“Indeed, she was.”
A blush climbed up Miss Woodcourt’s cheeks. “Of course they have passed on? Your father at any rate, how else would you…I am sorry.”
He reached up, brushed an auburn curl away from her eye. “It is quite all right. I have made peace with their passing. How about we get you that milk now?”
The corner of her pink lips turned up. “Might you have something a bit stronger?”
“Right this way.” He led her into his office and poured two glasses of brandy before handing one to her.
She graced him with a smile, taking the glass he offered.
“Might we discuss this betrothal business?” He indicated a chaise near his desk.
Something flashed in her eyes before she moved to take the offered seat. Was it fear? Panic? Clearly it was not a topic she relished discussing. Still, he needed to know. He would not be able to help her if he did not understand the situation.
She raised her glass and took a delicate sip. Her hand trembled enough to cause the brandy to quake in the crystal glass. He swallowed hard when she looked at him, then moved to sit across from her.
“Please explain what Wolfe meant.” He smiled in a way he hoped looked encouraging.
“What are you referring to?” She glanced at the floor and picked imaginary lint from her wrapper.
“He said you were betrothed.”
“I will not marry him.” She looked up, finally meeting his gaze.
Fear radiated from her as moisture collected in her eyes. His heart hurt for her.
“I would rather die.” Her voice shook.
Hunter shifted to sit next to her. He could not stop himself from wrapping an arm around her. “I need to know the truth of it if I am to help you.”
She nibbled at her lower lip.
“Miss--might I call you by your given name? Leastwise when in private.” She nodded. “Rose, I will do everything in my power to keep you from a marriage with Wolfe, but I must know what I am up against.”
He would do everything in his power short of marrying her himself. He could not subject Jewels or his family name to the scorn such an arrangement would cause. He would not.
She lifted the glass, drinking the remaining brandy in one swallow. When she ran her tongue across her lips, his muscles tightened. He fought the urge to lean in and taste her sweetness.
She sighed. “Lord Aubry--”
“You have leave to use my given name.”
She blinked at him. “Before my parents died, there was a betrothal arrangement. Mr. Wolfe’s copy was destroyed when his family home burned. His parents were also lost in the fire. Shortly thereafter, I begged off, breaking the arrangement.”
Hunter took her hand in his and gave an encouraging squeeze. He held her gaze as she recounted the entire tale. Only after she had finished did he allow himself to speak. “Know that he cannot force the suit. I will find a way to make him leave you in peace.”
A tear escaped, trickling down her cheek. “Do you not see he will stop at nothing short of marriage?”
Her shoulders shook as he pulled her closer. He stroked her cheek, before plunging his fingers into her hair. The locks were so soft, so feminine. “I will never let him have you.” He dipped his head, brushed his lips against hers. “You are safe here. With me.”
“Safe.” The word left her mouth a mere whisper.
He brought their mouths back together. A primal need to protect her filled him as she parted her soft lips, angling her head for him. He deepened the kiss, the sweetness of her driving him.
She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. Her curves fit against him like their bodies were two pieces of the same puzzle. He trailed his lips down her neck. A tiny whimper drifted from her.
She tipped her head, allowing him better access to her creamy skin.
The shattering of his glass broke their connection. He pulled back, his heart hammering as he glanced around the room. When he returned his gaze to her, she nibbled at her lip. A light flush crept across her chest toward her face.
“I should go.” She averted her gaze, standing a little too swiftly.
He reached for her hand, but she pulled it back.
“This cannot happen again.”
Hunter stood, but before he could stop her, she rushed from the room.
She was correct. He had to get himself under control before he ruined her. She would never belong to him.
ENCHANTED BY THE EARL
CHAPTER TEN
Rose gazed out the window at the countryside as the carriage bounced and jostled along the road. She bumped against Gran, but it hardly registered amongst her tangled thoughts. She was grateful to Hunter for giving them shelter and helping her with Mr. Wolfe, but she would never be as comfortable at his estate as she was in her own home.
Pray, let me return home soon.
The kisses she shared with him kept flashing in her mind, causing heat to flair in her cheeks. She snuck a glance at Hunter sitting next to Lady Julia. She would not deny she enjoyed his caresses.
There was a spark between them that was too easily ignited. He felt it, too. His attraction showed in his sky blue gaze whenever he looked at her, and revealed itself in the gentle way he touched her.
She needed to return to her normal life before she lost her virtue--or worse, her heart. Because, whenever she was in his arms, she found herself powerless to resist. He could lead her down any path he chose.
“It is not far now.”
Her toes curled at the pleasing sound of Hunter’s deep timbre. What would it be like to hear him whisper affectionate words in her ear?
“You will adore Roselawn. Hunter has agreed to set you up in the main house.” Lady Julia smiled from behind her fan.
Rose’s heart fluttered. She snapped her gaze to Lady Julia, who only turned her smile on her brother.
“Indeed.” Lord Aubry’ eyes held warmth for her before he looked at Gran. “Julia feels you will both be more comfortable in the manor, and I quite agree.”
“How very kind of you, my lord.” Gran pushed her spectacles up the bridge of her nose, a genuine smile pulling at her lips.
Hunter met Rose’s gaze, the heat in his stare sent warmth rushing through her. She studied the bow of his full, seductive lips. They were firm and demanding, but gentle at the same time. She wanted to feel them pressed to hers again. A sigh escaped her and one corner of his mouth turned up. Could he know her thoughts?
Her face burned with a fierce blush. She glanced out the window, waving her fan furiously in an attempt to cool her scorching cheeks. The danger to her heart was real. Living under the same roof would prove to be torturous. How could it be anything else when she already longed to be pressed against him?
What a bird-witted fool she was becoming, lusting after a lord when she knew nothing good could come of it. This needed to stop. She needed to guard her heart. He already claimed a fraction of it with his gallant deeds, gentle caresses, and caring words. She could not afford to allow him further access.
The carriage halted. A moment later, a footman opened the door and unfolded the metal steps. Hunter climbed out before he handed down Lady Julia. Gran followed.
Rose moved to the door and accepted the hand he offered. His long fingers closed around hers, sending a jolt of longing straight to her core. Heavens. The moment her slippers touched the cobblestones, he released her as if her touch had branded him. She moved to stand beside Gran.
Hunter strolled through the door with all three women following behind. He nodded as his butler collected his gloves and hat. “I trust Miss Woodcourt and Mrs. Oaklawn’s things have arrived?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Very well. Have them moved from the cottage to the west wing. The women will reside here for the duration of their stay.”
Rose’s pulse raced. A mixture of fear and longing warred within her. She would be staying in his manor--with him. She lived in a lord’s manor, his countryseat. But she was mer
ely the seamstress to his sister. She had no business being here.
When the butler nodded, Lady Julia handed her cloak to him with a smile. Rose could not help but take note of how comfortable and confident the lady appeared. Could she ever belong in their world?
“Welcome back, Lady Julia.”
“Thank you, Berkley.” She turned to Miss Woodcourt, who stood near Mrs. Oaklawn. “Do give him your cloaks.”
After handing over her outerwear, Rose looked to Hunter for direction. Since her clients always came to the cottage, she had never been inside such a grand home. She had no idea what to do or how to behave.
Lady Julia moved to her side and patted her arm.
Had the lady sensed her unease? A flush of embarrassment crept across Rose’s cheeks. She offered Lady Julia a shaky smile.
Part of her relished the idea of staying here, and being privy to the life of the peerage, if only for a short while. The other part knew she belonged below stairs. There would be a price to pay if she allowed herself to put on airs. The servants in Hunter’s employ would see right through her façade. They would not let her forget her proper place in society.
A lump formed in her throat. What a fine mess her life was shaping up to be. She had become a homeless impostor, fancy that.
“Lady Julia, might you take the women into the drawing room until their rooms are ready? I have some estate matters to see to that require my immediate attention.” Hunter tugged at his cravat, pulling it away from his throat.
“Of course, I would be happy to.”
He cast a half grin in Rose’s direction before he sauntered down the corridor.
She watched the way his legs moved as he walked away. His were strong, powerful strides, full of confident masculinity. It made her wish she had not rushed away from his embrace the previous night. He had been powerful then, too, but also sensitive and clearly concerned with her plight.
The memory warmed her heart. She gave herself a mental shake. Yes, Hunter cared for her, but he saw her only as someone in need of aid. He would see her safe from Wolfe and returned to her home, but nothing more.
* * * *
Hunter tossed back a glass of port. It sufficiently warmed his insides, but did nothing to ease his mind. He had acted a complete cad the previous night by pulling Rose into his arms, ravishing her when she was so distraught.
No gentleman would behave in such a way. And bloody hell if he did not long for more of her. The desire to feel her silky skin against his and run his tongue over her most sensitive parts almost overwhelmed him. His erection strained against his breeches at the merest thought of her. Blast the chit for driving him to the edge of madness. For making him care.
He filled his glass once more before dropping onto the chair behind his mahogany desk. As if his behavior of the previous night was not bad enough, he had flirted with her in the carriage this morning. The blush darkening her cheeks made him long to kiss her again. Had they been alone, he would have gathered her into his arms and kissed her senseless.
He swallowed another drink. If she were any other woman, he would take her into his bed for a good tumble so he could get her out of his system.
Oh, bloody hell. Who was he trying to fool? Bedding her once would never be enough. Denying he felt more for her than lust did him no good at all. But he could not have her. Not in the way she deserved. Rose needed a man who could provide a family and stable home. She deserved a happily ever after. The station of mistress would never suit her and he could not offer more. His first duty belonged to his title and family.
He glanced at the stack of correspondences on his desk. The top letter caught his attention. He snapped it up and studied it. Wolfe. Without bothering to retrieve his letter opener, he broke the seal and scanned the contents. Rubbish. Did the scoundrel honestly think he would hand Rose over on a silver platter merely because they had been betrothed?
Hunter crumbled the parchment and threw it across the room. It smacked into the bookshelves before dropping to the floor. Rose had been clear in her desire not to wed the man, and he believed she had good reason for breaking the betrothal.
His stomach roiled. Wolfe would not give up his pursuit of her. Hunter could not begrudge the man on that particular score. If he were free to marry her, he would pursue a courtship straight away. She was beautiful, brave, and compassionate. Smart, too. What more could a man ask for in his wife?
He swallowed hard. If the Bow Street Runners did not find the evidence to send Wolfe to Newgate… His heart squeezed. As much as it pained him, he would find Rose a suitable match and provide a handsome dowry to keep her safe from the reprobate. Pray, let it not come to such an end.
Hunter spent the next several hours attempting to bury his misery in ledgers and copious amounts of port. They proved little distraction as his mind kept wandering back to Rose.
He stood and stretched his stiff back. Jewels would be expecting him to appear at the dining table for the evening meal. In truth, he looked forward to spending more time in Rose’s presence.
Moments later, when he stepped into the parlor, his breath caught. Rose was a vision dressed in blue satin trimmed in organdy, with her auburn hair gathered over her shoulder in a matching ribbon. If one did not know better they would peg her for a member of the aristocracy.
She caught his gaze and a brilliant smile lit her face. He had never seen a more stunning example of feminine beauty.
The blue dress belonged to his sister. She had worn it to the last garden party they attended. He recalled her husband complimenting how it set off her eyes. Jewels would pay a penance for this. He forced his gaze from Rose and scowled at the little minx standing next to her.
Jewels tilted her head, a smirk pulling at her lips.
He gritted his teeth. She seemed quite pleased with herself.
“Nice of you to join us. Now, do not just stand there, I am famished.” She moved closer to the door. “You may escort Miss Woodcourt. I will walk with Mrs. Oaklawn.”
Hunter glanced at the elderly woman. She offered a grin. He returned it as he proffered his arm for Rose.
Her fingertips scorched him as she rested them on his coat sleeve. Lust, nothing more. He could not allow himself to believe it anything else. If he did, his heart would surely be in danger.
He led her from the parlor. The walk to the dining hall was exquisite torture. He nearly sighed with relief when Rose let go of his arm to take her seat.
The conversation remained light while they ate. Jewels prattled on about London and the season just ended. For that, he was grateful. He caught Rose glancing at him a couple of times and found himself gazing at her at least half a dozen. He tried, but he could not keep from staring at her.
She ran her tongue over her top lip as he studied her for the hundredth time. Swallowing hard, he lifted his glass for another drink. He would bet she had no idea how attractive she was, or what gestures such as licking one’s lips did to a man.
“I gave Miss Woodcourt and Mrs. Oaklawn a tour of the manor after they settled into their rooms,” Jewels said. “Perhaps tomorrow we can take them on a tour of the estate.”
Hunter averted his gaze from Rose’s lovely face.
“Oh no, I would not want to trouble you. These old bones will not withstand it at any rate.” Mrs. Oaklawn stabbed her fork into a slice of roasted beef.
“It is settled then.” Hunter set his goblet down and glanced at his sister.
She frowned back at him. “It most certainly is not. Perhaps Miss Woodcourt would like a tour. The three of us could enjoy a morning ride and we could show her around while we are at it.” She turned her attention to Rose. “Do say you enjoy riding.”
Hunter looked at Rose, his breath hitched. Her response mattered more than he cared to admit.
She nodded. “As it happens, I am rather fond of riding and would be happy to join you.”
Hunter could not stop the euphoria spreading through him. He had a great love of equestrian pursuits and it warmed
his heart to discover Rose did as well. All the same, he could not allow himself to spend extra time with her.
Hunter sat his glass aside. “I will trust you to show Miss Woodcourt the property. I regret I cannot join the two of you, but duties call.”
Jewels all but snorted her disdain. “Whatever business you have can surely wait until after our ride. Miss Woodcourt is your guest, and did you not, just the other day, state your desire to spend more time with me?”
A becoming blush spread across Rose’s cheeks, causing his loins to tighten. He ripped his gaze from her to stare down his sister. The look she focused on him, pouty lip and all, melted his resistance. She knew just how to play him. “Oh, very well. I will join you.”
The twinkle in Jewels’ eyes sent a warning through him. He knew that look and nothing good ever followed.
ENCHANTED BY THE EARL
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Rose sat sidesaddle on the mount Lady Julia selected for her. A warm breeze stirred her curls where they tumbled out from beneath her bonnet. “It is a beautiful day for a ride.”
“Indeed it is.” Lady Julia pushed her riding gloves more firmly onto her hands. “My brother should be joining us before long. He has never been the punctual type.”
Rose pushed away a chuckle. She was rather fond of the lady. If not for the class difference, she would call her a friend.
After they broke their fast the previous evening, she had done a fitting for her. Rose told her all about the trouble with Wolfe, her childhood, and the Devontons while she worked on the gowns. In return, Lady Julia told her about her family and the past scandal of how she came to be wed. To a merchant!
Rose gazed around her at the grand manor house with its manicured grounds. It must have been a wonderful place to come up in the world.
“Here he comes now.” Lady Julia angled her chin toward her brother.
Rose craned her neck as Hunter rounded the corner of the stable on a well-muscled stallion. He was clad in dark breeches with a white shirt that clung to his powerful frame. The sun glinted off his black hair and his eyes shone.
Once Upon A Regency Page 21
