“A fine way to greet your sire, son.” Father’s mouth flattened into a fine line.
Julian drew a breath, his rattled nerves overtaken by an entirely new sensation. His face warmed, and he clamped his teeth together. Father’s reprimands were beyond tiresome. He still acted as if Julian were a boy in short pants. Damn him. I am a man, a marquess, and deserve to be treated as such.
“Come now, it is a splendid day, and I have not been to a party in ages.” Mother beamed at him. “When Lady Vivian’s invitation arrived, I simply had to accept. Do let us find a comfortable spot to enjoy the merriment.” She slanted a glance at her husband.
“Very well, dear. Join us, son.” Father patted Mothers hand.
“Of course.” As if he had a choice. Julian nodded toward the lime tree he had been standing under. “There is a nice balance of shade and warmth over there.”
“Marvelous. Shall we?” His mother waved her fan.
Julian led his parents over to the sprawling tree with a turkey rug laid upon the grass beneath it. Mother descended in a billow of fine silk skirts, then flipped her fan open. Father sat next to her, his legs stretched out in front of him.
Julian glanced away, hoping for an excuse to escape them if only for a moment. The refreshment tent caught his attention. “Allow me to get you a snack or a drink. You must be parched after your journey.” He smiled at Mother.
She lowered her fan and met his gaze. “A claret-cup would be marvelous, do you not agree, Piers.”
Father glanced at her, then up at Julian. “Yes, do bring me one as well.”
“Two claret-cups it is.” Julian bowed before he turned, taking his leave. A large white tent of fabric was perched on the lawn ahead of him with tables under it. Perhaps if he took his time returning, he could come up with an excuse to leave. Then he could call on Lady Sarah in the morning. He needed to repair the rift between them.
Glancing at the main path leading in from the maze of hedgerows, he sighed. Blast it all anyway, he had no recourse. If Lady Sarah spoke to his parents, she would no doubt tell them the way of things. He squared his shoulders and slowed his walk to the tent a little more. There was but one thing for him to do. He would stay and watch for the lovely minx, and if she came, he would do his best to keep her away from his parents.
Someone clapped his shoulder.
“Luvington, old pal, glad to see you out and about in society.” Julian turned to find Lord Keery grinned at him. “We have missed you at the clubs these past evenings.”
Julian chuckled. “I have had more important things on my mind of late.” He continued toward the tent, and Lord Keery fell into step beside him.
“Such as? Do not tell me,” Lord Keery arched one blond brow, “a lady is to blame.”
“It is always a lady, old friend, but mostly, it is my father’s doing.” Julian stepped into the tent.
“Right, that foolishness about fixing your rakehell reputation. So who is the lucky proper miss?” Lord Keery reached for a glass of claret.
Julian shot him a sideways glance. “Honestly I am rather fond of the chit.” He lifted two glasses for his parents. “Lady Sarah will make a fine wife.”
Lord Keery smirked. “What would our old Oxford pals think?”
Julian elbowed him playfully with this left arm, holding the glasses in his right hand. “If I must have a wife, it will be her. And I am not the first to get saddled.”
Lord Keery nodded toward the hedgerow. “At the least, she is fun to look at.” “Also witty, charming, and spirited.” Julian continued their banter as his gaze followed his old school chum’s. His breath froze in his throat. Lady Sarah entered with the Duchess of Abernathy. Her parents, the Marquess and Marchioness of Havenshire, followed behind. “Keery, I must go.”
“Dare I say it? You are quite smitten with the lady. Is it love?”
“Gads, no. I need a wife and have chosen her. There is nothing more to it.” Julian’s heart fluttered. “Good day, Keery.”
He kept his gaze trained on the new arrivals as he carried the drinks back to his parents. His pulse thumped in his temples as he mentally urged Lady Sarah to move in a different direction. It was just his luck she arrived with the Duchess of Abernathy. Mother would flag them down the moment she took notice.
He handed his parents their glasses of claret.
“Thank you, dear.” Mother patted the mat next to her. “Do sit with us for a spell.” She angled her chin at him, and the corners of her mouth turned up.
Julian never could deny Mother her wishes. He sighed and lowered himself onto the turkey mat next to her. Stretching his legs out in front of him, he crossed his ankles, then glanced back into the crush. Lady Sarah turned toward the Duchess of Abernathy for a moment. They appeared to be talking behind their fans. Had they seen him? His heart sped up. The pair turned away and began moving toward the other side of the clearing and he released his pent-up breath.
Later, after his parents took their leave, Julian would seek Lady Sarah out to make amends, and to make her understand he wanted more than just a convenient wife. Anything else would be unacceptable.
“Tell me the news of yourself and Lady Sarah. Have you made any progress, son?” Father asked.
Mother angled her bonnet-clad head causing her auburn curls to bounce about her cheeks.
Julian closed his eyes for a heartbeat before turning to his father. “All is well. I expect to be wed by your deadline.”
Father pinned him beneath his piercing hazel stare. “Very well. Just remember you will not receive so much as a farthing more if you are not.” Mother’s green eyes glinted. “Julian knows what is expected of him. Please, let us all enjoy this glorious day without talk of such things.” Mother placed her lace-gloved hand upon Father’s.
“Yes, of course, love.” Father stretched his lips into the semblance of a smile. “I am requiring this of you because I care about your future, and the future of the duchy, son. One day, you will come to understand, perhaps even appreciate my reasons.”
Julian held his lips in a tight line and nodded at the patriarch of his family.
“I shall say no more on the matter.” Father patted Mother’s small hand as he glanced out at the open space before them.
“I do hope Lady Sarah will be joining us at some point. I would like to further our acquaintance if she is to become your wife.” Mother glanced at Julian. “I know the Duchess of Abernathy is rather fond of the girl.”
His stomach tightened. In no conceivable way could they meet today. Unless he got to Lay Sarah beforehand and somehow convinced her to play along. He had been honest with Lady Havenshire when he sought her assistance in winning Lady Sarah’s hand. Perchance she would be willing to help.
“Julian.”
“Yes, sorry, Mother. I am afraid my mind wandered a bit.” He reached up and repositioned his hat.
“I asked if Lady Sarah would be in attendance today.”
The muscles in Julian’s chest tightened. “I am not certain, Mother.”
Father cleared his throat. “You ought to know, since you are courting her.”
Julian closed his eyes and exhaled.
“You should have escorted her to the party. With her family, of course.”
He continued to stare out into the crush of lords and ladies refusing to meet Father’s gaze. “Lady Sarah could not commit when I offered my escort. The Havenshire’s had another engagement and were not entirely sure they could make Lady Vivian’s affair.”
Mother reached over to squeeze his hand. “That does explain the matter. All the same, I do hope they make an appearance.”
Julian rubbed his hand across his jaw. He needed to seek out Lady Sarah and her mother before his parents took notice of them. A gentle breeze washed over him, carrying the scent of fresh flowers. Flowers that reminded him of Lady Sarah’s softness. He flexed his feet and glanced at the cerulean sky peaking through the tree’s leaves.
“If you will--”
“Look, P
iers. Over there.” Mother pointed her fan.
Julian glanced in the direction she indicated, and his stomach rolled.
“The Duchess of Abernathy has arrived.”
Lady Sarah strolled next to Her Grace as they headed his way. Julian jumped to his feet, his stomach plummeting.
“Is that your Lady Sarah with Her Grace?” Mother gazed up at him.
“Yes.” Julian cleared his throat. “I must go to her.”
He had to convince her to play along for a bit. And if she refused? He stiffened his posture. There was but one way to find out.
CHAPTER 10
SARAH’S FINGERS curled inside her gloves as Lord Luvington strolled toward her. How dare he continue to ignore her wishes? She had begged him off with good reason. He could not possibly hope to change her mind. Perhaps he wished to apologize. She glanced at Grace. “What do you suppose Lord Luvington is coming over here for?”
Grace studied her. “I suspect I was correct. He cares for you.”
Sarah let a unladylike ‘humph’ escape her lips. “I would never dare believe another word from his mouth. He is just toying with me to keep his finances, and my heart is set on marrying for love.” His plight was unfortunate, but she was no fool. She would not allow him to make a ninny out of her.
“Let him speak his piece before you firm up your mind. No good will come from making rash decisions.”
Her decision was not rash. She had spent the entire night tossing in her bed considering him and his unfortunate situation. In truth, she had grown fond of him. Part of her wanted to give him a chance. But the more level-minded part of her anatomy knew it would be a mistake. The dashing lord could no more be trusted than bludgers could. He would steal her heart and destroy it as fast as they robbed carriages.
“I have no wish to speak further of Lord Luvington.”
“Very well, dear.”
Lord Luvington weaved through the crowd toward them. His gait fast, his mouth a determined line. She could not help but trail her gaze over his form. Her pulse sped up as she did so. Why did he have to affect her in such a delicious way?
He stepped up to her, one of those rakish blush-inducing smirks curving his full lips.
“Your Grace, Lady Sarah.” Lord Luvington bowed. “It is a pleasure running into you.”
“Likewise.” Grace grinned at him.
Sarah tried to calm her hammering heart with a deep breath. She nodded politely. “If you will excuse us, Lord Luvington, we were on our way to the refreshment tent.”
“Allow me to escort you.” He offered his arm, and Grace took it.
Lady Sarah squared her shoulders. “I would rather you did not.” She glanced at Grace, hoping for her support. Sarah had made her privy to what transpired between them. Why would she continue to support his endeavor? She should not be pushing the suit.
“Dear me, this is awkward.” Grace frowned at her. “It is vulgar to be rude, dear.”
Sarah sighed. “My apologies, Lord Luvington.”
Grace was correct, but she also knew perfectly well why Sarah wished to avoid him. Could Grace be in cahoots with him? She did spend a great deal of time defending the lord. No matter, it was not as though Sarah could do anything if she were.
“I am no longer in need of refreshments.” She allowed a smirk. “I will join back with my mother and father. The two of you can go on without me.”
“Very well, but we shall escort you.” Grace leveled a no-nonsense gazed on her.
It seemed he had everyone on his side. Sarah forced a small smile. How had a notorious rake gotten so many respectable ladies to champion his cause? “If you insist.” She turned on her heels and headed toward her parents.
Grace and Lord Luvington kept pace beside her. She snuck a peek at him from the corner of her eye. Why did he refuse to cease his pursuit of her? Perchance he had come to care for her as well. She shook her head, chasing the bird-witted thought away. It was too much to hope for. A rakehell such as himself could never genuinely care for a lady.
“Might you consider a stroll through the garden, Lady Sarah?”
She took note of the uncertainty in his tone, and her chest tightened at the vulnerability. Perhaps a short walk would not hurt. Just long enough for her to properly end this charade. Maybe if she allowed him to speak his piece and then begged him off, it would stick.
“Very well, my lord. But it shall be both short and well-chaperoned.” Heat spread through her cheeks. She must be going mad to have accepted his invitation.
“I am happy to act as chaperone.” Grace released Lord Luvington’s arm. “I will follow behind and keep within a proper distance.”
Sarah stepped up, keeping her gaze averted. She did not wish to see any traces of hope in his eyes. This, her acceptance, was no more than a way to end his courtship once and for all. She wrapped her hand around his arm, and a surge of warmth coursed through her. His muscles tensed under her touch. She needed end this nonsense before she lost the will to walk away.
Lord Luvington led her as they strolled through the maze of hedgerows, neither speaking a word. The warm breeze wrapped around her, only increasing the heat that already spread through her. Her fan threatened to slip palm as she flicked it open. Sarah waved the fan, but its breeze on her face did nothing to cool her.
Perhaps she should begin the conversation? Surely Grace could no longer hear what they said. Sarah did not care if she could, but Lord Luvington may not agree with her assessment. She glanced at him and nibbled her lower lip. His gaze fixated on a point ahead. If he noticed her peeking at him, he gave no sign.
She pushed out a sigh as Lord Luvington lead her toward a stone bench nestled among the lush green hedge.
“Shall we sit for a moment? I wish to explain.” He pressed his arm against her hand then loosened it again.
She looked away. “Very well. Though I cannot imagine what you might say to change things.” She hesitated for a moment, reluctant to release her grip on him before she lowered herself onto the bench. The stone’s cool exterior seeped through her skirts, a welcome contrast to the warmth radiating through her. She rested one hand on her lap and waved her fan with the other.
Lord Luvington positioned himself on the bench a smidgen closer than was proper, angling himself so he faced her. The fresh spring scents of foliage and flowers took on a heady intensity as she stared fixedly at the hedge in front of her. Her face flamed though she could not credit it to the heat of the atmosphere.
She needed to take control of the situation before it swept her away. “Speak your piece and be done with it. I do not wish to linger over long.” He flashed a toe-curling grin just before she glanced away.
“What I said in the park was the truth. Is the truth. But there is more to it than just my need of a respectable wife.”
“Do tell.” She lowered her fan to her lap, its ribbons trailing in the breeze.
“I have come to care for you, admire you, even. You are a fascinating and attractive woman.”
She plucked at her satin skirts as the heat climbed back into her face.
“It is true that I will no longer receive my stipend if I fail to secure a proper society wife. It is the very reason I began looking for one. I shall not deny it, but nor is it the reason I continue to pursue you.” He reached up and brushed a curl that had escaped her bonnet away from her cheek.
His fingers left a tingling trail in their wake, and something inside her began to crumble. She glanced down at the path they had just walked.
“I would like the chance to make this right. Allow me to court you, Lady Sarah. Let us discover if there might be something real between us.”
She glanced at him, unsure how to respond. Her mind screamed no, but her heart and soul begged for him. She wanted to reach out and run her hand across his strong jaw, feel his lips pressed against hers, discover what it felt like to be in his arms.
“Spend the rest of the party in my company, Lady Sarah. Grant me one afternoon to change your mind.
”
A wave of tingles ran down her and congregated in her abdomen at his smile. This was dangerous, and she knew it. And yet…
“One afternoon, after which you will cease this foolishness.”
“If that is your wish, but know it is my desire that you will no longer feel the same way.”
The sincerity in his eyes baffled her. His features were so gentle, his gaze so deep, it was as though he were looking at her very soul. Oh, how she wanted to trust him. Alas, something in the way he had approached her and Grace earlier weighed on her mind. He still withheld information from her.
A grin pulled at her lips in spite of herself. “We will see, but first I want to know why you looked so distraught when you approached me.” She stiffened her spine. “And do not attempt to sell me a falsehood.”
He glanced away, a muscle in his jaw twitching. “I never tried to sell you a falsehood.”
“Then you tried to trick me. One is not very different from the other.” She stood and turned her back to him. “I wish to go back this instant.” She should have known better than to waste her energy granting him an audience.
“Now I have vexed you again, and for that I am truly sorry, but I did tell you the truth of it when you asked me in the park.” He stepped in front of her, standing scandalously close. “And again just now. I have never lied to you, and I will not start at this juncture.”
“Then tell me what else is going on.” She met his gaze in challenge.
“My parents are in attendance and want to become better acquainted with my future wife.”
“I beg of you, watch your words. Someone could overhear. It is not proper.” She exhaled a breath. “Did you tell your parents I agreed to such a thing?” Her hands shook as heat surged through her. He had attempted to use her yet again.
He chuckled. “I only told them I had made my choice and was courting you.” He smirked. “Can you call any of it a lie?”
She sighed. “No, I do not suppose I can.”
“Then you will agree to meet them?”
Hope flashed in his light-green gaze. How could she refuse him? “Very well. But I beg of you to remember our bargain. At the conclusion of Lady Vivian’s party, you will end your courtship of me should I request it of you.”
Dashing Rogues: A Historical Romance Collection Page 38
