She lifted one hand trailing her fingers across the rough, cool bricks. They held secrets, of that she was certain. The whole castle had a story to tell. Oh, she knew a little, but she longed to hear the entire tale. Her eyelids fluttered shut. Someday.
“My lady.”
Rebecca bit her bottom lip. Camden. He’d followed her after all, the devil. His voice, his mere presence heated her skin way too much.
“The hounds went east. Whatever are you doing here?”
She notched her chin up meeting his stare. His blue eyes danced mischievously. She’d have given anything to smack that smirk off his too-handsome face. “I lost the trail.”
“And you happened to have a book with you by coincidence.” He nodded at her hands.
Drat. She’d forgotten all about the book the moment she’d heard his voice. Her pulse quickened. “Never mind me. What are you doing here? You were in the party as well.”
“I forgot all about the hunt the moment I saw you.” He drew closer to her.
Heat flared across her chest, up her face. “Me?”
“Indeed. I suspected I might come across you. It is the very reason I accepted Lord Chesterfield’s invitation. Though I must admit I did not expect to find you along for the hunt.”
Invitation? Lord Chesterfield? Drat! Father had invited him to the house party. She edged away, her back bumping into the bricked up gate. “And now?”
“Now I intend to make amends. Let us forget this morning and begin anew.”
“Why?” She imagined a caged rabbit being more comfortable. Her pulse thumped, but she kept her face cool. She had no desire for him to know how rattled he was making her.
“I intend to stay at Babylon for a while. I am also attending your family’s house party. Would it not be best for us to get along?” He shifted his weight from one leg to the other.
She moved to her horse before turning back to him. “I suppose it would make things more pleasant. That is if I planned on attending any more events. I assure you, I do not.”
“And if we cross paths away from the party?”
She hoisted herself onto her beast, settling into the sidesaddle. “You are free to ignore me, and I promise you, I will do the same. Good day, Captain Le Bec.”
Whatever made him think she would take him at his word? He’d already proved less than honorable. She’d not give him leave to do so again. She nudged her mount into a gallop leaving the vexing man to stare after her.
Chapter Five
Camden drove in another nail on the stall door and stepped back to survey his work. He wiped his brow and looked down at himself. Grime and dust covered his hands, face, and garments. He brushed at a streak on his shirt, but his action only smeared the dirt across the white cloth.
“Some gentleman I make, huh?”
A hearty neigh drifted from one of the stalls and his horse tossed its brown head.
“I don’t see you working hard here.” He grinned and rubbed his back.
The day had been hectic. He’d made up a makeshift bed in one of the third-floor chambers, and the old solar now contained a wingback chair along with a table. Woodworking had always been a hobby of his. The work allowed him to focus his energy on something other than Rebecca and his memories from the war.
He’d supervised cleaning and repairs around the castle and seen the kitchen stocked with food. Lord Chesterfield had been most generous insisting Camden use one of his footmen rather than going into Manchester himself to hire a couple of laborers and purchase supplies. The gesture saved him copious amounts of time. Now he had two servants and the necessary commodities. Babylon didn’t look like a lord’s castle, but it would do for now.
He glanced at the stable’s exit, Rebecca’s heart-shaped face, lush rosy lips, and fiery green eyes intruded on his thoughts. He snatched up another nail and pounded it into the wood as if to chase the memory away. The hammer slipped landing a blow to his thumb. “Bloody hell.”
No lady had ever turned her back on him before, but Rebecca had done so twice in the same day. By all accounts he was a handsome and successful captain in the British Army. Women threw themselves at him everywhere he went. Not Rebecca. He massaged the back of his neck. She’d treated him like a fly buzzing about her golden curls.
He retrieved the tool from the floor where it had dropped, ignoring the throbbing in his thumb. The stall was the last of his intended repairs, unless he chose to stay on at Babylon. He’d not stop until the task was completed.
Another neigh made him turn his head back to the entrance. Rebecca had stood in that very spot, capturing his curiosity from the first moment he laid eyes on her. She’d been bold and vexing, but also fearless and beautiful. Then later at the gate, he’d seen her passion and fire as they faced off again. Warmth spread through him at the memories. Heaven help him, he longed to know more about her.
He’d had no intention of attending the house party beyond the hunt despite what he’d said to Rebecca. Lord Chesterfield had extended the invitation, but Camden had not committed to attending. He shook off the thoughts of her and gave the hammer a last whack, driving the nail down. Such events were the very thing he aimed to avoid by lingering at Babylon rather than returning home.
But Rebecca had changed his mind with a few coy words. She’d presented a challenge he could not refuse. His stomach soured. He could not sway her opinion of him if he did not spend time with her.
Ack! Could he not focus on anything but her even when he worked? He glared at his still throbbing thumb. If the chit weren’t so distracting…
He inspected his craftsmanship, opening and closing the door. It creaked, but it would do. He retrieved his stallion then secured the horse in the newly serviceable stall. One of the servants could oil the hinges later. He had a party for which to ready himself.
After entering the keep, he mounted the old stone stairs making his way up to the makeshift bedchamber. His eyes watered from the dirt and debris clinging to every inch of his person. He wiped one filthy hand across his breeches. Before he went anywhere he’d have to wash up. Thankfully he’d traveled with extra clothing. Not the most fashionable garments, but they would suffice for now. If he meant to stick around for more than a few days he’d have to expand his wardrobe.
A grin pulled at his mouth. What would Rebecca wear this evening? He quickened his pace, taking two steps at a time. Would she truly act as though he were invisible? A heated tingle spread from his head to his toes as he reached the door to his chamber. Soon enough he would have the answers he sought.
The whisper of voices mixed with laughter bubbled from the crowded music room. Camden drew in a breath before stepping across the threshold. Rebecca wouldn’t brush him off this time. He wouldn’t allow her to.
A crush of elegantly clad gentlemen and ladies filled the space, but his gaze went directly to the pianoforte. Rebecca stood beside the instrument, her cheeks kissed with a light flush as she sang. Her voice soothed his soul, chasing away the tension in his muscles. Ah, he could listen to that sweet soprano for eternity without complaint. His pulse beat in his throat keeping tune with her song. He moved closer. She stood with one rounded hip cocked toward the pianoforte, her eyes sparkling.
“Captain Le Bec.”
A hand clapped his shoulder startling him back into the present. Camden looked over to find Lord Chesterfield grinning at him.
“I’m pleased you chose to join the party. My daughters are entertaining us for a spot.” Lord Chesterfield nodded toward Rebecca and the woman seated next to her at the pianoforte.
“They are quite talented, my lord.” Camden allowed a smile before his gaze drifted to Rebecca once again.
“They get it from their mother. Have you been introduced to my dear wife?” Lord Chesterfield surveyed the crowded room. “Lady Chesterfield is a lovely woman and I know she’d like to meet you, Captain.”
Camden lifted a glass of claret from a passing servant’s tray. Another chance to know more about Rebecca. “I would
be happy to make her acquaintance, my lord.”
“I will find Lady Chesterfield and bring her to meet you.”
Camden barely registered his departure. Rebecca had his full attention. As she sang the final notes of her song her gaze brushed past him. Had she noticed him in the crush, or did he blend in with the masses? He could not have looked away if he tried.
She leaned close to her sister, the curls around her face swaying with her movements. Whatever she said to her sister was lost in the noise of celebration. When she straightened both ladies looked in his direction. Rebecca lifted one honey-colored brow at him. His pulse increased. Was she cross with him for coming, or happy to see him? Her face gave no clues. He shrugged a shoulder while searching her expression. She nodded toward the door, disappearing through it a moment later.
Camden swallowed past the tightness in his throat, glancing around the room. Had anyone taken note of her brazen invitation? By the looks of it, everyone was engaged in conversation or distracted by drinks and food. He set off across the room toward the door. Sweat gathered on his palms as he moved into the long hallway. He liked to be the one in control, but for now he had little choice other than to let Rebecca take the lead.
His shoes clacked against the marble floor as he made his way down the hall. She wasn’t in any of the rooms he passed. A drawing room, library, game room…none of them contained Rebecca. Where had the minx gone? He paused at the next door, hearing the sound of skirts rustling, and peeked inside.
Rebecca reached through the entryway, and grabbed his jacket lapel. She tugged him into the office closing the door behind them. Her green eyes blazed. “Why are you here?”
“I told you I would be attending when we spoke earlier.” He grinned. “I mean to become better acquainted with you.”
She strolled over to a large window. Her long fingers caressed the burgundy crushed velvet drapes. “You are wasting your time.”
He needed common ground. Something that interested her more than her desire to be rid of him. Something like… Babylon. “Tell me. How many times have you breached my castles walls?”
Rebecca spun to him, a light blush upon her cheeks. “What are you accusing me of, Captain?”
He could not fight his smirk. “We both know I speak the truth. On at least one occasion you strolled through Babylon’s gate.”
She placed her hands on her hips. “I came after an intruder. How was I to know you were actually the owner?”
“I do not begrudge your actions. You simply took me by surprise when you marched into my stable and ordered me from my own land.” He moved to sit on a nearby chaise. Perhaps if he looked less formidable she would soften. “How many times have you visited Babylon?”
“My actions are not your concern.” She made haste for the door.
Camden stood and placed himself in front of the exit. “Today, I found you by the postern gate. Do you visit often?” He offered a smile he hoped was friendly. “There is no need to be defensive. You have leave to enter Babylon whenever you wish.”
She blinked at him and took a step back. “I do? Why?”
“Because I believe you care for the castle.”
Rebecca’s shoulders relaxed a measure. She looked at him, silent for a long moment. No cheeky reply? He had her attention at last. A strange pull formed in his chest. “It is clear to me you mean no harm to Babylon.”
“The castle fascinates me. For as far back as I can remember, I have been quite taken with Babylon.”
“You have?”
She nodded. “The legends of your ancestors, the love they were rumored to share, I find it all very inspiring.” A genuine smile formed on her pink lips. “Have you heard of Sir Kenton and Lady Nicola’s legend?”
Merriment coursed through him at his small victory. At least for this moment he had won Rebecca over. He was not fool enough to believe the war over, but he was the clear victor of their current battle. A hollowness filled his chest at the foolish notion. His ambition had been to win her forgiveness and it seemed he had. He had no further reason to remain in her company, no reason to attend the remainder of the party. Why did he find the idea so unsettling? He should be celebrating.
“You do not have to tell me.” She reached for the door.
“Wait.”
She met his gaze. “Whatever for?”
“As enchanting as the legend is, there are no ghosts at Babylon.”
The doorknob rattled. Rebecca’s cheeks paled. She leaned her weight against the door. “Hurry, stash yourself behind the curtain.”
His heart leaped, his pulse increasing. He could not be caught alone with the lady. She would be ruined and he as well by a forced marriage. He tucked himself behind the heavy drapes. How foolish they’d been. He could not allow himself to be alone with her again. He’d not find himself saddled to a sharp-tongued chit regardless of how beautiful she was.
The door creaked open. Camden held his breath and glanced at his feet. Bloody hell! His shoes stuck out from behind the curtains. Time stood still. Any moment, whoever had come to the office would spot him.
“There you are, Rebecca. Mother and Father are looking for you.”
A moment later the door clicked shut. Camden released the breath he’d been holding before stepping out from behind the drape. If his absence had been noticed as well, they’d have a scandalous situation on their hands.
Chapter Six
Rebecca tugged on her horse’s reins, slowing the animal as she neared Babylon’s gatehouse. Would Camden accept her apology for the way she’d behaved with him? How would he treat her once she’d trotted through his gates? Would he continue to be the man she’d spoken to last, or would he revert back to the brute she’d first met? Her stomach quivered and a chill raced through her at the thought. She should not care what he thinks of her. Still a part of her was enthralled.
Rebecca had taken note of how handsome Camden was upon their first meeting. Tall and broad of shoulder with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He was enough to make any lady swoon. Her heart fluttered at the memories.
Even when he’d spoken to her in such a rude way she’d found herself enthralled by his good looks. Then she’d discovered he was a soldier. The vexation his earlier words had caused in her morphed into a burning dislike overshadowing her initial attraction. Soldiers were not to be desired or befriended. Still, he’d managed to garner a speck of her interest.
Their meeting in the office two days past caused her initial interest to bloom. She attempted to keep Camden from her mind, but when he’d given her such generous leave to visit the castle he’d shattered what remained of her resistance. She released a sigh.
How could she despise such a generous man? Her eyelids fluttered closed. She could not, and she owed him an apology of her own. After she’d made amends for her own ill manners, she could return home and put him out of her mind like a bad memory. So long as he accepted her request for forgiveness.
She drew a deep breath and steered her mount through the opening. There would be no turning back now. Not that she wished to. Rebecca had no desire to turn around. She needed to set things right between them.
Her breath caught. Camden stood in the center of the bailey clad in nothing more than a pair of tan breeches. The muscles in his back corded, arms stretched above his head. She stared at him, jaw slack, her gaze trailing over his exposed skin, sun-kissed and glistening. Whatever he was doing, she prayed he would continue.
A loud neigh from her horse brought her back to herself too late. Camden turned around. Heat enveloped her cheeks, spreading across her neck and chest. He’d caught her ogling him. How had she let that happen? She swallowed hard. What might he think of her now? She should take her leave before anything worse could happen. Turn her mount and go this very instant. Yet she couldn’t make herself leave. The sight of him rendered her powerless.
“Rebecca.” His eyes danced. “Allow me a moment to replace my clothing.”
She averted her gaze to the old stone
wall. If her cheeks got any hotter, she’d be set ablaze. She dared not look at him. Her behavior had already crossed too many lines. What had she been thinking, blatantly spying on him as she had? He likely thought her some sort of heathen, no better than a harlot come to gape at his exquisite form.
“I’m decent now.”
His deep voice unfurled a new wave of longing deep in her core. She wrapped one arm around her stomach. She had to get away from him. She should speak her piece and go before she embarrassed herself further.
He stepped in front of her, reaching for her horse’s reins. “Allow me to assist you.”
She glanced at him, met his gaze just long enough to speak. “I am sorry for the way I treated you.” The tremor in her voice made her cringe.
He gave a devilish grin. “All is forgotten.”
The amusement in his gaze made her eyes widen. How dare he make fun of her? A new kind of heat pulsed through her veins. The reprobate enjoyed her discomfort. She sucked in a shallow breath. “I…I only came to apologize for my poor treatment of you, and now I have. I’ll be on my way.”
He held tight to the reins, his gaze sweeping her face. His brows drew together.
“Please release my horse. I would like to be on my way.” She glanced at the gatehouse. Her chest squeezed.
“Are you certain you can’t stay a bit longer? Perhaps join me in a turn around the bailey? I would like to be friends.” His tone was soft and steady.
Heaven help her but he looked so sincere. What would a short walk hurt? She offered a nod. “I suppose there is no harm in it.” She slid from the saddle. He stepped around the side of the horse catching her, slowing her descent. His hands left an odd, yet pleasant, tingle in their wake when she stepped out of his hold.
Regency Wolfe: A de Wolfe Pack Connected World collection of Victorian and Regency Tales Page 19
