Rogues Like It Hot

by Tamara Gill

  “No, I have not. I have never had the opportunity. I have heard it takes some fearsome skills to do it safely.” Sarah bit her lip.

  Edward’s brows rose slightly as he nodded. “It certainly does require a fair bit of skill, but such things can be learned. While we are not riding the hunt here, our hosts do plan on a ride in a few days. Do you plan to join us?”

  “Oh, yes, Lady Anna told me about that a couple days ago. I am eager to participate. She assures me that the stables here have plenty of placid mounts.” Sarah shuddered. “One sits so far up in the air on a horse. I should hate to fall off or be thrown.”

  “Yes, Haston has several older mares and geldings that have steady dispositions. I am certain we shall be able to find the perfect mount for you.” Edward smiled. “I would be honoured if you would allow me to assist you in choosing one, and if you would ride with me, at least for a little while.”

  “I would be delighted.” Sarah’s heart expanded to fill her chest. The warm feeling that enveloped her whenever she was in Edward’s presence seemed to grow more and more intense.

  The couple had gone nearly all the way around when Anna appeared on the path before them, the viscount at her side.

  “Good morning, Amblingshire, Miss Payne,” Anna cooed. “Is it not a beautiful day?” Lady Anna hooked her arm around Edward’s and smiled at him.

  Edward attempted to hide a wince as Anna gripped his arm hard. He fumbled to try to remove her hands from his person, but he could not do so without causing her harm and creating another scene. While he had greatly enjoyed last night’s exhibition, he did not care to cause one with Anna. He sighed internally and glanced at Sarah with an apology in his eyes.

  Sarah was dealing with her own problems and never noticed Edward’s look. The moment Lady Anna had clutched Edward’s limb, the viscount had stepped to Sarah’s side and taken hold of her hand, tucking it under his elbow and gripping it with his free hand. Sarah tried to pull away, but found that the viscount held fast. Seeing that she could not extricate herself without making a spectacle of herself she submitted, though not without a frown in the viscount’s direction. She refused, however, to allow the gentleman to pull her away from Anna and Edward.

  “Have you seen the flowers over here, Miss Payne?” The viscount tugged on Sarah’s arm.

  Sarah stopped, setting her feet in the gravel of the path. “I have. They are very nice.”

  The viscount halted when Sarah did. “Do you not feel a need to see them again?”

  “No, sir, I do not. I wore only my slippers today, and the grass is still damp from the morning dew in that part of the garden.” Sarah held herself rigidly, looking longingly over her shoulder at Edward and Anna, who had stopped on the path and turned to watch them.

  The viscount apparently could not argue with Sarah’s logic and seemed to decide he could not force her to go with him. She saw him glance at Lady Anna and give a barely perceptible shrug, before turning back to the path. Out of the corner of her eye, Sarah caught the brief glare Anna gave the viscount. Though she gave nothing away, Sarah knew that Anna was angry with her and had asked her friend to help her separate Sarah and Edward. Sarah looked down as the foursome proceeded to continue their promenade through the gardens. She did her best not to allow her conflicting feelings at their interruption to show on her face.

  Chapter Nine

  That evening, Sarah was delighted when Edward found her before supper, planting himself by her side. She kept darting nervous glances in the direction of Lady Anna, feeling nervous that she might see them together again.

  “Are you well?” Edward asked, trying to figure out why Sarah kept fidgeting, something that was so out of character for her.

  Sarah smiled up at him. “I am,” she prevaricated. She thought about sharing her concerns with him, but decided against it. The problem was hers; there was nothing Edward could do about it if Anna were angry with her.

  Edward’s gaze searched Sarah’s expression. He shook his head slightly and Sarah was thankful when he changed the subject.

  “Our discussion about family history this morning brought to mind something else; have you visited the British Museum? There are several very interesting historical artifacts housed there.”

  Sarah’s expression brightened. “I have. I was fascinated by the great stone with the inscriptions. It is my understanding that progress is being made in the translation of the two parts that are not Greek.”

  Edward smiled at the delight in Sarah’s face. “There has, but I fear it will be a long time yet, decades, perhaps, before the work is complete.”

  Sarah sighed. “I am certain you are correct, but I confess to being impatient for it to be finished.” She paused as she looked at him, an expression in his eyes that she might identify as tender if she really thought about it. “What exhibits did you like?”

  “I enjoy the ancient items the most. The Egyptian antiquities and Greek and Roman sculptures are my favourites. It amazes me the things the ancients accomplished, especially with art.”

  Before Sarah could reply, the party was called to the dining room. Edward held his elbow out to her, and she took his arm with a smile. Her heart raced at the almost intimate feel of his solid form walking beside her.

  After the meal, when the ladies retired to the drawing room, Sarah followed the rest of the young women to the pianoforte to look over the music. After deciding which pieces each girl would play, they separated, dispersing amongst the other ladies. To Sarah’s surprise, Lady Anna invited her to sit with her, patting the empty place next to her on a settee situated near Anna’s and Edward’s mothers. The other ladies chatted a few minutes, with Sarah mostly listening, when the dowager suddenly began addressing her.

  “Miss Payne, have you been to school?”

  Sarah’s brows shot up in surprise, but she quickly returned her features into her usual placid expression. “Yes, ma’am,” she answered. “I attended school in town for several years.”

  Lifting her nose so that she looked down it at Sarah, the dowager inquired as to the name of the school. When Sarah responded, her reply was met with a brief silence, and then, “Lady Anna attended an exclusive seminar for ladies of her station, as is appropriate. She is highly accomplished in everything a duchess must do.”

  Sarah smiled. “I have seen some of Lady Anna’s accomplishments. I wholeheartedly agree that she is skilled in all the areas a young lady needs to be.” She sensed Edward’s mother was attempting to intimidate her, but Sarah’s father had made sure his daughter received the best education his money could buy. She knew the dowager would not be able to disparage her for that, and it gave her confidence to face the interrogation she was certain was still to come.

  The dowager looked askance at Sarah, her lips in a flat line. “Have you no siblings? I have not seen any in attendance.”

  “I am an only child.”

  “So you will inherit your father’s fortune? How does that work? Surely even amongst tradesmen, women do not operate businesses. What trade does your father practice? I do not recall hearing it said.”

  Sarah gritted her teeth. Calling upon the training and good breeding instilled in her by her parents and teachers, she remained calm and polite. “My father imports fabrics from the east, Your Grace; silks, mainly, but some others, as well. He supplies the best modistes in town.” She lifted her chin as she continued. “I suppose I will inherit my father’s fortune. I confess I know little about it; it is not considered proper conversation in my parents’ home. I do not know how his business will be distributed at his passing.” She shrugged. “I could ask him to explain it, if you would like.”

  The dowager grew red, and Lady Anna and her mother covered their mouths with their hands, their eyes going wide.

  “That will not be necessary,” the dowager pronounced. “Have you met my son, Miss Payne?”

  Sarah was surprised by the question. She was almost certain Edward’s mother knew that he had made the acquaintance of everyone
in attendance. “Yes, ma’am, I have.”

  “Amblingshire is my pride and joy. He is searching for a bride, but with such grace and accomplishment as is found here at Thornwood, I cannot imagine his search will go on beyond the completion of this house party.” The dowager nodded toward Lady Anna, who along with her mother had regained her composure after Sarah’s blunt rejoinder.

  Sarah smiled at Edward’s mother, his words about her desire for a union between him and Anna ringing in her ears. “He is a wonderful gentleman, Your Grace. You have raised him well.”

  The door opened at that moment, and anything else the dowager may have said was left unspoken. Sarah took the opportunity the disruption offered and excused herself, curtseying to the duchesses and Lady Anna, and walking in measured paces to a window several feet away. She was looking out into the darkness when Edward found her.

  Peering out over her shoulder, Edward stated the obvious. “It is very dark; why, you cannot see a thing out there.”

  Sarah rolled her eyes and grinned as she turned. His jovial tone was guaranteed to bring a body out of the doldrums, as was the smirk that lifted his lips. “No, you cannot. However, the window makes for a very good way to have a few moments’ respite from trying conversations.”

  Edward’s brows lifted. “Who in this room would speak to you in any way that would cause discomfort?”

  Sarah’s grin began to fade. “Nobody,” she prevaricated. “Just someone who tried to make me feel bad about my family. It was nothing, really.”

  A crease formed between Edward’s eyes as his smile flattened. “Who would do that?” He turned to look around the room, trying to figure out who would be so rude.

  “It was nothing, Your Grace, I promise you. I have nothing to be ashamed of. My father is every bit as good as any other gentleman in this room, and by extension, I am just as good as any lady.”

  Edward turned his attention back to Sarah. His expression earnest, he assured her of her worth in his eyes. “You are indeed just as good, if not better, than any woman in this room.” His eyes searched her countenance, the crease still prevalent between them. “Do not listen to anyone who tells you differently. You are special, Miss Payne, a rare combination of kindness and elegance. Unforgettable.”

  Sarah blushed, thrilled at his words. Hope rose in her that Edward might share her deepening feelings. “Thank you.”

  Chapter Ten

  Three days later, the riders of the party gathered at the stables. There was a palpable excitement in the air; the weather was fine, with sunny skies and warm temperatures that were not uncomfortably so. As she had promised Edward, Sarah allowed him to escort her to the barn and select her mount. When he introduced her to a pretty roan mare with black legs and tail, she clapped her hands.

  “Such a beautiful animal,” Sarah cried. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

  Grinning at Sarah’s enthusiasm, Edward replied, “You are very welcome.” He nodded to a mounting block near the fence. “I will have a groom put a saddle on her, and we will get you mounted. You can ride around the paddock here for a bit to get a feel for her.” He turned, gesturing to the nearby stable boy, who took the reins and led the horse back inside. Edward escorted Sarah to the block.

  “Have you had any more trying conversations since we last discussed that subject, Miss Payne?” Edward found his eyes wandering toward Sarah more than where he was going. He could not seem to stop himself, and wondered why he fought it.

  “I have not,” Sarah declared, “but I have also spent time in the other parts of whatever room my interrogator occupies.” She blushed when Edward chuckled.

  “Good for you,” Edward said. “Ah, here is your roan.” He gestured for the groom to position the horse at the mounting block and turned to Sarah, extending his hand to help her climb the three steps of the small wooden structure. His hand tingled as it always did when he touched her, even through two pairs of gloves. When she was seated in the side saddle, Edward adjusted her stirrup. “There you go.” He gestured to the empty area just beyond where they were. “Put her through her paces.”

  Sarah clucked to the mare and nudged her side with her boot. She made three circuits around the paddock, stopping the mare at the mounting block when she was finished.

  “How do you like her?” Edward was pleased with what he saw. Sarah appeared to be an excellent horsewoman.

  “She has such a smooth gait,” Sarah exclaimed. “I love her!”

  “Very good, then. Allow me to get my own mount, and we will be ready when the rest of the party is.”

  Sarah nodded and looked at the horses and riders gathered near the entrance to the stables. She could see Lady Anna and the Earl of Weston’s son, as well as the majority of the other young ladies and gentlemen. About half were mounted, and of those who were, most were trotting their animals back and forth, doing what Sarah herself had just done.

  A few minutes later, Edward returned on a big black gelding. He glanced toward the crowd, but his attention was on Sarah. “Are you ready to go? We can be well ahead of the group if we leave now, but if you would rather wait, we can do that.”

  Thinking of Lady Anna and not wishing her time with Edward to be interrupted if she could help it, Sarah indicated her wish to ride out immediately. She could see that her answer was pleasing to him, because he flashed her a wide smile.

  In the end, Sarah and Edward were left alone on their ride. Lady Anna, who loved to race, whizzed past them not long after they set out and never returned. As they rode into the stable yard an hour or two later, Edward thanked Sarah for an enjoyable afternoon.

  “You are welcome, Your Grace. I thank you for your kindness and care in the choosing of my mount, and for accompanying me.” Sarah had pulled the mare to a stop and waited for Edward to dismount.

  When he came to her side and lifted his hands to help her down, Sarah smiled. She kicked her foot out of the stirrup and turned so her knee came unhooked from the pommel. Then, she leaned over and allowed herself to slide down. With her hands on Edward’s shoulders and his on her waist, she landed safely on the ground, her gaze caught in his. They stared at each other for a long moment, until the sound of other riders reminded them of their position. With blushing faces, they stepped back, looking shyly at each other.

  “May I escort you back to the house?” Edward’s voice was slightly unsteady after the moment they had just shared.

  “You may.” Sarah’s lips tipped upward and her eyes sparkled with pleasure.

  Sarah and Edward returned to the house, walking slowly, savoring each other’s company. They ascended the stairs together, parting at the top to go to their rooms and refresh themselves. Before they did, Edward thanked her again for allowing him to accompany her. He kissed her hand, and then turned, striding away. Sarah stood there for a long moment, mesmerized, before she, too, turned and made her way to her room.

  Chapter Eleven

  That evening, the scheduled entertainment was cards. Edward entered the drawing room with the rest of the gentlemen after the separation of the sexes, immediately locating Sarah and heading her direction. He was stopped along the way, as usual, by others of the party, and he joked and laughed as he always did. This night, however, he only allowed himself to be distracted briefly, and soon arrived at Sarah’s side, where she stood in a group of other young people.

  As the party began to break into twos and fours, Edward asked Sarah to partner with him at a table set up for whist, smiling broadly when she agreed. It was not to be, however, for his mother called to him from another table nearby.

  “Amblingshire, come here. We need a fourth.” The dowager duchess gestured to an empty seat at her table.

  Edward sighed. No matter that he was the duke and his mother the dowager, she was still his parent, and he must honour her. He turned to Sarah. “I am sorry.”

  Though she looked disappointed that Edward would not be her partner, Sarah seemed to understand his predicament—that he must obey the dowager in this. She smile
d wanly and nodded. “Of course you must go. I will be fine. Enjoy your game.”

  She allowed him to seat her at the table to which they had been headed and nodded once again as he looked into her eyes as he backed away.

  After securing a fourth for Sarah’s table, Edward approached his mother’s. What he saw did not please him, for the other pair playing with her were Lady Anna and the viscount. Edward was certain this was an attempt by his mother to force him to attend to their host’s daughter. Since this was neither the time nor the place to discuss it with her, he said nothing, gritting his teeth and calling on his training as a gentleman to remain calm and polite. He lowered himself into the chair, accepting the deck of cards from the dowager. Silently, he shuffled them and handed them back.

  Edward’s mother glanced at him out of the corner of her eye as she dealt the cards. When she had finished, she rested her hands, one clutching the remainder of the deck, on the edge of the table and addressed her son. “What is the matter?”

  Edward paused his hand in mid-reach and answered her with his brows raised. “Nothing is the matter.” He turned his attention back to the cards laid in a pile before him, pushing them together and picking the stack up.

  “Do not tell me nothing is wrong. I am your mother. I can see from your demeanour that you are unhappy.” The dowager paused, glancing at Lady Anna and considering her next words. In the end, after another glance at Edward, she dropped the subject.

  For his part, Edward did his best to not allow his feelings to show. He was increasingly exasperated by his mother’s constant remarks about Anna’s suitability to be his wife and Anna’s preening at the dowager’s broad hints that they would soon be related. After two hours of smiles that did not reach his eyes, hollow chuckles, and inane chatter, Edward was more than ready for the evening to end.

  As the groups began to break up and people began returning to their chambers, Edward was finally released from his torture and was able to speak to Sarah before she departed the card room.