As she dressed for dinner that evening, she took extra time with her appearance. The gown she and Georgie had selected for her to wear was a deep burgundy that perfectly complemented her auburn locks. Georgie had originally wanted Scarlett to wear a modest cream-colored gown that emphasized her youth and innocence, however, Scarlett had balked and insisted on something more sophisticated. They had finally agreed on the burgundy silk creation she was now wearing. Though it left her shoulders bare and revealed the tops of her creamy white breasts, the cut of the gown was elegant and alluring, without being too provocative.
She had decided to wear her hair up, the profusion of curls secured with brilliant diamond and ruby pins that matched the stunning necklace she wore at her neck, beautiful pieces that had belonged to her mother. Despite Georgie’s initial objection, Scarlett applied a hint of rouge to her full lips and dusted a bit of color onto her delicate cheekbones. Georgie of course, had no idea that she wasn’t preparing herself for her first foray into Society’s midst, but rather, for her reunion with the infamous Duke of Worthe. If she had, the poor woman would surely have been horrified.
An hour later, Scarlett stood dutifully next to Colin in the midst of their mingling guests. She had been introduced to each person as they had arrived, and so far, she was doing an admirable job of keeping all of the names and titles straight. Thankfully, Colin and Georgie had decided to keep the guest list relatively small, and thus there were only about thirty people in attendance. However, amongst that number were some of the most prominent and influential members of Society, and Scarlett felt the pressure as if there were a hundred. The Duke of Worthe had yet to be announced however, and Scarlett knew that a portion of her anxiety could be attributed to the anticipation of seeing Alec once again. Despite being surrounded by a half a dozen people, she couldn’t seem to keep her gaze from repeatedly drifting toward the front entrance.
A small, five-piece orchestra had been set up in the far corner of the room to provide musical entertainment and servants circulated throughout, some with trays bearing a variety of hors d'oeuvres and others bearing expensive crystal flutes filled with the finest French champagne. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, including Georgie, who had been conversing with a pleasant looking gentleman for quite some time now. If memory served, his name was Mr. Daniel Brexton, and he was unmarried. Scarlett couldn’t help noticing that he looked rather smitten as he chatted with Georgie. How lovely!
“His Grace, Lord Weston, the Duke of Worthe.”
Scarlett’s head whipped around as Alec was announced, as did several others. As he entered the room, those he passed greeted him warmly. Alec was obviously a popular figure within the ton and was stopped repeatedly as he made his way toward Colin and Scarlett.
As she watched his approach, Scarlett felt her breath catch. He looked so handsome in his black evening attire. Was it only weeks ago that his hands had caressed every inch of her body, his lips raining kisses all over her sensitive flesh? It seemed like an eternity. Just looking at him now filled her with a longing so intense that it nearly buckled her knees. Fortunately, by the time he reached them, she had managed for the most part to bring her emotions under control.
“Hello Colin, Scarlett,” he greeted.
“Good evening, Alec, it’s so nice to see you again.”
“Glad you could make it,” Colin said, giving Alec a friendly smile as he thumped him cordially on the shoulder.
“Scarlett, you look lovely,” Alec said, with a slight bow and polite sweep of his gaze.
“Thank you.” Scarlett dipped into a perfectly executed curtsy, affording Alec a glimpse of her décolletage in the process.
“Allow me to wish you a happy birthday as well.”
Scarlett smiled and nodded her head politely in acknowledgement.
“Alec, it’s good to see you,” said the man to Scarlett’s left.
“Yes Alec, it is good to see you. It’s been far too long.” A lovely brunette whom Scarlett had been introduced to earlier swept forward and placed her hand lightly on Alec’s forearm. Her name was Alicia Windham, the Countess of Devon. She couldn’t help noticing the familiar manner in which the countess addressed Alec, as well as the intimate inflection in her voice, and fought to suppress a flicker of jealousy as she pondered Alec’s relationship to the lovely lady.
Fortunately she didn’t have much time to dwell on the matter, as dinner was announced shortly thereafter. As the guests began to move in the direction of the dining room, Scarlett momentarily lost sight of Alec. With her hand resting securely on her brother’s arm, she allowed Colin to lead her to the beautifully set dining table and seat her at his immediate right. As she took her seat, she caught a glimpse of Alec, noting with displeasure the Countess of Devon’s hand tucked possessively into the crook of his arm.
Thankfully they had been seated at opposite ends of the table, and Scarlett couldn’t help feeling a sense of relief as Alec politely saw the woman to her seat and then made his way to his own seat on Colin’s left, directly across from her own. As he sat, their eyes met for a brief moment and a silent awareness passed between them. They quickly looked away before anyone else noticed.
Throughout the meal, Scarlett did her best to keep her gaze from lingering upon Alec. She chatted politely with those who were close enough to converse with, including Colin, Georgie, the Marquis of Hatfield and his wife, and Mr. Brexton, who just happened to be seated next to Georgie. She couldn’t help but notice that the Marchioness flirted outrageously with Alec while her husband appeared oblivious, seemingly captivated by the woman seated to his right. The fact that the marchioness was at least ten years Alec’s senior, and that Alec seemed not in the least affected by her obvious interest, were all that kept her from grinding her teeth in irritation.
Alec, well accustomed to the constant attention he garnered from members of the female sex, barely noticed the Marchioness of Hatfield’s effusive efforts to capture his interest. Though no one could have detected by his outward demeanor, his attention was completely riveted on Scarlett. If possible, she was even more beautiful than he remembered. For the past two weeks he’d tried to convince himself that their liaison was over, but it was exceedingly difficult when all he seemed able to think about was her. Now, as he sat across from her, his eyes once again strayed to her elegant profile. Her head was turned as she laughed appreciatively at something Mr. Brexton had just said. To resume their affair would be a horrible mistake, he knew that. In any event, now that they were it London, it would be much more difficult for their clandestine encounters to remain undetected. So why then, could he think of little other than getting her back into his bed?
Surprisingly, he hadn’t been with a woman since his return to London. He glanced down toward the opposite end of the table. Would an evening with Alicia dampen his craving for Scarlett’s luscious charms, he wondered? They had known each other for years, and she was one of the few women he considered a friend. Sadly for her, she had been married off to the aging Earl of Devon, thirty-five years her senior, when she was just seventeen. Like him, Alicia was well schooled in the ways of the aristocracy and she had accepted her fate with little complaint. She was the earl’s second wife, his first having died shortly after the birth of their fourth child. Her husband already had his heir and as his sexual demands were infrequent, Alicia had sought her pleasure in the arms of Alec, as well as a number of others over the years. Though they hadn’t slept together in months, he knew she would be receptive. She always was, and certainly would be now with the earl bedridden in the country, having suffered a nearly fatal stroke several months past. He was well aware that Alicia wasn’t one to remain celibate for long. They understood each other, and the rules of the game. Turning back, his eyes once again fell upon Scarlett.
As Scarlett turned her attention from Mr. Brexton, she caught Alec’s lingering gaze. A spark seemed to leap between them, as it always did, their mutual attraction so intense it was almost palpable.
Alicia faded from Alec’s thoughts almost instantly. When his eyes were on Scarlett, it was as if no one else existed. Frustrated, he realized that his attraction to Alicia had never even come close to the level of desire he felt for Scarlett. Though he knew it was madness, in the back of his mind, the part that lacked any semblance of sanity, he had already conceived a way for them to be together. Stop it you fool, his inner voice commanded as he clenched his jaw in aggravation.
“Any chance you will be attending Penny’s ball tomorrow night Alec.”
Colin’s question snapped him out of his reverie. Penelope Minton, the Countess of Standshire was one of the ton’s leading social figures. The Minton’s ball had been deemed a premier event within the London Season years ago, and it was well known that no one with any sort of social aspirations would dream of missing it. Alec however, was one of the few people who was completely unconcerned with social convention and his attendance at any event was never a given.
Alec gave an exaggerated sigh. “Penny’s been hounding me about it for weeks.” He leaned back in his chair, a slightly exasperated expression on his face. “She managed to corner me at the theatre the other night and I finally had to give in. I was afraid she was going to cause a scene if I didn’t promise to attend right then and there.”
“Knowing Penny, she probably would have,” Colin chuckled. “However, I for one am glad you will be there. You can help the boys and I keep an eye on Scarlett. I have a feeling our little sister is going to cause quite a stir amongst all of the unmarried gentlemen in attendance.”
“Colin, really,” Scarlett said, feeling a blush color her cheeks. “Why on earth would I cause a stir? I am hardly going to be the only young lady making her debut. Though I appreciate your brotherly loyalty,” she began, placing her hand fondly on Colin’s arm, “I’m sure that you are seriously overestimating my appeal.”
Alec silently wondered how long Scarlett’s charming naiveté would last once the ton got its first real look at her. There hadn’t been an incomparable beauty like Scarlett in years, if ever to be completely honest. And the fact that she had no idea how truly extraordinary she was only added to her allure. The interest and attention she was bound to receive was sure to drastically alter her perception of herself and likely her character as well. It was inevitable really and he couldn’t help feeling slightly disheartened by the thought.
“I have to concur with your brother, Scarlett,” Alec said with a charming smile. “I haven’t the slightest doubt that you are going to be an unrivaled success.”
“Since the two of you have such confidence in me, I hope you will allow me to reserve each of you a spot on my dance card.”
“By all means.”
“You’d better,” Colin admonished teasingly.
The remainder of the meal passed by quickly and soon everyone had returned to the front parlor for the evening’s final entertainment. Georgie had arranged for a children’s acapella quartet to perform for their guests, and while they had been at dinner the staff had set up extra seating.
Unfortunately, Scarlett found herself seated between Colin and Conner, while Alec had taken a seat next to the Countess of Devon. As she watched them from the corner of her eye, it was apparent that they were quite at ease in each other’s company. She couldn’t help wondering if they had ever been intimate, and an aching stab of jealously pierced her like an arrow. There hadn’t been any competition for Alec’s affections at Grey Oaks and she had foolishly taken it for granted.
Now, the realization that she was certain to be only one of the vast numbers of females vying for Alec’s attention filled her with a sense of trepidation. She had to get him alone before the night was over. Of that, she hadn’t any doubt. Though they had made no plans regarding their time together in London, she was determined to further their relationship. The two weeks they had been apart had seemed like an eternity. In the short time they’d had together at Grey Oaks, Alec had become like a drug to her, a drug to which she was hopelessly and helplessly addicted. She needed him, craved him and longed for him like nothing she had ever known before. Seeing him again only reinforced her resolve. And seeing him with another woman at his side strengthened that resolve even further.
To distract herself from her thoughts of Alec, she tried to focus her attention on the young singers. The quartet was comprised of four siblings, two boys and two girls, ranging in ages from eight to thirteen. The children, wonderfully charismatic performers, had voices that blended in perfect harmony, and the delightful group soon cast an enchanting spell over the entire audience. They sang nearly a dozen songs, their parents joining them for the final two. When they were finished, everyone clamored for more and the group willingly obliged by performing a brief encore. It was a lovely way to end the night. Georgie had done an amazing job. The evening was an absolute success.
As the guests finally started to take their leave it was well after eleven. When the Countess of Devon departed, Scarlett was immensely relived to see that Alec didn’t leave with her. Hoping she might have a private word with him before he left, she walked over to where he stood, talking with Conner. As she approached, she couldn’t resist playfully teasing her brother as she looped her arm through his. “Was it my imagination, or did you spend an inordinate amount of time conversing with Julia Ashcroft this evening.”
“I couldn’t help noticing that myself,” Alec added, with a knowing smile.
Scarlett was stunned to see that Conner was actually blushing. “Was it that obvious?”
“She’s lovely,” Scarlett said, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze, “and quite smitten with you I think. I noticed that her parents are preparing to leave. Perhaps you should make it a point to say goodbye.”
“Yes, I think I shall,” he nodded, already setting the drink he held onto a nearby table. “Will you two excuse me please?”
Scarlett couldn’t help smiling as she watched her brother walk away. She had been introduced to the young lady earlier in the evening, and from what she’d observed Julia Ashcroft was a lovely young woman with a quiet, somewhat shy personality and a surprisingly intellectual mind, much like Conner’s.
“If I didn’t know better, I might think that you had planned that little maneuver.”
“It’s all in the timing,” she retorted with a mischievous smile.
“Happy birthday, Scarlett.”
His voice, soft and husky, sent a chill down her spine. “I’ve missed you,” she replied with quiet sincerity.
“You’ve been in my thoughts often,” he told her honestly.
“Have I?”
“You’re not easy to forget.”
“Neither are you.” Though his expression was warm and tender, Scarlett sensed a disquieting undertone in his manner. “It doesn’t have to end you know.”
Didn’t it? How could he allow their affair to continue, knowing that it would likely become more and more difficult for Scarlett when it ended, as it inevitably would? In addition, continuing to betray Colin’s friendship was tearing him apart with guilt. Despite his unflagging desire for Scarlett, he knew what had to be done.
“Scarlett, I think it’s best if we…”
She cut him off, knowing she couldn’t bear it if he told her it was over. She realized at that moment that she had to use whatever means possible to change his mind, and if that meant using the potent allure of her newly discovered sexuality, then so be it. “Please Alec. I need you. I need to touch you, to taste you, to feel you inside of me.” She met his gaze without flinching, her voice whisper soft and sultry as her eyes conveyed her overwhelming desire. There was no time for subtlety.
Damn, when she looked at him like that he couldn’t think straight. Just minutes before, he’d thought of stopping by Alicia’s townhouse, but now, he couldn’t bring her image to mind to save his life. From the corner of his eye, he spotted Georgette Bennett making her way toward them. He knew that he was making a monumental mistake, but the words seemed to slip out of his mouth of their
own accord. “There’s a gate that separates our properties in the rear garden. It’s near the far corner, tucked within the hedge. Meet me there at half past twelve.”
Scarlett’s knees nearly buckled in relief. She nodded in response, unable to speak as she too noticed Georgie’s approach.
“Your Grace, would you mind if I borrowed Scarlett for a moment?” Georgie asked politely.
“Of course not. I was about to take my leave in any event. If you ladies will excuse me, I will look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening.”
“Don’t forget that you promised me a dance, Your Grace,” Scarlett reminded him.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he assured her with a charming smile.
As they watched him walk away, Georgie gave Scarlett a knowing look. “He certainly is a handsome devil.”
“And here I thought it was Mr. Brexton who’d caught your fancy,” Scarlett chided with a teasing smile, refusing to take Georgie’s not so subtle bait.
Taking her role as chaperone seriously, Georgie regarded Scarlett with a somber expression. “I wouldn’t set my sights on the duke if I were you dear. His reputation as a rake is well deserved,” she said with a decisive nod. “He’s not a man I can foresee hurrying toward the altar any time soon.”
The Hellion and The Heartbreaker Page 12
