Garrett
Chapter 13
I stood next to George and tried to relax. I swore every living being that could possibly annoy me had showed up around me. I didn’t need Sam interrogating me later about how Ava was being treated and if she was comfortable. Luckily, he was leaving soon.
“Where did Madelyn go?” George asked, and I shrugged. I didn’t care; had no idea. “I should probably talk to her.”
“Now?” I scolded. “At a party? Real classy, George.”
“I can’t hold it in anymore. I just want this over with.”
“This really isn’t the best place or time. Have I taught you nothing?”
George chuckled. “You didn’t teach me shit.”
“I resent that,” I countered. My body began to relax, when a familiar piercing voice shattered my composure within seconds.
“Why, Lord Cranfield, I’m upset that you haven’t sought me out yet tonight for a dance.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. My shoulders tightened, and I cringed. This night was getting worse and worse.
I turned to Sophia Chitwood, who was smiling at me as if I would be delighted to see her. She primped her dark blonde hair that was pulled to the side.
“Lady Chitwood,” I said in a monotone voice. I didn’t even bother to bow when she curtsied in front of me.
“I thought you’d seen me earlier, but you were busy dancing with a pretty blonde.” She pouted, peering up at me with her slanted brown eyes.
“Didn’t see you,” I replied.
“I would forgive you anything, Lord Cranfield,” she crooned.
“I didn’t apologize,” I snapped, but she ignored me, turning to George.
“Your Grace, are you enjoying the festivities?”
“As much as I can, yes. I’m not one for large crowds anymore.” Neither of us were, especially since a few of George’s assassination attempts were made with masses of people around. “Have you been back long?” George asked, and I glared at him from the corner of my eye.
“Just arrived last night. Father has a few court cases coming up, and I was tired of staying in the country.” She glanced at me. “There isn’t much to look at.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I need to find Madelyn,” George stated, patting me on the back and bowing to Sophia. I groaned inwardly as he took his leave. I was going to kill him.
“Lord Cranfield”—she stepped closer, her perfume assaulting my nostrils—“dance with me.” I should've just stuck with my instincts and run. Sophia snatched my arm, and I halted before she paraded me to the dance floor.
“No.”
Sophia lifted a brow. “No?”
“Your hearing still works.”
“Do you want to start a scene?”
“I won’t be starting one,” I remarked. She narrowed her eyes, which made me notice that she was wearing too much rouge.
“I have no issues in doing so.”
I crossed my arms. “Forcing yourself on me, Chitwood, isn’t going to do you any good. I’ll give you the direct cut right now and end this.”
Sophia mimicked my actions and crossed her own arms. “And I’ll start to cry about how you are leaving me and our unborn child.” My temper forced me forward, and I towered over her. Clenching my hands, I kept myself from strangling her, and she smiled. “Ready?”
She took my arm and steered me to the crowds of dancing couples. Standing in front of me, she placed her large hand on my shoulder, waiting for me to take the other. I hesitated for a moment before taking it.
“Father said you won the tournament today,” she said, trying to start up a conversation. “But I’m not surprised. I’ve seen you practice and you were the best I’d seen!”
“And you watch many fights?”
She giggled and spun herself around. “Heavens, no. Forgive me, but I only watch and pay attention to what interests me.”
“I figured shopping for shoes and gowns was more your style,” I murmured. She snuggled closer to me.
“You make me sound like a boring little brat, Garrett. I was hoping that while I was here you could take me for a ride in the country. I’ve been practicing at home, and I am quite good.” The way the word spilled off her slim lips confirmed she wasn’t talking about horses.
“My days are busy. I’m sure someone else can take you up on that.”
Sophia nodded. “Another time then.”
“How long are you staying?” I asked, so I could start counting down the days till she’d be gone. “Why would your interest lay around the castle? Is your father moving back into the city?”
“I plan on marrying someone here soon and making this my permanent residence.” Missing a step, I caught myself, but she noticed. “Your silence makes me wonder if you think I couldn’t find myself a husband.” She stiffened in my arms.
“Any other man would be lucky to have you, Lady Chitwood.”
“What about you, my Lord?”
“I don’t plan on marrying anytime soon,” I replied, viewing other couples over her shoulder. She needed to bother some other poor soul.
“Nonsense.” She raised her chin, giving me a view of her copious nose.
I tightened my eyes. “I promise you that I’m serious.”
“Many of these men, my Lord, are a plain bore. I’ve already searched for and found the man I will marry.” She met my eyes, not hiding the fact that I was her choice.
“Then let me escort you to your fiancé,” I insisted, starting to step away, but Sophia clasped my hand.
“Let’s not play games,” Sophia insisted. “I know what I’ve come here for.” Before I was able to tell her she’d better think again, the music ended. Couples around us clapped, as I immediately walked away from her, not giving her a second glance. It was rude as hell, but this charade was over.
“Enjoy your dance?” my asshole brother asked, and I glared at him. Madelyn grinned ear to ear; she obviously didn’t feel the tension.
“Very much,” Sophia replied. Femme Fatale, the woman couldn’t, or didn’t, want to take a hint.
“Son of a bitch,” I mumbled. Madelyn stood next to George, which confirmed that he didn’t speak to her yet. George introduced Sophia and Madelyn, and I scowled at him.
“Will you grab me some punch, Lord Cranfield?” Sophia inquired, under hooded eyelashes. I wanted to tell her I wasn’t her lap dog, but I was open to getting away from her...without the punch. I turned to leave, almost running into Ava.
“Hello.” She smiled. Her cheeks were flushed from dancing, and cheerful green eyes looked up at me.
“Avie,” I replied, my lips quirking. A piece of her red hair fell along the side of her face, and I held back the impulse to swipe it away. She looked…amazing.
“Escaping?” she accused, nodding behind me.
I shook my head. “Not anymore.” Her smile widened.
“Did you need help, my Lord?” Sophia probed, appearing at my side.
“Just speaking with Lady Barlow,” I replied, keeping my eyes locked with Ava.
“Lady Barlow?” Sophia repeated, looking Ava over. “The ex-fiancé?”
“I am,” she declared, raising a brow. “And you are?”
Sophia straightened. “Lady Sophia Chitwood. I apologize…it just caught me off guard that you’d be in attendance.”
“And that would be surprising because…?” Ava paused.
“His Grace is courting another,” Sophia informed. “Wouldn’t that make it a little embarrassing and awkward?”
“No,” Ava deadpanned, which made my grin widen.
Sophia’s forehead tightened. “If you are here for selfish reasons, Lady Barlow, I’ll warn you to cease any plans you may have.”
“Plans?” Ava recited.
“Tactics to break up the courting of Lady Madelyn and—”
“Hold on,” Ava interrupted, holding up a hand. “How are you involved with this?” She glanced at me, then back at Sophia. “I’ve never even heard of you.”
Sophia glowered. “I’m Garrett’s close and personal friend.” Ava raised a brow at me, then dismissed any opportunity of my defending myself.
“Interesting,” Ava pondered. “I’ve spent weeks at the castle as a child, and never have I seen you around.”
“I’m just giving you friendly advice, Lady Barlow. Take it as you will.” Ava’s jaw twitched. “Now, Lord Cranfield, that drink.” Sophia lightly yanked on my arm.
“George,” Ava called, dropping her hands to her sides. She waited patiently until George appeared next to me. “Will you be a darling and take Lady Shitwood to the punch table?”
Sophia’s mouth gaped open.
“It’d be my pleasure,” George replied, holding out his arm for Sophia. She hesitated, knowing she was being dismissed. The women fixed each other with scowls, neither backing down. “Ready, Lady Chitwood?”
Sophia huffed and nodded, leaving me alone with the annoyed redhead.
I took a step closer to Ava, grabbing her attention. “You were amazing.”