“Egads. Do my eyes deceive me or is that Freddie Scow-field in the corner?”
With a surprised gesture Claude raised his quizzing glass to peer across the crowded room. At his side, Roma turned with mild interest, quite certain her cousin was mistaken. The Scowfield estate bordered Greystead Manor, and she had known Freddie since he was in short coats. Certainly he would never leave the pleasure of the country for London. And even if he should have some business in town, he would never be induced to attend such a dreary assembly. But even as she opened her mouth to inform Claude that Freddie would preferably be dragged to the gallows as to this affair, her gaze suddenly caught sight of the familiar dark-haired man.
“How exceedingly odd,” she breathed out. “What could possibly have induced Freddie to make an appearance in London?”
“Who knows? Perhaps he has grown weary of playing the grand signor over the village maidens and has decided to see if his rather stale charm has any effect on the more sophisticated ladies.”
“Claude.” Startled by the edge of contempt in her cousin’s voice, Roma turned to gaze at him in astonishment.
He dropped his quizzing glass with a rather embarrassed shrug. “I never could abide the fellow.”
Roma gave a slight shake of her head. “But why? I have always found him quite amiable. Indeed, I could not hope for a more civil neighbor.”
“Perhaps because you are a woman. He has always possessed an annoying fascination for the fairer sex. Although I can’t think why.”
“He can be quite charming. But surely that is not what bothers you?”
“In truth it is nothing I can actually put my finger on,” Claude confessed. “The man has simply always put my back up with his stiff-rumped manner and habit of tossing about his fortune.”
“Why, Claude, that is ridiculous.” Roma laughed with surprised disbelief “I believe you are jealous of Freddie.”
Her cousin’s face darkened with an angry scowl. “Don’t be absurd. Why should I be jealous of that noodle-witted peacock?”
Roma tilted her head to the side, thoroughly confused by Claude’s attitude. Certainly Freddie had never been a member of her intimate circle of friends, but she had never suspected that Claude actually disliked the man.
“I can not imagine. As far as I am concerned Freddie had always been a perfect gentleman. And to be honest, it is a relief to see a familiar face among so many strangers.”
With uncharacteristic tenacity, Claude continued to regard the elegantly clad man with open distaste.
“Do you not find it odd that he should choose to come to London at the same time as yourself?” he asked, his tone suspicious. “As you said, he rarely leaves his estate unless it is to visit his relatives on the Continent.”
“For goodness’ sake, Claude, what is the matter with you?” Roma demanded in exasperation. “The man has every right to come to London if he chooses, and he certainly need not ask our permission.”
“I would still like to know what the deuce he is doing here,” Claude muttered.
“Well, you can ask him,” Roma breathed in a low voice. “I believe he is walking in our direction.”
Feeling Claude stiffen at her side, Roma covertly watched as Freddie determinedly threaded his way through the throng. Although he was a rather small man, he managed to appear quite dapper in his satin pantaloons and well-molded jacket. And there was no denying that his thin, almost delicate features were very attractive. More than one pair of female eyes watched his steady progress across the floor, and Roma found herself wondering what Claude could possibly dislike about the man.
“Roma … what an unexpected delight. Have you at last succumbed to the lure of the London Season?”
Roma smiled as Freddie gallantly bowed over her hand, his dark eyes running an appreciative glance over the thin gauze of her pale yellow gown.
“Actually Claude and I were just saying the same thing about you, Freddie. I didn’t realize you ever enjoyed a Season in town.”
“Only under duress,” he confessed with a charming grimace. “I have a great dragon of an aunt who bullies me into visiting her every few months. She refuses to accept that I am not enthralled by these insipid gatherings and insists that I accompany her from one tedious event to another. And since I am utterly terrified of her, I unwillingly play the role of the dutiful chaperon.”
“Poor Freddie,” Roma teased lightly.
“Yes, indeed. I would far prefer to be at home training my latest hunter.” He suddenly smiled. “Until now, of course. Somehow the evening has taken a decided turn for the better. I must say you are looking inordinately beautiful, Roma.”
Rather taken off guard by his flirtatious manner, Roma slowly withdrew her hand from his lingering grasp.
“Thank you, Freddie,” she murmured, still uncomfortable with such unexpected compliments.
“And I have no doubt that you have already taken London by storm,” he continued, smiling slightly at her blushing confusion. “Such beauty and charm must have caused quite a stir when you arrived in town.”
Beside her, Roma heard Claude mutter beneath his breath. Something about Freddie’s unusual admiration for someone other than himself and Roma’s ridiculous susceptibility to such blatant flattery.
“How long are you staying in London, Scowfield?” Claude at last demanded, his tone a shade away from insolence.
Raising his brows, Freddie slowly turned to confront Claude. “A few weeks. Why do you ask?”
Claude shrugged “Simple curiosity. As Roma said, it is a surprise to see you here.”
A rather taunting smile suddenly played about Freddie’s thin lips. “A pleasant surprise I hope?”
“But of course,” Claude graciously agreed, his own smile not quite reaching his eyes. “It is always nice to meet up with old friends.”
“Yes.” The dark head dipped. “And now that we are all staying in London we must endeavor to spend some time together. Perhaps we could ride tomorrow …”
“I fear that my mother did not open the stables this year, Scowfield,” Claude interrupted with a regretful shrug. “And besides, Roma is obliged to speak with Mama before accepting invitations. A young lady being introduced into Polite Society must be very careful about whom she is seen with in public.”
Roma gave a small gasp at the blunt insult, not surprised when an angry flush crawled beneath Freddie’s pale skin.
“What the devil do you mean by that?”
“Simply that I would prefer Roma to seek a more … respectable companion.”
“Now see here, Welford, I have no intention of allowing you to provoke me into an ill-bred scene.” The thin face tightened with dangerous anger. “If you are still upset about that lovely barmaid that gave you the shrug, we can take this to a more private setting and have it out once and for—”
“Gentlemen, please,” Roma hurriedly interrupted, her own hazel eyes flashing signs of warning. “Isn’t it enough I have to endure being here at all without the added burden of having you two squabbling like a pair of foolish schoolboys? Claude, I am surprised at you. Are you not the one constantly reminding me that one misstep could be enough to spell disaster?”
Although he possessed enough sense to blush at his cousin’s chiding words, Claude remained annoyingly antagonistic.
“I was simply reminding Scowfield that we are no longer in the country where less formal manners are accepted, Roma. It would not be wise to been seen constantly in each other’s company despite the fact we are all old friends.”
About to demand whether or not her social schedule would have to revolve around those men who had not managed to seduce away his favorite barmaid, Roma suddenly froze as she felt a distinct tingle of awareness inch down her spine. Ignoring the two men who remained bristling at her side, she slowly turned her head to encounter a pair of vivid blue eyes, closely monitoring her from across the room.
A sharp, oddly exciting jolt of alarm pierced through her as her startled gaze ran swiftly over the black satin jacket and matching pantaloons that somehow managed to make Lord Carlton stand out from the gaudy concoctions around him.
Although it had been three days since she had last seen him, a growingly familiar surge of tension instantly flowed through her stiff body. Detestable man, she thought silently, attempting to convince herself that the flare of tingling electricity that raced through her blood was no more than righteous indignation. After all, he had ruthlessly coerced her into agreeing to his ridiculous demand that he take over the search for her brother. And then, when he must realize how anxious she was to hear some word of encouragement, he had simply disappeared.
It was little wonder her heart was pounding against her chest, and that her cheeks were warm with self-conscious color. She couldn’t recall ever encountering a more annoying man.
Unaware of the vibrant animation that had suddenly lit her face, Roma watched in breathless silence as Lord Carlton lazily strolled in her direction, pausing to speak with the guests who managed to capture his attention, and yet never allowing his gaze to stray from her darkened eyes.
“Did you hear me, Roma?”
A hand impatiently touched her arm, and with a determined wrench, Roma forced her attention back to the two men eyeing her with varying degrees of curiosity.
“I am sorry, Freddie. What did you say?”
A flash of irritation seemed to glow deep in his dark eyes, but his smile remained as charming as ever.
“I was hoping to convince you to join me for a ride tomorrow in the park,” he said, ignoring Claude’s snort of disapproval. “Lady Welford can hardly object to such a harmless request, and it will give us an opportunity to catch up on the neighborhood gossip.”
Roma wasn’t sure what her answer to the unexpected invitation might have been; in the end it didn’t matter as a dark, utterly masculine voice arrogantly took command of the conversation.
“Unfortunately, Miss Allendyle has already promised tomorrow’s ride to me,” Lord Carlton lied blatantly, a wicked smile playing about his mouth as he firmly grasped her slender fingers and raised them to his warm lips. “And I have no intention of releasing her from her pledge.”
“Really?” Tilting his chin, Freddie eyed the larger man with a hint of anger. “You should allow Miss Allendyle to chose her escort for herself.”
“And risk being cut out by another? Do not be absurd.” There was a decided edge of mockery in the dark voice. “As the daughter of a military man, Miss Allendyle, I am quite sure, appreciates the philosophy of an offense being the very best sort of defense. And with that in mind you will have to excuse us. I have promised our hostess that I would ensure Miss Allendyle tasted her champagne punch. Come along, Miss Allendyle.”
With a smooth bow toward a suddenly smiling Claude, Lord Carlton boldly placed a hand on Roma’s arm to firmly lead her away from the chattering crowd. Instantly offended by his smooth arrogance, she felt her skin prickle beneath his possessive touch, but strangely she discovered herself following his lead.
“I sincerely hope, Lord Carlton, that you have a compelling excuse for so rudely interrupting my conversation with Lord Scowfield.”
“Scowfield?” He deliberately feigned confusion. “Ah … the weasel-faced gentleman who was so urgently attempting to press his invitation for a ride tomorrow.”
“Freddie does not have a weasel face,” she angrily defended her friend. “Most women find him very handsome.”
“Do you include yourself in that group, Miss Allendyle?”
“That is none of your concern, Lord Carlton.” She flashed him a chastising frown. “Surely you did not drag me away to discuss my taste in men?”
“Perhaps not, but it certainly presents a fascinating source of conversation.” His amused gaze drifted over her stiff features, lingering a tantalizing moment on the innocent fullness of her mouth. “Do you for instance have a preference for dark-haired men? Do you enjoy the normal flirtations, or do you like a gentleman who speaks his mind? And what about passion? Do you prefer a man to use a slow seduction or are the impatient type who—”
“Lord Carlton, that is quite enough,” Roma interrupted in a low tone, her eyes darting wildly about to ensure that no one had overheard the outrageous conversation. “I assume you are attempting once more to embarrass me?”
“Not at all.” He leaned close enough for her to catch the clean scent of his skin. “I am most sincerely interested in your opinion.”
Roma wished she possessed the nerve to give the sinfully handsome man the set-down that he deserved. She had no doubt that he considered her a naive fool ripe for his particular brand of teasing, but while she trembled with an angry urge to slap his mocking features, her father’s rigid discipline kept her firmly in check. Creating an embarrassing scene would harm no one but herself. All she could do was give back a portion of his own medicine.
“Very well, Lord Carlton.” She determinedly tilted her chin to meet his amused gaze. “In my opinion, men are far more trouble than they are worth. Dark or fair, flirtatious or honest, romantic or notorious, they all demand that a woman conform to a certain standard of behavior, while they are free to make their own rules for their lives. Thankfully I am in a rare position to inherit a comfortable legacy without the burden of marriage. I fully intend to enjoy my independence without a man to interfere with my happiness.”
The raven brows arched in genuine surprise. “Surely you must jest, Miss Allendyle? I presumed that all young maidens were dazzled by the notion of capturing a suitable husband to care for them.”
“I assure you that I am in complete earnest. I can think of nothing more repugnant than being required to sacrifice my freedom for the heavy bonds of matrimony.”
“You speak so prosaically. What of love?”
She shrugged. “Love is for children and poets, Lord Carlton.”
He gave a snort of disbelief. “So you do not secretly long to be swept off your feet, Miss Allendyle?”
With an effort, she forced herself to meet the piercing blue gaze. “There is not a gentleman in all of England capable of sweeping me off my feet.”
The disturbing fingers tightened on her arm, and without warning, Lord Carlton tugged her into a shallow alcove, using the tall plants to shield them from the passing crowd.
“I can not decide, Miss Allendyle, whether you are shockingly innocent or simply far more clever than any woman I have ever encountered.”
The genuine note of pique in his voice had Roma glancing upward in surprise.
“What?”
The blue gaze narrowed as he studied the clear depths of her eyes.
“Do you deliberately attempt to challenge me, Roma, or is it a completely unconscious provocation?”
She should have been angered by his easy familiarity and arrogant assumption that he could speak to her in such an intimate manner, but instead she experienced that odd sense of panic that made it impossible to think in a coherent manner.
“I do not know what you mean.”
“No?”
“What do you want from me?”
The blue eyes darkened and the large masculine body seemed to stiffen as he unconsciously drew her small frame closer. Feeling the uncomfortable tension that had so unexpectedly filled the air between them, Roma shivered. A building excitement lodged deep in the pit of her stomach, a sense of anticipation that was as unexplainable as it was unfamiliar. But while the electric sensations tingling through her weren’t exactly unpleasant, Roma abruptly pulled away as a stab of fear pierced her rapidly beating heart.
“I should get back to Claude—he’ll be wondering what has happened to us.”
Almost instantly the darkly handsome face was resuming its normal expression of mocking amusement and the odd flame in the blue eyes was deliberately dampened.
“Your cousin is currently absorbed with a very charming brunette. I doubt that he will concern himself with your whereabouts for some time to come.”
A swift glance over her shoulder revealed that Claude was indeed making sheep eyes at a pretty brunette who simpered in obvious appreciation. Traitor, she thought silently. He had behaved like an overprotective mother hen with Freddie Scowfield, a man she had known and liked most of her life. And yet, when Lord Carlton had blatantly kidnapped her beneath his very nose, he’d acted as if he did not have a concern in the world.
“I still think we should return,” she retorted stubbornly. “My aunt has already hinted that people are beginning to gossip.”
There was a faint edge of distaste in her voice that brought a smile to his face.
“Really? And what are they saying, Roma?”
“Does it really matter?” she hedged.
“I suppose they are suggesting I am too old to be pursuing a debutante fresh from the country?”
“Of course not.” She blushed, her eyes sparkling with anger. “They are saying that I am dangling after you in the most shameless manner.”
The dark head tilted backward as Lord Carlton gave a short laugh. “That must have rubbed at your prickly pride.”
“It is not amusing.”
“If only they knew the truth, eh, Roma? No wonder you treat me as if I am carrying a contagious disease. Would you like me to inform the gossiping tabbies that you have repeatedly rejected my pursuits and that I find myself in the uncomfortable position of worshiping you from afar?”
His gentle teasing darkened her confused color, and Roma struggled to maintain at least a semblance of her usual composure.
“Certainly not. It would be far better if you would simply leave me alone.”
“I can hardly do that if we are to work together to discover what has happened to your brother.”
“Have you discovered something?” she demanded, instantly forgetting her irritation. If he managed to find William alive and well, then she silently promised that she would willingly kiss the ground he walked on. She would do anything to save her brother. “Do you know where he is?”
“No.” He shook his head, his voice gentle. “I am afraid not. But I am quite sure that we will have some news very soon.”
The sharp flare of hope faded back to the dull ache that had haunted her for the past month.
“And I am just expected to wait?” she demanded, unreasonably blaming this man for the frustration seething in her heart.
“What else can you do, Roma?” he asked, his expression somber. “For the time being we must be patient.”
“That is easy for you to say. It isn’t your brother who is missing, perhaps hurt and in need of help,” she accused. Despite the logical part of her mind warning her that Lord Carlton could be her greatest ally, she couldn’t prevent herself from striking out in annoyance. It was that or throw herself into his arms and sob her troubles onto his broad shoulders, she acknowledged with a flash of insight. She wasn’t nearly as strong as she pretended to be. “William would certainly be doing everything possible to search for me if the situations were reversed. Why am I supposed to be content to simply wait for you to tell me what I can or can not do?”
“Because the world is a very unfair place,” he retorted, tapping a finger on the end of her nose. “And because I have already done everything possible for the moment. As difficult as it might be, you must trust me, Roma.”
Strangely enough Roma knew that deep down she did trust him. No matter how he might disturb her, there was something very solid and dependable about his large frame and classic features. Still, she wasn’t about to reveal such an unexpected failing to the arrogant man.
“I’d as soon trust a snake, Lord Carlton,” she informed him in a haughty tone.
His chuckle sent a tingle of excitement down her spine and without warning, he took hold of her hand.
“You truly are an enchanting creature, my dear. Until tomorrow.” He gave an elegant bow, bringing her fingers to his lips in a slow motion. “I look forward to our ride with great anticipation.”
Quite determined to inform him that she had no intention of riding with him tomorrow or any other day, Roma gave a toss of her head, but even as she prepared to give him a proper set-down, he flashed a wicked grin and, with one smooth motion, deserted her in the small alcove.
Dragging in an angry breath, she ignored the lingering scent of warm male skin and enticing cologne. Somehow she had been outmaneuvered again by this devious man. She had no doubt that tomorrow afternoon he would arrive at the house, fully expecting her to meekly concede to his wishes.
A sudden, highly dangerous glint entered her eyes as she watched him make his slow exit from the room. Her father had perhaps been one of the greatest tacticians the military had ever known, and she wasn’t his daughter for nothing.
If Lord Carlton wished to interfere in her life for his own amusement, he would soon learn he had chosen the wrong woman for such a game. She could do some maneuvering on her own, and she couldn’t wait to see how he enjoyed being treated with such careless arrogance.