by Boom, Naomi
He smiled darkly. “Yes, but dangerous can be oh, so very amusing.”
Laura began to tingle as she found herself mesmerized by his eyes. A compelling force caused her to lean toward him, but she had enough sense to stop herself. “Thank you, my lord, but I think it best to avoid danger.” She straightened and took a step back. “I think I should return to the house now. Lord Percival bribed our chaperone for an unknown duration of time, and we do not need the groom to find us together. You know how servants talk.”
“Then allow me to help you mount your horse.” His hands circled her waist, and he swung her lightly on to the mare.
Laura arranged her skirts and looked down on Lord Farris. “Thank you, my lord. For everything.”
“The pleasure was mine, my lady. I should think all matters between us are settled, then.”
He handed her the reins, and Laura neatly took control of her horse. The look in his eye gave Laura the impression that matters were definitely not settled. She raised her eyebrow and nodded. “Just as you say, my lord.”
Her mare broke into a canter toward the manor and away from Lord Farris. It had occurred to her that she might happen upon Lord Percival, but she also felt confident in her ability to outride him if she did. The courtyard was deserted as she rode in. What exactly did the other guests do in the morning? Eleanor’s voice was audible from somewhere in the house, and Laura concluded that Lord Collins was likely escorting her.
“At least someone is having a cheery morning.” She had to admit, at least to herself, that she had not actually hated the last portion of her outing. Lord Farris had shown a side of himself that had made an impact on Laura. She had never considered the notion that a rake could have a chivalrous side.
She wanted nothing more than to relax in her room for a spell and swiftly changed into her dressing gown once she arrived. Shakespeare beckoned to her, but she needed tea before she could fully relax. She ordered a tea tray sent up, and then waited on her bed until a knock resounded on her door.
“Come in,” she called cheerfully, fully expecting the maid to bring in her refreshments.
Instead of the expected maid, Mrs. Westfield came swooping in. “So, dearie, how did your ride go this morning?”
Mrs. Westfield looked so hopeful that Laura hated to shatter her dreams. “He did not show up.” Just as she had suspected, her lie had left Mrs. Westfield crestfallen.
“I was so sure he would go riding with you. This is disappointing.”
Another knock rang out, and this time a maid came in with the tea. Laura had planned on taking her tea alone, but it would not hurt her to share. “Would you like to join me?”
Mrs. Westfield nodded and said, “Sugar and cream, please.”
Laura rose from her bed and prepared the drink for her chaperone as directed. There was only one chair in the room, so she repositioned it facing the bed and offered the use of it to Mrs. Westfield. Laura sat and faced her chaperone, prepared for whatever words Mrs. Westfield might impart.
Her chaperone began the conversation. “You know, when I was your age I married for love. I was my season’s Incomparable and had my choice of gentlemen.” She laughed softly and said, “You would not believe the number of offers my father fielded on my behalf. Instead of listening to common sense and marrying an earl or marquess, I succumbed to what I thought was love. It turned out Mr. Westfield, may he rest in peace, was not the man I thought him to be.”
Laura inhaled the aroma of her tea and listened, transfixed.
“I had been blessed with a sizeable dowry, but Mr. Westfield convinced me he loved me and did not care about the money.” Mrs. Westfield took a fortifying breath and sip of her tea before continuing. “The first year of our marriage was blissful, but after that, Mr. Westfield changed. He became more distant and began to stay away from the house for days on end. It was around that time that household items started disappearing. First the candlesticks, then the silver, and eventually I could not sit at home in denial anymore. I found out he had a gambling habit and had been selling our possessions to pay his bank notes. You see, my husband had burned through the entirety of my dowry in under a year. We lost everything, and just one more year into our marriage, my husband passed away. At that point, I could have remarried, but I was too jaded, and after a while lost my chance.”
Laura’s heart went out to her. Mrs. Westfield looked crestfallen as she had recounted her story. “I am so sorry, Mrs. Westfield. I had no idea.” Laura was not always the best at consoling people, so she offered more tea.
“No, thanks, dear. I just wanted to share my story with you as a cautionary tale. I want you and Eleanor to marry well so you can avoid making my mistakes. That is why I have been pushing Lord Percival at you. He is just the sort that you can control, and not worry about squandering your dowry.”
“Then why would you push Eleanor toward Lord Collins? He sounds like the sort of gentleman your Mr. Westfield had been.”
Mrs. Westfield responded quietly, “Eleanor is the type of woman that can charm any man. Once she marries, she will control her gentleman, or at the very least, his finances. You and I are not of the same mold. We need a stable and grounded husband.”
Well, that part made sense, although Laura was a trifle insulted. She could control a man if she ever found one to love. From now on, Laura would try to be a little more sympathetic when Mrs. Westfield tried to matchmake, and would make sure she only fell in love with a deserving man. “I truly do appreciate your help, but can we please rule out Lord Percival? He just is not someone I can see myself with.”
“If you absolutely insist on the matter. Just remember to look past the outer layer. Friendship is a wonderful foundation for marriage.” Mrs. Westfield finished her tea, rose from her chair, and added brightly, “I hear Lord Harding is also in attendance. We can focus our efforts on him. Now, if you will excuse me I should really track down Eleanor.”
The door shut behind Mrs. Westfield with a click, which left Laura to reflect on her thoughts. She did not care to reacquaint herself with Lord Harding. She would never consider a man who did not place her above Eleanor. She had enough self-respect for that. At least Lord Percival had never tried to woo Eleanor. If Mrs. Westfield had told Laura her story before Laura had been mauled by Lord Percival, Laura might have been more willing to give him a chance to see if feelings would develop. Lord Percival was clearly out of the picture now, but when another man entered the scene, she would try to look past the outer shell.
Laura reclined back into her pillows and read for a while, until another knock sounded at her door. She did not have a chance to bid the visitor entry because the door swung immediately after the knock and Eleanor entered.
“What are you doing in bed? It is about time for the festivities to start.” Eleanor was almost glowing with excitement and looked ready for whatever adventure Lady Songfeld had planned.
“What is on the agenda for today?” Laura asked.
Sometimes when Eleanor spoke, Laura wondered if she felt the necessity to breath, as typical humans did. When Eleanor was excited about something, she tended to speak quickly without pause, as was the case in that moment. “We are having a scavenger hunt, so we can all become familiar with the house! Lord Collins has already asked me to pair with him. Things are going very well between Lord Collins and myself, and I think it is safe to rule out Lord Farris as an option. I know it is a little soon, but I think I hear wedding bells!” she gushed excitedly and clasped her hands together. Hopefully, Eleanor was not getting her hopes up, but knowing Eleanor, she had reason for her excitement. “But back to the topic at hand. The winners of the scavenger hunt earn a lovely set of pearl earbobs.”
It was too early to say for sure, but Laura was starting to think Lord Collins was having a very positive effect on Eleanor. Eleanor’s vanity was still present, but she seemed to be softening a little. Laura would have to observe and see if this was just a transient fad.
Laura stood and beckoned Anna over
to help her change. Yet another example of why Eleanor seemed to be different, she had actually remembered Laura’s need to use the maid and brought Anna along when she came to visit. “How wonderful, who does not love a good scavenger hunt? I will change quickly, and then we can go down.” Laura chose a peach-colored dress and secretly hoped Lord Farris would approve.
Anna sent Laura a smirk as she helped Laura to dress. They both found Eleanor’s antics amusing and would likely discuss her later.
“Shall we go, then?” Eleanor inquired.
Laura exited the room and wondered who she would partner with. She could not steal Lord Deering away from Allison, and she would prefer not to partner with Lord Harding. Lord Percival was out of the question, if he was still in attendance. That left Lord Farris, whom she would prefer to avoid. Her options overall were decidedly grim.
The ladies joined the other guests, and Eleanor immediately left Laura’s side to partner with Lord Collins. Laura could tell that many members of the house party had already formed their groups and was cursing her decision to leave her room at all, when Lord Farris approached.
“I see you have recovered from your ride.”
“Why yes, my lord, nothing a spot of tea could not fix.”
“I am thrilled to hear that,” Lord Farris said briskly as he surveyed the people in the vicinity.
“Everyone, please gather around.” Lady Songfeld announced, “Our event is about to begin. Everyone is to pick a partner, and as luck would have it we now have equal numbers. Lord Percival was abruptly called away on business this morning, which is regrettable, but works well for our numbers. Now for the scavenger hunt. Each couple will receive a clue that leads to the ensuing clues. Whoever reaches the end first will win the prize! Everyone pick your partner, and we will begin in a few minutes.”
This was the part Laura dreaded most. One never knew who would pair with whom, and Laura was always a little anxious until the matter was settled. Lord Harding began to approach her, looking roughly the same as the last time Laura had seen him. He had nondescript brown hair and eyes and was a fairly plain man. Just as he reached her side and appeared about to speak, his mouth abruptly closed as his eyes met Lord Farris’s. He blanched and quickly turned to walk away.
“What just happened there?” Laura confusedly asked Lord Farris.
“That gentleman was about to ask you to partner with him before realizing you were already claimed,” he calmly replied.
“I had not realized we were partners.”
“Yes, well, we are.”
Lady Songfeld signaled the beginning of the event by ringing a bell, and the couples started forward to receive their clues. Lord Farris garnered the first clue from a footman and read it aloud, “Where age only adds value.”
Laura smiled. She loved riddles, and the excitement was vividly reflected on her face. “Hmm, what do you think? That rules out the kitchen but could be the portrait gallery. Maybe… oh I have it! The wine cellar!”
The two swiftly made their way to the cellar where another clue awaited them. Laura took the honor this time. “Where a twisted path leads to the heart.” She considered the clue and asked in disbelief, “They cannot possibly mean the maze, can they? That could take all day.”
“It does seem to fit the clue. Maybe the follow-up clue is located at the entrance of the maze,” Lord Farris suggested helpfully.
Lord Farris escorted her through the house to the outdoors. The day had warmed up and was very pleasant without a single cloud marring the sky. A breeze greeted them and sent Lord Farris’s scent wafting to her nose. He had a knack for smelling masculine, and Laura decided she approved.
She scowled when they reached the entrance of the maze, and there was nothing in sight. “We are not going in there, right? If the clue is in the maze, it is likely in the center, which would potentially require hours to find!” Those mazes were sometimes excessively intricate.
“Maybe we should skirt the outside and check to see if there is another entrance or place where the clue might be.”
Laura agreed, and they began to stroll around the outside shrubbery. They had maintained an amiable silence until Laura brought up the topic foremost in her mind. “When we were supposed to pick partners, why did you not ask me to partner with you? Instead, you just assumed we were a set.”
Lord Farris shrugged absentmindedly and said, “You were the closest female at hand. So why not?”
A dip in the lawn caused Laura to stumble slightly, but her gallant escort steadied her by placing a searing hand on her waist. His comment did not sit well with her. If he cared so little who he paired with, then why had he sought her out in the beginning? Well, two could play at that game. “I really wish you had not turned away that gentleman. I had been desirous of partnering with him, and I am sure he would have been the best choice for a scavenger hunt.”
His eyebrow lifted and he sounded irritated as he said, “Are you saying you are displeased with my company?”
“Well, no. You are perfectly nice, but let us face facts. I must find a gentleman to marry. You are a waste of time, my lord.” She uttered the statement in a nonchalant manner, curious to see how he would respond.
“Perfectly nice? That is how you view me? What happened to dangerous?”
“You have hardly been deserving of the title.”
He sent her a piercing gaze and asked, “You do realize you are now in a perfectly acceptable social class, don’t you?”
“I always was in an acceptable social class, but what does that have to do with anything?”
The pair rounded a corner of the maze and were now located outside of view of the house. “I could not behave the way I wished when I thought you belonged to a lesser class. Now I can.”
“As a gentleman…” Her words were cut short as Lord Farris captured her in his arms. His lips descended on hers, engulfing her and chasing away all thoughts. This was not the same sort of kiss that Lord Percival had forced on her. Rather, Lord Farris’s embrace was a heart-wrenching, soul-warming kiss that had her completely at his mercy. All she knew was she wanted this to continue indefinitely.
Instinct overtook her, and she brought her hands from their position on his chest, up to his hair. He growled encouragingly at her boldness, and she sighed against him, allowing him to expand the kiss. Her squeak of surprise as his tongue met hers only seemed to excite him, and she suddenly realized how wantonly she was behaving.
Grabbing a fistful of his hair, she pulled back sharply.
“Ouch!” Lord Farris exclaimed, breaking the kiss and rubbing his head. His other hand remained on her back, firmly keeping her within his embrace.
Laura tried to pull away from him, but his arm was immobile. “What is the matter with you?” She held her clenched fists firmly planted by her sides, because the dratted things apparently enjoyed the feel of his hair, and they could not be trusted.
“Nothing, other than I seem to suffer from an infernal attraction for you.”
She glared up at him, and he laughed. “You know, you should not respond so encouragingly if you want to convince me you are not similarly attracted to me.”
“I did not respond encouragingly!” Although she had definitely enjoyed the experience. “You just happen to kiss nicely.”
He appeared to gloat. “Yes, I knew you would approve.”
Laura bristled, unimpressed with his self-confidence. “Do not act so conceited. I am sure most any gentleman could kiss just as well, if not better.”
“I can assure you, they do not.”
He was too near to her, but his arm had not budged. Here was another situation that etiquette lessons had not covered—how to rid one’s self of a rake. “I will have to take your word on that, my lord, but truthfully, I cannot see why my future husband would not be more accomplished. As I said previously, your kiss was nice, but it was hardly worth bragging about.”
Laura was pleased to see the gloating look disappear from his face. Suddenly, his features w
ere transformed by a wicked smile. “Are you sure of that?”
“Of course,” she said boldly, while inside, she was trembling.
Lord Farris brought his other arm around her while he slowly lowered his lips to hers. He stopped before they touched, and he said quietly, “You asked for this.” Then his lips once again encompassed hers.
Not once had she verbally asked him for an embrace, but her denial was lost as he began to prove his point. His tongue forcefully engaged with hers, but she did not care. She was too lost in his presence, which was all around her. His entire body was pressed up against hers, and she wanted nothing more than to be completely engulfed by him.
****
Gavin growled as she wriggled against him. She was very obviously an innocent yet was more enticing than any courtesan he had ever known. His hands began to unbutton her dress, but he stopped. If he went down this road, she would be ruined, and he was not ready to get married.
Nothing was wrong with kissing her more, so he continued to explore. He never would have guessed that such a simple act would entice him so, but things were different with Laura. She was different.
He slowly disengaged himself from her but was left reeling by the enormous void her absence caused. He had suddenly lost a vital part of himself. How could such a slip of a girl have this much of an effect on him?
“Do not say anything, darling. You goad me too well,” he growled and began to set her to rights. With her hair halfway undone and her bodice exposing some lovely cleavage, she looked quite wanton and utterly enchanting. She appeared dazed, but Gavin was skilled at repairing appearances.
That last kiss had been enjoyable, to say the least, but he did not need her to read into it. She was, after all, an innocent. “Your future husband will not be better, my dear. Make no mistake.”
Her violet eyes sprang to life, and she said, “Maybe, but that is hoping I get the chance to find him.”