Complications? Is that what a child would have been? With her courses only just finished, she did not want to think about her reaction to them again.
“Complications? Whatever are you talking about, Banning,” Jennette said, entering the room like a floral scented breeze. She hugged Avis tightly. “I’m so glad you are here with us.”
Jennette pulled away, glancing at the two of them. “Now what were you discussing? Complications?”
Banning chalked his cue. “I happened upon Miss Copley a few weeks ago in Hyde Park. She had fallen off her horse.”
Jennette whipped her head toward Avis. “You were riding?”
Of all the excuses, he managed the one that his sister would never believe. “I thought to overcome my fear of horses,” Avis said with a glare to Banning.
“And did you?”
“She agreed to let me work with her while we are here.” Banning gave Avis a smug grin. “In fact we shall start tomorrow at eight, Miss Copley.”
Jennette laughed. “Well that should be something to watch. The way you two argue no doubt you’ll scare the poor horse to death.”
Avis continued to glare at Banning. “I don’t believe that will be necessary, my lord. I prefer to keep my distance from horses.”
“The only way to overcome a fear is to face it straight on.” He gave her a knowing look. “Tomorrow morning, meet me at the stables at eight.”
Banning turned to Jennette. “Are we playing?”
“It would be quite rude to Avis.”
“I don’t know how to play, so please go ahead,” Avis replied.
“Why don’t we teach you?” Jennette asked with a mischievous gleam in her blue eyes.
“Yes. A splendid idea.” Banning crossed the room to the cue holder and picked up another cue. “You and Avis shall play while I tutor her.”
No! The word seemed to catch in her throat. In fact, she appeared unable to utter a single word or sound. He must have taken that for concurrence because he handed her the cue with an arrogant grin.
“Jennette, you may go first,” he said then turned to Avis. “Watch how my sister leans over the table and takes her aim. It’s a very simple game.”
She watched as Jennette hit the ball with her cue and it crashed into others, scattering them across the table. She would never be able to do that. Jennette took two more turns until she missed.
Avis leaned over the table as Jennette had, but before she could line up her shot, a muscular body pressed against her and strong hands guided her own hands. She trembled with his nearness. How was she supposed to take her turn with him so close? She glanced up and noticed Jennette pouring the tea that had arrived.
“Get away from me,” she hissed.
“Take your shot,” he answered in her ear then quickly kissed the nape of her neck.
The stick shot forward and nicked the ball, sending it only a few inches and nowhere near another one. Before he could move away, she elbowed him in the ribs. A small grunt from him was her only satisfaction.
“Don’t worry, Avis. You shall get better. Banning is wonderful at billiards. He taught me everything I know.”
He’d taught Avis a few things too. Banning’s closeness was her undoing. Every chance he had, he held her arms or her hands. He would stand over her, or worse, lean over her, pressing his strong body against hers.
“Not quite like that,” he said as she bent down to eye the ball on the table. He squatted next to her. “I want to make love to you right now,” he whispered, “on the billiard table.”
Avis jumped to her feet, heat scorching her cheeks. Banning rose with a grin that she yearned to smack off his face.
“Stop it,” she said.
“Is my brother bothering you?”
How could he have affected her to the point of forgetting that Jennette remained in the room? The man was driving her mad! Avis turned to Jennette. “His advice is not always welcome.”
“Banning, let her try it alone.”
“As you wish,” he said, dropping into the nearest chair.
Avis gulped and then stared at the balls again. She tapped her fingers on the edge of the table, frowning. Perhaps she needed some advice. She sneaked a glance at him. Based on his scowl, she’d better try it by herself. She whacked the ball, surprised to see it crash into another ball and then fall into the pocket.
“Well done, Miss Copley,” Banning said.
She resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at him. “Thank you, my lord.”
“Oh for pity sakes, call him Banning,” Jennette said. “I hate all this formality. You’ve known each other for years.”
Speaking his Christian name in front of others made their relationship appear far too intimate. “It is highly improper of me to call your brother anything but Selby.”
Jennette waved a hand in dismissal at her.
“Who else is coming this week?” Avis asked Jennette.
“You should know just about everyone.”
“I did not see your mother,” Avis commented. “Is she here?”
“My mother and Trey’s mother are currently in the salon planning Banning’s downfall.”
Avis glanced over at him. His lips turned down into a deeper scowl.
“His downfall?” Avis asked.
“My mother believes it is well past time he marries. He disappointed her greatly by not choosing a bride this Season.”
“I am in the room, Jennette,” he growled.
Jennette walked past him and flicked his head. “I believe I noticed you were here. Anyway, Lady Kesgrave, the dowager Lady Kesgrave that is, is marvelous at matchmaking.”
“Well, I wouldn’t trust my future to either of those ladies,” Banning said.
“I am certain you will find the perfect woman when the time is right,” Avis replied.
“I’m sure I have,” he muttered.
Jennette turned back to him. “You have?”
He smiled at Avis and then Jennette. “Slip of the tongue. I’m sure I will.”
Banning watched Jennette and Avis leave the billiard room to change before supper. He needed a little time alone to get his base urges under control after the close contact with Avis. The woman drove him insane. It took all his concentration to focus on the billiards and not her lush body. He’d meant every word when he told her that he wanted to make love to her right here. But he couldn’t believe he’d said that to her while Jennette was in the room. Insanity. Surely, that had to be the cause of his actions.
Ever since he’d met Avis he’d felt insane, mad with lust and now crazy in love with her.
“So here you are,” Trey said, entering the room. “How was the billiards?”
Banning shrugged. “Jennette made me Miss Copley’s tutor for the game.”
Trey raised a chestnut brow at him. “Indeed?”
“Yes.”
“So when is the wedding?”
“What?”
Trey laughed as he pulled the billiard balls out of the pockets. “I may have left London, but I still hear the gossip. Something about you being seen at an inn with a woman of quality.”
“Don’t remind me.” Banning rose and grabbed a cue. “And what makes you think it was her? It could have been any woman.”
“Just a hunch.” Trey placed the balls on the table. “Of course your defensive attitude more or less confirms it.”
Damn. “The woman is driving me mad. She has no intention of marrying…ever.”
“Ever?”
“Ever.”
“Odd,” Trey replied. “I don’t believe I’ve ever met a woman who really had no desire for marriage.”
“Well, she doesn’t.”
“Why not?”
“Damned if I know.” Banning leaned over and took a shot. But he did have an idea what caused her wariness. Absolute fear. But fear of what? Him? Marriage? “She’s scared of something but won’t confide in me.”
“Perhaps you should speak with your mother. She might have an idea a
s to the cause of Miss Copley’s reluctance.”
The idea of asking his mother anything about any woman held no appeal. She would assume he cared for Avis. Which while true, he had no intention of divulging that information to his mother or anyone else. If his mother discovered his true feelings for Avis, a wedding would be planned whether or not Avis wanted it. Then again, he might save that idea as a last resort.
“If you have done what I believe you have,” Trey said, taking aim, “you really should force the issue with Miss Copley.”
“And how exactly do I force the issue with her?”
Trey hit the ball with his cue, scattering the others across the table. “Compromise her publicly.”
Banning laughed aloud. “I doubt even that would convince her to marry me.”
Trey pointed the cue stick at him. “Then perhaps you need to make her jealous.”
Make her jealous…he tasted the idea in his mouth for a moment. But could he do that? “You make a good point, Trey.”
“It does happen on occasion,” he replied with a laugh.
Banning left the room to change into his formal evening attire. As he walked down the hallway, he noticed her room nearly across from his. How convenient. He wondered if she’d taken notice of his bedroom.
For once, Trey might have the right idea. If Banning gave his attentions to another, it could serve to make her jealous. He definitely would not compromise her. Perhaps by making her jealous she would acknowledge her feelings for him and confide in him the true reasons for her fear of marriage.
“And then Mrs. Dilworth said…”
Banning stopped listening. Miss Roebuck’s conversation had run the gamut from tiresome to exceedingly dull.
“Lord Selby, did you hear me?” she asked in her high-pitched voice.
No, and he didn’t want to either. “I apologize, my mind wandered.” His mind hadn’t wandered; it had been on Avis as she sat at the opposite end of the table entertaining the people around her. Her brown eyes positively sparkled as she discussed politics with Lord Fallston.
“I asked if you would join me in a game of piquet later.”
“I must decline, Miss Roebuck. I am already promised in a game of whist.” Or least he would be once he found his partners. Olivia Roebuck might be perfect for making Avis jealous, but she was driving him insane with her mindless chatter.
Her full lower lip stuck out farther than normal. “Oh. Perhaps another time then.”
“My apologies to all for being so late!”
All heads turned to see Emory Billingsworth sketch an exaggerated bow to all the diners. Banning whipped his head toward Trey. His friend only shrugged as if he didn’t know why Billingsworth was in his dining room.
“Mr. Billingsworth,” Trey’s mother rose and greeted him. “How lovely that you decided to join us in the country.”
“I could not disregard your invitation, Lady Kesgrave.” Billingsworth kissed the dowager Lady Kesgrave’s hand. “I heard this was the country party to attend this summer.”
“I certainly hope so,” she replied.
A footman readied a place setting for him at the table. Banning’s temper flared as Avis immediately turned her attention to Billingsworth. Damn her. She appeared genuinely pleased at his arrival.
He was unable to do anything but watch their every moment. Billingsworth had never done anything to make Avis suspicious of him but now with creditors skulking ever closer, he might try to do something unforeseen. A marriage to Avis would solve all of Billingsworth’s money issues. Banning had no choice but to watch her and make certain Billingsworth did not force his advances on her. But would he be able to remain detached around her?
Could he pretend to pay her no heed while bestowing attentions on another?
Chapter Eighteen
Avis knew she shouldn’t care. Banning could do whatever he wanted. He could marry Miss Roebuck for all she cared. Avis pressed her lips together and clenched the napkin on her lap.
Her separation from him at the dinner table hadn’t bothered her until he smiled at Miss Roebuck as if she were a princess. Perhaps he would even stop pursuing her in favor of Miss Roebuck. Not that Avis didn’t deserve his desertion, she did. But the idea of him with that little tart made her heart ache.
“Miss Copley,” Emory said. “You look truly lovely tonight.”
At least he had noticed her icy blue gown with the beautiful décolleté neckline. Banning had barely spared her a glance. Then again, with Miss Roebuck’s generous bosom all but overflowing her ivory gown, it was no wonder he hadn’t noticed her.
“Thank you, Mr. Billingsworth. Tell us more about your trip to Brighton.”
“Unfortunately, the duke’s death cut my time with the prince short as Prinny felt the need to pay his respects.” He sounded more irritated than distressed by the passing of a well-respected duke. “But Prinny was a gracious host. I believe I may have a few new patrons for my books.”
“Lovely,” she said, glancing up the table at Banning. He met her gaze with a questioning look.
Emory leaned closer to her and whispered, “Shall we take a turn on the terrace after dinner?”
He had never asked such an improper question. And yet, if Banning had asked her to walk on the terrace she would never have been able to refuse.
“There is gaming set up after you men have your brandies.”
His thin lips turned up into a smirk. “I shall take your answer to mean, not tonight, but perhaps during the ball.”
She momentarily thought about enticing Emory to make Banning jealous, but she truly didn’t have the heart for it. Besides, something about Emory’s request didn’t feel quite right. Ever since she’d returned from Southwold, she sensed something different about Emory. A difference she wasn’t fond of in the least.
“If you must,” she replied.
“Oh, I really must,” he said with a quick glance at her breasts.
Emory must have had too much to drink tonight based on the looks he was sending her. She swore she’d felt his leg brush up against her several times during the meal. Thankfully, dinner was over and she left with the other ladies, retiring to the drawing room for tea and conversation. As she approached the room, Miss Roebuck stopped her.
“Miss Copley, I am so happy to see you here.”
“Oh?”
“Well, yes. You lend an air of respectability and moral conscience to the party.”
She did? What was the little tart after? “Why thank you, Miss Roebuck.”
Miss Roebuck continued into the drawing room as Jennette sauntered up to Avis. “What did she want?”
“I have no idea. She seems to think I lend a moral conscience to the party.”
Jennette hid her laugh behind her fan. “Of course. The spinster who wanted to give herself to a man without marriage is the moral conscience of the party.”
Avis tapped Jennette with her own fan. “Do be quiet.”
“Bask in your glory, Avis,” Jennette said with a snicker.
They sat together on the settee as the others drank tea and talked about their husbands, or hoped-for husbands. Jennette and Avis remained quiet during that particular discussion. All the women glanced toward the door as the gentlemen filed in.
Games of whist and chess were set up around the room. Avis took a turn around the room but no game could keep her interest tonight. Instead, she walked toward the terrace door and looked out into the black night.
“Did you enjoy your dinner?”
She saw Banning’s reflection in the window as he stood next to her. “Very much. I assume Miss Roebuck must be a wonderful conversationalist based on the looks you were giving her.”
“Jealous, Avis?”
“Hardly,” she said as her temper flared. “Just mortified that you would look at a woman in such a lecherous manner in front of a roomful of people.”
“And yet, I’ve looked at you in much the same manner any number of times.”
“Never in front of so
many people.”
“That you noticed anyway.”
“You are truly a beast to talk to me in such a manner, Selby.”
“Perhaps, but at least I have the sense to stay away from someone I’ve been warned about,” he whispered harshly.
“Emory is my friend,” she countered.
“He is a bastard who hits innocent women.”
Before she could whisper a retort, Jennette approached them with a frown. “What is wrong with you two?”
“Nothing,” Banning said. “Goodnight.”
Avis watched as he strode from the room, praying no one else took note of the anger in his eyes.
“Is everything all right?” Jennette whispered.
“Of course,” she replied in a light tone that betrayed her true feelings. “Just another quarrel with your brother.”
“Of course,” Jennette replied.
“I believe I shall retire, too.” She walked out of the room and down the hall. As she passed the study, she heard a man’s voice call out her name. She shouldn’t stop. He was part of the reason she was in the mess she was.
“Please talk with me for a few moments.”
She hesitated, remembering his conduct of late. If she walked into the room and someone came upon them, she would be ruined.
“Please,” he said softly. “It shall only be a moment. No one will see us.”
“Very well.” Avis walked into the study and found Emory sitting in a chair by the fireplace. His elbows were on his knees and his hands propping up his head. “Are you well, Emory?”
“I don’t know.” Slowly he looked up at her. “I fear I am losing my friendship with you.”
She sat down across from him. “Why?”
“Ever since I told you what really happened at Eton, I’ve had an odd feeling that you didn’t believe me.”
“Absolutely not.” She reached over and grasped his hands. “Emory, I did—do believe you.”
“But someone put doubts about me in your head.”
“No,” she replied. “Selby doesn’t know what he is talking about. I’ve known you for years and I do believe you.”
“Selby,” he muttered contemptuously.
Christie Kelley Page 17