by Gill, Tamara
"We're four hours from Edinburgh. I hardly think it's worthy of the word ghastly. And cheer up, Rawden, for we have arrived." The carriage lurched sideways as they passed through the gates of Lady Georgina's estate. Sebastian could see the house nestled in the valley below, small lines of smoke billowing from the numerous chimneys.
"I wonder if the prickly Lady Julia Tarrant will be there. It should make the ball more amusing with such women to spar with. Not to mention Lady Georgina is soft on the eyes."
Sebastian raised his brow. "Do behave. We do not need to be escorted off the property and sent back to the capital with our tails between our legs before I have a chance with Lady Elizabeth. I have a property to get back. I can't have you causing any more trouble than I will myself should she find out my motives."
"I am your friend, and I support you in all that you do, but are you not the least bit unsettled by this plan? If you court her, win her heart, she will think you're genuine in your regard of her, which as much as you like her, possibly find her attractive, you will be marrying her for her land." Rawden fixed his cravat, and Sebastian turned to look back outside the carriage window, thinking on his friend's words. "Think of it this way," Rawden continued. "Had your brother not lost the estate, would you be in Scotland chasing Lady Elizabeth's skirts? I think not. You would have traveled up north for hunting and not much else."
Sebastian pushed away the guilt that pricked at his conscience. It may seem underhanded, ungentlemanly to court a woman for what she would bring to the marriage, but he had little choice. Halligale had been his home for a great deal of his childhood. Where his Scottish mother raised her two boys. Most of his fondest memories were swimming in the loch or running through the grounds, the heather, everything that made Scotland what it is. He loved the home, and so if he had to marry a woman he liked very much and not much else to gain it back, he would.
"First, shall I remind you that this was your idea? I had not thought of that option myself until you said so. But sleep soundly, I will treat Lady Elizabeth with respect. I shall not have a mistress, and she'll want for nothing. She never needs to know that our marriage was brought about by the estate she now owns."
The carriage rocked to a halt, and Sebastian waited for the footman, who hurried from the front steps to assist them alight.
He climbed down, looking up at the large castle that had been built on to at some point. That Lady Georgina was accommodating some of the guests at her ball became perfectly clear. The house was well equipped to house many guests.
"Marvelous," Rawden said, coming to stand beside him. "If I was not so taken with Lady Tarrant, I may try for Lady Georgina instead if this is the home that she brings to the marriage."
Sebastian glared at Rawden and his comment that did not pass his notice.
A willowy figure exited the main doors to the house. Sebastian met the deep-green depths of Lady Elizabeth's eyes, his sole reason for attending. She was dressed in an afternoon gown, a lighter shade of her eyes. The small cardigan over her shoulders accentuated her bosom, and he was reminded of how well-endowed and pretty the woman was.
"Lady Elizabeth, how lovely to see you again." Sebastian came up to her, taking in her flushed cheeks. Did his arrival cause her pinked complexion? Perhaps his winning of her heart would be easier than he thought.
“And you, Lord Hastings,” Elizabeth replied, smiling in welcome.
There was a rustle of skirts before Lady Georgina stepped outside, coming toward him and Rawden with outstretched hands.
"Welcome to Teebrook, Lord Hastings, Lord Bridgman. I hope yer journey north wasn't too tiring?"
"Not at all," Sebastian said, bowing over his hostess's hand. "I had good company, and so the time passed quickly. And we were eager to see your home and meet with you all again."
Georgina smiled, and Sebastian had to agree the woman was quite pretty, but not as pretty as Elizabeth. "Thank ye so much, we are looking forward to the ball also. I hope ye have an enjoyable stay here."
Sebastian stepped back and gestured to his friend, whose gaze was fixed on Lady Georgina. "May I present Lord Rawden Bridgman, second son to the Duke of Albury?"
"We're honored," she said, dipping into a perfect curtsy, laughter alighting her eyes. "Would you like a cup of tea, or perhaps you'd prefer to settle in before dinner this evening? Luncheon has been laid out in the breakfast room if you're hungry after your travels."
"If a servant could show us to our rooms, that would be preferable, I think. We'll come down soon and break our fast."
Georgina waved a footman over, and soon Sebastian and Rawden followed the man who carried his luggage inside. The foyer was monstrous, a double oak staircase leading to the first floor. Guests already arrived wished them good afternoon, smiling in welcome while going about the house. Paintings adorned the walls, rugs littered the floors, a means of keeping the house warm in winter, he supposed. Candles burned from the sconces and upon hallway furniture, keeping the darkened halls at bay. Rawden was deposited in a room first before the servant showed Sebastian to his.
The suite was generous. A large, four-poster bed with tartan curtains sat against a dark wood-paneled wall. A fire burned bright in the grate and a daybed sat just off to the side of it, along with a single chair in deep-green leather. The room evoked a masculine feel, and Sebastian thought it quite acceptable. What a shame they would not be here long.
"Would you like me to send up the manservant assigned to you to unpack, my lord?"
Sebastian nodded, walking to the windows and to the view that captured his attention. Halligale did not even have such a beautiful view. The start of the Highlands in the distance was certainly impressive.
"And hot water, if you please," he added when the servant went to leave. "I need to bathe."
"Of course, my lord."
Sebastian worked his cravat free, throwing it aside. He should have brought his valet, Wilson, but staying here two nights, he did not think it necessary. He would have the servant unpack his things and set everything out for tomorrow night's mask.
He had opted for no costume, preferring a black, superfine suit. He did, however, have a mask that covered up much of his face. The evening was set to be one the Edinburgh society would not forget, and he, for one, hoped it was one that Lady Elizabeth did not forget either.
* * *
After bathing, Sebastian fell promptly asleep, and it was only when the servant from earlier woke him for dinner did he realize how late it was. Dressing quickly and hearing the dinner gong sound deep in the house, Sebastian strode down the hall, looking forward to the evening ahead.
He fiddled with his waistcoat and did not hear the door to another room open or see the woman who barreled into him at a force that sent him reeling. His arms instinctively reached out to stop her from falling. It did not work, she propelled him back, and they both went down, the delectable, supple Lady Elizabeth's body finding its home atop his.
"In a hurry for dinner, my lady?" She scrambled off him, her eyes wide with horror.
"I do apologize, my lord." Elizabeth stood, adjusting her gown, which he just now noticed. For dinner, she wore a deep, satin red, her lips glistening with a touch of rouge. The breath in his lungs seized, and for a moment, he merely stared at her. He knew she had red locks, but tonight, coiled up high, her fierce, green eyes and gown made her appear the most delectable Scottish lass he'd ever beheld.
Damn it, she is beautiful.
"I should have been watching where I was going. I'm normally quite punctual, and when I heard the dinner gong, and I wasn't already downstairs, I hurried. I am so sorry for not only running into ye, but…"
Sebastian waved her concerns aside as he dusted down his clothing. "It was my fault. I should have been paying attention to my steps ahead instead of adjusting my waistcoat."
She blushed prettily but nodded. "Of course. Shall we go downstairs together then?"
"It would be my pleasure." Their short walk to the dining room was not n
early long enough. Now that he was with Lady Elizabeth, he did not want to part from her or share her time with others. His courting required him to be with her, and preferably alone, or at least apart from the other guests.
How else would he ever get to kiss those delectable lips?
By the time they entered the dining room, the other guests were taking their seats. Sebastian led Lady Elizabeth to her chair, throwing her a small smile before moving on to where the hostess had him placed, which fortunately was directly beside her.
"How fortunate for us that we're to be dinner companions." Sebastian sat, placing a napkin across his knee.
Elizabeth smiled in agreement. "How are you finding Edinburgh? Are you enjoying our Season here in Scotland?"
"I am, very much so. Your company in particular." Sebastian held her gaze for longer than he should and was pleased to see her blush. Oh yes, she was already a little in love with him. It would be no chore to win her hand and his house at the same time.
Elizabeth turned her attention to the kale brose soup, rich with color, and smelling of vegetables and broth laid before her, wondering why Lord Hastings would say something so inappropriate. He enjoyed her company, that was all very well, but he should not have told her in such a forward manner. Whatever had come over the man?
While she did not mind his company, she was also wary. His particular attention did not make sense. She was known as Lucky Lizzie. Gaining husbands for others, somehow her gift. While he may think himself safe from her because he was male and not female, that did not ring true at all. Not if all the admiring glances directed at him were any indication.
She studied him as he took a sip from his wine, and her stomach fluttered anyway. He was awfully handsome. It was no surprise women flocked to him, that all of Edinburgh was aflutter with his presence in the city this year.
"I am most disappointed that I did not meet you when you were in London last. Promise me at tomorrow night's mask that you will save the waltz for me."
"Of course, if that is what ye wish. I have not been asked to save any dances yet, so I shall write your name on my dance card when I retire for the night." Elizabeth turned back to her meal. If she concentrated on the soup, the man beside her would surely be less diverting. The idea that he may be singling her out due to interest was not something she had considered before. She had been so unlucky in the past that she now automatically assumed no one would find her handsome.
That his lordship seemed genuine in his focus on her was a welcome diversion. A pleasant change from how her Seasons had traveled in the past.
The tapping of a crystal glass caught her attention, and she looked up to see Georgina's father, Earl Cathcourt, standing at the head of the table and smiling down at everyone. He was a jovial-looking gentleman and known for his kindness toward others. "Ladies and gentlemen, let me welcome ye all to Teebrook. My daughter and I hope yer stay here is enjoyable and memorable too."
The ladies about the table smiled in sweet agreement while the men nodded. It amused Elizabeth to note that the two women most interested in Lord Cathcourt's words were Julia's elderly aunts. Maybe Georgina's father would be able to distract the sisters for the ball's duration and allow Julia to enjoy herself without chastisement.
"Georgina." The earl gestured to his daughter. "You wished to say a few words."
"I did. Thank ye, father." Georgina stood. "I too wished to welcome ye and thank ye for traveling here at such short notice. The masked ball is sure to be a magical evening, and we hope you all enjoy your short stay here. After dinner this evening, there will be music, cards, and if anyone is inclined, dancing in the green drawing room, which for those who have not toured the house as yet, is the original castle's great hall."
A muffled, excited chatter sounded about the table, and Elizabeth had to admit the short house party here was exciting, made one almost not want to return to Edinburgh.
"I hope you all have a lovely stay and will come back to see us all very soon." Georgina sat, smiling at the guests.
Lord Cathcourt raised his glass in toast of his daughter's speech. Elizabeth raised hers, turned to see Lord Hastings watching her, a small smile playing about his mouth.
"To masked balls, my lady," he said, tapping his glass against hers.
"Of course," Elizabeth replied, unsure how to react to a man who looked at her as if he would like to devour her, just as a wolf would a rabbit. This being courted was a whole new experience for her. When in London, she supposed her Scottishness had gone against her. With fiery red hair and freckles across her nose, she was under no illusion she was not as perfect as the English liked their ladies. She was a little rough about the edges, opinionated, and her hair often did whatever it wished. Did Lord Hastings not mind her quirks? How diverting if he did not.
How alluring.
Chapter 5
Elizabeth, along with Julia and Georgina, came downstairs and walked through the ballroom before the other guests were due to arrive. Many of those in attendance stayed at the castle, while some from nearby properties would come within the hour.
The room was everything one could wish for a masked ball. Seductive, secretive, and decadent. Hundreds of tallow candles burned in the chandeliers above their heads. Flowers and sheer, black fabric looped across the ceiling, making the room appear smaller and more wicked to the eye. Some of the large, porcelain sculptures were brought in to give the appearance of grandeur, miniature crowns placed atop their heads to mark them as royal statues.
There was gold everywhere, and in the short amount of time that Georgina had to prepare for this ball, Elizabeth wasn't sure how she had been able to pull it off so well, but she had. The space was magnificent. The orchestra too was dressed in black-and-gold livery, as well as the footmen serving at the ball.
"This is amazing, Georgina. Tonight is certainly going to be the place to be and talked about for the remainder of the Season." Elizabeth clasped Georgina's hands, squeezing them. "How clever ye are."
Julia smiled, turning in a circle to take it all in. "I'm in awe, truly. Tonight is going to be so pleasurable. I can hardly wait."
"I'm glad ye like it," Georgina said, walking toward the orchestra and telling them that they may commence. "I wanted it to be magical, and I think I have succeeded." She turned back to them. "Ye both look striking. Lord Hastings and Lord Bridgman will not know what has hit them when they see ye two."
Julie blushed, and Elizabeth glanced down at her gown. As her friends had decreed, she was dressed as Peitho, the goddess of love and seduction. The robes she wore were certainly seductive, and when she'd first viewed the gown, a shiver of caution had run through her at how risqué it appeared.
Her face was covered with a golden mask, disguised with paste diamonds. Elizabeth had painted her lips a deep red, and for the first time in all her life, she did not feel herself. The gown of black-and-gold silk left her feeling bold and seductive, just like the goddess, she supposed.
Georgiana joined her father as he entered the room and took their places near the door to welcome the guests who had started to trickle in. Elizabeth and Julia moved over by the terrace doors, pushed wide this evening to allow the guests to stroll on the terrace and gardens beyond.
"You look beautiful, Julia. Do you think you shall know Lord Bridgman when he arrives? For all that you deny the insinuation, I know that you like him."
Julia smiled, her eyes twinkling behind her black mask. "I do like him, and I like teasing him even more. I think I shall know him. He let it slip that he's coming as King Henry the 8th. The robes themselves, Tudor in design, will give him away if his features do not."
"Do you think there may be something between you beyond the Scottish Season?" Elizabeth asked, curious at her friend's thoughts. Julia was more private than she and Georgina were, not with her opinions, but certainly regarding her thoughts on love.
"Perhaps," she said, shrugging. "We shall have to see if Lord Bridgman's kisses are as wicked as his words have been. Until
then, I will not make a decision."
Elizabeth chuckled, sipping her champagne. "I like Lord Hastings, more than I thought I would like an Englishman. The way he looks at me sometimes." Her heart beat fast at the memory of the look in his eye at last night's dinner. Determined came to mind, along with want. "I think I should like to kiss him too to decide on his suitability to me."
Julia laughed as more people flocked into the room. They spoke to anyone who came over to them, wishing them a pleasant evening, and it wasn't before too long the room was bursting at the seams with guests. The dancing had commenced, and the loud hum of conversations rent it almost impossible to hear each other speak.
The thought of seeing Lord Hastings again made nerves skitter across her skin. No man had ever made her feel such emotion, and while she liked the idea of his flirting with her, she could not help but worry that it wasn't genuine. She had been so unlucky in the past for herself that she could not shake the fear that it would be the same with his lordship. That another woman would waltz by and take his attention, and she would be forgotten in the crowd.
"Lord Hastings is headed this way, Elizabeth. I think that is him over by the Grecian statue." Julia nodded in the direction she meant, and Elizabeth turned to see if she was correct.
The breath in her lungs seized. Her mind scrambled for words. He was dressed in classic black, a long, dark domino over his shoulders and a mask covering half his face, leaving half his lips and one eye visible.
He swooped into a bow before them, a teasing grin on his lips. "Lady Elizabeth, Lady Julia, you both look remarkably beautiful." His lordship turned to Elizabeth, his attention stealing over every part of her like a physical caress. She breathed deep, scrambling to regain her wits.
What on earth was wrong with her? Was she so desperate for a husband that she saw interest where there was no interest to be seen? Dear heavens, how pitiful if that were true.
"I hope you have not forgotten our dance, my lady." He clasped her hand, kissing the top of her gold silk gloves. His eyes meeting hers as his lips touched.