by LeFey, Liana
“He has many of the same qualities—if one can call them such—as Tavistoke,” her stepmother continued. “He’s handsome of face and manner, dresses with ostentation bordering on the vulgar, and his vices run to the same bent. If a rogue is what she wants, I say let her choose him. At least Ravenwood has not yet managed to bring utter disgrace to his name. Perhaps with Eden as his wife he will be dissuaded from such a course. Such is his father’s hope.”
After a moment, her father spoke. “My daughter is very much like her mother. Just as headstrong and determined to have her way. We both know she has her cap set for Tavistoke. Do you honestly believe you can dissuade her?”
“I do.”
“And what of Ravenwood? How can you be sure he’ll take to Eden?”
“Lord Bracknell’s decision to approach me a second time was due to his son having expressed a keen interest. He would have spoken with you, but you were not present.”
“Tavistoke was on the cusp of asking my permission to court Eden this evening when you interrupted us, you know,” said her Papa. “His interest in Eden is also keen. I doubt it has gone unnoticed.”
“Such will not deter Ravenwood,” her stepmother said smugly. “If anything, having garnered the interest of one to whom he looks as his example will make Eden that much more appealing. Trust me, husband. I know what I’m doing. Eden will come to her senses and make the right choice. Now put out the lamp and come to bed.”
The sound of movement within made Eden shrink into the shadows. Careful not to make any noise, she tiptoed back to her room, seething. How dare Catherine presume to know her heart and mind?
Though she’d never been introduced, she knew all about Ravenwood. The fellow was a right fop who had long ago crossed the line with regards to displaying his plumage. Handsome of face he might be, but his manner was affected and repugnant.
Percy had a penchant for flamboyance, but he was always elegant in both dress and manner. Ravenwood couldn’t hold a candle to him. It was laughable her stepmother even considered the creature a worthy rival.
Learning of Catherine’s plan was a stroke of luck. Forewarned was forearmed. What to do with this knowledge was a matter for serious thought. If she rejected Ravenwood outright, her stepmother would only try something else, and she might not be so lucky as to discover that plan prior to its execution. No, this was a golden opportunity, one she must not waste.
Playing along seemed the best course of action—for now. Let her stepmother think she was succeeding in distracting her from Percy. She wondered if she ought to tell him so he could play along as well. The man had been interrupted in the very act of asking permission to court her, which meant he was indeed serious in his pursuit. But would he mistake her honesty for an attempt to manipulate him into coming up to scratch?
Turning over, she groaned into her pillow. Damn my stepmother for interfering!
For the sake of not muddying the waters any more than they were already, she decided to hold her tongue. After all, Percy already knew she was heavily pursued. Ravenwood would be no different. As long as she continued to encourage Percy privately, one more admirer wouldn’t matter in the least. In the event she sniffed trouble, she’d bring him into her confidence and together they would work to foil her stepmother’s plan. How exactly, she didn’t know, but they would.
Sleep continued to elude her as it had every night since kissing Percy. Moments of quiet often triggered the memory of his arms around her, his body against hers, his mouth stealing her breath and her will to resist. Here, in the darkness where no one could see her, she could close her eyes and relive the blissful experience.
Her stepmother would be fit for Bedlam if she knew he’d taken such liberties. That kiss was her delicious secret. Though it tormented her in ways she’d never thought possible, she reveled in the memory.
Here in the dark, no one would know how she ran her own hands over her body, pretending they were his, retracing the path they’d burned into her flesh. No one would know how the heat again began to build inside her.
Surely it must be a sin to touch herself in this manner? Surely it must be but a step away from hellfire to let her hands roam where his had not, imagining… Yet she let them. She followed the urgings of desire, trailing her naughty fingers down to the unmentionable place, the place her stepmother said was a good woman’s downfall should she let any but her wedded husband touch her there.
Was it wrong to covet Percy’s hands there? It had to be, for the church said the craving of any carnal pleasure was a mortal sin. But would not all be forgiven once they married?
A shiver ran through her at the thought of her wedding night as Percy’s bride. If the mere memory of his kisses combined with her own touch could bring her such pleasure now, it would surely be doubled when it was his hands that wandered over her.
She didn’t know how to satisfy the strange hunger smoldering in her flesh, and she didn’t know how to make it stop. Standing at the brink of she knew not what, her body tingling and throbbing, she teetered. Afraid to provoke her desires any further, she turned and again groaned into her pillow. Hot tears seeped into the cloth beneath her cheek.
Damn Catherine! she again cursed silently. Had the woman left well enough alone, Eden might have started planning her wedding tomorrow and perhaps be married within a month.
If her stepmother threw a dozen men at her, she knew she would still choose Percy. He was the only man ever to make her feel. The pleasure of his kisses aside, he was also one of the few men she’d ever met whom she genuinely liked—despite all his faults. If he would put up with hers, she would put up with his.
…
Never had Eden seen so many people gathered in one place.
The Sheffields’ palatial ballroom glowed beneath the light of countless candles, and bright silks flashed by at every turn as ladies and gentlemen displayed their wares in what was arguably the biggest marriage market in London.
With gliding steps she floated through the ballroom on the arm of the most eligible and notorious of the unmarrieds. Women eyed Percy and simultaneously sized her up as a rival. Head high, she met their stares.
Percy, she was pleased to note, did likewise. Together, they sent a clear message—they were a pair. Eden dared not look at her stepmother for fear of finding frank disapproval. Her gut told her Catherine would make her move tonight and introduce her to Ravenwood.
She’d gone back and forth on whether or not to speak with Percy, and had decided it was better he knew. He must, before it happened, ensuring there could be no question about her preference—in his mind at least. Let the rest of them think what they would.
“You look most fetching tonight,” murmured the handsome man beside her.
Smiling, she glanced up at him. “As do you.” Indeed, she’d worn this gown just to please him, having discerned his fondness for purple. It was her good fortune to wear the color well in all its shades. Many would not have elected to don lavender silk for fear of it being mistaken for half mourning. She had no such concerns. The low décolleté and the heavy silver embroidery would never have decorated such a gown. Nor would a woman in half mourning wear the amethysts currently gracing her fingers, earlobes, and throat.
Percy looked regal as any prince in his deep violet and gold ensemble. Her stepmother had given her a piercing glare the moment he’d appeared. No doubt she thought their complementary garb a deliberate thing and suspected a clandestine communication between them. No such communication had been made, however. It was merely the result of a safe bet on her part.
Percy’s dark eyes twinkled down at her. “May I assume the first dance is mine to claim?”
“You may.”
“And may I also have the honor of claiming your last?”
A tingle shot through her at the sound of his voice, dark with velvet undertones of desire. It was as a spark to dry kindling. “You may,” she answered just as behind her she heard her stepmother cough and clear her throat. Too late! The promise had been made.
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“Would I could claim them all, Miss Lowther,” murmured Percy, bending close so no one else would hear. “Perhaps one day I shall flout society’s strictures and do so. Shall we set them on their ear, you and I?”
She could almost feel her stepmother’s gaze burning a hole in her back. It was nothing compared to the heat blossoming inside her. Glancing up at him, she smiled in answer. Their gazes caught and held, and she watched his brown eyes darken. The banked coals of her desire flared. Had it not been for his steadying arm, her step might have faltered. Swallowing in a throat now devoid of moisture, she forced herself to look away.
In silence they made the progression together. Instead of breaking away, Percy stayed by her, forcing her father to introduce him to anyone he didn’t already know. As he’d promised, he was making every effort to show everyone where his interest lay.
This time when she spied Lady Montgomery, Eden’s stomach didn’t tighten.
“Eden, how delighted I am you came!” The beautiful redhead came forward to take her hands in the manner of old friends.
“I would not have missed it,” Eden replied, smiling back with genuine warmth. “Lady Montgomery, may I introduce my father, Sir Geoffrey Lowther, and my stepmother, Lady Catherine Lowther.”
Lady Montgomery greeted them with all politeness. If she detected any disapproval in their rather cool responses, she didn’t show it. “I do hope you will enjoy yourselves tonight. Eden, I was wondering if you might help me with something?”
“I would be delighted.” She experienced a pang of loss as Percy relinquished her arm, which was at once appropriated by Lady Montgomery.
“Come,” said she, drawing Eden near as one would a confidante. “I want your opinion concerning something of great import.” Turning to Percy, she smiled. “I promise to return her to you before the first dance begins.”
If it would not have earned her the undying enmity of her stepmother, Eden would’ve laughed aloud at Catherine’s stunned look. She could have kissed Lady Montgomery.
Percy bowed. “I look forward to it with great anticipation.” His eyes gleamed with suppressed mirth as he turned to converse with her family. He, too, had caught the inference.
The point had been driven home: Percy was now linked irrevocably to Eden in Society’s eyes. If her family opposed their association, at least she had support elsewhere. Considerable support.
Leaving his side was a wrench, but Eden contained her disappointment. Progress could be made in many different ways, and she’d just proven it. The benefit of her connection with Percy was not limited to herself. Rubbing shoulders with those in his circle would increase her father’s influence. Surely Papa would see it?
Let Catherine try to counter that. It was a childish thought, but she took pleasure in it nevertheless. “Lady M—Sabrina, I mean,” Eden amended at the reproachful look her companion shot her now that they were in private. “What is this important matter you wish to discuss?”
“You know of my little secret, of course.”
Eden refrained from glancing down at the woman’s belly and nodded.
“We have agreed on a name, should it be a boy. But we cannot settle on a name for a girl. As before with Maggie, neither of us wishes to name a daughter after those in our family for fear of unintentionally slighting someone. Our mothers are both still living and I have five sisters. I dare not consider naming a child after any of them, for there would be no end of discord over it.”
It was a complete ruse, Eden knew. They had months in which to select a name! Still, she played along. “Did you have something different in mind?”
“Well, Henry thought to name her after the queen.”
“I think it a brilliant idea. I’m sure it cannot hurt to curry the favor of the crown.”
“True, but many will have the same thought. I want her to have a unique name.”
“What about an older family name? One not currently in use?”
They’d gone far enough away to drop the ruse, yet still Lady Montgomery persisted. “I thought the same, but Henry says they are too old-fashioned.”
Perhaps she really did want an opinion. Eden tried to think of girls’ names more in keeping with current fashion. “What about Adora?”
“I know several people considering that name. Henry suggested a flower, but I can think of none I find appealing as a name.”
Eden almost suggested “Violet” but checked herself at the last moment. It would be all too easy for the malicious to make assumptions about the child if she was named after Percy’s favorite color palette. That meant Iris, Ianthe, Hyacinth, and Lavender were also out of the question. “What about Delphine? Or perhaps Amaryllis?”
“Too sedate.”
“Dahlia?”
Again Lady Montgomery shook her head. “It is elegant sounding, but I know he’ll reject it. He said he wants something definitively cheerful.”
Eden thought for a moment. “What about Marigold? You could call her Mari as an endearment.”
Stopping, Lady Montgomery smiled. “Henry would likely insist upon calling her Goldie instead. Marigold.” She nodded. “I like it. It reminds me of sunshine, and nothing could be more cheerful. I shall suggest it to him.” Still she held to Eden’s arm. “Now that’s out of the way, tell me, how are things moving along regarding our mutual friend?”
So, her instincts had been correct. “My stepmother is determined I should consider another.” There was no harm in telling her.
“I see.” The woman’s tone was nigh on frigid.
“I like it not,” Eden told her quickly. “I have made my wishes plain concerning…our friend, but she insists. I will, of course, be polite when introduced, but I have no plans to give encouragement to anyone but our friend.”
“You have not yet met the gentleman she has selected for you?”
“I have not. But I…” She couldn’t confess to having eavesdropped. Concerned someone might be doing the same now, she lowered her voice. “I have reason to believe she has singled out Lord Ravenwood.” She let it sink in for a moment. “I intend to tell our friend about it this evening. I believe my stepmother intends to introduce us soon.”
Lady Montgomery arched a fiery brow. “If that is so, then our friend must be told at once. Ravenwood is here tonight.”
Eden’s heart skipped. Now she knew why Catherine had fussed over her attire so this afternoon. “I must find him at once and—”
“Wait,” hissed Lady Montgomery, clutching her arm to prevent her leaving. “I agree he must be told, but you ought to have a plan in mind to combat the interloper first.” Her intelligent green eyes met Eden’s in a canny stare. “Though his elegant speech may deceive you, our friend is first and foremost a man of action. If he is not presented with some sort of plan when you bring him this unpleasant news, he’ll come up with his own, and it may not be to your liking.”
Though she wanted to marry Percy, Eden didn’t wish it to be amid a scandal.
“Above all, you must reassure him of your growing affection,” continued Lady Montgomery. “Am I right in assuming there is such affection?”
A blush stung Eden’s cheeks.
Her companion smiled. “I thought so. If I may be so bold as to offer a suggestion, my advice would be to treat the new supplicant with all due respect while making clear the direction of your affections. I can see this was your thought, also. Believe me when I say our friend will be glad to return the favor in kind. He will leave no room for doubt.”
“And if that does not dissuade the other gentleman?”
“Then you may expect our friend to address him directly. Once he is assured of your affection, nothing will stand in his way.” One corner of her mouth twitched. “I hope you are prepared to endure such devotion, as he has little care for propriety. Our friend will not long tolerate a rival.”
Eden nodded. “I understand.” Catherine would be livid, but if it meant she’d be rid of Ravenwood, so be it.
“There is Ravenwood
now,” murmured her companion, nodding toward a dark-haired man dressed in heavily embroidered saffron yellow silk.
It wasn’t that his outfit was in poor taste. To the contrary, it was quite splendid. But it was also very…bright. It was clear the fellow wanted to draw as much attention as possible.
Inwardly, Eden groaned. Any woman seen with him would not be missed. When she looked to Lady Montgomery again, she saw sympathy in the woman’s eyes. “What sort of plan would you recommend?”
Lady Montgomery narrowed her eyes for a moment, then glanced about. “Come, let us go someplace where there will be no ears to overhear us.”
Twenty minutes later she was back at Percy’s side. Though Lady Montgomery had agreed to delay it, they hadn’t much time before the first dance was called. “Come with me up to the gallery,” she murmured, her heart pounding. “There is something we must discuss.” The moment she was sure they were visible yet unable to be overheard, she spoke without preamble. “My stepmother has determined to put forward another contender for my hand.”
“And the name of this ill-fated contender?” he asked with a chuckle.
While his confidence was charming, there was little time for levity. “Lord Ravenwood.”
His eyes hardened. “She objects to me for my past, yet she favors one who follows in my shadow, one whose feet tread the very imprint of my boots?”
“She believes I would be better able to tame him than I would you.”
“Meaning the old dog is harder to train to the leash than the young pup,” he said, his good humor returning. “And what will you tell the young pup?”
“I have no intention of encouraging him,” she assured him. “I am required to be polite, but no more.”
He shook his head. “It won’t be enough. You must dissuade him more directly else he will mistake your failure to reject him for acquiescence.”
“I had hoped to avoid any unpleasantness.”
“I fear such a feat will be impossible unless you tell him the truth at the outset,” he insisted. “You must find a way to communicate your ultimate intent to refuse him.”