Romancing The Rogue (The Rogue Chronicles Book 1)

by Lana Williams

  He glanced around, taking in the scenic beauty of the park. He’d forgotten how much he enjoyed coming here, although the crowd at this time of day was unpleasant. The woods reminded him of his childhood in the country, casting a peaceful feeling over him. Or did the lady opposite him cause the sensation?

  “You are unique, Miss Gold.” His focus returned to her.

  “Please, call me Caroline.”

  Why was it that being on a first name basis with her eliminated a barrier between them? His gaze held hers. “I don’t believe I’ve ever met a lady like you.”

  Her lips did that adorable slight twist again. “I’m not certain if you mean that as a compliment, or if you are offering constructive criticism.”

  “It’s a compliment. Have no doubt.”

  “Hmm. When my mother calls me unique, she’s implying that I’m being difficult.” Her answering smile pleased him.

  “And what of your sisters?” He couldn’t help it. He wanted to know more about her, including her family.

  The sound that came from her sounded suspiciously like a snort. He chuckled in response.

  “They don’t bother disguising their true feelings. They’re far too honest.”

  That conflicted with most of the people with whom he associated. Honesty was rare in the intelligence business.

  “What of your brother?” she asked.

  “He’s always thought me contrary.”

  “I can’t imagine why,” she said, her sarcasm obvious.

  “Are you taking his side?” He was enjoying their banter more than he’d anticipated.

  “Never. But I believe I would like to meet him.”

  “He’s very busy. Not sure he can find the time.” He glanced at her to see if she realized he jested.

  “You are incorrigible.”

  “Are you certain you haven’t already met him?” Richard asked.

  Caroline tipped her head back as she laughed. He didn’t think he’d ever heard a more delightful sound. The joy on her face made her even more beautiful. Her eyes sparkled, causing tingles of awareness to fill him. Her first genuine smile was a true gift.

  He swallowed hard, the urge to kiss her unexpected and unwelcome. While enjoying her company was a surprising benefit of their betrothal, desire would never do. She was not his, nor would she be. He had to remember that.

  “I haven’t been on Rotten Row for some time.” He watched those passing by, along with the scenery from his rear-facing position.

  The silence stretched long but felt easy, as though neither of them felt the need to make conversation.

  Little time had passed before he noticed her rising tension, though he couldn’t determine the cause.

  “Richard, I’m not certain of the details of your conversation with my father,” she said at last with a quick glance at her maid. “But there is something you should know.”

  His given name on her lips only made him want to take her into his arms—hardly an appropriate thing to do, but nearly overwhelming all the same. He waited, wondering what she would share.

  “He sometimes gets confused. His memory isn’t what it used to be. I know he mentioned my dowry—”

  “Yes, he said it was quite generous, but we didn’t discuss specifics.” Guilt seeped through him for testing her, especially since she appeared so uncomfortable at raising the topic. Yet his distrust of others left him no choice.

  He’d already surmised there would be no dowry, despite what her father had said. The more he knew about her and her family, the better. Now that his schedule had eased in the past hours, he intended to find out what he could. Each additional item he learned gave him a deeper understanding of her and aided in determining if her activities should be reviewed.

  She worried her lower lip between her teeth for a moment as a becoming blush rose in her cheeks, causing desire to stir deep within him once again.

  “I’m sorry to tell you I have no dowry. I will understand if that isn’t acceptable to you, given your own...circumstances.”

  He was touched by her honesty. Not many ladies he knew would be willing to discuss the matter, let alone offer to release him from the betrothal.

  As much as he hoped to convince her to call off well before any wedding, he also knew it was too soon. If they announced a broken betrothal within days of his proposal, Caroline’s reputation would be harmed for certain. And it would draw unwanted attention to him. He didn’t need that.

  “We’ll manage to survive on what we have, regardless of the lack of a dowry.” The idea of doing so with Caroline felt like it would be an adventure despite the fact that it would never come to pass.

  He had no doubt that it was disappointment washing across her features as she heaved a sigh. The realization that she didn’t care to marry him any more than he wanted to marry her was strangely unsettling.

  Chapter Five

  “Where are you off to this afternoon?”

  Caroline looked up from where she waited in the entrance hall to see Annabelle descend the stairs.

  “The earl and I are attending a lecture on electrochemistry.” Caroline offered a smile, realizing how much she was looking forward to the outing.

  “What on earth is that?”

  “I have no idea,” Caroline admitted. “I shall have to tell you upon my return.”

  With the difficulties her family had faced in the last year, lectures, museums, and many of their previous pastimes had gone by the wayside. When Aberland had invited her to attend the scientific presentation, she’d been delighted, though that emotion had been quickly followed by guilt.

  What right did she have to enjoy herself with her family facing challenges each and every day? Yet she missed such outings, along with learning new and interesting things. When she’d mentioned the earl’s invitation to her mother after returning from the drive in Hyde Park, she’d urged her to attend.

  “You must go, darling. Such outings are expected of a betrothed couple. Keeping up appearances is important for all of us. More importantly, it will allow you and Aberland to come to know each other better. Tell your father about the lecture when you return. He always enjoyed those things.”

  Oddly enough, discussing such topics often brought her father back to himself. Whether it was philosophy, chemistry, or certain political matters, he seemed to access a portion of his memory that hadn’t yet been drained by his condition when those subjects were raised.

  “It sounds terrible.” Annabelle frowned. “And potentially boring.”

  “Think of it as a scientific mystery rather than a fictional one.”

  Her sister looked doubtful. “Not nearly as exciting.” Suddenly her expression lit with interest. “Unless there is a dead body involved. Do you think there will be?”

  “I sincerely hope not.” Caroline shuddered, horrified at the thought. “I have no desire to see a corpse.”

  “I wonder if electrochemistry could be used to kill someone.” A strange glazed look took over her sister’s expression, a sign she was thinking of one of her stories. Her gaze sharpened as it swung back to Caroline. “Can you find out for me? Please? It could be the perfect murder weapon.”

  “Annabelle, I can hardly inquire of the lecturer an answer to that. He would think me mad.”

  “But it would be perfect. None of my readers would expect such a thing. Please?”

  The pleading look on her sister’s face was nearly irresistible. Nearly. “I can only promise to take note of any dangers to humans and share that with you.”

  Annabelle rubbed her hands together in anticipation, her expression much like how Caroline thought a crazed chemist might look. “Excellent. I’m certain the topic will arise.” Without even bothering to bid Caroline farewell, she hurried back up the stairs. No doubt she was returning to her room to scribble notes and ideas until Caroline’s return.

  Resigned to do all she could to answer her sister’s question—else she’d never hear the end of it—Caroline moved toward the door.

&
nbsp; “Miss Caroline,” Barkley called from the back of the hall.

  With a sigh, Caroline turned to look at the butler, bracing herself for a reprimand, well aware he’d addressed her as he had throughout her childhood. They’d had this discussion before.

  Despite the reduced staff, Barkley insisted he watch over the front door. He thought it unseemly if she or one of her sisters opened the door themselves.

  The few servants who remained had far too much to do, especially Barkley as he helped with her father’s care. In fact, she intended to leave Lizzie behind for this outing, so the maid could assist her mother. As a betrothed couple, she and Aberland could surely manage a brief ride in the carriage without sending tongues wagging.

  “I was merely going to see if the earl had arrived.” She still felt like a young girl when he spoke to her in that particular tone.

  “Your mother would be most unhappy to see you peeking out the front door to look.” He shook his head. “Tsk. Tsk.”

  Appearances mattered to Barkley as he felt they reflected on him. He ran the house as efficiently as possible, especially after their reduced means of support. A year ago, when Caroline had tearfully explained they could no longer afford him, he hadn’t batted an eye.

  Instead, he’d negotiated a lower wage for himself, the cook, the footman, as well as the maid when they’d rehired her, and shifted their duties. Certain tasks were done less often but still done.

  “I didn’t want to bother you if you were busy.” She hated to think she was a burden.

  “Answering the door is hardly a bother, miss.” He again raised a brow, always the right one. “Perhaps you’d like to wait in the drawing room for your caller?”

  A knock sounded on the door before she could respond. “Ah, there he is.”

  But Barkley only shifted to block her path. “I’m certain you’d be more comfortable in the drawing room. We wouldn’t want the earl to see you pacing the entrance hall, now would we?”

  Knowing it was impossible to win an argument with him, Caroline relented then hurried up the stairs toward the drawing room. Heaven knew how unruly her and her sisters’ behavior would be if not for Barkley.

  When she heard voices approaching, she hurried to sit in a chair, so it didn’t look as if she’d been anxiously awaiting Aberland’s arrival.

  The door opened and Barkley announced, “The Earl of Aberland to see you, Miss Gold.”

  She rose. “Thank you, Barkley.” Manners often felt silly to her, but she wasn’t about to tell Barkley that. He thrived on them.

  “Good day, Miss Gold.” Aberland bowed as Caroline curtsied.

  Not even Barkley’s nod of approval distracted her from Aberland’s presence. Her attention remained on Richard. She had yet to become accustomed to how everything else fell away each time she saw him. “And to you. I hope the day finds you well.”

  His dark gaze lingered on her, bringing heat to her cheeks. Nor had she grown used to the way he looked at her so intently. Could he tell this gown had been revised from one she’d worn two Seasons ago? Or did he find something else about her worth his regard?

  His dark brown jacket and buff trousers fit him well, but she wondered if that had more to do with his physique than the clothes. How did a rogue, who reputedly filled his days with cards, drinking, and women, stay in such excellent physical condition?

  His black boots were polished to a shine but showed signs of wear, as did the cuffs of his jacket. His erect bearing and broad shoulders made it easy to look past all that. The square line of his jaw made her think he was trustworthy. But he was a well-known scoundrel, and a cynical one at that. One who had little regard for money or his personal safety. Those were hardly trustworthy qualities.

  Then why was her stomach full of butterflies, fluttering desperately in an attempt to emerge? Her mouth was dry. Her pulse raced. All because of him.

  Was it because of their betrothal? Surely not. It was something about him. If only she knew what it was so she could stop it. These feelings were very unsettling. She didn’t care for them.

  She lifted her chin, shoving all that to the back of her mind. “I’m looking forward to the lecture.”

  They descended the stairs then he offered his arm as she turned toward the door. “Are you interested in electrochemistry? Or science in general?”

  You, she almost blurted. I’m interested in you. How disconcerting to realize the truth. She looked forward to spending time with him even more than the lecture.

  Instead she said, “I’ve never heard of this field, but it’s always entertaining to learn something new, don’t you agree?”

  He nodded thoughtfully as though considering her words. He’d brought his carriage today. A wise decision as the weather had returned to its usual cloudy-with-the-threat-of-rain type of day. A groom opened the door and the earl assisted her inside.

  Aberland settled onto the tufted bench opposite her. Those ridiculous butterflies returned, causing her to place a hand to her middle with the hope of calming them.

  Silly butterflies.

  Yet they fluttered all the more as her attention caught on him. His muscled thighs were more noticeable as he stretched his long legs before him. She had the oddest urge to run her hand along their length so she might see how they felt.

  Heat stained her cheeks at the thought, and she quickly looked out the carriage window, hoping he wouldn’t notice her unease.

  The silence drew long, and she scoured her mind for a topic to hide her discomfort.

  “Are you interested in science, my lord?”

  “Some types. Like you, I enjoy learning new things. Mr. Clarke, the speaker today, worked with Sir Davy, the man credited with inventing this particular field, so I’m interested in hearing more. I wonder if the area has any practical applications.”

  “Many of the discoveries of late don’t necessarily serve a purpose. It’s no wonder they don’t receive much attention.”

  Aberland nodded. “Discovery is all well and good, but if it’s of no use to anyone, an invention is rather pointless.”

  The rest of the ride passed quickly, and soon they were alighting from the carriage outside the lecture hall.

  “He’s drawn a significant audience,” Aberland said as he glanced around.

  Based on the number of people walking up the steps to the entrance, this was a popular topic.

  They found seats inside the crowded hall along with several hundred others. Caroline was one of the few women in attendance. She ignored the glares from some of the older gentlemen who obviously didn’t think she should be there. She knew the reasons many believed education should be restricted to men, but that didn’t mean she agreed.

  She didn’t see anyone she knew but hadn’t expected to. It was rather nice for a change. She didn’t have to worry over appearances or feel as if she were the subject of someone’s gossip. How freeing to just be herself. Still, she couldn’t eliminate the desire to do what she could to make Aberland like her. She scowled at the realization though she didn’t understand the reason behind it.

  He might be a cynical rogue, but she liked him. His humor during their previous outing had surprised her. He hadn’t taken any offense to her forward comments about his behavior.

  She glanced at him from under her lashes. Rather than appearing bored as many other men nearby did, he studied the audience, making her wonder what he saw, what he looked for.

  He truly was an attractive man. The moment she admitted that to herself, the flutters returned. To her relief, two men stepped up to the podium, signaling the beginning of the presentation.

  Mr. Clarke was introduced and started by explaining that electrochemistry studied the relationship between electricity and chemistry with emphasis on measurable and quantitative change. The goal of such experiments was to produce either a chemical modification in a property or produce electrical current as a result of the chemicals changing.

  Much of Mr. Clarke’s talk was beyond her knowledge of science, but he
did his best to provide a basic explanation followed by a more scientific one to appeal to the varied expertise of the audience.

  “When a chemical reaction is caused by an electric current, as in electrolysis, or if an electric current is produced by a spontaneous chemical reaction as in a battery, it is called an electrochemical reaction,” he explained.

  Caroline thought it quite interesting to hear how it was discovered but was even more interested in how it would be used. Annabelle’s request was in her thoughts but remained unanswered. How could she possibly find out for her?

  Near the end of the lecture, Mr. Clarke mentioned possible medical uses for the process, stating further research was needed in that area.

  “Do you intend to raise the dead?” an audience member called from the back, causing laughter from several others.

  Mr. Clarke’s mouth tightened at the question. Obviously, he didn’t consider the topic humorous. “I don’t believe that is possible, though neither did I believe electricity could kill, but it can.”

  Aberland stiffened as an uneasy murmur rolled through the crowd. Caroline wasn’t certain if he braced himself for trouble or if he somehow took offense at the lecturer’s response. The earl rarely acted as she expected.

  Mr. Clarke concluded his presentation by suggesting additional research should be performed on the possibilities and limitations of electrochemistry. The applause was enthusiastic.

  “What did you think?” Aberland asked.

  “Quite interesting.” But unfortunately, Caroline didn’t have an answer for Annabelle. While Mr. Clarke had mentioned that electricity could cause death, he hadn’t given an answer on electrochemistry.

  She glanced toward the front where a few people approached Mr. Clarke with questions. Though she knew it wasn’t appropriate for her to do so, she hated to disappoint Annabelle.

  “Would you mind if I made a brief inquiry of the man?” Aberland asked.

  “Not at all.” Caroline tried to hide her delight. Perhaps someone else would ask Annabelle’s question. “I’ll accompany you.”