Love Birds: The Complete Collection

by Ruth J. Hartman

  Perhaps he shouldn’t speak so easily of his other conquests. “Oh, no one in particular.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Are there so many that you can’t recall of which woman you speak?”

  He shrugged. This wasn’t going at all how he’d planned. “I—”

  “So you’re saying there are other women…”

  He held up his hand. “No, uh… Not, well now.”

  Both of her eyebrows shot up. “Not now?”

  “No one but you.”

  “And just how long has it been since there was another? I’m merely one in a long line of—”

  “Certainly not!” He’d spoken the words too loud, frightening a small nearby sparrow into frantic flight.

  She tilted her head. “I like you. Very much. But I’m not one to be trifled with. I’ll not be one of many eggs in your basket, so to speak.”

  “I can assure you, Georgiana, that at this moment, you are the only egg about whom I care.”

  She bit her lip and smiled.

  Percy took that as a good sign. Maybe he could talk her into finding a private spot somewhere. “Say, would you like to—”

  Georgiana turned her head suddenly to something just off to their right. “Oh look! There’s a red-breasted flycatcher!” Taking hold of Percy’s hand, jerking him nearly off his feet as well as from his thoughts, Georgiana took off at a walk so brisk to be nearly a run. Percy stumbled and went down. Georgiana, still clinging to him, toppled too. They’d ended up in a small valley, well out of sight of the main path.

  “Woman, it’s clear from your actions that you desire me.”

  “But I—”

  Percy cupped her face in his palm. “How often in a short period of time have I ended up with you on top of my person?”

  She raised one hand and pointed behind him. “But I thought I saw a red-breasted flycatcher.”

  He shook his head, a slow grin spreading across his face. “You can use a bird as an excuse for your exuberance, but you and I both really know the reason.”

  “Reason for what?” She struggled against him, trying to move away.

  “That you appear to have a fondness for being exceedingly close to me.”

  Georgiana glanced to their left. “But the bird. It will get away!”

  “Ah… comparing me to a bird now, are we? I’ll take that as a compliment. I’m not going to fly away, Lady Peregrine.”

  She blinked and peered down at him as if for the first time. “Pardon?”

  “You’ve successfully captured my attention, I assure you. I do believe you’re trying to ensnare me.”

  Her face colored, giving her an attractive pinkish hue. “Well, I…”

  Percy tugged her close, fully intending on an extended kiss. Something shuffled in the grass a few feet away, and Georgiana angled around and gasped. Percy finally pulled his gaze from her and turned too.

  A very large woman stood staring at them, her hand clutching the arm of a man only a third her width. “Of all the… well! Come along, Mr. Smyth. Some things one shouldn’t have to witness in polite society.” The pair tromped off with Mrs. Smyth, Percy presumed, muttering about people having immoral relations in a park.

  Georgiana wiggled, struggling to move from on top of him. Her movement only inflamed his desire. He clasped her upper arms. “My good woman, cease your thrashing about, or we’ll give passersby more to observe than a fully clothed couple simply lying on the grass.”

  With a loud gasp, Georgiana held as still as a sleeping owl on a branch.

  “Now, slowly, roll to the side — no knees thrust at me if you please — and sit in the grass.”

  Georgiana complied, but her face had darkened to the shade of a setting sun.

  Percy stood and brushed off his clothing. He reached down and assisted Georgiana to her feet. He brushed her dress free of grass. When he reached around to dust off her bottom, Georgiana grabbed his hand tightly.

  “Percy, I think not.” She glanced behind her to the direction in which the rotund woman had waddled.

  Percy sighed. And it had been shaping up to be such a delightful visit to the park.

  Chapter Six

  Georgiana hummed softly as she added some chiff-chaff feathers to an old hat, hoping to give it some extra life since she couldn’t spare the money for a new one. Percy was coming for her today. Again! Yesterday at Hyde Park and the day prior at his home must have gone more smoothly than she’d thought. With all the tumbling about, though enjoyable, she’d feared it would have put Percy off.

  Then when that woman, that dowager started glaring at her and making veiled insults, Georgiana was ready to pounce on the other woman like Winston on a feather.

  The nerve! She’d never even set eyes on the woman before. Why had she been so hateful and rude? It wasn’t as if Georgiana had anything she could want.

  Wait. There’d been a few moments, a blissful few minutes when the dowager had hastened off to sulk on a shady bench. Georgiana had noticed the other woman watching Percy in a predatory manner, leaning forward, eyes wide and staring.

  No. Surely not.

  Georgiana hadn’t given it much thought before, given the fact that she was ready to shove the dowager into a nearby creek, but thinking about it now…

  Could it be? Could she have seen the way Percy was so solicitous to Georgiana and gotten jealous?

  With a shrug, Georgiana tried on the finished hat and checked herself in the looking glass. She was wearing her third best dress. Wouldn’t do to wear the same ones as the two days prior, though this one was noticeably more worn around the hem. Perhaps he wouldn’t notice.

  And just like before, he hadn’t told her what their destination would be. It vexed her not to know. Did he gain delight from keeping things a secret, or was it possible he didn’t do it on purpose?

  A knock came from the front door. Georgiana had instructed Mary to open the door in lieu of Georgiana doing it again herself. A titled lady had to have some respect, didn’t she?

  Too excited to see Percy again, she didn’t wait for Mary to fetch her. She hurried down the stairs, slowing only when she remembered the tumble she’d taken down them only last week.

  Keeping a firm grip on the banister, she forced her feet to take things slow. A good impression was needed today after falling in Percy’s lap, more than once, and also nearly getting into a hissing match with the dowager over nothing.

  If the dowager did indeed have an interest in Percy, all the more reason for Georgiana to make progress today.

  By the time she reached the bottom of the stairs, Mary hovered in the doorway. Was Percy in the parlor? Mary’s eyes darted back and forth between Georgiana and that room. The woman resembled a common cuckoo, which wasn’t a compliment. Much as Georgiana liked and appreciated Mary, the maid could often be somewhat of a dolt.

  Georgiana walked to the doorway and peeked in. “Thank you, Mary, for showing Mr. Radcliff to the parlor.”

  Mary gave a perfect curtsey, much to Georgiana’s chagrin. Just once I’d like to execute one of those without feeling like I will topple over. “Your tea is in the parlor, as requested, Lady Ollerton.”

  “Thank—” Before Georgiana could finish her sentiment, Mary all but ran up the stairs and out of sight. What in the world had that been about? She’d counted on Mary being a sort of chaperone as long as Percy was in her house.

  Though, not having one in Percy’s carriage had been lovely. Yes, very nice indeed.

  She stepped into the parlor and glanced up at Percy, who now stood.

  “Ah, my lovely Lady Peregrine. How is it you’re more beautiful than last I saw you?” He took both of her hands in his, kissing the back of first the right, then the left.

  Warmth flowed through Georgiana. And all from the man kissing her hand through her gloves. If she was already this heated by his presence, perhaps they’d better forgo tea and hurry to their destination. Much as she longed to share more embraces with him, it was so soon in their relationship. No sens
e giving him the notion that she would willingly be a light-skirt.

  After a glance over her shoulder, wondering what became of Mary, Georgiana allowed Percy to help her sit on the settee. Though they needed to leave, and soon, propriety demanded she show at least a modicum of manners.

  “Would you care for some tea, Percy, before we depart?”

  He waved a hand at the tray, as if shooing away a bee. “No time for tea.”

  “Are you in a hurry, then?” She frowned.

  “Yes.” He leaned closer. “Definitely in a hurry.”

  She raised one eyebrow. “Oh. Then perhaps we should—”

  “No. Don’t.”

  “Don’t what?”

  Percy flicked a glance toward the open doorway and stood. “Pardon me, won’t you?”

  “I… suppose.” What is he doing? I thought he was too busy for tea and in a rush to leave.

  She glanced down at the bodice of her dress, hoping the quick mend Mary had done on the lace still held. How nice it would be to have been able to purchase a new dress for today.

  The unmistakable click of a closing door reached her. Angling in that direction, she saw Percy standing there, his back pressed against the door, hands splayed on either side of him, fingers drumming on the wood. “Percy?”

  As if that was some sort of invitation, he left his place by the door and approached her. Stealthily. Like a cat after a wayward field mouse. He sat down once again. Very close. The man was practically on her lap!

  “I don’t under—”

  Percy placed his finger over her lips, stifling her words. As if just noticing what she wore, his gaze roamed up from her face to her hat. “May I remove your hat?”

  “Why?” Did he think the hat was ugly?

  “It will make things go so much more smoothly.”

  “What things?”

  “Has anyone ever told you that you ask too many questions?” He let out a sigh.

  “Has anyone ever told you that it’s vexing not to be told what’s going on?”

  He chuckled. A deep seductive sound that awakened every nerve in her body. Good heavens. What kind of power did this man possess that all he had to do was—

  Percy reached up, slowly, and pulled out the pins holding her hat in place.”

  “Wait, I—”

  He shook his head, as if gently scolding a naughty child. “Georgiana, do you trust me?”

  Did she? Part of her knew she shouldn’t. Not even a little. The other part, though, the part that controlled her cravings and urges, urges she’d almost forgotten were even there, stood up and shouted that yes, she would do anything he asked of her. “Yes.”

  One side of his mouth rose beneath a deep dimple. “Splendid.”

  “But I really don’t think—”

  “You don’t have to think, just be.”

  Be? “Be what?”

  He sighed. “You’re not helping my plan come to fruition.”

  She held up one hand. “Speaking of plans, I thought we were to go—”

  “Go? Who said anything about leaving this room?”

  She lowered her eyebrows. “But—”

  One by one, he removed the pins holding up her long, thick, graying hair. He smoothed the locks down around her shoulders and then leaned forward, inhaling the hair just above her earlobe.

  Her thoughts were getting muddy. What was she… oh yes. “I… I thought we were to have an outing.”

  “We are. Of a sort.”

  “But doesn’t an outing usually mean going… out?”

  “This is more of an inning. Normally I would agree with you, my dear. But I thought that it might be pleasant—” He kissed her left temple with such tenderness she nearly cried. “—to stay here and get better acquainted.”

  Georgiana closed her eyes as he pulled her close. The man was intoxicating. Time slowed, and a sluggish feeling of having over imbibed on spirits took control. “So we’re not leaving?”

  “No.” He ran his tongue just below her right ear.

  Georgiana’s eyes popped open. “But my maid!”

  “She isn’t invited to our party.”

  “No, I mean what if she—”

  Percy shook his head. “Your maid won’t bother us.”

  “How could you possibly know that?”

  “Because I paid her to make herself disappear for a while. Quite a long while, if I have my say.” His gaze roved over her face from forehead to chin.

  As if physically touched, Georgiana’s skin warmed. She blinked. While she should be vexed at Mary having taken a bribe to leave them in private, she couldn’t seem to summon any ire. Because the way Percy was caressing her and pressing her close to his chest was too delicious for her to worry about anything else.

  Chapter Seven

  Percy waited, but not patiently, while his valet tied his cravat. His hessian boots, though blackened only two days ago, were given another shine. The day prior with Georgiana had been magical. Today he wanted to look his best, because his expectations were to exceed yesterday’s splendor.

  The valet nodded and stepped away, giving Percy a few moments alone. When he closed his eyes, he could imagine Georgiana was there with him. Right now. In his arms. Her soft skin and lavender scent nearly melting him into a grateful pool of warmth.

  How had he been so fortunate to have met her? Their chance meeting at the Sanctuary had changed his life. He’d only known her for a little while, but that time had been the happiest of his existence. Who would have guessed that he’d meet someone like her when he was past, no, well past his prime?

  That mattered not. Percy was one to live in the moment. And this moment would be lived to the fullest.

  He hurried from his room and reached the bottom of the stairs just as the footman opened the front door. Several people stepped in.

  Guests? Right now? Oh no.

  Once the footman moved aside, Percy could identify them. Conrad and Amelia. No surprise there, as they were frequent visitors. But the other…

  The dowager. Percy frowned. For a woman who had never seemed terribly bent toward being sociable, two visits in one week were unexpected.

  Ready to give a quick hello and then turn them over to his nephew, Percy inwardly groaned. Barrington and Cecilia were out for the day. The entire day. Basic etiquette demanded that Percy, as the one at home to receive them, put aside his own plans and entertain them.

  Perfect.

  Percy got the attention of the maid to bring some tea. Then he turned, forming a pleasant expression on his face that he didn’t mean. “Please, won’t you join me in the parlor?”

  The younger couple nodded and preceded him into the room a few feet away. Intending to extend his arm for the dowager to take, she gasped when her hand didn’t quite connect with his.

  And she fell!

  “Oh!” He sucked in a breath and dropped to his knees beside her. “Are your hurt?”

  She lay crumpled next to the wall. With a groan, she reached her hand up to her brow. “Oh, my head…”

  Why? Why did this have to happen here? When no one is about but me?

  Conrad and Amelia rushed from the room, calling out to Conrad’s mother.

  Instead of the dowager reaching for her son, she latched onto Percy’s hand and tugged him close to her face. “Darling, is it you?”

  Darling? Percy frowned. Who did she think—

  “Oh, my love. How I’ve missed you.”

  A gasp came from behind him. Had it been Amelia? Conrad tried and failed to kneel next to his mother. Given the lack of space by the wall and the way the dowager had Percy pressed against her, it was no wonder. The woman pulled him even closer, until he could feel her hot breath against his cheek.

  What was going on?

  Percy was barely able to call over his shoulder to the footman. “Fetch the physician. Quick!” Just then, he remembered that their usual physician had been called away due to a family emergency of his own. Surely, though, he had someone to take his place in
emergencies? Booted steps hurried away as the footman left to see to his errand.

  Percy closed his eyes briefly. Georgiana was expecting him. He would be late, even if he left now. The problem was he could not leave now. One, because it just wasn’t done to have guests and leave when one was injured. And two, the blasted woman had a hold on him as tight as a falcon on a shrew!

  “Oh…” The dowager groaned again. “You’ve made me so happy, darling, returning to me. Now I’ll never be alone again.”

  Why was she babbling on about Percy being her darling? She must have really struck her head hard. Why, today of all days, was Barrington not in residence?

  Amelia pressed her hand on Percy’s shoulder. “I don’t think we’re supposed to move her, but there’s no way of knowing what the injury is on the back of her head unless we look.”

  “Please,” moaned the woman on the floor. “The… the hardness of the wood hurts. It hurts so badly!”

  Percy’s hand was nearly numb from the way she squeezed it. Angling as far to the side as he could, which wasn’t far, he addressed the two behind him. “Shall I carry her to the parlor, then?”

  “Please,” said Conrad.

  The dowager had Percy so close he could now kiss her. As if he’d ever want to. Horror washed over him at the mental image that thought produced. After yanking his hand from hers, and with great effort for the woman was quite hefty, Percy wrapped his arms beneath her shoulder and knees and stood.

  Blood rushed to his head, and he closed his eyes, waiting until the sensation abated.

  “Are you feeling unwell?” Conrad’s hand rested on Percy’s shoulder.

  He shook his head, just wanting to get the terribleness of holding the snide woman over with.

  Though he wanted to have it done with quickly, he took great care in his steps so not to trip. Wouldn’t that have been wonderful? Finally, he reached the settee and placed her gently on the soft surface.

  “Ahhh.” A smile crossed the dowager’s face. Her eyes popped open and she stared right at him. A groan soon followed as if she’d forgotten her pain temporarily and just recalled it.

  How odd.

  The maid rushed in with a blanket and handed it to Percy. He covered the woman and then stepped away. As he tried to massage life back into his numbed hand, Percy shook his head. What an extraordinary, awful, terrible turn of events.