Juliet continued, “Lord Elbourne, I understand you’ve already met Mr. Cody Gryphon?”
The gentlemen bowed to one another.
Augustus’s eyes crinkled as he gave Cody a smile. “How are your drawings coming along?”
“I must admit, I’m thoroughly convinced my talents lie elsewhere.”
“If you enjoy it, that’s all that matters.” The earl’s gaze returned to Stephanie. “I believe we have a bit of time before the dancing begins. Might I challenge you to a game of billiards?”
She was visibly startled. “How did you know I enjoy billiards?”
“A mutual friend.” He winked at Juliet.
“Why, I’d adore a game of billiards…” Stephanie gave him a teasing glance “…if you’re prepared to lose graciously.”
Augustus offered her his arm. “I am if you are.”
As the earl and Stephanie strolled off together, Juliet gave Cody a brief curtsy. “If you’ll excuse me.”
“Miss Beaucroft, please wait.” Although she paused, she didn’t meet his gaze. “I apologize for what I did the other night. It was ungentlemanly, and I don’t reflect on my behavior with satisfaction.”
Her face became rosy, and he stifled the impulse to touch the curve of her cheek.
“Thank you, Mr. Gryphon, but I thought we agreed not to mention it again. Besides which, your point was well taken. I shouldn’t have attempted to salvage my reputation with a ruse, especially not at your expense. I stand corrected.”
“I feel certain the damage to your reputation from being passed over will prove nonexistent. I imagine when it becomes generally known the earl is courting another lady, you’ll hear a collective sigh of relief from half the gentlemen in London.”
Juliet finally raised her eyes to his. “That was a kind thing to say.”
“I speak the truth.” He gave her his best puppy dog look. “Am I forgiven?”
Her mouth turned upward at the corners. “Perhaps a very little, but only because of my regard for Stephanie.”
“Aha! I have a great deal of regard for Stephanie, too, so we have that in common. I daresay we should explore our commonality a little further, señorita.”
Her smile faded. “Stop flirting with me, Mr. Gryphon. Since you’re returning to Texas, we both know it can lead nowhere.”
Before he could say anything more, she moved off into the crowd with a swish of satin and the rustle of petticoats. Cody frowned as he watched her walk away in iridescent glory. She was perfectly right in what she’d said, of course. He’d made no secret of his plans for the future, so why did he feel as if she’d slapped him across the face yet again? The blame was his for trying to engage her in conversation. After his apology, he should have excused himself and retired to the bar for a drink. Instead, he was rooted to the spot like some sort of lovesick swain, yearning for her to glance back at him.
For a moment, he thought Juliet might have done so, but then his view was cut off by the approach of his father. The older man seemed distracted for some reason.
“I couldn’t find Lord Moregate, I’m afraid.”
“Don’t be concerned. Lord Elbourne was here after all. He and Stephanie are getting acquainted over a game of billiards.”
Although his father nodded, the crease between his eyebrows didn’t lessen. Cody was puzzled. “Is something amiss?”
“I saw my brother and his wife when I went into the ballroom.”
“Uncle William and Aunt Zinna? I didn’t even realize they were in town.”
“Nor did I. To be frank, after your grandfather disinherited William, I thought I might never see him again. We’ve never been especially fond of one another.”
“I take it your reunion was not a happy one?”
“From the cold manner in which he and Zinna greeted me, I fear they mean to make trouble.”
“How?”
“I don’t know, but I have a bad feeling about it.” He shook his head. “Just stay vigilant.”
Augustus tapped in the winning shot, straightened, and gave Stephanie a smile. “Game and match.”
She watched as he re-racked the balls. His impeccably tailored evening clothes fit him perfectly, and his air of quiet competence fit him even better.
“You didn’t let me win.”
“I respect you far too much for that. I hope you’re not disappointed?”
“On the contrary, I find it flattering.”
“I’m glad. I appreciate a lady who stands on her merits.” When he regarded her, it had the effect of a physical caress. “We’re in a strange situation, you and I.”
“Indeed, we are. I confess, I was rather determined not to like you before.”
“And now?”
She lowered her lashes. “I’d say I’ve been pleasantly surprised.”
“As have I.” He offered her his arm. “Shall we join the party? The dancing will begin soon and I hope to dazzle you on the dance floor.”
She stole a glance at his profile as they strolled from the billiards room. “I’d hoped it would be you.”
His eyebrows rose in response. “In what way?”
“When we met in the park the other day, I wished you were Lord Elbourne. I didn’t know who you were, of course, but you had a sense of kindness about you I found very appealing.”
“I’d no idea who you were either, but you were a bright spot in an otherwise difficult afternoon.” He paused. “Did Juliet like the puppy?”
“Oh, yes. Her dog Hamlet ran away, and she was distraught.”
“Hamlet?” Augustus seemed puzzled.
“Yes. Cody and I both thought a new puppy would lift her spirits.”
“I’m quite confused. Juliet has never had a dog.”
“No?” Stephanie was taken aback. “Well, I can only take her at her word. She was genuinely upset about something.”
“In that case, a puppy was just the remedy.”
It was odd that Augustus wouldn’t have known about Juliet’s dog, Hamlet, but in the excitement of the evening, Stephanie brushed the inconsistency aside. As they moved through the hallway, eyes followed their progress and whispered conversations erupted after they’d passed by. She could only assume a man of Augustus’s stature was a fascinating subject amongst society.
As they took their place on the dance floor, she leaned closer. “Do you always create such a stir?”
“It is you who has created a stir, Miss Gryphon. Since it’s the last ball of the Season, and I’m the highest ranking bachelor in attendance, the unmarried lady I choose for the first dance takes on special significance. The guests may very well assume I intend to propose to you.”
“All that, just from a dance?”
“Let’s remove any doubt regarding my intent, shall we?”
He lifted her hand and deposited a lingering kiss on the back of her glove. Even though the marriage was supposedly a foregone conclusion, Stephanie blushed.
Augustus gave her a sidelong glance. “Have I overstepped the mark?”
She felt a delicious tingle travel down her spine. “No. I’d say you hit it perfectly.”
Chapter Six
Wicked
CODY AND HIS FATHER returned to the ballroom, where the first dance was already underway. He scowled when he realized Juliet was dancing with an eager young man who was holding her altogether too close for propriety. Why hadn’t he thought to claim the first dance for himself? In fact, he’d delayed so long he might already be too late to claim any.
When Horatio introduced Cody to his aunt and uncle, whom he scarcely remembered, he could feel the chill his father had referenced. Lord Kesselbury’s features had been bloated by an excess of drink over the years, and Lady Kesselbury’s plush frame and ruddy complexion were ill served by an overly tight puce gown.
“It’s been a long time, lad, but I would have known you anywhere.” Lord Kesselbury’s voice was flat. “You and Zachary could almost be twins.”
“Indeed.” Lady Kesselbury gave Cod
y a tight smile. “I rather think, however, you’re far more cheerful than Zachary, at present. You’re definitely far more fortunate.”
Cody exchanged an uncomfortable glance with his father before venturing a response.
“Er…where is Zachary these days?”
His aunt’s lips tightened. “He was forced to return from his Continental tour when his grandfather cut off his allowance without any warning whatsoever. I’ve begged him to come home, of course, but he’s bitter and refuses to have anything more to do with the family. Now the poor boy is languishing in a small apartment on the east side of town, dispirited beyond measure. We’re at the end of our rope.”
“Perhaps I’ll visit him.”
“Would you? That’s terribly kind.” Kesselbury produced a calling card from an inside pocket with an address written on the back. “Zachary needs all the friends he can muster.”
His wife flapped her hands at him. “Don’t go on about it, dear. Considering Cody and Zachary are blood relatives, it’s the least he can do.”
“That’s so. I’m also reminded that Cody is to inherit an undeserved fortune from his grandfather one day. Everything that would have been Zachary’s will be his, instead.” Kesselbury sighed. “The knowledge of such injustice must weigh heavy on his conscience.”
Cody gritted his teeth as he slid the card into a pocket. “Actually, I’ve never given it much thought.” He hadn’t been long in their company, but Lord and Lady Kesselbury struck him as rather despicable. It was no wonder the Gryphon brothers had never been close.
Lady Kesselbury glanced around. “Is Stephanie here? I’d like to meet my niece. She was a babe in arms when I saw her last.”
Horatio nodded toward the dance floor. “She’s dancing with Lord Elbourne.”
Her eyebrows rose. “That girl is Stephanie? Why, she turned out prettier than I might have imagined, and quite like her mama.” She snickered. “Poor Miss Beaucroft.”
Cody’s bristled at his aunt’s mean-spirited jab. “Why do you say that?”
“Everyone knows Miss Beaucroft had her heart set on marrying Lord Elbourne.”
“I beg to differ. Miss Beaucroft feels nothing but sisterly affection for the earl and is great friends with Stephanie. Should Lord Elbourne and Stephanie happen to announce their engagement, Miss Beaucroft will be delighted.”
Despite his defense of Juliet, Cody could see neither his aunt nor his uncle believed the truth of his assertions. Would anyone? His fears increased when Lady Lovejoy paused to greet him as she circulated through the party guests.
“Your sister has made quite an impression on Lord Elbourne, I see. Poor Miss Beaucroft’s heartbreak is all anyone is talking of.” She shook her head and sighed with genuine regret. “How terrible for her, to be thrown over for her friend! I feel rather responsible for introducing them.”
“Lady Lovejoy, please believe me when I say Miss Beaucroft’s heart is perfectly whole.”
She patted his hand. “You’re a loyal friend and a gentleman, and I’d expect you to say nothing less.”
As she hastened off, Cody began to wonder if Juliet’s proposed ruse hadn’t been the best course of action after all. She’d certainly guessed correctly that the gossips would be unkind. Furthermore, how would Stephanie react if ugly remarks about Juliet and Augustus got back to her? His eyes flickered toward his aunt and uncle, whose hardened expressions convinced him they would be sure to repeat the rumors to their niece at the first possible opportunity.
Cody watched his sister dancing with Elbourne—an adoring look on her face. In turn, the earl seemed to be wrapped up in her gaze. If he wasn’t greatly mistaken, the two of them were well on their way to falling in love, and he meant to see that nothing derailed their courtship and impending engagement.
He must speak with Juliet before it was too late.
Juliet curtsied at the end of the first dance and applauded the orchestra’s efforts. As her partner led her off the floor, she could see Cody making his way in her direction. Did he mean to mock her again with his flirting? Although she kept her countenance, inwardly she braced herself for the impact of his presence. When he reached her side, she was obliged to introduce him to her escort.
“Mr. Waters, have you met Mr. Gryphon?”
Waters gaped at Cody. “Good heavens, but I thought you were Lord Gryphon!”
Cody glared. “Really? I’ve not heard that before.” His retort was edged with sarcasm.
“Well, I-I beg your pardon.” Flushed bright red, Waters bowed, edged backward, and disappeared into the crowd.
Juliet gave Cody an even glance. “Must you frighten away all my friends? Mr. Waters is a very sweet man and doesn’t deserve your ire.”
“Perhaps not, but that’s not important right now. Please come with me.”
To her surprise, he took her by the hand and tugged her toward the exit. She was compelled to fall into step beside him, to avoid drawing even more attention to his actions.
“You’re making a spectacle of me, Mr. Gryphon! Please let go!”
He took her hand and wrapped it around his arm. “Is that better?”
“No. Where are we going?”
“Somewhere private.”
Several people stared as they passed, and Juliet gave them a bland smile. Why was Cody embarrassing her this way? He led her out into the garden, until the darkness seemed to swallow them whole. When he finally came to a stop, she snatched her hand away from his arm.
“You’ve completely shredded my reputation, sir!”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“What?”
“No, I don’t mean that the way it sounds. What I mean to say is, you were right before, about the ruse.”
She looked at him, annoyed. “Thank you for admitting you were wrong, but it’s too late. Now that Stephanie and Augustus have been seen dancing together, my ruination will be seen as a desperate attempt to make him jealous.”
“You misunderstand me. Ruination doesn’t go far enough, and I would never have agreed to it in any case. We must become engaged tonight. Immediately, in fact.”
Had Cody lost his mind? “Engaged? To what purpose?”
“The gossips say you and Lord Elbourne were going to announce your engagement. If Stephanie hears as much, she’ll call the whole thing off. I know for a fact my sister would never marry a man she thought was already spoken for. Stephanie has too much pride.”
“Even if we’re supposedly engaged, how would that disprove Augustus’s feelings for me?”
“It won’t, but I believe he’s more than capable of persuading Stephanie of his devotion. Besides which, our engagement will take the wind of the gossip’s sails. Half their delight is in watching your heartbreak.”
She stood with her arms akimbo. “And how do we get out of the engagement down the road?”
“We’ll manage.” He shrugged. “I’ll return to Texas and you’ll naturally tire of a long-distance relationship. You’ll throw me over at your convenience and no one need be the wiser.”
Juliet studied Cody, whose face was earnest, sincere—and far more handsome than should be allowed. Although she gave him credit for trying to help Stephanie, an engagement ruse posed more peril to her heart than he was aware. Even now, his nearness sent waves of longing through her body and dangerous thoughts flooding into her mind. She cared about Stephanie and Augustus, too, but to enter into such a ruse with Cody Gryphon would be incredibly foolish.
She shook her head. “No.”
Stephanie was practically giddy with excitement as she danced with Augustus. His regal bearing and calm manner seemed to bathe him in a patina of glamour, and when she was in his arms she felt as if nothing bad could ever touch her. Furthermore, he was the center of attention wherever he went, as was any woman fortunate enough to be in his company. Never before had she appreciated the naked privilege that came with nobility, and she finally understood why her father had desired it for her and her future children. Augustus Butler, Earl o
f Elbourne, was erudite, sophisticated, handsome, and kind. It was little wonder Juliet had praised him so highly, and Stephanie was poised to do likewise. Although she wasn’t yet in love, she certainly felt warmly enough toward Lord Elbourne to desire more time with him. If he felt differently toward her, he was adept at hiding it.
“I look forward to introducing you to Philip, my younger brother.”
“I’ll have the chance to meet Lord Philip very soon. Juliet is planning to visit her sister in a few days and has asked me to accompany her.”
“That’s wonderful news. If I can get away, I’ll visit you there.” His gaze swept over her frame. “I’ve never seen a woman ride astride before. I must say, the notion intrigues me.”
Stephanie blushed. “What a scandalous thing to say, milord.”
“Is it?” He lifted one eyebrow. “I find you devastatingly attractive, Miss Gryphon. Hopefully, that’s not too wicked to admit aloud.”
“I shan’t breathe a word to anyone.” She gave him a slow smile. “Did Juliet tell you all my secrets? I must scold her.”
“It’s my fault, really. I pressed her for as many details as she could recall so I could woo you properly.”
“Your gallantry does you credit. I can’t imagine many gentlemen who would bother to woo what’s already been promised to them.”
“Since you can always refuse the match, I take nothing for granted.”
Her lips curved in a mysterious smile, but she made no other response. At that moment, she’d no intention of refusing the match. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t hurt to keep the earl in suspense awhile longer.
After the second dance ended, Augustus escorted her off the floor. She glanced toward her father, who was chatting with a couple near the door.
“Lord Elbourne, May I introduce you to Papa?”
“Of course, but I’ve promised the next dance to Juliet. Might I look for you afterward?”
A prickle of jealousy made Stephanie ashamed of herself. Why shouldn’t Augustus dance with her friend? She forced a smile to her lips.
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