The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series)

by Hilden, L. A.

  She wrinkled her lightly freckled nose in the most adorable manner. “No. It hasn’t been exactly peaceful there.” She paused as if contemplating something. “Are you testing my education, my lord, for I can promise you it is more than adequate. I would make you a wonderful wife.”

  A test? Now what was he to say? Was she always this sure of herself? Hadn’t a man ever told her no before she encountered him? Of course not. Who was he kidding? She probably had suitors lining up at her family’s London residence daily. He already noticed men waiting by her father for a chance to dance with her. “I’m sure you would. That is, if I wanted a wife, which as you know, I do not.”

  The music ended, but she seemed reluctant to let him go, a fact that thrilled him to no end, although he knew it shouldn’t. When he was near her, he seemed to fight a constant battle with himself.

  “Would you mind escorting me onto the balcony for some air?” she asked, her tone and demeanor all innocence.

  Paxton knew he could not handle being around her much longer. She stirred his loins and played with his mind like no other woman he’d ever met. Assuredly, other women had made strong overtures toward him, but he hadn’t felt drawn to them as he was to Lady Evelyn. On top of these reasons for needing to leave her side, they had drawn enough attention to themselves for one evening. A trip to the balcony was out of the question. “I think it would be best if I returned you to your family.” Paxton escorted her to her father, bowed, and smartly took his leave. He congratulated himself for doing the right thing in regard to an innocent miss.

  ***

  Eve stared helplessly at the Earl of Devonhurst’s retreating back.

  “I thought I told you to stay away from him,” her mother scolded quietly while keeping a smile on her face for the onlookers.

  Eve was angry at Paxton’s speedy dismissal. Once he was no longer in view, she looked at her mother. “It would have been rude to refuse a dance, Mother. After all, Lord Devonhurst did save me from being crushed by the theater crowd.” She wasn’t about to tell her mother that she had asked him to dance. Such things were not done.

  “Yes, of course, dear. I understand. It seems that, once you two were on the dance floor, the volume of voices increased tenfold. People do like to gossip. You would do well to endeavor not to be the name on everyone’s lips.” Thankfully her mother was pulled aside by Cassandra who needed her escort to retrieve some punch.

  Eve declined dances for the rest of the evening, claiming she was tired. She sat on a nearby chair next to her father, who was conversing with another older gentleman. She looked up as a shadow fell over her. “Hello, Count Vernon.”

  “Would you care to dance, Mademoiselle Evelyn?” Henri held out his arm.

  Eve was still bothered by Paxton and only noticed the count’s gesture when he pulled his arm back. She tried to smile, but it was a bad effort. “Merci, mais non.” She switched back to English. “I’m afraid I’m fatigued.”

  “Yes, the hour does grow late. Perhaps I could persuade your father to allow me to escort you home.”

  Eve was stunned by such an insolent comment. “That would be most improper, sir. My parents would never allow me to ride with you without a chaperone.”

  Henri nodded. “Nor should they, my dear. I thought Lady Cassandra could join us.”

  Eve felt silly for thinking him so crass. Looking up into his light brown eyes, she smiled. “That is a fine idea. Thank you.”

  “I’m going to say goodbye to a few friends and then I will retrieve your cloaks for you.”

  When Madeline and Cassandra returned, Evelyn asked permission to be driven home, along with Cassandra, by the count. Her mother agreed, claiming her father was also tired, and saying they would follow behind them.

  Eve was talking to her mother about plans for tomorrow when the Earl of Devonhurst walked up with a young lady on his arm. “Lady Stonehaven, may I introduce my sister, Lady Lydia. Lydia, Lady Stonehaven and her daughters, Lady Evelyn and Lady Cassandra.”

  “It’s nice to meet all of you.” Lydia curtsied and Eve and Cassie curtsied in return.

  “I’m glad for this introduction, Lady Lydia. I had asked your brother to bring you over for I wished to meet you. I’ve heard much about you,” Lady Stonehaven said.

  “My mother hears everything that goes on in London from her friend Lady Spritewater,” Eve stated by way of explanation. She was so thrilled that Paxton was back beside her that she had a difficult time holding back her giddiness. He stood between her and his sister. She could see the resemblance between sister and brother, the same hair color and defined cheekbones.

  Lady Lydia nodded. “I don’t believe I know her, but I hope she told you good things about me.”

  “Oh, nothing but the kindest words ever leave her lips,” Mother assured her.

  “Lady Spritewater is a very nice woman. She never says a negative word about anyone.” Eve thought she should elaborate further, not wishing Lady Lydia to think they were saying unkind things about her. “Besides, I’m sure you are not one to cause gossip.”

  Lydia laughed uneasily as if she wasn’t sure such a trend would last. “Let’s hope it stays that way.”

  “It better,” Paxton said solemnly.

  “That should work both ways, my lord.” Eve smiled at him.

  “Are you ready to go, Lady Evelyn?” Count Vernon returned carrying Eve and Cassie’s cloaks over his arm. Drat the man! If Devonhurst was going to stay by her side, fatigue be hanged. She’d stay until the sun came up.

  “Oh…um, yes.” Eve hesitated, allowing the count to drape her cloak around her. It seemed she was to leave when she suddenly didn’t wish to. She fastened the broach around her throat, looking up at Paxton’s princely features, hoping he’d somehow delay her departure. But he was glaring at her. She pasted on a smile for everyone’s benefit, perplexed by his rude stare. What is wrong with the man now? “It was nice to have met you, Lady Lydia. Perhaps you will call on us for tea sometime?”

  “That’s a wonderful idea,” Mother agreed, reaching in her handbag to retrieve a card with their address to give to Lydia. Eve wondered why her mother was taking such an interest in Paxton’s sister but assumed it was because her mother felt Lady Lydia was too young to be in these environs.

  “I would like that, thank you.” Lady Lydia smiled graciously.

  “We will bid you all a good evening,” Paxton said stiffly as he escorted his sister away.

  ***

  “What’s wrong?” Lydia asked, loosening Paxton’s grip on her arm. He had informed her they were leaving.

  “I’m tired.”

  “I don’t believe you. You’re never tired. It’s Lady Evelyn, isn’t it? She’s the one you were waiting for earlier. I saw the two of you dancing. Everyone kept speculating as to why the Earl of Devonhurst would suddenly take part in dancing. A love interest perhaps?” Paxton scowled at her. “I didn’t say it.” Lydia let him help her with her cloak and they walked out into the starry night to their awaiting carriage. After they were seated inside, Paxton rapped on the roof to signal the driver.

  “Lady Evelyn’s not too young and she has a look of intelligence about her,” Lydia informed him. “She stood up to you, which means I like her. Plus she’s quite pretty, which I’m sure you noticed.”

  “I’ve noticed,” Paxton replied with a sneer.

  “I don’t see why you’re upset. So you like her. She seems to like you too. Of course it goes without saying that she will want marriage. Is that what’s bothering you?” Lydia waited for a response, but Paxton quietly looked out the carriage window at the passing houses. He didn’t wish to think about marriage.

  “You don’t have to answer. I know that’s the reason you’re agitated. I can’t believe you fear women to such an extent that you refuse to marry. I never imagined you were such a coward. Now
if you ask me, you are in need of an heir and…”

  “I didn’t ask you. I’m not afraid of women. And I’ve never been a coward,” Paxton said heatedly.

  “Well no, but let us pretend you did ask me. I would tell you that you and Lady Evelyn seem like a suitable match.”

  Paxton couldn’t take much more of his sister’s praising of Eve. It was already proving impossible to remove the woman from his thoughts. How dare Evelyn let that villainous French count take her home? And here he had thought to offer to escort her home. The situation had him wondering about her relationship with the count again. Lydia was still talking when Paxton came out of his reverie. “Speaking of suitable matches, was anyone able to hold your interest this evening?” he asked, reminding himself that his sister’s future match was his main focus this Season.

  “Lord Ashton asked me to dance a few too many times according to Society’s rules. He is such a nice man.”

  “Yes, too bad he cares nothing for your reputation. I do hope you only danced with him the appropriate number of times.” Paxton knew Lord Ashton had an insatiable appetite for women and that he was also known to frequent brothels nightly. He didn’t need the man hovering around his sister.

  “Yes, and we went for punch and then walked in the garden.”

  Paxton felt his body tense as anger swept over him. “You are not allowed to walk in gardens, Lydia! Devil’s teeth! You know better than to behave in such a scandalous manner, to act without regard for your reputation. You will not walk in a garden again. Is this understood?” Although he knew in his heart that Lydia would do whatever she pleased, the thought of some man pawing her in the garden did not sit well with him.

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake! You want me to marry, and yet you don’t want me to become better acquainted with anyone. And stop looking at me like that. Cole happened to be on the balcony and he felt it was his duty to chaperone the walk. So I do know better.”

  “Good man.” Paxton made a mental note to thank his friend the next time he saw him.

  “Of course you give him praise. The Marquis of Geary had a lady on each arm.”

  Paxton knew exactly when that moment was. “Please don’t walk in gardens, or anyplace for that matter, without an escort.” This was something his mother needed to tell her, not him.

  Lydia didn’t respond.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Evelyn stood in front of the traveling carriage hugging her sister. “I wish you weren’t leaving.”

  “It’s best I go. Besides, Victoria and I always have a splendid time. I will share our adventures with you as long as you promise to share yours.”

  “I will, but you better not be too adventurous.”

  “You either.” Cassie continued embracing Eve. “I saw you with the Earl of Devonhurst last night,” she whispered. “It is obvious you’re smitten with him.”

  “I’m afraid I cannot help it.” Eve looked at their mother and father saying their goodbyes on the steps. “Do you think Mother noticed?”

  “I’m not sure. The buzz around the room was that an innocent had finally lured the rapscallion earl. The consensus according to the ton is that the Earl of Devonhurst will seduce you and leave you ruined. Not that it matters what the gossips say, since you’d never allow such a thing.” The girls stopped hugging. “I assume that the next time I will see you you’ll be an engaged woman. Pick wisely, my dear sister.” Cassie climbed the metal steps into the carriage.

  “She is ready, Father,” Eve hollered to her parents. She watched her father release her mother then make his way to the carriage to embrace her. He was escorting Cassie to Victoria’s and from there he would be stopping by the Stonehaven estate before returning to London, which would take him at least a week’s time.

  “I’ll see you soon, sweetheart. Take care of your mother, and don’t marry until I return,” he said in jest.

  “I wouldn’t dream of it, Father.” As the carriage pulled away, Eve and Madeline waved from the steps.

  ***

  It was afternoon when Eve descended the stairs ready for her outing in the park. Since her appearance in society, the hall had been filled with so many gentlemen callers that her mother had to hire extra servants to direct traffic. However, today, the hall was empty, for Eve had an engagement with Lord Bakersfield. She had on a new dark green riding habit embroidered with black at the cuffs. Her red hair was curled and styled on top of her head, and a small riding hat of black beaver adorned with gold tassels and a green ostrich feather rested jauntily off to the side. Her black half-boots and York black gloves finished off the ensemble. Coming to the bottom of the stairs, she could hear her mother talking to Lord Bakersfield in the parlor. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting long, my lord.” Eve smiled a greeting as she entered the cheerful room.

  Brandon stood up from the sofa, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. “Not at all. I was having a pleasant conversation with your mother. You look exquisite. Shall we go?”

  “Yes, I think so.” Brandon led her outside while her mother watched from the doorway as they mounted the waiting horses.

  “Her name is Serenity,” Brandon said, indicating the gray mare. “My father named her that due to her disposition. I thought the two of you would get along well.”

  Eve looked at the sleek lines of the mare with the white star on its nose. Although she didn’t know much about horses, she could tell it was a fine mount. “She’s beautiful.” Eve patted the horse’s nose, and then Brandon helped her into the saddle. It felt odd to have a stranger’s hands around her waist. She learned that Brandon was stronger than he appeared. He dismissed the groom who waited with the horses and told the man to return in a couple of hours. He easily swung himself onto his own champion mount, and then they made their way to Hyde Park.

  They were greeted by many acquaintances, and after riding for an hour, Brandon helped Eve to the ground. She took his arm and they went to sit next to the Serpentine, beneath a large willow. The park was full of people, mostly members of the ton, but one could also observe lovers out for a stroll, mothers and governesses watching children play, and many people sitting alone reading and enjoying the nice weather. A slight breeze was in the air, gently stirring the leaves overhead. It was quite entertaining to watch the people going by with their fancy attire and their often too-curious looks. The branches of the willow swayed beside them, while street vendors could be heard hawking their wares. Children were laughing and running about. Yes, it was a very pleasant afternoon, Eve thought.

  After laying out a saddle blanket, Brandon dismissed himself for a moment. Eve watched as he approached a couple of the local vendors. He returned with a bouquet of wild flowers and two warm sweet rolls.

  “Your mother told me you are a lover of flowers.”

  “Yes, I am, and these are lovely. Thank you.” Eve examined the colorful blossoms and then laid them next to her. “It makes me wonder what else my mother told you.”

  Brandon laughed as he sat down next to her and handed her a roll. The smell of cinnamon wafted through the air and Eve sighed with contentment. An outing with Brandon had been a good idea.

  ***

  Paxton sat at his desk, grateful that the ledger he was going over was accurate. His last solicitor had not been an honest man, which is why he double-checked every expenditure that came across his desk. He swiveled his chair around to gaze outside the study window overlooking the park. The sight before him surprised him so much that he shut his eyes and reopened them to make sure he wasn’t imagining things. No, Lady Evelyn was still there, sitting under a tree and laughing at something her companion was saying as she pulled a piece of sticky dough from a sweet roll. Her green riding habit clung to her closely, revealing the outline of her sensuous curves, which sent a jolt of lust roaring through his body. She licked delicately at her sticky fingers, and he immediately grew hard. She
laughed again as she took the handkerchief the young man offered her. Why was this woman suddenly everywhere he turned? And who was she with? It wasn’t the count, but then he had heard through various circles that men lined up at her house on a daily basis. Lady Evelyn Manning was taking London by storm and making half the men in London mad for her.

  Does she know she’s sitting in front of my house? Should I enlighten her?

  She seemed to be enjoying herself, and he noted how the young man’s eyes never left her face. It was obvious the gentleman was enamored by her. Paxton refused to admit that she had the same effect on him as well.

  “Lydia!” Paxton shouted as he got up from his desk and walked into the hall. The butler came in as fast as his feeble legs would carry him. “James, have you seen my sister?”

  James nodded. “Yes, my lord. She said she was going to have tea with your cousin, the Duchess of Arlington.”

  “Did she take that large beast she calls a dog with her?”

  James, always stoic, showed no sign that his employer’s request was odd. The staff was well aware the earl did not like the animal. “No, my lord. I believe Brigs is in Lady Lydia’s room.”

  “Then have him fetched for me and see that he is put on a leash.”

  “Right away.” James left to take care of the task, and not five minutes later Paxton was handed the leash attached to the excited Great Dane, the beast panting and lunging toward the door, anxious for his walk. Paxton never went anywhere near the dog, and he cursed as his arm was nearly jerked out of its socket. “You better open the door, James, before this dog decides to rip my arm off.”

  James quickly opened the door and watched helplessly as his employer was yanked through the entranceway.

  Frustrated and not wanting Lady Evelyn to see him with the uncontrollable mongrel, Paxton yanked back on the leash, bringing the dog to a choking stop. “If we’re going to do this, we will do it my way.” Paxton wrapped the leash around his hand a few times so as to give Brigs less slack to run. “Now,” he got next to the dog, and said, “come.”