by Dawn Brower
“He is the guest of the Earl of Devon. He is attending the ball tonight with his family.”
“Oh, poor Gemma.”
“What the bloody hell does Gemma have to do with it?” Liam inquired.
“Well, isn’t it obvious? As the guest of her father she’ll have to put up with his rotten attitude more than we will.” Lilliana explained.
“I’m sure your friend will be just fine. If not, you will come to her rescue like you always do.”
“I don’t get why you don’t like her that much. She is the sweetest girl. You should try and get to know her a bit.”
Lilliana could see Liam’s frustration as he ran his hands over his face. No doubt learning the business had started to take its toll on him. She knew their father could be demanding and expected a lot out of his children. Perhaps she should go a bit easier on him. His stress levels had taken an all-time high when he started to take on more responsibility. He needed to learn it all so that one day he’d be in a position to take control.
Lilliana wanted to believe her parents were infallible, but she knew that someday they would no longer be with them. Their father realized it all too well. He lost his parents at a young age and hadn’t been prepared to run the business on his own. So for that reason he started to teach Liam everything he needed to know as early as possible. Viscount Torrington didn’t want his son to be taken by surprise with the responsibility of the estate and many businesses in his holdings.
“I’m sure she is delightful. I don’t have time for her kind of amiable right now.” Liam stared at her with derision in his eyes as the sarcastic reply left his lips. Something about Gemma bothered him, but Lilliana didn’t know what. He always seemed to want to avoid her and he made every attempt to do so.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lilliana asked. She sat up and stared at her brother anger simmering through her, making her cheeks feel heated. It offended her that he found Gemma so unworthy.
“Don’t take that tone with me. Nothing against her, but you know she wants to get married. I see the stars in her eyes and I’m not that guy. I wish she’d quit looking at me like that. It will be a number of years before I even consider getting leg-shackled.”
Oh, she got it all right. Her friend didn’t compare to his expectations, and somehow he had gotten the notion she sought his attention. Maybe he saw something she didn’t when looking at Gemma or it could be he was projecting his own ideas onto her friend. It might not have anything specifically to do with Gemma, but more what she represented to him. Liam had a lot on his mind and marriage didn’t top his list of priorities. Lilliana didn’t think that Gemma had set her sights on any one in particular. Sure, her brother exhibited a handsome face, but even Gemma had to realize his youth played a part in his reluctance to get married.
“I’m sure you’re wrong about her. Yes, she does want to get married. She looks at everyone. You’re around me a lot as my chaperone and she’d be a fool not to notice you. Nothing more than that.” Lilliana flipped her hand nonchalantly. “I know you have your own resentments, but you have to remember she didn’t have anything to do with what our two fathers originally planned. Besides, she hasn’t settled on anyone just yet.” Lilliana looked into his eyes pinning him with a glare. “Be nice.”
The carriage stopped, and Lilliana looked up to see a footman holding the door open. They finally arrived at the Silverton ball. It was now time to start putting her plan in motion.
“I’m not going to argue with you, Lily. Let’s try to have some fun at this function tonight,” Liam suggested.
Lilliana smiled at his offer of peace. “I don’t want to argue any more than you do. Let’s go inside and see who’s in town to enjoy this ball.” She planned on having lots of fun at the social gathering. The first thing she wanted to do involved garnering an introduction to her brother’s American foe.
They stepped out of the carriage and walked up the steps to enter the Silverton residence. Lady Silverton always hosted the best balls each season; Lilliana hoped that this one proved to be just as wonderful as the ones she had attended in the past. She knew at the very least she’d be a step further in her plans to go to America by the end of the ball. She hoped that the man she sought out could answer all of her questions.
“By the way what is the name of the American that you didn’t like too much?” Lilliana asked.
“Why? I thought you decided to leave him be?” Liam asked.
“I never agreed to any such thing. I need to make sure he is an okay fellow to be around Gemma.”
“Ah I see, I suppose that makes a bit of sense. His name is Randall Collins.”
“Good to know. I like to have as much information as possible before I meet someone.”
“I’m surprised you’re not interrogating me for more details.”
“Why? Is there something else I should know?”
“Nothing I can think of. I doubt you will have to worry very much though,” Liam replied.
“Don’t concern yourself with what I worry about, but why do you believe I won’t have to?” she asked.
“He owns his own shipping line. He said he only planned on being in England a few more days before he set sail for home.”
That had to be the best news that she’d hear that night. Lilliana carefully schooled her face to remain blank. She didn’t want to give away how much his statement excited her. He owned his own ships! Surely she could talk him into allowing her passage on one of them. Lilliana wanted to rub her hands together with glee, but knew the action would only raise more questions. It took everything she had to physically restrain herself from making her hands do the motions.
“Oh good. Maybe I’ll leave the man alone then.”
“Somehow I doubt you will,” Liam muttered.
“You have no faith in me.”
“I have lots of confidence in you,” Liam told her. “I just also happen to know you too well.”
“I know.” She sighed. “If you want you can go find one of your friends to talk to, I’ll be fine. I’m going to probably be with Gemma all night anyway.”
They walked into the ballroom after they were announced. Liam scanned the room and spotted someone he wanted to talk to. He nodded at them and strolled over to their side. Lilliana scoured the ballroom looking for her best friend. Drat, it looks like they haven’t arrived yet. She’d have to bide her time and remain calm until she got her chance to accost Randall Collins for information. She walked to a chair and sat to await their arrival. She tapped her fingers on the arm of the chair. Many people believed that patience was a virtue, but the concept escaped Lilliana. She never did understand why she should be made to wait. Perhaps her actions could be construed as spoiled, but she liked to think of them as exacting and necessary. The night would be long if she had to sit here anxious for the Devon party to arrive. The American captain held the final detail to tie it all together. He needed to arrive and soon. If his ship held the capabilities to transport her to her desired destination, she’d unleash all her charm on the man. He wouldn’t know what hit him. Lilliana always got what she wanted.
Chapter Four
“Ah we’re here,” the Earl of Devon said. “The worst part about these functions is waiting in line to get out of the carriage.”
Rand agreed with the earl’s assessment. Nothing compared to the atrocious confinement he’d been subjected to with the earl who talked too much and his daughter who could barely string two words together.
“Well at least we can finally get out of the carriage and stretch our legs,” Rand said.
They each stepped out of the carriage and walked up the steps. Rand followed the earl and his daughter as they entered the residence. So far he believed the choice to attend the ball ranked near the top of his list of his worst decisions. He hoped his opinion of the situation proved to be wrong once he actually made it inside and experienced the event itself. After the announcement of their arrival, they walked down into the elaborate ballroom. It
appeared as if anyone and everyone had shown up for the ball. The possibility they were amongst the last to arrive occurred to Rand as he tried to follow the earl and his daughter through the crowd. Once they got to the far side of the ballroom, they stopped walking and turned to look at the guests dancing on the ballroom floor.
“Quite the turnout, isn’t it?” a voice asked from behind Rand. He turned to see a beautiful woman with black curls floating around her heart-shaped face. Her full lips formed a crimson bow as they tilted up into a pleasant smile. For a brief moment he stood still, stunned at her appearance. In those brief moments he realized the lovely young woman came over to speak to the earl’s daughter.
“Oh good, I thought it would prove impossible to find you in the crush of people here.” Gemma gave the girl a quick hug.
A lighthearted laugh floated from within her and it seared Rand’s soul. The night improved considerably with her appearance. Maybe the decision to come hadn’t been the worst one he’d ever made after all...
“You doubt me?” she asked. “What is it with people doubting my abilities tonight, first my brother, and now you. Have faith in me please.”
“Of course not! I would never doubt you. It just took us forever to arrive. I despaired at the idea I might not be able to spend any time with you. Have you danced yet?” Gemma inquired.
“Yes, I have danced. You know my card doesn’t stay empty for very long, I have lots of names on my card. It’s nearly full.” She waved her card at Gemma with a triumphant grin on her face.
Rand stood there waiting for the forgetful chit to introduce him to her lovely friend. He hoped to add his name to her dance card before it filled up. By her last statement he believed he would be too late unless he acted fast, he prayed she would agree to add his name to her card. Her eyes glanced over and locked with his.
“Do I know you?” she asked.
“Oh how rude of me. I’m sorry I should have introduced you.” Gemma apologized.
Yeah, she should have. Her youth exploded out of her every time she opened her mouth. Hopefully she matured as she got older. Otherwise her future husband may have an annoying female to deal with. She didn’t matter to him though, his eyes remained glued on her friend.
“Mr. Randall Collins.” Gemma gestured toward him. “Please meet Miss Lilliana Marsden.”
Finally a name to go with the beautiful creature! It suited her perfectly. Her features rivaled any lily he had ever had the pleasure to see. Indeed, she was an elegant flower expertly cultivated and pleasing to be around. He really needed to hold her in his arms even for a brief moment. The introductions were made perhaps now he could entertain the possibility of dancing with her.
“Nice to meet you, Miss Marsden,” he said.
“The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Collins,” Lilliana replied. “You’re not from around here are you?”
“No I’m not, I’m actually from America. South Carolina to be exact,” Rand explained.
“Really? That’s interesting. Lilliana has ties to South Carolina.” Gemma jumped into the conversation as she relayed that interesting tidbit of information.
Rand turned his attention to Gemma and stared at her with little interest. He had forgotten the little mouse still stood by them. As soon as he had Lilliana’s attention, Gemma became nonexistent. Her father had abandoned them both a while ago; Rand had no clue where the earl had disappeared too.
“I didn’t know that, but of course we did just meet,” Rand replied. “Where in South Carolina do you have ties?” Rand turned his attention back to the enchanting Lilliana.
“Charleston. Do you reside near there?” she responded.
“I actually reside in a nearby town, Beaufort.”
“Oh, that’s lovely. I have only visited South Carolina once. We sailed over when I was a child to check on the property held by my family. I’d like to see it again someday.” Lilliana’s voice had a whimsical tone as she spoke. A faraway expression clouded her eyes as she appeared deep in thought. After a few moments she shook her head and gave her attention back to Rand. “Are you sailing back soon?” she asked.
“In a few days I am heading home,” he replied. “There hasn’t been a whole lot in England to inspire me to stay.”
“Nonsense.” Lilliana smiled. “There’s a lot in England that is absolutely stunning. You’re just not inclined to give it a chance.”
Rand found himself smiling back at her, absolutely enchanted. A more charming female did not exist, at least one he had ever met. He must dance with her soon. Rand really needed to garner any chance he could to touch her, no matter how brief.
“I heard you say that your dance card had yet to be filled. Any chance I can add my name to it?” he requested.
“Oh.” Lilliana looked at her card and chewed on her bottom lip. “I don’t know I had hoped to spend some time with Gemma.”
“Please.” His eyes begged her to accept.
“Oh, all right, let’s see. I suppose you can have the next dance. It’s a waltz. Is that okay?”
“I have no problem with that,” he agreed.
A half-smile formed on his face. He couldn’t have been happier with the outcome if he tried, and a waltz would allow him to touch her more that he had hoped to. He couldn’t wait to hold her in his arms and have her full attention.
“Gemma, you don’t mind, do you?” she turned and asked her friend. “Maybe you can find a dance partner too.”
As if on cue a male walked up behind Lilliana and said, “Are you staying out of trouble, imp?”
Rand looked up to see his nemesis from the earlier business meeting standing by Lilliana. He had no clue who Liam actually addressed with his statement until Lilliana spoke.
“Oh bother,” Lilliana’s annoyance came to the surface with her statement. “I’m being good. Go find someone else to interrogate.” Lilliana grabbed his arm to prevent him from leaving. “No better yet stay. You can dance with Gemma. She needs a partner for the next dance.”
Liam looked disturbed at the idea of dancing with Gemma. Not that Rand could blame him either. Given the choice he’d choose Lilliana every time. The little mouse seemed to become even more demure in his the presence of Liam Marsden. She withdrew and appeared both happy and frustrated to have him in her presence. If Rand had more time he would probably wonder why she was displaying such a huge contradiction, but at that particular moment he really didn’t care.
“Uh...sure, I guess I can.”
“You don’t have to.” Gemma leaped into the conversation to dismiss the idea. “I know you don’t like to dance.”
“No, it’s okay. I want to,” Liam said.
Rand didn’t believe him for a minute. He concluded Liam only placated the girl. Not for a second did he think the young man actually wanted to dance with Lady Gemma. A look of fear crossed over Liam’s features before he masked it with a more congenial expression. He didn’t care though because he got what he wanted out of the situation. Lilliana Marsden would soon be in his arms. Rand only thing he cared about getting her there.
Lilliana stepped up and placed a kiss on Liam’s cheek just as the sounds of the music of the current dance ended. She had a bright smile on her face and her eyes glowed with happiness. “Oh, that’s fantastic. I knew I could count on you.”
Rand felt irritation grow inside of him at the sight of Liam, but he let it go as soon as Lilliana turned towards him and held out her hand for him to take in his. This was what he had been waiting for since the moment he turned to see her for the first time.
“I suppose that means it’s time for the next dance,” Rand stated.
“You’re going to dance with him?” Liam scowled. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“I don’t care what your opinion is, Liam,” Lilliana said. “I want to dance and Mr. Collins offered. Go dance with Gemma and quit being a brooding chaperone.”
He glared at her, but then turned towards Gemma and took her hands. Rand still holding Lilliana’s hand in
the crook of his arm led her out to the dance floor. Gemma and Liam followed them, and they began the waltz. Lilliana danced beautifully in his arms. She had a light step and floated around the ballroom floor.
“Can I ask you a question?” Inquisitiveness reflected in her eyes as she stared directly into his. She mesmerized him and held his attention captive with her own.
“You can ask me anything.”
“Is it possible for me to sail back to South Carolina with you?”
“Pardon me?” Rand stared at her with befuddlement.
“I want to go live on our plantation in Charleston. My father is being difficult about it. I decided I would have to take matters into my own hands,” Lilliana explained.
In that moment he realized exactly who she happened to be related to. It all clicked into place as he saw Liam dance by with Gemma in his arms. Lilliana Marsden and Liam were brother and sister. So that made her the daughter of Viscount Torrington. Rand knew he would regret it if he allowed her on his ship. The little he garnered about the man while he sat before him in the business meeting earlier told him a lot about the man. He had very high expectations and little time for dimwits. No doubt he would kill him for taking his daughter away from him. Liam, her devoted brother, would help his father accomplish the task.
“I’m not so sure that is a good idea.” He looked down at her with wariness in his eyes. “Your father is a force of nature and your brother isn’t far behind him.”
“I don’t care. I’m capable of making my own decisions.”
“And you expect me to take on their wrath?” Amusement laced his voice. “I’m not sure I’m up to these lofty expectations you have for me.”
“Absolutely.” She wrinkled her nose up at him. “I think you’re more than up for what I’m asking of you.”
“So you actually want me to help you run away from home?”
“Well, when you put it like that... Yes, I do.”