by Lauren Smith
“Did you know that Seth is acquainted with the Duke of Grafton?” Hannah asked.
Brooke nearly choked on her scotch at the mention of Drake.
“Narissa asked him over supper the night we returned from gown shopping, and Seth said he attended Eton with the duke.”
“I’m not surprised,” Brooke said. “They are around the same age.”
Hannah swirled the liquor in her tumbler. “Narissa invited him to the ball. Do you think he’ll attend?”
Brooke’s heart skipped a beat. She’d not expected him to be in attendance, not that she’d begrudge him of it. In fact, Narissa’s ball would be the perfect venue for him to start his hunt for a duchess.
Her stomach sank. Why did it bother her that he wished to marry? She’d always known he would at some point.
Perhaps it was because he had not come for her?
Nonsense. Brooke had no wish to marry, and she’d not begrudge Drake happiness. He was, after all, a duke and did have to marry if for no other reason than to protect his family line and title.
She ran her finger around the rim of her tumbler. “I hope that he does attend.”
“Because you are enamored with him?” Hannah arched an eyebrow, mischief dancing in her gaze.
Brooke shook her head. “No. Because he is looking to marry, and this would be the perfect place for him to start his search for a wife.” Brooke tipped her tumbler to her lips, downing her remaining scotch, then sat her crystal tumbler on the sideboard. “I may even introduce him to a few suitable ladies.”
Hannah followed Brooke from the parlor. As they turned down the hallway, she said, “I could help as well.”
“There is no need for you to meddle,” Brooke said.
“But there is for you?” Hannah slanted her gaze toward Brooke. “See you like him,” she exclaimed.
“Stop being ridiculous.” Brooke waved one hand in front of her. “I only want to help ensure he doesn’t get trapped by some title hunting harpy.”
She and Drake did share a friendship. She’d not attempt to lie to herself and pretend she didn’t care for him. She cared deeply. She always had and likely always would. The least she could do was aid him in his endeavor.
Hannah nudged Brooke with her elbow and nodded to their right as they stepped into the ballroom. “It seems he does not require help from either of us,” Hannah said.
Brooke followed her direction and found Drake standing amidst a swarm of the seasons finest offerings.
A cluster of young ladies dressed in fashionable gowns with jewels glittering from their ears and necks surrounded him. Lady Beatrice Heartwood, considered to be the season’s prime catch, hung shamelessly on his arm and beamed up at him.
Perhaps it was the scotch Brooke had drunk, or maybe she’d simply lost her mind. But with her attention frozen on Drake, she said, “he looks to be in need of saving,” then without waiting for Hannah to reply, Brooke marched toward Drake.
She pushed her way through the group of flirting women and took Drake’s free arm. When he looked down at her, she said, “I believe this is our waltz.”
Drake grinned, a knowing twinkle in his gaze, then nodded. “Just so.”
Lady Beatrice huffed in annoyance as Drake pulled his arm free of her grasp then swept Brooke onto the polished dance floor.
He pulled her into his arms and asked, “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Brooke’s throat tightened at the realization of what she’d just done. She could not confess to her jealousy, so she evaded his question, instead saying, “I hadn’t expected to see you here.”
“Are you displeased?”
“No, just the opposite,” Brooke said.
Drake pulled her closer as he led her through the dance. “Good.”
Her stomach fluttered, heat spreading through her at the intimate contact. She feared she may burst into flames at any moment, and yet there was nowhere else she would wish to be.
Shameful considering that she no more wanted to marry him than she wished to see him marry another. Helpful indeed!
Surely there was a special place in hell for a woman like her.
She should stop these shenanigans at once. Control her emotions a bit better and help him in his endeavor rather than acting like a stone wall, preventing him from spending time with available ladies.
“What’s bothering you, Brooke?
She chased away her thoughts and met Drake’s gaze. “Nothing. I was just thinking.”
“About?” Drake prodded.
Brooke smiled and nodded toward the group of debutantes staring at them. “I was wondering if any of them captured your fancy. I could help you choose one.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Drake twirled her out, then brought her close to him, his hand settling on the small of her back.
“I see you are still stubborn.” Brooke shook her head. “Should you change your mind, you need only ask.”
“I won’t,” Drake said in a matter of fact tone as the quartet struck the final cords.
He led her from the dance floor, stopping near its edge. “I’d like to enjoy a refreshment with you, but I’m afraid I promised the Duchess of Blackmore the next dance.”
“You would not want to disappoint our host.” As reluctant as she was to release him, Brooke brought her hand to her side. She’d done more than enough to embarrass herself for one night. Besides, Narissa posed no threat, she was happily wed to Seth as well as being Brooke’s dearest friend.
As for who he danced with next… Brooke’s stomach clenched.
Why did the idea of him with another woman bother her so much? Whatever had been between them was a lifetime ago. A small infatuation between kids. They were adults now. He was her friend, nothing more.
So why did her pulse race when he came near? Why did her stomach flutter and her fingers twitch with the need to touch him?
Bloody hell, she needed more scotch.
Her behavior was more than a little ridiculous, and the last thing she wanted was to ruin her friendship with Drake because of it.
She needed to take her leave. To spend some time away from Drake and clear her mind.
Brooke glanced around the ballroom. With so many people in attendance, she doubted Narissa would notice her absence.
Even if she did, she’d surely forgive her. Leaving was a far better option than remaining and making a complete cake of herself.
With a little distance, she had no doubt she could get herself under control. The next time she saw Drake, her body and mind would behave.
She’d be his friend and nothing more.
Chapter 4
Warm sunshine beat down on Drake as he rode his stallion toward Hyde Park. He passed a few merchants and a carriage along the way, but most of the streets were empty of peers. The hour was too early to be fashionable, which suited him fine.
He was exhausted from all of the attention he’d garnered last night. The ball had proved overwhelming with the only bright spot being the dance he’d shared with Brooke. He’d intended to seek her out and spend more time in her company, but she’d left before he could.
This morning, he sent her a bouquet of lavender and roses, along with an invitation to join him at the park.
Drake had thought to call on her at home, but after her behavior at the ball, he wasn’t sure what to make of their relationship. She’d seemed eager to dance with him and had smiled at him with longing, but then she’d offered to help him find a wife then disappeared without a by your leave. Most strange, indeed.
He did not want to mess everything up by forcing his suit. He’d waited far too long and fought much too hard to return to her. He’d not do anything to destroy his chance of a future with her now.
He would be her friend and let romance bloom from there as it had in their youth. Surely, her feelings for him would return. Brooke simply needed to be reminded of how well matched they were.
Drake tugged the reins, guiding his mount into the park. As he’d expect
ed, no one was about.
He nudged the stallion into a cantor and rode toward the Serpentine. His heartbeat in time to the horses’ hoofs as he waited and hoped to catch sight of Brooke.
He was not to be disappointed.
As he neared the bank of the water, he caught sight of her sitting tall on a chestnut mare. Her silken hair tumbled down her back and her blue velvet riding habit flowed over the horse’s side. She gave a welcoming nod and smiled as he neared.
Drake pulled rein beside her and said, “You look rather fetching this morning.”
“Thank you,” she replied. “And a good day to you as well.”
Drake chuckled at her response. He took a moment to examine her mare then turned his gaze back to her. “That’s a fine mount. Is it one of your brothers?”
“No. She is mine.” Brooke smoothed her leather gloved hand down the horse’s neck. “She was bred from my brothers’ prize stallion and one of the Duchess of Blackmore’s mares.”
Drake gave an appreciative nod. “I’ve heard the duke and duchess have some of England’s best horseflesh.”
“Then you’ve heard true,” Brooke glanced across the park toward a riding trail. “Would you like to see what Starlight can do?” She patted the horse’s shoulder.
“Yes, indeed I would,” Drake said.
Brooke grinned as she took up her reins and nudged her mare.
Drake did the same, his stallion soon cantering beside her mare. The chatter of birds filled the air blending with the beat of horse hooves as they made their way to the trail.
Once there, Brooke angled her head toward him and said, “I’ll see you at the end.” She set her horse into a gallop.
With amusement filling him, Drake raced after her, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake. He caught up to her halfway down the trail, though she remained in the lead.
The sight of her riding with such expertise captivated him. From the way she sat, regal and sure, to the way she handled the horse. He’d seen men who did not ride as well.
Brooke reached the end of the trail and turned her mount toward his. She stared at him with one hand on her waist and a broad smile pulling at her lips as she waited for him.
Drake could not help but grin too. Brooke was clearly proud of herself, and he did not fault her for it.
He rode past her, turned his mount, and joined her. “Congratulations on a ride well done.”
“Thank you,” Brooke said as she set her mare into a walk. “The horses need to be cooled off. Let us walk them back to the Serpentine for a drink.”
Drake rode beside her, his gaze trained on her. “Where did you learn to ride like that?”
“I mostly taught myself while at school, but my sister-in-law helped me perfect my skill.” Brooke slanted her gaze toward Drake. “Of course, that was before she married my brother. Long before she ever met him, in fact.”
“It would seem you have led an adventurous life,” Appreciation could be heard in Drake’s voice.
That was one of the qualities he had always liked in Brooke. No matter what idea or imagining he’d had the summer they spent together, she’d embraced it.
Brooke dismounted and led Starlight to the water’s edge before she met Drake’s gaze again. Her blue eyes danced as she said, “I’ll take adventure over boredom anytime.”
“Indeed.” Drake chuckled. “I’d like to hear more about your life.”
“I would rather talk about you,” Brooke countered, an impish grin tilting her lips. “Tell me, have you decided on a lady to woo?”
“As a matter of fact, I have.”
Brooke’s grin faltered for a heartbeat before she said, “Well, do not keep me in suspense.”
He ran a hand through his hair and averted his gaze. “I’d rather not say who she is just yet.”
“Very well, but do tell me something. What is she like? Is she well suited to you? Was she at last night’s ball?” She stepped around her horse so that she stood next to him. “Could you love her?”
I already do, Drake thought.
How he longed to tell Brooke that she was his one, but he feared scaring her off.
Something told him that she was not open to marriage, at least not to him.
Perhaps she was angry with him for not coming sooner? Maybe she had changed her mind altogether. He could not be sure of anything, other than that she did not swoon into his embrace.
Dare he confess?
He shook his head. “I’ll tell you this: The lady is perfectly suited to me. She is clever and has a zest for life that matches mine. She’s also a bit unconventional, and yes, she was at the ball.”
Brooke turned toward the water. “I’m happy for you, and I hope everything goes as you want it to.”
“As do I,” He said.
“How soon do you wish to marry?” She asked, her voice low and blue eyes hooded.
Drake did not miss the change in her disposition. He’d wager she was upset, but why? Did Brooke still want to spend her life at his side?
Hope sparked anew. Dare he ask her? Was the time right to reveal his true intentions? He smiled. “Not until the time is right.”
Brooke angled her head, her eyes narrowed. “How will you know?”
He couldn’t very well tell her that he would know when she was in his arms.
Not without risking everything.
Instead of answering her question, he smirked, then said, “Has anyone ever told you that you ask too many questions?”
Brooke gave a little laugh, her eyes sparkling. “Very well, tell me what she looks like and then I promise not to ask any more.”
Would she figure him out if he described her?
Drake took a step closer as he stared into her eyes. This may be his only chance, and he’d be damned if he’d miss it. He smoothed his cravat as he drew nearer. “She has hair the color of spun gold and eyes as blue as the sky on a summers day. Her lips are full and pink. The sort that begs to be kissed.” He brought his hand to her cheek.
Brooke gasped at his touch but did not pull back.
“Her skin is like satin, and she has the cutest button nose I’ve ever beheld,” Drake continued. “She is of the perfect height to compliment me.” He let his gaze roam from her face to her neck then shoulders, smiling at the blush creeping across her face. “She is regal and poised.” His gazed lowered trailing over Brooke’s breasts and the swell of her hips. “And she has curves in all the places a man wants to see them.”
“Da…does the lady know that you are interested?” She stumbled over her words, a slight shake to her voice.
Drake should be ashamed, but he could not summon the emotion. Not when he was so clearly affecting her.
Instead, he stroked his hand down her warm cheek and said, “No, I don’t believe she does.” He let his hand fall away from her face and turned back to his horse. “We should be going.”
The last thing he wanted to do was part ways with her, but the park would soon fill with people, and he had no wish for an audience.
He hoped he’d planted seeds of desire in Brooke and that when they next met, they could continue from here.
For now, he would be content with the progress he’d made.
Chapter 5
Brooke spent the afternoon at Fortuna’s indulging in scotch and cards all the while attempting to get Drake off of her mind. If she didn’t know better, she would swear the lady he described at the park was her.
Alas, it couldn’t be.
Had he wanted her he would have come a long time ago. All the same, his touch had stirred something in her—something undeniable that she could not shake.
“It’s your turn,” Diana prodded, pulling Brooke from her musings.
Brooke glanced across the green baize table. “Sorry,” she said, then tossed out a card.
Narissa scooped up the pile and grinned at Hannah. “Looks like we win again.”
Brooke drained her scotch in one big gulp, then set her tumbler aside. “I’m going to call i
t a night.” She pushed her chair out and stood.
“The evening is young,” Hannah said.
Brooke glanced across the gaming floor. “Only because you arrived late. I’ve been here for hours.”
“Indeed.” Narissa laughed. “And had a bit too much scotch, I fear. Would you like me to have Ace escort you home?”
“No, that isn’t necessary,” Brooke said. She may have overindulged a bit, but she was by no means foxed, and she certainly did not intend to return home.
Not yet.
Narissa shuffled the cards in her hand as she nodded. “Very well. Be safe.”
“I always am,” Brooke said as she turned to stroll away. She’d had enough woolgathering for a lifetime. Now she was determined to experience something new.
She would have her taste of Drake before he married and became off-limits to her.
Brooke retrieved her horse and rode neck-or-nothing from the club to Drake’s residence. As she strolled up his porch steps, the moonlight shone down on her, and she experienced a moment’s hesitation.
He would no doubt think poorly of her after what she was about to do.
Did she want him to remember her as a loose woman?
Not really, but she would prefer that to never having known his touch.
She would be ruined. Brooke paused at the reality of what she planned to do, and the obvious outcome. It did not signify. She wanted Drake and she’d pay any price to have him.
She tipped her head back to gaze at the stars for a moment as she collected her resolve and courage, then tapped the door knocker.
Before she could lose her courage, the butler opened the oak door and ushered her inside. “My lady.” He bowed.
“I wish for an audience with His Grace.”
“I’m afraid he has retired for the evening. If you would like to leave your—”
“I will see the duke at once,” Brooke cut the butler off, leaving the poor man to stair after her, his mouth agape as she strode across the foyer.