The Hellion and The Heartbreaker

by McNare, Jennifer

  Crossing to the window, he looked out at the moonlit night in growing frustration. He had made his decision long ago, so why then was he suddenly questioning himself? Allowing a woman, any woman to affect him emotionally, would only lead to disappointment and heartache down the road. Despite his grandmother’s optimism, he had seen far too many marriages disintegrate into cold, faithless unions filled with little more than bitterness and angst. If he allowed himself to fall in love, especially with someone like Scarlett, how could he possible bear it when it all fell apart?

  Bloody hell, he was tired of thinking about it, tired of thinking about her, tired of thinking period. Despite his earlier decision to spend a quiet evening in, he was far too agitated to be by himself. He was going out.

  When Alec arrived at White’s an hour later, he saw that the place was crowded. Good, he thought, ready for some much needed distraction from his recurring thoughts of Scarlett. Requesting a drink from a passing server, he glanced about, immediately spotting Rory and Gavin McPhearson seated at one of the card tables. As soon as they noticed him, they waved him over. “Alec, we’ve got an empty spot at our table, join us,” Rory called. He groaned. Obviously, fate wasn’t on his side.

  Taking the empty seat, he mentally cringed at the topic of their conversation.

  “If Fordham’s pursuing her, I dare say the rest of us don’t stand a chance with your lovely sister,” Niles Finch, Viscount Herington, bemoaned. “Well, except for perhaps Worthe of course,” he added, with a pointed look toward Alec.

  “I am honored you would think so,” he stated, smiling drolly as he struggled to keep his tone facetious. Apparently Niles believed that if anyone could best William Morton when it came to attracting feminine attention, it would be him. He supposed he should feel flattered. He, like Morton, had the good looks, wealth and charm that the ladies of their set prized. In addition, he already had the title. William Morton wouldn’t inherit his own dukedom until his father’s passing, which was of course another point in Alec’s favor.

  “Any chance you’ll be giving the marquis a bit of competition?”

  All eyes at the table immediately swung toward him, including Rory and Gavin’s. By the looks on their faces, they obviously thought the notion of him courting their sister was ridiculous. Their expressions said it all and further pricked the guilty conscience he had been harboring for the past three years. Despite being a family friend, his reputation as an unrepentant rake could hardly be overlooked. If they had even the slightest inkling of what had transpired between him and Scarlett years earlier, he would most assuredly be a dead man, and deservedly so.

  In response to Niles’ question, Alec merely leaned back in his chair and cocked his brow. “If I had wanted to spend the night gossiping, I would have attended the Haversham’s affair. I thought we were playing cards,” he said, his voice reflecting only the slightest irritation. It was enough however. The cards were soon dealt, and the topic of conversation changed to subjects keen to virtually everyone present, those being fox hunting and hounds.

  Chapter 17

  The days following Scarlett’s attendance at the theater with the Mortons were surprisingly reminiscent of her first time in London. Invitations and calling cards came pouring in and the comings and goings of the Scarlett Angel were once again headlining the society pages. Though she could have done without the vast amount of attention, she was immensely relieved not to have been ostracized by the ton, if for no other reason than to preclude the shame and embarrassment it would have caused her brothers, and eventually her son.

  In the four days that she had been in the city she had attended a small luncheon hosted by the Duchess of Mawbrey, paid a visit to Georgie, now Mrs. Daniel Brexton, taken Oliver, accompanied by Rory and Gavin to the races at Newmarket, and had gone to see the latest exhibit at the British Museum with Colin, in addition to her initial visit to the Royal Theater. Surprisingly, she had yet to catch even a glimpse of Alec since seeing him at the theater. She had a feeling that might change however, considering the event that she was attending later that evening.

  Earlier in the week she had accepted an invitation to attend the upcoming ball being hosted by Vanessa Brookshire’s parents, the Marquis and Marchioness of Hetherton. She had also agreed to William Morton’s offer to escort her to the event, even though Colin, who would also be attending, had also offered to serve as her escort. She was fairly certain, considering his apparent interest in Vanessa Brookshire that Alec would be in attendance as well. It was a thought that set her already frazzled nerves even further on edge, for the anticipation, as well as the trepidation of seeing him again had been mounting with each passing day. She knew that she needed to move on with her life and to move past her feelings for Alec, but here, in the city, knowing that he was so close; it was far easier said than done.

  “Have I told you how lovely you look this evening?”

  “Several times,” Scarlett replied, smiling fondly at William.

  “Forgive me then, for I cannot seem to help myself.”

  “Are you always so delightfully charming, My Lord?”

  “I can only hope so,” William replied with a devilish twinkle in his eye.

  They had arrived at the Brookshire’s some thirty minutes earlier, and William had been by her side ever since. He was a pleasant companion, exceedingly courteous and remarkably attentive. He was the type of man any woman would be thrilled to be with, and since their arrival, Scarlett had noted many an envious gaze cast in her direction. She knew that she was unbelievably fortunate to have garnered his affection.

  However, when the Duke of Worthe was announced a short time later, Scarlett couldn’t keep from directing her gaze to the ballroom’s entryway. She watched as he descended the few steps that took him to the level of the room’s beautifully inlaid parquet floor, her gaze riveted on the face that still haunted her dreams. Unable to help herself, she followed him with her eyes until he eventually became lost within the crowd.

  “Shall we?”

  William’s polite request drew her attention and she smiled graciously, hoping he hadn’t noticed her momentary distraction. The small orchestra had just finished tuning up their instruments and the first dance of the evening, one of the two William had reserved for himself was about to begin. Offering him her hand, he led her onto the dance floor.

  William was a wonderful dancer and Scarlett couldn’t keep from smiling as he twirled her expertly through the midst of the animated throng. She caught Colin’s eye as he whirled past with a lovely blonde, and he gave her an encouraging wink. He and her brothers were all so pleased with her present success. Truly she couldn’t have asked for more.

  Though she wished it wasn’t so, throughout the evening, whenever she caught a glimpse of Alec’s tall frame, her heart seemed to skip a beat. And when she saw him dancing with Vanessa Brookshire, she couldn’t deny the crushing envy she felt. Looking over at William, so amiable and kindhearted, she couldn’t help wishing that it wasn’t so. The marquis had proven to be the perfect escort, staying protectively by her side as they mingled and when they went in to supper, procuring refreshments for her when she grew thirsty, partnering her on the dance floor for both a waltz and a minuet, and graciously stepping aside when others asked her for a dance. He was a wonderful man, but despite her fondness for him, he still didn’t make her heart go all aflutter. He wasn’t Alec. Lost in thought, she didn’t notice that someone had come up behind her until she heard the sound of her brother’s voice.

  “I believe this dance is mine.”

  Scarlett turned to find her brother standing before her, his hand outstretched. “Indeed it is,” she said, without bothering to glance at her dance card. “Although I must admit, I wasn’t sure you would be able to tear yourself away from the lovely Miss Clifton,” she teased.

  Turning from the gentleman to whom he had been speaking, William caught Scarlett’s last comment and chuckled.

  “You see what I have to put up with,” Colin lame
nted with a wry grimace. “You are lucky you haven’t any sisters William.”

  Scarlett swatted his arm playfully and turned her gaze to William. “Will you excuse us, My Lord?”

  “Of course,” he responded affably.

  “I shall return her shortly,” Colin promised with a polite nod, and then took her arm and led her to the dance floor.

  “Are you enjoying yourself, Minx?” he asked as he swept her into a lively country reel.

  “I am having a lovely time, Colin.” She told him honestly. “Tonight; these past few days; I feel as though a tremendous weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.”

  “I’m glad, Scarlett, truly.”

  Colin was an accomplished dancer and Scarlett thoroughly enjoyed herself as he spun her about the floor.

  “And what about you?” she asked a short time later. “Are you having a good time this evening?”

  “Considering I left the card room with more than twice as much as I had when I sat down, I would have to say yes, I am having a rather good time.”

  “I see. And is that the only reason?” she couldn’t resist asking.

  “Do you suspect there is another?” he queried, his tone overly blasé.

  “Well… I am fairly certain that it was you who I saw dancing with a certain blonde, not once, but twice this evening.” Scarlett remarked.

  “Keeping an eye on me, are you?”

  “She seemed quite enamored.” As did you, she refrained from saying aloud. “Is there a chance we will be adding another member to the family in the near future?” Though her tone was light and teasing, she couldn’t help wondering if her eldest brother was finally looking to settle down and start a family.

  “In the city less than a fortnight and already looking to see me leg-shackled,” he responded, shaking his head in mock dismay. “Shall I warn Rory and Gavin too?”

  “Better not,” Scarlett murmured. “Neither of them will agree to escort me to another event if they think I am trying to play matchmaker and hasten them to the altar.”

  “Speaking of matchmaking,” Colin began, his tone more serious, “it appears the Marquis of Fordham has taken quite an interest in you. Will you encourage his suit?” he asked, his expression curious.

  “I think it is a bit soon to be thinking along those lines Colin,” Scarlett said, surprised that her brother would be so quick to assume the marquis would offer his suit. “William is merely being kind by lending his support to aid my reentrance into Society.”

  “If you say so,” Colin replied, looking unconvinced. “I suppose I had best return you to your escort then,” he said, heading in William’s direction as they left the dance floor, “so that he may continue to lend his support.”

  “If you don’t mind, I was hoping for the opportunity to take your lovely sister for a turn about the dance floor myself,” came a familiar voice. “Unless of course someone else has already reserved the upcoming set.”

  Scarlett hadn’t realized that Alec had come up behind them as they’d exited the floor, and the sound of his voice caused her breath to catch in her throat. Fortunately, Colin didn’t seem to notice.

  “Alec, you’ve stepped away from the card room,” Colin noted. “Does that mean you have finally emptied Groveland’s pockets?”

  “Indeed it does,” Alec chuckled. “The poor sod just furnished me with enough coin to buy an entire case of that dreadfully expensive French brandy that I have recently acquired a taste for. Though fortunately for Groveland, he’s got plenty of blunt to spare,” he added, his expression not in the least bit remorseful.

  “And then some,” Colin added in agreement.

  “So, Mrs. McKinnon,” Alec said, suddenly pinning her with his emerald gaze. “Will you do me the honor, or have you promised this dance to another?”

  Scarlett looked down at his hand, outstretched in invitation. To be held in Alec’s arms once again would surely be akin to a dream come true, but even so, it also filled her with trepidation. On the dance floor, so close to one another, would she be able to disguise the fact that she loved him still? Despite her apprehension, she could hardly refuse, not with her brother looking on. Nor, if truth be told, did she want to. “No, Your Grace, I have not promised it to another, and of course I would be honored.”

  “Well then, enjoy,” Colin said, stepping back as Scarlett placed her gloved hand in Alec’s.

  As the orchestra began the first strains of the waltz, Alec guided Scarlett onto the dance floor, and then pulled her gently into his arms. He hadn’t planned upon asking her to dance, but as she had so many times before, Scarlett McPhearson seemed to draw him like a lodestone. When he had stepped out of the card room and had seen her dancing with her brother, the memory of their first waltz, years before, had invaded his thoughts, and in that moment the desire to hold her in his arms once again had been too overwhelming to resist. His legs had then carried him toward her, seemingly of their own accord.

  Now however, as their bodies moved once again in perfect harmony, their steps faultlessly in time with the flowing cadence of the music, he found himself discomfited and at a surprising loss for words.

  Scarlett too, felt the awkwardness of the moment. She and Alec had been as intimate as two people could possibly be, but now, now it seemed as though they were almost strangers. Hesitantly, she raised her eyes to his. Their gazes met and held.

  She is even more beautiful now than she was before, Alec thought in amazement. If possible, the past three years had only enhanced the seemingly implausible perfection of her features. Would this dazzling creature always have the ability to take his breath away he wondered? Inhaling the delicate scent of her perfume, he was suddenly overcome by memories of their time together. “Do you remember the first time we danced,” he asked, finally breaking the silence between them.

  His tender smile brought a lump to her throat. She wondered if he had any idea of just how much she had missed that subtle, endearing curve of his lips. “It was the final waltz.” Just as it is now, she thought.

  “You are even lovelier now than you were then.” He gave his head the slightest of shakes, as if he could not believe the truth of his own words. “How is that possible?” he asked, the gentle timber of his voice like a caress, a caress he longed desperately to brush softly against her cheek.

  Scarlett merely smiled in response, praying the simple gesture would disguise the pain that lurked deep within her soul. If she had ever thought that her love for him had lessened with time, she knew now that it wasn’t so. Despite the fact that he had broken her heart, and regardless of the passing of time, she loved him still and knew that she always would.

  “I never meant to hurt you Scarlett.”

  The softly spoken words nearly brought tears to her eyes, but she valiantly fought them back. “I know.”

  “William Morton… he is… well, he’s a good man,” Alec said, his voice suddenly husky.

  “Yes.” Scarlett nodded in agreement, but he’s not you.

  “I want you to be happy, Scarlett. I hope you know that.” He tried to convince himself that he meant it, that he would be happy for her if she ended up wed to the Marquis of Fordham. She had already lost so much.

  She nodded again, unable to speak.

  “I’m sorry about your husband,” he said with sincerity. “Sometimes life…well…it just isn’t fair is it?”

  “No, sometimes it isn’t.” She wanted to ask him if he was happy, and to ask him if he had found what he was looking for. Did he intend to wed Vanessa Brookshire? Was she the agreeable, non-threatening partner he desired, or had his views changed? Did he love her? They were all questions she longed to ask, but despite her burning curiosity, she couldn’t bring herself to utter the words.

  They finished the waltz in silence, each lost to their own thoughts, each of them secretly savoring their final moments in each other’s arms.

  Chapter 18

  Scarlett spent a restless night after returning home from the Brookshire’s ball.
Waltzing with Alec had stirred up so many deep-seated emotions, emotions she had tried, but obviously failed to suppress over the past years. She was as much in love with him now, as she had been three years ago. She couldn’t deny it, no matter how hard she wished to. However, she couldn’t allow her unrequited love to destroy her chance at future happiness. Colin was right, William Morton was definitely interested in more than friendship, and it was something she needed to consider. During their carriage ride home, he had expressed his desire to court her, and she, after only a brief hesitation had assured him that she would welcome his suit. Though she might never develop the kind of feelings for William that she had for Alec, she believed that she could find some measure of happiness with William, and knew that she would be an utter fool to throw the opportunity away.

  The following morning, standing on the lawn behind their London home, Scarlett knew that she had made the right decision. Alec would never offer her his love, and as painful as that knowledge was, she had to accept it. Looking over at her son, Alec’s son, she still had no regrets however. She had given Alec her heart, and in return he had given her the greatest gift of all, her beautiful child. Watching him now, her heart swelled with love, a love so intense it was nearly impossible to contain.

  Oliver loved being outdoors, and having just finished luncheon, he was currently helping Monsieur Deville tend his prized herb garden. As Scarlett watched her son from across the yard, she couldn’t help but smile. He was such a wonderful boy, happy, intelligent, loving and always eager to help with whatever he could.

  “Be careful not to step on any of Monsieur Deville’s herbs,” she cautioned, before turning her attention to the rose bushes that grew along the hedge that separated their property from Alec’s.

  “I’ll be careful Mama,” Oliver called out cheerfully, clearly relishing his role as helper.