With that shocking thought, he sat fast and patted the grass off his coat. He kept his gaze from her, knowing it wouldn’t be a good idea to look at her. Sex and Alyssum were never allowed in the same frame of thought.
“Why won’t I find you?” he asked as his eyes grew strained from not looking at her.
“Because.” She shrugged.
Robert’s lips parted to speak, but he shut them when Alyssum stood. He turned his gaze to her and stared up at her. He squinted against the setting sun.
“Will you save me a dance?” he asked with his blasé grin in place.
“No,” she replied as she scooped up her bonnet then turned and walked back to the house.
Robert chuckled lightly. Alyssum was the only woman who had never fallen for his charm or smile. It frustrated him, made him doubt his charm sometimes, but he always reminded himself to be grateful. For if she did fall for his charm, if she ever swayed near him and turned her lips up to him, he feared he might not be able to resist her. He quickly shook these dangerous thoughts drifting through his head and stood from the grass. He dusted himself off and made his way to the house, telling himself firmly to keep his mind clear of his best friend’s beautiful sister.
“Dinner was wonderful, thank you for the invitation.” Robert leaned down and placed a kiss to Caroline’s knuckles.
“You must come by and visit whenever you wish,” she told him.
“I will.” He nodded and turned to Violet. He grinned devilishly. Violet laughed and raised her hand to him. He placed a kiss to her knuckles then stood straight. He turned his gaze to Alyssum. He arched a brow, as if daring her to give him her hand. The four of them stood quietly by the door in the foyer. The butler held Robert’s coat and hat in hand, waiting.
Robert remained waiting, standing before Alyssum. Violet leant over and nudged her.
Feeling her family’s gaze on her, Alyssum raised her right hand to Robert. She kept her expression nonchalant, but on the inside her stomach fluttered wildly. She wasn’t wearing her gloves. His mouth would touch her skin. She felt her cheeks warming at the thought and prayed it wasn’t noticeable. Why? she cried silently. Why did she have to react to this man?
With a grin curving his lips, Robert reached out, took her hand…and shook it.
Violet smothered her laugh behind her hand. Alyssum stared at Robert with fire in her eyes.
With a broad, satisfied grin that he had gotten the last say, he released her hand and stepped over to the butler. He took his belongings from the young man and slipped into his coat. He turned and gave the ladies a sweeping bow. “’Til we meet again.” He placed his hat atop his head and left the house. The butler shut the door behind him and quietly left the foyer. Caroline and Violet silently waited for Alyssum’s outrage. It came quickly.
“That man,” Alyssum snapped, her voice echoing in the entrance hall.
“All right, gentlemen.” Robert stared at each of his friends around the tavern’s table.
Richard, the Duke of Linkinshire sat on his right. At thirty, Richard was the oldest in the group and was called Duke by his friends. With black hair smoothed back and wearing fine clothing, he was the image of a perfect gentleman, and he was.
Tucker, the youngest at four and twenty, sat on Robert’s left. Golden brown hair and dark brown eyes, he was the second son of an earl and was quite the ladies’ man, or so he thought.
Jackson West sat before Robert. Jackson had entered society a few years back after striking it big in a gold mine. Now that he was richer than any duke, society welcomed him with open, greedy arms. With black hair and laughing blue eyes, Jackson captured every woman’s attention and always took what was offered, and that was why all the mammas kept their daughters clear of him.
While Robert was the most reckless and daring in the group, Jackson was the rake, Tucker the joker and Duke the mature one that sat back and watched them get into strife with a big smile on his face. Harry, when he did join them, was always the sensible one who dragged Robert away from trouble. But they all knew after three tankards of ale Harry could be just as bad as the rest of them.
Robert placed his cards in the centre of the table and listened to their cries of anger.
“Blimey. Why do I bother?” Jackson snapped as Robert scooped the bounty into his hands.
“Another round, my lovely,” Robert yelled to the buxom tavern wench who had been serving them.
“At least he’s buying,” Duke grumbled and reshuffled the cards.
“Stop your bellyaching. Here.” Robert flicked him a coin. “Will this shut you up?”
Jackson and Tucker laughed as Duke picked up the coin and inspected it.
Staring at the coin, he hummed, “Maybe two more.” He laughed as Robert chucked him two more.
“Here you go, gentleman.” The barmaid placed the jug of ale in the middle of the table. She leaned over low, giving them all an eyeful of her open bodice. They all saw the display from the barmaid and knew it to be an invitation. Robert moved first and took what was offered by grabbing her around the waist and pulling her into his lap. The men laughed as she giggled. Robert lowered his gaze to hers and felt his world slow down. He watched as a lock of the barmaid’s pinned-up hair fell loose and fell over one globe of her breasts. Robert stared at the raven lock but he didn’t see the barmaid’s black hair and creamy breast. He saw Alyssum’s.
He shoved the barmaid away like she had burned him. He grabbed his cards from the table and kept his gaze on them. He could feel the frowns of his friends on him. They were all curious as to what had just happened.
The barmaid pouted in disappointment and made a noise of unhappiness.
When Robert didn’t draw her back, Jackson made a move and crooked a finger to her. Her smile returned and she slinked over to him.
Robert exhaled in annoyance. He looked to the wench now sitting on Jackson’s lap. Her long black hair had now fallen around her shoulders. He needed to keep to his blondes. Blondes with brown or blue eyes, never green eyes and never dark hair.
With a shake of his head, he focused back on his hand of cards.
“Lady Brook’s annual masquerade is almost here.” Tucker rubbed his hands together in anticipation. Every year the first ball of the season was Lady Brook’s masquerade. She always had the first ball and it was always the best. It had been for the last thirty years. Everyone wanted an invitation and everyone who received one always attended.
Jackson rubbed the wench’s thigh. “Come back later, dove.” He patted her leg.
She pouted again but stood and walked back across the tavern.
“What are we thinking this year?” Jackson asked, crossing his arms on the table and leaning forward with eagerness. Every year, at Lady Brook’s masquerade the men made a wager.
“I’m thinking something sweet this year.” Jackson grinned.
“Something innocent.” Tucker leaned forward as well. Excitement lit his young eyes.
Robert grinned at his friends. “You want to risk a leg shackle?” he asked Tucker. “Or your father’s wrath?”
Tucker shuddered at the mention of his father. “Come on, Robert. A wager,” he pleaded.
Robert arched a brow. “All right. Lady Brook’s ball. Steal a kiss from a young miss and bring back one of her garters.”
Jackson, Duke and Tucker laughed, their eyes alight with interest and excitement.
“Done. How much?” Tucker asked eagerly.
Robert twisted his lips while deciding.
“Hundred pounds,” Duke spoke.
“Duke,” Robert said, sounding impressed.
Duke laughed. “I’m not that old, boys.”
Jackson clapped his hands together. “Hundred pounds, steal a kiss from an innocent miss and bring back one of her garters. Without being leg shackled or earning Daddy’s wrath.” He looked to Tucker with a smile. Tucker shoved him and Jackson fell from his seat. He hit the floor with a thud and the men roared with laughter.
Chapter T
hree
Alyssum took a deep, courage-filled breath. Her black cloak hid her dress from onlookers. She sat in the carriage alone. Violet had gone ahead with Mother. Alyssum had pretended she couldn’t find her gloves and Violet had suggested they go ahead and send the carriage back. Caroline had sputtered and shaken her head, saying she wasn’t leaving Alyssum behind. But after lots of gentle persuasion, Caroline had gotten into the carriage with Violet and they’d made their way to Lady Brook’s.
The black domino hid half of Alyssum’s face as she stepped from the carriage. A strip of scarlet peaked out from around the hem of the cloak as she walked up the front steps. When she reached the entrance hall, she could hear the voices coming from within the ballroom.
“My lady, your cloak?” A servant held out his white gloved hands.
Alyssum reached up, untied the cloak and let it drop into the servant’s hands. She heard the servant swallow. Her back was revealed. Shoulders exposed. The bodice dipped lower than proprieties’ sake. The long midnight waves of her hair were unbound and slung over her shoulder. The silk of the scarlet skirt swished around her legs as she walked forward.
“That one.” Tucker nodded to the young miss who just walk by them.
“Too snobby,” Jackson muttered and then took a swig from his champagne glass.
They were dressed in black. Black coats, black waistcoats, black shirts, black breeches, black cravats, black boots and black masks. They looked like the rakes they were.
Duke turned his gaze around the room. “I should mingle,” he grumbled.
“Have fun, Duke.” Tucker patted him on the shoulder.
Duke moved forward and into the swarm of colorful dresses.
“Bees to honey.” Jackson laughed as the mammas and their daughters bombarded Duke.
“He’s an unmarried duke, ripe for the picking.” Jackson and Tucker turned their gazes to Robert behind them as he spoke.
“About time you showed up,” Jackson said.
“Couldn’t find my mask,” he explained and then snatched a flute of champagne off a passing tray. His attire was the same as the others, a black mask shielding his identity.
“Have you two chosen?” He took a sip of the champagne.
“Rosy over there.” Jackson nodded his head toward a miss wearing a dark pink gown.
“I wanted that one,” Tucker grumbled.
Robert chuckled at his sulking face. “Plenty of others.”
“But look at her. Her eyes rake over every man who passes her.”
Robert turned his gaze to Jackson. “You picked the easiest looking.”
“Of course. I want my hundred pounds.” He smirked.
“Remember, just a kiss,” Robert said firmly.
Tucker and Jackson both nodded.
“Found her,” Tucker announced with a bright smile. “Lavender over there.” He nodded to the woman giggling around a bunch of men.
“Your turn, Robert?” Jackson said.
“Did Duke pick his?”
“He didn’t say. We’ll just find out when we meet up on the balcony,” Jackson said as his gaze scanned though the crowds.
“All right.” Robert looked through crowd of smiling faces. “Who to choose?” he muttered, looking for blondes amongst the brightly lit ballroom. Flowers scented the air as they decorated the room.
A loud smash broke his search. Girls screamed as champagne splashed the hems of their gowns. A man bellowed in anger. A servant had walked straight into a gentleman and dropped his tray filled with champagne. The servant’s gaze was fixed on something on the stairs as people fretted around him. Robert, Jackson and Tucker followed the servant’s gaze to the stairs.
“Holy hell,” Jackson breathed.
“Mine,” Robert said firmly as his gaze was transfixed on the beauty on the stairs.
Alyssum slowly descended the stairs. Please don’t recognize me, she prayed. She had wanted a quiet entrance. She hadn’t even allowed the man at the door to announce her, but then the servant had to stare at her and not look where he was going. Now all eyes were on her. The musicians had even stopped playing to stare. She felt her stomach flutter in nervousness as she stepped off the staircase and onto the ballroom floor. Guests remained staring, whispers sounded, heads popped up through the crowd to get a better look at her.
“Music,” Lady Brook shouted and clapped her hands.
The musicians shook themselves and began playing. The servants scurried to clean the mess of broken glasses and spilled champagne. The ballroom broke out into an excited buzz and the gentlemen flocked to Alyssum.
“My lady, you’re ravishing,” a man gushed.
“More beautiful than the night sky,” another announced passionately.
“May I beg a dance?”
Alyssum took a small step back. She reminded herself this is what she wanted. She was going to have fun. She stepped forward to one masked gentleman and gave him her black-gloved hand.
He took it excitedly and led her to the dance floor.
“Better jump in or you might lose her.” Tucker nudged Robert while watching the woman in scarlet dance with a gentleman.
“They can dance with her,” Robert replied. “But her garter is mine.”
Jackson chuckled. “Thought you didn’t like dark beauties? You usually run from them like they’re the plague.”
“Yes, what is it about dark-haired women?” Tucker asked. “Do they scare you?” He laughed.
Robert shook his head. He looked away from the woman in scarlet. “Excuse me, boys. I have rounds to make.”
“Ah, the life of a titled gentleman,” Jackson said.
“Exactly.” Robert smacked his hand on Jackson’s shoulder as he passed him.
“Where is she?” Caroline looked through the crowd for her daughter. “She should be here. What if something happened? What if the carriage overturned?” she rambled.
Violet rubbed her arm soothingly. “She’s fine. It’s a large crowd and she probably can’t find us.”
“Perhaps.” Caroline nodded.
“My favorite women in the world,” a deep, pleasant voice reached them.
Caroline smiled as she looked over to Robert. “Robert, don’t you look dashing.”
“I can’t hide from you, can I?” Robert took her hand and placed a kiss on it.
“A mask doesn’t hide that grin,” she replied with a knowing smile.
Robert’s grin broadened. He turned to Violet and kissed her white glove.
“You look lovely.” He looked over her light pink gown.
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
“Where’s Alyssum?” he asked, looking around.
“She’s lost in the crowd,” she replied behind her white, plain mask.
“We hope,” Caroline muttered.
“We hope?” Robert turned his gaze to her.
“We arrived separately,” she informed him behind her peacock mask.
“She’s probably hiding from all the noise.” He smiled. “You know how she hates crowds.”
Caroline exhaled with a nod. “You are right. She’s probably hiding somewhere quiet.”
“Violet, may I have this dance?” He held out his hand.
Violet’s eyes widened. She looked terrified.
“It’s a waltz. I’ll make sure I go slowly.”
“Go on.” Caroline nudged her.
Violet accepted his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor. She wasn’t a good dancer. She usually trod all over her partners toes. They would leave the dance floor limping.
Robert swung Violet into his arms and began waltzing slowly. She kept her eyes on their feet and counted under her breath.
“It’s okay. I won’t let you fall on your backside.” Robert chuckled.
“You really need to learn to curb your tongue,” she said while still looking down.
“You sound like your sister.”
“Well, my sister is a smart lady.”
Robert laughed. He added pressure
to her back with his hand and turned her. “Where is your sister?” he asked casually. Only he knew that while he had dressed for this ball he’d had the single-minded thought of finding Alyssum tonight. She had sounded so sure that he wouldn’t find her, so now he was determined as ever to unveil her.
“Somewhere quiet,” she answered.
“Violet,” he said firmly.
“I don’t know. She’s amongst the crowd.”
“What color is her dress and mask?”
Violet turned wrong and stepped onto his toes. “Sorry,” she quickly apologized and looked up at him.
“It’s all right. I wore my tough boots tonight knowing I would ask you to dance.”
Violet grouched and moved her gaze back to their feet.
“What color is her dress, Violet?” he urged gently.
Violet nibbled her lip while looking down. She slowly answered, “She’s wearing a light-blue dress and mask.”
Robert nodded, feeling triumphant. He would find her. “Thank you. Your sister thinks I won’t be able to find her, but I’m ready to prove her wrong.”
Violet nodded while watching their dancing feet. “Good luck finding her,” she muttered.
“Pardon?”
“I said good luck,” she said louder.
“She’ll be easy to find.” He smiled. “The girl standing stiff backed near the wall in a blue mask and gown. No trouble at all.”
“You have no idea,” Violet whispered under her breath.
“Pardon?”
“Nothing. Just counting.”
“Is Alyssum enjoying London or does she miss the country?” he asked while swirling her slowly around the crowded dance floor.
“Why don’t you ask her yourself?” She glimpsed up at him.
“She’s difficult to talk to.”
Violet smiled. “Not to me she isn’t.”
“That’s because she likes you,” Robert muttered grudgingly.
Violet looked up at him again. She saw his usual grin was gone, replaced by a cheerless expression. She frowned in confusion. “You can’t blame her for her anger towards you.”
Scarlet Kisses Page 3
