Lady and the Gamble: A Sweet Victorian Romance (The Colby Brothers Book 2)

by Peggy Ann Craig

  He chuckled. “I suppose I must concede to that. I shall let you off easily but only on the condition you give your poor legs rest so that they may be ready for our next assigned dance.”

  “Fine.”

  “I want you to prepare a compliment about me for when we meet again.”

  “Pardon me?”

  “It is your assignment. To learn to give and receive compliments.”

  “Whatever for?”

  “Everyone likes to be appreciated for their natural qualities. So should you. You need to learn to embrace them. However, it’s just equally important not to fear giving praise. I promise you won’t be ridiculed for it.”

  She frowned at him, confused about why such a task was important.

  “Come, I’ll take you to your parents. They are watching from the corner.”

  She allowed him to cup her elbow in his hand and lead her to her parents who plastered big bright smiles on their faces as they approached.

  “Are you enjoying yourselves?” May was the first to ask and though she addressed them both, her gaze lingered slightly longer on her daughter.

  “It is a wonderful party. I’m grateful you invited me,” Ryan responded.

  “We wouldn’t have it any other way. But you have stopped dancing far too early.”

  “I’m afraid Evelina has complained about sore legs.”

  “Oh dear.” Her father’s face grew concerned immediately. Searching his daughter’s face. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine, Pappa.”

  “I promised to allow her to rest so that she may regain her strength for our next dance, however I’m afraid my card is full for this next waltz and I hate to leave her unaccompanied.”

  “She will be fine with us, Ryan. Please, go and enjoy yourself.”

  He nodded to them with a smile, then turned and sought out his next partner. Evelina watched with eyes that were full of more envy than she would have appreciated.

  Unbeknownst to Evelina, her mother noticed the unguarded expression on her daughter’s face. “Is everything all right, Evelina?”

  “Yes, of course, I already said I was fine.”

  “I meant with you and your beau.”

  “Mother, I’ve told you before. He is not my beau.”

  “He certainly is spending enough time getting to know you.”

  “He sees me as a novelty.”

  “Nonsense.”

  “I’m afraid it is true. He stated as much.”

  “I’m sure he did not. He appears quite smitten.”

  “He wants to cure me of my insanity.”

  “Excuse me?”

  She sighed. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I will not be receiving a proposal from Mr. Colby.”

  Her parents exchanged glances. “Are you quite certain, Evelina?”

  Feeling aggravated, she pulled her attention from the dance floor where she watched in agony as Ryan took a beautiful blonde woman into his arms.

  “I do believe that my acts of schizophrenia are a concern to him.”

  “But look at you!” Her father declared, gesturing toward her person. “A month ago we would never have been able to convince you to leave the house let alone come to a party.”

  “And you were dancing,” May added. “Oh, Evelina, it was so wonderful to see you up and dancing.”

  She conceded that she had enjoyed herself even if admittedly she felt rather self-conscious. But the way Ryan looked at her as he moved them across the dance floor almost made her feel as if no one else existed. That it was just the two of them staring into each other’s eyes.

  As he was doing now with the beautiful blonde who was his present dance partner. Evelina exhaled heavily and turned away, unable to watch any longer.

  “Are your legs truly sore?” Clive asked, mistaking her sigh for anguish.

  “No, they are good.”

  “Are you sure you aren’t too tired? Perhaps the exercise has been too much.” May pointed out.

  “No, truly, I’m fine.”

  “I’m glad to hear.” Clive smiled down at his daughter. “You must leave me a dance tonight Evie. It is so rare I get the chance to dance with my favorite little lady.”

  “Oh Clive, stop showing favorites.” May scolded but smiled fondly at Evelina.

  The waltz ended and Evelina’s gaze immediately shot to the dance floor. To her disappointment, Ryan bowed to his partner than moved across the room to take the hand of another woman. Not just any woman, however. It was Kathleen.

  She knew there was no reason to be jealous of her sister whose hand in marriage had been claimed already, but she didn’t like the way her sister’s face lit up every time she looked into Ryan’s eyes.

  For his part, he remained just as friendly as he always did, bestowing Kathleen with the flirtatious grin he often produced for Evelina. As the waltz started up, their figures immediately glided in unison as if they had danced together for years. They swept across the dance floor at a pace far faster than Evelina would have been able to manage. She hated watching them, yet could not tear her attention away.

  Kathleen was laughing far too much in Evelina’s opinion for what was merely a dance. Surely, there wasn’t anything funny enough to warrant such a merry response. Ryan suddenly burst into jubilant laughter along with her sibling and their two voices carried across the hall. Evelina frowned hard, thinking it in bad taste to show such open merriment in public. Really, it was in poor conduct and Ryan should know better.

  However, had he not just finished telling her that he rather enjoyed being loud and broadcasting his happiness to the entire universe, not having a care in the world or what anyone thought of him?

  Admittedly, Evelina envied that way of thinking. She wished she too could put down her guard long enough to simply enjoy the evening. However, she feared that once she did that, everyone would realize what a fraud she was and that the image she put forth actually harbored some horrible flaws within.

  At last, the waltz ended but to Evelina’s dismay, Ryan and Kathleen did not part ways, as they should. Instead, he laid his hand on the small of her sister’s back and led her off the dance floor.

  She frowned heavily and wondered if Ryan secretly harbored feelings for her sister. If he did, it was a good thing her sibling was already taken. As a matter-of-fact, where was that blasted fiancé of hers anyway?

  Her head spun as she searched the room, seeking out her future brother-in-law. She spotted him jesting with several other men in a far corner, all of whom were also engaged to her remaining sisters. Her spirits sagged somewhat. A tinge of bitterness flowed through her veins. Each of her sisters had easily garnished themselves future husbands. All that was except Evelina. Why was it that she was so different? Why couldn’t she be more like them? She didn’t like being excluded. Her only sense of safety and belonging were within her little family.

  And, astonishingly, with Ryan.

  Which she knew she ought not to feel as he more or less admitted he harbored no feelings for her or ever would. In addition, to add insult to injury, he did not intend to spend the rest of his life with her.

  However, and sadly, whether she consented to the emotion or not, the feeling remained.

  “Who do you find so fascinating?”

  She jumped, startled by Ryan’s voice whispering so close to her ear. “Where did you come from?”

  He laughed. “The dance floor.”

  “I just saw you. You left with Kathleen.”

  “Were you spying on me, Evelina?” He chuckled

  “No, of course not, I was just—”

  “Naturally.” He scoffed giving her a shrewd look. “But just the same, she had been enjoying the evening and danced far too much. Her throat was parched and she required a refreshment.”

  “Oh.”

  He grinned suddenly. “If I didn’t know what an unromantic woman you were, Miss Hepworth, I would accuse you of being jealous.”

  “Don’t be foolish—”

  He
held up a hand. “No worries. I recalled in time you already corrected me on that account.”

  Just then, the little band in the corner began another waltz. Ryan held out his hand and said, “I believe I have this dance.”

  She allowed him to lead her out to the dance floor for the second time that evening. As she did, Evelina glanced self-consciously at the other dancers. Her chest constricted uncomfortably at how it appeared as if they were on display immediately causing her to want to run and hide. Until that was, Ryan took her by the hand and all thoughts vanished save for the one that was consumed entirely of him.

  “Are you comfortable with picking up your pace?”

  “I don’t believe so.” She wished she could. After watching him glide so eloquently across the dance floor with her sister, she wished ardently that she could.

  He gave her a consenting nod but made no other comment that may diminish her lack of dance skill.

  “So tell me,” he began. “What type of praise did you come up with?”

  “Pardon?”

  “Your assignment. I asked you to come up with a compliment for our next dance.”

  She sighed and inwardly rolled her eyes. “You are certainly full of vanity.”

  He chuckled. “I’ve been accused of that once or twice before.”

  “I’m not surprised.”

  He laughed again, which caused a warm feeling to stir within Evelina. “So, go ahead, tell me.”

  She frowned, as she hadn’t thought of one. She had been too preoccupied watching him dance with other females even to remember he had given her the task. Giving a shrug, she said the first thing that popped into her head. “I guess I like how I always feel safe when I’m with you.”

  He stilled. The teasing glint in his eye cast a brief shadow while a tiny frown tugged between his brows. Then in a flash he collected himself and gave her a broad, if not sincere, smile. Otherwise made no reply.

  Evelina frowned. “Isn’t it your turn now?”

  Their eyes locked and she thought he seemed somewhat troubled. Then he shook his head and the look vanished replaced with a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’ve already complimented you twice tonight. I said you had a lovely smile and at the beginning of the evening I expressed how pretty you looked.”

  Actually, he had said her smile was breathtaking and that she looked remarkably beautiful. Why she noticed that he had made his compliments sound less enamored than they actually had been, she wasn’t sure. It wasn’t as if she was a vain girl. The opposite was true in fact. Perhaps that was why she took note. She rarely received flattering compliments. Particularly from a gentleman as handsome as Ryan Colby.

  The rest of their waltz continued in silence. They didn’t exchange any other words causing Evelina to wonder if she had upset him somehow. She pointedly noticed that not once did he let out one of his loud robust laughs that he admitted he enjoyed displaying. Or that he had shared with Kathleen.

  When the waltz eventually ended, he took her hand and led her back to her parents.

  “If you will excuse me, I have an error I need to correct.”

  Purposefully, he left her and disappeared amongst the dancegoers.

  “I must say, Evelina, you are a fine dancer,” Clive stated then took her hand. “Come, let’s enjoy a dance together.”

  Though she moved across the dance floor and listened to her father with one ear as he talked about the outrageous cost of the evening, her attention was on the rest of the room. In particular searching out Ryan’s whereabouts. Where in blazes had he disappeared off to now?

  Chapter 11

  Ryan made his way among the partygoers his thoughts far more troubled than he would have liked. Evelina’s compliment had admittedly taken him for a loop. He fully expected her to say the usual; nice eyes, handsome face, good physique, but instead she pointed out how safe he made her feel. A response she hadn’t even formulated, offering it up off the cuff of her sleeve. It was possible she might have fabricated it, however, he saw the truth in her eyes.

  Unbeknownst to her, she couldn’t have given him one that meant more. Or so personal. He was not considered the heroic type. That was Jay. No one ever turned to Ryan for help. He was brushed aside for the big strong brother. And admittedly, it hurt. There was more to him than just a pretty face and a charming personality. He just assumed no one would ever see it. Hence was the problem. He had to watch himself. He couldn’t allow Evelina to become too emotionally attached. He knew that. Only now, he questioned for whose benefit.

  It was merely his intention to help Evelina. He knew he couldn’t offer her anything more. And she deserved a far better husband than him. One that was more doting, loving, and if she managed to overcome her fears and phobias, maybe then she might actually be able to snare herself a proper fiancé.

  He spotted George Hastings standing alone.

  Someone like him.

  Weaving through the gathering, he made his way over to him. Earlier, he had noticed him approach Evelina and assumed he had asked her to dance. However, upon seeing Evelina’s dance card after returning to her side, he realized that she had scared off any prospective dance partners.

  “Good evening, George.”

  The redheaded man narrowed his eyes at him obviously perplexed and not recognizing him.

  “The name’s Ryan Colby.” He held out his hand. “I’m a friend of the Hepworth family. Clive and I sail together.”

  “Nice to meet you.” He nodded but still confused.

  “I understand that you requested to have a dance penciled in with Evelina?”

  “I did.” His skepticism continued to show on his face. “But her card was full.”

  “Yes, I know.” Ryan gave a false chuckle. “And I apologize. That was entirely my error and now I’m forced to make amends. You see I am her escort tonight.”

  “I see.”

  “I’d be much obliged if you were to ask Evelina to dance once again.”

  “Why? You’ve claimed all of her dances already.”

  “Yes, and as I said, that was my mistake. And perhaps a little zealous on my part. I couldn’t bear the thought of her dancing with another. She’s a rather beautiful woman, would you not agree? However, I’ve been chastised for my act of earnest and must make amends. I’m afraid I must learn to share her. If you are free to dance with her, then I will surely be forgiven.”

  George chuckled. “I suppose. She is tolerable looking.”

  Ryan forced his smile to remain, suddenly questioning his decision to ask George to dance with Evelina. The man was obviously a halfwit and didn’t deserve to grace the air Evelina breathed.

  Tolerable looking? Good Lord, the man must be blind.

  “All right, I suppose I could dance with her.”

  “Very good,” he said, though his response lacked the enthusiasm he wanted to convey. Why ever not was beyond him. This was what Evelina needed. She would never find herself a proper suitor locked up in her parent’s parlor.

  He gave George a nod as the man excused himself and made his way across the hall to an unsuspecting Evelina. At noticing the look on her face even from his distance, Ryan felt a trifle guilty and almost wished he warned her. However, if there was one thing he was certain about Evelina was if given the opportunity she would turn and high-tailed it out of there.

  * * *

  Evelina watched George Hastings with trepidation as he made his way toward her across the hall once again. She didn’t like being the butt of a joke amongst his friends. However, he was smiling at her rather broadly and all friendly-like as he approached.

  “I understand you have this dance free, Miss Hepworth. I’d be happy if you allowed me to claim it.”

  She blinked in alarm. What trick was he trying to play on her? Not more than an hour earlier, she was a laughing matter among him and his friends. So why reiterate his request? Frantically, she searched for an excuse to decline him politely.

  “I’m sorry but I’ve already explained to
you that my dance card was full.”

  He gave her a knowing grin. “That error is being corrected.”

  “Pardon me?”

  “Mr. Colby explained the situation to me.”

  “What situation?”

  “That he had wished to monopolize your companionship for the entire evening.”

  Frowning, she happened to glance over his shoulder and noticed Ryan watching them from across the hall. He gave her a grin accompanied by an outrageous wink. Instinctively, she felt her insides coil. Curse the man. He knew she had no wish to dance with anyone else that evening. Forcing her into a situation that made her uncomfortable was something perverse enough for the man to do. For whatever reason, he seemed to enjoy watching her squirm in scenarios that were outside her comfort zone. It made her steam to realize that this scenario, in particular, he was instrumental in causing.

  She had yet to understand what ulterior motive he hoped to achieve in doing so, but Evelina suddenly had a desire to show him that he did not have the power to control her or her life.

  Turning back to George, she firmly said, “I’d be happy to.”

  It was obvious that she not only surprised herself but Ryan as well if his expression was anything to go by when she shot him a look before taking George’s hand. Feeling suddenly smug, she purposely tilted her nose in the air at Ryan before allowing George to lead her away. However, not that he would have noticed, she realized with gloom, for the next female on his dance card had approached him and averted his attention.

  Out on the dance floor, Evelina’s smugness was short-lived. With a start, she realized her mistake and felt the regurgitating of unease stir in the pit of her stomach. George placed his hand on the small of her back and swung her into line among the rest of the dancers. And to Evelina’s horror, far faster than Ryan had done.

  She struggled to balance herself and shot a nervous glance to the dancers nearby. Thankfully, no one appeared to notice her lack of gracefulness or how inadequate she was on the dance floor. Then before she could observe any further disparaging looks, George swung her rather swiftly across the floor. Thankfully, he kept a grip on her waist providing some ounce of support.