by Dawn Brower
“I’m not so dense as to fall for something like that.” His mind went back to the previous evening. His little interlude with Lady Theodora. He’d been in a darkened area with her. Though, to be fair, she hadn’t seemed inclined to seduce him. It wasn’t until after their dance that she’d asked him to kiss her. He’d been so bloody tempted to give her that kiss though. Only his superior control had held him in check. Kissing her, at least in that moment, would have been a mistake. One they would both regret later.
“Glad you’re paying attention. I’d hate to lose another friend to the bonds of matrimony.” He shook as a shiver seemed to roll through him. “Graystone is in town so they can launch his wife’s sister. The other two ladies he sent off to finishing school, but I doubt it’ll help those two. Terrors they are, especially Lady Christiana. I plan on avoiding her for the rest of my life. I swear she wants to see me dead. She tried to drown me last time I was in her presence.”
Ezra could not have heard him correctly. “Surely you’re mistaken.”
“All right perhaps, she didn’t, but I certainly wouldn’t have had to jump into that cold pond if she hadn’t decided it was a good idea to take a swim. I think I hate her.”
Ezra held back a laugh. He didn’t think that Fox would appreciate it at the moment. Perhaps he was sincerely revolted by Lady Christiana, but there was something in Fox’s expression that made Ezra believe otherwise. He protested far too much. What was really going on there? “I guess it’s a good thing Graystone sent her away then. You should be free from her for at least a year, I’d think.” And when the lady returned to the ton, it would be quite interesting to witness Fox’s reaction to her firsthand.
“And thank heavens for small favors,” Fox agreed, then downed the contents of his glass. “Are you going to any more balls?”
“Probably,” Ezra told him. “My sister does wish to secure a good match. She has a chaperone, but I intend to accompany them whenever possible.”
“What is your next engagement?”
“Why?” Ezra lifted a brow. “Do you wish to attend as well?”
“I might,” Fox answered. “If only to ensure you don’t become trapped. Friends help each other. You can consider it a kindness.” He went to the decanter and refilled his glass. “Tell me about this chit you danced with.”
Ezra rolled his eyes, but didn’t comment on Fox’s sudden need to chaperone him in society. He didn’t want to discuss Lady Theodora. “You don’t need to concern yourself with her. I danced with her for two reasons. One to avoid dancing with a meanspirited girl who wanted me to add my name to her dance card, and because she said hateful things about the wallflower in question. It was a pity dance.”
It wasn’t. He’d wanted to dance with her, but he couldn’t tell Fox that. He’d take it the wrong way and he’d follow him to every society function to block him from becoming more acquainted with Lady Theodora. Ezra needed to see her again, and if he could, kiss her as she’d asked. Though something told him she’d be belligerent and tell him she didn’t want a kiss any longer. That was all right with him. He looked forward to changing her mind.
Fox narrowed his gaze as he studied him. “That’s a bit…unkind. I do hope you didn’t tell that to the wallflower.”
“Of course not. Now that would have been cruel. I was the epitome of benevolence and acted the perfect gentleman.” He held his hand over his chest. “On my honor,” he said with conviction. “The lady enjoyed our dance and conversation. I dare say she tolerated me enough to grow to like me. She hates balls and dancing. I’d say she would have rather I’d left her gracing the walls with her understated beauty.”
He stared at Ezra as if he were some sort of foreign species. “I think you like her,” Fox said appalled.
“I do believe you’re right,” Ezra added, then smiled. “But I promise I’m not going to propose. She’d say no anyway. I’m safe from being leg shackled.”
“Well…I think I need to meet her. What woman doesn’t wish to marry?” He shook his head in disbelief. “She must be an anomaly or she’s pulling your leg.”
“She isn’t,” he answered. “But I’d like you to meet her. It’d be interesting to get your opinion.”
“Then I’ll go to the next…” He waved his hand. “Whatever you have on your schedule. Send the information to my secretary for the next several entertainments. I don’t want to miss her.”
Ezra grinned. “I’ll do that straightaway. In the meantime, would you like to join me at the club. I’m in the need of some sport.”
“That sounds fabulous,” he agreed, then finished his drink. “I’m experiencing a bit of ennui, and that sounds like a good distraction. I need to make a stop first. I’ll meet you there.” With those words Fox left in the same way he came. Like a swift breeze, in and out, without leaving any evidence behind. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. He’d left his empty brandy glass for the servants to collect later.
Ezra sighed and finished his own brandy. He had some plans to make before going to the club to meet Fox. They all involved his pretty wallflower. Fox would be concerned if he was aware of what Ezra intended. What he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him…
Chapter 5
A garden party… Teddy had believed balls were tedious. She had been completely ignorant when she had come to that conclusion. At the time she hadn’t realized how dreary a garden party could be. They were not even really in the garden, but outside its perimeter. She could make out some rather lovely roses from her current position and couldn’t help thinking it would be even nice to become lost inside the actual garden. She would have to find a reason to leave her sister’s side. Billie seemed determined to stay directly next to her no matter what. Teddy couldn’t discern any reason why.
She sighed. It was involuntary, and unfortunately caught her sister’s attention. Drat. Teddy hoped Billie wasn’t about to suggest she converse with some of the guests.
“Have you been introduced to Lady Amelia?” Billie asked. “She is Viscount Carrolton’s sister.”
Teddy would not roll her eyes. She wouldn’t. “I have not. I hadn’t realized you’d met her. Did you wish to speak with her?”
“I have not been introduced to her,” Billie answered in a fervent tone. “But perhaps we should be.” She practically craned her neck trying to catch a glimpse of Lady Amelia.
Her sister was relentless. “If Viscount Carrolton wishes for us to meet his sister, he’ll introduce us.” Lady Amelia Halsey might be a perfectly nice woman, but she was not going to encourage Billie into forcing an introduction. Teddy wasn’t a fool. Her sister thought the viscount had an interest in Teddy, and therefore believed an association with his sister would help facilitate a relationship.
“But he is friends with my husband,” Billie continued. “Surely I should be nice to his friends family. Don’t you think?” She nibbled on her bottom lip contemplatively as she stared across the lawn. “Would it be rude to introduce myself?”
She sneaked a glance of the woman in question. She had light, almost golden, brown hair, a shade lighter than her brothers. It was actually closer to blonde than brown. She was actually quite pretty. That didn’t really surprise Teddy considering how attractive she found Viscount Carrolton, but gorgeous faces didn’t make them wonderful people. They were just blessed with exquisite attributes. Though Billie’s curiosity could be used to Teddy’s advantage. She nibbled on her bottom lips and considered the possibilities…
Perhaps she should encourage Billie to talk with Lady Amelia.Maybe while her sister was occupied with her, Teddy could sneak away. She could explore the gardens and avoid socializing. “Not at all,” Teddy told her. “You should definitely go over to her.”
Billie narrowed her gaze. “You’re not going to accompany me, are you?”
“That’s correct,” she replied and then smiled. Her sister did know her well, and was quite wary of Teddy’s motives. “I have no desire to be friends with anyone or become more familiar with the viscount�
�s relatives. I already told you I do not plan to marry, and that after this season is over I’m going take that nice dowry your husband set up and live a life free from complications.” Teddy took a deep breath. “I’ll be all right for a few moments. Go introduce yourself to Lady Amelia and her chaperone.”
“You’re rotten,” Billie said and glared at her. “But I do think I’ll do as you suggest. I expect you to stay here until I return. Do not move, or I promise I will ensure you regret it later.”
Billie did not make a promise she couldn’t keep. Her sister could be quite devious when she put her mind to it. Teddy should be terrified. But she wasn’t. She would be prepared for whatever her sister concocted for her revenge. Still she chose her words carefully, “Where would I go? This gathering is packed, and we don’t have room to breathe.”
Billie shook her head and walked away without saying anything else. That was fine with Teddy. She actually preferred it that way because it made it easier for her to make her own escape. As Billie walked away in a tizzy, Teddy slid past a group of ladies gossiping about the latest scandals in the ton and walked into the path lined with shrubbery.
She continued down the path and grazed her fingers over some of the delicate petals of the bright red roses. She’d have stopped to smell them, but she had to make sure she was deep into the garden before she took the time to enjoy the foliage. Once she felt comfortable, she slowed down and observed all the different blooms. This was lovely and more of what she considered to be a party that included a garden. That silly nonsense that Lady Arbury had planned was not what she’d expected. A garden party sounded relaxing and pleasant. This was a tea party designed to torture the guests foolish enough to attend.
The sunny yellow blooms in front of her were gorgeous, but she wanted to explore more of the garden. She didn’t know how much time she had before her sister noticed her absence. Teddy strolled along the flower beds until she heard voices and stopped suddenly. Was someone having a secluded meeting? How scandalous…
“I am glad you decided to join me,” a woman said. Her tone was husky as she spoke. “Together we can find the ultimate pleasure.”
The lady sounded familiar, but Teddy couldn’t place her voice. Maybe if she moved a little closer she could sneak a peek of her and her companion. Teddy took a few more steps but froze when the man started to speak.
“My lady,” Viscount Carrolton said. “You’re too bold.”
Teddy’s heart sank when she realized he was the one meeting a lady in the middle of the garden. She’d known he was a rake, but she hadn’t believed she’d witness one of his interludes again. A secret part of her had fantasized about him and hoped one day he’d see her and desire her as she did him. It was foolish, but she couldn’t help what her heart wanted.
“But have I enticed you enough to join me tonight?”
He chuckled. “I don’t believe you have. It takes more than a little teasing to tempt me.”
“If you join me, I promise it’ll be a night to remember.”
Teddy now hated her, not that she was certain of her identity, and she couldn’t listen to another word of it. She had to go before she witnessed something she wouldn’t ever be able to forget. She turned around and headed back to the party before she gave it much thought. Teddy had discovered more than she’d bargained for by exploring the gardens. The time Viscount Carrolton had spent with her at the ball had given her false hopes…hopes she hadn’t fully understood she’d developed. It had broken her heart to have her dream burst—a dream she hadn’t realized she harbored. It was good she hadn’t wanted to fall in love and planned on quiet life in the country…alone. It didn’t sound quite so appealing any longer; however, there was no other option. It would be her life, and she’d find a way to be content with it. There was no happy ever after in her future, and Viscount Carrolton apparently was incapable of loving only one woman. No matter how much she wished it so…
Ezra had no intention of meeting with Lady Findley. She was a young widow in search of a lover. A few days ago he would have gone to bed with her and enjoyed every moment of it. Now all he could think about was Lady Theodora. He had extricated himself from his current predicament, but he was not certain how to accomplish that goal.
A ping echoed back as if something small, like a pebble, had ricocheted off of one of the clay planters in the garden. “Did you hear that?” he asked.
“I did not hear anything.” She moved closer to him and trailed her fingers over his chest. He reached over and lifted them away.
“This is not the place or the time for such indiscretions,” he said coldly. “Someone could easily witness us, and while you might be all right with that risk, I am not.”
“My apologies. I wasn't thinking...” She popped her bottom lip out in a small pout. It didn't move Ezra in the least. “Please forgive me.”
“There is nothing to forgive. We are done. Don't approach me in this manner ever again.” He took a step back. “Now, I am going to leave. Stay here at least a quarter hour after I'm gone before you return to the party.”
He didn't wait for her to respond. Ezra never should have gone into the garden. He hadn't done so to meet with the widow. When he'd strolled in, it’d been to avoid the party and Lady Theodora. He was starting to fear Fox was right. His fascination with her was unnerving. It couldn't be good.
Ezra took quick steps to exit the garden as fast as possible. When he got to the end of the path he breathed a sigh of relief. He headed to the far side of the group of people and avoided all of them. They might try to lure him into a conversation, and in his current mood, he might say something he would come to regret.
As he passed a group of ladies gossiping, he stopped suddenly when he caught sight of the lady currently occupying his mind. Lady Theodora was near the small pond, staring across it. Her arms were folded over his chest almost as if she were hugging herself.
He might come to regret it, but he had to talk to her. Avoiding her wasn't helping. Perhaps if he spent more time with her he could learn something that might deter him from further interaction. Surely, she had flaws. Everyone did. He went toward her and stopped behind her. “It seems like a nice enough pond. Are you planning on swimming?”
She turned her head and met his gaze. “I am not like my sisters, my lord. Swimming has never appealed to me.”
“No?” He lifted a brow. “Why do your sisters enjoy it then?” Ezra realized then he knew next to nothing about her. She hadn't told him her name. He'd had to learn that from that wretched Lady Windley's daughter. He would have to find a way for her to open up to him.
“I'm not certain they do,” she replied, then shrugged. “The twins are perverse at times. They decide they're not supposed to do something, so they'll do it to thumb their nose at society rules.” She had twin sisters? Surely they weren’t the same twins that Fox complained about… What were the odds?
“I can understand that. It's been reason enough for me to do something similar in the past.”
She frowned. “But not now?”
He shook his head. “I've found the older I get, the urge to act recklessly passes.”
“I'm not sure I believe you.” She glanced back at the pond. “Men have more freedom to do as they please and less restrictions placed on them. There is little for you to actually do in a reckless fashion. Women have to watch what they do or say with every second that passes. Even now in plain sight of everyone here our conversation might be misconstrued.”
“That bothers you?” he asked softly. He never really stopped to consider a woman’s role in society or the expectations put on them. Everyone had them in some fashion after all, but he found her concerns mattered to him. He wanted to understand her and perhaps in some way make it all better for her.
“Why shouldn't it?” She turned all the way around to face him. “The real question is why doesn't it bother you? Do you really think women should be treated as if they're inferior? As if we cannot think for ourselves? It is insulting.”
“I am sorry.” There was not anything else he could say. “It's how it is.”
“Maybe it shouldn't be.” She blew out a breath. “I don't even know why I bother. You're all right with all of it because it doesn't affect you directly. You're golden because you're a man. Even the poor men have more options because of their gender. Women only have the rights men afford them.” She clenched her fists at her side as if she wanted to hit something.
“Why are you so angry?”
She snorted. “Haven't you realized? I'm always angry.”
“We haven't had enough conversations for me to make that determination. I doubt you are angry all the time. I think something in particular is bothering you.”
He wished he understood her more. Ezra wanted to know everything about her but couldn't discern how to uncover it. All he could do was spend as much time as he could with her. In time, he might unravel all her secrets.
“You're right,” she agreed. “I'm angrier than usual today.”
“Why?” Maybe he could help in some way. “Tell me what has you riled?”
“I don't think I will. It would be counterproductive.” She glanced down. “I should find my sister. She'll be worried.”
This was his opportunity to ask something that might help him with her identity. “The sister who swims?”
She chuckled. “No. I doubt Billie would do anything so foolish.”
“Billie?” He had to have heard her wrong. “The new Duchess of Graystone?”
“Yes...” She scrunched her eyebrows together. “You don't know who I am, do you?”
Ezra did now, and he felt like an arse. He had met her before. How could he have forgotten? “You're Lady Theodora,” he said simply. “My wallflower.”
“I am not your anything,” she said harshly. “And I hate Theodora.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don't know what my parents were thinking.”