To Refuse a Rake

by Kristin Vayden

“Gentlemen’s agreement indeed. Bloody hell. What’s the plan?”

  ****

  Emma watched as the servants packed the final garments and readied all her possessions for the journey home. Lady Linden’s party had been quite the event. She sighed contentedly as the footmen began to carry her parcels down the hall. Though she hadn’t seen Hudson since early that morning, she knew he’d find her before they left. It was early in the afternoon and surely the men would be returning shortly.

  “Blissfully happy. That expression suits you.” Sadie winked as she walked into her sister’s room.

  “Are you all finished?” Emma couldn’t stop her smile from widening.

  “Indeed. I packed much less than you,” Sadie teased as she stood beside her sister.

  “One can never have enough gowns and dresses on a trip. You never know what this English weather will do.”

  “Or which dress will be easiest for frolicking at midnight.” Sadie shot her sister a conspiratorial wink.

  “There’s always that to consider as well.” Emma giggled and started down the hall.

  At the foot of the stairs, she decided to see who might be in the parlor. Sunlight filtered through its gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out on the gardens. But it was the two men heading through the hedgerows toward the house that caught her attention.

  Immediately she knew one was Hudson. His walk was more of a strut that accented the width of his shoulders. A grin tipped her lips as she remembered how he had strutted similarly upon her rejection of him when she was nine. He had walked away like a peacock, flashing his feathers. Some things never changed.

  “I thought they would be back by now. It’s time for us to leave.” Lenore breezed into the parlor with an impatient expression covering her delicate face.

  “I believe they are on their way back now.” Emma nodded to the window.

  “Good! I see my husband. And I believe that’s Lord Daventry with him,” Lenore commented as she turned to her friend.

  Emma knew her friend was waiting for a reaction, and unable to stop herself, a smile tugged the corners of her lips upward.

  “I thought as much. He came to us you know,” she added in a hushed tone.

  Emma felt her eyes widen as she turned and regarded her friend. Lenore glanced about the room, likely to insure their privacy.

  “Indeed. But you mustn’t ever speak a word of it. He’s quite set in his intentions toward you, in case you were concerned,” Lenore added gently.

  “I’m not concerned.” Heart warmed at her friend’s tender expression.

  “Truly? Could it be that he may have won your favor?” Lenore asked with expectant eyes.

  “Perhaps. He did ask me to marry him…” Emma whispered the words.

  “Truly! When? Oh, I am so thrilled for you!” Lenore bounced on her toes before regaining her composure and offering a polite smile, but her eyes were still dancing.

  “Thank you,” Emma replied simply, not willing to divulge that her proposal was given at midnight on a secret rendezvous. No, that was a delicious secret she’d keep to herself and Sadie.

  “This party has been more than eventful! I say! Did you hear about last night?”

  Lenore went on to explain the events of the night before, adding to the growing curiosity Emma already felt concerning Lady Alton’s behavior.

  “I see our women are awaiting our arrival. And to think, we are the first to arrive! I pity the other men who are still lagging behind!” Hudson spoke confidently as he strode into the room. Emma couldn’t suppress a small smile as he approached her and placed a lingering and warm kiss to her hand.

  “Take a walk with me?” Hudson’s eyes burned through her, searing her with a passionate intensity that left her breathless.

  “Of course, my lord.” Emma followed him out into the garden.

  “I have some business I need to attend to, a few matters that need to be addressed with the utmost urgency.” He let the words linger as his gaze was riveted to hers, as if searching her soul for final confirmation.

  “A very important errand to be sure,” Emma remarked with joy as she tightened her hold on his arm.

  Hudson’s eyes darkened wickedly, but cleared as he asked his next question. “I have a few other matters to settle as well that shouldn’t take me long, but I wanted to make certain that you were agreeable to a quick wedding. I’ve heard that ladies can be quite particular and I’m not sure of your mother’s prefer—”

  “Yes, it will be fine. My mother will be thrilled simply because there will be a wedding.” Emma chuckled at the furrowed expression of Hudson’s face, but at her words his eyes danced.

  “Splendid. Now, before I hide you in the maze and kiss those tempting and delicious lips of yours, I have one final question.”

  “Do hurry.” Emma raised an eyebrow while she gave him her most flirtatious grin.

  “Oh Emma, nothing I do to or with you will be in a hurry, love. On that, you have my word.” He paused and leaned forward, inhaling deeply. The fresh scent of rain clung to his clothes as well as a hint of peppermint. The heat from his body was alluring and seductive, causing Emma to close her eyes and lean forward as well. All she wanted was to touch him, to be touched, and to feel his skin against hers.

  “Now.” Hudson leaned back, a wicked light dancing in his eyes. “I would like to speak with Lord Longton about his intentions toward your sister. But before I do, I want to confirm that your sister does indeed regard him highly.”

  Emma blinked to break the spell of desire Hudson had effortlessly woven over her. “I know that she is amicable to his suit, if he presses it.” Emma chose her words carefully. Though she trusted Hudson completely, the information wasn’t hers to give.

  “That’s all I need to know. I do not want you to compromise your sister’s trust. I simply wanted to make sure that she was open to his suit.”

  “Yes, I believe so.”

  “Good, since that’s settled, I see a secluded area just over—”

  “Why?”

  “Why?” Hudson paused with a roguish tilt of his lips. “Because I plan to seduce you ‘til all you can imagine is—”

  “No.” Emma shook her head while giggling. “That part I knew… but why are you so interested in Lord Longton’s intentions? You don’t mean to… are you going to ask him?” Emma felt her eyes grow wide. Surely that would be humiliating to Sadie!

  “I can see what your thinking, love. No. I’ll not embarrass your sister. It’s more of a… gentlemen’s agreement. Since she’s soon to be my sister–in-law, I’m simply looking out for her welfare. I don’t wish her to be hurt again,” Hudson murmured the last words, a pained expression in his eyes.

  “Thank you,” Emma replied with sincerity. There was nothing Hudson could have said that would have endeared him more. Without her soliciting his help, he was striving to protect Sadie. How she loved him. Every part of her heart beat his name at that moment as she saw deeper and more clearly into the man that he had become. There was nothing more alluring.

  “The maze, you were saying?” Emma took a few steps forward until she was toe to toe with him. Looking up, she traced the outline of his jaw with her eyes and inhaled deeply of his scent, committing the fragrance to memory.

  “If you keep gazing at me like that, I’m afraid I’ll not control myself ‘til I reach a secluded area.” Hudson spoke huskily, his eyes growing dark and smoldering.

  “Then we’d best move, wouldn’t you agree?” Emma began to walk towards the spot Hudson had pointed out earlier, swaying her hips intentionally. Hudson growled.

  Before she knew what was happening, he had swept her off her feet and was carrying her behind a nearby tree.

  “I warned you I wouldn’t make it to the other area.” He spoke hotly against her lips as he pressed her against the tree. The hard lines of his body fit perfectly against hers. A delicious heat rose within her, stealing her breath and giving her the desire to press harder against him. A moment later,
Hudson’s lips parted hers, not hesitant but demanding. He ravished her with his mouth, as if fulfilling an overpowering craving that was insatiable but through her kiss. His tongue traced her teeth and he nibbled on her lower lip, only to plunder her mouth once more. His hands traced her body, flowing over her form and causing a delicious anticipation to build within her.

  Emma’s own hands roamed over his coat, but the sensation was unfulfilling so with brazen movements she began to tug at it, until Hudson hastily removed it, leaving only his crisp white shirt. The thin fabric didn’t hide the hard planes and ridges of muscle that continued to flex and bunch as Hudson strained against her. As her fingers found his hair, she memorized the heavy silkiness of its texture. If only they could continue with no concern for discovery. Emma knew it would be impossible to stop until she knew all of him.

  “Emma!” Sadie’s voice barely penetrated the foggy haze of seduction in Emma’s mind. Like a slumber where the body awakened only to fall immediately back to sleep, Emma’s mind only registered the tones slightly before diving back into her frenzy of desire.

  “Emma!”

  “So help me, if your sister interrupts us one more time—” Hudson’s threat was cut off as he kissed her once more, but Emma could sense his retreat.

  “She won’t. I’ll make sure of it.” Emma spoke softly against his lips before she caressed their fullness with the tip of her tongue.

  “You are killing me,” Hudson murmured in an anguished tone.

  “The sensation is mutual.” Emma chuckled as she gazed up into Hudson’s disbelieving expression.

  “I’m not amused.”

  “If you could see your expression, you might be.”

  “I sincerely doubt it,” Hudson replied dryly, but a grin tugged at his lips. “We must, well…You see, my love, you look quite thoroughly seduced.” Hudson’s eyes sparkled with possession at his claim as he reached up to adjust her hairpiece and smooth the bodice of her gown with a smoldering gaze.

  “And a rotten shame it’s not true,” Emma responded petulantly.

  “Not yet… but soon. And believe me. Thorough will not even begin to describe—”

  “Emma! Where are you?” Sadie’s tone was more than impatient as it cut off Hudson’s delicious words.

  “Allow me.” Hudson helped Emma tidy her hair and sent her around the tree with a pat to her bottom.

  Emma barely held in a squeal as he also pinched her bum for good measure.

  With a deep breath, she strode to where her sister stood, thankfully turned in the opposite direction. That would certainly be the last time they were interrupted, she’d make sure of it!

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Are you sure this won’t get us killed?” Hewett was sitting across from Hudson in the hired carriage. He was nervously tapping his foot and fiddling with his jacket.

  “Not entirely… but if you don’t stop fidgeting you’re going to make me want to kill you.” Hudson spoke with a wry tone.

  Hewett shot him a glare, but ceased his movements. The last thing Hudson needed was to be distracted by his friend’s inability to keep a calm demeanor. Perhaps he should have done this himself, yet he needed someone to keep the odds on his side. Two against one was always better odds.

  “There he is.” Hewett nodded to the left side of the street.

  Quickly Hudson tapped on the ceiling of the carriage and the driver pulled over. Hudson stepped out and adjusted his coat. With a stern glance at Hewett, who nodded from inside the carriage, Hudson strode forward, following Lord Longton and closing the distance.

  “Lovely day for a drive.” Hudson caught up to Lord Longton.

  “Indeed.” Lord Longton regarded Hudson curiously, surely wondering at his odd statement.

  “You want to come with me.” Hudson glanced about, thankful that only a few people were walking around, none of which were paying attention.

  “I beg your pardon?” Lord Longton’s tone was confused and wary.

  “I said, you want to come with me. Now. I have information you need.” Hudson tried to give the future duke his most earnest expression, hoping the duke would follow him.

  “Very well.” Lord Longton spoke hesitantly.

  He followed Hudson to the carriage and upon securing the latch he rapped on the ceiling and the carriage took off down the street at a rapid pace. Lord Longton’s eyes widened in shock at the quick pace and he leaned back, a concerned expression overcoming his features.

  Hudson took out his gun and laid it on the bench beside him. Lord Longton’s eyes grew large. Hudson then nodded to Hewett who was now sweating. Hewett shook his head. Hudson glared at him until Hewett, with shaking hands, withdrew his own pistol and visibly swallowed.

  “What, what is this about?” Lord Longton’s gaze was fixed on the firearms.

  “Oh, just a kidnapping of sorts.”

  “Kidnapping?” Lord Longton’s eyes widened.

  “Indeed.” Hudson leaned back, as if at total ease.

  “We — we…” Hewett’s voice was shaking and he paused to gulp. “We do this often. All in good fun, you understand.” Hewett offered a sickly smile.

  Hudson wanted to groan. Hold it together, Hewett!

  “In good fun, you say?” Lord Longton eyed the gun meaningfully.

  “Yes. We do this quite often. Keeps the blood flowing after all the boring society functions.” Hudson waved his hand in a dismissive gesture.

  “Ah.” Lord Longton nodded but he didn’t appear as though he believed the load of rubbish Hudson was feeding him.

  “I do have one question. You see, soon you’ll be free to go. We simply need the answer to one question.” Hudson picked up the gun and began to examine it.

  “One question? Why couldn’t you have simply asked me earlier?” Lord Longton narrowed his eyes.

  “Ruins the fun.” Hewett spoke as he wiped his forehead with a handkerchief.

  “I see.” He turned his gaze back to Hudson. “And the guns?”

  “Add to the thrill of it all,” Hudson said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

  “What is your question then?” Lord Longton was narrowing his eyes as he studied Hudson, still toying with the gun.

  “It’s quite simple actually. Lady Hodge. You’re aware of her… history.”

  “Indeed… and if you think that you can bully me away from her—”

  “I’m more concerned about your hurting her.” Hudson speared him with an icy glare.

  Lord Longton’s face was expressionless for a whole second, before he burst out into a loud laugh. “Is that what this is all about? You’re concerned about my intentions toward Lady Hodge?”

  Hudson leaned forward. “I don’t find it that humorous of a question.”

  Lord Longton shook his head. “My intentions are honorable, I assure you. If you must know, I’ve been watching Lady Hodge for quite some time, waiting ‘til she seemed ready for a courtship. I took a chance at Lady Linden’s and, if I’m assuming correctly, she is amicable to my suit. If she agrees, I intend to make her my wife.” Lord Longton’s expression was sincere, but still slightly wary as Hudson continued to toy with his gun.

  “If what you say is correct, then this false kidnapping is over.” Hudson set the gun down and reached out to shake Lord Longton’s hand.

  “I must say, you two do lean on the dramatic side,” Lord Longton said as he shook Hudson’s hand.

  “Keeps it lively you know,” Hewett said, his voice full of relief as he mopped his forehead once again.

  “I don’t know if the guns were necessary.” Lord Longton eyed Hewett’s gun.

  “Oh! They aren’t load—” Hewett cocked the pistol and pulled the trigger, setting off a shot that went through the ceiling, leaving a small hole through which poked a slender finger of sunshine.

  The carriage was silent as Hewett stared at his smoking pistol. Hudson closed his eyes, shaking his head. He should simply be thankful Hewett hadn’t killed himself or anyone else.

 
“Not loaded, indeed.” Lord Longton stared at the hole.

  Lord Longton then did the most astonishing thing. He began to laugh. Soon Hudson joined in, followed by a slightly hysterical Hewett.

  “Indeed, chaps! This is truly the most fun I’ve had in an age! So tell me, who is to be the next victim?”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Emma! We will be late to your own wedding if you do not hurry!” Sadie’s voice echoed through the heavy wooden door as Emma gazed at herself in the mirror. She wore a fine muslin gown with silk overlay in a rich cream color that highlighted the color of her skin. A soft silk shawl was draped over her bed, embroidered with violet flowers. Emma walked over to the beautiful fabric and ran her fingers over the softness. She put it on delicately and closed her eyes, savoring the memory.

  “Emma!” Sadie called again, this one more exasperated than the last. A moment later she opened the door and came in, only to stop short when she saw Emma. “Oh, my. You are beautiful,” she whispered reverently.

  Emma smiled in response.

  “Let me help you.” Sadie went to get the small matching cap with a short lace veil.

  Earlier Emma had dismissed her maid, wanting some time alone. Now it seemed perfect for her sister to add the final and finishing touch.

  “Here, if you’ll just bend slightly. Perfect!” Sadie placed a few pins and secured the small and delicate finery to her hair. “He’ll be stunned by your beauty. I doubt he’ll even be able to speak,” Sadie said as she gave her sister a kiss on the cheek.

  “That would certainly be a first!” Emma joked, feeling her self relax in the slight joke.

  “Indeed. Are you ready to go?” Sadie grasped her hands and stared intently into her eyes.

  “Yes, truly I cannot wait.” Emma smiled her response as the sisters went downstairs and out to the carriage. Their mother was waiting, regarding them with tears in her eyes.

  The ride to the small church was subdued, and Emma’s nerves grew tense as they came closer. It wasn’t that she questioned her decision; rather she was more anxious for it to be finished, for her to belong to Hudson and him to her. Her tension came from impatience, nothing more. The thought brought a smile to her a face and caused a slight chuckle to escape. Sadie gave her a curious glance but otherwise didn’t comment.