by Dawn Brower
“What is this?”
“A celebration,” Coventry replied. “To this birthday and many more to come, but most importantly, to your freedom.”
“My what?”
“I think he hit his head,” Asthey said. “It’s your birthday, or did you forget that part?”
“No,” Jonas said carefully. “I’m well aware of what today is. It’s the freedom part I don’t understand.”
“You have full control of your inheritance now,” Coventry said. “Southington doesn’t have a say in your purse strings.”
Jonas sighed. “I didn’t need the funds from Harrington Manor to survive for a long time now. That doesn’t matter to me.”
He’d given up hope on having anything to do with the estate. The title, for the most part, had been in name only for years. His father hadn’t taken the courtesy title from being the duke’s son. If he had, then his father would have been the Marquess of Starling—and Jonas too upon his father’s death. Instead, he’d taken his other grandfather’s title, on his mother’s side, and became the Earl of Harrington. He had been the sole living heir, and it had more honor in it.
With his father’s death, Jonas had become his grandfather’s ward. The duke had tried to make him take the Starling title, but Jonas had refused it as his father had. Unfortunately, it gave the duke control over the Harrington estate, and in turn, tarnished that honor. His grandfather had his hands in everything involving the Harrington estate and ruled it with harsh demands and cruelty. The tenants were miserable, and the duke found pleasure in it.
“Doesn’t it?” Coventry said softly. “Think about it, and when you’re ready to claim your home again I’ll help you.”
Perhaps he should claim his estate. He hated dealing with his grandfather, but he owed it to the tenants to wrench control from the evil bastard. They might be able to find a level of happiness at least. Someone should even if it wasn’t Jonas. He nodded. “How did you get everyone here?”
“We’ve been planning this for a while,” Asthey said. “Shelby and I decided your thirtieth year shouldn’t go unmarked by celebration.”
He had great friends. “Thank you.” Jonas glanced around the room. “Where is Shelby?”
“I’m here,” Shelby announced from behind him. “Sorry I’m late. Had a disagreement with my mother.”
Shelby was always arguing with his mother. She was the one who pushed him to escort his sister to all the balls. It was his duty as the oldest male relative. Unfortunately for his sister, Shelby hated ton parties and tried to avoid them as much as possible. Too many innocents looking for marriage for his taste.
“About?” Jonas asked even though he suspected he knew the answer.
“Same thing as always,” Shelby replied. “Don’t suppose I can talk you two—” He gestured to Asthey then Jonas. “—into attending a ball tonight?”
“I’d rather shoot myself with my own pistol,” Asthey said.
“Don’t be so dramatic,” Shelby said, rolling his eyes. “They’re not that bad.”
“What’s in it for us?” Jonas asked. “It’s my birthday. We should do something I want to do.”
They both would go to the ball, but they had to pretend they didn’t want to. It was a game they played often at Shelby’s expense. They were closer than brothers could possibly be, and they stood by each other no matter what.
“Not so fast,” Shelby said. “We already planned your birthday surprise, and I promise you’ll love her.”
Jonas lifted a brow. “I don’t think I like the sound of that.”
“He does have a thing for red hair,” Asthey deadpanned. “Please tell me you found the one he was ogling the other day.”
His friends probably hired a courtesan for him.
“I’m not going to ruin the surprise.” Shelby grinned. “Let’s go. My sister will be waiting, and I don’t want to hear my mother shriek because I’m late.”
“What ball is this?” Jonas asked. He didn’t want to see Shelby’s mother. She really did shriek loud enough to ruin a man’s hearing. He intended to avoid that at all costs. “We’ll meet you there.”
“The Loxton ball,” Shelby said, then sighed. “I don’t blame you for not wanting to accompany me to my house. I love her, but my mother drives me insane. After the ball though—that’s when the real fun will begin.
Jonas shook his head as they exited the club. He didn’t have the heart to tell them he wasn’t interested in a doxy. They meant well, but spending the evening with a high priced bit of muslin wasn’t how he wanted his evening to play out. Sadly, he had another red-haired beauty on his mind, and he since he couldn’t have her, he didn’t want any. He’d find a reason to go home after the ball. It was the sole solution that would work without injuring his friends’ pride.
CHAPTER FOUR
MUSIC FILLED THE BALLROOM as gentlemen led ladies to the dance floor. Marian remained poised near the wall as she attempted to blend in with Kaitlin on her right. She hated balls but came to help Samantha convince her brother to take them to the house party. Persuading him wasn’t going to be easy. They would be taking him away from London and all his favorite entertainments. She tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for them to arrive. No doubt Shelby had been delayed retrieving Samantha, but she was still eager for her friend to arrive.
“Where are they?” She sighed as she glanced at the entrance. Surely they would be announcing them soon.
“Patience isn’t one of your strongest attributes,” Kaitlin replied.
“The Earl of Harrington and the Earl of Asthey,” a Loxton Servant announced the lords.
“Well, Lord Shelby’s friends are here, so he can’t be far behind.” Marian kept her gaze on Harrington. His handsome face continued to haunt her. Too bad his attitude didn’t match his outward façade.
“They both look annoyed,” Kaitlin observed. “Do you think Lord Shelby made them attend?
The two men cut through the crowd, occasionally stopping to talk to a lord or lady they encountered. They didn’t stay long with any one person or group. They seemed to have a destination in mind and kept moving with purpose. They hadn’t opened the card room yet; that was meant for after dinner. What were they up to?
“I doubt anyone can make those two do anything they don’t want to do,” Marian replied almost absentmindedly. She couldn’t look away from the two men, or rather Lord Harrington. Her fascination with him was unnerving, and she wished she could forget about him. “They’re not known for their weak personalities.”
“That’s true,” Kaitlin agreed. “Individually, they’re rather intimidating, but together, they’re a force to be reckoned with.”
The two earls were getting closer to them. If she could sink farther against the wall, she would have. As it was, Marian and Kaitlin were almost flesh with it. A ball wasn’t something either one of them found pleasure in. She prayed that neither one of the earls noticed them. Marian had something much more important to deal with then the two of them.
Harrington paused mid-step and then changed his direction. The new trajectory led him straight toward her. Why had he altered his course? She glanced around the room and realized what made him turn in her direction. His grandfather, the Duke of Southington was in his path. Their discord was a known fact. She wasn’t sure what caused the rift between them, but it was real enough. Marian glanced up as Harrington closed the distance between them. His lips tilted upward as recognition crossed his face.
“Lady Marian,” he drawled. His voice was husky and warmed her. “May I have this dance?”
“No,” she said. “I’m fine where I am.”
“Are you?” He lifted a brow. “The wall must be a titillating conversationalist.”
“Quite riveting,” she said as she boldly met his gaze. “At least they understand proper etiquette and are dependable.”
Harrington opened his mouth to reply but snapped it shut. Maybe she’d finally caught him off guard and he’d leave her be. Somehow, she
doubted that though. The earl wasn’t known for walking away from a good debate, and she suspected he’d maneuver her where he wanted her.
Lord Asthey caught up to them. “You could have warned me.” He glared at Harrington. “You left me in the clutches of Lady Loxton. You know how she gets—daft bird was trying to push one of her daughters at me. As if I have any intention of marrying anyone, let alone one of those featherbrains.”
“That’s not very nice,” Kaitlin said scathingly. “Charlotte and Henrietta are nice, wonderful individuals. Unlike you and your ilk.”
“My apologies,” Asthey said earnestly He had the good sense to look chagrined at Kaitlin’s rebuke. “Forgive me.”
“It’s not me that you should be apologizing to.” Kaitlin turned up her nose. “You should find one of the ladies you were cruelly mocking and dance with them.”
“That’s taking things a bit far,” Asthey replied. “Perhaps you’ll dance with me in their stead.”
Kaitlin wasn’t usually caught off guard, but Lord Asthey managed to leave her speechless. Truth be told, she didn’t often have the chance to converse with many gentlemen. Her dance card was never filled, and more often than not, remained empty the entire evening. She was shy and did keep the wall company more often than not. When she believed in something though, she spoke her mind eloquently. It didn’t take long for her dear cousin to remember her place and answer the earl. “No thank you,” Kaitlin answered. “I don’t care for dancing.”
“I’ll say.” Harrington glanced from Marian and then back to Kaitlin. “You two are the most unnatural ladies.”
“How so?” Marian asked. “I think we’re perfectly ordinary.”
“No,” Lord Asthey replied carefully. “There’s nothing commonplace about either one of you.” He stared at them as if trying to understand them. Then turned toward Kaitlin. “I respect your wish to refrain from dancing. Perhaps you’ll walk with me instead.”
She sighed. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“I fear not.” He grinned. “I’m rather curious and want to understand you. I’m odd in that regard.”
“All right,” she agreed. “Once around the room and nothing more.”
He placed his hand on his chest and bowed. “It’s more than I deserve.” He held out his arm to her and she looped hers around it. They left without uttering another word. Marian was rather baffled by it all. Did Asthey hope to court her cousin?
No—the earl was a confirmed bachelor. He wasn’t seeking a bride and would run at the very thought of it. Kaitlin’s innocence would remain intact and she’d be safe, as long as they remained in the ballroom. If Lord Asthey led her away from the crowd, she’d put a stop to it immediately.
Unfortunately, their absence left her alone with Lord Harrington. Something she hadn’t considered until that very moment...
JONAS COULDN’T HELP the bafflement that overtook him. Asthey was walking around a dance floor with an eligible female. He never thought he’d see the day his friend willingly did something so—gentlemanly. It was bound to happen at some point. They all were susceptible to a pretty face and a witty mind. There were some former members of the club who had found wives—he wished them all well, but he didn’t plan on ever succumbing to the matrimonial state. He loved the club too much to give it up for wedded bliss.
“They left us alone,” he replied. “What shall we do in their absence?”
“Practice being silent,” Marian suggested. “See how long you can go without annoying me by opening your mouth.”
“Darling.” He leaned down as close as he dared in a ballroom and whispered, “Sometimes an open mouth can be used for more than speaking.”
“What?” Marian crinkled her eyebrows together in confusion, then shook her head. “Never mind. I don’t wish to know.”
“Are you sure?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “I’d be happy to tutor you in the fine art of the most decadent pleasure.”
He couldn’t help baiting her. She made it so easy, and if he were to be honest, he wouldn’t mind touching her mouth with his own. She had delectable pink lips that reminded him of ripe berries. He wanted to find out if they were as sweet as they appeared. Lady Marian was fast becoming an addiction he hadn’t had the pleasure of partaking yet. He couldn’t wait for the moment he could discover every one of her secrets, and he hoped she’d be equally enthused at the prospect of an illicit kiss or several.
She licked her lips. The sight of her pink tongue gliding across those delicious lips almost undid him. He had to lead her into a dark corner or a room he could lock. Jonas wanted some uninterrupted time alone with her. Maybe if he kissed her senseless he’d be able to get her out of his system.
“As tempting as that offer is,” she said a little breathlessly. “I’m afraid I’ll have to decline.”
“Harrington,” a male said from behind him.
Jonas froze at the sound, unable to move for several heartbeats. Slowly, he turned to face the one man he hated. “Hello, grandfather,” he replied evenly. “What made you decide to visit the depravity of London?”
“You need to come home.”
This was an old song and dance. The old man still thought he could browbeat him into doing his bidding. Jonas wasn’t a young lad lost in his grief and hadn’t been for over a decade and a half. “Southington was never my home.” And it never would be. “It will be nice to visit my actual home now that you no longer control it.”
“Don’t be insolent,” his grandfather barked. “That estate is paltry in comparison to mine.”
Jonas laughed.
“What’s so humorous?” The duke asked. “I speak the truth and I find nothing too comical in my statement.”
“No,” Jonas agreed. “You wouldn’t. If you’ll excuse me, I promised Lady Marian a dance.”
Marian had thankfully been quiet through that whole exchange and didn’t argue with him as he led her to the dance floor. She didn’t speak until they were fully engrossed in the waltz. He hadn’t even realized what dance had been playing and had routinely went in step with the melody.
“Do you wish to discuss what happened with your grandfather?”
“Not particularly,” he responded. “I’d much rather talk about you.” He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. Her mouth fell open rather delectably. If they didn’t have so many prying gazes staring at them, he’d have leaned forward and kissed her as he’d been imagining for hours. Had it really been earlier that afternoon he’d found her at Sir Anthony’s? It seemed like much longer than that.
“I’d rather talk about nearly anything else but me,” she said dryly. “I’m a boring topic.”
“I disagree,” he said huskily. “I find you fascinating.”
“Why are you doing this?” She turned her gaze from him. “We both know I’m dissimilar to your usual conquests.”
“Beautiful?” He quirked a brow. “Intelligent?”
“Unmarried,” she spat out. “Innocent.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” He grinned wickedly. “Only one of those words apply to you—and you’re correct on that score. I don’t dabble with unattached ladies. I might be willing to make an exception for you if I didn’t respect your father.”
“How noble of you.” She frowned. “What makes you believe I’d allow you any scandalous liberties?”
He didn’t doubt she’d welcome his touch. Her eyes nearly burned with a fire that begged to be unleashed. Jonas wished he could be the one to watch her come alive with desire and bring her to the very pinnacle of pleasure. Sadly, he’d have to settle for something much tamer than the things he’d conjured in his mind. A kiss would keep her virtue in place and give him a taste of her fire.
“There’s a wantonness inside of you,” he replied. “You barely keep it contained, and anyone who really looks can see it. One day you’ll break free and give in to that need. I hope I’m there to see you in all your glory when it happens.”
“Don’t be ridi
culous,” she retorted. “I’m not the person you believe, and I’d never do those things. I’m more refined than that.’
“Do you care to wager on that?” He’d made a lot of money betting on the impossible over the years. He had a knack of seeing the whole picture and the best possible outcome. It had taken him a while to improve upon his instincts, but once he had, he’d never been wrong.
“No thank you,” she replied. “Gambling is too risky, and I don’t like you.”
“Now you’re not being honest with yourself.” He winked. “You like me far more than you want to admit.”
“You’re not going to convince me to wager against you.” She shook her head. “Your reputation precedes you, and last I overheard you never lose. I’m not a fool.”
He couldn’t help the grin her words invoked. She was right—he never lost, and he took great pride in it. Too bad she declined the wager. He’d have liked winning a boon from her. The strands of the waltz came to an end. Jonas led her to her spot near the wall. Her cousin had already returned, and Asthey was nowhere to be found. Thankfully his grandfather had disappeared as well. Though he’d still be vigilant where the old goat was concerned. He was liable to appear when Jonas least expected it. For now, he was more concerned about Asthey’s whereabouts. Where had his friend gone? Maybe Shelby had finally arrived. He’d go look for them after he returned Marian to her cousin’s side.
“Lady Kaitlin.” Jonas bowed. “Lady Marian. It’s been a pleasure. I hope we’ll meet again soon in equally pleasant circumstances.”
With those words, he left the two ladies and went in search of his friends. He didn’t want to think about his growing obsession with Lady Marian. It wasn’t healthy, and if he kept on his current path, it might lead to something he’d regret. The best thing he could do for both of them was forget about her, but he doubted he’d be able to erase her from his mind.