Scandalized by a Scoundrel (6 page)

Chapter Five

Seated on the chaise lounge in the library half an hour later, Amelia idly stared at the newspaper propped in front of her, even though she was hardly able to concentrate on contents after such an unexpected morning. She’d had to hurry to make it back on time, and her heart still pounded from the exertion.

Or perhaps it was the lingering effect of having Lord Winters’s—Gabriel’s—lips on her skin. While she was determined not to call him by his given name, she found that she kept thinking of him that way.
Gabriel
. How fitting. He may not act anything like an angel, but he was certainly as beautiful as one.

Another reason for her
not
to meet him tomorrow.

“There you are,” Papa said, pulling her from her woolgathering. He made his way to his favorite chair and sat down before holding a note out to her. “We’ve had an invitation from Lady Margaret. She wishes for us to join her at dinner.”

“How nice.” Amelia smiled serenely despite the sudden surge of nerves that washed through her. She hadn’t expected to see Gabriel again so soon—had been determined
not
to, in fact—but the prospect of doing so appealed to her immensely.

One look at her father’s glum face told her he did not share her excitement. “So you say. I’d really rather not be out after dark. The roads…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “One never knows how safe they will be.”

She stifled a sigh as she nodded. “Yes, I know. Although, did she say what time they are to dine? It may be that we could return before it’s too late.”

He glanced down at the paper, his eyes tracking back and forth over the words. “Hmm. Seven o’clock. We would arrive in daylight, but there is no way to leave in enough time.”

The familiar flare of frustration made her teeth clench, but as always, Amelia took a deep breath and relaxed. “True. But it is only on the neighboring estate. And with Falks and the footmen with us, I’m sure it will be safe. Brackley has been very quiet of late.”

But Papa was already shaking his head, worry creasing his forehead. “No, I still don’t think it is wise. Perhaps we could invite them to dine with us tomorrow instead.”

Patience is a virtue
. She repeated the familiar phrase in her mind a few times. It wasn’t Papa’s fault that his nerves had been permanently overwrought since Mama’s death. Amelia had repeated the saying when he insisted she chew each bite of food twenty times, just in case. She’d repeated it when he refused to allow her to go to London for her Season, and again when he’d insisted that she learn to swim fully clothed, on the off chance she ever fell in. And when she’d been forced to relinquish her candles at night so he could be sure she wouldn’t accidentally fall asleep and somehow set the room ablaze with its unattended flame, her mantra was there.

She nodded as though in agreement, then paused, touching her finger to her chin. “Actually, I believe they are expecting a few more guests tomorrow. Miss Abbington’s sister and Mr. Norton’s step-brother will be arriving. And it truly would be a shame to turn down such a kind invitation.”

He glanced back down at the missive, scrubbing a hand over his gray whiskers. “My, but this puts us in a bad position.” Sighing, he shook his head. “Write a note back, would you, poppet? Send our heartfelt regrets, and let her know that we are very much looking forward to the wedding breakfast.”

Dash it all! She really thought he might give in this time. Biting the inside of her cheek, Amelia nodded her assent.
Patience is a virtue
. Setting her paper aside, she rose and made her way to the escritoire. Fine, she would turn down Lady Margaret’s invitation. She would forfeit a night in the company of friends. But tomorrow morning?

Suddenly she wasn’t so sure.

***

Cool drizzle misted over Gabriel’s face, its omnipresence making it impossible to avoid, even with his hat pulled low. Damn, he hadn’t expected to be thwarted by the weather. Damp leaves rattled in the wind as though punctuating his thought. The rain wasn’t so much falling as it was hanging suspended in the air, the superfine drops coating every surface. The path wasn’t even muddy yet, though it probably would be within the hour.

Still, on the off chance that Amelia might actually show up, he wasn’t going to give up yet. He rubbed a hand over his face, wiping away the moisture as best he could. He’d been disappointed to learn the baron had turned down the invitation to dine with them last night, but according to Miss Abbington, that wasn’t uncommon. She hadn’t come out and said anything against the man, but Gabriel gathered he wasn’t the most reliable person in the world.

Well, Gabriel was nothing if not reliable. He planned to stay right where he was, planted beneath the sprawling oak tree they had practiced under the day before. The lessons had proven to be great entertainment, as had the woman. The more time he spent with her, the more time he wanted to spend with her. And what was wrong with that? A man enjoying the company of an interesting woman was the most natural thing in the world as far as he was concerned.

If only the woman would cooperate.

He turned and paced a few steps, willing her to be bold and come. When he turned to pace the other direction, it was as if he had summoned her from the mist. He stopped in his tracks, drawing in a breath at the sight of her. Swathed in a long hunter-green coat, she walked toward him with a confidence that lifted his heart. Her chin was held high, her gaze steady as she returned his regard.

When she drew closer, he offered a pleased smile. “I approve of your prerogative.”

Amelia chuckled, the corners of her eyes crinkling. “Well, with weather so fine as this, how could I miss my morning constitutional?”

He shook his head, unable to take his eyes from her. “Indeed,” he agreed. Something about her seemed changed this morning. There was no hesitancy, no doubt in her choice to join him. Her blue eyes were brilliant despite the gray day, her glistening cheeks a becoming shade of pink beneath the fine sheen of rain. The drops clung to the curls framing her face and dampened the hem of her skirts.

She untied the ribbons of her bonnet and set it beside the oak’s trunk. “Shall we pick up where we left off? I believe you mentioned other defensive moves like the one you showed me yesterday.” She slipped out of her coat next, revealing a serviceable tan gown devoid of embellishment. Clearly she was here to work.

“Absolutely,” he said, taking his own hat and laying it beside hers. He tugged off his gloves, then quickly shed his jacket, draping them both over the same branch he had used yesterday. He took her coat and laid it on his to protect it from the wet tree limb. “Would you like to start with what to do if someone tries to grab you from the front?”

At her nod, he stepped away from the tree trunk and motioned for her to join him on the path. “There are some places on the body that are more sensitive than others. If you’ve ever been pinched between the thumb and forefinger, you know what I mean. For today’s lessons, we’ll focus on using those points to our advantage.”

He waited while she came to stand in front of him. Drops of water clung to her eyelashes as she regarded him expectantly. He still couldn’t believe she had decided to join him in this weather. “As we discussed yesterday, the face is vulnerable. The jaw, the eyes, and the nose can all be exploited. But the ears are also every sensitive. If someone ever tries to grab you from the front, I want you to slap your palm as hard as you can against their ear.”

Any other woman might be upset to be discussing such a dire topic, but Amelia seemed eager to learn. Not that he was surprised. Anyone who could brandish a pistol in a second flat wouldn’t likely be bothered. In fact, her lips curved in a small grin. “Are you suggesting I box the person’s ear like a wayward child?”

“Please don’t tell me you had one of those awful militant governesses.” Gabriel gave an overdramatic cringe.

“No, thank goodness. But I saw the vicar’s wife keep her six boys in line with that technique a time or two.”

“Yes, well, my oldest brother also liked to keep me in line with that technique. I can certainly attest to its effectiveness.” It was a wonder he’d only suffered a damaged eardrum once. After that incident, his mother had been much more diligent in keeping the boys apart. When she could manage it, anyway. Gabriel’s father disliked her interfering with the older boys’ fun.

Setting aside the thought, he concentrated on the topic at hand. “It’s good that you know the basic concept. I’m going to come toward you, and I want you to go on the offensive. Don’t wait until I reach you. As soon as I’m within range, swing at me with your flattened palm. Move as quickly as you can, like a snake striking its prey. Just do me a favor and don’t actually follow through on this one.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “I’d hate to hit the ground and muddy my clothes.”

Doubt lifted her right brow. “I think you overestimate my strength.”

“No, I think
you
are underestimating the technique. Ready?”

At her nod, he lunged toward her, arms outstretched as though to grab her shoulders. As soon as he was close enough, she swung her right arm up, stopping just shy of his left ear. The
whoosh
of air made him flinch involuntarily, and she smiled sympathetically.

“Memories of childhood?”

He grimaced. “No, just a natural reaction.” And maybe a little memory, but she didn’t need to know that.

“Are you saying I made you flinch?” Amusement flickered in her eyes.

Teasing, was she? He made a face. “As I said, a natural reaction. Just like this,” he said, his arm darting out to within a few inches of her flushed cheek, making her blink. He smiled smugly. “See?”

“My father would call that having good reflexes,” she replied archly.

He chuckled. “Yes, let’s call it that. Now then, try it again, only this time I want you to aim just below the ear. There is an artery there that is another good target.” He traced a finger down the side of his neck, demonstrating its location. “A good enough hit can really daze an opponent.”

She touched a hand to her own neck, following the path he had shown. “I don’t feel anything,” she said, doubt clouding her words.

“It’s there, I promise. And trust me—you don’t
want
to feel anything.”

They realigned themselves, and once again he lunged at her. She reacted at once, striking hard and fast with a flat palm. He immediately dropped to his knees, stunned by the hit.

Her eyes went wide with horror as she clapped both hands over her cheeks. “Oh my goodness! I’m sorry!”

Dampness seeped through the fabric at his knee as he stayed where he was a moment, gathering himself. “I’m fine,” he said, giving his head a quick shake. She had one hell of a good aim that time. Pushing off the ground, he came back to his feet and rubbed his soiled hands down the side of his pants. He was already muddy, so it didn’t matter.

She started to reach for him, then appeared to think better of it and instead crossed her arms tightly across her chest. “Are you certain? I’m so, so sorry. I had no idea it would work like that.” Her misery was written all over her face. Gabriel found himself wanting to comfort
her
, despite the fact that he’d been the one knocked to his knees.

“Fine, fine. I assure you, I can handle a great deal more than slightly dampened breeches and a bit of dirt on my palms.”

“I’m sure you are correct, but still.” She shook her head slowly, as though at a total loss. “I just can’t believe I was able to do that. You’re as big as an ox.”

His eyes widened. As big as an
ox
? After a moment’s deliberation, he decided to take it as a compliment. Swallowing a grin, he said, “That was perfect. You did just as you should have, and I am perfectly fine.”

His words might have been feathers for all the impact they had on her. She pursed her lips. “Do you know, I think I am properly prepared for the world now. Thank you for the lessons.” Nodding once, started to march past him.

Oh no, he wasn’t letting her go that easily.  Reaching out, he snagged her by the elbow. “Don’t be ridiculous. There are many more ways to bring a man to his knees yet to be learned.”

She didn’t resist his hold, even though she now knew how, thanks to yesterday’s lesson. Good—he had her attention. Instead of meeting his eyes, her gaze settled on what was sure to be a red spot at the side of his neck. Raising her free hand, she gingerly touched it. “Do you think there will be a bruise?”

The touch surprised him. Her fingers were light and soothing, but still his pulse kicked up. Swallowing, he released her wrist and stepped back from her touch. “I doubt it. Now, we are moving on to the next lesson.”

She shook her head. “No, we are not. I won’t be responsible for injuring you further.”

“If we don’t go on, my pride will be injured beyond repair.”

“Better your pride than your person.”

He rolled his eyes. “I promise we can go slow, so there is no danger of any injury.” For whatever reason, he didn’t want to let her get away just yet. If she was willing to come in the rain to meet him, then he was willing to do whatever it took to keep her there. “We can even reverse roles, if it makes you feel better. Though, I do think it would look a little silly for little you to try to attack me.”