Ethan shook his head. “No, I’ve actually come looking for you because I have a business proposal that we must discuss. It’s a pressing matter and I’ll need you to come with me now.”
Colby threw his cards on the table. “Well, you heard my cousin, gents. I’m needed for business.” He stood, and turned to retrieve his jacket, but a hand reached out and grabbed his forearm.
“Not so fast. Pay up before you leave,” the man seated at his right said. He was a burly chap and had the look of a man who didn’t take no for an answer. A long scar along his cheek marked him as someone who was not afraid to fight to settle debts.
Colby pushed the coins in front of him into the center of the table. “This will have to do until I return this evening. I’ll bring the rest of what is owed then.”
The other three men stood quickly and two of the chairs clattered to the floor. “It doesn’t work that way down here. You play; you pay. Got it?” the man said. He tightened his grip on Colby’s arm and reached for the knife that hung on his belt.
Before the scene turned ugly, Ethan reached under his waistcoat, and threw his own money purse on the table. The coins clinked together as the purse landed. His eyes hardened as he looked from man to man. “That will be more than enough to cover his debts. Take it and enjoy a drink on me. Let’s go, Colby.”
Colby shook the man’s hand off his arm, slipped on his jacket and headed for the door. He called over his shoulder, “It’s been a pleasure, gentlemen.”
Once outside, Colby clapped Ethan on the back. “Thanks for handling that back there. Always could count on you, Cousin, to bail me out of a bind.”
Ethan frowned at his cousin’s jovial attitude. “Colby, you’ve got…”
“Yes, yes, I know. I’ve heard it all from my father. Enough about it for now.”
Ethan did not want to lecture his cousin while they stood out in the street. It would serve no purpose to create a scene and would only drive Colby away. He was relieved that he had gotten Colby out of the gambling house without incident especially when that could have turned ugly back there.
“Come on, then. I still have a few coins in my pocket. Let’s go get a proper drink,” Ethan said.
Colby smiled. “Now, that’s more like it. Lead on, Cousin.
Ethan set a brisk pace. He wanted to get out of this part of town as fast as possible. He’d have to pace the conversation and he’d prefer to get Colby talking about his gambling problem first so he had to proceed with caution. Slow and steady, one step at a time worked the best when it came to his free-spirited cousin.
Chapter 5
The musicians played the last note of the quadrille, and the floor cleared. Emily stood at the outer edge of the dance floor with Mia. Her hands smoothed down her cream-colored dress, more to cover her frustration than for any perceived wrinkles in the fabric. She’d been waiting for Mr. Preston to appear, but so far, he was nowhere in sight. He had put his name on her dance card earlier in the evening for a quadrille dance, but he had not claimed one as of yet. Two of the dances had already gone by and this was her last chance to dance with him.
“Mia, I’m so confused. Why hasn’t Mr. Preston come by to claim his dance? What have I done? Do you think I have offended him somehow?”
Mia glanced at her friend. “What are you talking about?”
“I don’t see Mr. Preston anywhere. He might be avoiding me.”
“Emily, stop worrying. You haven’t done anything wrong. It’s silly of you to think such things.” Mia tilted her head slightly to the left. “See, I told you. Here comes Mr. Preston now.”
Both Connor and Ethan walked up to the two friends and bowed. “Miss Stanton, I believe our dance is the next one to be announced,” Connor said.
“Yes, I’d be delighted.” Emily stepped forward a little too quickly. She glanced down at the floor to hide the embarrassment of her boldness.
Connor chuckled and held out his arm for her. “Shall we?”
Emily placed her hand on his arm and they made their way to the dance floor.
Ethan turned toward Mia. “May I bring you some punch, Miss Gardner?”
“No, thank you, Mr. Richardson. That is very kind of you, but I’ll be joining my parents momentarily, and we’ll be leaving,” she said.
“I’d be happy to escort you to your parents?”
“That would be lovely. Thank you. I believe I saw them conversing with friends in the other room.”
Ethan held out his arm. “Are you enjoying yourself this evening, Miss Gardner?”
“Yes. It’s been delightful.”
They walked into the next room. “Good. There, I see your parents talking with Mr. Giles.”
“Yes, I see them.” Mia curtsied. “Thank you, Mr. Richardson. Have a pleasant evening.”
Ethan bowed. “Good night, Miss Gardner.”
***
Out on the dance floor, Emily’s eyes locked on Connor as they moved toward each other. Their hands touched, and her breath caught as they circled one other. “I thought you forgot about our dance tonight,” she whispered.
Connor leaned in. “Never, my dearest Emily. I’ve been looking forward to our dance all evening. Might I say you look more beautiful than ever. You take my breath away.”
Before Emily had a chance to answer, they parted again. When they came together again, she could barely contain her joy. His compliments made her heart soar. “Thank you, Mr. Preston. That is lovely of you to say.”
“Nonsense. I only tell the truth, Miss Stanton. Every other woman in the room pales against your beauty.”
The hands met again and his touch sent a thrill racing up her spine.
When the music faded signaling the end of the dance, Emily curtsied to Mr. Preston and rushed off the floor. Butterflies roiled around her insides and she felt a blush ride up her neck and face. He seemed to have that effect on her. She needed a bit of air and stepped out onto the balcony. She leaned on the banister and inhaled the cool night air.
She had been right all along. Mr. Preston liked her. There could be no mistake now especially with the many compliments he paid her whenever they happened to meet. She closed her eyes reliving their last dance together—his touch, the way he held her and the way he made her feel.
“So nice to get some fresh air. It’s gets stuffy in there, don’t you agree, Miss Stanton?” Connor asked.
Emily whirled around and the object of her affection stood before her. What was Mr. Preston doing out here? Though she was thrilled to see him, she was quite nervous at his sudden appearance and she wrung her hands. It was not proper for her to be alone with him or any man for that matter.
“Yes, I guess so.” She shivered. “But, Mr. Preston, I don’t think we…”
Connor took a step closer and put his hand under her chin, lifting it. His lips brushed against hers for a gentle kiss. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time. You will forgive me for being so forward, won’t you, Miss Stanton?”
Emily inhaled sharply. The world tipped topsy-turvy and she wasn’t sure what had happened. He caught her off-guard and she didn’t know what to say. It was a kiss like no other and it was perfect. She knew well that a young lady should not be alone with a gentleman, especially if they were not betrothed; but the feel of Connor’s lips on hers made all sense fly out of her mind. His lips were sweet, and the kiss was as soft as a feather.
Had she been kissed by an angel on earth? There was no other explanation for the way she felt. It was all so new to her, but she craved more. Connor’s kiss had started a fire in her belly that she’d never felt before. She wanted more of his kisses. To feel those lips against hers was all she could think of. Was this what it felt like to be in love? It was the most wondrous feeling. It all made sense now – all those love poems she’d read over the years. None of those poems, however, could match the intensity of her desire for Mr. Preston at the moment.
“Uh, of course, I forgive you; but, Mr. Preston, we must go back inside before someone se
es us out here. It is not proper.”
“Oh, there you are,” came a voice from the balcony doorway.
***
Ethan watched as Emily’s head whipped around at the sound of his voice. He’d been looking for her inside the ballroom and had wandered by the balcony doors when he saw Connor standing next to her. What was she doing out there with Connor especially since he had asked for the next dance?
He was well used to Connor’s prowess around the ladies. His friend was never without two or three ladies hanging on his every word. That had never bothered Ethan before. He was happy to let Connor have his fun.
Until now.
Until he had set his sights on Emily.
Ethan damped down his rising anger toward him. He did not want to spoil his dance with Emily with any harsh words directed at Connor. She was an innocent young woman and was probably more than flattered by Connor’s attention, but it had to stop. He would not let his friend ruin Emily’s reputation under any circumstances since he had set his sights on her himself. She was the perfect young woman for him.
He had first met her when she was fifteen-years-old. She was a beauty even then and certainly did not suffer through an awkward stage as some young ladies did before blossoming into womanhood. He remembered that first meeting like it was yesterday. It had been at his aunt’s home. Lady Tisbury had invited the Stanton family to dinner and his breath had been taken away the moment he saw her. When the meal was finished, she had entertained them all at the piano and sang as sweet as a songbird.
Perhaps, he had fallen in love with her that night, he didn’t know. All he did know was that he had waited three long years for her to come of age before courting her in earnest and he wasn’t going to let Connor have her.
He straightened his shoulders and put a smile on his face. It was his last chance to dance with Emily and he was going to enjoy every minute of it.
“Miss Stanton, I believe our dance is the next one to be called.”
***
Emily took a step away from Connor. She felt the flush race up her neck. Dread replaced the fire she had felt moments ago. She’d been caught alone in the company of a man who was not a relative. Her reputation could be ruined with a whisper. “Mr. Richardson,” she stuttered. “We were, uh, getting some air.”
She saw Ethan stare hard at Connor before returning his attention to her. His eyes softened and he smiled. “Indeed. Shall we go inside?” He held out his arm.
Emily quickly closed the distance between them, placed her hand on his arm and let Ethan escort her back inside. “Yes, of course. That would be lovely.”
She said a silent prayer that Ethan hadn’t said anything more about her being alone with Mr. Preston on the balcony. She breathed a sigh of relief, and the knot inside her chest eased. As much as she tried not to, she stole a glance over her shoulder. Mr. Preston winked at her. It sent another thrill coursing through her body.
The couples lined up for the quadrille, Ethan stood opposite her, and the music began. Much to her relief, he seemed to be enjoying their dance together. She noticed that at tonight’s ball, he was not as shy around her as he had been at previous balls. He was truly a kind and considerate man and Mia’s words echoed in her mind.
A kind and considerate man. Love can grow from that.
Try as she might, she didn’t think she could agree to marry someone for kindness alone especially not when she’d gotten a taste of what was possible between a man and a woman. It was hard to forget the intense desire she felt when Connor had kissed her.
When the music ended, Ethan escorted her back to her parents. “I enjoyed our dance together, Miss Stanton. Thank you.”
Emily curtsied. “You’re most welcome. I enjoyed it as well, Mr. Richardson.”
“Mr. Stanton, Mrs. Stanton, good evening.” Ethan said.
“Richardson, give my regards to your father,” Riley said.
“Of course, sir.” He bowed and turned on his heel.
“Such a nice young man,” Mrs. Stanton said. “Don’t you think so, Emily?”
Emily nodded. “Yes, Mama.”
“Well, are my ladies ready to go home?” Riley asked.
“Yes, quite ready,” Catherine said.
Riley held out his arm for his wife and Emily followed in their wake. She couldn’t resist scanning the crowd in the hopes of seeing the dashing Mr. Preston one last time.
The ladies collected their cloaks and Riley escorted them out to their waiting carriage. He helped them inside and took the seat beside his wife. They talked softly and Emily was left to her own thoughts.
She closed her eyes and let her head rest against the cushion and thought of Mr. Preston.
“Emily, dear. Are you feeling poorly? You’re very quiet,” Catherine said.
Emily shook her head. “I’m fine, Mama. Just a little tired, that’s all.”
When her parents went back to their own conversation, she leaned her head back against the cushion again reliving the kiss over and over again. It was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to her.
Later that evening after Nesmith had helped her undress and had gone to attend to her mother, she searched her reticule and found another love letter. Her heart fluttered as she read it and tears of joy leaked from her eyes.
She was his ‘bright star.’ She thought she’d burst with joy and had never been so happy. She was sure it would only be a matter of time before she and Papa had a visitor. “Oh, Mr. Preston,” she whispered. “I love you, too.”
Chapter 6
Connor shifted through the pile of documents on his desk. Most were looking for money. Money he didn’t have. A knock on the door interrupted him. “Enter,” he said.
The butler opened the door and walked in. “This letter was delivered for you, sir.”
“Thank you, Chesterfield.” He took the letter from the tray. “I’ll call you if there is a reply. That’s all for now.”
“Very good, sir.” Chesterfield retreated and closed the door softly on his way out.
Connor opened the solicitor seal on the letter. “Now, let’s see if your per annum is as sweet as your lips, Miss Stanton,” he murmured.
He quickly read the report before refolding it. He put it in his jacket pocket and left his study.
“Chesterfield,” he called.
The butler appeared within seconds. “Yes, sir. What do you require?”
“I have an errand in London I must attend to. Inform the groomsman I’ll need my stallion.
“Right away.” Chesterfield nodded and disappeared out the door.
Connor needed to check a few more things before he committed himself to anything. It was prudent for his future that he court the right woman. When his black stallion was brought to him, he mounted the horse in one smooth motion and galloped away.
***
“Miss Stanton, you have a visitor,” Mrs. Jannell announced.
Emily stopped playing the piano and looked back over her shoulder. “A visitor? Who comes to call?”
“Miss Gardner.”
“Please show her in and ask Cook for some tea.”
“Of course,” the housekeeper said.
When Mia entered the room, Emily greeted her with a hug. “I’m so glad to see you.”
“Em, I had to come at once,” Mia said, barely able to contain herself or the smile that stretched across her face.
“Really? What has happened? Why are you smiling so? Come sit and tell me.”
The young women sat down on the couch and Mrs. Jannell came in with the tray of tea and biscuits and put them on the small round table. “Would you care for anything else?”
Emily shook her head. “No, thank you. This will be fine.” Emily poured the tea and handed Mia a cup. She picked up the other cup.
Mia was beaming. “Em, I’ve the most happy news to share. Mr. Giles has proposed!”
Emily nearly dropped her teacup. “What? The Season has only just begun.”
“Indeed. Isn’t
it wonderful? I am beside myself with happiness.”
Emily put her cup down and hugged her friend to her breast. “Oh yes, that’s the most wonderful news.”
“I am beside myself with happiness. I cannot wait to marry and have my own home. I’ve become very fond of Mr. Giles these past weeks. He has visited our home a number of times and Papa likes him too.”
“He has? You’ve not mentioned it to me.”
“I was afraid it was only dream, and didn’t want to tell you about his visits until I was sure of his intentions. Last night Mama invited him for dinner and he was such a delightful guest. Anne and Sarah are quite taken with him. When dinner was finished, he and Papa went into the study while we all retired to the parlor. When they joined us, Mr. Giles asked to speak with me privately. I could hardly believe it and my heart soared with joy.”
“Oh, how wonderful. I bet Anne and Sarah wanted to stay and listen.”
Mia giggled. “Yes, they did, but Mama took them by the hand and soon enough Mr. Giles and I were alone.”
“Tell me everything. Where your insides fluttering?”
“Indeed. My heart was beating so loudly that I thought for sure Mr. Giles would hear it. He told me that he was taken with me the moment he saw me last Season. He had wanted to ask for my hand then, but he was heading to India on business and didn’t think it was fair to make me wait until he returned especially since he had no idea how long he’d be away. I hardly believed my good fortune when he proposed. Of course, I said yes immediately and we are officially engaged.”
“India? What did he go there for?”
“To trade in spices. His trip was most successful and he has purchased a lovely cottage out in the country for us.”
“That is wonderful. When will you marry?”
“In a mere four weeks after the banns have been read. Mr. Giles does not want a long engagement.”
“My dearest Mia, I knew you would receive a proposal this Season. Didn’t I tell you so? There is no one that deserves this more. I’m so very happy for you.”
“Thank you. I can scarcely believe it myself.”
Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Page 4