by Diana Ballew
Rafe looked from one face to the other. They were serious! Lord, how could they expect him to stay away from her, when she was all he thought about? He couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, and could barely keep a thought other than her in his head. And now, to find out she was probably only blocks away and they wanted him to refrain from seeing her?
He knew they were right, damn them. If he had a decent bone in his body, he would stay miles away. But he just knew he couldn’t. He had to see Isabella, if just once more, and damn the consequence.
“Where is she, Alex?”
“Go to hell, Rafe. You’ll not paw her again.”
“God damn it, man!” Rafe shot to his feet. “Tell me where she is!”
“Take your best shot, puppy, and I’ll pound you into the bloody ground!” Alex jumped up, toe to toe with the young duke.
Whit rose and stepped between the two, who where nearly at each other’s throats. “Why, Rafe? Do you love her? Can you admit it,” he snorted with contempt, “or are you still going to hide behind that idiotic rhetoric your father drummed into your head?”
“Love? Don’t be stupid, Whit.”
“Then you’re a damned coward, and you don’t deserve her. I knocked you on your arse once, don’t think I can’t do it again.”
“Whit, you’re hardly the violent type, let me knock the muttonhead down.”
“All right, fine. If you won’t tell me where she is, then I’ll just have to find out for myself. At the very least, I shall see her at McPherson’s ball next week.” Rafe smirked at their obvious displeasure at that idea. “You can’t keep me from her forever.” He would see her.
“No,” Alex said softly, his sable eyes narrowing dangerously, “but we can keep you in bed for a good while.” His meaty fist landed directly in Rafe’s face.
“Well, what happened? Did he come to see you?” Isabella could hardly sit still. She, Alex and Whit sat at breakfast in her cozy house. While the two men devoured the meal, Isabella only sipped at her tea.
“Oh, yes.” Alex paused between bites of the smoked ham omelet and gave her an assessing look. “He, of course, came looking for you.” He shook his head with obvious annoyance at her radiant smile.
“So, when is he to come calling on me?” She was so excited she wanted to dance a jig. Just as they’d planned, he’d come for her! How long would it be now before he held her in his strong, warm arms and kissed her? Before he was again teasing her in that dry mocking way of his? She couldn’t wait!
“We didn’t tell him where you were.”
“What? Why ever not?” Isabella gave her cousin a confused frown.
“Bella, dear,” Whit said, wiping his mouth with the linen napkin. “He won’t admit to loving you and wouldn’t agree to marry you.” He shrugged. “That only left one other reason to see you and we cannot allow him to further his corruption.”
“The damn rotter.”
“Well, that is just fine!” Isabella slammed her cup down so hard, it was amazing it didn’t crack apart. “Just what am I supposed to do now? Accept defeat?”
Whit stroked his chin thoughtfully. “He did say he would either find you himself or see you at McPherson’s. As many men as have come calling so far, there will now be twice as many after your performance of last night. I think you should begin accepting them.”
“Why bother?” Isabella didn’t understand his thinking. There was only one man she wanted. She didn’t want to waste time on a bunch of dandies when she only had another few weeks.
“When I hinted you may be considering making a match, he was furious. Let’s continue to eat at him through jealousy.”
“I see.” Isabella wasn’t sure about the plan, but it couldn’t hurt to try. “If you really think he would be jealous of others, then I suppose I could begin by accepting a ride in the park with Lord Elton tomorrow.”
“Ah, best wait a few days.”
Whit exchanged a look with Alex that did not go unnoticed by Isabella.
“What do you mean? Why should I wait?” She was sure she saw guilt in their eyes. “Just what have you done?”
“He was being an ass, Bella, so we, er, hit him a bit.”
“Alex!”
“Don’t worry, me pet, nothing’s broken – at least, I don’t think.”
“Goodness! I shall go and see him at once.” Isabella started to rise, only to have each man grab an arm and yank her back down into her chair.
“You most certainly will not,” Whit said.
“Don’t be a twit, dear girl,” Alex huffed.
“Just what were you two thinking? I was perfectly serious when I said I would not have him if he were forced.” She glared at them. “Really, I don’t know what to do with you two. Now I shall have to sit around for several days while he mends.”
As it turned out, Isabella had much to do in the two days before she had agreed to accompany Lord Elton. She had several more fittings at the dressmaker, went to the opera with Alex and ordered numerous household items to be sent to Kirkwood Manor.
Finally, Tuesday arrived and she was dressed in a new riding habit of light brown with ecru trim when her escort arrived. He gushed over her appearance, but it only irritated Isabella who was anxious to be out and seen. She had accepted another invitation, for dinner with Lord Northby for that evening, and didn’t have time to stand about listening to the older man wax poetic.
“Shall we be off, my lord? I fear my horse grows restless,” she said sweetly, mentally rolling her eyes.
They rode through the tree-lined avenues of the park, nodding to various lords and ladies also out to enjoy the sunny day. Unfortunately, she saw so sign of her love. It was a disappointing outing, to be sure.
That evening, when Lord Northby arrived with his carriage to escort her to dinner, Isabella was ready wearing another new gown, this one a soft smoky blue. Lord Northby had chosen a popular restaurant, wanting to show off his beautiful companion to the Ton. Isabella was polite but reserved with the man. He was a better conversationalist than Lord Elton, but tended to drink a bit more than she thought appropriate. Once again, there was no sign of Rafe.
“Alex, where is he?” Isabella asked her cousin the next day at tea. “You said he would be mended by now. Have you checked to see if you did more damage than you thought?”
“Bella, he’s sulking. I have a spy in his household, and she tells me he’s been grousing about, unable to locate the hotel you’re supposedly staying in.” He chuckled. “The stupid sod.”
“Then I’ve been wasting my time? He doesn’t know I’m being courted?”
“Oh, he knows all right. I’ve seen to it our spy has been keeping him apprised of your conquests.” He smiled at her and gobbled down a poppyseed cake. “Delicious. Now, what have you got happening for the next few days?”
Isabella wondered about the reliability of this spy of his, but said nothing. “I am attending a recital at Madam Rose’s tonight with Lord Jeffrey. Tomorrow, I have accepted a ride with Lord Northby, and then I’ll dine with Lord Cross. And then Friday is the McPherson’s ball, of course.”
“So,” Alex raised an eyebrow at her, “dashing young Cross has thrown his hat in the ring. That should have Rafe gnashing his teeth.”
“Do you think?” She nibbled on a lemon tart. “I hope so, cousin. I do hope it’s worth all of this silliness.”
“Don’t worry, me dear. I have a feeling he’ll come around soon enough. Our spy is our trump. She’ll see he faces his feelings.”
Alex looked confident, but Isabella certainly had her doubts. Soon it would be her last week, and they hadn’t seemed to have accomplished much. Oh, she had plenty of new gowns and the estate was now well stocked with new linens and such, but she still didn’t have Rafe. She didn’t even know what feelings he had for her.
Chapter 17
It was finally the night of the ball and Isabella considered her gowns carefully, knowing that she would be seeing Rafe.
How the last two days had dragged
by! She had to admit that her evening with Lord Jeffrey had been pleasant enough; she did actually like the small man, but Lord Northby was becoming a bore. And Lord Cross had been much too forward on the ride home, although up until that point she had enjoyed herself. The problem was, she compared each of them to Rafe. And what man wouldn’t be found lacking, held up to him?
Goodness, she was tired of all the drama. It wasn’t in her personality to flirt and use duplicity to get what she wanted. Her father had always praised her directness and logical thinking. Perhaps it was the fate of a comely woman to sink to such depths. It was certainly a depressing thought.
Isabella finally decided on a deep lavender gown with a daring neckline and off-the-shoulder cap sleeves. The underskirt, just peeking through the front slit of the gown, was a dazzling white. Alice swept up her hair at the sides and arranged it in tight curls atop her head, with the rest in loose waves down her back. The style was Alice’s favorite on Isabella, saying “it brung out them slanty eyes men adore.” Isabella didn’t argue, as it did seem to complement her.
Anxious, she could not just wait in her room until her two co-conspirators arrived. She decided to greet them in the parlor and had only just seated herself when they arrived.
“Stunning, my girl, absolutely stunning.” Alex kissed her cheek fondly and slipped a pearl choker around her neck. “Ah, perfection has been achieved.”
“Once again, you’ve chosen well, Alex. You do look breathtaking.” Whit kissed her other cheek. “Tonight’s the night, I’m sure. He’ll see you and drop to his knees, begging for your hand.”
“I shan’t hold my breath.”
Both men chuckled at her dry response. They confessed their spy, the Duchess of course, had sent Alex a note stating that Rafe was beyond anxious about this evening. He had even insisted she take a headache powder before they leave.
The three plotters left her small house then and once more sat in the coach down the street from the festivity until surely almost every carriage had dropped off its occupants. Finally, the men deemed it was time to make their entrance.
“The Earl of Stapleton, the Viscount Langley, and the Baroness of Kirkwood, my lords and ladies.”
Isabella felt his eyes on her the moment they stepped forward. She dared to glance at him. He looked so very handsome, standing beside a lady she fervently hoped was his lovely mother, his dark hair shining in the candlelight and his blue eyes sparkling. What woman could possibly resist him? She saw his firm lips curl in a predatory smile and her pulse raced.
Alex and Whit led her forward after greeting their hosts. Isabella didn’t even have time to accept a glass of champagne before Rafe was standing before her. She felt her escorts stiffen, even as her heart thudded erratically in her breast.
“Why, hello, Lady Isabella.”
“Your Grace,” Isabella managed a slight, elegant curtsey, despite being unable to look away from him. Oh, he looked tired! At least most of his visible bruises were faded, and the cut above his eye was nearly healed. Dear, Alex really would have to apologize for hurting him.
“I would like to request the honor of the first dance, my lady.” He lifted one black brow, looking directly at Alex, challenging him.
“I should be delighted, Your Grace.” Isabella was not about to allow Alex to muck this up now. She quickly stepped forward, placing her fingers delicately on his proffered arm. “I am sure his grace will return me to you after the dance, Alex, so behave.”
Rafe chuckled at her scolding as he walked her to the dance floor.
“My lady,” he said , then bowed to her, and slipped his arm about her waist. He held her hand and began to whirl them about the floor. “You have been rather elusive during your stay in London.”
“Your Grace, have I been?” Isabella could hardly think. Finally, he was holding her! She felt the heat of his body through her gown, he was so close. “Why, I have accepted several invitations already, and I do not recall Alex saying any one of the gentlemen complained that I was the least bit elusive.”
“Ah, you are sticking to the very boring rules of etiquette, I see. You have the gentlemen go through Alex, then.”
“Of course. How could I do otherwise, Your Grace? I do not relish sullying my family name.”
“What if I invite you here and now? Would you refuse me?”
“That would depend on the invitation, Your Grace.” Goodness, she had best be careful. She loved him so, it would be easy to agree to anything he proposed. He would only have to flash that wicked grin of his, and she’d be tempted to kiss him right here on the floor, if he asked.
“What if I ask you to go riding with me tomorrow? Would that be appropriate enough?”
She appeared to think it over, her head tilted to one side. Then she gave him a teasing little smile. “I suppose I could accept that invitation, since we both know you are not a bastard. I wonder if Alex will insist on chaperoning us, though?”
Rafe laughed, then groaned. “I couldn’t bear it!”
“I’m sure that can be avoided, Your Grace.”
“Do stop calling me that, my dear. I think we know each other well enough by now to dispense with such formality.”
She blushed at his inference.
“Do you realize this is the first time we’ve danced together? That seems odd.”
“Why does it seem odd?” She wanted to lay her head upon his broad shoulder and feel his lips against her temple. She wanted to breathe in the scent of him and hear his heart beat beneath her ear.
“I suppose because we’ve done so much else besides this one little social custom.”
Oh dear, he was grinning that grin at her. Her knees threatened to buckle. Luckily, the music ended then, or she would surely have made a fool of herself.
“Come, my lady, I shall return you to your escorts. What time shall I call for you tomorrow and, more importantly, where?”
Once back at Alex’s side, Isabella at first refused any other offers to dance until, finally, Alex flat out ordered her to accept.
“You’re making it too bloody obvious, you twit.”
Since Whit had agreed with him, she had danced with the next five gentlemen. Now she was hot, and her feet hurt. She decided to slip outside for a breath of air and a chance to sit for a few minutes in peace. She closed the balcony door after her and sighed. Spotting a bench mostly in shadow, she quickly crossed to it and sat upon the cool marble. A thrill shot through her as she realized that Rafe was actually courting her! She could refuse all others now. She really didn’t know if he would actually propose to her or not, but at least she had a chance to be with him. It would have to be enough.
“Why hello, my lady.”
Oh dear, Lord Cross. He emerged from the shadows to her left, a sly smile on his face.
“My lord, I was just going to go back in. Would you escort me?” Drat, her solitude would have to be intruded upon. Couldn’t she have even a moment’s peace to savor her small victory?
The young man advanced on her, slowly reached out a hand and stroked her bare shoulder. “What I would like to do is something altogether different, my dear.”
Isabella brushed his hand away and stood. The look on his usually handsome face frightened her. She gave him her coldest glare.
“I thought I made myself clear, my lord, that I do not wish you to take liberties with me.” She was all too aware of the secluded setting. Would anyone hear her if she yelled? For this time, appearances be damned, she would yell her head off.
Cross grabbed her hand and kissed her palm before she could snatch her hand back. She itched to slap him.
“You are too bold, sir.” Isabella gasped as he gripped her shoulders and swiftly kissed her neck. With all her strength, she shoved him back. He was forced to release her but laughed at her indignant expression.
“Come, my dear. Don’t be coy.” He attempted to embrace her again, but she slipped back out of his reach.
“You are a delicious little piece.”
> “You are being absurd, Lord Cross. I’m leaving.” Isabella turned and tried to move to the balcony doors, but he stepped on the hem of her skirt, and she couldn’t move lest she rip her gown.
Isabella rolled her eyes before she turned to face him. “If you don’t stop this idiocy, I shall be forced to scream for help.”
“Don’t bother, my dear.” Rafe stepped through the door, his timing impeccable. “Lord Cross, you will remove your foot.” Rafe’s look was menacing, eyes narrowed, his hands fisted.
Isabella had never seen him look angrier or more deliciously dangerous.
The other man hesitated but an instant before wisely stepping back.
“Baroness.”
Rafe continued to glare at the lord as he held out his hand to her. Willingly, she went to him.
“This lady is off limits to you, sir. If you go against my wishes in this and assault her again, I shall see you ruined.”
“Do not think to threaten me, sir,” the young man huffed.
Rafe pulled Isabella behind him and snarled, “It is no threat, sir. If you had accost her again, I shall break your goddamn nose.” He gave the cad a cold parting glare, then turned and ushered Isabella back into the crowded ballroom.
Once inside with her, Rafe frowned. “Are you all right?”
Isabella smiled up at him. “You’ve saved me yet again.” She cocked her head to one side. “It’s becoming quite a habit with you, Your Grace.”
“There you two are,” Alex stomped up to them, oblivious to the stir he was causing all around him.
Whit was fast on his heels. “Damn it, Alex!” he hissed. “Don’t hit him! At least not here.”
Isabella knew that look on her cousin’s face. She held up her hand to stop him. “Alex, just listen to me. He didn’t do anything, except come to my rescue.”