by Dawn Brower
“I admit I’ve never read anything by this Jane Austen.” He tilted his head and studied the book. “A woman writer?”
“Please don’t tell me you think less of them because they’re written by a woman.” She scrunched her eyebrows together in displeasure. “A woman is capable of doing anything if she chooses.”
Jack was momentarily stunned by her diatribe. Where was it coming from? He’d not meant to insult her. Jane Austen was probably a fine writer, but he couldn’t give an opinion one way or the other. He’d never read anything by her. Hell, he’d not read anything for pleasure.
“I apologize if I’ve offended you. I didn’t mean to.”
She narrowed her gaze. “Do you believe it’s possible?”
He wasn’t sure what she was asking. “You’ll have to be clearer, love. What’s possible?”
“That a woman can do anything she wants.” She huffed and then continued, “You do not have permission to be overly familiar with me. Drop the endearments.”
“Lo...” He cleared his throat. The last thing he needed was for her to upbraid him further for being familiar. “Lady Elizabeth, it’s been my experience that a woman can and often does whatever her prerogative may be. Far be it from me to step in the way.” He rather liked his bollocks still attached to his body. He’d believed Lady Elizabeth beautiful—and she was—but this side of her was rather fierce. He wouldn’t put it past her to do him bodily harm if necessary.
Her lips tilted upward. “I think I like you. Even if you haven’t bothered to introduce yourself. We’re here for a whole fortnight. We have time to become more acquainted.”
Jack wasn’t sure if he liked the sound of that. Had he fallen into some kind of trap and hadn’t realized it? Everything had become topsy turvy in a matter of moments. Up was down and right was left. It was as if he’d entered a different world and had no control over it. No that was impossible—he was being overly dramatic. Meeting Lady Elizabeth didn’t change a damn thing. Jack saw everything for what it was, and he wasn’t going to stop on her account. Every scenario at every angle at all times was clear to him. That was how he managed to survive intact as long as he had. Lady Elizabeth was perhaps a tad overzealous, but all in all harmless. “Which of these Jane Austen novels do you recommend?”
“Oh, all of them, of course,” she replied. “You’re truly going to read one?”
What else did he have to do with his time? Seducing Lady Elizabeth was ill advised, and it was the only other thing that appealed to him. So he’d damper his ardor by reading some droll literary work that romanticized the world. Jack knew better. He’d learned it all the hard way. Life was hardly ever perfect and, at best, it had moments of pleasure.
“I intend to. I came into the library looking for some amusement.” His lips twitched. “I admit this conversation has been quite titillating, but I can’t expect you to keep me entertained for the entire length of this party.”
“As enjoyable as that sounds...” She shook her head. “I’m sorry, my mind wandered a moment.” Lady Elizabeth coughed. “I’m afraid I can’t be at your disposal the entire length of the Clifton house party, but I’ll be around from time to time.”
Jack had to stop himself from bursting into laughter. She was as attracted to him as he was to her. Her cheeks had reddened slightly for a moment before she’d gained her composure. If he pushed hard enough he could have her. Too bad he’d given up ruining innocents. Well, he’d never actually ruined a true innocent. He’d bet his entire fortune Lady Elizabeth remained untouched though. He let her believe her slip had gone unnoticed. Besides, he didn’t want to embarrass her. “So which book?”
Lady Elizabeth pursed her lips together and stared at the tomes. She lifted her hand and skimmed over them almost lovingly. “Jane Austen is one of my mother’s favorite authors. She’s read everything she’s written. She says one day they will be hugely popular again and other writers will use them to spawn tales that I couldn’t even begin to imagine.”
What did that mean? Jack wasn’t sure if he wanted to know. “Right. So you’re saying your mother has good taste?”
She laughed. “She certainly thinks so. Mama is quite—opinionated. You’ll see once you meet her. She’s a force of nature, and the only person who can tame it is my father.”
It sounded like Lady Elizabeth’s mother was a wild beast of some sort. He was intrigued. She probably was a large influence on her daughter too.
“I’m still waiting for you to recommend a book.”
She picked up two and handed them to him. “My favorite is Persuasion but most find Pride and Prejudice better. I’m a sucker for second chances and both, in a way, have them. As humans, we all make mistakes, and it’s nice to know forgiveness can be possible.”
It was a nice sentiment. With all of his past misdeeds he liked the idea that he could be forgiven for them. Although he may never actually know if he was or not—most of the people he’d done wrong were either dead or unreachable.
“Thank you,” he said. “I look forward to reading them.”
“I’ll leave you to them. Until we meet again, my lord.” She curtsied and turned to leave the room, stopped and then turned to meet his gaze. Jack didn’t correct her as he did the butler. He rather liked her not knowing who he was and have her addressing him properly; in fact, he hoped at some point they’d dispense with formality altogether. “Don’t read the first page and quit. Give them an honest chance.” With those words, she exited the room.
Jack opened Pride and Prejudice and read the first paragraph. “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
Good lord what had he agreed to read? He’d made a promise, and he’d see it through. A man was only as good as his word, and he’d not gone back on it once in his life. He’d not start now. Besides, it would give him something to discuss with Lady Elizabeth later...
CHAPTER THREE
Elizabeth had not seen the mysterious man she met in the library since the first day. It hadn’t been long, but the two days she’d been at Clifton Park had seemed like forever. She wanted to see the man again and inquire if he’d read the books she’d recommended. Mostly though, she wanted to see him... He’d been so familiar to her, and at first she hadn’t been able to figure out why. Distance and a clear head had made it all clear.
He was the pirate in the mirror—Captain Jack.
Of course, he couldn’t really be the same person. Captain Jack was a story her grandmother had made up, and then her mother had passed it down to Elizabeth and her brothers. But he had seemed so real in the mirror when she was a young girl. She’d become fascinated in ways she’d never been before. He was as beautiful, as she’d recalled from that one glimpse. He had beautiful golden blond hair. If he’d not thought it untoward or an invitation, she’d have reached out and touched him. Up close his sea-green eyes were mesmerizing. The man had been pleasant enough, but Elizabeth had a feeling if she’d allowed it, he’d have taken liberties, and she’d have liked them too.
Her mother had summoned her to the parlor for games. It was the last thing she’d wanted to do, yet a part of her hoped the pirate, for that was how she’d started to think of him, would attend as well. It was a foolish wish because men of his ilk wouldn’t willingly partake in silly games.
She rounded the corner and stopped short at the entrance. He was inside the room. A round of butterflies took flight in her belly. This was the chance she’d hoped to have but now was too nervous to attempt. If she played it right, she’d have her conversation and perhaps finally learn his name. There were several gentlemen in attendance she’d not been acquainted with. He could be any one of them.
There was only one way to figure it all out. She had to enter the room and play the role of debutante. As much as she abhorred some of the strictures of society, they could be useful from time to time. Elizabeth took a deep reassuring breath and entered the room. It wasn’t long before her mothe
r spotted her and hastened to her side.
“Oh, there you are,” her mother said, grabbing her arm. “What took you so long?”
“I’m sorry...” She wasn’t sure if that was a question or a statement, and her mother latched onto it.
“Are you really?” She narrowed her eyes on Elizabeth. “I don’t think you are.”
Elizabeth sighed. Her mother knew her too well. She hated these things and would much rather be in her room curled up with a book. Why must she socialize? Most of these people didn’t care one whit about her. They weren’t about to start now. Most cared because she was the daughter of a duke and hoped to gain that connection through marriage. The females hated her for the same reason. She wasn’t friend material—only competition. They never realized she didn’t care if they snatched the gentlemen away from her. The ladies in search of a husband were welcome to any or all of her suitors—none of them meant a thing to her. Except one... She’d suffer whatever was necessary to gain his attention. He intrigued her and she had to learn more about him.
“Fine. I’m not. Do I have to stay?”
“Yes,” her mother replied. “Go mingle. Meet people. You can’t hide in your chambers forever.”
She wished she could. Life would be much easier if she could ignore the world around her. Where to start? Going straight to the man who’d caught her attention would be playing her hand too early. She couldn’t very well appear too eager. If he realized how interested she was, she might scare him off. Should she tell him she wasn’t interested in marriage? It might put him at ease.
“Hello, Lady Elizabeth,” a man said from behind her.
Elizabeth inwardly cringed, fearing whom she believed he was. She turned, disappointed she was, indeed, correct. Drat. Why was he there? The Earl of Redmayne had taken an interest in her during her last season. She’d tried everything to discourage his suit, but he continued his pursuit.
Elizabeth turned to face him. “Lord Redmayne, it’s lovely to see you again.” Lie! She didn’t want to spend any more time in his company, but she couldn’t say so. It wasn’t polite to actually say what she thought of him. He was—slimy. The way his gaze traveled over her left her feeling cold inside. She didn’t want to understand what he thought when he looked at her. Whatever it was, it couldn’t be good.
“When it came to my attention you’d be in attendance I couldn’t turn down the invitation.” His lips titled upward. “It’s always a pleasure to be in your company.”
She was barely able to suppress the urge to grimace at his words. How was she supposed to escape him? He wouldn’t let her leave easily. The earl wouldn’t force her to remain, but rather he would be determined to follow her wherever she went.
“Lord Redmayne, I’m so glad you were able to attend. I was afraid you’d not make it,” a female said.
Elizabeth turned to meet the dowager countess’s gaze. She was Lord Clifton’s mother and the reason for the house party. It was no secret she hoped to find a spouse for both of her children. Lord Clifton made himself scarce and only appeared when he was forced to. Poor Lady Bianca had been at every event—her mother pushing her at all the eligible gentlemen. It appeared, thankfully for Elizabeth, to be Lord Redmayne’s turn to be pursued by the countess. It was much like a game of chess with pawns being shoved in different directions and all of them at odds with each other. Every person sought to achieve one goal—to take the king or queen, depending on who was in control, as their own.
“There was never a doubt I’d turn down your gracious invitation, Lady Clifton,” he replied. “This event is the place to be in the off season.”
Elizabeth gagged at his syrupy praise. She covered up the noise by coughing lightly. “Please excuse me. My throat is quite dry.”
“Would you like me to fetch you something to drink?” Redmayne asked.
“No—I mean...” She wanted to escape the earl, not give him a reason to stay by her side. Drat and blast.
“Don’t worry about Lady Elizabeth,” Lady Clifton said. “Hey, you over there.” The countess waved at a gentleman on the other side of the room. Elizabeth turned and met his gaze and groaned. It was the pirate. A wicked grinned formed over his handsome features. He took the countess’s invitation and crossed over to join them.
“My lady,” he bowed. “You beckoned.”
His lips tilted up in the corner. He looked even more like the pirate in the mirror. Elizabeth’s skin heated and her cheeks were close to being on fire. She must look like a blushing ninny.
“You’re a rascal, Your Grace.” The countess actually blushed at his greeting. She turned toward Elizabeth and asked, “Have you been introduced to the Duke of Whitewood? Never mind, you have now.” She lifted her hand and brushed it away as unnecessary, then returned her attention to the handsome devil. “Could you do me a favor and fetch Lady Elizabeth something to drink. She’s rather parched.”
Elizabeth’s embarrassment rose to new heights. Why, oh why, did this have to happen to her? But she did learn something in the exchange. His title was something she hadn’t heard before. His full name, though, was hers to discover yet. “I’m capable of acquiring my own beverage,” she replied. “Don’t trouble yourself.”
“It’s not a difficulty at all,” Whitewood said. “It’s my pleasure. Perhaps you’ll give me the pleasure of your company as well.”
Elizabeth wanted to agree, but didn’t want to seem too eager. What would he think of her if she fell willingly into his arms? She was being a ninny—after all, it hadn’t been her who’d gained his attention. He’d happily continue ignoring her presence if not for Lady Clifton. What would it hurt to spend time in his company? They were in a room full of chaperones. No one would think it was untoward for them to have a conversation.
“That would be lovely,” Elizabeth agreed and curtsied. “Please lead the way, Your Grace.”
Elizabeth lifted her arm for him to grab ahold of, and Whitewood took it in his. She’d thought she was warm before, but her entire body went up in flames at his touch. If it was acceptable to fan herself she’d already have flipped one open to attempt to cool herself. He led her across the room to the refreshment table. He filled a glass with lemonade and presented it to her. She lifted it to her lips and swallowed the sweetly bitter liquid. It was warm, and not as refreshing as she’d like, but it gave her something to do. For the first time in her life she didn’t know what to say. The lemonade was horrid and she didn’t want to drink more, but took another sip anyway.
“I’ve been reading about the chit in the story you recommended.”
“Oh?” She raised an eyebrow and almost choked on the lemonade she’d been in the midst of swallowing. Elizabeth cleared her throat and asked, “Which one did you decide to begin first?” She set her glass down on the table. It wasn’t worth drinking.
A slow smile formed on his beautiful face. “I wonder, my lady, if you suggested Pride and Prejudice because you feel akin to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
She never saw it as such. Her? Like the Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice? That was ridiculous. All they shared was the same first name. “Of course not,” she replied. “I’ve nothing in common with her.”
“No?” It was his turn to raise a brow. “You’re not in want of a husband of means?”
Did the man have no tact? How dare he suggest she was so mercenary? “I assure you, Your Grace, I have no desire to marry a man for what he can provide me in the traditional sense. I’ll not bind myself in matrimony unless I can be guaranteed love is the greatest part of the bargain.”
Whitewood shook his head and stared off as if deep in thought. “Love isn’t usually a factor in marriage. It’s nice that you think it is possible.”
“For some it is,” she said. “I’ll settle for nothing less.”
“You may want to reconsider.” His lips formed a hard line. “Marriage is an agreement for most men that does not include love.” Whitewood turned and glanced down at her. “Do you want to marry, or is this love no
nsense and excuse to avoid it?”
Did she? At one point, she’d desired it more than anything. Until, after several seasons, she’d been left with the notion love wasn’t so easy to come by. Most of the debutantes who’d launched the same year had already married and had children of their own. Elizabeth was teetering on the edge of spinsterhood. She remained firm in her belief marriage was something only to be considered if her husband loved her as much as she loved him. Her parents had the best of marriages, and she hoped to have what they did. With examples such as theirs, how could she settle for anything less?
“It’s becoming clear that what I desire isn’t always meant to be,” Elizabeth said calmly. She had a lot of hopes and dreams. Perhaps one day she’d see them all, but if she didn’t she still had a good life. Whatever her fate may be, she’d acknowledge it and move forward. “Marriage may not be part of my future, and I’ve learned to accept that. Sometimes your soul mate is born in a different time. If you’re lucky enough, they manage to find you—otherwise, it is a lonely existence, but preferable to a loveless marriage.”
He tilted his head and studied her. What could he be thinking? Had she given away something she shouldn’t have? She often spoke before her mind stopped her from saying too much. He’d think her a ninny for sure. Who spoke of soul mates being born in different times? However would she explain that nonsense? It may be true, but most people wouldn’t understand that.
“You believe in soul mates?”
That was what he’d taken from that pronouncement? She breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment, she was afraid he’d ask about something else entirely. What if he’d interrogated her about soul mates being born in different times? Could she answer those questions? Those were best left to a different day. She could handle the soul mate part.
“Yes, I do,” she replied. “I believe there is one person out there meant for me. My parents are a shining example of how wonderful a relationship can be. They were meant for each other and their story inspires me to seek the one man who is my everything and vice versa.”