“What a splendid idea,” Lord Hanover said. “Why don’t we all take a stroll outside and get some fresh air?”
“I, uh...” Jacob stuttered as his attention moved between Lord Hanover and her. “I suppose that would be a good idea.”
Adeline didn’t wait to ask for anyone else’s approval before she led the way toward the front door. Holding her breath, she waited for the moment the cooler air would touch her cheeks and remove the heat from her body.
Just before she could reach for the doorknob, Lord Hanover grasped the knob and opened the door for her. She gave him a polite smile and hurried out. After taking five steps away from the house, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Just as she suspected, the cooler air helped. Of course, their walk wouldn’t be very long because he suspected she’d become chilled soon since she’d not thought to first grab her shawl.
“What a beautiful night.” Lord Hanover’s voice was so close.
She snapped to attention and looked over her shoulder at the handsome man who stood staring up at the night sky.
“I notice the rainstorm didn’t last very long.”
“Yes, thankfully.” She peeked up at the sky, noticing the twinkling stars before returning her focus to him. Then she realized her sister and brother were not out with them. “Where are the others?”
Lord Hanover looked back at the manor. “I think I heard your sister mention fetching her shawl, and your brother said something about finding a lantern to light our way.”
“Oh.” Her heartbeat quickened. They were alone!
His gaze met hers and he smiled. “But that will give me time to do something I’ve been wanting to do since I heard your remarkable performance on the pianoforte.”
She sucked in a quick breath, suddenly feeling very shaky. Although the idea of kissing him had entered her mind a few times this evening, would he feel the same way? And now that they were alone... would he dare?
SIX
Adeline’s mind whirled with indecision. Would she allow him to kiss her? And yet, she knew that it was too soon.
When Lord Hanover turned away from her and moved to the nearest rose bush, she realized a kiss wasn’t what he had in mind. Instead, he plucked a lavender rose from the bush and presented it to her. Disappointment washed over her, yet her heartbeat quickened at his gesture.
“For you, my lovely Miss Featherstone.”
Her hand trembled slightly as she took the rose from him. Did he realize what the meaning was behind each colored rose? Of course he would, and yet... the lavender rose bush was the closest, so perhaps he only meant to give her a flower. Perhaps he wasn’t trying to tell her he loved her, especially since they’d only just met. That particular rose also could mean he was eager to grow their relationship.
“I...” Her tight throat made her voice sound too scratchy, so she swallowed hard. “I thank you, my lord.”
“I beg you,” he said, “to call me Collin.”
Her heart beat even faster. “Then you must call me Adeline.”
“Indeed, I will.” He motioned to the flower. “I pray your mother won’t get upset that I plucked the rose from her garden.”
“Of course, not. Olivia and I pick flowers all the time.”
His smile grew as he turned and offered her his elbow. “Would you allow me to escort you around the yard, my sweet Addie?”
As she hooked her hand around his elbow, she became breathless. Being this close to him wrought havoc inside of her, and she scarcely knew how to control these odd feelings. “Of course, I will... Collin.” Embarrassment caused heat to climb to her cheeks, knowing she’d nearly sighed his name.
As he led them further into her mother’s flower garden, the voices of Jacob and Olivia leaving the house let Adeline know her stroll with Lord Hanover wouldn’t be private. But seconds later, she heard more voices, and she peeked over her shoulder just as her parents and Lord Kentwood exited the house.
“Hanover, a moment please,” Lord Kentwood said loudly, raising his hand.
When Adeline’s escort stopped and faced his friend, her hopes sank. The expression on the other man’s face wasn’t very encouraging. She couldn’t tell if Lord Kentwood was upset or just impatient.
“Hanover,” Lord Kentwood said as he reached them. “Forgive me for cutting this evening short, but I just remembered another function I had agreed to attend this evening.” His gaze shifted to Adeline. “I hope you forgive me, as well.”
Slowly, she released her hold on Lord Hanover’s arm. Although disappointed that they hadn’t had more time together, she realized how fortunate she should feel even for the short time they’d spent together. After tonight, she doubted she would see him again. Both men had mentioned coming to Bath on holiday. And once they reached their destination, why would they have any further dealings with the lowly Featherstone family?
Collin turned and bowed to her. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Featherstone.”
“The pleasure was all mine, Lord Hanover.”
Once the lords said their goodbyes, they climbed inside their coach and drove away. Adeline would return to being the reclusive maiden her father had made her into and prepare for spinsterhood.
ADELINE CLIMBED OUT of the family’s coach with the assistance of her brother, Jacob, and waited for her parents to exit the vehicle. She scanned the manor looming before her, knowing she’d never be mistress of such a fine home.
Aunt Dorthea had invited them to her masked ball this evening, and Adeline was grateful her mother had accepted. Attending Aunt Dorthea’s functions were the only opportunities the impoverished Featherstones had to hobnob with the ton.
Amongst the crowd of invited guests gathered in front of the manor, preparing themselves to enter, she heard her name called. She swung her head in the direction where she’d heard her name. Wearing the servants’ livery of a driver, Simon Burrell waved to her as he walked closer.
She smiled happily. It was good to see one of the family’s servants whom her father had had to let go because of his lack of funds. She rushed toward the man she’d once thought of as an older brother.
“Simon. It does my heart good to see you.” She motioned to his clothes. “And you’re a driver now.”
The tall, thin man with receding brown hair, nodded and grinned. “Indeed. I’ve come up in the world.”
She grasped his hands and squeezed. “Who do you work for now?”
“I work for a hackney company. I’m hired out to drive the gentry wherever they wish to go.”
“Oh, Simon. How wonderful for you.” She released his hands and motioned toward her family’s vehicle. “My family is just over there if you would like to greet them.”
“I might have to do that later. The lords who paid me to drive for them this evening, don’t know how long they will stay, so I must be ready at all times for whenever they wish to leave.”
She arched an eyebrow. “What? They are not going to stay for one of Aunt Dorthea’s famous masked balls? Why, her gatherings are the talk of the season.”
“These lords do not live around here. They are only here on holiday.”
She hitched a silent breath. She knew of two lords who were on holiday in this area. What were the odds... “By chance, is one of these men Lord Hanover?”
Simon’s eyes widened. “Indeed, that is one of them. The other is Lord Kentwood. Do you know them?”
She laughed lightly, trying to mask the excitement rushing through her. “My family met them two days ago.”
A look of concern crossed his face. “Take care, Adeline. These men are rogues and nothing less. I pray you do not get tangled in their wayward lifestyle.”
She caught her breath again. Rogues? Why hadn’t she thought of that before? But now everything made more sense. That was why Lord Kentwood had been so chatty with her family – especially her and Olivia – and why Collin had been so bold to present her with a lavender rose. How foolish she’d been to think any differently about him.
“I thank you for your warning. I’ll certainly be more cautious.”
“Adeline, dear,” her mother’s voice was loud behind her only seconds before the woman grasped Adeline’s arm, “what are you doing?”
She met her mother’s worried gaze. “Mother? Do you not remember Simon?”
Her mother’s eyes widened. “Oh, heavens. It is you.” She patted his hands. “It is so good to see you again.”
He bowed. “And it is good to see you and your daughter.”
“Come dear.” Mother handed Adeline her mask. “We are ready to go inside now.”
Adeline gave her mother a nod before looking back at Simon. “I wish you much success with your new employer, and I hope we see each other again.”
“As do I.” Simon bowed again before hurrying back toward his coach.
Adeline adjusted the gold mask trimmed with black lace over her eyes as she followed her family up the rock stairs and into the manor. Everyone would be wearing masks this evening, but she was certain she would recognize Lord Hanover. And yet, if she did, would she take Simon’s advice and keep her distance? He was a rogue, after all.
She scanned the crowded ballroom, searching for a tall man with brownish-blond wavy hair. Immediately, she saw him dancing with a woman wearing a mask with peacock feathers. A sigh escaped Adeline’s throat before she could stop it. He was devilishly handsome in his black coat and trousers, with a red-gold waistcoat and white cravat. Indeed, this was Collin. Even his mouth looked familiar.
“Adeline, dear,” her mother whispered, grasping her elbow. “You must do all you can to attract the attention of one of these wealthy men. I fear your father has left us in dire straits, and it’s up to you to charm one of these men.”
Panic filled Adeline as she stared into the shadowed slits of her mother’s mask. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that tonight you need to target your future husband... and do what is necessary to make him offer marriage.”
Do what is necessary... Adeline’s mouth turned cotton dry. Her mother couldn’t possible mean what she thought. Why, doing something like that would cause a scandal.
She glanced toward her father who was talking with Jacob. The frown on her brother’s face made her wonder if her father was giving Jacob the same kind of talk that mother had given Adeline.
Inwardly, she groaned. Indeed, it was up to her and Jacob to make the best out of a rotten situation. Thanks for ruining our lives, Father!
She took a deep breath and nodded. There was no other choice. If she wanted to get married, a scandal would be the only way. So much for her dreams of falling in love... And yet, what if she could accomplish both?
Finding Collin once again in this crowd wasn’t difficult. He was strikingly handsome, and incredibly muscular. What if she could get him to fall in love with her? After all, he had given her a rose two nights ago, and they did have one thing in common – music. Perhaps she could use this to win him over.
And if that didn’t work, she’d have to create a scandal one way or another.
SEVEN
Adeline watched Collin until his dancing ended with the woman in the peacock feather mask. Not wanting to look too obvious, Adeline slowly made her way toward him. After he’d taken the woman to her mother, he turned and found a circle of men to stop and chat with.
Sighing, she had to stop, too. But of course, she’d be by herself. Then again, she was used to being at a party and not mingling unless it was with her own family, thanks to her father’s unwise gambling choices.
She kept her gaze on the couples dancing, and periodically, looked over her shoulder toward Collin. He appeared to be bored. She understood that feeling well.
A few people that she recognized passed her, and she nodded a greeting. Thankfully, they politely returned the greeting. She prayed that those who judged her father harshly would realize that she and her siblings had nothing to do with their sire’s decisions.
Several moments passed before she peeked over her shoulder again toward the circle of men. This time, she didn’t see Collin. Grumbling under her breath, she glanced around the area frantically searching for him. One way or another, she needed to get his attention. Although she was prepared to charm him the best way she knew how, she prayed he’d live up to his roguish reputation and charm her first.
Suddenly, someone behind her slid fingers along her bare elbow, and warm breath touched her neck.
“Meet me outside on the terrace in five minutes.”
She gasped and her body froze. The deep, very masculine voice was Collin’s. He stepped past her, his arm purposely brushing against hers. He didn’t look her way as he walked toward the terrace doors.
Her pulse had quickened so much that it shook through her body. Had he known it was her? Or was he expecting someone else? Either way, she must meet him outside. Hopefully, he hadn’t seen her watching him. Then again, if he had noticed, he’d at least know she was taken with him.
She wrung her black-gloved hands against her middle as she ran her gaze around her. Nobody looked at her as if they had seen the brief contact between her and Collin. Everyone seemed to be wrapped up in their own lives. With any luck, things would remain that way.
How many minutes had passed? Perhaps she should have been counting them instead of thinking about Collin. However, she would start on her way regardless of the time. She was too anxious to wait any longer. She couldn’t wait to see who he was really waiting for, and yet deep down inside of her, she hoped he knew it was her.
With each step toward the terrace doors, her heart hammered that much faster. Part of her wanted to turn away her mother’s suggestion, and yet, Adeline knew this would be the only chance she had at finding a decent husband.
Pushing away the warnings ringing in her ears, she stepped onto the terrace. A few couples were strolling through her aunt’s gardens, lit only by the full moon. She continued down the main path until she spotted Collin. He sat on a stone bench, learning forward as he rubbed his forehead.
Her body trembled anxiously as she headed in his direction, acting like she wasn’t hurrying. She didn’t want to seem over-eager or desperate. Then again, if he knew her family’s situation, he’d know exactly how desperate she felt right now.
She slowed her steps as she rounded the rock bench. He must have heard the rustle of her gown because he swung toward her. His mask hung in his fingers, but she dared not sigh aloud at seeing his handsome face.
“Lord Hanover.”
His grin widened. “I thought I asked you to call me Collin.”
Sighing, her body relaxed. “You did. Forgive me, Collin.”
His gaze skimmed over her, starting at the top of her ringlets, and down over her red and black gown.
“You look very lovely tonight, Addie.”
“Thank you. I think you are very handsome, as well.”
He patted the empty space on the bench next to him. “Would you like to join me?”
Nodding, she sat beside him, but not too close. She didn’t want to stop looking at him, but apparently, he didn’t feel the same because he stared toward her aunt’s small pond that was not too far from them.
“I’m surprised you noticed me,” she said softly.
His chest shook with a silent laugh. “It’s hard to ignore a woman when she is constantly studying me.”
She held her breath. He knew? “I... I’m sorry you saw that.”
He looked at her, grinning. “I’m not sorry in the least. It’s quite flattering to have a lovely woman staring at me.”
Heat crawled up her face, and yet, she couldn’t turn her head. Maybe it didn’t matter since they were partially in the shadows, anyway.
“I was surprised to see you here,” she said after a few uncomfortable seconds.
“Kentwood had been invited, so he brought me with him.”
The tone of his voice made her pause. Why did he sound like he didn’t want to be here? “Are you not enjoying yourself?”
/> He shrugged and looked down at his hands. “I wasn’t, but now...” He looked at her and grinned. “I must admit, the evening is perking up quite nicely. However,” he reached behind her head and untied her mask, “I’d rather see your pretty face when I talk to you.”
She chuckled, only to try to get her racing heartbeat to slow down. She held the fallen mask in her lap, grateful that her hands had something to do. “You’re too kind with your compliments, Collin. One might think you are over-flattering me for a specific reason.”
He arched an eyebrow. “One might think... but what do you think?”
Her mind turned blank. Really, there was only one thing she could think about, and no matter how hard she tried to calm herself and act natural, the simple truth was that she wanted his attention. She wanted them to be alone. But more importantly, she wanted him to fall in love with her.
“I think you are a charmer, Collin.”
He shrugged. “I’ve been known to charm my share of women. Does my confession shock you?”
She shook her head. “Although it should, I have heard rumors about you and your friend, Lord Kentwood.”
“Rumors?” He turned his body toward her and took one of her hands into his. “Pray, what are these rumors saying about me and Kentwood?”
She moistened her throat with a hard swallow. “That you are rogues.”
Slowly, he nodded. “I suppose we are.”
“You suppose?” She laughed. “Are you trying to tell me that you don’t know this fact about yourself?”
He leaned closer as his smile softened. “My dearest, Addie, rogues like myself do not go around bragging about our exploits, especially to fair maidens.”
“If I’m not mistaken, that sounded like you were bragging.”
He stroked her hand. “Tell me, Addie, if you know I’m a rogue, why are you out here with me?”
Oh, heavens... The truth would come out sooner than she wanted. She couldn’t allow that to happen.
Roguishly Matched Page 4