The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series)

by Hilden, L. A.

  Stonehaven appeared oblivious to his wife’s warning stare. “As long as you are aware of her youth, I’m sure this one dance will be acceptable.”

  Paxton held back a laugh at the scowl that appeared on Lady Stonehaven’s face.

  Cole led Cassandra out onto the dance floor and Stonehaven grinned. “That was what she needed,” he informed Paxton. “She was growing tired of watching her sister dance the night away.”

  As Paxton nodded he saw the worried look on the viscountess’s face. Knowing Cole as well as he did, her concern was indeed warranted. In London, the Marquis of Geary’s name would be found at the top of the list of notorious rakes, if such a list existed. Paxton stood for a few more minutes talking to the viscount about some new legislation the House was trying to pass and then excused himself to go check on his sister, the innocent young lady of whom he was in charge.

  “Please bring Lady Lydia over to us when you have a chance, my lord. I would like to meet her,” Lady Stonehaven insisted, and with a nod that promised he would do so, Paxton walked away.

  ***

  After checking on Lydia, Paxton went to stand on the balcony overlooking the extensive garden with its dimly lit pathways and hidden benches. When the music was low, you could hear the drone of crickets.

  “I know her name,” Cole said, making his way toward him.

  Paxton nodded, knowing Cole would purposely stall and make him ask for the information. “And I suppose I must ask what it is?”

  Cole laughed. “It’s Evelyn. Her sister calls her Eve.”

  “By the by, that was a bold move asking her father to part with his precious young jewel for a dance,” Paxton stated, impressed.

  “Of course it was. The young lady liked my boldness. Women tend to like assertive men. Besides, she is far too lovely to sit off to the side while her sister has all the fun. It seems like every man here is lining up to dance with the fair Eve.”

  “And what about the fair Cassandra? I’m sure your dance caused a bit of a stir and now her father will have to fight the randy lads away from her.” Paxton knew Cole was trying to pester him and thought to harass him in turn.

  Cole laughed. “Too true. Five men approached her as soon as we were done dancing. The viscountess shooed them all away.”

  “It’s a shame her one dance had to be spent with you,” Paxton taunted.

  “She was glad to have it so. I suspect she will be thinking about me for years to come.”

  It was Paxton’s turn to laugh. “You may think you ooze charm, but your conceit is vexing.”

  “And yours isn’t?” Cole chided.

  “Only when it suits my purposes.”

  “Yes, well, I’m going for a drink. Do you want one?” Cole asked, turning back toward the double doors.

  “No, thanks.” Paxton watched his friend leave and then decided to go for a walk in the garden. Big parties were not his style. He wished he was at home sitting in his own garden, for although his garden needed work, it was quieter. Bah! He was starting to sound like an old man with his want of tranquility. As he took to the path, he observed the red brick pavers that weaved in and out, connecting to various walkways. He ended up doing a small circle and found himself back where he started. When he approached the balcony stairs, he noticed Lady Evelyn on the balcony with the young Duke of Herrington. Paxton stopped to admire her. The red in her hair caught like flames in the moonlight. Then right before his very eyes, the duke kissed her. Paxton felt his whole body tense. When the man started to deepen the kiss, Paxton couldn’t help the objection that escaped his lips. “Eve!”

  ***

  Eve abruptly pushed the bold man away and slapped him soundly across the face. She didn’t know who called her name, but she was not about to let the Duke of Herrington take advantage of her. “You, sir, are beyond contempt. I wish for you to go!” she hissed through clenched teeth, and she was relieved when the duke shrugged and sauntered back into the ballroom in an arrogant manner. The scoundrel hadn’t even offered her an apology for his boorish behavior.

  Eve wiped her glove across her lips in disgust. Admittedly, she was being flirtatious, but that did not give the duke leave to act beastly. From now on, she had to try to be a better judge of the men who approached her, for it was obvious some took her perfected coquetry as an invitation to wickedness.

  Then the beautiful man she had thought about all night appeared before her.

  “Why are your parents not watching you?” he asked in a hostile manner.

  Eve was taken aback by the sternness in his tone. Was he the one who called my name? Taking in his fierce stance, her back grew rigid and she glared back at him. “And who are you, sir, to claim I need watching?”

  He seemed to realize the extent of her anger for he blanched ever so slightly, and Eve cursed her tongue, for this was certainly not how she wanted their meeting to go. He suddenly relaxed his stance and, with a disarming smile, he bowed. “May I finally introduce myself, Lady Evelyn. I am Paxton Witley, better known as the Earl of Devonhurst. I am sorry to have bellowed your name, but I felt it necessary under the circumstances.”

  Eve calmed and smiled. This was the charming man she remembered. “I was very happy for your intrusion, my lord. The duke was acting most inappropriately, and I thank you for the rescue.”

  “Shall I call him out for you, my lady?” he gallantly offered as he raised her gloved hand to his lips.

  Eve laughed, assuming from his lopsided grin that he was jesting. “That’s very chivalrous of you, my lord, but fortunately, it is not necessary.” And it is illegal. Good gracious, he is handsome. And large.

  “You are awe inspiring, and so perhaps we should excuse the young buck for not being able to control himself around you.”

  Eve was suddenly feeling rebellious. Last night and all day she had envisioned this encounter and thought of what she would say and how she would act, and all for naught. The man was against marriage, after all, and so how was she to make him see the wonderfulness of the married state? She remembered some of her mother’s insightful words: “Shy and innocent doesn’t work to capture all men; some want bold and daring.” Eve looked him over, from his dark-haired head to his polished black boots and then back again. When he smiled at her perusal of him, she easily came to the realization that to catch Lord Devonhurst, bold and daring would be necessary. She tried to hold back a blush at her daring perusal of his figure.

  He appeared to be waiting for her to speak as he watched her curiously, seemingly amused as she admired his perfect form. “My lady, although I enjoy looking at you, I find myself desperately longing to know your thoughts.”

  Eve found a way to phrase those thoughts. “I was wondering, if you find me so awe inspiring, why you seem to have full control of yourself around me?”

  Lord Devonhurst laughed and she fairly preened in satisfaction.

  “You are a delightful surprise,” he said. “I admit that I like your frankness, and so I shall be honest in return.” And then he proceeded to look her over, from her red curls to her shiny-slippered feet, lingering slightly longer on her décolletage, until he finally sought her blue eyes. She fought off the urge to faint at the heady sensations filling her. He even smelled divine.

  “You are a vision of loveliness, and I admit you could tempt a saint, which I am not. However, I am also not a young buck. I am a man-grown. Unlike the young one who kissed you, nothing short of gunfire would have separated my lips from yours.”

  Eve’s insides were melting. On the outside, she purposely wrinkled her nose in amusement. “And how many others have you said such things to?”

  The man appeared perplexed by her question. “I do not recall saying anything of the sort to any other lady,” he assured her. “I told you. I was being honest.”

  Eve’s heart was racing and she felt less steady on her fe
et. Perhaps this is how a lady feels when struck by love. Lord Devonhurst was protective, witty, charming, intelligent, and handsome. He was perfect for her. “And you honestly don’t wish to marry?” she had to ask, an indeed deemed it silly not to with the way she was feeling. She already had her hopes up and did not want to continue down this avenue if the cause was completely hopeless.

  Paxton grinned at her and her heart leapt. Evidently, he too remembered the conversation they shared at the theater. “I honestly don’t.”

  “Well then, Lord Devonhurst, perhaps you have met your match. For I am going to change your mind,” Eve stated boldly while placing a gloved hand upon his chest. Her mother claimed men had difficulties when dealing with their true feelings and Eve refused to believe this man felt nothing for her. She had never acted in such an obvious manner in her life, but when he was near, she couldn’t seem to stop herself. He appeared pleased by her challenge.

  ***

  Paxton laughed at her boldness, but he groaned inwardly at Lady Evelyn’s seductive gaze. He could feel himself moved by desire, and he knew, if anyone could get him to marry, it would be this vixen with her mesmerizing blue eyes and adorable splatter of freckles across her nose. “You are welcome to try, my lady. But since we are being so honest, I feel it necessary to warn you that I am a hopeless case. You should not waste your time with me when you have the crème of Society’s eligible bachelors clamoring for your attentions.”

  The breathtaking lady before him then smiled and said, “I do not plan to fail, my lord. But then, since we are speaking candidly, I should likely tell you that I do not plan to waste my Season hovering around you and simpering for your attentions. I plan to allow gobs of men to court me.” She then turned toward the door. “Perhaps you would care to dance?”

  Paxton thought back to what Cole said earlier about getting in on the game. Aside from Lydia and his mother, no woman had ever asked him to dance. As protocol insisted, gentlemen did the asking. This woman is mad. He smiled as she waited for his answer, her blue eyes simmering in challenge. “Let the game begin,” he said, coming forward to take her arm. She gave him that bewitching smile when he accepted the dance, and he knew she most likely believed he had accepted her challenge of changing his mind about marriage, which she had no hope of achieving. But he did intend to have some fun. He couldn’t seem to stop himself from wanting to accept this challenge when Lady Evelyn Manning was his opponent.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Paxton spun Evelyn around in a smooth circle and drew her into his arms for the dance. Eve laughed at the dramatic gesture but then was caught by the intense gaze of his deep brown eyes. As Eve followed the rhythmic moves of his well-muscled body, she realized he was the very reason she came to London. They were perfect for each other. Affinity was the word that came to mind. Now she only had to convince the stubborn earl and show him how right they were together. A difficult task, definitely, but she was ready for the challenge. A little voice inside her head was saying she should slow down, that they had just met and moreover he was throwing obstacles at her; but she ignored the irritating little voice and continued on her merry way.

  ***

  Paxton was sensing how determined this lady in his arms was to make her dreams a reality, to make him her husband. Although their bodies didn’t touch, he could feel the curves of Evelyn’s body as they swayed to the music. She was achingly beautiful and her body moved gracefully over the parquet floor. Her dress sparkled like a million diamonds under the chandeliers. She was a vision to behold. Why did she set her sights on me? He always tried to steer clear of her kind, those hell-bent on achieving a husband, but their encounter at the theater had created some kind of bond, a friendship of sorts. But this woman isn’t looking for a friend. She is looking for a husband.

  Just when he had finally thought his life was in control, she comes along and threatens to destroy that control with a seductive glance. If only she wasn’t after marriage, he would happily comply with any other desire she possessed. She had ultimately challenged him, however, and he could refuse a challenge. He actually felt bad that this was a battle she would lose. At least she was still going to allow others to court her, which was a relief to his conscience but irked him too. Why did she have to tell me this?

  In spite of the fact that it was proper to stare at one’s dance partner, he felt she was trying to read his thoughts and so their stare became uncomfortable for him. He decided to make some polite conversation. “I have met your family. Your parents appear to be very proud of their daughters.”

  She seemed a bit surprised by this news. “Were you already asking my father for my hand?” she asked in faux innocence, a hint of a teasing smile on her face.

  Paxton laughed. “No, my sweet. I think it best if you forgo the marriage idea when it comes to me, as I have noted more than once now.”

  The young lady didn’t falter. “Anything worth having is worth some work.” She glanced over at someone watching them. “Do you know that man observing us with such scrutiny?”

  Paxton looked in the direction she indicated. “Yes, he’s a friend of mine. His name is Cole Stanton, the Marquis of Geary. He’s probably wondering why in the world I am on the dance floor. He’s a good man and friend, but I advise you to avoid dancing with him. He doesn’t think twice about seducing innocents. He likely stares because the dance floor is a place I’m rarely seen. If you look around, I’m sure you will notice we are the talk of the ball. It’s not often I am caught dancing with someone who is, shall we say, looking for a husband.”

  “And what of you, my lord? From what I have heard, your reputation is not exactly pristine. This could be the reason for their stares.”

  Paxton smiled down into her upturned face. He enjoyed her frankness even if she was insulting him. “One thing you should keep in mind while you’re in London, Lady Evelyn. Don’t believe everything you hear.”

  “Are you saying my information is false?”

  “I’m unaware of the information you’ve obtained, but I know I can safely respond with yes and no.”

  Eve must have realized she wasn’t going to receive a clearer answer because she nodded in acquiesce.

  “Is the count a friend of yours?” Paxton couldn’t help wanting to know what her relationship was with the Frenchman. It seemed unlikely that she would commit treason for someone she didn’t know. Besides, she was English, and she wasn’t in crisis and needing to sail her country down the river Styx. According to Cole, the Stonehaven’s finances were in fine shape.

  “Why would you assume him to be?”

  Paxton thought she was skating around the question, which made him suspicious. But he also realized how much she liked to manipulate his thinking. “You walked in together.”

  Eve grinned. “Yes, we did, didn’t we? Well, he was at a party we were attending earlier, and since he was coming here anyway, he decided to follow us. Since he is from France, I assume he was unsure of the location. My family seems to think he is smitten with me.” He saw the color rising in her cheeks. She glanced at the count, who smiled and nodded in her direction.

  Paxton was unsure if she was being truthful for he was quickly becoming aware at how clever she could be. “Is he an immigrant who fled during the Reign of Terror?” He already knew the answer, but he was curious as to how well she knew the man. Most Frenchmen now living in England had moved here when their homeland was being torn apart by the revolution in 1794. In Paris alone more than thirteen hundred victims lost their heads to the guillotine in a six week span.

  “No. I was told he is taking a long holiday.” She seemed to find his interest in one of her suitor’s intriguing. Smiling a seductress’s smile, she reached up and pulled her fingers through one of his dark curls and sighed heavenly. His body tightened in response and the delicate scent of her perfume filled his head.

  “Are you trying to gain the attentio
n of every person in this room?”

  He looked around at the surrounding people, noticing a few women speaking behind their fans and a couple of men elbowing each other with knowing jabs. Since she was new to London, it was obvious that Lady Evelyn wasn’t used to having her every move watched so closely. But all of her embarrassment appeared to fade when she looked back at him. “No. Just yours.”

  “Then allow me to assure you that you have my full attention. Acts like that are likely to gain you trouble.” The lady sighed and Paxton groaned inwardly. The woman had no idea of the effect she had on men, himself included. Her sigh brought erotic images to mind: Eve’s body writhing beneath him as he pounded into her, listening to her cries of ecstasy as he brought them both to fulfillment. She was too innocent to be so open about her thoughts and feelings. Someone definitely needed to bring this young lady into line.

  Lady Evelyn appeared not to have realized her sigh was audible, and she shrugged. The song was going to end soon and already he was upset by the knowledge that he was going to have to let her go. He would walk her back to her family and their encounter would be over. The thought was not a happy one.

  “What are you thinking?” he had to ask. He fleetingly wondered if he enjoyed the torture and challenge of trying to keep his manhood under control.

  “It’s more like hoping. I was hoping they would continue playing this song so we could continue dancing all evening.”

  Paxton could think of something he wished they could do all evening, and it wasn’t dancing. Her comment did show her innocence, and he suddenly felt more drawn to her than ever. He knew he had to control his lust before it became embarrassingly noticeable. “Do you speak French?”

  She gave him a perplexed look. “Yes, of course I do. Why do you ask?”

  The promise he gave Cole kept him quiet about his concern regarding the count. Besides, he knew it was a stupid question. In all probability, ninety-percent of the educated ladies in England spoke French, including his sister. Now he had to come up with a reason for his bizarre inquiry. “I’m curious. Ever travel there?”