so blinded they weren’t aware of how much of themselves had been lost after marriage?

  Jonathan crossed his arms and ran his fingers across his jaw line. “I could be wrong, but I suspect you’re suffering from woman trouble.”

  “You may be onto something,” Richard added. “Excessive alcohol and bitterness sounds like a familiar combination.”

  “How can I be experiencing difficulties with a woman when I don’t have one to speak of?”

  “Every man alive can suffer from the affliction when any lady is in proximity,” Jonathan explained as if he had all the answers.

  The all-knowing response irritated Kenneth. He regretted agreeing to meet the two of them at all. On the verge of leaving, he caught sight of Braiden Everett, Duke of Donetic.

  “Braiden is here. Let’s ask him to join us.” Kenneth hoped to take the focus off himself.

  Richard shook his head. “It doesn’t look as if Braiden would appreciate company tonight.”

  “No,” Jonathan agreed. “I don’t blame him either.”

  “Why?” Kenneth glanced over at Braiden and found him sitting alone with a bottle of brandy on the table. He didn’t look good.

  “Stop stalling and tell us the problem you are having. We can help.” Richard’s voice held nothing but confidence.

  Kenneth sighed. “I’m just ready to marry an heiress, so I can put all this behind me.”

  “Then you are in luck.” Jonathan sat forward, a gleam in his eye. “Catherine is planning a picnic at Hyde Park, and she intends to invite every qualified lady she can find.”

  For once, Kenneth felt gratitude for his cousin’s interference. If luck joined his side, he would be able to marry soon and return to Berwick. He smiled, feeling better than he had in weeks.

  Three days later, however, all good feelings had been forgotten. Catherine’s guest list included two who he wished had been left off. Samantha and Klein had greeted him as if they shared a great friendship. He’d gritted his teeth and pretended to be unperturbed.

  At least the day was fine and the guests abundant. Many couples already strolled about the paths in Hyde Park, but Kenneth remained in the group of ladies. Catherine wanted him to be available for the young heiresses, and he wouldn’t give her any reason to doubt his commitment to finding a wife.

  “It’s a shame the Season ended so swiftly,” Lady Burford lamented. “And now the winter is upon us. I hate the cold.”

  Lady Laramie nodded. “I agree. As my age increases, I find the chilly weather has less appeal. Lately I’ve been keeping my excursions to more tropical climates.”

  “Already working on a theme for your next ball?” Lady Burford leaned forward as if anxious for juicy gossip.

  “Of course, but I’ll never tell.” Lady Laramie then faced Kenneth. “I’m sure our conversation isn’t interesting for one so young. Why don’t you ask Miss Doutree if she’d care for a walk?”

  “Yes.” Lady Burford clasped her hands together. “My daughter has expressed an interest in taking a closer look at those flowers, way in the back.”

  Kenneth turned to the girl who smiled too brightly.

  “I’d be pleased to take you, if you would like.”

  With a nod, Miss Doutree readily accepted his arm.

  As they strolled up the path, she didn’t speak. Kenneth wondered if she was shy, then immediately dismissed the notion. After all, she’d accepted his arm without hesitation.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked, hoping to engage her in conversation.

  She smiled at him and nodded.

  Frustrated, he almost asked her if she could speak, but decided better. “How long have your mother and Lady Laramie been friends?”

  After a long pause, she sighed. “For three Seasons,” her squeaky voice responded. “The two of them are determined to see me wed.”

  They stopped at a bunch of random flowers, and Kenneth noted the girl had as much interest in the foliage as he had. He took the time to study her.

  If a man could get past the high, shrill voice, she wasn’t unattractive. She had a sweet face proclaiming she needed protection. However, her height almost matched his own, and her blond hair burned his eyes when hit with direct sunlight, but not everyone shared his preferences.

  “You don’t sound as if you desire that fate.”

  “I do, but . . . when life doesn’t happen the way you expected, it’s a sign you had it wrong.”

  “What wrong?”

  “Your plan. For example, I expected to marry during my first Season. Then my second. Now, after my third, I’ve realized fate has another plan for me. I don’t know what it is, but it will be great.”

  She gave him a big toothy grin, and he saw more beauty shining from her eyes than he’d originally noticed.

  “You, Miss Doutree, are wise beyond your years.”

  “I know.” She winked. “It irritates my mother.”

  Kenneth laughed as they made their way back to the servants now setting out blankets for the picnic. He wondered why he couldn’t have met this girl first. After Samantha, he was ruined for any other woman.

  Or was he?

  Miss Doutree’s words ran through his mind. Was life not working out for him because fate had other designs? Should he continue to pursue Samantha? Or should he give up on her?

  Samantha resisted the urge to stomp her foot as she watched Kenneth following some girl around like a besotted fool. What spell had the girl put him under? Samantha wanted him to be jealous, not the other way around. And who was the girl? Was she even an heiress?

  “Lady Samantha?” Lord Klein called, earning her attention.

  “Yes, my lord?”

  “You seem out of sorts today. Are you feeling ill?” His words hinted at concern, but his tone indicated the idea of her sick repulsed him.

  She clenched her teeth, but managed to force a smile. “I’m quite well, simply distracted. There is a young lady here I’ve yet to meet, and I’d hoped to learn her name.”

  His face lightened. “Then allow me to help, for I know everyone here.”

  Refraining from rolling her eyes was a difficult feat, but she managed. “You are too kind. She is standing to the left of Lord Berwick.”

  “That is Miss Doutree. Come, I’ll introduce you.”

  “Now?” Her nerves climbed up her throat. They couldn’t simply march up to Kenneth. What would he think?

  “The lady will not mind. I daresay she shall be delighted.”

  As Lord Klein took her across the lawn, she searched her memory, trying to remember if she had in fact met the girl. So many faces floated through her mind, she hoped the girl hadn’t been one of them.

  By the time they stepped in front of her and Kenneth, Samantha’s heart pounded so swiftly, she worried it would fly out of her chest.

  “Miss Doutree, I wonder if I could present Lady Samantha to you.”

  “Thank you, my lord,” Hearing that voice, recognition dawned on Samantha. They had met. “I believe I’ve already been introduced to Lady Laramie’s granddaughter.”

  “Ah.” Lord Klein turned to her, his eyes quizzical.

  “Yes, but you see I’m terrible with names,” Samantha quipped. “I asked Lord Klein for another introduction to save face, but I see I failed.”

  Heat burned her cheeks, reinforcing her words. Could this day get any worse? She loathed that Kenneth had to be privy to her blunder. At least he kept quiet and didn’t attempt to make it worse for her.

  �
�I’m flattered.” Miss Doutree put her hand over her chest, then turned to Kenneth. “Have you had the pleasure of meeting Lord Berwick?”

  “We’ve met,” Kenneth quickly replied, his voice emotionless, but his eyes searched her face as if desperate to ferret out her thoughts.

  “Are you enjoying London? My mother said there isn’t a better place in the world.” Miss Doutree was either unaware or uncaring of Kenneth’s reaction.

  “It’s a lot to take in, but nice,” Samantha answered.

  Awkwardness followed her reply as the conversation didn’t continue. Part of her wanted to remain, simply to be near Kenneth, but she knew she shouldn’t feel that way. She couldn’t forgive him for rejecting her.

  “Please excuse me,” Miss Doutree said. “I see my mother trying to obtain my attention.”

  “Of course. It was wonderful to make your acquaintance again.” Samantha hoped the girl didn’t believe her to be completely daft.

  Miss Doutree nodded with a kind smile, then wandered off in the direction of Lady Burford.

  “Berwick, please excuse us as well,” Lord Klein said, grasping her elbow. “We should greet the others.”

  “Lady Samantha,” Kenneth said before she could leave. “I wondered if you would take a walk with me.”

  Glancing at Lord Klein’s darkened face, she debated denying Kenneth’s request. That would satisfy her, make her feel as if she repaid him for his rejection. But she couldn’t refuse the hopeful expression on his face. Surely one walk wouldn’t hurt.

  She nodded, and placed her hand on his arm, allowing him to take her away from a sputtering Lord Klein. Her body took notice of his every movement. She wanted to lean into him and feel his strength holding her up. But she remained rigid.

  “What did you want to talk to me about?” she asked, unable to wait any longer.