“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Lady Scarlett,” she said with genuine warmth. “Your brothers all speak so fondly of you, and I must admit to being a bit curious after reading about you in the paper.” Elizabeth had a friendly smile and easy manner that immediately put Scarlett at ease, despite her mention of the dreadful, dreadful as she saw it anyhow, newspaper article.
“It’s lovely to meet you as well, Lady Elizabeth. But please, do not take any stock in what you may have read in the papers, I fear that I was accredited with far more accolades than I deserved.”
“You’re modest as well, how delightful,” Elizabeth laughed softly. “I like you already!”
The three of them chatted for several minutes as they walked the horses, and Scarlett quickly got the impression that despite Rory being her brother’s friend, he and Elizabeth Cavendish knew each other quite well. Interesting! Perhaps Alec wasn’t the only one with something to hide in that regard, she thought to herself. Sensing the pair might enjoy a moment of private conversation, Scarlett informed them that she was going to ride ahead just a bit. Urging her mount to a faster gait, she put a bit of distance between them while remaining within eyesight.
As she drew further ahead, Scarlett observed a familiar figure coming from the opposite direction. She recognized Alec at once, even from a distance. He wasn’t seated upon Brutus however, but upon an equally impressive chestnut-colored stallion. As they drew abreast of each other, Alec slowed his mount and wheeled him around so that they were traveling in the same direction.
“Good morning, Lady Scarlett,” Alec said, politely tipping his hat.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” Scarlett replied with equal politeness, though her eyes held an unmistakable warmth.
“You’re not here by yourself are you?” Alec asked with undisguised concern.
“Of course not, though it did take considerable effort to drag Rory from the comfort of his bed this morning,” she laughed. “He is presently flirting with a lovely brunette a short ways back.”
“Ah, I see,” Alec replied. He wasn’t surprised. Rory McPhearson’s winning personality and easygoing charm attracted women like bees to honey.
As their mounts fell into step with each other, Scarlett’s gaze lingered for a moment on Alec’s perfectly sculpted features, and then traveled slowly down his body from his broad shoulders to the heels of his highly-polished Wellingtons. He looked incredibly dashing in his finely tailored chocolate-colored jacket and form fitting, buff-colored riding breeches. “Did you manage to get a good night’s rest last night?” she asked with a coy smile, returning her gaze to his handsome profile.
“Unfortunately I did,” he said, with a mischievous grin. “Regrettably, the delectable redhead I was entertaining left my bed far too early last night.
“Umm, that is unfortunate.”
“Indeed. Sadly, I had to content myself with my dreams of her for the remainder of the night, and they weren’t nearly as satisfying.”
“I was in your dreams?”
“Are you surprised?” Alec queried, with the deliciously wicked quirk of his brow that she was so fond of.
“Not really,” she replied honestly, though a faint blush tinged her cheeks. “I can’t seem to keep you from my thoughts whether I’m awake or asleep.”
One of the things Alec admired most about Scarlett was her honesty. She was forthright and didn’t play games like so many other women he knew. It was a refreshing change, but it was also what worried him. He didn’t want her to get hurt. “I fear you will soon be bombarded with so many suitors that before long I may only garner a passing thought,” he teased.
“Oh I doubt that,” she said with a siren’s smile.
Only time will tell, Alec thought to himself. But for now, their fascination with each other didn’t seem even close to fading. “I see you have been regulated to using the dreaded sidesaddle,” he noted, changing the subject. He was well aware of Scarlett’s aversion to the hindering contraption.
“Such a bloody nuisance,” Scarlett huffed in irritation. “I don’t understand why women must put up with these wretched things.”
Most women, unlike Scarlett, were more interested in how they looked while seated upon the horse and how prettily their skirts draped to the side, than having the freedom to ride with any sort of abandon or lack of restraint. He couldn’t help smiling at what a delightful contradiction she was.
“If it is any consolation, I for one am well-aware that you could outride just about anyone, male or female, despite being seated upon that wretched thing.”
“You’re right of course,” Scarlett agreed cheekily. “However, Georgie would never forgive me if I set out to prove it.”
“Don’t worry; I will do my best not to encourage your hoydenish behavior.” At least outside of the bedroom, he thought.
Unfortunately their time alone was cut short as the distinct sound of hoof beats could be heard coming up behind them.
Turning, they saw Rory approaching, apparently having finished his conversation with Lady Cavendish.
“Alec, what’s got you up at this god-awful hour?” Rory asked, pulling his mount alongside Alec’s.
“The crisp morning air, that’s what,” Alec replied good-naturedly. “You should partake of it more often yourself. It’s good for the soul.”
“And give up my late night carousing? No thank you,” Rory laughed. “I much prefer to sleep until midday and preserve my energy for the evening’s entertainments.”
“So true,” Scarlett nodded in affirmation. “It is nothing short of a miracle that I managed to coax him out of his bed this morning.”
“Well next time do me a favor and pick on Gavin, will you Scarlett?” he said jovially, conveniently forgetting that he was the one who had offered to take her riding in the first place.
Alec couldn’t help smiling at their playful banter. Though brother and sister obviously shared a deep affection for one another, they weren’t adverse too winding each other up as well. He couldn’t help feeling a bit envious of their close bond, wishing he too had a sibling to share such a connection with. But alas, he was an only child and his immediate family now consisted of his mother and his paternal grandmother. Though he loved them both dearly, it wasn’t the same.
With his thoughts turning to family, he glanced at his watch. His mother was expecting him for breakfast, and if he wasn’t on his way soon he was going to be late. “Though I’m not sure I should leave the two of you without an intermediary,” he joked, “I’m afraid I’ve got to cut my ride short this morning. The duchess is expecting me for breakfast.”
“Please send your mother my regards,” Scarlett requested. She had met Alec’s mother at the Minton’s ball. Though they had only chatted for a few minutes, the duchess had been quite friendly.
“Yes, regards to the duchess,” Rory added as Alec bid them both goodbye, turning his mount once again in the opposite direction. As the distance between them widened, Rory glanced around at the now unoccupied area surrounding them. He regarded Scarlett speculatively for a moment, and then his expression turned mischievous.
Scarlett had seen that look more times than she could count, and knew exactly what her brother was thinking. Despite the silent warning of her conscience to resist the temptation, she couldn’t seem to help herself. Meeting her brother’s gaze with a brash smile and a challenge in her eye, she suddenly urged her mount into a full gallop and the race was on! Poor Georgie would have been horrified.
Chapter 8
Over the course of the past weeks, Scarlett had lost count of the number of balls, dinner parties, afternoon teas, charity events, musical performances, and the countless other events she had attended. She had been bombarded with gentleman callers and had received dozens of invitations to go riding in the park, to stroll through Vauxhall Gardens, to attend the ballet and the theater, to lunch at the finest eating establishments in London, as well as receiving invitations to numerous other functions.
Al
though she would have preferred not to, for she hated to lead anyone on, she accepted invitations from a few of her suitors, primarily to keep any suspicion from falling upon her relationship with Alec. Though she found several of the gentlemen to be handsome, intelligent and decidedly charming, none of them even came close to diminishing her secret adoration of the Duke of Worthe.
Unfortunately, she and Alec had managed to spend only five glorious nights together since her arrival in London. Due to her near nonstop schedule and attendance at events that often lasted well into the early morning hours, finding opportunities to be together was not always easy. It was frustrating to say the least. In her wildest imaginings, she had never dreamed that she of all people would have caused such a stir since arriving in London. She received invitations to every social event, and much to her mortification, her activities were chronicled in the papers, gossip rags and scandal sheets on a daily basis.
The Scarlett Angel attended the theater on the arm of so and so. The Scarlett Angel was seen waltzing with this gentleman or that gentleman. The Scarlett Angel was seen riding through the park with none other than, etc… etc… For someone who had grown up relatively sheltered on her family’s country estate, the amount of attention she was receiving was completely overwhelming, and in her mind, utterly ridiculous. She kept hoping that people’s fascination with her would fade, but unfortunately, it only seemed to be increasing.
She had learned from Rory just yesterday that numerous wagers were already being placed at the local gentleman’s clubs, as to when her betrothal would be announced and to whom. Apparently there were a few odds on favorites including at least two dukes, three marquesses and half dozen earls. Knowing of Alec’s aversion to marriage, she highly doubted that he was one of the two dukes, but she hadn’t had the courage to ask.
Much to her ever-increasing consternation, Alec’s attitude toward her seemed no different than it had been during his visit to Grey Oaks. Though she fell more in love with him with each passing day, Alec, while more than generous with his passion, seemed to be keeping a tight rein on his other emotions. He was warm and caring, and even affectionate, but despite those things he continued to hold something back. She felt certain that in time he would come to love her as much as she loved him, but despite her confidence, a tiny voice at the back of her subconscious warned her that she could very well be setting herself up for a terrible fall.
Since she’d been in London, Scarlett had learned a great deal more about Alec than she had known previously. As one of the most sought after bachelors in England, he was a popular topic of conversation with many of the young ladies with whom she had become acquainted. Apparently, despite the constant urgings of his mother to settle down and take a wife, and much to the disappointment of every eligible female in England, he seemed determined to resist. Though he had been linked with numerous women throughout the years, he had never shown the slightest interest in any of the marriageable young ladies of his set, preferring it seemed, to keep company with older, more experienced women, women who weren’t looking for husbands, or who perhaps already had them.
She had also discovered some interesting things about marriage itself, or rather, marriage as it was within the members of the aristocracy. As she’d learned from Georgie, the vast majority of unions were “arranged” and she had observed for herself a number of wedded couples who seemed to have relatively little fondness for one another. She also learned that extra-marital affairs were quite common and most often overlooked. It was disheartening to learn that love matches amongst the nobility were surprisingly rare, even more so than she had expected. Alec, having grown up within that very world, had likely grown as cynical and jaded as his peers. It was a distressing thought, and one she tried not to dwell upon. Hopefully she would be able to convince him that they could be one of those rare couples who defied the odds.
It was just after midnight and the house was quiet as she pulled on a shirt and pair of breeches. Her maid had assisted her in removing her gown a short time ago and Scarlett had then quickly sent her off to bed. Georgie had already retired for the night, and fortunately Colin had left the house to join Rory and Gavin at one of their clubs, and Conner had long since returned to Grey Oaks. Opening her bedroom door, she listened for a moment, assuring herself that the servants had all gone to bed for the night, and then crept silently down the hall.
She, Georgie and Colin had attended a dinner hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Mawbrey earlier in the evening, where Alec had also been in attendance. They had already planned to meet later that night, but Alec, managing to get her alone for a brief moment, had informed her that he might not make it home as early as he hoped. He’d told her that he had left the set of French doors leading into his study unlocked, and that if he wasn’t at the gate at half past twelve, she was to let herself in.
Opening the door that led into the rear garden, Scarlett stepped into the shadows and quickly proceeded to the back gate. Alec wasn’t there, so as he had instructed, she slipped through the gate and headed toward the set of unlocked doors. Feeling a bit uneasy without Alec beside her, she quietly entered the study which was alit by only the faint glow of the moonlight, and silently prayed that none of the servants were still up and about.
Tiptoeing to the door, she cracked it open a tiny sliver and listened. Hearing nothing, she slipped off her boots and then carrying them in one hand, made her way to the stairs. Her stockinged feet were whisper quiet as she trod lightly across the polished marble floor, and then up the staircase. She didn’t realize that she was holding her breath until she was safely within Alec’s bedchamber and the door was closed securely behind her.
Glancing about, it seemed different and exciting somehow, to be alone in Alec’s room, and to be alone with his things. Slowly she walked around the perimeter of the room, running her hand along the enormous, cherry-inlaid dresser that sat against the north wall, then moving to the large matching wardrobe that was angled against the rear corner of the room. Opening one of the massive doors, she inhaled the pleasant scent of sandalwood and cedar chips.
His shirts, vests and jackets were hung neatly within, and Scarlett couldn’t resist trailing her fingers lightly across the expensive fabrics. Unable to help herself, she pulled one of Alec’s shirts from its hanger and drew it against her body. Closing the door, she tossed the shirt over a nearby chair and then began to remove her clothing. When she was naked, she slipped her arms into the sleeves of Alec’s shirt, rolling them up at the cuffs when they fell well past her fingertips. Slowly she did up the numerous buttons along the front, reveling in the feel of the crisp cloth as it brushed against her naked breasts.
As Alec sat within the richly appointed confines of his coach, listening to the sounds of the coachman’s gentle commands and to the clomping hoof beats of the horses as they moved briskly along the cobblestone streets toward his residence, he contemplated his relationship with Scarlett. If he were being honest with himself, he had to admit that his fascination with her hadn’t diminished in the slightest over the past weeks. He looked forward to each of their clandestine meetings as if it were their first. He desired Scarlett more than he’d desired any woman he ever had before, and to his continued surprise, that desire seemed to be far from fading. He realized now that he had been a fool to think that he would eventually lose interest in the enticing little minx.
Though he still felt an inordinate amount of shame and self-loathing for betraying Colin’s friendship, his nights with Scarlett and the pleasure they entailed, far outweighed his guilty conscience. But for how long, he wondered? How long could they continue their affair before someone found out, or before someone got hurt? Despite her bravado, he feared that Scarlett’s feelings regarding their relationship were not nearly as cavalier as she let on. Could she truly walk away from their affair unscathed? And for that matter, could he? The latter was a question that had begun to plague him more and more frequently and with increasing unease.
His feelings for Scar
lett were growing more complicated with each and every day, and it worried him. He knew better than to let his emotions override his good sense, and the fact that they were beginning to, made him nervous. Scarlett was still young and relatively innocent, but he was older and wiser, and he knew quite well how time changed things. He’d seen it too often with his own eyes. Unlike what he suspected Scarlett might be anticipating, he refused to let himself fall victim to the notion that what they had together could ever be anything more than it already was.
When the coach finally came to a halt, his thoughts were still a tangled mess. However, as he descended from the vehicle and made his way up the front walk, the thought of Scarlett waiting for him in his bedchamber quickly began to overshadow his concerns. Letting himself in the front door, he could already feel his pulse beginning to accelerate. Tossing his coat and hat aside, he headed for the stairs, and had to stop himself from taking them two at a time.
It was a quarter past one when Scarlett finally heard the sound of Alec’s footsteps in the hall outside the door. She took another swallow of the whiskey that she had discovered on a side table shortly after donning Alec’s shirt. She had been chilled from her trek through the gardens and the potent liquor had done an admirable job of warming her up. She hadn’t cared much for the taste at first, but surprisingly it had quickly grown on her. She couldn’t recall precisely how many times she had refilled the glass, for after the third she’d stopped counting.
Entering his bedchamber, Alec found Scarlett sitting sideways in the large high-backed chair that sat near the fire. He was surprised to see that she was wearing one of his shirts, the sleeves rolled up; the top three buttons undone, revealing the soft contours of her lovely breasts. Her legs were bare and dangled languidly over the arm of the chair, and the flickering light from the fireplace cast her entire body in enticing shadows. She held a crystal tumbler filled with a dark amber liquid in her hand and there was a whiskey decanter sitting on the floor beside the chair. Her head rested against the deep corner of the chair, and as she watched him walk across the room her lips curved into an inviting smile. It was one of the most alluring images he had ever seen and one that would be forever imprinted into his memory.
The Hellion and The Heartbreaker Page 16