With an enraged cry, the painter launched himself onto Benjamin’s back. Benjamin reached for him as he bent forward, easily flinging the smaller man to the floor and holding him there. “Do not dare to touch me again.” He circled his fingers around the painter’s throat and squeezed. “Do not approach either of these ladies again. Do you understand?”
Delacroix’s face turned red as he gasped for air. Though tempted to continue squeezing to be certain the man had received the message, he was all too aware of Louisa’s presence. He loosened his hold enough to allow the painter to breathe and nod.
With a scoff of disgust, he released him and turned to Louisa. “Are you ready?”
Her wide eyes stared at him with shock. She took one more look at the painter and nodded jerkily. “Of course.”
Lady Whirlenhall emerged from behind the screen properly attired, much to Benjamin’s relief. Her gaze swept from him to the painter and back again. Approval lit her expression as she swept past the artist and out the door, head held high. “Goodbye, Jean Paul.”
Chapter Eight
Louisa sighed wistfully as she watched Benjamin enter the Smithby ball two days later. When he’d escorted them home that night, she and her mother had thanked him, but there hadn’t been a chance for Louisa to share the extent of her gratitude. Somehow, both she and her mother had managed to survive the incident with no one the wiser.
But she hadn’t been able to stop thinking of him since. His thoughtfulness toward her and her mother, his confidence in the situation, and even his anger at the artist had caused her to look at him in a new, unsettling light. There was far more to the man than she’d realized.
Yet Louisa worried that her mother’s actions might have discouraged him from having any interest in her.
“A dance, Lady Louisa?” Viscount Stanich asked from her side.
She hesitated, all too aware of the feeling of dread that came over her whenever she spent time with the man. What was wrong with her? He was perfectly nice. And safe. But she no longer wanted that. The realization troubled her deeply. “Thank you, my lord.”
The dance lasted forever. She did her best to keep an eye on Benjamin, hoping he wouldn’t leave before she could speak with him.
“Is something amiss?” the viscount asked when the dance permitted conversation.
“Not at all. Why do you ask?”
“You seem quite distracted this evening.” He appeared bemused by the fact.
For some reason, that irritated her. As if nothing could be on her mind except who her next dance partner was. She forced a polite smile but didn’t respond to his remark.
Several minutes passed before he spoke again. “I’ll be spending the holiday in the country with my family.”
“That will be nice.” The idea of his absence pleased her more than it should.
“My parents wanted to extend an invitation to you and the marchioness to join us.”
“How...kind of them. Unfortunately, we have other plans.” She had no desire to spend Christmas with the viscount and his family. She closed her eyes briefly as she realized what that meant. There was no possible way she could entertain a future with this man.
“Of course.” Displeasure twisted his lips. “Last minute and all that.”
“I’m pleased you understand.” To her relief, the music drew to a halt, and he escorted her to where her mother stood then bid her goodbye.
“Wasn’t that Stanich? He didn’t appear pleased,” her mother said as she moved closer.
“He invited us to spend Christmas with his family at their country estate.”
Her mother studied her. “You don’t sound particularly excited about the invitation.”
“I told him we wouldn’t be able to attend as we have other plans.”
“Good. I don’t think he’s right for you. We do have another invitation to consider.”
“From whom?”
“The Marquess and Marchioness of Delham have invited us to their home on the outskirts of London for a house party in a few days’ time.”
Louisa stared at her mother in surprise. “Do they know?”
“That the marchioness and I have something in common? Much to my surprise, no, they do not. We must thank Granger again for not only his assistance but his discretion. Perhaps he is to thank for the invitation as well.”
Louisa followed her mother’s gaze to Benjamin, who moved in their direction. Before she could calm her reeling emotions, her mother approached him, leaving Louisa to follow.
“Lord Granger.” Her mother offered her hand. “Good to see you.”
“Lady Whirlenhall.” Benjamin took her hand and bowed before his dark eyes shifted to Louisa. “Lady Louisa.”
A strange sensation filled her as if a thousand butterflies had been released inside her to flutter about. She was in serious trouble.
Her mother glanced about as if to make certain no one could overhear then stepped closer. “We wish to thank you once again for your assistance.”
“My pleasure. I hope all is well?”
“Quite. May I ask if you properly disposed of the item?”
Benjamin had offered to destroy the unfinished painting, much to Louisa’s relief. Her mother had been angered enough over the situation never to want to see it again.
“Of course.”
Her mother smiled. “Excellent. I appreciate your discretion more than I can say. Now if you’ll both excuse me, I see someone with whom I simply must speak.”
Louisa cleared her throat as her mother stepped away. “Thank you. I know I’ve already said it, but I truly appreciate all you’ve done to help us.”
“It was my honor.” His dark eyes glittered warmly. Suddenly, she couldn’t think of anything except their kiss in his carriage and how much she’d like another. “Would you care to dance?”
“Yes, I would. Thank you.” Delight swept through her, so different from how she’d felt when Stanich had asked her. Was there a chance that Benjamin had set his roguish behavior behind him now that he’d inherited?
“I trust your mother is none the worse for the experience?” he asked as he escorted her toward the dance floor.
“She was quite distraught at having been tricked into agreeing to sit for the portrait. I’m relieved we interrupted them before true harm was done.”
“I’m pleased to hear that.” The dance steps took them in different directions briefly before uniting them once more. “I understand you and your mother have been invited to the Delham’s house party.”
She looked at him in surprise. “Are you attending as well?”
“Yes. Many of the guests include those who are assisting with the charity for wounded soldiers.” He smiled. “We’re hoping that with Christmas soon upon us, they’ll be more generous with their time and money.”
“How clever,” she said with a chuckle. “I shall advise Mother to be prepared to give as well.”
The dance concluded, and Benjamin escorted her to her mother. She wasn’t ready to part company with him and was pleased when he remained at her side.
“I’m certain Delham also has a political motive and hopes to persuade some of the other members of the House of Lords to see his viewpoint on how to develop a long-term peace plan for Europe.”
“No event is ever a simple gathering these days,” Louisa said with a shake of her head. “Do you intend to become involved in Parliament?”
“I hope to.”
His words pleased her as they suggested he had serious plans for the future. Anticipation for the days and weeks ahead filled her. This Christmas season promised to hold more joy than she’d had since childhood. The coming weekend couldn’t come soon enough.
~*~
Benjamin rose the first day of the Delham’s house party, anxious to see Louisa. Having her in the same house, regardless of the size of the estate, was even more appealing than he’d expected. He’d arrived late the previous evening after most of the guests had retired for the night.
> Delham had been grateful if embarrassed that he’d retrieved the painting of the marchioness. He’d insisted on hosting the gathering to celebrate the formalization of the charity as a way to show his gratitude. Benjamin hadn’t told him that Louisa’s mother had also fallen for the artist’s charms, only that he’d learned of another person who needed assistance. However, he had asked that the Marchioness of Whirlenhall and her daughter be invited, and Delham had been pleased to do so.
The guests included both young and old per Benjamin’s request. He wanted men his own age involved in the charity with the hope that they would take an interest in other similar issues as well.
However, the only person holding his thoughts this morning was Louisa. While he’d been certain she was wrong for him, now he worried whether she could look past his reputation. Surely there was a way they could move away from their pasts and look toward a different future for both of them.
He rang for his valet and quickly dressed in warm clothes, including a woolen waistcoat and tall leather boots. Many of the younger guests were to go ice skating this morning at a nearby pond that had frozen solid with the unusually cold nights of late. He hoped Louisa planned to join the fun.
Breakfast was a lively affair with most of the guests who were going skating filling the dining room where a sideboard held dishes of eggs, ham, and pastries as well as coffee, tea, and chocolate. Smothering his disappointment at not finding Louisa there, he helped himself and settled into a chair next to Viscount Gibbon. He’d finished half his plate when Louisa arrived.
Her plum-colored wool gown should’ve been plain with its simple lines and high neck, but on her, it looked beautiful. Her gaze swept the room until she found him. A small smile graced her lips as if they shared a secret. The tingling anticipation he felt took him aback.
“Isn’t that right, Granger?”
Benjamin forced his gaze away from Louisa. “Pardon?”
Even as Gibbon spoke, Benjamin’s attention returned to Louisa as she selected a few items then took a seat with the other ladies, including Lady Harriet, Delham’s daughter. Though disappointed, he supposed it wouldn’t do for them to spend too much time together.
Once everyone finished, they retrieved coats, cloaks, hats, scarves, gloves, and skates from their rooms before meeting in the entrance. He knew the moment she joined the growing group. Sometime in the past two weeks, his senses had become attuned to her in more ways than he cared to admit.
“The brakes are here,” someone called out, and everyone exited the house to pile into the open, four-wheeled conveyances that held eight people for the brief journey to the pond.
His pleasure when she sat beside him in the back of the brake made him feel like a young boy lighting his first Yule Log. He settled a heavy quilt over the top of them, wondering if he dared to hold her hand underneath the cover.
“Benjamin.” She said his name quietly, her breath causing a puff of frosty air as a shiver crept down his spine. “Does the day find you well?”
“Indeed. And you?”
Her gaze dropped to his lips as he spoke, twisting him in knots. He wanted her more than he’d wanted anyone in a long while. But this was far more than simple desire. His emotions were becoming hopelessly entangled.
“Very well.” She looked away to speak with someone else, but his desire continued to simmer steadily.
The ride was rough as they crossed a field, and more than once, Louisa bumped against him. Surely it wasn’t his imagination that she remained there for a long moment.
He assisted her to alight once they’d stopped. Benches had been situated along the end of the pond to allow people to sit and strap on their skates. He managed to keep his distance as they did so, speaking with several acquaintances.
In short order, the skaters were circling the pond. The servants had swept away the dusting of snow earlier, leaving smooth ice. Another brake arrived with some of the local gentry who joined them.
Benjamin hadn’t skated since his youth, but after a few turns around the pond, he seemed to have remembered the necessary balance and stride. Louisa appeared to be an expert at it, gracefully gliding across the ice and making it look easy. He increased his pace to catch up with her, nearly falling in his haste.
“Lady Louisa, you are an excellent skater.”
“We’ve been able to skate often the past few winters as it’s been so cold.” Her hands were tucked beneath her cloak as she glided beside him.
“Does your mother skate as well?”
“Not since my father passed away. The two of them could practically dance on the ice.” Her smile faded. “Those memories are why she prefers not to spend Christmas in the country.”
“Perhaps one day, she’ll be able to remember those times with fondness instead of pain.” He still missed his parents, especially during the holidays. His father might have been a rogue, but he was still his father.
“I hope so.” With a shake of her head, she said, “Enough of such a dark subject. Would you care to race?” The sparkle in her eyes made him catch his breath before her words sunk in.
Before he could respond, she was off, navigating the slower skaters as she raced to the opposite end of the pond. He followed suit, not bothering to try to catch her. She glanced over her shoulder, her laughter pulling him forward.
With a groan, he realized he couldn’t resist her. Her joy for life might cause her to take a few risks, but it made her all the more appealing. He caught up to her as she neared the end and looped his arm through hers which caused them both to spin. He swore he felt his heart spinning as well.
~*~
Louisa prepared for the ball that evening in breathless anticipation. Something had changed between her and Benjamin during those carefree moments on the frozen pond as if the defenses they’d both held had shattered into tiny pieces like an icicle falling from the roof.
She had to think the unusual situations in which they’d found themselves of late had both tested and bound them together in a way few people experienced. Dare she hope he felt the same? That they might have something special between them that would hold them steady and true in the years to come?
She closed her eyes tight as a deep longing swept through her. There was no need to rush anything. She could simply enjoy the time they had together along with the fact that Christmas would soon be upon them. The thought of the magical combination of those two events was what caused her breath to catch.
“You look lovely,” Beth said as she made a final adjustment to the holly sprig sitting on the curls at the back of her head.
“Thank you, Beth. The ball should be quite enjoyable.” Louisa rose from the dressing table and faced Beth. “Am I ready?”
“A little more color.” Beth patted both her cheeks lightly before studying Louisa’s white gown decorated with green velvet ribbons. “Perfect.”
Louisa laughed. “I hope you enjoy the evening as well.”
“There’s a handsome footman I have my eye on. We’ll see if he’s off duty this evening.”
With a smile, Louisa walked across the hall and knocked on her mother’s door.
The door opened, revealing her mother, beautiful as always. “Louisa, you look lovely.”
“As do you.” She leaned forward to press a kiss on her mother’s cheek, pleased to note no shadows lingered in her eyes. “Shall we venture downstairs?”
They joined the other guests in the ballroom. Candles and small mirrors were everywhere, creating a magical gold and silver atmosphere. Though greenery wouldn’t be used for decoration until Christmas as it was considered bad luck to bring it inside any earlier, bits of mistletoe hung here and there.
“It’s our own frost ball, don’t you think?” Louisa’s mother smiled and squeezed her hand then moved toward a group of friends.
Before Louisa could decide who to join, awareness prickled along her bare neck. She glanced over to see Benjamin at her side.
“Good evening.” His gaze swept over her hair a
nd gown then lingered on her face, making her glad she’d taken time on her appearance. “May I say how beautiful you are?”
Her heart tilted at his words. He hadn’t said she looked beautiful, but that she was beautiful. How did he so easily know the right thing to say? “Thank you.”
“May I have the honor of two dances this evening?”
Her eyes widened as her heartbeat sped. Doing so would make others aware of his interest in her. “I would like that very much.”
He reached for her hand and tucked it into the crook of his elbow. “Shall we join the others?”
In truth, she was tempted to suggest they find a hidden alcove so they might have a few moments alone together. She dearly wanted to ask what he was thinking. Yet there was something delicious about waiting to find out. Anticipation heightened her senses and danced along her body.
“Is it just me, or is there mistletoe everywhere one looks?” Benjamin asked as they walked across the room.
“The Marchioness of Delham must be hoping to provide her guests with some amusement.” Louisa spotted several places where the distinctive greenery with white berries was placed.
“I have to wonder if she and the marquess had a reconciliation of sorts after the close call with the painter.”
Louisa chuckled. “You think she hopes to catch her own husband beneath the mistletoe?”
“One has to wonder.” Benjamin shared a smile with her.
This, she thought with a sigh. This was what she wanted. Shared moments filled with laughter and longing. Moments with Benjamin.
Dare she hope that might be possible?
Chapter Nine
Benjamin clenched his teeth as yet another man danced with Louisa. He wanted her all to himself, an impossible wish at a gathering such as this. What he felt for her was new and fragile and demanded exploration. How could he manage that in a houseful of people? He’d danced with Lady Adele and several others, but they didn’t compare to having Louisa in his arms.
A Rogue's Reputation (The Rogue Chronicles Book 2) Page 7