by Sandy Loyd
“Then I guess we’re even. You’re nothing like the innocent girl I thought you to be.”
His comment, spoken with such scorn, hurt. Penny’s patience snapped. “Well, know this. I’m not marrying you. I’m sorry I’m not abiding by your wishes and falling into your arms, ready to do your bidding. I’m sorry for what I’ve done but I’ve never lied to you, and I’m not going to start now.”
Geoff glared at her for the longest time. His gaze then went to somewhere beyond her shoulder while the orchestra continued playing. When the music died, he released her and bowed politely. “My lady,” he murmured, before stalking away.
Watching his stiff back, Penny’s heart hurt because of the pain she’d glimpsed in his eyes. Hating herself for causing the pain, she blinked back tears and tried not to let Geoff’s behavior dampen her spirits. She tried to smile as Lucas claimed her for the next dance.
When the music slowed, Penny spied Mindy, who’d just arrived. Turning to Lucas, she pasted a smile on her face. “I see Mindy at the door. I need to go and welcome her. If you’ll excuse me?”
He nodded and Penny hurried across the dance floor. “Mindy! I’m so glad to see you.”
“I can’t believe I’m here. Look at me. I look like I’m you,” she said with a laugh. “This would never happen in England.”
“America does seem to be a magical place. One where we can be whatever we want to be.” Penny hugged Mindy tightly.
~~
Parker stood off to the side, unable to keep his eyes off Penny. No matter where she was in the large ballroom, his attention wandered back to her. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, dressed in the stunning gown she’d worn when he’d given her the necklace, which accentuated her eyes and still hung in a place of honor around her neck. He fought to ignore the stirrings and to forget the feel of possessing her, yet the desire to have her in his arms one more time overwhelmed him.
In an attempt to appear indifferent, Parker danced with several ladies, working his way in her direction.
“I think this is my dance, Penny.” He whisked her glass of champagne out of her hand and placed it on a nearby table. Then he pulled her into his arms and led her around the dance floor.
“Why aren’t you with Geoff?” he finally asked.
“Why would I be with him?” Her chin inched up.
“If you were mine, I’d keep you with me at events like this, never letting you out of my sight. Too many eligible men are ogling you for my liking.”
“Then it’s a good thing I’m not yours,” she snapped, her annoyance rising out of her like steam rising from a boiling kettle.
“Oh?” Though he tried, he couldn’t keep the amusement out of the one word.
“Yes, because I don’t do well being caged,” she said in her patrician tone.
He rejected an urge to capture her and do just that. “Fine. Ignore my callous statement. But I’m still curious. Why aren’t you dancing with your intended?”
“He’s no longer my fiancé.”
Stunned, Parker leaned back and ensnared her gaze. “Why?”
She rolled her eyes, mumbling something under her breath about males, before she added in a more distinct voice, “I told you I couldn’t marry him. On our last encounter? Don’t you remember?”
“But it’s obvious you two love each other. I thought you wanted him?” Now he was even more puzzled.
“Let’s talk about something else, please,” she demanded, tossing her head back, appearing as regal as any queen. “This ball seems quite the success. Your mother must be proud.”
“Yes, she is.” Parker nodded distractedly, still wondering at her admission. He meant to dance with her for one dance and then let her go. Only now he had questions. Wanting answers, he led her out the double doors. He maneuvered her through a gaslit pavilion filled with dancers from an overcrowded ballroom, heading toward the edge of the stairs to the gardens.
He was aware of the exact moment Penny realized his motives because she suddenly stiffened under his hands. “Why are we dancing out here?”
“Why not?” he countered noncommittally, tightening his hold.
When the music died, they pulled apart. He observed her as she stood frozen, assessing him and nervously licking her lips. Parker raised an eyebrow and she jutted out her chin, just as he’d hoped. In an effort to further goad her into staying with him, he taunted, “Afraid to be alone with me? Is that why you’re nervous?” He headed down the steps.
“I’m not nervous,” she denied a little too abruptly, following him and earning a quick grin.
“What’re you up to?” She eyed him suspiciously as he walked through the gardens to a secluded spot.
“Too late. We’re already out of earshot from the house,” Parker teased as he grabbed her hand, dropped to a seat on a hidden bench, and pulled her next to him. Penny looked around. Parker had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing outright. Her dubious expression was worth a thousand words. After watching her watch him for too long, he couldn’t stop the chuckle from erupting, nor could he stop his smile from reaching his eyes. “All right, tell me about him.”
“There is nothing to tell,” Penny replied, back to her lady-of-the-manor tone he’d come to love.
“If not, then why aren’t you with him?”
“Why should I be with him?”
“You’re evading. Why?” he asked, his amusement turning to curiosity.
“Parker, this is my business and I’ll thank you to keep your questions to yourself.”
Her English accent became more pronounced than ever.
Squinting, Parker fought to understand. “You’re not going to marry him?”
“No. I seem to remember telling you that. Many times,” she said with complete exasperation as her focus landed on bushes a few feet away. “No one listens to me or takes what I have to say seriously.”
“I do,” he said softly.
Her gaze flew to his, giving him an idea of her thoughts. For a brief moment he spotted the same desires that he felt in those fiery blue depths before she tried to hide them by hastily closing her eyes.
“I love seeing these on your neck,” he said, his voice a notch above a whisper, his hand moving to the sapphires and fingering the stones as well as her soft skin. “They were made for you. You know that, don’t you?”
“Parker, please.”
“Please what?” The back of his hand slid higher, grazing the side of her face in a loving gesture. “I tried to stay away, but I can’t. You tempt me too much, angel.” The whispered words came out just as his mouth lowered. His hand wrapped around her neck, drawing her closer, and he luxuriated in the feel of her soft lips yielding to his. Deepening the kiss, he slid his tongue into her parted lips, barely able to contain the need she so easily elicited.
“How could you, Pen?” Geoff’s angry voice rang out in the crisp night air.
He broke the kiss and released Penny only to glimpse the man standing in front of them with an accusatory glare. Parker swore under his breath.
“What a fool I’ve been,” Geoff said, his hurt unmistakable.
“Geoff.” Penny’s expression was one of horror. “What are you doing? Spying on me?”
“No. I came to apologize after thinking I may have overreacted. It appears my imagination wasn’t wrong.” He turned and stormed toward the house.
Penny looked at Parker, her sad eyes begging. “I’m sorry. I need to make him understand.”
Nodding, he watched her disappear into the night to find Geoff, wondering why the thought of her tearing after the man left him feeling bereft.
He pushed himself off the bench and stilled the desire to rush after her to show her what was between them. Heading in the direction Penny had taken, he wished he could get her out of his system. Halfway to the edge of the garden, he spotted the two and stepped closer to wait in the shadows.
Penny caught up with Geoff and grabbed his arm to stop him. “Geoff, plea
se.”
“Please what?” he hissed, spinning around, wild-eyed and tormented. “Watch you kiss another man? Is he the one? The one who won’t give you his name, but implants his seed?”
“You don’t understand.”
“I understand what I saw.” He rubbed his neck, his attention focused on the ground as if working to gain control. He met her gaze, his harsh expression turning to sadness. “Face it, Pen. You’ve made your choice. It’s obvious you love him.”
“No. You don’t understand. He’s not my choice. I’m leaving. I’m going to San Francisco.”
“I can’t let you do that,” he said, shaking his head.
“What do you mean, you can’t let me do that?”
His jaw dropped and he stared at her, dumbfounded. “Have you forgotten the earl?”
When a more determined demeanor slid over his features, she wrung her hands and her apprehension increased. How had this whole mess gotten so out of hand?
“Have you forgotten the reason you sought me out in London? Well, I haven’t. You need protection and if you won’t marry me, then you can damn well marry him.”
“No.” She stamped her foot in frustration. “I’ll not marry someone who wants to control me. That’s all men want to do and I don’t want that for my life.” She broke off for a moment before pleading further, “Please, Geoff. Be my friend. Try to see this my way.”
They eyed each other for a long while, before Geoff shook his head. “I can’t, Pen.”
“You’re no better than he is and just as controlling.”
“It appears so. My biggest mistake was not taking you to Gretna Green when I had the chance. I love you too much to let you go off by yourself.” His voice lowered to a tortured whisper. “If you’ve lain with him, you’ve made your choice, and I mean to see you honor that choice.” He then turned around and left her.
Watching his back as he stalked away, Penny’s unease grew, changing to stubbornness. After coming this far, she had no intention of letting any man dictate her actions.
Chapter 23
His attention on Penny once Geoff strode angrily away, Parker remained motionless. Finally, he started toward her, coughing to alert her of his presence.
Penny glanced at him, and if an expression could harm, Parker figured he’d be a dead man, given hers.
“So, you’re not marrying me or Geoff because you think we’re controlling?” he asked softly, halting in front of her. “It’s a mistake, you know. You should marry him, especially since it’s obvious he does love you and I can tell you love him.”
“I don’t need your advice,” she said, still frowning. “You’re the reason I’m in this muddle.”
“Tell me about this earl,” Parker demanded gently but firmly, ignoring another frozen glance.
Penny rolled her eyes and started pacing. She stopped abruptly and turned back to him. “Why are you badgering me? From the moment I met you, all you’ve done is pester me with questions.”
“You’re a lady with secrets.” He flashed an amused grin.
“I don’t find anything funny in my situation.” She threw out another crushing look and started pacing again.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered sincerely. In response, Penny stilled her pacing. When she turned back to him, he prodded, “Talk to me so that I can understand your predicament.” With a thumb and forefinger, he lifted her stubborn chin and gazed into her eyes, his showing total sincerity. “I want to help, Penny. As a friend. I promise.”
Her facial features softened and he asked, “Is this earl as big a threat as Geoff and Markham think he is?”
“He’s not a nice man,” Penny said, letting out a deep sigh and nodding, breaking eye contact. She shuddered. “He seemed to take pleasure in inflicting fear in me. And yes, I would agree with Markham and Geoff’s assessment…he’s probably not going to let me go easily, considering what my parents left me. But he’ll never find me,” she stated vehemently. “Especially if I disappear in this country. San Francisco is a continent away.”
“You’re still not thinking of traveling across the country alone?” he asked incredulously.
Penny’s back stiffened. “That has always been my plan, if you’ll remember.”
“Ah, yes, the lady adventurer.” He sighed. “How could I forget?” Parker’s sarcastic comment drew another scowl and he had a hard time holding on to his sober expression. He schooled his features not to smile and asked seriously, “So he’s after your money as well as your other assets?”
“I guess so.” She shrugged. “It does fit. Of course, he has a time limit. He won’t have any say over anything I do once I turn twenty-five in February.”
“I don’t think that will stop him,” he warned. When her eyes narrowed, he added, “He sounds a bit desperate. I know about such men, and they don’t stop looking, Penny. Marrying Geoff is a sound idea. At least you’d be safe, given his affiliation with the duke.”
“Geoff is no better than you and you’re no better than Gerald. With choices like those, I’d rather take my chances alone in California.”
Her chin went up and that clipped accent was back. Parker couldn’t help flashing another grin. “Give him a chance. He loves you. Surely you can see that. When a man loves, it’s instinctive to protect those he loves. Trying to control is just part of that protection.”
“Is that what you do with those you love?” she asked, her eyes searching his.
“I’ve never thought about it before, but I guess it is.”
“Well, I have no intention of being controlled. I’ve a mind of my own and I mean to use it.”
Parker shook his head, grinning like a fool again. “Damn if you don’t remind me of Catherine. And because you’re so much like her, I’m betting you can control Geoff just as easily as she controls me. Think about it. If you love him, marriage to him is a perfect solution to your dilemma.” He grabbed her hand. “Come on, angel,” he said, walking toward the house. “It’s time for another dance.”
Geoff stalked into the ballroom, his mood totally bleak. Seeing Penny wrapped in Parker Davis’s arms with their lips locked together left no doubt in his mind. The man was her lover. He hit his fist. The bastard wouldn’t get away with taking her innocence without paying the price for seducing her. He’d call him out.
Damn, but the thought of putting her into his hands hurt. He closed his eyes, pushing out pain, wishing he’d never come upon the scene. Penny had never looked at him as she had Davis just before she kissed him. If she had, he’d never give her up. From his vantage point, there was no mistaking her expression—one that said she’d follow him anywhere. It hurt too much to think about, so he thought about how to force the bastard into making an honest woman out of his beloved.
He scouted the crowded, music-filled room, looking for Markham, and spotted him dancing with Catherine. When the music died, he worked his way toward them. Acting nonchalant, as if his heart weren’t breaking, he said the moment he was within earshot, “Markham, I need a word with you.”
Markham gave Geoff a curious look. “Can’t it wait? I’ve finally convinced Miss Davis to walk in the gardens with me.”
“It’s fine, Your Grace,” Catherine said, seeming relieved at the interruption. “I’ve duties to attend to for my mother. If you will excuse me.” She curtsied before scurrying toward another group of people across the room.
Glaring, Markham put his hands on his hips. “What’s so urgent it can’t wait until later? I was hoping to sit next to her at dinner.”
“Sorry to intrude, but I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think it necessary.” He looked after Catherine, and added, “Besides, judging from how quickly she ran away from you, I’d say your chances for dinner are nil.”
“Have you no faith in my charm?” his brother said, his quick grin transforming his stern features.
“You? Charming?” Geoff drew back his head in a loud guffaw. “’Tis a pity she’s not aware of how sought after you are in Eng
land. Then you wouldn’t need the charm you’re so lacking.”
“I hate it that you’re so loose with your tongue and have no respect for your elders,” Markham said, his annoyance replacing amusement.
“Give over, Markham. That look doesn’t work on me.” He shook his head and said more seriously, “I truly do need to talk to you, but it can wait until morning.” He nodded toward Catherine and grinned, suddenly feeling better. “Go and see if you can charm her into sitting with you at dinner. If so, I’ll be impressed.” Chuckling, he walked away.
“You doubt I can?”
Geoff stopped and turned. “Would you care to wager?”
A determined expression passed over Markham’s face. “Twenty pounds,” he said. “She’ll eat next to me and we’ll share another dance. A waltz.”
“You’re on, old man.” He pivoted and strode aimlessly through the dancers, his mood ten times lighter than when he’d entered the ballroom.
“Geoff? Is that you?”
Upon hearing his name, he glanced around. Mindy Bowers, looking so beautiful, floated up to him. His smile broadened. “Look at you! I hardly recognized you.”
“Like it?” she asked, doing a full circle and earning his chuckle as well as a nod. “You’re looking very pretty yourself, Geoff.” Her gaze took a trip up and down his person before landing back at his eyes. “Very handsome and dashing, I’d say,” Mindy added as pleasure lit her face. “It’s good to see you.”
“Come, let’s dance.” Geoff held out an inviting hand to his childhood friend. “A man always loves flattery, especially when it comes from such a beauty.”
Mindy took his outstretched hand and looked around. “Where’s Penny?”
“She’s dancing with him.” Geoff schooled the look of annoyance, replacing it with another smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Him?” Mindy asked.
“A man she should be avoiding.”
“What?” Confusion flitted over her expression. “Surely the earl’s not here? That man’s a monster.”
“No, not him.” Geoff took Mindy into his arms, remaining silent while they danced. “What do you know of her time with the earl?” Geoff finally asked. “Do you know why she’s so afraid of him?”