She stood and walked to them and the three stepped further into the room. “No, it isn’t. Never think that. Your brother simply wants to protect you, and he doesn’t feel he can do that and court me at the same time.” She smiled at them. “I am Louisa Whitton, by the way.”
The girls introduced themselves, and Louisa found herself smiling, remembering the comments Marston had made about them. They were strikingly beautiful with the olive skin, dark hair, and light eyes. No wonder he worried about them.
“He is going to want us to marry more quickly than he did before,” Calista said quietly to Miranda.
“I assume you agreed with Devlin so he could then court you.”” Miranda narrowed her eyes at Louisa, as if trying to assess her.
“Heavens, no. In fact, we have argued over that very thing. While I understand his desire to see you happy, I’m vehemently opposed him rushing you to the alter.”
The middle sister seemed to relax.
“I simply can’t wait for the three of you to be settled.” Louisa bit her bottom lip, studying the young women. “I hate to ask this of you, since we don’t even know one another, but could you not tell him, please.”
“Tell him?” Calista asked as if it hadn’t even occurred to her.
“Never!” Miranda grinned. “If fact, we are going to help you.”
Louisa looked at Penelope. This was the one who couldn’t keep a secret.
“He did tell you about us,” Miranda laughed.
Calista looked at her youngest sister. “You will not breathe a word of this to Devlin.”
Penelope’s eyes widened. “Of course not,” she insisted before she turned back to Louisa. “I saw the way he looked at you when you entered the ballroom tonight.” She grinned. “And he has glanced in your direction more times than I can count.”
Her sisters nodded in agreement.
Louisa hoped that would be the case but had been afraid to look at him for fear he was ignoring her presence. “Thank you.” She sighed and returned to her seat. This was turning into much more than she’d planned, and all Louisa could do was pray that word didn’t get back to Marston or it would never work.
“We still haven’t decided on a gentleman we can ask to assist us in this plan,” Moira reminded her.
A slow smile came to Eleanor’s lips. “I have the perfect candidate. He is wicked and honorable, and handsome as the devil. Marston will not be able to ignore his courtship.”
Devlin paced before the open doors. Where were they? Louisa had disappeared after supper and his sisters had gone to the retiring room, together, almost an hour ago. Had they wandered off somewhere? Were they hauled off into one of the many chambers in this house by gentlemen intent on ruining them? What of Louisa? Her father was over by the potted palms speaking with a few older gentlemen, but she was nowhere in sight. What if she met up with another gentleman? What if some cad was sweeping her off her feet at this very moment?
He thrust his fingers through his hair. He couldn’t take this. It was too much. Maybe he should allow only one sister to attend each ball. They could take turns. Then he wouldn’t have to worry as much.
No, that wouldn’t work. He pivoted on his heel and walked in the opposite direction. While he was here with one sister, he would be wondering what the other two were up to at the house.
He was not suited for this, and for the millionth time wished his father and brother were here seeing to them.
“What has you in such an agitated state?” Jordan Trent asked, stopping beside him. A footman, carrying a tray of filled wine glasses paused before them. Jordan lifted one, handed it to Devlin, then chose two more. His brother, Earl Bentley stopped beside him and took one of them.
“Thank you.” Devlin gulped back the wine. “I am waiting for my sisters to return. They went upstairs awhile.
“My wife hasn’t returned either. She tore a flounce or something, and Madeline went with her.” Lord Bentley frowned.
“Well, I do hope Miss Whitton returns soon. She saved a waltz for me.” Trent grinned.
Devlin clenched his jaw. Trent was the last person who should be dancing with Louisa. Just because they were related by marriage didn’t mean the two couldn’t form an attachment. And what woman wasn’t attracted to Trent?
He narrowed his eyes. Louisa had remained at Bentley Manor, as had Trent, for two days after he left. Had her affections changed so quickly? Had Trent begun a courtship? “I am sure she could find a replacement if you feel the need to leave.”
Trent hitched a brow. “Why would I do that? I’ve been looking forward to it all evening.”
Devlin searched for a footman. Striding a few feet away, he placed his empty glass on the tray and retrieved a full one before returning to Trent and the earl.
“If you are that eaten with jealousy, why not offer for her?” Bentley asked.
“I’m not, and I can’t,” Devlin bit out, and he wasn’t about to explain. They couldn’t begin to understand. They only had one sister, who was safely with her sister-in-law, and not likely to get into any trouble.
Devlin glanced back up at the door again and stopped. Louisa entered, Penny at her side, talking, while Louisa smiled and nodded. What was his sister telling Louisa? Did she know anything he didn’t want told? No, Penny knew nothing of his private life, though there were a few embarrassing stories from his youth she could share.
Behind them were Miranda and Calista, heads tilted together conspiratorially, followed by Madeline, and the Ladies Bentley and Ainsely. Had they all been in the retiring room together, all this time? No wonder it had taken his sisters so long to return to him. Perhaps Lord and Lady Stockton needed to make sure there were more facilities available.
When the ladies reached the bottom of the steps, Louisa returned to her father, Devlin’s sisters came to stand by his side, and the other ladies returned to their respective husbands before Lady Bentley pulled Jordan Trent away. All was right in the world, and Devlin could feel his pulse slow. He had only a few more hours to go, and then he could leave with his sisters and rest until he had to do this all over again.
A waiter passed, and Devlin grabbed another glass of wine from the tray. He would need sustenance to get him through the rest of the evening.
Three gentlemen approached, and two of his sisters were escorted to the dance floor. Penny remained behind as she did not yet have permission to waltz since she had yet to enjoy the Season or receive a voucher to Almack’s. Devlin relaxed and glanced over at Louisa. Jordan Trent bent over her hand before he escorted her to the dance floor as the strains of a waltz began.
Trent pulled Louisa close to his body, much closer than was necessary, and smiled down at her. Louisa returned the smile as Trent bent to whisper something in her ear.
Damn and blast. Trent had better not have set his sights on his Louisa.
“I am going with you!” Devlin yelled at his sisters. “Each of you has insisted you need fripperies or fans or hats, or whatever it is you ladies shop for. I am going along to insure you don’t spend a fortune or take any detours.” He leveled his eyes on Calista, who glared at him. “Besides, the fact that you are so against my presence only means I don’t dare leave you in charge of this outing.”
She sighed and pulled on her gloves.
“I don’t mind you going at all, Devlin,” Penny insisted.
“Miranda, do you have any concerns to voice?”
Silent as ever, she simply shook her head.
He followed them out of the house and loaded each into the carriage. It was a short drive to Bond Street, and when they alit onto the street, Devlin came face to face with Miss Whitton exiting a haberdashery on the arm of Trent. Madeline waited on the sidewalk for them. They paused as Devlin handed his sisters out and exchanged greetings. Devlin could think of nothing to say as he was too busy biting back oaths he wished to blister Trent’s ears with. Such words could not be uttered in the presence of the five ladies. However, the first time he was alone with Trent he would
give him a piece of his mind.
While his sisters shopped Devlin scanned the street and walkways but never caught sight of Miss Whitton again. He could only hope that she was safely at home and far away from Jordan Trent.
“Might we take a drive in the park?” Penny begged.
Devlin checked the time. “At this time of day, one goes to the park to be seen. As we have a closed carriage, it wouldn’t be very beneficial.”
“We can walk after we arrive,” Miranda suggested.
As much as he wished to return home and rest before this evening to try to get rid of the blasted headache that remained with him since last night, his sisters were being agreeable. If they wished to drive in the park, then he would take them.
Once loaded back in the carriage, he stared out the window, watching people of all classes walk along the streets and keeping an eye out for Miss Whitton. He didn’t see her, and he wasn’t sure if he was relieved or not. Was Trent in her home right now, enjoying tea and her company?
The carriage pulled to the side after they entered the park, and he escorted his sisters, stopping several times to speak with acquaintances. Spending time in Hyde Park was actually enjoyable. The weather was cool, but not too brisk. There was a light breeze and the sky was almost clear. And, the headache that had been plaguing him was almost gone. Perhaps all he needed was a bit of relaxation in the company of his sisters.
“Oh, there is Lady Madeline and Miss Whitton. I must go speak with them.” Penny was rushing off before he could offer an objection and his sisters followed at a more sedate pace.
His pulse increased just knowing she was close, and he turned to follow Penny, searching beyond her for the lady who continued to haunt him.
His blood ran hot. Louisa wasn’t with only Madeline, but Trent had her hand linked on his arm. They stood beneath a tree, their heads close as they spoke. Madeline was further away, walking toward his sisters.
Devlin cursed under his breath and stalked across the drive, nearly being run over by a phaeton. He didn’t care. He had to get Louisa away from Trent before it was too late.
He stopped before them. She smiled sweetly at him.
“Marston, are you enjoying your day shopping with your sisters?” Trent asked.
“I always enjoy spending time with them,” Devlin bit back before he turned to Louisa. “Might I have a word with you, alone, Miss Whitton?”
She glanced up a Trent then back to Devlin. “I am sorry, that would be rude since Mr. Trent did ask me to accompany him to the park.”
Devlin clenched his teeth and drew a deep breath in through his nostrils. “Perhaps later.”
“Of course,” Louisa offered. “I am sure I will see you at the Bentley ball this evening.”
“Very good.” Devlin nodded, turned his back, and walked away. Something had to be done. He knew Louisa thought she needed to marry before Christmas, and apparently she was wasting no time in moving on from him to Trent.
Had his kisses meant nothing? Was he the only one who felt a deep-rooted connection between them?
Well, he would be damned if he would let Jordan Trent have her.
“Oh dear,” Louisa muttered after Marston stalked off.
“I think we will forego the ices today.” Jordan chuckled
Louisa glanced up at Jordan. He had suggested Gunter’s to be their final destination before they returned to their respective homes and prepared for the ball this evening.
“I value my hide, and as Marston has already sent me to hell in his mind, I feel the need to be cautious before I actually feel the pain he wishes to inflict.”
“He did seem rather upset.”
Jordan laughed. “Rather upset? That man is beside himself with anger at me.”
“I really didn’t expect him to react so strongly.” When Jordan had been suggested this outing last night at the ball after Eleanor explained the plan, Louisa was actually surprised. She didn’t think he would actually go along, yet he’d appeared this afternoon with Madeline and had escorted them shopping and then to the park. She certainly never dreamed Marston would have such a strong reaction to Jordan being in her company.
Jordan chuckled again. “He is in love. What do you expect?”
“Love?” Louisa watched Marston return to the carriage, lean against it, cross his arms over his chest, and glare at Jordan. “He has never mentioned love.”
“He may not even realize it himself.” Jordan led her along a path, well within sight of Marston, but kept a respectable distance.
“Is that possible?”
“For a man like Marston, yes. All he knows is that he wants you, that it doesn’t fit in with his plans, and that he doesn’t know how to keep anyone else from getting you.”
“That is love?”
“Trust me, he is in love.”
Warmth filled her. If only Marston would say the words then she would beg her grandfather to wait and not force her to marry anyone else. But without knowing for certain, how could she convince Grandfather otherwise?
They turned at the end of the walk and began to stroll back the way they had come. Marston was still leaning against his carriage. His frown only deepened when Jordan nodded to him. Oh dear.
Devlin entered the Bentley ballroom with Calista on his arm. Miranda and Penny followed. He paused from his vantage point and scanned the crowd. He’d intentionally arrived early instead of fashionably late. From what he could see, Louisa had not yet arrived.
He led his sisters to the side of the room which would allow for a clear view of the entrance so that even after the room became crowded, he would know the minute she stepped inside even if he didn’t hear the announcement.
The seconds ticked by, then minutes until he had been there over an hour. Certainly she would come. Her sister was married to Lord Bentley’s brother. Why would she be so late?
“Might I be excused?”
He glanced over at Penny.
She leaned in and whispered. “I need to visit the retiring room.”
If Penny was somewhere else, he could not focus on waiting for Louisa. “Can’t it wait?”
“Not really.” She frowned and bit her upper lip.
“I will go with her,” Miranda announced with a heavy sigh.
“As will I,” Calista added.
“Just make sure the three of you stay together, and try not to be gone as long as you were last night.”
Miranda rolled her eyes before following her sisters from the room.
When Devlin lost sight of them, he returned his focus to the entrance.
“Bloody hell,” he muttered under his breath. Louisa stood at the entrance, her hand resting on Trent’s arm. Why hadn’t she come with her father? Devlin would have been happy to include Louisa in his party if she needed an escort. The carriage may have been a little cramped, but he would have made do. Anything was better than seeing her on that rakehell’s arm.
The two paused to the side of the stairs, and Louisa handed Trent her dance card. He had better not be claiming another waltz.
Devlin glanced back at the door his sisters disappeared through. They had not returned, not that he expected them to this soon. He strode across the floor until he was at Louisa’s side. Stopping, he bowed and took her hand, placing a kiss on her exposed wrist.
“Really, Marston, such a display in public,” Trent murmured. “Are you trying to ruin the lady?”
Devlin shot him a murderous look before smiling at Louisa. “Might I see your dance card?”
She softly smiled and held it out to him.
Devlin glanced through to find the dance he wished. All dances were available with the exception of the two Trent had already claimed. Both were waltzes, and one happened to be the supper dance. “Are you making a claim, Trent? Two waltzes?”
Trent hitched a brow. “Someone should,” he muttered.
Heat crept up Devlin’s neck, and his pulse increased with anger.
He reviewed the card once again and penciled his own
name in at the last waltz of the evening. Even if he couldn’t keep her from dancing twice with Trent, Devlin would be the last one to hold her.
Devlin handed her card back to her. “I look forward to our waltz, Miss Whitton.”
A slight blush rose to her cheeks. “Thank you.” She turned her focus to Trent. “If you will excuse me, I would like to speak with Madeline.”
Devlin watched the gentle sway of her backside as she navigated the crowed, her blond curls bouncing against her slender neck. What he wouldn’t give to let lose all of those pins and run his fingers through the silken gold.
When she could no longer be seen, Devlin looked at Trent, who was still watching the direction Louisa had gone, an appreciative smile on his face. Devlin wished to bloody that scoundrel’s nose, and would if they weren’t standing in the middle of a ballroom.
“Do you intend to offer for her?” Devlin found himself asking. What objection could he offer if Trent did, and would she accept Trent’s proposal? The thought of her with Trent made him ill. Not that Trent was a bad choice as far as husbands went, but Devlin was certain he would feel this way if he lost Louisa to anyone.
He could not lose her.
Trent took his time in speaking and when he did, it wasn’t an answer. “Come with me.”
Devlin narrowed his eyes. What was he about? Perhaps a private discussion was in order, and perhaps Trent would survive, though Devlin wasn’t so certain at the moment. “Very well.”
He followed Trent through a short corridor that led to a back hallway. They turned left and entered what must be Bentley’s library. Trent strode across the room and poured two glasses of brandy. He handed one to Devlin then leaned against his brother’s desk.
“My intentions depend entirely on yours.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“If you do not offer for her, I will.”
Devlin gripped the glass. It was what he feared.
“I do intend to offer for her,” Devlin stated evenly.
“When?” Trent chuckled. “As I understand it, you won’t consider taking a wife until your sisters are wed, and it doesn’t appear that will happen anytime in the near future, unless there are courtships I am unaware of.”
A Season To Remember Page 8
