A Very Merry Viscount

by Jane Charles

  “And ye survived, did ye not?” he responded with wink.

  “Solomon is the calmest horse we have, Lady Tabitha,” Kemp assured her as Andrew straightened.

  She took a deep breath then gave Andrew a quick nod. He placed his hands about her waist and lifted before she could change her mind, then waited as she situated herself.

  “Are ye comfortable?”

  “As comfortable as anyone can be not riding naturally.” She grasped the saddle to adjust her bottom while taking deep breaths as if she needed to calm herself.

  “I’m just going to mount Epona, and then Kemp will hand you the reins,” Andrew assured her.

  Again, Lady Tabitha gave a stiff nod.

  He wasted no time and soon brought his horse near hers before nodding to Kemp, who handed the reins to Lady Tabitha.

  “I’ll let you take the lead and set the pace.”

  Again, she drew in a breath before she flicked the reins, setting Solomon into motion. Andrew stayed by her left as they walked.

  Instead of talking, they rode in silence as Lady Tabitha concentrated and Andrew studied her. The color slowly returned to her cheeks and her breath was back to normal. He’d be willing to bet that she was no longer shaking.

  “How do ye feel?

  “Like I’ve done this since birth.”

  “Ye have,” he reminded her. “Minus a few years in the middle.”

  “I’d forgotten how wonderful it could be.” She flicked the reins again and Solomon began to trot. A smile pulled at her lips.

  “Faster?” he asked.

  Lady Tabitha bit the corner of her lip and nodded, her eyes bright with merriment, much as they had been yesterday after they’d run the gauntlet to escape the flying snowballs. Oh, to be able to witness that happiness every day would be a joy indeed.

  As she nearly had Solomon at a gallop, Andrew matched their pace and once again glanced over to gauge Lady Tabitha’s emotion, only to note the tears on her cheeks, but he wasn’t worried because Lady Tabitha was smiling even brighter than before.

  After riding for a bit, she turned toward the direction of the stables and slowed Solomon. Andrew’s heart grew heavy in his chest at the brilliant smile on her beautiful face. Oh, if she could be his, then life would be perfect, indeed.

  As she slowed to a stop and looked up at him, a wealth of emotion showed in her damp, green eyes.

  “Thank you, Lord Straffan. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for all that you’ve done for me.”

  “It’s been my pleasure, Lady Tabitha.”

  Far more than just his pleasure, but that was something he could never admit to anyone and then he reached over and took her hand. “And, my name is Andrew. We’ve gone beyond acquaintances.”

  “Tabitha,” her cheeks colored slightly and it was all he could do to keep from leaning toward her and capturing her lips once again. Andrew nearly did, only to be stopped by the sound of a horse running toward them. In an instant, Tabitha straightened and clutched the reins as if she were holding on for her life.

  “Kemp told me that you were riding, on your own,” Peter called as he neared. “I had to see it for myself.”

  If Andrew were able, he’d will Peter back to the stables and have the magical moment with Tabitha back again. Instead he answered. “Not only that, but she let the horse run.”

  Peter grinned. “Does that mean you are up for a bit of a race?”

  Tabitha laughed. “I’m not certain I’m ready for that, but there is no reason why we must trot all the way back to the stables.” Then, without warning, she set Solomon to a gallop, leaving Andrew and Peter to catch her.

  Laughter carried on the wind and Andrew couldn’t help but match her happiness.

  “Shall we ride tomorrow?” she asked excitedly after they dismounted. “I’d like to take a faster horse, if that is possible.”

  “It’s Christmas morning,” Andrew reminded her.

  “That does not mean we cannot ride,” she insisted.

  “Then it will be my honor to join you.” He would ride with her anytime she wished.

  Chapter 16

  Tabitha turned in front of the mirror. Her pale green ball gown billowing about her ankles. She’d not been so excited for a ball since…well, ever. Tonight she’d waltz with Andrew, even if she had to ask him herself. It would be bold to do so, but not as bold as insisting on more kisses.

  Two bright spots appeared on her cheeks as her face heated. Goodness, what must he think of her. She had not behaved at all the way a well-bred miss should, yet with Andrew, she simply couldn’t help herself.

  “Tabitha, do come along,” Sarah cried from the entry. “We are going to miss all of the fun.”

  That was unlikely since the ball had only just begun. However, as Sarah had never attended a ball before, she was overly excited.

  “Oh, bother!” Her sister blew out a breath. “Why are you and Deborah taking so long? I don’t want to wait and go down with Mother. She’ll never let me be free of her.”

  At least Sarah made an excuse that Tabitha sympathized with. She’d spent far too many balls practically glued to her mother’s side as she decided whom Tabitha or her sisters could dance with.

  “Tabitha,” Sarah whined.

  “Oh, very well.” She picked her fan up from the bed, then checked her appearance one last time.

  “Come on,” Sarah urged.

  “Coming, Dear,” she responded and followed Sarah down to the ballroom, where her sister finally paused to take in the sight. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

  The servants had certainly outdone themselves with the decorations of greenery and ribbons. There was even mistletoe in several doorways and alcoves, though Tabitha found it difficult to believe that Danby would order such and she couldn’t remember if there had been any last year.

  “There’s even an orchestra!”

  “Of course there is an orchestra. This is a ball, after all.” Then Tabitha leaned close to her sister. “You may wish to temper your excitement or others may believe you still belong in the schoolroom.”

  At that, Sarah straightened and carefully schooled her features. “We mustn’t have that.”

  Tabitha laughed as they stepped into the grand room beginning to fill with relatives and guests of Danby.

  Andrew couldn’t recall if he’d ever looked forward to a ball before. He had enjoyed the entertainment when younger, and he had a duty, which forced him to attend on occasion when older, but he couldn’t recall actually looking forward to such an event. Then again, he’d not met Lady Tabitha and was confident that she’d be in attendance as well.

  After checking his appearance one last time, Andrew headed to the ballroom, anxious to find the woman who had captivated him for nearly a year. The one he’d be denied. However, it was Christmas Eve and perhaps he could believe, at least for tonight, that miracles could happen. However, if Andrew truly believed in miracles, he’d approach Danby and request permission to court Tabitha. As he already knew the answer, Andrew wasn’t about to ruin a promising evening.

  As he paused at the entrance, Andrew gazed down at the throng of people milling about until he located Tabitha. She stood not far away, clothed in a lovely green gown that complimented her emerald eyes. Her chestnut curls shone in the candlelight and color was high in her cheeks. However, during the few moments Andrew stood admiring her, a number of gentlemen approached and requested her dance card. If he didn’t make his way to her side immediately, he might not gain the waltz he coveted.

  Andrew crossed and took his place behind the last gentleman, wishing he could simply push the rest out of the way and claim Tabitha as he own.

  “You should request a dance from my sister, Lady Sarah, instead,” Andrew overheard her say.

  Was Tabitha declining requests? Would she deny his?

  As the gentleman moved on, he finally stood before her. “Lady Tabitha, might I pencil my name beside a dance.”

  Her cheeks brightened as she held it up to h
im. Andrew glanced at the blank card and frowned. “I don’t understand.”

  “I didn’t wish to accept any until I knew if you’d ask.” The hue of her cheeks grew darker. “I wished for you to have the first choice.”

  His eyes met hers, touched by the honor she’d bestowed upon him, then penciled his name in beside the supper dance to ensure that he’d have her company throughout the meal. And, as he was already being bold, he chose a second waltz for later in the evening. “I look forward to later.”

  “As do I.”

  Chapter 17

  Goodness, she had taken a risk in waiting until Andrew approached when she had not been certain that he would. He could have also requested a simple country dance, which in itself would have been devastating since she’d longed to waltz with him. But, he’d chosen the one she’d hoped to save for him and him alone and then chosen another. Both were waltzes.

  The grin came to her lips as soon as he moved on, and she’d didn’t even try to hide it. Giddiness that she’d be dancing with Andrew not once but twice bubbled inside and Tabitha didn’t care if she danced with anyone else.

  “What has you in such a fine mood,” Peter asked as he approached.

  “I enjoy balls,” Tabitha answered.

  “Nearly all of my dances have been claimed,” Sarah quietly exclaimed with excitement.

  Peter indulged his youngest sister with a smile. “And what of you, Tabitha? Have all of yours been claimed?”

  Sarah snorted. “She sent them all away.” Then her eyes danced with merriment as the corner of her mouth tipped up. “All but one, that is.”

  Peter pulled Tabitha’s dance card from her fingers to look at it. “You rejected everyone else?”

  Tabitha shrugged. “I wasn’t interested.” It wasn’t a lie because she had no desire to dance with anyone else.

  “You have to dance with others,” he warned quietly.

  “Why?”

  “You shouldn’t make your interest so obvious,” he began to explain. “Besides, Mother will grow anxious.”

  “This is the one time she can’t accept or deny on my behalf,” Tabitha pointed out.

  “Do you want peace for the evening?” her brother countered. “What of Danby? Do you want him focused on you as well? If he witnesses you giving other bachelors consideration he may not be so quick to meddle in your life. Well, at least not any more than he has already.”

  Tabitha bit the corner of her lip. She hadn’t considered that possibility. Danby was the last person she wished to have focused on her. “I may have already turned everyone away.”

  Peter straightened and glanced about the ballroom. “I’ll be back and no matter who approaches, accept a dance.”

  “Even Lymington?” she groaned.

  Peter laughed. “As you’ve already expressed your distasted and disinterest, you may deny his request, but you can’t do so for every bachelor save Straffan.”

  “Very well,” Tabitha blew out a sigh. At least the others would help pass the time until she could be in Andrew’s arms.

  Had Tabitha not saved dances for him, Andrew would be concerned with who she did choose to partner. First it was Mr. Theophilos Jardine, then the Earl of Halesworth, followed by Mr. Simon Nicols, then Lord Holbrooke, and finally Lord Elston, though Elston didn’t give Andrew much concern as he and Tabitha were cousins…

  Andrew narrowed his eyes. They might be cousins, but they were fairly removed…third cousins?

  Hadn’t Elston stated that Tabitha was his favorite Storm? Was this something that should be a concern?

  In truth, Andrew’s time spent with Tabitha had only been in the morning and he had made himself scarce the rest of the time, with the exception of skating yesterday. Had Elston been courting her?

  Not possible!

  Andrew shook the thoughts from his mind. Tabitha had turned down all requests before he’d arrived. If her heart had been with Elston, she would have waited for him. And, as she had not, Andrew decided to settled on the idea that they two were friendly, cousins and appeared to like each other well enough, with no romantic interest on either part.

  “Will she be ready?”

  Danby’s voice coming from behind nearly made Andrew jump. Instead, he slowly turned and executed a half bow.

  “Well, will she?” His Grace demanded.

  “I am assuming you are asking about the hunt, Your Grace?”

  “Of course, I mean the hunt.” The duke thumped his cane.

  “She should be ready.”

  “Should isn’t good enough.”

  “Nor am I a miracle worker,” Andrew countered, surprised that he was actually standing up to the Duke of Danby and then reminded himself what was really at stake. Since he’d never be granted the lady, at least he could still earn the land. “She rode Solomon on her own today and asked for a faster horse tomorrow.”

  Andrew nearly blinked at the rare smile that came to Danby’s face. Though he couldn’t comprehend why Tabitha riding a horse again was so important, at least His Grace was pleased, which would assist in negotiating purchase of the estate.

  As the music ended, Andrew realized that it was now time for the supper dance. The one moment he’d been waiting for the entire night. He glanced across the ballroom to note that Tabitha had been returned to her brother and now stood waiting for him. Their eyes met.

  “If you will excuse me, Your Grace.”

  Andrew didn’t wait to be dismissed, but walked away. Not even the powerful Duke of Danby was going to keep Andrew from waltzing with Tabitha.

  Chapter 18

  Though Tabitha had caught glimpses of Andrew as she danced, she’d been denied the opportunity to observe his first entrance into the ballroom because others had surrounded her. As she glanced him standing with Danby, he turned, focused on her and Tabitha’s blood heated and there were the queerest sensations in her lower belly as her breasts tightened. Goodness what had overcome her?

  Tonight he was dressed in formal attire in dark grey long trousers and a black double-breasted coat with the claw-hammer tails in contrast to a sapphire waistcoat and snowy white shirt and cravat. His blue eyes were dark, intense. In fact, Andrew was not smiling as he stalked toward her with determination. His jaw tight, cheekbones high and pronounced, and every strand of his auburn hair in place.

  His masculine beauty nearly stole her breath as he claimed her for their waltz. Claim indeed! Oh, if only it were so. Tabitha would gladly let Andrew lay claim to her for all of eternity.

  Tabitha took his offered arm to be led to the center of the dance floor. As the music struck, he pulled her close, though keeping the proper distance, and swept her from one end of the floor to the other as they stared into each other’s eyes. They didn’t need to look where they were going, and Tabitha was secure that Andrew would not steer her into anyone else. Nor did they talk, but she couldn’t help but feel as if they’d spoken a thousand words as she memorized each and every detail of his face and how it felt to be in his arms, the strength of his hand at the small of her back and the secure hold on her hand. She’d never danced with a gentleman who exuded the grace of Andrew, or felt as if she’d become a part of him and that they were one.

  As the music came to an end and he slowed the steps, Tabitha took a few moments in an attempt to catch her breath.

  Only then did he smile. “It was my honor to share this waltz with you, Tabitha,” he whispered.”

  “My honor as well, Andrew.”

  He offered his arm. “Shall we go into supper?”

  “Yes, please,” she answered, though she wasn’t the least bit hungry.

  After finding a seat, Andrew went to retrieve plates for the two of them and Tabitha hoped that nobody would join them. Unfortunately, Neither Sarah nor Peter read her mind as they took the two remaining chairs at the small table.

  “Where are your dance partners?” Tabitha asked.

  “Neither one of us participated in the last waltz,” Peter shrugged.

  It wa
s all Tabitha could do not to ask them to go somewhere else, but she didn’t wish for Peter to question her reasons.

  A moment later, Andrew returned and Peter left to fill plates for him and Sarah.

  “You dance divinely, Lord Straffan,” Sarah gushed.

  Her sister really did need to learn to school her features and her words. It was something they’d need to work on before spring or the gentlemen would only view Sarah as another silly miss fresh from the schoolroom.

  Luckily, Peter kept up a conversation with Andrew, mostly focused on horse racing and Tabitha certainly hoped that if he were sitting with ladies who were not his sisters, Peter would have talked of something else. However, Andrew was equally involved in the discussion for upcoming circuits to renew in the spring.

  Then Andrew turned to her. “However, this year, I might see where the ladies may be competing.”

  Tabitha’s face heated. “I didn’t know gentlemen were allowed to attend such events.”

  “Sometimes they are, sometimes not. I’m to understand that the ladies who hold events make the decisions for themselves.”

  “In that case, perhaps I can prevail upon my brother to escort me.”

  Andrew’s blue eyes looked deeply into hers. “As long as you can compete. And, if I would be so lucky to be in attendance, my money would be on you, Lady Tabitha.”

  Goodness! With the way he looked at her, and the low timber of his voice, heat sliced through her body. She lifted her glass of punch and drained the contents hoping it would cool her.

  “Would you care to take a turn about the room, or perhaps a walk outside before the dancing renews.”

  “Yes,” she breathed out. Hopefully they did find their way outside so that she could cool her skin.

  It wasn’t well done of him and Storm to discuss the racing circuit in front of Tabitha and her sister, but anything on Andrew’s mind could not be voiced. The entire time he’d waltzed with Tabitha it was all he could do not to dance right out of the room where they could be alone and he could kiss her senseless. In the past, he’d been the one to pull back and she pursued. Andrew was no longer fighting the attraction or concerned with what was right or wrong. He wanted Lady Tabitha Storm.