Sarah released his arm and grinned at her betrothed.
“I am glad to see you in attendance, Lord Shillington.” His mouth flattened, before he looked at Sarah. “It is a bit stifling in here. Would you care to take a turn around the veranda?” His smirk wreaked its usual havoc on her insides.
“Indeed I would.” She moved to his side, taking the arm he held out for her. “If you will excuse us, Lord Shillington.”
“Yes, of course. Enjoy the rest of the evening, Lady Sarah. Lord Luvington.” He turned in a flurry of finery before disappearing into the crush.
“Nice fellow, but he always seems to take you away from me at social events.” Lord Luvington led her out onto the marble and stone veranda.
“Do I detect a bit of jealousy?”
“Never that, my pet.” He chuckled. “It was merely an observation. You are welcome to keep company with whomever you choose.”
“I should expect so, considering our arrangement.” Sarah gazed up at the dark sky. A heavy moon cut through the blackness of the night and a handful of stars twinkled around it.
“Do you see the cluster there to the left of the moon?” He pointed at the night sky.
Sarah smiled at him before looking in the direction he indicated. “Centaurus the centaur?”
“Yes. Did you know it is named after Chiron in Greek mythology?”
“Indeed I did. I have been studying the constellations. They are fascinating.” She stepped closer to the veranda rail and placed her hands upon it. The coolness of the stone seeped through her gloves as the warm night air wrapped around her like a well worn blanket. “One of the front feet is Agena. If I am not mistaken, it is the tenth brightest star in the night sky.”
He rested his hand upon hers. “It appears you know your constellations well.”
Sarah angled her head to gaze into his light green eyes. “Oh, but there is so much more to learn about the night sky, I have only just begun my study.”
“Then I shall ensure you continue the endeavor. Once you are my wife, you will have access to all of the tools you wish. Both the necessary and the frivolous.” He cupped her cheek. “You need only ask and I will give you the world.”
A shiver that had nothing to do with the night raced through her. She sighed. “We should return to the ballroom.”
He lowered his hand. “As you wish, my pet.”
After he led her back inside, he swept her onto the dance floor as the quartet began a waltz. She settled into his hold, allowing him to lead her about the marble floor. All around them couples danced, but she noticed none of them. Her whole world at that moment consisted of herself and Lord Luvington.
“Have you chosen your bridesmaids?” He gazed down at her.
“I plan to ask the Duchess of Abernathy and Lady Jane. Who will stand with you?”
He twirled her around. “Lord Keery will be my best man.”
“Is he to be the only one standing with you?”
“No, I intend to speak with Lord Roseington. We may not be old chums, but we do frequent the same circles, and he is your brother after all.”
She beamed up at him. “Tony will be happy to oblige, I am certain of it.”
He pulled her scandalously close then whispered in her ear. “And, will you be happy to oblige after the ceremony, my pet?”
Her cheeks blazed. She drew back a little to look up at him in consideration. “We shall see.”
He chuckled as he twirled her once again before guiding her off of the dance floor.
SARAH’S FEET ached from dancing into the early morning hours. She dropped onto her feather bed and kicked her slippers off. The mattress beneath her cradled her aching back and legs. She rolled her head to the side and gazed at the fire burning in her hearth. Would her new room at Lord Luvington’s be as comfortable as this?
And, will you be happy to oblige after the ceremony, my pet? A tingle coursed through her and culminated in her core at the memory of his words. If the kiss they had shared was any indication, he would be a tender lover, and she would be happy to oblige. In two short days, she would find out.
Sarah sat up as Greta entered her room. Greta could not relieve her of the constricting ball gown quickly enough. Getting out of her corset would be heaven. She stood up and turned her back to Greta.
“How was the ball, my lady?” Greta began unfastening the gown.
“Marvelous. I danced so much my feet ache, and Lady Jane and the Duchess of Abernathy both agreed to be in the wedding.”
“Marvelous news indeed.” Greta slipped Sarah’s gown off and set it aside.
Sarah let out a sigh as Greta loosened her corset before removing the constricting garment. “It is hard to believe we will be moved into Lord Luvington’s estate in two days’ time. Thank you for agreeing to remain with me.” She turned and Greta slipped her petticoats off, leaving her in just her shift.
“I am honored to go, my lady.” Greta’s cheeks dimpled.
“You have been with me for so long. I cannot imagine having anyone else as my lady’s maid.”
She pulled back the satin and lace duvet on Sarah’s bed. “I shall stay on as long as you wish it.”
Sarah crawled into bed and pulled her covers to her chest.
When Greta left, Sarah reached over and extinguished her lamp, then settled back against her pillows. The next several days promised to be tiring, and she was already exhausted. She rolled onto her side and shoved one hand under her pillow. Her eyes slid closed.
Like a veil having been lifted, light infiltrated her closed eyelids, and she opened them. “Mother, why are you not in bed?”
Mother moved to the side of Sarah’s bed. She placed her lamp on the night table and sat down. “We did not have much opportunity to speak this evening. I wanted to see how you fared, my darling.”
Sarah propped herself up on her elbows. “All is well. I would call the evening a great success, would you disagree?”
Mother beamed at her. “Indeed it was. You and Lord Luvington make a smashing pair. You are the talk of London.”
“I suppose that could not have been avoided. We will be splashed all across the society pages for the next several days, no doubt.” Sarah dropped back onto her pillow. “I do not even want to think about the gossip rags.”
“The gossip is a good thing, darling. You have made a very advantageous match. Your father and I are quite pleased.”
“As am I, Mother. I simply am not fond of being on everyone’s tongues. It makes me uncomfortable.” Sarah yawned and stretched.
“You never have enjoyed being in the spotlight.” She patted Sarah’s shoulder. “Sleep, my darling. There is much to do on the morrow.” She bent down and kissed Sarah’s forehead.
“And you as well.” She smiled as Mother rose from the bed and collected her lamp.
“Mother.”
She turned at the door. “Yes?”
“Thank you for not allowing me to cast Lord Luvington aside.”
Mother smiled before taking her leave.
CHAPTER 15
JULIAN STARED at Lord Keery from across a table at White’s. He took a drink, allowing the amber liquid to burn his throat. “Are you going to tell me why you summoned me here?” He set the snifter down with a clank.
Keery lifted his brows. “You honestly do not know. I could not let you run off and get shackled without treating you to one more night of fun.” He chuckled.
A smirk tugged at Julian’s mouth. “I appreciate the gesture, old pal, but I am not interested. Enjoy your evening.” He set the empty snifter down and stood to leave.
“Come now, Luvington, sit back down. If you do not wish to visit our normal haunts, we can stay here.” Keery signaled for another round.
Julian sighed as he retook his chair, resting both elbows on the table before him. How strange, he did not want to go carousing. Merely a week ago his answer would have been much different. Now he could not fathom the idea of holding, caressing another woman. “I suppose one m
ore drink will not hurt.”
Keery nodded. “It seldom does, old pal.”
A waiter approached and set two more snifters of whiskey on the table. Keery scooted one closer to Julian. “Cheers.”
“Cheers.” He lifted his amber-filled snifter and tapped it against Keery’s with a ting.
“Do you care to place a bet tonight? I have not visited the betting book in a fortnight.” Keery said. “Perhaps a wager on when your heir will be born?”
Julian shook his head. “Just enjoy your drink, Keery, and put my heirs out of your mind.”
“Very well, then tell me why you chose Lady Sarah.” Keery took a long sip of the amber liquid filling his snifter.
Julian’s pulse sped up at the mention of her name. He imagined holding her, kissing her. Her supple body crushed against his. The woman had clearly gotten into his blood. He lifted his whiskey for another sip but stopped midway.
“I chose her because she is the only respectable lady in London to catch my eye. I am marrying her because I cannot imagine spending my life with any other woman.” Julian took a drink. He loved her. Why had it taken him so long to accept it?
“Forgive me, but I am certain I have heard similar words spoken from your mouth in the past. What makes Lady Sarah different?” Keery signaled for another round. “Need I mention Lady Claudia?”
Julian leaned toward his friend. “Lady Claudia was nothing more than a green lad’s fancy, and I do not wish to discuss the past.” He lifted his fresh snifter of whiskey and downed it before slamming the reciprocal onto the table.
Keery smirked. “I am only attempting to look out for you.”
“You need not trouble yourself. I know what I am doing.” Julian pushed his chair back and stood. The room swayed, causing him to widen his stance in an attempt to keep his balance. “Just show up at the ceremony prepared for your role.”
“About that. Where are you taking the fine lady for your honeymoon? After all, it is my duty to get your luggage to the proper venue.” Keery stood then tossed back his drink.
“Scotland, but we will not depart immediately. The ship I booked passage on will not be ready to sail for another three days.” Julian turned and strolled toward the exit. He’d had enough for one night and needed to see Lady Sarah. Had to tell her what lay within his heart and know if she felt the same.
“I thought you did not wish to venture anywhere else this evening. Have you changed your mind?”
Julian shot a glance over his shoulder. “I am going to see my intended.”
Keery rushed to catch him, setting a hand on his shoulder. “I do not believe that is in your best interest. Allow me to take you home instead.”
“No one asked you.” Julian brushed the man’s hand off and continued out the door.
Carriages, horses, and hired hackneys filled St James Street. The foul odor of manure and waste assaulted his nose. His stomach flipped. Swallowing a retch, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a handkerchief, and held it in front of his face. With the odors masked, his churning insides settled.
He waved a hand to signal a hackney then swayed in spot as he waited. When the driver stopped, he climbed in giving Lady Sarah’s address. The hard wood seat did nothing for his comfort as he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. The contraption bounced and swayed with every bump in the road.
“Nearly there, my lord,” the driver called over his shoulder.
Julian straightened his spine and tucked the small piece of cloth back into his pocket. A cursory look revealed he was nary a block from the Havenshire’s home. He took a deep breath and released it. “Let me off here.” It would not do for him to drive right up to her townhouse.
Julian was tossed to the floor when the driver brought the cursed contraption to a halt. He scrambled to his feet. The hackney creaked its complaints as Julian climbed down. He paid the driver a few coins. “Should be more than ample.”
A toothless grin stretched across the driver’s face as he bobbed his head. “Very generous, my lord.” He took up the reins and set the hackney back in motion.
Julian scrubbed a hand across his face and stared down the lane. He must be mad. No sane man would go on such an undertaking. Visions of Lady Sarah danced in his mind driving him on. He had come this far, he would see it through.
The moon shone bright, lighting his path as he continued down the street and into Lady Sarah’s yard. She told him how her bedchamber faced the garden, but which window belonged to his fair lady? He glanced up at the home’s exterior and trailed his gaze from one arched window to the next. Dark, all of them dark. How would he ever determine which was hers?
Something caught his shoe, and he stumbled backward, landing on his rear. The dampness of the grass seeped through his trousers and coat. All for a woman who did not likely return his affections. He put his head back and chuckled. Lady Sarah had reduced him to a skirt-chasing fool. But, ah, what a fine skirt she was.
A light illuminated one of the second story windows. He peered up at it in time to see her moving past the glass. In a rush, he pushed himself to his feet.
Time to find out if she cared for him in the same way he cared for her. He picked up a few pebbles from the lawn.
The first stone went wide, striking the trellis that ran next to her bedchamber. He focused all of his attention on the windowpane and launched another pebble. A direct hit, the sound reverberated through the still night air. He held his breath, studying the illuminated window while he waited for her to open it or come down and join him.
Nothing.
Perhaps she failed to notice the sound. He shook out his arm in preparation and then launched another stone. A grin spread across his face when she opened the led-glass pain separating him from her.
She peered down at him, thick golden locks hanging loose around her shoulders. How he wished to run his fingers through her silky hair and feel it trail across his chest.
“Lord Luvington, is that you?”
Her voice was like a melody to his ears. It filled him with need. “Come out here with me, my pet.”
“I will do no such thing. It is not proper.” She scowled down at him. “Take yourself away from here before you are noticed.”
“If you refuse to come to me, I have no choice but to come to you.” He moved toward the trellis swaying with each step. “I have something I must say to you.”
“Good heavens, you are foxed.” She pressed one hand to her breasts.
The shift she wore did little to hide her assets. Thin white cotton, he guessed. His gaze trailed the outline of her body. “Not at all, my love.”
The crisp whitewashed wood of the trellis formed a ladder leading right by her window. He began to climb. She stuck her head out and stared after him, brows drawn together.
“You are going to hurt yourself. Get down. Stop being foolish. There is nothing to be said while you are intoxicated.”
He glanced up at her while he continued to climb. “I am not foxed.” His hand slipped and Lady Sarah emitted a startled sound. “All right, maybe just a little, but it does not signify. I must speak to you tonight.”
The wood of the trellis gave a loud snap. Hard ground and dew-dampened grass broke his fall. The wind left his lungs as his head thumped against a bush.
“Bloody hell.” He rolled away from the shrubbery and attempted to regain his composure.
A peek at her window revealed she had not closed it all the way. A sheer pink froth of curtain billowed in the night breeze. If luck were on his side, she would be there soon to fawn over his person.
Crickets chirping filled the empty space of the night as the minutes passed by. The fall gave him pause for nary a moment. He should get up and find his way home. Obviously, his plans to see her had not gone well. Perhaps if he left now, some of his dignity would go with him. He shut his eyes.
Too late. Julian opened his eyes when the warmth of her hand rested against his chest. She kneeled on the ground and leaned over him like an angel of mercy.
Her pale hair formed a curtain around them as she gazed down at him through striking violet eyes. What a shame she had covered her shift with a dressing gown before coming to his aid.
“Are you hurt?” She ran her hands across his chest, over his hips, then down his thighs.
He stared up at her as his blood heated, his trousers tightening. The woman had no idea what a temptress she was. If she proved half as bold in their wedding bed, he would live out the rest of his days a happy man.
“Good heavens, can you move? Never mind do not try. I will get help.” She lifted her hands from him and moved to get up.
He reached out, grabbed her arm and pulled her onto him. “No, do not go.”
She lay across his chest, her face inches from his. “You took a nasty fall. You could be hurt. I must get someone to make sure you are not badly injured.”
“I assure you my pride is the only thing suffering.” He grinned.
“Why would you do such a risky and foolish thing? You scared me half out of my mind.” She pushed against his chest lifting herself several inches above him.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back down. “Because I needed to see you, darling.” Her softness pressed against him, molding to his body. A bolt of longing shot through him.
“We must get up before someone takes notice. And you need to get home. How did you get here? No, never mind, it does not signify. We simply must get you out of here. Perhaps--”
He pressed his lips to hers, effectively silencing her. She stiffened for a moment before her rigid form softened under his ministrations. He rolled her onto the grass and lifted his head, gazing down upon her. “You fret too much. Let us have this moment.” He brought his lips back to hers, relishing her sweetness.
Sarah turned her head, breaking the kiss. “What is it you needed to tell me so badly you risked your life to do so?”
“It seems unimportant now, my pet. Let us forget about it.” He cradled her head with one hand, bringing her back to his hungry lips.
CHAPTER 16
Dashing Rogues: A Historical Romance Collection Page 41
