Angel in Scarlet: A Bound and Determined Novel (12 page)

“Perhaps I have been sitting still for too long, Mother.” That would also be a good excuse for why her legs might wobble when she stood.

Her mother glanced over, her eyes dropping to Angela’s tightly pressed thighs. “Next time you will have to refrain from beverage on our stops. It is never good manners to refresh oneself before invited.”

Oh, so that’s what her mother thought the problem was. “I will manage to wait for as long as Lady Perse desires.”

“See that you do.” Her mother softened. “Unless you really must, and then I am sure she will understand. It was a very long trip.”

Angela reached for her mother’s fingers and pressed a kiss upon them.

Then they were pulling to a stop.

She heard the groom jump down from above even as one of Lady Perse’s footmen came to open the door and lower the step.

Her mother took his hand and slid from the carriage.

Angela did her best to follow with as much grace as possible.

And she was standing before him. Lady Perse was there, too, but it seemed impossible to draw her gaze away from Colton. He smiled and bowed slightly toward her and her mother, his eyes lingering on her, his lips curling even further in a secret message.

Yes, she did like his smile.

Had it only been two days since she had seen him? Even his entering of her dreams each night had not prepared her for being this close to him again. Her chest rose and fell, and for a moment it seemed hard to get air into her lungs as his eyes swept over her.

He had forgotten how beautiful she was. Or had she changed in the last two days? He couldn’t remember thinking she was more beautiful than any other young lady about, but as she emerged from the carriage, the dark green of her traveling gown offsetting her pale skin and blond curls, he could only think that no one who’d been traveling for hours should look so radiant.

And that flush upon her cheeks…She looked as if she’d just emerged from his bed—or was the lady plagued by dirty thoughts? He caught her gaze and held it, watched her color grow even darker. Why, yes, the lady was most troubled by illicit thoughts. He would have to find precisely what she fantasized about—and then they could proceed from there. Was she thinking about the dream she had told him about the other night, about her French lieutenant?

Her eyes dropped, and he could almost feel the effort it took as she turned and greeted Lady Perse, saying all the correct pleasantries.

He let himself stand back and admire her.

“Lord Colton, I was not expecting to find you here,” Mrs. Ripon stated, obviously not at all pleased with his presence.

She had probably been even more put off by his lack of proposal during the season than her daughter had been. Mothers did always take these things badly. Well, that was one bridge he would need to repair if he hoped to have his relationship—no, that was far from the right word. His acquaintance? His courtship? No, definitely not. His coupling? He liked that one, but Angela would probably scream for all that she’d proposed the game. His friendship? That was probably the best choice. And he’d lost track of what he was thinking. Not a problem he could remember having before Angela.

“Lord Colton is one of my near neighbors. He is a frequent guest,” Lady Perse said, something in her tone leaving open whether or not she was pleased by this fact. “From the time he could toddle, he’s been running my lands as if he owned them.”

“How sweet.” Mrs. Ripon’s tone left no doubt to her feelings about the matter.

“It is good to see you again,” Angela added. Her voice betrayed not the slightest hint of emotion, although the flush remained upon her cheeks.

Lady Perse’s perceptive gaze clearly took in that rise of color. She turned back to Colton, and he could feel her question; she was not quite sure whether to attribute the blush to temper or to something else. He met her eyes evenly, doing his best to give her no hint.

“Well,” Lady Perse said, brushing her hands together, “the two of you must be tired after hours in the carriage. Let me have a maid escort you to your rooms, and you can take some time to refresh yourselves before dinner.”

“That does sound like just what I need,” Mrs. Ripon answered, although her glance shot to her daughter for some reason.

“Yes, perfect. A short rest would be delightful,” Angela said, her hips swaying softly as she followed the maid away from him.

“And perhaps I will use this chance to wash off the dust of my ride over, if you do not mind, Lady Perse.” He turned, intending to follow Angela at a discreet distance to see just which room she had been allotted. Hopefully it would be one near the heavy trellises that lay against the south wall. He’d climbed them all the way to the roof several times in his youth.

“Why don’t you give me a turn about the gardens first, Colton. The weather is warm this afternoon, but this time of year it can change in an instant. My old legs could use the walk, and I am sure that you’d like to explain why you have suddenly invited yourself to my little gathering.”

He should make some comment about not a piece of her being old, but at this moment his mind felt curiously blank. “Is it not enough that I thought I’d like to visit with my favorite neighbor?”

“I am too experienced to believe in that much coincidence, my boy.”

Boy?
“I admit that I’d heard you were having guests, and it seemed a good way to avoid the tedium of the country.”

“I might almost believe that if you hadn’t borrowed Miss Pratcher in London only a few days ago—and for a ride with Miss Ripon, I believe.”

“What do you wish me to say, Lady Perse, that I am reconsidering my courtship of Miss Ripon?”

“Lack of courtship, do you not mean?”

“I do not wish to give rise to anyone’s hopes. While I find Miss Ripon a lovely young lady and have enjoyed the time I have spent in her company, I am not looking at her as a future bride. We do not suit.” He was beginning to wonder, though, if that was as true as he’d once supposed. He pushed the thought away.

Lady Perse stopped walking and pivoted toward him. “And is Miss Ripon aware of this fact?”

“I do believe that she is. I think she has quite a firm understanding of our relationship or, as you say, lack of one.”

“Then why are you here, Colton?”

How did he answer that? “I wanted a week of light chatter with no young girls chasing me down. Miss Ripon and I have reached such an understanding that we can enjoy each other’s company without any need of pretense. I find it most refreshing. And I admit that I may also have heard that there will be quite a few rich games of cards among the gentlemen and that perhaps a horse I am interested in may be on the table.”

Lady Perse laughed. “Now, that does sound more like it. A horse and a girl who doesn’t see you as a trophy to be won. Are you sure the two of you don’t suit? It sounds to me as if you might be perfect for each other.”

And wouldn’t that be an easy solution? But, no, Angela may have been very willing so far, but he was still not sure. Her innocence and her dreams might be intriguing at the moment, but he was still afraid that she would once again change and he’d grow bored, and then…“Yes, I am quite certain.” If only the words seemed as true as they had a few weeks ago.

Was Colton staying in the house? Angela was not sure. At first she had thought yes, but he hadn’t been about when she’d wandered through the front rooms looking for company. And if he lived only a short distance away, perhaps he was merely riding over for those social events he chose to attend. And would that make their arrangement easier or more difficult?

Angela pulled her light shawl up on her shoulders and walked out onto the low terrace that ran the length of the back of the house. A formal garden, resplendent with late roses, spread to her left, and a long lawn ran down to a large lake to the right. It was a most wonderful view, less balanced than many, but all the more charming for that.

Did she have time to stroll down to the lake? She glanced up at the sky; only a few clouds drifted across it. Still, she would not want to get caught out if the weather changed, as it was apt to do in this season. It was a fair distance to the lake, but the gravel path looked smooth and she could walk briskly. Her mother would probably be looking for her shortly, eager to introduce her to all the other guests, but that might be the best reason of all to wander away. She was still flustered from the brief moments she’d spent in Colton’s company. It had not occurred to her how different it would be to talk to the man in public after…

After he had seen the most intimate parts of her, parts even she could not describe. And after he’d watched her find her pleasure. That was perhaps what left her the most vulnerable. He had seen her when she had no emotional disguise, when all her feelings were laid bare.

Making up her mind, she began to stride quickly toward the lake, her slippers crunching upon the gravel, but she was unable to push the man from her mind.

What did he have in mind for their time here? He’d seemed so confident, and she’d certainly heard many stories of what could happen at house parties, but she’d never been to one that offered much chance of escape for a young lady. An older woman or a married one could slip off and no one would remark upon it, but despite Colton’s assurance, she doubted that her mother would give her more than those twenty minutes of freedom.

Granted, she imagined that much could be accomplished in twenty minutes, but it would still be as frustrating as it was rewarding.

Reaching the edge of the lake, she peered about. The season had progressed faster here than in London. A few of the trees were beginning to lose their leaves and the water was coated with the fallen. It looked almost solid enough to walk across in its mottled pattern of browns and yellows. A fabric in just such a print would have been most becoming.

“Are you thinking of going for a swim?”

She turned. Colton. The sinking sun was behind him, casting his face in shadows, but she could still feel the power of his gaze, feel the tingles of awareness that ran through her at his nearness.

“I hadn’t planned on it, but you gave me such a start I almost toppled in,” she replied.

“You seem remarkably steady to me. And I am surprised you didn’t hear me. Although perhaps the freshly fallen leaves muffled my steps.”

The quietest racket she had ever heard. “Where did you come from? Surely not the main house—unless you were following me.”

“I certainly would have, but I would have caught up with you before this, so that I could have had the pleasure of your company for longer.”

She resisted the urge to scoff, looking over at his shoulder, up at the house, and sidling away from him. “I am not sure how much we should be seen together. I fear that there will be talk.”

“Lady Perse has already asked my intentions, although in slightly different words.”

“I am sorry, although it was your idea to come.”

“Don’t worry. I explained everything to her.”

“You did?” She took a step back, sure that her dismay was apparent on her face.

“Don’t be foolish. I merely told her that we had both decided we did not suit but we did not believe that was any reason to end our friendship.” He reached out, grabbing her shoulder. “And don’t step back any farther or you truly will be taking a swim. I should warn you, the water is much deeper than one would expect. Lady Perse believes that a lake should be of a good depth for swimming and boating, not that I imagine many partake in a dip here, in view of the house.”

“I will keep that in mind—and what of fishing? Does she keep it stocked?” This time she inched to the side and eased around him, coming to stand a few feet away. Her shoulder missed the warmth of his touch, but she must restrain herself—and keep distance between them, at least as long as they were in any public space.

“I believe she does, but you would probably like it better if there were not a fish in it; then you could sit all day with your rod and not worry about catching anything.”

A small giggle. “Yes, and it wouldn’t matter if I used bait or not. What a lovely idea. I think from this point on I shall only fish in empty lakes.”

“You will start a new fashion. Perhaps I will join you and give it a try.”

“Somehow I cannot imagine you sitting still for so long with no activity.” She kicked at the scattering of leaves.

“I would have thought the same of you. I’ve never known you to be still.”

Was that true? She rather thought she was still a lot, but perhaps he was right. She had always felt nervous energy around him, even after she had seen him in the theater. “I can be still.”

“We will have to put that to practice sometime.” Crinkles formed at the corners of his eyes, and it was impossible to know exactly what he thought. “I will enjoy seeing just how long you can stay still.”

Why did he think it would be so hard?

He reached out and ran a finger down her cheek.

She shivered.

Oh. She began to understand. Yes, that might make it hard. She shied away, flustered. “And where will we try being still?”

“Actually, that is why I sought you out. I came to ask which room you have been given.”

“I am on the third floor, the second door down. I am placed between my mother and a widow just coming out of mourning, named Mrs. Links. I don’t believe I’ve ever met her before, but she seems a decent sort.”

“ ‘A decent sort’—you sound like my great-aunt Martha.”

“Well, it’s hard to know how to describe someone after a few moments of conversation.”

“It happens I do know Mrs. Links, and I am not sure at all that your description is accurate. She has quite the habit of grabbing at a man’s tender parts.”

“Really?” She could not imagine any such thing. Mrs. Links had seemed so respectable.

“Trust me.” He held out his arm. “Let us walk back to the house. I am sure we have already been observed together and it will do no harm. Which wing are you in? The second door could be one of two.”

“I suppose that is correct. To the left of the stairs. Is that the north wing?”

“Yes, and unfortunately not one I believe I can access through the window. I shall have to consider further.”

“No, the drop is very steep. And with my mother next door, I do not think we would have much fun. I sometimes think she hears if I roll over in my sleep.”

“A lot can be done without making a sound. Sometimes that can add to the fun. Still and quiet. I quite like the image.” He grinned down at her, those crinkles highlighting his smile.

“I am not sure I like that idea.”

“I am sure you will enjoy it. I shall have to demonstrate sometime.”

That made it sound as if he was considering their…their—blast, she had to think of a proper word—dalliance as continuing beyond this week. “What do you call what is between us?”

“I shall ask you to clarify what you mean exactly.”

“What are we doing, having? A dalliance? A relationship? Friendship is not quite right. A…I don’t know enough words.”

“I was actually wondering the same earlier. I suppose we are planning an affair, although we have not reached that status yet—and it remains to be seen whether we shall.” He stopped suddenly and turned to her. “And that makes me realize that there is one important point that we have not yet discussed: Have you changed your views on how far you wish this to proceed?”

Colton could see that Angela did not fully understand his question; confusion furrowed her brow. “I don’t—it is my turn to ask for clarification,” she said.

“You have said you were unsure about losing your virginity. How would you feel if I wanted to fuck you up against that tree?” He paused, adding a wicked note to his tone, deliberately tried to be shocking. He had to make her understand the importance of the question he asked.

“Well, if we did it here and now, I am afraid that would lead to marriage, and there would be very little that either of us could do about it.”

That was true, and he enjoyed the hint of humor he saw lurking in her glance. “Assuming that I could sneak into your room tonight, are you saying that you would spread yourself naked upon your bed and give up your so-precious maidenhead?”

“I…”

“Or do you wish us to stop at some point before that? What are the lines you wish to draw in the sand? Have your views changed?”

“Do you always need to be so deliberately distasteful when you want to me to realize how serious something is?” She placed a hand on each hip. “I admit I am still not sure, although my curiosity grows each day. Can we agree I will do anything but that?”

His cock, which had been twitching and eager for most of their walk, drew to full attention. He found he liked it when she showed spirit—particularly when he knew exactly how he’d like to rein her in. “Anything?” She did not understand what she offered.

“Men.” She threw her hands up in the air and stomped away from him toward the house.

Maybe she understood more than he thought. He’d have to ask just what Ruby had been telling her.

He started to hurry to catch up and then paused, enjoying the sway of her round ass beneath her skirts. There would be plenty of time to talk to her tonight. Lady Perse had quite graciously invited him to dinner. Well, perhaps it had not been exactly graciously.

Still, tonight would be his.

“I am so happy to see you.” The voice that spoke from behind was not the one Angela had wished to hear.

She fixed the proper social expression on her face and turned. “Lord Thorton, I had heard you would be here. It is a delight as always.” It was hard to keep calm when she so vividly remembered the last time she had seen him—at Madame Rouge’s. There was no way that he could have recognized her—the hood had been most concealing—but, still, worry and doubt sped her heart.

“No, the delight is all mine, I can assure you. I would admit that I was undecided on whether to attend, until Lady Perse mentioned that you would be gracing us with your charming presence.”

“You flatter as always.”

“Is truth flattery?”

She could not resist the chuckle. “I do not remember you being so charming, Lord Thorton.”

“Let us simply say I have decided it is time I decided to pursue life again.”

Does he mean pursue a wife?
Something in his gaze gave her just that impression as it swept up her body, lingering for only the briefest of seconds at the neckline of her gown. For a moment she regretted her choice and longed for something of a more modest cut. She had dressed for Colton and not considered what others would think.

Thorton’s eyes lifted to hers. “And you have always seemed full of life to me, Miss Ripon.”

Not only did he mean to pursue a wife, he meant to pursue her. “I am sure I am no different from any other lady of my age.”

“
I
am sure that is not true. I have spent the last months observing you and the others in your circle, and I can assure you that you are quite unique. I admit that I was a trifle worried you might be spending too much time with those who might cast a bad influence upon you, but that seems to have changed more recently.”

Who was he talking about? Her mother would never have let her spend time with anyone who might be a “bad influence.” And in her recent experience surely she was the bad influence, corrupting poor Lord Colton with her evil demands—although she certainly didn’t object to any corrupting Colton cared to do.

“Would you care to share the thought that leads to such a delightful smile?”

Oh dear, no, she would not. “I was just looking forward to the evening ahead.” Perhaps that wasn’t even such a lie, although she doubted that Lord Thorton would ever imagine the things running through her mind.

What did Colton have in mind for this night? He’d sounded so confident that he could manage to find a way for them to be together, but she didn’t see how.

And what would he do if he did manage? What would he demand of her?

“There’s that smile again.” Lord Thorton had leaned closer and she could feel his hot breath upon her cheek. A slight shiver took her, and not the one of delight that Colton caused in similar circumstances. “I will have to make sure that your night is as pleasant as your dream.” He gave her a nod of farewell and walked across the room to greet her mother as she entered.

“You do look lovely, my dear Miss Ripon,” Lady Perse said as she came up from behind. Her gaze also paused on Angela’s bosom. “And such a sophisticated gown for a simple country party.”

“I am quite sure that no party you throw could ever be described as simple, Lady Perse.”

“That may be true, but…Oh, look, Lady Johnson has already recovered from her journey. I am afraid that she is not a good traveler, and I was not sure that she would be joining us this evening.” She leaned closer. “She suffers from a sour stomach and often cannot eat for hours after even a short ride in a carriage. I do hope that she is wise to come down. I would hate for any mishap to occur during dinner. I will have to be sure that her dishes are only lightly sauced. Please do excuse me for a moment.”

And then she was alone and could draw in as deep a breath as her gown would afford. If she was careful, everything would stay just where it was supposed to. It would not do to have a breast pop out during dinner, although it might add to the excitement.

“Isn’t that a delightful giggle.” This time the warm breath brought the desired tingle of excitement.