by Boom, Naomi
Laura tingled all over from his touch and abruptly jerked her hand away. They were supposed to be friends, per his suggestion, so why was he holding hands with her? “What are you doing here tonight?”
Lord Farris leaned against a column and smiled wryly. “Rest easy, my prickly pear. It is not as if I ascertained your location this evening from Lord Collins, only to procure a box so I could see you.”
Laura blushed furiously and rushed to say, “Of course I do not think that. That would take way too much foresight on your part.” There, now she felt better.
Lord Farris placed a hand over his heart in feigned hurt. “Ouch. I will have you know I am capable of great foresight.”
She scoffed in disbelief, and he asked, “How is your new book? You know, the one that required great foresight on my part to obtain.”
All the myriad of feelings Laura had been fighting in regards to Lord Farris disappeared as she smiled. “It is wonderful. I almost do not want to read the volume for fear of hurting it.” Her smile dimmed as she said, “I found the most unusual letter in the book. It would appear the store owner has apologized for his behavior. You would not know anything about that, would you?”
He shrugged absentmindedly. “I was a little surprised you were interested in Keats. He is not a very popular poet. Byron would have been the more typical choice.”
Laura looked at him skeptically. “I have begun to notice a trend with you. Whenever you do not want to answer a question, you change the topic. Why is that?”
“I cannot say that I have noticed this peculiar trend.” Switching topics once more, he asked, “How are things with your beau?”
She scowled. “Splendid, my lord, although I see we are once again changing topics.” She would allow it, as the crowd was beginning to thin. “Is it not time for the next act? Maybe you should bring me back, or at least help me find Eleanor.”
“Are you that excited to return to Lord Dunbar?” He took a step toward her and brought his hand to her cheek. He swept an eyelash from her face and returned his hand to his side, but not before she had to fight off an overwhelming urge to step into his arms. His eyes positively sizzled as he looked down on her. “You know I could make you forget all about him.”
And then her stomach clenched tightly. She lost herself in his overpowering nearness, as vertigo overtook her. How could she ever imagine marrying such a man when she could not function properly in his presence?
She shook herself. “I am in a hurry, my lord. Lord Dunbar will begin to worry if I take much longer.”
“I doubt he will worry overly much. He will soon put two and two together when neither of us returns.”
He was probably right, which should have worried Laura more. Lord Dunbar held no emotional attachment to her, but at least he was honest about his intentions, unlike Lord Farris.
She still could not determine Lord Farris’s motives. After all, it was not typical behavior to act as though he wished to pursue her and then offer friendship. His actions hurt. He might present her with the most thoughtful gift she had ever received and say endearing things, but his unwillingness to wed only made his actions cut like a knife to her very soul. Her heart constricted. She should contribute his actions to the fact that he was a rake, but she wished to believe better of him. She sighed. She was simply too naïve.
She averted her eyes from his overly handsome face. Her breath was coming too quickly, but she had an iron will and would not exhibit her emotions. Instead, she squared her shoulders and smiled at him. She teased, even though the words hurt her. “If Lord Dunbar can deduce we are together, who else will? I thought you did not wish to wed.”
He nodded, his fixed gaze intense on her face. “Shall we return, then?”
He stopped at the entrance to Lord Dunbar’s box. The corridor was empty and dimly lit, and he turned toward her with a sensuous smile. He raised her right hand, which was once more in his, and slipped the glove off. Laura’s body began to shake from her desire to rush into his arms. He kissed the inside of her wrist, and Laura sighed.
“My lord,” she whispered faintly. “What have you done to me?” She blushed as she spoke the words.
“Believe me, my dear, the feelings are mutual.”
Her lips parted, until a slight rustle emitted from the doorway, and Laura looked up to see Lord Dunbar emerge from the box. Lord Farris held on to Laura’s hand for an extra moment, and he took a step closer to Laura in a proprietary manner. The scowl on Lord Dunbar’s face forced Laura to remember herself. She jumped back with a blush and pulled her glove back to its rightful place.
“There you are,” Lord Dunbar said flatly to Laura. “Come, my dear.” He extended his hand to her.
Laura hung her head and walked to his side. His arm came protectively around her shoulders, and he pulled her toward him. “I was worried about you.” He stated loudly.
“She was perfectly fine,” Lord Farris said gruffly, but his eyes held a look Laura had never beheld before. He appeared angry. Angry enough to leave Laura speechless, but for what? Laura knew better than to assume he could be jealous.
“Was she?” Lord Dunbar asked reproachfully. “You may wish to steal her from me, but it shall not happen in that way.”
Laura’s eyebrows skyrocketed. Was Lord Dunbar truly under the impression Lord Farris had designs on her? “My lord…”
She broke into the conversation, but Lord Dunbar sharply raised his hand to indicate she should be silent and said, “Not now.”
“Dunbar. Watch yourself.” Lord Farris stepped threateningly toward him but stopped himself.
Lord Dunbar smiled and grasped Laura’s elbow. “Shall we?”
Laura did not want to go, but her future was with Lord Dunbar and not Lord Farris.
She turned to go, and Lord Farris said pleadingly, “Do not go, Laura.” Her eyes went to his, but truthfully, what did he expect? She could not leave with him. She shook her head slightly.
Lord Dunbar turned also, and whispered snidely over his shoulder, “Well, Lord Farris, it appears your women prefer me, without exception.”
She tensed but entered the box in front of Lord Dunbar anyway. Her heart was numb, and her shoulders were slumped in defeat. She had wanted so badly to go with Lord Farris, but his direction held disaster for her. He should know better than to toy with her this way, but asking her to leave with him was absurd.
“Where have you been?” Eleanor’s mother whispered worriedly, as Laura sat.
“Looking for Eleanor,” Laura replied simply.
Laura breathed a sigh of relief when Lord Dunbar smiled at her and took her hand in his. “I was quite worried about you, you know.” His eyes darkened and he said, “Lord Farris can be quite the lady’s man. I want you to know I do not fault you for his actions.”
“Thank you, my lord. He is hard to dissuade.”
“That is what I had assumed.” He turned his attention to the stage, and asked as the curtains opened. “Would it be acceptable for me to call on you tomorrow… alone?”
Laura stilled. The meaning of his words had hit her, hard. “Of course, my lord.”
He smiled, and his attention was absorbed by the performers on the stage.
Laura relaxed. At least he was not upset with her. Quite the opposite, in fact. His suggestion that he call on her alone implicated a much more serious turn to their relationship was at hand.
The second half started, which drew their attention away from each other. Laura was relieved Lord Dunbar was not causing a scene about the awkward moment, but at the same time she was a bit disappointed. She would like her future husband to care about what she did, although realistically, she knew they would lead separate lives after marrying.
Shortly into the second half, Laura noticed Lord Farris’s party depart. Why were they leaving so abruptly? Unless it was due to the secret Eleanor had obtained. It must be a big secret, if it caused the family to leave so early.
The play continued for a good amount of time, and L
aura was thankful it had ended. She had not been able to focus for the entirety of the second half. Lord Dunbar readied himself to leave but first kissed her hand and whispered seductively, “Tomorrow cannot come too soon.” Laura agreed and was soon warm and comfy in the confines of her carriage.
“So, Eleanor, did you enjoy this evening’s interim?” They were hardly hiding the fact that Eleanor had seen Lord Collins from their chaperone.
Eleanor looked quite dejected as she said, “No. Lord Collins thought I was being overly dramatic, as his attentions toward Miss Farris are platonic.” She slumped into the carriage cushion. “I just do not understand why he cannot see how Miss Farris throws herself at him, most inappropriately.”
“Yes. That is most perturbing.” Laura still did not see what Eleanor saw. “What is this secret you previously mentioned about Miss Farris?”
Glancing furtively at her mother, who appeared asleep, Eleanor whispered quietly, “I started my plan tonight. I mentioned to one of the biggest gossips of the ton, Lady Chadwick, that Miss Farris was not sired by the late viscount.” She laughed coldly, causing a chill to run down Laura’s spine. “The old hag was more than willing to believe me, especially when I mentioned my source was one of Miss Farris’s own maids.”
Laura could not determine why that name sounded so familiar. Either way, this was much worse than Laura had feared. People were always willing to believe gossip, no matter how unlikely. “How do you know Lord Collins will not figure out you were the one to start this rumor?”
Eleanor scoffed and said, “Do not be ridiculous. This particular lady is extremely tight-lipped about her sources. My tracks are well covered. Besides, why should he care once he understands her dubious parentage?”
Laura was unable to understand her cousin. Starting gossip of this nature was cruel, and to think Eleanor believed Lord Collins would disengage himself from Miss Farris when she needed him most was laughable. Laura was now vindicated for telling Gavin about Eleanor’s intentions. If only she had told him sooner.
Chapter 13
The cold had almost managed to numb Gavin’s hands completely, but he ignored them and waited patiently. He had been awaiting Laura’s arrival for some time now. She must have overslept, or at least, that was what Gavin hoped. The other option, that she had decided not to come, was unpalatable.
He could not fault her if she chose to remain home rather than to ride with him. The previous night had been disastrous. No scenario he had considered had played out that way, especially her choice to leave with Lord Dunbar over himself. Granted, he never should have presented her with the choice, but he had. His heart had almost torn in two when she had looked at him with those sorrowful, violet eyes and shook her head.
The wind howled through the trees, and Gavin thought he could make out a rider in the distance. His heart lifted, and he smiled. Her decision to come today made up for all the barbs Lord Dunbar had thrown at him, because she may not realize it, but her arrival signified her ultimate desire for Gavin and not Lord Dunbar.
She reached his side, and he said, “Good morning, Laura. You look lovely, as usual.” He bowed and was a little perturbed by the worried look on her face.
“Good morning, my lord. I have grave news to relate to you.”
Not liking the sound of that, Gavin indicated she should continue.
“It appears my dear cousin has already started to talk of your sister.” Evident shame was written all over her face.
As Gavin remained stoic on the outside, inside he was fuming. Obviously, he would deny all accusations of Alexa’s dubious parentage, but there would still be some who believed the rumors. And rumors of that nature would not help Alexa’s success in finding a husband. “Tell me what happened,” he urged as they started on a much slower ride than the previous day’s outing. Once again they rode along the Serpentine, but neither one took the time to appreciate the scenery.
“Well, Eleanor told me she was upset by Lord Collins’s attentiveness toward your sister last night. When she had the chance, she told Lady Chadwick of your sister’s questionable parentage. That is all I have heard so far. I can only imagine how quickly the news is spreading.” Laura hung her head in shame. “I am so sorry.”
Gavin had spent the remainder of his evening worrying about Alexa. How would she react to gossip of that nature, and how badly would it hurt her chances of making an advantageous marriage? He had decided he would raise her dowry to a ludicrous sum if need be, but when he heard Lady Chadwick’s name, he smiled a large and relieved smile.
Laura raised her head from its position of shame, saw the smile, and asked, perplexed, “Are you feeling all right? You have not hit your head lately, have you?”
Ignoring her question, Gavin said, “Do you know anything about Lady Chadwick?”
“Only that she is a renowned gossip.”
Gavin’s laughed loudly, which only made Laura appear even more confused. “I imagine that is all Miss Ashford knows about her, also. Many people forget that she is my mother’s second cousin. I would not remember except the lady thinks it imperative to remind me every chance she gets. She would never spread malicious gossip about my family, despite her love for gossip. In fact, I will be visiting her once our ride reaches its conclusion.”
Laura giggled and appeared to relax. “You must let me know how that goes.”
The sound of her giggle enchanted Gavin. He would enjoy making her laugh for the rest of their lives. But first things first. “I actually was planning on stopping by after my visit with her. Will you and your cousin be available?”
All color quickly faded from Laura’s face. “We will,” she answered slowly, “but Lord Dunbar may also be there.”
That was one roadblock Gavin needed gone. “Oh, interesting. Is there any special reason for his visit?”
Suddenly shy, Laura responded, “I am not positive, but I believe he may propose. Of course he has not asked my father, but he made it sound as if he wanted to speak to me in private.” Usually, a gentleman did not talk to a lady in private unless it was for one special reason: marriage.
Dammit, the bloody man was moving much too quickly. Gavin’s mind raced. How could he convince her not to marry him? He needed to get past this friend zone quickly. “That does sound suspiciously like he wants to propose.” Gavin paused. “What would you say if I told you not to marry him?”
Laura tensed. “I would say that is none of your business, my lord.”
Gavin wanted to curse, loudly and extensively. Talk about eliciting the opposite reaction to the one he had wanted. He hoped she would have at least concluded he was interested in more than friendship. Maybe he needed to be more direct but in a believable way. Pulling his horse to a stop, Gavin dismounted. Laura noticed his movement and followed suit.
Helping her from her horse, Gavin watched as the groom approached. He beckoned the man over, handed him the reins for both horses, and told him to ride out of sight. The groom started to voice his disapproval, but Gavin’s arched eyebrow and scowl convinced the man to do as told. “Walk with me,” Gavin ordered Laura as he extended his arm.
“I will not. I wish to ride, not stroll about with a high-handed gentleman such as yourself.”
“Laura, Laura.” He tsked. “What am I to do with you?” He knew what he wanted to do with her, but unfortunately now was not the time nor place. “When your Lord Dunbar directs you to comply, do you defiantly disobey him also?”
Fire flashed in her eyes. “I am not a child that disobeys out of ill-temper. I sometimes disagree and choose to ignore directives, but Lord Dunbar does not order me about without good reason, unlike you.”
“So the answer is no.” He considered her demeanor and stroked the side of her face with his hand. Her face was cold, and he wished desperately to warm her. “One as passionate as you should not be wasted on a man like him. Tell me, will you remain faithful to him?”
“Of course,” she declared vehemently, “I will never break my wedding vows.”<
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“Even when he breaks his?” Gavin was well aware just how lonely many of the young matrons of the ton were. “I think you will change your mind when you rarely see him, much less have him there to warm your bed at night.”
Laura gasped, and pushed him away from her. “I cannot say how I will feel should he treat me that way, but I know with certainty that I will not make a cuckold of my husband.” Her comment was aimed squarely at Gavin, and he felt the blow smartly. Laura covered her mouth with her gloved hand. “I am sorry, my lord, I did not mean to insinuate…”
Gavin interrupted her, “Forget about it. I just want you to understand the life you will lead, should you marry Lord Dunbar. Eventually, you will grow lonely enough that you will convince yourself you have fallen in love with someone else and will forget your vows for that fleeting momentary connection. If you are lucky, you will have a child to dote on, but that is all your life will be.”
“What do you suggest I do then?” Laura questioned passionately, her eyes shining with sorrow. “I must marry, and if I wait for some magical love match, I might never wed at all.”
“I would suggest you have faith and wait for something truly magical to come along,” Gavin whispered, as he stepped closer to her. “It very well could be closer than you think.” Quickly scanning the surrounding area, he noted they were alone before covering her mouth with his. The realization that he loved her somehow made the kiss that much better. He growled and deepened the kiss, forgetting all about the frigid air swirling around them or the possibility that someone could happen upon them.
The sparks flew as she leaned into him. The chill of the day was chased away, replaced with the warmth of their commingled breath. Gavin ignored all common sense as he lost himself in the embrace. Her curves were slight, but his hands could attest to the fact that they were perfect. Her response to his kiss was not shy either, which shook him in a way no other kiss had.
“Oh dear,” a refined female voice said, “this is a most unusual sight.”
Laura jumped away from Gavin, surprised shame written all over her face, as if she was a naughty schoolgirl caught stealing a cookie. Gavin adjusted his clothing and scowled at the interloper. Lady Robbins sat on her horse, casually observing the two as if it was a common sight for her. Lady Robbins cooed, “Why, Gavin, you used to have more finesse than to be caught with your pants around your ankles…” She paused for dramatic flair. “Figuratively speaking, of course.”