Damon bowed over her hand. His eyes met hers and saw the kindness. “Thank you, Your Grace. You honor us.” He turned to the duke. “I remember meeting you many years ago when you came to my mother’s funeral. It is good of you to remember us.”
Behind them, conversation had started again and only a few still looked in their direction. Damon knew that the duke’s acknowledgment had smoothed his way back into the ton. No one would give the cut to an acquaintance of the duke. The ache in his gut eased slightly.
“And thank you, Your Grace,” he said, and smiled at the duchess. “I’m sure my sister would be pleased to attend. I have several appointments that can’t be changed.”
“I completely understand,” the duchess replied.
When the duke and duchess moved on, Damon and Hannah greeted several couples that came forward. Then Damon turned his sister over to his aunt. He strolled across the room to greet a few of his male acquaintances, then moved to one side of the group and joined his friend, Rook. He observed the throng of people walking into the ballroom and strolling around the perimeter.
Then he saw her. His enemy’s daughter. She stood right across the room. A jolt of desire deep in his gut surprised him. He took a deep breath to regain his control.
She was lovely with her creamy velvet complexion and a slight flush on her cheeks. She wore her golden hair in an arrangement of braids with several small diamonds sprinkled throughout. They shone bright in the candlelight. Long diamond earrings fell from her small ears. A dainty diamond necklace with a tiny ruby heart encircled her neck above the low-cut neckline of her silver gown.
Damon smiled. She looked very different this evening from the woman he had seen on Bond Street.
“I presume that is her father beside her,” Damon said to Rook as he nodded toward Caroline.
“Yes, that is Lord Halsford.”
Of course. Now he recognized the man. Damon had only seen the earl once, a long time ago, and only from a distance. Tonight, he would finally meet his enemy face-to-face.
He turned his attention back to Caroline. He saw from the expression in her eyes that she remembered him.
“Introduce me,” Damon spoke sharply to Rook.
“Believe me, it’s not worth the effort.”
Damon chuckled. “So she didn’t fall for your enormous charm and good looks.”
“Right. I was quite insulted,” Rook teased back.
“Still, I want to meet her and her parents.”
Rook’s expression changed. “You’re sure you want to meet him for the first time in this setting?”
“Yes.”
Rook still hesitated.
“If you don’t feel comfortable making the introductions, I can find someone else to do it for me,” Damon said.
“I will, but I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“I always know what I’m doing.”
Finally, Rook walked over to the Halsfords with him.
“Lord and Lady Halsford, may I introduce you to my friend, Lord Royston.” Rook bowed briefly to them. “Lady Caroline, my friend, Lord Royston.”
Damon bowed. He’d noted the Earl of Halsford’s eyes widen slightly with recognition when he heard his name. Caroline nodded her head briefly.
Lord Halsford cleared his throat. “I had heard you were living out of the country, Royston.”
Damon smiled. His lips curved up, while his eyes took a cold assessment of his enemy. “I was, but my sister is eighteen. I always planned to come home and be here for her presentation to society.” He hesitated and added, “Since neither of our parents is alive to be here.”
He watched Halsford’s face turn red. Satisfied that he’d unsettled the earl, he turned deliberately in Caroline’s direction. “The band is starting to play a waltz, Lady Caroline. May I have this dance?”
Her gray eyes turned dark, like the sea on a cloudy day. The game had just become much more interesting. He’d found a much more pleasurable way to annoy his enemy. And yet, in spite of her forward behavior last week, she looked fragile. A part of him wanted to pull her into his arms and protect her. Ridiculous, he had to remember she was the only child of his enemy. He waited, knowing politeness would force her to accept.
* * * *
Caroline had felt his intense stare. She had looked around and found that her rescuer, from Bond Street, stared from across the room at her. He stood beside several of the men she had dismissed over the years. His straight posture and impressive bearing made the men around him appear to shrink in size.
His eyes had met hers and held her as though she were bound to him. He had beautiful blue eyes, but they were cold and expressionless. A ripple of anxiety had gone through her slight frame, and she’d forced herself to look away. And now he waited for her answer, knowing she had no recourse but to accept his invitation.
“Thank you, my lord.” She hesitantly stepped forward. He led her onto the crowded floor. Normally she loved to dance, but tonight waltzing with this man was the last thing she wanted to do. Her small hand felt captured in his large tanned one, and her body reacted strangely to the nearness of his tall, broad body.
He pulled her closer. His other hand set firmly at the small of her back. The clean scent of his cologne wafted around her head. Their movements made her very aware of his long muscular legs as they occasionally brushed against hers. When she tried to put distance between them, he held her tight and chuckled.
She glared, which worked on most men. But not on him. His dark eyes challenged her. He didn’t seem at all aware of the impropriety of his actions, or he didn’t care. He had a roughness about him that was both tantalizing and frightening.
“My lord, you are holding me too close. It is not proper.” Her words came out between clenched teeth. He’d not intimidate her.
“The waltz was created for a man to hold a woman thus. Do you not feel the music more thoroughly when in a man’s arms dancing around the room, and touching softly?” Damon whispered in her ear and twirled her about more quickly.
“I’ve never danced this close to any man.”
“Good,” he said. For a brief moment the beginning of a smile tipped the corners of his mouth.
“You are not behaving as a gentleman,” she protested.
His laugh rang out and several couples looked their way. “So we have something in common. Because I’ve seen you not behaving as a lady. But I shall not embarrass you and mention our previous encounter. As for myself, I have never claimed to be a gentleman. You must be bored with such men. My friend said you have shown no interest in the most elite of the group.”
“If you mean Lord Stinson, better known as Rook, he’s a rake. He’s not seriously interested in anyone, let alone me.”
“Such harsh words. Most of the ladies in this room would be delighted to dance with him.”
“That is exactly what is wrong with him.”
“So you are looking for someone different. You should be careful. You may get your wish.”
She was thankful to hear the music stop. “Hah.” She spoke most unladylike and glared at him. “If you believe you are the man I am looking for, you are sadly mistaken. Thank you for the dance.”
She turned and strode briskly away. She heard his deep chuckle and was aware he followed her back to her parents.
He bowed. “Hopefully, we shall dance again.”
“No,” she said abruptly. “I have promised the rest of my dances to others.”
He knew she was lying. She saw it in his eyes. But she didn’t care. Something about him made her nervous. She bit the edge of her lip as his eyes darkened. He bowed again and disappeared into the crowd. Forcing herself to relax, she took a deep breath.
Her mother leaned toward her. “What you said is not true. We had just arrived shortly before he came over. He’s a nice-looking man. I really don’t understand you,” her mother said in a sharp tone.
“He may be nice looking, but I agree with Caroline. He is not the man for her.”
/> “Why ever not?” her mother asked.
“I’ll discuss it with you later. I’m going to the game room.” Lord Halsford strode away.
“I don’t understand you or your father anymore,” her mother said irritably. Her brow furrowed and her eyes followed her husband’s figure across the room.
Caroline was relieved to see Sara walking in her direction. She dreaded being stuck all evening listening to Mama’s complaints.
“Sara, I’ve been looking for you.” Caroline smiled at her friend.
“Really? I saw you dancing with that handsome man. Who is he?” Sara’s bright blue eyes sparkled with mischief.
“Some stranger in town.” She didn’t try to hide the disdain in her voice.
“I’m glad you don’t like him. I wouldn’t mind if he looked in my direction.”
“I thought you were enamored of his friend, Rook.”
Sara glanced across the room where Rook was standing. She sighed. “You know that’s hopeless. He enjoys his bachelor life. He’s not apt to be looking for a wife anytime soon.”
“I’m sorry, Sara. I shouldn’t tease you. Why he doesn’t see and appreciate your beauty and sweetness is a puzzle to me.”
Sara forced her smile. “He can have the most beautiful woman in the room. I’m much too ordinary to get his notice.”
“If he can’t see your good qualities, then he is not worthy of you.”
Sara hugged Caroline. “You’ve been my champion for years. You know he asked me to dance once last year. I did not make a good impression. I couldn’t think of anything to say and blushed throughout the dance.
“Why didn’t you like the man dancing the waltz with you? I must say you made a striking couple,” Sara said, changing the subject from herself.
Caroline blushed. “He’s arrogant and too sure of himself, and there is something about him that makes me feel strange, wary. I don’t understand it.”
Caroline’s mother spoke up, inserting herself into their conversation. “She is determined not to get married, Sara. I wish you would talk some sense into her head.”
“I’m not much better, Lady Halsford. I have not found anyone I want to marry.”
“Well perhaps your parents need to decide for you. That is what we are going to do if Caroline doesn’t soon make up her own mind.”
Chapter Three
Damon stopped in the doorway to the card room and spotted Lord Halsford immediately. The temptation to join his table almost had him walking in, but then he saw Caroline and her mother headed to the room that held refreshments. He strode in their direction, coming up behind Caroline just as she picked up a glass of lemonade.
“I arrived at precisely the right time. May I find you and your mother a chair?” It was evident from her expression that she wasn’t glad to see him.
“Thank you, but we aren’t staying long. Mama had expressed a desire for lemonade.”
“It is cooler in here, Caroline. I’d appreciate you escorting us to those chairs over by the wall,” Lady Halsford said and nodded toward the far side of the room.
“My pleasure, Lady Halsford.” Damon put out one arm to her and one to Caroline. Caroline barely touched the sleeve of his coat and yet his body noted the contact. Her floral fragrance blew across his nostrils as they walked. She was the prize he wanted for all the years he’d missed being home and for all the hard work he’d done to replenish his coffers.
He seated her mother on her right side and himself on her left. “I saw you headed in this direction. I’d hoped to get here in time to join you.”
* * * *
Damon’s whispered words sent a chill through Caroline’s body. Why was he showing her such deliberate attention? She’d certainly let him know she wasn’t interested in him.
She had never felt so exposed. His intent gaze moved from her face to the low neckline of her gown. It felt as though he’d reached out and touched her.
Heat made her face flush and her breasts tingle. His presence brought forth unexpected and never before felt sensations rushing through her body. Caroline pulled her shawl closer, protectively around her and glared at him.
“I’ve heard you are called Lady Icicle.” He leaned toward her and spoke softly. “They’re all wrong. You hide your passion and fire very well, just not from me.”
His low, seductive voice made the lower part of her body ache. Sitting so near to him gave her a smothered feeling and intensified those other strange reactions in her body that she preferred to ignore. He was playing a game with her, but why?
“I have no idea what you are talking about,” she said, responding to his previous comment. She turned her head and looked across at the door. Sara and Joan were coming through the entrance. They glanced around and saw Caroline and her mother sitting with Lord Royston. She noted the curiosity in their expressions.
Caroline motioned for them to join her. She needed more support than her mother would give. Lord Royston stood and arranged two more chairs, sitting her friends across from Caroline.
Sara and Joan thanked him. After making introductions, Caroline turned her body slightly away from Royston and talked with Sara and Joan about innocuous topics, clothes, shopping, and teas. Surely she’d bore this upstart, and he’d never, ever sit beside her again.
“I’m sure your friends must be thirsty. I’ll get them some lemonade,” Damon said.
She agreed heartedly. Anything to get him to leave her side for even a minute. She saw him stop to greet the young blonde-haired girl and the couple that had been in the receiving line. This was the coming-out ball for the girl. He appeared to be on very good terms with them. She hadn’t seen him truly smile at anyone else, at least not a real smile. Caroline had only seen that mocking grin that both enticed her and warned her away.
The room began to fill as the musicians took a break and guests came in search of a cool drink. After speaking with the couple and young lady, he continued on.
When he returned, his shoulder brushed against Caroline’s as he sat and handed the glasses to Sara and Joan. Her skin prickled where he touched her.
“I saw you watching me when I greeted my sister and my aunt and uncle.” He motioned toward the three. “I’ll introduce you to them at a later time.”
Caroline pulled further away. “I did meet them in the reception line. I didn’t realize she was your sister.”
“Few people do. My aunt and uncle raised her after the death of our parents, while I was away on my travels.”
Joan and Sara had turned to the side and talked with several lady acquaintances. Her mother observed the other guests entering the refreshment room. In this soon-to-be-crowded area, Caroline had the odd feeling of being cornered and alone with him. His intent concentration on her had her disconcerted.
“What was so important that you would leave a young sister? Ah, but of course, young men love to go on adventures.” Caroline spoke sharply, her eyebrows raised.
“Why, my dear, it was not that at all. I love my sister dearly. But I had to recoup the family fortune, so Hannah could have all she might need or want.”
“Were you successful in your endeavors?”
He smiled that hard smile that made her want to back away from him. “Are you asking if I am rich?” He leaned toward her. “Yes, very rich, well able to take care of her and my future wife.” His eyes shone with possessiveness, while gazing at her face and down her body.
Their eyes caught and held. He seemed to be challenging her to comment. She deliberately looked away and engaged her mother in conversation, showing him her back. Nothing helped. She still smelled his cologne and felt the heat radiating from his body.
His eyes had clashed with hers, just as she’d turned. How did this man see beyond every defense she erected between them? The others had been so easy to discourage.
She wasn’t worried though. Her father had not encouraged any involvement with him. That, too, was puzzling, since a viscount would normally be considered a good catch.
&
nbsp; Lady Halsford leaned around Caroline to speak with Damon. “I heard you speak of a sister, Lord Royston. Do you have any other siblings?”
“No, Lady Halsford. No other family except for my aunt and her husband, the Marquis of Sommerplace. My mother died when my sister was born. My father, later.”
“Lady Sommerplace? I believe I met your aunt last year at an afternoon tea. In fact, I’m sure I did. And of course we spoke with her briefly this evening. She is a charming lady.”
“Thank you for your gracious comments. I hear the band beginning to tune up. Please excuse me. I’m expected to dance with a certain lady for this set.” He stood, bowed, and moved briskly around several people conversing. Then he disappeared out the doorway.
“What a nice gentleman. I certainly don’t understand your father’s disapproval of him.”
Caroline didn’t respond. “Sara and Joan, are you ready to return to the ballroom?”
“Yes,” Joan said. “Mama and Papa will be looking for me. Papa always likes to leave early. Parties bore him after the first hour.” She laughed good-naturedly. “I tend to agree with him. See you two soon.”
“Mama, Sara, shall we go?” Caroline asked. They stood and followed her out.
Sara spoke to Caroline as they wove their way around the crowded room before finding a place to stand. “Lord Royston is really very gracious and handsome. I can’t understand your dislike.”
“Neither do I understand my husband’s disapproval, Sara,” Lady Halsford said.
“Can we please discuss something or someone else?” Caroline snapped.
Sara and Mama stared at her. Caroline almost never lost her temper, and certainly not with family or friends. She had not felt herself since meeting that man.
* * * *
Damon walked around the dance floor searching for Edward and his bride to say good-bye. Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Christopher would bring Hannah home. It was time for him to leave.
The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 3