They approached the front and waited as Mr. Clarke answered questions from others.
“Aberland, good to see you here.” An older gentleman addressed the earl.
Aberland introduced him to Caroline then the men conversed for several minutes. Caroline was more interested in listening to those speaking with Mr. Clarke and eased closer to better hear them.
After answering others’ questions, Mr. Clarke approached, glancing at Aberland, who continued to speak with his friend, before smiling politely at Caroline.
This was her chance. She stepped closer still and took advantage of Aberland’s distraction. “I know you mentioned electricity can be dangerous, but may I ask if electrochemistry can be used to harm someone? Perhaps even cause death?” Caroline couldn’t think of a more delicate way to phrase Annabelle’s question.
“I suppose if enough current was supplied or the proper chemicals were used, it could be. Do you have something specific in mind?” The man smiled as though amused at her inquiry.
The sudden quiet caught her notice. A glance over her shoulder showed Aberland staring at her, his brow furrowed, sending a chill down her spine.
~*~
Richard could hardly believe his ears. The idea of Caroline making such an inquiry stunned him, but the guilt in her expression was undeniable. His previous doubt of her from the ball when he’d overheard her discussing spying resurfaced in full.
What possible reason could she have to ask about murder unless she was involved in something unsavory?
Never mind that he’d intended to ask a similar question before he’d been interrupted.
Some of the more unusual lectures often brought out those who intended harm. In an effort to find a new method of committing murder or mayhem, rebellious souls sometimes attended lectures like this one to learn more. Richard and some of his associates attended as well when their schedules permitted with the hope of identifying the more extreme individuals who searched for an evil way to make a name for themselves.
This lecture had been one of the more enjoyable he’d attended, but he was honest enough to know that was due to Caroline’s presence at his side. Now he had to wonder at her motivation for agreeing to attend with him.
“That’s an interesting question,” Richard said as she looked at him like a startled doe, eyes wide and prepared to flee.
“I was merely wondering.” She shrugged, but her expression belied the casual gesture. “The question from the audience made me curious.”
Richard nodded but his doubt remained. Based on her expression, there was more to her question than curiosity. Prolonging their betrothal would give him the opportunity he needed to learn more.
“Didn’t you have a question for Mr. Clarke as well?” Caroline asked.
“Not anymore.” He couldn’t very well explain that he’d had the same question. With a nod at Mr. Clarke and the other man with whom he’d been speaking, he took Caroline’s elbow to escort her out of the hall.
Much of the crowd had dispersed, and in short order, they were ensconced in his carriage once more.
Caroline smiled brightly at him. “That was very interesting, don’t you think?”
“Indeed. I look forward to learning more on the topic.”
“You intend to study it further?”
“Yes, I believe I will.” He waited, watching as the wheels in her mind shifted, wondering what response she’d offer.
“Would you be willing to share anything else you learn with my father if you have the time?”
Was that the reason for her question to Mr. Clarke, so that she might share such details with her father? With the older man’s confusion, Richard could understand why his family didn’t often take him out. Richard’s elderly uncle had acted similarly toward the end of his life. Crowds and unfamiliar places had bewildered him.
Richard’s work meant that he trusted no one. Innocence had to be proven. Still, the idea of Caroline spying seemed unlikely given his brief acquaintance with her. Her question to the speaker along with Richard’s previous suspicions suggested he watch her closely to see what else he found.
“I appreciate you accompanying me.” He shifted to the edge of his seat to move closer. “Not many ladies would enjoy such a lecture.”
“I truly found it interesting.”
One method he often used to discover more about someone was to put them under pressure to see how they reacted. Often, any sort of uncomfortable situation would do.
Such as forward behavior. He took her gloved hand in his, raising it to his lips, watching her closely.
Caroline’s eyes widened, but she smiled politely in response to his gesture.
Was she a spy or an innocent? Why couldn’t he tell?
Still holding her hand firmly, he eased nearer, drawing out the moment, his gaze dropping to her lips, focusing on them as though there was nothing more he’d like to do than kiss her. After all, he was supposed to be a rogue. Surely, she’d expect this sort of behavior.
Her lips parted and those green eyes glanced down before returning to watch him. The delicate rose in her cheeks deepened.
The desire spearing through him took him by surprise with its intensity. This exercise was supposed to test her, not him. He refocused his efforts, reminding himself of his wish to pressure her, and leaned forward to kiss her.
Before he made contact, the carriage struck a rut, dipping dangerously and sending him backward. He still gripped Caroline’s hand, bringing her with him where she landed on his lap with a gasp, her mouth a mere inch from his.
Her gaze shifted from his eyes to his lips just as his had moments ago. Slowly, she tipped her head to press her lips to his. That small, gentle contact should’ve been barely noticeable, yet it lit him like a hot coal to dry grass—an instantaneous bursting into flames.
All thoughts and intents fell to the wayside as he returned her kiss. The sweetness of her mouth sent heat straight to his groin. Her body on top of his inflamed his senses. He swept his tongue into her mouth, desperate to taste more of her. His hands moved from her arms to the narrowness of her waist then to her hips, wanting to feel every inch of her. It was all he could do not to tilt his hardening body against her—anything to ease the ache.
More was all he could think. He wanted more of her, despite the presence of her maid. He wanted to feel the softness of her skin, to touch the generous breasts pressed against him, to see her naked upon his bed, under him.
With a gasp, Caroline drew back, staring at him in shock.
Only then did he realize the carriage had halted. Still, the fog in his mind held tight.
“We-we should be going.” She blinked, embarrassment etched in her features, as she attempted to right herself.
His hands held her in place, refusing to release her.
She seemed to gather her senses much quicker than he did. She arched a brow and, at the silent command, his hands let go.
Somehow, he managed to alight and assist her to her front door, his thoughts as befuddled as her father’s often seemed to be. From the butler’s narrowed gaze, the evidence of his arousal had yet to diminish.
Luckily, Caroline looked anywhere but at him. For that, he was grateful.
“Thank you for accompanying me.” He couldn’t keep his gaze off the lovely curve of her upper lip.
“Thank you for inviting me.” She stared just past his shoulder. “Will you be attending the Johnson ball tomorrow evening?”
“Yes,” he replied before he had a chance to ponder whether he truly should.
As he settled into his carriage for the ride home, he realized he still had no idea whether she was an innocent or a clever spy. If he wasn’t careful, she’d have him spilling all his secrets without her even asking for them.
Chapter Six
“How are wedding plans progressing?” Elizabeth Archdale asked Caroline the next evening at the Johnson ball. Elizabeth was someone she’d known a long time but didn’t consider a good friend.
Caroline hesitated. How truthful should she be? Sharing information with anyone, even if they were friends, was the first step toward secrets leaking. And Elizabeth wasn’t a good friend. Her penchant for gossip made her less than trustworthy in Caroline’s eyes.
“They are coming along.” She couldn’t admit the truth—that she hoped the engagement would end before long.
Her relationship with Richard was growing more complicated by the day. The sooner her association with him ended, the better. Her peace of mind depended on it, especially after the heated kiss the previous day. Especially since she’d been the instigator.
“You don’t sound particularly excited.” Elizabeth watched her carefully as though hoping she’d say more. The women in Elizabeth’s family seemed to thrive on gossip and drama of any sort.
“I’m still becoming accustomed to the fact that I’m betrothed.”
“It was a bit...unexpected.” Elizabeth’s sly smile made Caroline glad she hadn’t told her the truth.
“Wasn’t it though?” Caroline refused to say anything more, not when she could easily imagine Elizabeth’s gleeful expression if she had new gossip to share. “Is that your sister across the room?” She nodded toward a young lady dressed in white who had just brazenly looped her arm around a marquis’s.
Regina’s forward behavior had been noted by more than just Caroline. A murmur of voices sounded from many of the ladies surrounding the young woman.
“What on earth is she about?” Elizabeth prickled at the sight of Regina flirting outrageously with the marquis.
“Are she and the marquis...” Caroline left the question unfinished, startled at the sight of Regina patting the marquis on the cheek.
“No. Good heavens.” Elizabeth’s cheeks reddened with embarrassment. “I told Mother she shouldn’t allow her to come after her behavior at the last ball.”
“Oh?” Caroline waited and was soon rewarded for her patience.
“She practically asked Viscount Nevard to dance with her.” Elizabeth waved her fan as though the memory of the incident was nearly too much. “Her forwardness is shocking. When we confront her about it, she only laughs and insists she’s merely having fun.”
“Truly?” Part of Caroline applauded the girl for enjoying herself so openly. Perhaps if Caroline had done so, she’d be betrothed to the duke rather than to Richard.
She stilled for a moment as she realized that no longer held the appeal it once had. Not after yesterday. With a mental shake of her head, she chastised herself. Her feelings didn’t matter—only the welfare of her family did. The best outcome would still be breaking her engagement. Why did her heart squeeze at the thought?
“Regina will be the ruin of my prospects as well as her own. I’d better see if I can stop her.” Elizabeth hurried toward her sister, leaving Caroline alone.
“Good evening.” The deep voice sent delicious shivers over Caroline.
Despite her promise to herself during the long night to better control her reaction to Richard, something about him appealed to her, no matter how much she wished otherwise.
“And to you.” She turned to face him, her breath catching. Was it because he was handsome? Mysterious? Was it the heat in his dark eyes? The line of his brow? Or his roguish reputation?
No matter how much she analyzed it, she couldn’t determine the cause of that “something.” Perhaps she needed to attend more scientific lectures so she might learn how to find the source of her reaction and halt it. Annabelle would appreciate that.
Her sister was delighted with the little Caroline had shared about electrochemistry. She’d been riveted to her desk half the night and all of the day. Apparently, the new villain in her series had scientific knowledge and was testing his skills on the poor of the city. How horrible. Caroline couldn’t wait to read it.
She opened her mouth to share the story with Richard, only to realize she couldn’t. Her sister’s writing talent might’ve been shared with her real fiancé but certainly not a temporary one.
“What is it?” he asked.
“I was going to thank you again for inviting me to the lecture.”
He raised his brow as though doubting her statement.
Did he already know her so well that he could tell whether she told the truth? What an alarming thought.
“You’re welcome. I will certainly invite you to the next one I plan to attend. Would you care to dance?”
Once again, that breathless feeling returned. She couldn’t find the wherewithal to refuse. Besides, she needed to continue the ruse of their engagement until it truly ended. Dancing was a normal activity for a betrothed couple. “I would. Thank you.”
As she took his arm, raised voices on the other side of the room drew her notice. Elizabeth and her sister were arguing heatedly. “Oh, dear.”
“It looks as if trouble is brewing.”
The beginning of a waltz filled the air, drawing Caroline’s notice from Elizabeth’s predicament to her own. Waltzing was still considered rather scandalous and seemed far too intimate. Or was it the temptation of being in Richard’s arms that she feared?
Her cheeks were warm before they’d taken more than three steps. All she could think of was the feel of his hand on her waist, of the way he held her and guided her through the steps. He performed the dance with ease. The sensation of gliding along made her feel graceful, as though she were merely floating with him as her tether.
In short order, the joy of the dance took over. She laughed breathlessly as they spun. “You are an excellent dancer, my lord.”
“Good to know I have skills in one area.”
“I’m quite sure waltzing is merely one of many.”
His gaze held hers so intently that her stomach flipped. What did he think she’d referred to with her remark? As he continued to hold her gaze, her world narrowed to him, and only him. The way he looked at her made her wonder if he felt the same attraction for her as she did for him.
His hand tightened on her waist, making her feel as if he’d pulled her closer. What would it be like to continue where they’d left off yesterday? The question heated her entire body, leaving certain parts tingling.
“You have a vitality for life that few share, Caroline.”
“Vitality?” The unusual word made her feel special, especially coming from a rogue like Richard.
The music drew to a finish. Still holding her gaze, he tucked her arm under his and guided her off the dance floor. The lights and sounds around them faded, at last making her realize they stood in a small alcove along the far wall of the ballroom.
He turned to face her in the dim light, his fingers touching a strand of hair that curled along her face. She felt as if he’d cast a spell over her. She couldn’t move, nor did she want to. She wanted this moment to last forever.
When he leaned closer, she lifted her mouth without thought, as though it was the natural thing to do, just like yesterday. For a moment, she thought she’d been mistaken, that he hadn’t been about to kiss her.
Then his lips brushed hers, once, twice, and the third much longer. He shifted, taking the kiss deeper. Lovely swirls of sensation moved through her body, causing heat to build low in her belly.
It wasn’t enough, she realized. With a soft moan, she stepped closer and he held her even tighter. She rested her hands along his jacket, then moved them higher. More than anything, she wanted to touch him, but her gloves prevented that. The solidness of him made her wonder what his jacket hid.
Then his tongue pressed the seam of her lips, stealing all her thoughts. She gladly opened her mouth to allow him entrance. She couldn’t help but compare all she was feeling with what she’d felt with David, her former fiancé. Perhaps time had dimmed her memory, but kissing Richard was nothing like kissing David.
Richard’s kiss held the promise of things to come. It had her wondering what it would be like to share a passionate night with him. If a mere kiss left her reeling, what would making love be like?
She pulled b
ack with a gasp, frightened of where her mind was taking her, especially when her body so eagerly wanted to follow.
Richard’s eyes glittered in the candlelight, masking his thoughts. “Definitely unique.”
She touched her lips, amazed at the sensation his mouth pressed against hers had created. Part of her felt as if she were still gliding along the dance floor.
He reached for her hand, but she stepped back. Touching him again in this moment seemed a terrible idea. Despite the lack of true privacy, she was no longer certain she had the will to stop.
“We should return to the ball,” she managed. “Before our absence is noticed.”
He gestured for her to precede him, but she could feel him behind her, making her body hum. Why did she suddenly question that ending this engagement was for the best?
No. She couldn’t allow herself to think like that. Marrying this man would not save her family. Having feelings for him would only cloud her goal, and that was something she couldn’t afford.
She swallowed hard, hoping she could steel her emotions and her reactions for the task before her.
~*~
Richard unfolded the news sheet beside his breakfast plate. As per usual, he skimmed the headlines then turned to the advertisement section in the rear.
There was only one advertisement that interested him in The Times. Second column from the left, third in the row. This morning, it stated:
Designated parties should join the discussion promptly at ten o’clock on the morrow at the usual meeting place.
Richard sighed. He’d hoped to delay a meeting with the Prime Minister at Whitehall until he had more to report.
News sheets provided one of their means of communication. The less messages sent, the less chance of those who worked for the Crown being discovered. Editors and reporters had their fingers on the pulse of the world. They often supplied better intelligence than those who worked for Whitehall.
One of Richard’s tasks was to provide the names of those individuals who’d raised suspicion and needed further evaluation. At the moment, he had only one, but he wasn’t yet ready to share it.
Romancing The Rogue (The Rogue Chronicles Book 1) Page 6