His Impetuous Deputante (A Gentleman's Guide to Once Upon a Time - Book 1)

by Charles, Jane

  Lady Draden paled and tried to turn him down, but Noah wouldn’t let her. “My sister is right. I should have asked you long ago.” Taking her elbow, he escorted her onto the floor.

  Chapter 6

  It was a reprieve and he should be overjoyed. For the first time in weeks Taylor had the entire evening to himself, to do as he pleased. No young woman, destined for trouble, to keep him occupied. He could avoid the dances, balls, soirees and the opera tonight. Perhaps he could attend a few of the balls and focus on the available ladies this Season. He did have a duty to marry, soon, but had not put much effort into the quest. Not that he was given the opportunity. Not when he had to watch Lady Phoebe every night.

  Did he really want to force himself to attend a ball he didn’t have to? No, he shook his head and set down his glass. No crowds tonight. Perhaps he should just go home and make an early night of it. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be possible, not with the restless energy contained in his body.

  When word came that Lady Phoebe was indisposed he almost gave a shout of joy. Now, looking forward to the evening he found it empty. There were a number of possibilities to occupy his time. Nothing held interest. He had shared a light dinner with some friends, won at Faro and quickly became bored. Now he was sitting at Whites, deciding what to do next. If he sat here long enough, it would be time to retire. He didn’t want to sit around all night either.

  Earlier, Chambers and Parker invited him along to Vauxhall Gardens. They had female companionship and Taylor didn’t want to intrude on their bit of pleasure without a lady of his own, so he declined. He now regretted that decision. The Gardens would be perfect this evening. Moreover, it was clear and warm, and not nearly as crowded as some of his other choices. Taking a final drink, he decided that was where he would go.

  Chambers and Parker were sitting with two very attractive women in a supper box when Taylor located them. They had all been enjoying the wine and were having an almost disgracefully good time. Their laughter was practically drowning out the orchestra that played in the distance. Immediately he was welcomed into the group. Yes, this had been a good choice. Laughter and friends always did wonders for a restless soul.

  * * *

  Phoebe looked out at the dark night. Tonight she would have fun, away from the eyes of her brother, the ton and his friends.

  She donned her hat and black veil, which she had worn at her father’s wake, and was thankful she had the forethought to bring the items. One never knew what one might need when traveling.

  As the clock struck ten, Phoebe let herself out of her room and crept down a back staircase. All the servants had retired, except the few waiting on her mother or awaiting her brother’s return. A quick glance assured that they were relaxing in the kitchen around a table, allowing Phoebe to sneak out the back door unseen. Under the cloak of darkness and her veil, she made her way to the gardens. Vauxhall Gardens. She had asked, no begged, Noah to bring her here to see the fireworks and the famed Cascades, but her mother forbade it. She would only be allowed attendance during the day, when there was no chance of getting into danger.

  There were a number of people about, but it seemed much less crowded than the functions she was allowed to attend. Strolling further, she enjoyed just being free and without constraints. She wondered why her mother wanted to keep her away from here.

  Coming upon more supper boxes, she shot quick glances to see who the occupants were. The orchestra played not far away and the music lifted her soul. If she thought it possible, she would have requested a piece by Mozart or Handel, just to make the evening complete. Smiling beneath the veil and feeling carefree, she strolled past the diners until she saw them. Muttering a curse, her mood quickly dissipated.

  Of all the places they could have gone this evening, why did they come here? She was afraid to turn too quickly, for fear of catching their attention, so she continued on, hoping they wouldn’t notice. Remembering her disguise, she realized they couldn’t possibly recognize her, nor would they even bother looking. Noting that Lord Sandlin was glancing her way, she kept walking, pretending to be with the group ahead, continuing until she was far away and out of sight.

  Phoebe found a bench and quickly sat down, trying to calm her breathing and shaky hands. She kept reminding herself that she was still safe. There was no possible way any of them would recognize her. All she had to do was stroll by once more, appearing to be with others, then out of the gardens, and back home where she was safe. Rationalizing that she had panicked for no reason, Phoebe stood, straightened her shoulders and began her retreat, not glancing once at their party as she passed.

  * * *

  Taylor was standing at the entrance of the supper box when he saw the veiled lady approach again. It was unusual to find a veiled woman in such a place, especially one wearing such dark clothing. There hadn’t been masquerades here in years and she stuck out among other visitors to the gardens. Perhaps she had recently come out of mourning and was still uncomfortable with outings, though she appeared to be in full mourning. If that were the case, she shouldn’t even be out of her house. When she returned he watched her graceful walk, straight posture, and realized that she was now with a different group. Perhaps she had come alone, which would have been foolish. Or maybe she was with a large party. No one ever knew what to expect here. Yet, the situation seemed odd, as none of the people she followed so closely seemed to talk to her, or even acknowledge her presence.

  Perhaps she was alone after all. For a fleeting moment he considered approaching her, then shook his head, dismissing the idea. Then again, if she was recently from mourning, perhaps she was a widow. He set the thought aside. He didn’t even know who she was. The idea was idiotic, and yet he couldn’t take his eyes from her.

  She approached the supper boxes and skirted to the opposite side of the group as if she was intentionally trying not to come too close to him, which was ridiculous, of course. He strained for a closer looked and tried to see an image behind the veil, but was only rewarded a profile, barely discernable. Something was very familiar about the lady, but he couldn’t place it. He continued to watch her when she passed and studied her carefully, hoping to find a clue to her identity. Had she been a friend, or wife of a friend? He didn’t know. It wasn’t until he watched her from behind, noting the gentle sway of her hips, that recognition settled in his stomach. Groaning, he denied that it was possible. His eyes trailed up from her hips searching for the color of her hair. Black, shiny and curly. Darker than the night. Darker than the clothes she wore, or the veil.

  “Bloody hell.” He slammed his glass down on the table and left his friends without a single explanation.

  Taylor trailed her, studying her walk and the black hair slipping from its pins, beginning to fall down her back. The more he watched her, the more he hoped the woman would do something to prove he was mistaken. Unfortunately, the more he followed and watched, the more certain he became.

  Indisposed, was she? He knew her mother had forbidden her to come here at night. Noah hadn’t gone against Lady Felding’s wishes but, apparently, the daughter had. Did she have any idea the chance she was taking? What could happen to her? Good Lord, she would have had to travel here alone, and enter the gardens alone. How long had she been walking about, alone?

  Obviously, she hadn’t been listening to him or anyone else and this was by far the most reckless pursuit she had undertaken. It was now time to teach her a lesson. Increasing his stride he brought himself even with her.

  “I couldn’t help noticing that you appear to be alone this evening. May I offer my escort?”

  She quickly shook her head.

  “Come now, what kind of gentleman would I be if I let you walk about alone?”

  If he hadn’t been sure before, he was sure now. It was her scent. The light fragrance of lilacs. So light it was hardly noticeable. Grabbing her hand he put it in the crook of his arm. When she tried to pull it away, he held tight. She trembled. “I would never forgive myself if I allow
ed you to walk about unescorted and something happened.” He didn’t expect a response, yet. “Why do you wear a veil and dress so darkly?”

  No answer.

  “Are you just coming out of mourning?”

  Her head nodded in the affirmative.

  “My condolences then. A husband per chance?”

  Lady Phoebe started to shake her head no but stopped.

  “Is this your first outing then?”

  Another affirmative.

  “I can see why you chose the Gardens. It is a lovely night.”

  Again, an affirmative nod of the veiled head.

  * * *

  Phoebe was in such a panic, thinking wildly how to disengage herself from this situation that she wasn’t even aware Lord Sandlin had led her off the main walk and into a poorly lit, secluded one. When the realization struck her she stopped dead in her tracks and began to pull away.

  “You don’t want to leave me so soon do you?”

  She vigorously shook her head.

  “Come, let’s not have any games between us.”

  His soothing seductive voice came to her and Phoebe’s heart began to beat a wild tattoo.

  “A woman doesn’t come to the Gardens, alone, without looking for something specific.” He slid his hands up her arms. Phoebe tried to take a step back. He followed. She took another. He followed and it continued until she found her legs pressed up against a bench.

  All the warnings of what could happen came screaming to her brain. But that was with others. This was Lord Sandlin. All she had to do was reveal herself and he would step away. But, if she was revealed, things would go much worse for her, though her virtue would remain safe. There must be a way out of this situation without him learning it was her. She looked up at his face, trying to read his emotions. She only saw his boyish, devilish grin. Good Lord, she was in deep.

  “Would it make you feel better if I told you I had lost a spouse as well?” Sandlin offered. “I know the loneliness that can follow. The loneliness of someone to hold.” He was stepping closer. “The loneliness of needing someone to fulfill only those needs a spouse could previously.” Closer yet.

  Their thighs were practically touching and Phoebe had nowhere to run.

  “I am alone tonight as well. My friends, they have womanly companionship. I, however, do not.” Now they were touching. “I believe we both came here looking for the same thing. Someone to share the night with.” He traced his finger along her collar bone, then along her skin, directly above the lace of her bodice, across the gentle swell of her breast.

  Phoebe sucked in a quick breath. Nobody had ever touched her in such a manner. It made her feel wicked and alive. She needed to get out of here now, before he touched anything else on her person. Already she knew she would never forget the strange stirring his simple caress had caused.

  He was leaning into her closer now. “But not here, where we might be discovered.” Taking a step back, he took her arm and turned back the way they had come.

  Phoebe walked beside him, trying to control her breathing, and tried to think. There had to be a way out of this. Where was he taking her? She could already guess what he had in mind. Was he really a widower? She shook her head and brought her immediate concern back into focus. She needed to get away from him, immediately.

  As soon as they exited the gardens, she began to pull away, heading in the opposite direction. Sandlin held tight to her arm. “Not so quickly, mysterious lady. The night is young.”

  Phoebe bit her lip.

  “This is probably very new to you. I understand. But you will be glad you came with me. I promise.” His voice was edged with silky seduction.

  Phoebe had no choice but to allow him to help her into a carriage. Her only other choice was to jerk away and run down the street and she didn’t want to draw the attention of anyone else. She had to remind herself that this was Sandlin and she was as safe with him as she would be with Noah.

  He gave the driver an address she didn’t hear and settled beside her. He was so close that the full length of his thigh was touching hers. Phoebe tried to move over, only to find her skirt caught under him.

  “Having second thoughts?” he asked in that silky voice.

  She shook her head aggressively.

  “Perhaps you would like me to stop the carriage so you can leave?”

  She nodded frantically.

  Sandlin only chuckled. “Trust me, dear lady, you won’t be sorry.” He leaned into her and she was pushed back against the side of the carriage. He lifted his hand to her veil. Phoebe quickly grabbed a hold. He chuckled again. “So, you don’t want me to see your face. I’ll kiss the delicious lips I am sure you are concealing later, when you have gotten to know me better.”

  Phoebe had hoped he would back away, but he didn’t. Something more horrifying happened. Instead of kissing her lips, he pressed his lips along the trail his finger had early taken, just above the lace of her bodice. She felt as if she had been burned and the fire shot through her body. Screeching, she reeled up, sliding away from him, and landing on her bottom on the floor of the carriage.

  Sandlin threw his head back in laughter. She could only sit there, staring up at him, eyes and mouth wide open. He didn’t even bother to help her up. He simply looked down at her.

  Anger replaced the laughter in his eyes. Perhaps Sandlin didn’t appreciate being rejected. Maybe it hadn’t ever happened before. She would certainly believe that possibility. Well, she certainly wasn’t going to get off the floor, as the alternative was much too dangerous to even consider at the moment. Perhaps if she stayed there and continued to refuse his advances he would give up and let her out. Instead, he leaned over her. “I was wondering how far you would allow my advances, Phoebe.”

  She gasped. He knew who she was! How long had he known? Surely not before the carriage, not in the garden when he had led her down the path. He placed his hands underneath her arms and lifted her to the opposite seat. “You can talk now. I know who you are. I have known since I started following you.”

  She could only gasp, not sure what to say, and pushed herself back against the cushions.

  Lifting his hand, he ripped the veil away from her face. “You little fool.”

  Phoebe found her voice, not sure who she was more angry with. “If you knew it was me right away, why did you do and say all those things?” She did not believe for a minute he knew who she was before they entered the carriage.

  “To teach you a lesson. Obviously you have trouble understanding. I thought perhaps you needed an example of what could happen.”

  “But I knew it was you the entire time. So I knew I was safe,” she argued with dignity, straightening her skirts.

  “You were far from safe, dearest Phoebe. What if it had been someone else? Then what?”

  “I would have refused and been on my way.”

  “What if someone else would have recognized you?”

  “They didn’t.”

  “What if someone, drunk and full of himself, had decided to seek what was behind the veil?”

  “That didn’t happen.”

  Sandlin blew out a frustrated breath. “Perhaps I should have just followed you and waited, as I always do, until a man took interest. But how far would I have let it go before intervening? I am not sure. Perhaps as far as you allowed me, so you could know real fear.” His voice had once again risen in anger.

  Her eyes widened. He wouldn’t have. But, right now he was angry enough to let such an occurrence happen. “That wouldn’t have happened. The only reason I ended up as I did with you was because I was trying to think of a way out of the situation without alerting you to who I was.”

  “I am well aware of what you were up to. I could feel you shaking. But that doesn’t dismiss the fact that you were there alone tonight, does it?”

  He was angrier then she thought.

  “Some men would not take ‘No’ for an answer, Phoebe. They would assume you played a game of coyness. Your actions in ap
pearing alone would make them believe you were after the same excitement.”

  She felt the blood drain from her face.

  “Then what? Keep telling him no, hoping he would go away? Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way with some men. This evening could have ended much worse for you. Worse than any assumption the ton would make at a slight indiscretion. Worse than your worst nightmare,” he finished in a low, angry tone.

  Phoebe found that she was pushing herself back, needing to get away from his anger. Could what he was saying be true? Phoebe shook her head in denial. She didn’t want to hear it. Tears pooled in her eyes. Could that have happened to her? Oh, how could she have faced her family ever again?

  * * *

  Taylor saw he was finally getting through. The fear and shock was written all over her lovely face. Her eyes were wide with fright, all color drained from her cheeks. He hated to see her scared, but apparently it was the only way to get through to her. Now, maybe she would listen.

  When she sniffed, Taylor produced a handkerchief for her.

  Phoebe wiped her eyes and tried to compose herself. “Are you going to inform Noah?”

  He had thought about telling her brother, but what would that accomplish? Only to have her receive another lecture, perhaps locked in her room? There wasn’t any need. He believed that he had now finally accomplished what they had all been trying to tell her since the Season started. “No.” Pausing, he looked at the window as the carriage stopped. “I assume you have a plan for sneaking back into the house.”

  “Yes, I do. Thank you, Lord Sandlin. I’ll be much more careful now. I promise.”

  “See that you are.” He helped her from the carriage and watched her go around the side of the house, deciding she must be using the back entrance. He waited, wondering if he should accompany her. When he saw a lamp light in an upper window, she appeared and waved to him. Nodding his head, Taylor got back in the carriage, threw his head back against the seat and sighed. He had played a dangerous game tonight. Not only with Phoebe, but with himself. He had wanted to seduce her, wanted to take her home, to his bed and make love to her. What was to become of him? He had to find a way to put distance between them before it was too late for both of them. She was too inexperienced to understand what was happening, but he wasn’t and it was up to him to protect her from himself.