A Lord's Kiss

by Mary Lancaster et al.

  Alison entered the large ballroom and sighed. At least two hundred people filled the room. Ladies lingered on the edges of the dance floor in beautiful dresses with perfectly coiffed hair. Men drank, and their deep, robust laughter competed with the pitch of the music. How was she to find Erin without being seen by Cameron? It was possible that if she had a terrible time finding her cousin, then Cameron might not see her.

  “Lady Weston,” a female voice said behind her.

  Alison turned to see Mrs. Jameson approach with her daughter in tow.

  “What a wonderful surprise,” Mrs. Jameson said. “We seldom see you at parties. Felicitations on your marriage to Lord Weston. We hadn’t heard you were, well…” Her brows pinched. “I recall you were previously engaged.” She waved a hand. “I suppose that is now a moot point. And with your marriage to Lord Weston, I expect we will see you more often. You remember my daughter Bethany?”

  The girl curtsied. “A pleasure to see you, ma’am.”

  “How lovely to see you,” Alison said.

  “Where is your husband?” Mrs. Jameson said. “We would love to give him our congratulations.”

  Alison shrugged. “He is here somewhere. You know how it is in these large parties. I may not see him until tomorrow morning. By the way, have you seen my cousin Erin?”

  “Oh, indeed. She was in the refreshments room earlier. Is your dance card full? I know my Lucas would consider it an honor to dance with you.”

  Alison smiled. “I am certain I can find time for him. I will seek him out a little later.” She smiled, then turned and scanned the room for a hallway that might lead to the refreshments room.

  Alison caught sight of two hallways to the left and weaved through the crowd toward the nearest, aware of stares as she passed. She hadn’t attended a ball in at least six months. She prayed word didn’t reach Cameron that she was here. Alison reached the hallway and slowed. She passed several closed doors before the hallway turned to the right. She then whirled and headed back the way she’d come. Once in the ballroom, she turned left toward the second hallway and managed to reach it without being stopped. The first door on the left was open and turned out to be the refreshments room.

  Alison breathed a sigh of relief when she spotted Erin seated in a corner of the room in conversation with a young lady, a glass of punch in hand. At Alison’s approach, Erin looked up. Surprise flashed across her features. She set the punch glass on the table to her left and rose when Alison reached them.

  “Alison, what a surprise to see you.” She kissed Alison’s cheek. “I did not know you planned to attend.” Erin indicated her friend. “You remember Lady Linda?”

  Alison smiled at the girl. “Of course. So nice to see you again. Would you excuse us for a moment? I need to speak with my cousin.”

  The young woman smiled. “Of course.”

  Alison linked her arm through Erin’s and strolled from the room. When they reached the hallway, Alison pulled her farther from the door. “You look well. Are you well? Was your father very angry when he took you home?”

  Erin glanced back toward the ballroom, and said in a hushed voice, “Oh, he was beastly furious. But whatever Lord Weston said to him must have helped, for he did nothing other than rail about how I had lost the only eligible man as husband.”

  “What? He cared nothing for the fact you left without his permission?”

  “Of course, but he was far angrier that you had married Lord Weston. You wouldn’t believe how he cursed you and your husband.”

  Alison’s heart ached. She loved her uncle. How could he care so little for his daughter?

  Alison gripped Erin’s hand and squeezed. “There are plenty of eligible young man who would be thrilled to marry you,” she said.

  “Would you know if Mister McIntyre is unencumbered?”

  “Mister McIntyre?” Alison said in surprise. “Cameron’s friend?”

  Erin waved off the question. “Aye, but it is no consequence. I was only curious.”

  Alison laughed. “He is very handsome, is he not?”

  Erin’s cheeks pinked. “Do you think so? It was terrible of him to kidnap me, of course. But he never really hurt me. Honestly, I was more angry than frightened. And, as I told you yesterday, I quickly realized he had mistaken me for you and that he was doing Lord Weston’s bidding.”

  Alison bristled at the thought that Cameron had sent Mister McIntyre to fetch her to his home, but said, “Well, I think Mister McIntyre is very handsome, and I believe he has a tenderness for you.”

  “Really? Nae, you must be wrong. I am sure many beautiful women find him attractive.”

  “You are beautiful,” Alison said.

  Erin fidgeted with her hands. “It is of no consequence. I suspect Father now wants to match me with Mister Napier.”

  “John Napier?” Alison blurted. “But why?” Her mind raced. This couldn’t be. Erin couldn’t marry a criminal. Cameron wouldn’t allow it. “I didn’t know that Uncle Harrison was acquainted with Mister Napier,” she said.

  “Neither did I,” Erin replied. “Then again, I do not know most of his acquaintances. Father instructed me to be nice to Mister Napier.”

  Panic caused her heart to accelerate. “Mister McIntyre is a much better match for you.” Anyone would be a better match than a sex trader. Should she tell Erin about Mister Napier? Nae, she couldn’t, not yet, for she couldn’t risk impeding Cameron’s investigation.

  “Forget I said anything about Mister McIntyre,” Erin said. “Mister Napier is very handsome. I suppose I should be fortunate that Father hasn’t tried to marry me to someone like Viscount Arlington.”

  “Erin, you must know…” Alison wavered. “You must know that Mister Napier is not a man you should marry.”

  “I may not want to marry him—”

  Alison shook her head. “Nae, he is part of the investigation.” Erin’s eyes widened. She opened her mouth to reply, but Alison said, “Shh, we have said enough. Do you understand?”

  Erin nodded.

  “Perhaps Uncle Harrison will allow you to stay with me for a little while,” Alison said.

  Erin’s brow furrowed. “But why? We live only twenty minutes away from one another and see each other almost daily.”

  Alison grasped her hands. “Can’t a woman want to have her best friend close?”

  “I suppose so,” Erin said slowly. “We can always ask. So, what are you doing here? I cannot remember the last time you attended a party.”

  “I imagine I will be attending many more parties now that I am married to Lord Weston,” Alison replied.

  Her heart squeezed. She was supposed to have attended parties with Robert. She had often imagined attending parties on the arm of a dashing military man, and Robert had been dashing. Cameron, however, was magnificent. He fired up her temper, yet made her warm in all her secret places. She craved his touch in ways she never could have imagined. Her breath caught. Had she fallen in love with him? The burn of tears pressed against the backs of her eyes.

  “Alison? Is something amiss?”

  Alison shook her head. “Nae, it is just that—”

  Erin put an arm around her shoulder. “Come along. Let us sit in the ladies retiring room for a moment. You can tell me what is wrong.”

  Erin led her down the hallway to the fourth door on the right. Several ladies sat on benches and chairs in the front parlor.

  They found seats on a corner chaise and Erin patted her hand. “Tell me what is amiss.”

  Alison shook her head. “I cared for Robert—I believed I loved him—and he is dead.”

  “I know. It’s very unfair,” Erin said. “But I wager there is more. You feel guilty because you also care for Lord Weston.”

  Alison snapped her head up. “Am I that obvious?”

  “Does a best friend not know her friend?”

  Alison blinked back tears. “When did you grow up?”

  Erin smiled. “When you locked me in that closet.”

  �
�What? I cannot believe that.”

  Erin laughed. “Not all at once, mind you, but it was a start.” Her expression sobered. “Father’s lack of kindness to me these last two years has forced me to grow up.”

  “Oh, Erin.” Alison wrapped an arm around her cousin and gave her a squeeze. “I knew he was stern, but you never said anything.”

  “He can be decent, when he wants to be. At least, he used to be.” She shrugged. “I didn’t want anyone to know. I was ashamed.”

  “You need never be ashamed with me.”

  “I am not free of him. I will not be until I marry, and he will force me to marry someone of his choosing.” They spoke quietly enough that the other ladies couldn’t overhear them, but Erin leaned closer and lowered her voice, “I did not really want to marry Lord Weston, though I would have, if only to escape my father.”

  “Promise that is the truth,” Alison begged, and hugged her tighter. “I never meant to hurt you.”

  “I promise.” She hugged Alison with equal ferocity. “You belong with him.”

  They separated. “Then surely, we can find you a nice gentleman your father would approve of.”

  “I doubt it,” Erin said. “He has his reasons and he does not tell me what they are.”

  “I can speak with Cameron. He will surely have an idea.” She smiled. “Perhaps we could persuade Mister McIntyre to whisk you off and marry you.”

  Erin’s cheeks pinked. “He, no doubt, is already in love with another woman. He is too dashing. Or, perhaps he has many women who keep him company. Men like him always do.”

  “Men like him?” Alison asked.

  Erin nodded. “Handsome men.”

  Alison had a feeling Mister McIntyre was not in love with anyone at the moment. Erin clearly had a tenderness for him. How difficult would it be to get them to fall in love?

  “Perhaps we should return to the party,” Erin said. “I do not want my father to worry if he cannot find me.”

  Alison stood and Erin followed suit. They left the retiring room and returned to the ballroom.

  “Is your dance card filled?” Alison asked.

  Erin shook her head. “Aside from an introduction to Mister Napier, Father has left me mostly to myself, so I didn’t bother.”

  “But why? There are many eligible gentlemen here. Perhaps Mister McIntyre is here.”

  “It matters not if I want to marry—even Mister McIntyre. To be quite honest, I would have preferred to stay home tonight.”

  They slowly made their way around the perimeter of the room.

  “It is a nice party,” Alison said.

  Erin sighed. “I suppose, but I am tired.”

  “You would feel like dancing with the right partner. I am certain that gentleman is looking at you.”

  “Who?” Erin twisted and looked in the direction Alison stared.

  “Do not look,” Alison said with a laugh.

  Erin faced her. “You are making that up.”

  “I have never lied to you, Erin.”

  “There is a first time for everything. Oh, look, Mrs. Jameson has seen us and is headed our way with her horrid son Lucas.”

  Alison groaned inwardly. “Lord, she wants me to dance with him. I am not in the mood—” She broke off at the warning look in Erin’s eyes.

  An instant later, Mrs. Jameson stepped into view from behind Alison.

  “My lady,” she said. “I am so pleased to have found you. You remember my son, Lucas.”

  Alison angled her head in acknowledgement but didn’t offer her hand. “Mister Jameson, it is a pleasure to see you.”

  The short, stalky man bowed. “My lady.”

  “The minuet is about to end,” Mrs. Jameson said. “If you are free, Lucas would love the honor of a dance.”

  “I am afraid Lady Weston has promised this dance to me.” A tall, handsome man stepped into view and stopped beside Lucas. He winked at Alison, then looked at Mrs. Jameson and said, “Mrs. Jameson. Miss Lennox. Lucas.” Without waiting for a reply, he said, “Now, if you will excuse us, Lady Weston and I have a dance.”

  He winged his harm toward her and Alison silently cursed, for she couldn’t refuse and risk a scene. She placed her hand in the crook of his arm and allowed him to escort her toward the assembling dancers.

  Once out of hearing, Alison said, “I am accustomed to being introduced to a gentleman before dancing with him.”

  They reached the dance floor and he brought them to a halt a few feet from another couple. The orchestra began the first strains of a waltz. Alison jerked her head in the direction of the musicians. A waltz? Her partner stepped close and placed a hand on her lower back. She automatically lifted her right hand for him to clasp and placed her left hand on his shoulder.

  He stepped into the music with flawless precision as he said, “John Napier at your service, my lady.”

  “Mister Napier?” she blurted, then realized her response gave away…what?...her fear? “I—that is, you must forgive me for not knowing you, Mister Napier. It is a terrible lack of etiquette not to know one’s host.”

  He smiled and Alison wondered how many women he had charmed with that smile, only to throw them into a carriage bound for a brothel.

  “Do not give it another thought, my lady. I am simply pleased to see you. Your husband said you wouldn’t be attending tonight’s party.”

  Alison resisted the urge to make excuses and immediately leave the party. She had known she might encounter the man, but with some many people in attendance, she’d hoped to avoid him. Never in a million years would she have dreamed she would end up dancing with him—and a waltz, of all dances. If Cameron discovered she’d danced with him, he would be furious.

  She started to tell Mister Napier that she hadn’t been feeling well earlier, so had declined to attend the party, but realized she didn’t know the excuse Cameron had given. Illness was the most likely excuse, but if she were wrong…

  “A woman is allowed to change her mind,” she said with a smile.

  His own smile broadened as he maneuvered them around another couple. “Indeed, she is. And I am delighted you did. You are a wonderful dancer.”

  Alison angled her head in acknowledgment. “Dancing is a must in etiquette class.”

  He laughed and a chill threaded through her. The man was a charmer, all right.

  “Hunter is a lucky man,” he said. “Tell me, how did you two meet?”

  Alison narrowed her eyes. “I feel certain you know the answer to that question, Mister Napier. We caused quite a scandal.”

  “Ah, yes, I do believe I heard. Are you well pleased with how things turned out?”

  “I do not know what you mean.”

  “Are you glad to have married Viscount Weston?”

  “He will make a fine husband,” she replied, at a loss as to how else she might reply.

  Did he know something? Had Cameron said something to him about their marriage? Nae, he wouldn’t do that. Cameron suspected Mister Napier of kidnapping women. He was ultimately responsible for her kidnapping.

  “Odd, but I had the impression Hunter had a penchant for blondes,” he said.

  Alison blinked. “What?”

  “I wondered who the brunette was that escaped Hera’s Garden of Pleasure, as we originally had only four blondes.”

  Alison tripped. He yanked her tight against his body while keeping perfect rhythm to the music.

  “I—Whatever do you mean?” Her heart pounded.

  “I have yet to understand how you ended up with the other women.” His eyes narrowed. “Perhaps you can explain.”

  He executed a dance turn, and the next thing Alison knew, he was hurrying her out a nearby, open balcony door.

  Cool air washed over her. “Mister Napier, I do not wish—”

  “Take care,” he whispered as another couple walked past them, headed back into the ballroom, leaving them alone on the balcony. “You do not want me to punish your husband for your mistakes, do you?”

 
Her heart raced. “I do not understand. Why are you doing this?”

  They reached the balcony railing and his hold tightened. “How did you end up with them? Be quick with your answer. I am not a man to keep waiting.”

  What should she do? Scream? She should scream.

  He lifted her feet from the balcony and took the half dozen steps onto the lawn. “Did Hunter put you up to it?” he demanded.

  Alison started. “Cameron would never endanger me—and when he discovers that you have threatened me, he will kill you.”

  He gave a low laugh. “When I threaten you, my dear, you will know it.”

  “Release me or I will scream,” she ordered.

  “Society already thinks you are loose. You trapped Hunter into marriage. They will easily believe that you agreed to this stroll. Why did Hunter put you in with the other girls?”

  “He didn’t know I was there.” She yanked in an effort to free her hands from his grasp.

  “He didn’t know you were there? I detest liars, my lady.”

  “You are a liar,” she retorted.

  “Alison?” a woman called.

  Alison wanted to cry. Erin.

  “Mister Napier,” Erin called.

  “Keep silent or I will take her along with you,” Mister Napier growled.

  Erin caught up with them in the shadows beyond the light that spilled through the open ballroom doors. “There you are. Mister Napier, forgive me, but Lord Weston is looking for Alison.”

  “Is he?” Mister Napier smiled. “I told him that his wife and I would be taking a stroll. Pray, tell him we are here in the garden.”

  Erin frowned. “I—that is, I think it best if Alison returns to the ballroom with me.”

  Fear streaked through Alison. Erin’s fear was palpable.

  “You need not worry on my account, Erin. Let Cameron know I am here. He will understand.”

  Erin looked from her to Mister Napier. “Please, sir, you are a gentleman. Let us return to the ballroom.”

  “I advise you to mind your own affairs, Miss Lennox.”

  Erin grasped Alison’s hand. “Come, Alison. Mister Napier is not a gentleman. He cannot be trusted.”

  Napier seized Erin and Alison’s arms and dragged them toward the darkness.