Which brought him to Emma.
Though he needed to wait a reasonable amount of time after his broken engagement before declaring his feelings for her, he wasn’t sure how long he could wait. Each moment with her made his feelings grow. Hence, his reason for keeping his distance. This was his opportunity to learn to control his feelings, to contain them so they didn’t turn into something disastrous.
But this crowded ballroom might provide him with the opportunity he desired. At the very least, he’d be able to dance with her. Having her in his arms even for a short time might serve to appease him temporarily.
Or make matters worse.
He was willing to take the risk.
At last he spotted her as she left the dance floor, her partner returning her to his grandmother’s side. Irritation filled him at the number of men surrounding her. Her entry into society had been far more successful than he’d imagined. While the knowledge should please him, it didn’t.
He eased through the crowd, greeting a few acquaintances, disappointed when no one mentioned his broken engagement. Apparently he’d need to make a few comments of his own if Catherine had truly failed to spread the news.
As he neared Emma, he couldn’t help but notice how animated those around her appeared, as though they truly enjoyed her company. They listened with interest to what she said and responded in kind. He wasn’t the only one who was attracted to her. Tagart was at the front of the group. Rather than elbow his way through her suitors, he moved nearby to where his grandmother visited with friends.
“How are you faring this evening?” he asked after delivering his customary kiss.
“Quite well, thank you.”
“And how is everything at home?” They’d been careful to keep the whereabouts of Emma’s family a secret. Extra footmen had been added to the household to keep watch and serve as protectors if needed.
“All is fine thus far. I hated to leave them to their own devices for the evening, but we thought it best to make things appear normal.”
“With luck, it will only be for a short time. Then you’ll have your home back to yourself.”
“I’m quite enjoying all the company. It will be far too quiet once they leave.”
“Your protégée continues to gain in popularity.” Michael watched as Emma smiled at something Tagart said, annoyed with the pang of jealousy that struck him.
“Indeed. I believe she can expect several offers in addition to Lord Tagart’s soon.”
“Tagart proposed?” Michael could hardly believe his ears.
“I thought she’d told you.”
“No, she didn’t.” A weight settled on his chest and wouldn’t release. “What did she answer?”
“She asked for a few days to consider.”
His gaze sought Emma, noting the graceful curve of her neck, the sparkle in her eyes, the hint of rose in her cheeks. Then he studied her companions, wondering which other man might offer for her.
In many ways, she was just finding her way, only now becoming comfortable in her new persona which fit her so well. He wondered if she realized that. It was almost as if the events she’d been through in her life had prepared her for this. Her confidence had grown in the past fortnight, making her even more attractive, more appealing. Obviously, he wasn’t the only one who thought so.
Uncertainty filled him, adding to the weight in his chest. Here she was finally coming into herself, and he selfishly wanted to keep her as his own. How could he possibly ask her to step away from all this and become his? She couldn’t make a decision until she’d fully tasted success, until she’d sampled what life had to offer.
He scowled, displeased at the thought. He didn’t want to wait. He’d done some sampling of his own and found her more than appealing. Why should he delay? Surely he could make her happy.
“Whatever is the matter?” his grandmother asked. “You look as though you’ve eaten something that didn’t agree with you.”
“It’s nothing. Excuse me, please.” He parted the group that stood between him and Emma, using an elbow or two when necessary until he reached her. “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”
She looked up at him, those brown eyes showing her hesitation, reluctance even. He couldn’t help but wonder why. “Thank you, my lord. Of course.”
She excused herself from her companions and took his elbow. An extra layer of reserve seemed to sit between them. He didn’t care for it but wasn’t certain how to remove it, at least not here.
The deep blue of her dress set off her smooth skin. The neckline hinted at the curves she’d so successfully hidden in the past, tantalizing him with memories of those lovely breasts. He forced his gaze to her face before his body betrayed him, only to realize she’d stopped smiling since he’d taken her in his arms.
“Is your family settling in?” he asked when the dance permitted an opportunity to speak.
“Yes. Patrick is a bit restless, but otherwise, all is well.”
“We’ve posted a few people to watch your lodging house, hoping to discover who was threatening Patrick.”
She nodded but said nothing more. The silence drew long, making him wonder at her thoughts.
“I prefer your laughter when we dance.” He smiled but she remained somber.
“You don’t have to do this anymore,” she said quietly.
“Do what?”
“Dance with me.”
“You think I only do it out of duty?” He missed a step at the thought.
“Don’t you?” She dropped her gaze for a moment before meeting his again. “Perhaps it would be best if we spent less time together.”
He studied her closely, desperate to understand why she’d said that. Surely he hadn’t misread her feelings toward him. The mask of cool indifference she wore made him long to kiss her until she kissed him back, until she held him tight, until desire gripped her as hard as it gripped him. “Why?”
She blinked as though surprised he’d asked the reason. “Because you’re engaged.” She paused for a moment as though that should be enough of a reason. It would be if that were still true. But it wasn’t. “In fact, your fiancé called upon me this morning.”
Hell and damnation. Damn Catherine. How long would it take him to be rid of her? “What did she say?”
Emma looked away and in that moment, Michael knew he wouldn’t gain the full truth of the matter. “She reminded me that you’re engaged. In truth, I was grateful to her. I would never want to do anything to jeopardize your happiness.”
Her eyes met his again. His breath caught in his throat at the depth of emotion he saw there. He drew to a halt in the middle of the dance floor. “Emma, there’s something you should know.”
“Michael, darling.” A hand on his arm jolted him out of the moment. “I’m so pleased I found you,” Catherine said. “I’m sorry I’m late. I hope you didn’t miss me overmuch.”
Emma stepped away as Catherine took her place. Before Michael could say anything, Emma turned and walked away.
Michael had to draw a breath to control his anger as he watched Emma disappear into the throng. He shifted his gaze to Catherine, wanting nothing more than to put his hands around her neck and squeeze that smug smile off her face. “I don’t believe you’ve taken the opportunity I offered.”
She lifted her hands as though to begin to dance, but Michael didn’t move. He stood there with his hands folded before him. He refused to play her games. He would not be manipulated by her. Catherine glanced around as people began to stare.
She dropped her hands, eyes narrowing as she glared at him. “Surely you of all people aren’t going to make a scene.”
“I believe you’re the one doing that.” Never would he have believed he’d allow himself to make a public display like this. But he refused to allow her to manipulate him.
“Do you think you have the upper hand? Our engagement will only end when I decide it. Not you.” Her voice rose, causing even more people to stare. Her gaze took i
n the onlookers and a small smile came over her lips.
“I gave you the opportunity to save face, but that’s coming to an end. When the clock strikes midnight, your opportunity to end it will be over. At that time, I will take matters into my own hands.”
“Do you think to be so easily rid of me? I don’t think so.” The venom in her gaze only made him shake his head despite the brightness of her aura which clearly showed her success at whatever she plotted.
“Do not trifle with me, Catherine. You will regret it.”
“We shall see who regrets this, Michael. But I can promise you, it won’t be me. Meet me on the terrace at quarter past the hour. Then we will resolve this.” Head held high, she spun on her heel and left him standing on the dance floor.
Michael didn’t bother to watch her go. Instead, he moved in the opposite direction to where he’d spotted Ashbury earlier.
“Evening, Weston.”
“Ashbury.”
“That was a lovely bit of drama on the dance floor. So unlike you.” Ashbury grinned, clearly amused at Michael’s situation. “Making your life difficult, is she?”
“Annoying, not difficult.” He glanced at some of the other people he knew in the room. “I need some information to spread. The quicker the better.”
Ashbury feigned disbelief. “She refuses to cooperate? How surprising. Are you planning to make this unpleasant for her?”
“No. I only want it to end.”
“In all honesty, you may need to play a stronger hand than you had intended if you wish to make your point.”
Michael pondered Ashbury’s words, considering his options. Then his gaze caught on a man with a bright purple vest and matching stripped cravat. “Doesn’t Lord Thompson have a reputation as a gossip?”
“I believe he does. That should aid your cause. I can share the news of your broken engagement with an acquaintance or two as well.” He paused as he glanced around to find a target. Then his gaze caught on someone across the room. “I wonder what our ladies are speaking about so intently.”
Our ladies? Michael’s gaze followed Ashbury’s to where Abigail stood. Ah. She spoke with Emma. The sight of her calmed Michael. With luck, soon Emma would be his lady. “I, too, would be interested in that, but first I must take care of this matter.”
“I’ll see who I can find to mention it to as well.”
“Excellent. The sooner everyone hears, the better. Remember, she’s the one who called it off.”
“Shall I explain how devastated you are?”
“Hell no. No need to lie anymore than I am already.” Michael crossed the room to where Lord Thompson stood visiting with another man.
“Weston.” Thompson turned to face him. “Heard you were searching for a meteorite.”
Michael frowned. “Where did you learn that?”
“Professor Embersley attended the most recent Association for the Advancement of Science meeting to ask if anyone had any new findings on rhodite. Said you and Ashbury had come by his home inquiring about it and also had interest in meteorites.”
“Did anyone have information for him?”
“One man shared that a substantial shipment coming from Brazil had disappeared. But that was all.” Thompson tucked his thumbs in his coat pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials.”
Michael nearly smiled at the perfect entry into the conversation he wanted to have. “I fear Miss Vandimer has changed her mind. We will not be marrying after all.”
“Oh? Terribly sorry to hear that.”
“Probably for the best.”
The older man, still unmarried, much to his mother’s dismay, raised his brows in interest. “How so?”
Michael couldn’t resist. He leaned closer to whisper in his ear. “She’s more demanding than most men could handle, if you know what I mean.” He eased back and gave him a knowing look.
“More, you say?” A gleam came into his eye.
“So much more.” Michael slapped him on the back. “Perhaps she’d be better suited to someone with your abilities.”
Thompson’s eyes grew wide. “Truly?”
“Worth a try if you’re in the market for a wife. You know, she mentioned you only a few days past.”
The man straightened his shoulders and puffed out his chest. “Did she? Wouldn’t surprise me in the least.”
“Women are attracted to mature men like yourself.”
“I’ve found that to be true. Perhaps I’ll go ask her to dance.” He frowned as he caught sight of her near the garden door. “Is she leaving?”
“I believe she’s in need of some fresh air and is going out onto the terrace. You could join her there. Always nice to have an opportunity for a private conversation.”
Lord Thompson smiled. “Indeed. You sure you don’t mind?”
“Not at all. In fact, I wish you luck.” You’re going to need it, he whispered under his breath. “Be sure to tell her you’re sorry to hear about the broken engagement, but that you understand why she decided to call it off.”
“Yes, yes, that’s exactly what I’ll tell her.” Without even bidding Michael goodbye, he headed directly toward where Catherine had exited the room with a lift in his step that made Michael smile.
~*~
Emma could only sigh as she watched Abigail study Lord Ashbury across the room. “You truly love him, don’t you?”
Abigail turned back to Emma with a smile. “In truth, it still amazes me. What I feel for him is so...big. It’s a bit difficult to describe.” As though she couldn’t resist, she glanced again at her fiancé.
The look on Abigail’s face sent a sharp pang of longing through Emma. “What you have together is very special.”
Abigail turned back to face Emma with a smile. “Indeed. I’m very lucky. Of that I have no doubt. It’s all a bit of a shock considering how much we irritated each other when we first met.”
“Well, you did shoot him, didn’t you?” Emma still found the story difficult to believe.
“That was not my fault. At least it wasn’t all my fault.” She waved a hand in the air. “That’s behind us now. We’re attempting to focus on the future. Though that’s rather difficult with recent events.” She sent a worried glance at Emma. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to concern you.”
“Yes, recent events.” She shook her head. “I still can’t believe my uncle lives, nor that he has been the cause of so many problems. That’s not the man I knew and loved. It’s very difficult to understand how he could be capable of the things Lord Weston has shared with me.”
Abigail took her hand and squeezed. “Let us not speak of such dismal things this evening. I have something else I wanted to discuss with you.”
“Oh?” Emma asked, quite curious as Abigail focused her blue eyes on her.
“Have you ever considered writing a book?”
Emma frowned. “I’m not certain I’m qualified. I have no talent for poetry or the like.”
“Well, I’m in need of something especially suited to your talents. I want a handbook to aid beginning governesses. Something with a logical order that would provide the more helpful things you’ve learned over the years.”
“I don’t think I’m the right person,” Emma denied. “I don’t have any exceptional knowledge or techniques.”
Abigail faced her, her blue eyes holding an intensity that Emma couldn’t deny. “In the bookstore the other day, when you were telling me of some of your experiences and how you handled your charges, I thought it quite brilliant. I’m certain others would find it very helpful, especially those women who are only beginning their careers.”
Emma looked across the ballroom as she considered the idea. “I suppose I might actually know enough to write an entire book on the topic.”
“Tell me you’ll think about it. Maybe even take the time to jot down some thoughts on the various topics it might cover and how it could be organized to be the most helpful. Think of what you wished you’d known
when you first began as a governess.”
“I’ll give it serious thought,” Emma said, flattered Abigail thought enough of her knowledge to suggest such a project.
“I’d be willing to pay an advance and an additional payment when you provide us with the completed manuscript.”
Emma hadn’t really considered that she would receive any significant payment for it. When Abigail named the sum she had in mind, Emma could only stare. “Are you quite serious?”
“Of course. I never jest about financial matters.”
“That seems far too generous of an offer.”
“Not at all. It’s purely a business matter. One from which I think we could both benefit.”
“I’m very honored that you’d think of me. I know I would enjoy working with you,” Emma said with a smile, excitement filling her at the thought.
“I couldn’t agree more. We’ll speak further after you’ve had a chance to consider it and begin your notes.”
“I’ll work on them on the morrow.”
A stir rose in the ballroom, catching their attention. Loud shouts could be heard above the murmurs of the crowd. Emma turned to where everyone stared and caught sight of an angry Mr. Vandimer emerging from the terrace door with his daughter and Lord Thompson directly behind. She looked furious but Lord Thompson appeared quite pleased with himself.
“I wonder what all that was about?” Emma asked.
“I have no idea but I’d be interested to find out.” Abigail’s attention shifted as she saw Lord Ashbury approaching. “I believe my fiancé is here to claim the next dance.”
“Enjoy. Thank you again.” Emma smiled as she watched the couple greet each other, their expressions showing how much they cared for each other. She closed her eyes for a moment at the longing that filled her, willing away the ache. That sort of relationship was for a lucky few. Not her.
What an interesting evening this had been. She had much to consider. Now she wanted only to return to her family to see how they fared.
Passionate Secrets (The Secrets Trilogy Book 2) Page 23
