“Or the dullest,” Emma shot back.
“I sincerely doubt that. And just so you know, in the future if you want to take more time to get dressed, I’m promising right now not to bother you again. For you, Sister dear, truly need all the help you can get!” Sadie hurried past Emma with a saucy wink.
“You!” Emma started after her and then paused, thankful for her sister’s cheerful demeanor. Yet one lingering question flitted through her mind. Why was she so against love when her sister continued to have a more promising outlook on the same subject? It couldn’t be that she had it wrong… could it?
****
Nine o’clock arrived and Hudson strode up the steps to the Kingsly’s town home. The butler answered and took his card. Hudson tapped his toe impatiently and nervously as he waited for the ladies to arrive. The sound of footsteps made his heartbeat kick up a bit in its cadence and he waited as the door opened. Lady Hodge was first, an amused expression was fighting to break free, as if she were hiding a secret.
“Lady Hodge, as beautiful as ever.” Hudson bowed and took her hand.
As Emma came into view, he saw the most alluring saucy grin cover her face as she came through the door. Her hair was pulled back tightly as if she were portraying an elderly spinster. She watched him intently, as if waiting for a response to her stark change in appearance. Hudson, unable to help himself, suppressed his mirth at her obvious attempt at shirking his attention.
“And you, Miss Kingsly. Truly, I believe more women would wear their hair in a similar fashion if they had a face as lovely as yours. You need no adornment to be absolutely breathtaking. I’ll indeed be the envy of every man tonight with two beautiful ladies.” Hudson watched as her saucy expression changed to a look of stark disbelief. Her beautiful sea blue eyes narrowed and she studied him, as if trying to determine whether he was simply being polite or if his words had been spoken with sincerity.
Hudson bowed and took her hand, but rather than kiss the air above it, he placed his warm lips to her gloved flesh and exhaled, letting his warm breath heat her. He gazed up at her, waiting for a reaction. Her eyes widened and the dark center of her gaze enlarged with attraction. A shiver of satisfaction crawled up Hudson’s spine. She continued to hold his gaze, much to his surprise.
“Er, Emma?” Sadie leaned over and whispered to her sister, just loud enough for Hudson to hear. Immediately, Emma blushed furiously and pulled her hand away from his.
“Shall we, ladies?” Hudson motioned to the carriage and waited for them to precede him. As Emma passed he reached out and traced the back of her arm with his gloved finger. She gasped and glanced back at him, her expression completely astounded. She spun around and stomped toward the carriage, drawing his attention to her dress.
Emma had outdone herself tonight. Her dress wasn’t indecent or cheaply made, but indeed it was simple in its form and color. There was no adornment to the gown, and the sickly blue color would look miserable on anyone. Anyone but Emma. She mustn’t have realized that the gown’s color was simply a lighter version of her eyes and, combined with the dramatic hairstyle, made those beautiful eyes seem brighter than usual and her lips even more delicious. Yet, Hudson had the suspicion that he’d find her beautiful even if she wore a flour sack. With a slight shake of his head, he followed her, trying to suppress a chuckle at her indignant behavior.
Immediately he had a vision of her waking up beside him, her alluring gaze finding him after blinking a few times. The fullness of her lips as she smiled lazily and ran her fingers over his bare chest. Hudson cleared his throat and shook his head. Adjusting his coat to cover his physical reaction more fully, he entered the carriage and faced his muse. She didn’t spare him a glance but kept her focus out the window.
Just why had she chosen to dress so differently? If there was one thing Hudson knew, it was that Emma didn’t act without thinking. She had been more of a free spirit when younger, but she had changed. Likely because of all that happened with her sister. It was clear that the two ladies were very close. On the three occasions he had seen Emma, two of them had been in the company of her sister.
He thought back over his revelation this afternoon. To win Emma, he had to prove her wrong in her opinions about his sex. Was she testing him? His eyes widened and he glanced back at Emma. She was still looking out the window and absentmindedly toying with the fabric of her dress. Was it possible that she was perhaps not as confident as she portrayed? Did she think his attention would disappear simply because she wasn’t beautiful by her own standard? Was that her intent? Hudson studied her and he saw her shoulders lift with a silent breath before she turned to meet his gaze, raising a single eyebrow in question. He cast her an unrepentant expression. Her full lips thinned and she turned towards the window once again.
The carriage waited in line to enter the Williams’ home. The ride had been mostly silent. Lady Hodge had tried to promote conversation but Miss Emma Kingsly continued to give short answers. Her sister was greatly annoyed, if her expression was any indicator. Hudson barely concealed his amusement at Emma’s little attempt to give him the cold shoulder. Earlier, when he had run his gloved fingers down the soft flesh of her arm she had given him the most astounded and shocked expression. If she was so scandalized by such an innocent flirtation, heaven help her… or him, when he kissed her. And it would be when, not if. Hudson determined it to be so. Perhaps tonight?
A smile tugged at his lips through his tightly controlled features just as Emma glanced over at him. She studied him, as if trying to determine the source of his amusement. At that moment the carriage arrived at the front and the footman opened the carriage door. Hudson exited first, assisted Lady Hodge, and then waited for Emma. Her eyes danced as she quickly took in the beautiful and opulent decorations leading into the house but the light faded to tolerance when she glanced down to Hudson’s waiting hand. Slowly, she placed her hand in his and stepped down. For a moment Hudson was tempted to try and make her trip so he’d be able to catch her and feel her warm, soft body press into his own. But with herculean self-control, he resisted the impulse and vowed that sometime soon, she would do so willingly and a kiss would come shortly after.
“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I can guarantee I wouldn’t like it if I knew.” Emma spoke under her breath as Hudson began to escort her to where Lady Hodge waited.
“On the contrary, Miss Kingsly. You would love it.” Hudson gave her his most charming and devilish smile before turning to offer his arm to Lady Hodge. “So much in fact that I promise to show you later,” he said, turning toward Emma once again.
“You’re assuming I’ll tolerate your company that long,” Emma shot back, but her lips were tilted slightly upward. Apparently she enjoyed their verbal sparring as much as he.
“True. I’ll make you a wager, Miss Kingsly.”
“And I’ll refuse, Lord Daventry. Ladies in India might wager, but here in London, we do not,” she clipped and glanced away.
“A… venture then. Unless you are not up to the challenge, of course.” He was taunting her. He also could tell that she saw through his transparent attempt to draw her in. But he suspected that she wouldn’t be able to resist his jab to her abilities.
She watched him with those alluring sea blue eyes and just when he thought she would refuse, she spoke. “I’m not so foolish to fall for your baiting, Lord Daventry. But you have piqued my curiosity. What did you have in mind?”
“I venture… that you will have more suitors tonight in your beautiful and fresh appearance, than if you were to dress as richly and adorn yourself as usual.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. Certainly, she had thought something entirely different. Hudson bit back a smug grin at catching her unaware once again.
“There is no way that all the men of the ton are going to find my lack of a beautiful gown and governess coiffeur alluring.” She shook her head in disbelief.
“Then you accept?” Hudson held his breath.
“Wha
t is to be your prize?” Her eyes narrowed and she watched him warily.
“A kiss.”
“No.”
“Then by your own words, you have admitted that I’m correct.”
“What? How so?” She paused mid-step and turned toward him.
Hudson gently pulled her over to the side, allowing Lady Hodge, who looked as if suppressing laughter, and a few oblivious couples to pass.
“If I’m so very wrong, and you are so certain, then there is really no risk now, is there? Or are you admitting that I am correct?” Hudson speared her with an intense gaze, waiting.
“Of course you aren’t correct, but…” she stammered. Her gloved hands tightened into fists.
“But what?” He raised one eyebrow.
She bit her bottom lip, causing Hudson’s body to tighten with awareness. How he wanted to taste her.
“The temptation to see you lose is worth that small risk of kissing you.” She decided, nodding her head once.
“Splendid!” Hudson clapped his hands and rubbed them together before he began to lead her back toward the path.
“Wait! What do I win when you admit defeat?” She stubbornly stood her ground, refusing to move.
“What do you wish to be your prize?”
“I want you to leave me alone. No more baiting me and inviting yourself over and leaving me without a chance to decline. No more winking, handsome smiles, or—”
“You think my smile is handsome?” Hudson beamed.
“That’s not the point—” Emma turned red, clearly flustered.
“You must pick one. I only asked for one prize, you named four or five. I lost count after you called my smile handsome,” Hudson continued, his wide grin, unable to help himself.
Emma took a deep breath, causing the modest cut of the gown to expand just enough to give Hudson an enticing view of her bosom. The gentle curve teased him and taunted him with no mercy and he closed his eyes against the onslaught of desire.
“If I must pick one, then it’s for you to… not speak to me.”
“So I may do other things that do not involve speaking? I accept! After all, there is always art, drawing, letters, songs…” Hudson winked.
“But—”
“No, I accepted and we’re in accord. You’re not backing out… are you, Miss Kingsly?” Hudson gave her a challenging glare.
She straightened her posture and a defiant gleam sparked from her eyes.
“No. I’m not. You might want to start practicing your penmanship, Lord Daventry. You’re going to need it in only a few short hours… that is, if you still want to somehow communicate with me by then.” She raised her eyebrows and shot him a wry expression, walking toward the entrance once again.
“Don’t forget singing. I’m told I have a lovely baritone.” Hudson called after her, grinning at her obvious assurance of winning. “Perhaps it should be you who is warming up, Miss Kingsly,” Hudson whispered next to her ear as he caught up with her. The alluring fragrance of cinnamon and orange flooded his senses, making him heady with desire.
“Warming up?” She glanced over to him, but didn’t lean back when she noticed how close he was. Maybe she was already warming up. Goodness knows that Hudson found himself hot with his own need.
“Yes. To me.” He glanced down to her lips meaningfully and barely suppressed a groan when she parted them slightly, letting her pink tongue dart out to moisten them.
“I’m not afraid of you, Lord Daventry,” she vowed.
I’ve never wished you to be.” Hudson nodded and escorted her into the hall, praying he was correct. The last thing he wanted to do was to sing and write letters for the rest of the season. Though he would if necessary, because even if he lost the venture, he'd still find a way to win her heart.
Chapter Five
Emma’s confidence in winning the challenge began to wane immediately. As soon as they entered the main ballroom, she noticed the curious stares of the ladies and the interested gazes of the gentlemen. She glanced down at her simple gown and furrowed her brow in confusion. In studying the room, she easily labeled herself as the most modestly and simply dressed of all the ladies. Why, then, the attention? The ladies murmured, causing a wave of regret to wash over her. Surely her fashion, or in this case, lack thereof, would be the hot topic of many a parlor tomorrow. But what was done was done, and there was no turning back now.
Hudson’s arm radiated warmth as she walked with him into the crowded room. Perhaps the curious stares were more linked to her connection with Hudson than to her attire. Emma wasn’t sure which she liked less. As she glanced to Hudson, he turned toward her and offered her a confident smile. The side of his cheek dimpled slightly and pulled her attention from the alluring set of his mouth. The man was utterly distracting.
“I believe you once told me that it was impolite to stare, Miss Kingsly,” Hudson whispered, sending a shiver down her back.
“I wasn’t staring.”
“Ah, I believe that’s my line. Were you simply… observing? I’m quite fond of observation myself.” He chuckled. The masculine sound was alluring.
Emma struggled to think of a quick retort. “I was not staring nor observing. Just trying to determine what the gentry find so fascinating about you,” she quipped and glanced down.
“Ah, you seek to wound my pride, Miss Kingsly. But I must warn you. Never come to a battle of wits unarmed, or with false answers. Ah! I see Lady Hewett!” He gently pulled her toward Lenore. Emma’s mind spun, seeking a suitable reply for his well placed remark but nothing came! Soon they were too close to Lord and Lady Hewett for her to say anything… but she’d put him in his place later. No. He wouldn’t get away with that last statement.
“Miss Kingsly, Lord Daventry.” Lord Hewett bowed and extended his hand to greet Emma. “You are looking quite lovely this evening, Miss Kingsly. I’m often telling my wife that simplicity is sometimes far more stunning than the opulence the ton seems to favor. Perhaps you might convince her where I have been unable.”
“Thank you, Lord Hewett,” Emma demurred then inwardly groaned. Lord Hewett’s opinion shouldn’t count. He could easily have been swayed by Hudson.
“I was just telling Miss Kingsly the very same thing. In fact, I told her that tonight she would be far more popular with her very becoming simplicity than if she were to wear her finest gown. What do you think, Hewett?” Hudson was grinning widely.
How she wanted to wipe that arrogant smirk from his face!
“Well, I cannot speak for every man, but I will say that I must agree with my friend’s astute observation.”
“You are quite becoming, Miss Kingsly.” Lenore added with an open expression. “Perhaps I will take my husband’s advice after all. Your take on fashion is quite…”She seemed to search for the word. “Fresh! That’s it! Like spring. I honestly believe it will catch on. Leave it to you, to come up with the season’s newest rage.” Lenore beamed and reached out to squeeze Emma’s hand.
Emma could feel Hudson’s gaze but she refused to turn and meet his triumphant expression. These were just two people out of the entire ton. Surely not every could hold to the same opinion… could they?
“It is always so refreshing to speak with you, Lady Hewett. You are truly wise beyond your years.” Hudson’s voice was smooth in its delivery of the compliment. “If you’ll excuse us.” He nodded and gently pulled Emma away.
“I do believe the score is in my favor, Miss Kingsly,” he murmured.
The melodic tone of his voice chased a shiver of awareness through her but she shook it off. “There are hundreds of people in attendance, Lord Daventry. I highly doubt that two people are a good indicator of the opinion of all others,” Emma said lightly and tilted her chin up in defiance.
Hudson’s eyes warmed and his lips stretched into a grin.
Must he always wear that arrogant, annoying… alluring grin? Emma wanted to… do something. Part of her wanted to cause bodily harm, yet part of her wanted to kiss him!
“Then shall we continue?”
“Of course.”
The music began and several couples began to dance the quadrille. Emma had excused herself from Hudson’s company and stayed next to her sister.
“May I have the honor of this dance, Miss Kingsly?” A gentleman extended his hand and offered her a genuine smile.
“Of course.”
“I must say you are lovely this evening, Miss Kingsly. Quite a breath a fresh air,” he commented as he led her towards dancing floor.
“Oh, er… why, thank you,” Emma stammered, hoping he was the last one to compliment her dress or hair.
“It’s refreshing to find a woman who isn’t as concerned with the finery and rather chooses to highlight her natural beauty.”
The dance began, and soon she was twirling around and connecting with other partners.
The evening continued in much the same fashion. Each set was danced with a different partner and each one commented in some fashion on her simplicity. Truly simplicity was the right word. For she had been simple-minded, slow-witted and crazy to think this would work! It was as if the exact opposite of her intention was coming true! It was shocking and each comment set her stomach on further on edge. How had Hudson known? And why had she ever agreed to the challenge? She resisted the urge to bury her face in her hands.
“Lord Daventry, you are the bane of my existence,” she muttered as she walked to the refreshment table.
“Lovely evening, wouldn’t you agree?” Hudson’s silky voice penetrated her misery.
“Speak of the devil and he shall appear.” She turned and arched an eyebrow.
“Am I to assume your lovely lips were forming my name? Aloud no less? Well, well… I believe I can think of another lovely exercise your lips can perform… later.” He winked and reached for a flute of champagne.
“The night is not over.”
“Indeed it’s not. I must say I’m truly looking forward to the grand finale.” His eyes danced with merriment over his glass as he took a sip.
To Refuse a Rake Page 5
