Tempted By His Kiss

by Tracy Anne Warren

  When the interval arrived, she and the others left their box to mingle with friends and acquaintances in the candlelit corridor. As predicted, Major Hargreaves appeared at Mallory’s side, the girl making no effort to conceal her delight at being in his company. The duke was drawn off to talk politics with a pair of serious-minded older gentlemen, while Ava turned away to chat with a group of friends she had apparently known since girlhood.

  Sipping from a small glass of cordial, Meg discovered herself momentarily alone in spite of the heavy crowd. A faint touch at her elbow drew her glance, her eyes widening at the sight of the tall man with gleaming blond hair and a dazzling white smile standing at her side. Her heart gave a leap, but not in a pleasant way.

  “Miss Amberley, what good fortune to find you here,” Lord Everett said, making a gracious bow. “When I espied you across the room, I could not help but come say hello.”

  “Oh, why yes, hello, my lord. I…did not realize you would be here this evening.”

  “If I am not mistaken, half the ton is here tonight. I must say I am relieved to find you one of their number.”

  She glanced down at her slippered feet, striving to keep her voice steady. “Oh, how so?”

  “I was in the park this morning. When you failed to arrive for your ride, I wondered if you might be unwell.”

  Drawing a bracing inhale, she forced herself to meet his gaze. “I am quite well. I merely overslept this morning, that is all.”

  “Ah.” He smiled again and leaned an inch closer, lowering his voice. “Then I shall look forward to crossing paths with you on the morrow, I trust.”

  The liquor in her glass swirled upward along the sides but luckily did not spill. What to tell him? The truth seemed best, she decided, or at least what needed to pass for the truth. “Actually I…I shan’t be there. My riding days are done, I fear.”

  He raised a curious brow. “Why? What has occurred?”

  “My fiancé.” She sighed, as though the admission pained her. After all the careful groundwork she had laid, there seemed no reason to scuttle her entire plan. She’d promised Cade to stay away from Everett, and she would. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t leave enough subterfuge in place to take advantage of a slip on Everett’s part should he make one in the future.

  She swept her lashes downward. “Lord Cade learned of our meetings and does not approve.”

  “I am sure he does not,” Everett replied with an unmistakable hint of sarcasm.

  “So you see, my lord, why it is now impossible for us to meet each other again. I do hope you understand. In fact, I probably ought not to be conversing with you now in the sight of so many others.”

  “But, of course, dear lady. Pray distress yourself no further. I shall take my leave.”

  “Thank you, my lord. You are very good.” She added a shy smile to cover her true opinion of his character, feeling a fraud herself for her own deceit.

  He bowed. “And should we happen upon one another again, I promise to exercise better discretion.”

  A shiver moved over Meg’s spine like the touch of a ghostly hand. What does he mean by that? She mused.

  With the faintest of nods, she watched him disappear back into the crowd. Exhaling, she raised the cordial to her lips and downed the contents in two quick swallows, the liquor spreading through her stomach with a calming warmth. She relaxed further when she scanned the throng and saw that all three of the Byrons were apparently still immersed in their own conversations and seemed not to have noticed hers.

  A moment later, though, a new gentleman appeared at her elbow. To her relief, she saw it was Lord Gresham. This time when she smiled, the reaction was genuine. “My lord,” she began. “How do you do?”

  He cast her an appraising look. “Forgive the question, Miss Amberley, but might I ask the same of you? Are you entirely well? You look a bit pale.”

  “Oh, I…it is nothing. And I am very well.”

  Gresham frowned and glanced out over the crowd. “I could not help but notice you conversing with Lord Everett a few moments ago. Did he say something to trouble you?”

  “No. We…um…were merely discussing the singers and the Society in attendance tonight.”

  Gresham paused before seeming to accept her answer. “It is not my place to offer advice, but you may want to exercise caution in your dealings with that particular gentleman. I do not believe Lord Cade would be pleased to see you together.”

  “No, he would not,” she confessed. “And I hope you won’t find it necessary to apprise him of the encounter. I assure you it is not an acquaintance I wish to pursue.” And she realized she did not, suddenly glad that Cade had demanded she steer clear of Everett. The man was like a cobra—graceful but deadly, and best left alone.

  Gresham nodded, apparently satisfied by her response. “Of course, since there is nothing to tell. Where is his lordship tonight, by the way?”

  She paused, wishing she knew the answer. “Cade could not attend. He…um…he…”

  “Couldn’t stand the thought of listening to opera?”

  A laugh escaped her. “Exactly. You have caught him out.”

  “Well, please send him my regards. Matters of a personal nature take me to my estate. I leave tomorrow.”

  “Oh, we shall all be sorry to see you go. Safe travels, my lord.”

  “Thank you. Until we meet again, Miss Amberley.” He bowed over her hand. As he straightened, his gaze moved briefly to Mallory, who stood in rapt conversation with Major Hargreaves. Then he looked away.

  With a smile, he turned and was gone.

  As Meg handed her empty glass to a passing footman, a small chime was rung to alert everyone that the interval was over. Ava, Edward, and Mallory joined her, and together they made their way back to their box.

  Hours later Meg lay in bed, a single candle burning on her night table. Curled on her side beneath the covers, she waited for Cade, hoping to hear the click of the hidden panel open in the wall, wishing for the pleasure of him sliding beneath the sheets with her.

  But as the hours advanced and the candle turned into a mass of drips, she remained alone. With eyelids growing heavy, weariness finally overpowered her. Murmuring Cade’s name, she fell into a restless sleep.

  CHAPTER 17

  “Are you certain you do not wish to come with us?” Mallory asked three afternoons later. “Lucinda Pettigrew’s garden party might be just the thing to chase away your headache. The day is so lovely, surely all that fresh air and sunshine would do you good.”

  Meg glanced up from where she sat on the drawing room sofa and mustered a smile. “You are such a dear to ask. But really, I would much rather stay here with my stitchery and be quiet. I may even take a nap.” After the last few days, she mused, I need a nap. Anything to escape my doldrums. “Do go on and don’t worry about me. I shall be perfectly content here alone for a few hours.”

  A frown moved over Mallory’s pretty dark brows. “Mayhap I should send a footman ’round to find Cade. I am sure he would want to be here with you, if he knew you were not feeling well.”

  I wouldn’t be so sure of that, Meg thought, considering how little she’d seen of Cade lately. Since their night together—which felt like an eon ago, though it had only been four days—he’d put in as few appearances as necessary.

  As duty required, he arrived each evening to escort her and Mallory to whatever function they had promised to attend. Once there, he would disappear into the card room while she was left to dance and mingle. During the day, he was always otherwise engaged, busy with his brothers and cronies, or immersed in matters concerning his estate. On the surface, nothing had changed, since their social schedules had always been extraordinarily full. And yet, in her heart, she knew things were not the same. Cade was avoiding her.

  At first she’d given him the benefit of the doubt, but even with the frenzied pace of their lives, she knew he could have found time to speak with her had he wished. He certainly could have come to her bedchamber agai
n, but each night passed without him, leaving her to awaken alone.

  Not that I wish him to visit, she told herself. Not anymore!

  Heavy lines formed across her forehead, a twinge of real pain arrowing through her scalp. “It’s only a touch of the headache,” she said. “Nothing over which to be alarmed, and certainly not worth dragging Cade away from his activities. Speaking of which, you’re going to be late for your own activity if you do not depart. Enjoy yourself and promise you will not fret about me.”

  Mallory cast her one last look of concern before her expression cleared. “Very well, if you insist. And I shall bring you a slice of cake. I hear the Pettigrew’s pastry chef makes the most divine confections.”

  Meg smiled. “I shall look forward to your return.”

  After Mallory and Ava departed, the house grew quiet, the duke having left directly after breakfast and Cade even earlier than that. Taking up her embroidery, she selected a length of green silk thread and applied it to her needle.

  Sewing with a calm she wished she truly felt, she watched as a leaf slowly began to take shape on the cloth. She was beginning a second one when a faint tap sounded at the door.

  “Your pardon, miss,” Croft announced from the threshold, “but Lieutenant McCabe is here and wishes to see you. Shall I show him in?”

  “Yes, please do.”

  Once the butler had withdrawn, Meg laid her embroidery inside her sewing basket, then stood and smoothed the skirt of her gown. A few moments later the lieutenant strode into the room, bringing with him an elusive hint of the sea, even though he couldn’t possibly have been anywhere near the water.

  “Miss Amberley,” he said, losing no time as he crossed to bow over her hand. “I beg your pardon for the intrusion, since I understand you are unwell, but I had to come. I trust you are not too indisposed to receive me.”

  “No, not at all. It is only a headache, and not so very bad a one at that. Will you have a seat?”

  “I thank you, but no.” He paced a few steps, agitated in a way she had not seen him before. “I have only a limited amount of time at my disposal, which is why I could not wait until later to call.” He stopped and turned to face her, meeting her gaze. “I received news only this morning that I have been recalled. My ship is being put into service immediately and I must report to Portsmouth without delay. I ship out within the week.”

  Instinctively, she moved toward him. “Oh, what untoward news. I suppose it is only to be expected, though, considering the state of the war. I bid you a safe journey and an even safer voyage. I want you to know that I have grown to appreciate our acquaintance and am very sorry to see you go.”

  Again his gaze caught and lingered on hers. “I shall be sorry as well. These past weeks have been some of the most cherished of my life, your friendship more valuable to me than I can express.”

  “And yours to me.”

  He glanced away for a moment as though caught in some silent struggle, then reached for her hand. “Forgive me, Miss Amberley,” he said, clasping her palm inside his own. “I know I have no right to speak. In fact, some might brand me as a scoundrel for doing so, but I can be silent no longer. I must tell you of my deep regard for you. Of my love.”

  She stiffened. “Lieutenant!”

  “I know you are already promised. I know it is wrong for me to say these things when you are to be another man’s wife, but I could not leave without telling you, without making some attempt to make you mine. If my feelings are unwelcome, you have only to tell me now and I shall never trouble you with them again. But if I might somehow hope? If I might convince you to come away with me, I would marry you as soon as you would allow. Miss Amberley…Meg…I love you. Please say you feel the same and that you will make me the happiest of men by becoming my wife.”

  Her pulse thudded in a painful beat. Of all the things she had imagined he might say, she’d never expected this. Some time ago she had toyed with the possibility of winning a proposal from him, but never seriously entertained the idea, never dreamt she might truly be able to engage his affections—certainly not without really trying.

  Yet here he stood, an agony of love and longing visible on his earnest face, along with a hope he could not hide. Guilt wrapped around her heart like a mighty fist, squeezing until she thought she might actually faint. But she was not so lucky, the seconds ticking past while he waited for her response.

  He wants to marry me, she marvelled. All I need do is say yes and I can be free of Cade, just as he obviously still wishes.

  If the last few days had proven anything to her, it was that Cade had no more desire than ever for their engagement to be real. Put in that doleful light, it seemed she would be a fool to refuse the lieutenant.

  Yet what of her virginity? Or rather, the lack thereof, now that Cade had ruined her in truth? To her further shame, she suspected the lieutenant would not object. He would likely be quietly angry, even hurt, but in the end she sensed he would forgive her. But what of her? How could she accept him under such circumstances? How could she not?

  For a long moment she stared into his kind, forthright eyes. Tell him yes! She thought. Do the sensible thing and accept.

  She opened her mouth, unsure until the last second what she might say. “I hold you in great esteem and affection, Lieutenant. However, my feelings go no deeper than friendship. My heart and love belong to Lord Cade. I am sorry if I have done anything to lead you to think otherwise. Please forgive me, since it was never my intention to cause you distress.”

  He released her hand, silent as he gathered his composure. “No, forgive me,” he said in a thick voice. “I should not have presumed nor spoken of my feelings. Please do me the great favour of forgetting this conversation ever occurred.”

  “Lieutenant—”

  He gave a clipped bow. “There is much to be done before my departure, so I must take my leave of you now. I wish you good fortune in your forthcoming marriage. May you be blessed with health and happiness all the days of your life.”

  Her throat grew tight. “I wish the same for you. Stay safe and do not take foolish chances.”

  His mouth turned up in a sad smile. “Good-bye, Miss Amberley.”

  “Good-bye.” She watched him stride out the door, knowing she would probably never see him again. She knew also that she had likely just tossed away her last, best hope of ever being wed. But how could she have done otherwise when she loved another man?

  Cade walked into the town house enjoying the sense of hushed tranquillity inside as he exchanged a quiet greeting with one of the footmen. He’d returned home early, knowing he would have the house to himself for a few brief hours. This morning Edward had told him he was going to Kew to consult with an agricultural expert about a new variety of oats he was thinking about introducing on the Clybourne lands, while Mama had mentioned that she and “the girls” were engaged to attend an alfresco party.

  Moving toward the stairs, he debated whether to read one of the new books he’d purchased yesterday at Hatchard’s in the library or outside in the garden. Just then a forceful thudding of boots resounded across the landing above. Glancing up, his eyes widened as he watched Lieutenant McCabe hurry down the stairs, the other man pausing only long enough to offer a polite hello before striding out through the front door.

  Cade pinned the butler with a look once the lieutenant was gone. “Is the family at home, after all, then?”

  Croft met his gaze with an inscrutable expression. “No, my lord. Only Miss Amberley. When last I saw her, she was in the drawing room.”

  Turning on his heel, Cade took the stairs as fast as his gait would allow. Stomping down the hallway, he made straight for the drawing room, closing the door behind him so the conversation he intended to have with her would remain private. For a second he thought the room was empty, but then he saw her, standing at the window, staring out.

  Having obviously heard his entrance, she glanced in his direction. “Cade. What are you doing home?”

 
He crossed the soft wool carpet. “I might ask the same of you, madam. Are you not supposed to be at a party this afternoon?”

  She shrugged. “I felt unwell and decided not to attend.”

  “Unwell or were you awaiting a visitor? What did McCabe want?”

  Her back stiffened. Slowly she turned to face him. “The lieutenant stopped by to inform me that his ship has been returned to service and he with it. He has orders to set sail within the week.”

  Cade tapped his fingers against his good leg, a sense of relief he had no right to feel moving through him. “Came to say good-bye, did he?”

  “Yes. He also asked me to marry him.”

  His relief shattered like so much glass. For a long moment he could not speak. “And what did you answer?” His gut gave a sharp squeeze, tight as the fist now clenched against his thigh.

  She glanced away. “If I had any sense, I would have said yes.”

  For a second he didn’t understand. “Would have? So you did not?”

  She met his gaze, her silvery blue eyes brimming with barely suppressed emotion. “No. Now, as I mentioned, I am not feeling well. I am going to my room.”

  She turned to brush past him, but he caught her by the arm. “Meg, why did you refuse him?”

  “That, my lord, is my own concern and none of yours. Pray, release me.”

  “He would have been an excellent choice. I always thought you liked him.”

  “I did. I do. But why do you care? Or are you worried I plan to force a commitment from you? Do not be concerned, my lord. You are entirely free. I have no intention of coercing a man who does not want me. Who obviously cannot even bear to have me in his bed.”

  Hunger flared to life at the reminder of their night together, his other hand coming up to hold her secure. “Is that what you think? That I do not want you?”

  Her lashes lowered in a downward sweep. “I no longer know what to think.”

  Pulling her close, he pressed himself against her so she had no choice but to feel the rigid length of his arousal. A small gasp escaped her parted lips, her eyes darting to his.