“I—uh… You want to—um.” What, in God’s name, was wrong with her tonight? She couldn’t string two words together all of a sudden.
Alison elbowed her in the side.
“Oh! I believe I do, my lord.” Had he followed up his question with a request to sign her card, she might have bowed out, but he held out his hand in expectation. She passed it to him, not wanting to draw any more notice than she already had.
He signed his name to a dance in the next set and lingered so she couldn’t speak alone with Alison. After a time, Valera began to shift her weight from toe to toe. The silence was unbearable. She considered excusing herself and dragging Alison with her, but she couldn’t think of a graceful way to do it.
When it was time for their dance at last, she followed Lord Tealby to the floor and immediately wondered why she had agreed to stand up with him. Never in her life had she encountered such an uncoordinated dancer.
Twice, his hip bumped her derrier when they passed, and when his fingers brushed her breast, it was all she could do not to call him on the carpet then and there. After dodging the rest of his clumsy moves, she was fuming. Had Alison had to suffer through this humiliating display, Valera would have been twice as riled.
She tried to free herself as the baron led her from the floor, but his fingers tightened around her upper arm. He steered her toward the glass doors leading to the veranda. Valera dug in her heels, but she couldn’t stop his determined stride. Several steps from the doors, Alex blocked their path. Lord Tealby came up short, but she rammed into Alex, her breath escaping her in an inelegant grunt. His hands circled her waist to steady her before dropping back to his sides. She tingled again where he’d touched her.
“Where do you think you’re taking my supper dance partner?” Alex’s smile was pleasant, but a hint of danger laced his tone. “Surely you aren’t intending to propose marriage after one dance.”
The baron scoffed, but released Valera’s arm. “Don’t tell me your intentions are honorable, Ravenswood.”
Alex’s jaw twitched. “Are you trying to make me cross, young Tealby? If you would like to go a round at Gentleman Jack’s tomorrow, I’ll oblige you. Say noon?”
The color drained from Lord Tealby’s complexion. “I am already committed at noon. I—uh… I promised Mother I would escort her when she pays calls.”
“Isn’t noon a bit early to pay calls?”
He mumbled something incomprehensible then veered around Alex, keeping a wide berth, and fled to the veranda.
“Pay no mind to the young buck, Miss Bell. He’s three sheets to the wind and left his good sense in the card room.”
Her mouth went dry as she realized people were gawking. She spotted her older sister headed in her direction, her scowl as ominous as a storm cloud. Alex followed her line of sight.
“Looks like someone has her corset tied too tight,” he muttered.
A shocked giggle burst from Valera. “Lord Ravenswood.”
Alex held out his arm and gave her a secretive wink. “If we hurry, we can escape.”
She knew it was unwise to hie off with the scoundrel, and Janine would box her ears later, but she couldn’t resist. She took his elbow and followed him into the maze of bodies as couples took to the dance floor. There was no sign of Valera’s sister by the time they reached the refreshment room.
Even though they were free, he kept her close by his side. “Would you like a glass of punch?”
“That would be lovely.”
Langley was stoically listening to a debutante’s mother chatter on about her daughter’s accomplishments while the young lady smiled brightly any time he glanced her way. As Valera and Alex approached the punch bowl, the duke’s eyebrow lifted and a hint of a smile appeared. He nodded in greeting. “Miss Bell.”
Alex retrieved a crystal glass of Negus and passed it to her with a kind grin.
Suddenly, it hit her. Mr. Moore and Lord Tealby hadn’t noticed her tonight because of the necklace. They had asked her to dance because Alex had. The duke certainly hadn’t paid her any notice earlier, but now that she was on Alex’s arm…
How like a man to want what another finds desirable.
If the gentlemen only knew the truth about her association with Alex, they wouldn’t be so quick to pursue her. She frowned as she sipped her drink and studied him over the rim. He was very handsome with his dark blonde hair, high cheekbones, and slim nose. And his build, any man would envy. Elle’s brother was the epitome of physical perfection as well as being a man with prestige. What gentleman wouldn’t strive to emulate him? Even the Duke of Langley suffered in comparison in all but influence.
In choosing allies look to their power as well as their will to help you. Perhaps she had stumbled upon a way to give Langley a gentle nudge while she was waiting for the locket to work, and Alex was the perfect man for the task.
Her lashes fluttered as she gazed up at him, her shyness hitting her full force. What she wished to ask him was very bold, but she did consider him a friend, so it wasn’t as if she wanted to enlist the help of a stranger. Nevertheless, she preferred a little privacy in case he rejected her outright.
“Lord Ravenswood, I realize this may be rather forward of me, but would you consider calling on me at my father’s town house tomorrow? I have a bit of a favor to ask.”
Alex’s breath caught and his eyes widened a brief moment, but he recovered from the shock quickly. His smile was slightly strained, but his manner was casual as he inclined his head in acknowledgment. “It would be my pleasure to grant a favor to my sister’s dear friend.”
She hoped he was still agreeable once he learned what favor she would ask.
Chapter Three
Alex bounded from his phaeton the moment it rolled to a stop in front of the Bells’ town house, nearly colliding with his servant boy scrambling to secure the horses.
Alex halted on the walkway and cursed under his breath. One might think him an eager suitor for all the fuss he was making over his meeting with Miss Bell. He wasn’t here to court the young lady. He had come at her request, and only because his sister Elle would want him to be nice to her friend.
He heard Miss Bell’s snorting laugh in his imagination and grimaced. In truth, Elle wouldn’t want him anywhere near her friend if she knew the inappropriate dreams he’d had about Miss Bell last night, but he couldn’t govern his dreams, now could he? He could, however, behave as the honorable gentleman he’d been brought up to be.
Adjusting his hat, he strolled to her door with feigned calmness while his heart battered his ribs like a champion pugilist. He must keep his wits about him, and his hands to himself. Otherwise, this could end with the parson’s noose tight around his neck, and he’d be in for quite the row with his parents.
Arranged marriages were the nature of things in his family. It had been that way for seven generations. Alex had never questioned his duty. He simply wasn’t in a rush to fulfill it.
Someday he would make an offer to whichever lady his parents chose for him, fill his nursery, and try not to die of boredom. In essence, he’d have a marriage just like his parents. A friendly, solid union—his father honored his vows and so would Alex—but the prospect of a marriage bed without passion left his blood cold.
Thoughts of Miss Bell, however, lit a smoldering fire inside him. His dream had been anything but cold and passionless. He shook off the fantasy of having Miss Bell beneath him and rapped on the door harder than intended.
When the butler answered, he studied Alex with a curious glint to his deep sunken eyes.
“Lord Ravenswood to see Miss Bell,” Alex announced and held out his card.
“Yes, milord.” The servant’s mouth kicked up at the corners. “Miss Bell is receiving this afternoon.”
Alex’s eyes narrowed as he followed the butler inside. Why the smile when the butler said Miss Bell was receiving? Was that to mean she’d had callers already? Alex’s fingers tightened around the bouquet of mixed flowers he’d asked a maid to gather
from his mother’s garden. Perhaps he should have purchased something more elaborate so as not to be outdone by the competition. He frowned.
You are not courting the chit.
The butler stopped at a set of double doors, opened one, and waved his hand in invitation for Alex to enter. “Please, have a seat in the drawing room while I announce you to Miss Bell.”
Alex’s chest grew oddly tight as the butler left him alone. He didn’t know what to do while he waited since he’d never called on a young woman. He opted for wandering the drawing room, taking stock of the older furnishings.
Good quality. Tasteful. Demure. Bland. The same could be said of Miss Bell’s family. She was the single splash of color in an otherwise dreary landscape.
The mantle clock ticked loudly as time dragged. When it seemed the noise might drive him mad, the drawing room door drifted open and a wraith-like woman floated into the room. Her pale skin matched her equally pale hair.
The Ice Queen. Also known as Lady Fairlight, Miss Bell’s older sister. The viscountess was touted as a great beauty among the ton, and while Alex acknowledged she presented a striking picture, she had never stirred his interest.
“Lord Ravenswood, what a pleasant surprise,” the lady said, her voice a practiced tinkling of chimes.
Miss Bell slipped into the room, closed the door, and leaned against it, observing her sister’s interaction with him. As he allowed his gaze to slide over Miss Bell’s curves, his pulse began to race. While Lady Fairlight lacked the assets he appreciated in a woman’s body, Miss Bell had them in abundance. She glanced up to discover him staring and a soft smile lit her eyes. He grinned in return.
“How long has it been, my lord?” Lady Fairlight’s question pierced through the fog in his head.
He blinked, bringing Miss Bell’s sister into focus, and realized she was holding out her hand. He politely took it and placed an obligatory kiss to her silk glove. “I cannot recall, Lady Fairlight.”
The lady laughed, a breathless sound that reminded him of a consumptive patient. “Then it has been too long. We must make up for lost time, sir. Come. Sit.” She lowered to the ivory velvet couch and arranged her skirts like a peacock fanning feathers.
A small frown furrowed Miss Bell’s brow. She remained by the door, nibbling her bottom lip. Her uncertainty called to him, the protective side that had wanted to beat that fool Tealby when he’d tried to usher her outside last night.
Alex crossed the room to take her hand. “Miss Bell, how fetching you look this afternoon.” Spots of pink appeared on the apples of her cheeks as he bowed over her hand and placed his lips to her knuckles, his gaze locked on her. The yellow of her gown brought out the amber flecks in her eyes and gold in her hair.
Dear God, she had grown into a beautiful woman. He straightened and handed her the bouquet. “I didn’t know which flower was your favorite.”
She hugged the bundle and lowered her face toward them, her lashes lying against her skin as she drew in their scent. “These are perfect. Thank you.”
A hollow laugh sounded behind him. “Val has never been too particular,” her sister said. “She is pleased to receive anything from a gentleman. A bunch of milkweed would be as well received. Of course when one rarely receives the attentions of gentlemen…”
The chiding, arrogant words were as shocking as if Lady Fairlight had struck her sister. The corners of Miss Bell’s lovely mouth drooped; her eyes lost their brilliant sparkle. And anger stirred in his chest.
“I appreciate a lady who is easy to please,” he replied, not bothering to look at Lady Fairlight. Miss Bell glanced up and held his gaze. The worry lines on her forehead eased. “In my experience, such a lady possesses a lack of vanity one finds refreshing.”
Miss Bell’s whiskey-brown eyes expanded and filled with warmth.
“Yes, well,” Lady Fairlight snipped. “Val has never been accused of being vain.”
He doubted the same could be said for her sister. Drawing Miss Bell into the room, he led her toward a chair. He was here to see her, not the viscountess.
Lady Fairlight regarded them hand-in-hand and flashed a teasing smile. “Perhaps it is because she receives so few compliments that she hasn’t grown vain.”
Miss Bell flinched and Alex halted before they reached the seat, pretending the vile woman hadn’t spoken. “Is your lady’s maid available to join us for a ride in the park, Miss Bell?” His suggestion was pointed and blunt. He had no desire for prolonged contact with Lady Fairlight.
Miss Bell grinned, her good humor returning. “Of course, Lord Ravenswood. Allow me to collect her.”
She whirled with a swish of skirts and hurried to retrieve her maid. He offered a curt nod to Miss Bell’s sister, then went to wait in the foyer, but Lady Fairlight’s arrogance knew no bounds.
She followed him. “Who has put you up to this prank?”
“I beg your pardon?”
Her head tipped at a flirtatious angle when she leaned against a marble-topped table. “Come now, Ravenswood. You may have fooled my sister, but I’m familiar with your reputation. You have no interest in courting, and Val pales in comparison to the experienced ladies who entertain you. Surely you don’t expect me to believe our little mopsey has captured your interest.”
Alex stiffened. The lady could disparage his character all she liked, but insulting her sister was beyond the pale. He would never even think anything unflattering about Elle, much less speak with a stranger about her. He slowly swept a dispassionate gaze from the lady’s head to her toes and back again. She began to fidget under his prolonged scrutiny. Honestly, he didn’t see what his fellow gents found appealing about the woman.
“Jealousy is unbecoming, Lady Fairlight, but I can understand why you would feel threatened by your sister. She is a rare beauty.”
Her nostrils flared before her eyes narrowed to slits. She may have even delivered a scathing set down if Miss Bell hadn’t appeared at the second floor landing with her maid. Her bright smile chased away his irritation, but when she crossed the black and white checkerboard floor to hug her sister and thank her for playing chaperone, his irritation with Lady Fairlight morphed into anger. Miss Bell had no idea how her sister had tried to sabotage her, thinking he was her suitor. What if she’d done this with other gentlemen who had come to call on Miss Bell?
Not interested, eh? Well, Alex would show the shrew just how fascinating her little sister could be. “Miss Bell, would you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to the theatre this week?”
She blinked, her long lashes like gossamer wings. “Oh! Well, I…” A small frown turned down her plump lips. “I think perhaps we should discuss it in the park, my lord.”
Alex’s jaw twitched. He escorted her toward the front door without glancing at her sister. No doubt Lady Fairlight found Miss Bell’s probable rejection humorous.
He couldn’t blame Miss Bell for her startled reaction. She likely saw him as nothing more than Elle’s older brother, not a gentleman of interest. He ignored the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. A platonic association was for the best, really.
Just outside the town house doors she drew up short. Her nose crinkled when she smiled. “White horses! My favorite.”
He had already known that about her, or at least he’d hoped that was still her preference. When she and Elle were girls, Miss Bell always spoke of valiant knights on white chargers. Alex may not have donned chainmail, but he thought of himself as her champion this afternoon. With a sister like Lady Fairlight, she needed one.
He assisted her into the phaeton before offering her maid a hand. The young woman dropped her gaze and giggled as she accepted his help and scrambled into the back.
He joined the women, waited for his servant boy to clamber into the groom’s seat, and directed the horses onto the lane.
Miss Bell smiled, creating unfamiliar sensations in his chest, as if his heart was expanding and might burst. “You are very generous to sacrifice your afternoon to t
ake me for a spin around Rotten Row, my lord. I didn’t intend to impose when I requested a word with you.”
“I hardly consider it a sacrifice to accompany a beautiful young lady to the park.”
She glanced back at her maid. “You don’t have to pretend for Becky’s sake. We are both aware I am no diamond.”
Her maid made a disapproving tsking sound.
“It’s true,” Miss Bell argued. “Janine was deemed an Incomparable when she debuted. Most families cannot boast even one beauty, so we are fortunate. I’ve come to accept that I’m not my sister.”
“Diamonds are overvalued,” Alex said. He allowed his eyes to leisurely travel her pretty face and curvy bust. “I would compare you to a ruby, Miss Bell. A more interesting jewel and precious in its own right.”
She snorted. “No wonder the ladies fall all over themselves when you enter a room. You have the charm of the devil himself.”
He laughed in spite of himself. “I beg your pardon? What do you know about my interactions with ladies?”
She shrugged. Pink tinged her cheeks, but she met his gaze boldly. “Being a wallflower allows me more time to observe others. And to be honest, I’m applying the term ladies liberally. You really should reconsider any association with the Widow Jordan. She is not as discerning as she likely should be.”
Alex ducked his head, feeling like a schoolboy properly chastised. Miss Bell was too straightforward and free with her observations, but he appreciated her candor. At least he would if he weren’t embarrassed she knew of his private activities.
She patted his shoulder. “I’m simply trying to return the favor, which I have yet to request.”
“Yes, well…” An intelligent response evaded him as he pulled the carriage onto the woodchip-covered lane. This precarious swinging between arousal and a familial sense of wanting to protect her knocked him off-kilter. He welcomed the distraction of maneuvering around other carriages out for a drive.
Sunlight infused Miss Bell’s hair with auburn and created a fiery halo. She adjusted her bonnet to shade her eyes. “I suppose I should get on with it then. The reason I asked you to call.”
The Heart of a Duke Page 11