Authors: Nichole Matthews
“
Well, I cannot imagine what that might have been?” Piper shuddered. A chill inched down her spine at the intensity with which he stared at her. Dismissing the prickle of unease, she turned to Agnes linking their arms. “Now where is your rogue of a brother?” She smiled. “Rhys is supposed to be my next partner?” She looked around. “Oh good.” She smiled. “Here he comes now.”
Graydon prowled around the ballroom, watching each movement she made. Stalking his prey. He watched as she paired with an elegant gentleman. He was not jealous. In fact, he knew it to be completely impossible, particularly at his age. His whole attitude was laughable. But for the life of him, he could not tear his eyes from her. He watched as she twirled down the room in the arms of Darlington. A perfectly acceptable gentleman. Not a thing wrong with him at all.
He quickly drained his whiskey and handed his empty glass to a passing footman before exiting the premises.
…………………………………………
..
They were back in Piper’s cheerful bedroom, their faces scrubbed and both tucked neatly into Piper’s large canopied bed.
Oh, God, what am I going to do, Agnes?”
Agnes stretched her arms high, yawning behind her right hand. “Firstly, have a much needed rest.” She snuggled more deeply in the high stacked quilts, hiding yet another yawn behind her right hand. “Then we can talk more intelligently about whatever has you so distraught in the morning when we are refreshed over nice warm pots of chocolate.”
Piper groaned. “But he kissed me!” she exclaimed with a shaky little laugh.
“
He did what?” Agnes sat up, disturbing the blankets, staring at her dearest friend in astonishment. “I cannot believe you didn’t tell me this immediately?”
“
He kissed me.” Piper blushed. “And it was everything I could have dreamed it would be.” A faraway look still in her eyes.
“
Let me get this straight in my mind,” Agnes said. “Rockwell, one of the most notorious rakes in the history of London…”
“
I’m sure you exaggerate,” Piper interrupted.
Agnes continued, “…kissed you, Piper Peregrine, in the garden during a ball that could be called nothing less than a crush and not a single person was there to witness it?” She finally exhaled her pent up breath on a whoosh.
“
Of course there were no witnesses!” Piper cried, then paused. “You are quite right.” She slumped against her pillows, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “I didn’t think of it that way. Not a single witness.” A wistful expression crossed her face momentarily. “I obviously didn’t plan this
tryst
very well at all, simply deplorable preparation on my part.”
Both ladies flopped back on the bed, laughing until tears ran down their faces. Feeling all the better about their day’s accomplishments.
And Piper knew she would dream of his lips pressed firmly to hers all night.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
I am being drowned in a sea of trouble.
Piper’s journal
10 July
RACING OVER THE SANDY TRACKS OF ROTTEN ROW AT AN UNGODLY HOUR, at least according to her brother Peyton, was Piper’s idea of heaven. She loved London and disliked London all at the same time. The parties, teas, breakfasts and musicales were fine, some even quite entertaining, but she loved the freedom of the country. No one cared what she wore or what time she arose in the morning…this could all be so tedious.
Piper tapped her heel to the glossy flank of her chestnut, Annabelle and took off, leaning low over the mare’s neck, she let her stretch out in an easy gallop over the lush green field that was shrouded in a low-lying fog that lent an air of mystery over the ground. Due to the unfamiliar ground, she kept the reins taut. At home she would have preferred to ride astride in breeches, but in Town she was forced to ride side-saddle.
Annabelle flew, hooves pounding away across the clearing, clumps of dirt flying out behind them. Clear tinkling laughter escaped her lips as a true feeling of freedom erupted from her soul. The crisp clear morning greeted her with a rush of stinging air that almost burned her cheeks. She breathed in the smell of the damp green earth and sighed out a puff of cold air that misted in front of her face. The giddy feelings that enveloped her had not dwindled one smidgeon from the night before.
Piper reined in her horse, glancing behind her as she felt the ground shake, then heard the thunder of hoof beats racing across the open field. She watched as an uncommonly dashing rider raced towards her on horseback. His great coat flew behind him as he sped across the ground, horse and rider as one. Exhilarated from her own run, she slowed her mare to a more sedate walk, squinting to watch the distant horse and rider move fluidly across the uneven ground. Her heart lifted when she recognized the rider as Rockwell. Surprised that he would be up so early especially if he kept to such late hours as the rumors would have you believe.
Reining in his magnificent grey hunter, he cantered beside her mare, doffing his hat graciously, “Lady Piper.” He smiled; the early morning breeze ruffling his golden locks. “What a pleasant surprise to meet up with you two days in a row, and so ravishing this early in the morning. I am a great admirer of magnificent horse flesh and your mare is beautiful.”
Piper threw back her head and laughed a throaty, earthy sound. She inclined her head, with lively blue eyes and replied, “Good morning, my lord.” Unable to hide her grin after such an exhilarating gallop, she stroked her mare’s neck lovingly. “Her name is Annabelle.”
“
Indeed.” Graydon’s brow rose high on his forehead. “We have more in common than I thought.” He chuckled softly, his eyes lit up with humor, hesitating, then replied, “My mother’s name is Annabelle.” A long, slow smile curled his mouth as he surveyed her. “One never knows what life may bring your way.” He said lightly.
“
Fancy meeting you here, as well. I find myself quite surprised that you would venture out so early. I’ve heard tales that you prefer to be shrouded in darkness. I was beginning to harbor fears that you might be a vampire, had I not witnessed your daylight outings with my own two eyes.”
“
Vampire? I find I have more enjoyable interests then drinking someone’s blood. A fine tumbler of brandy will suffice. And all I can say, don’t believe everything you hear. I ride early most mornings, even when I am in London. Now that I know you ride early, I will doubly make cetain that I am always here.” He smiled lazily at her sitting his hunter effortlessly, hands crossed on the saddlebow. “I saw you racing across the field, you’re an excellent rider.” He was enchanted by her nose pink-tipped due to the cold. He exhaled with a visible puff of air. “I fear ‘tis a mite chilly this morning.” He slowly moved his mount closer to her.
“
Yes, ‘tis a bit nippy.” Piper blinked, realizing her gaze was locked on his golden stare, laughing as she pointed to the visible puffs of air before his mouth. “Oh look, you are a fire-breathing dragon.”
“
First I am a vampire and now I am a fire-breathing dragon? What a ravenous beast you must believe me to be.” Graydon laughed loudly, gently tapping her nose with his gloved index finger. “Then your charmingly reddened nose must have been scorched by my fierce dragon’s breath.” His eyes filled with more than just lazy appreciation.
“
I must remind myself to hold my tongue.” She shivered at his touch, and then chuckled. “I love to ride. It’s one of the things I miss about the country.” Studying the views she felt an odd sensation.
Graydon was impressed with the comfortable ease at which she sat her mount. He loved to ride hell bent for leather. It cleared the cobwebs; he was pleased that she obviously felt the same way. Her mulberry velvet riding habit hugged her contours, emphasizing her tiny stature. He was always amazed at how small some women were. He normally found himself attracted to soft, voluptuous women. But there was something to be said about a delicate female. They have a way of making a man feel powerful and he was definitely feeling
something…
powerful.
Graydon looked around for a moment. “Are you out here alone?”
Glancing over her shoulder, she pointed to a lone rider barely visible over the rise, the fog a perfect cover. “No, my groom, Hartley is following behind.” She wrinkled her nose charmingly. “He gives me a little leave to run.”
They ambled along for several minutes when Graydon asked, “So what other interest keeps lady Piper occupied? What do you enjoy besides glass painting and organizing literary clubs, and giving Corinthians a run for their money?”
“
I am interested in the heavens, the sun, the moon, and the stars.” She sighed. “I have always wanted to have an orrery. I am determined to have one commissioned.”
He cut her a strange glance. “Mind boggling,” he said quietly as a rather indulgent grin spread across his face.
“
I’ve heard there is a superb example owned by a peer here in London. I hope to find out who he is.”
“
I’ve seen it.” His tone was quietly nonchalant. “I actually know of an exquisite example of an orrery not far from here. It’s actually quite striking.”
“
Truly?” Looking at him in surprise, “I’ve been studying the solar systems and stars and the zodiac signs. I’ve heard there is an orrery that is even adorned with precious stones. Can you imagine? I would love to see it. I’m sure it’s absolutely beautiful.” She broke into an utterly beguiling grin. “I am stunned that you even know what an orrery is, my lord? Normally I receive confused stares when I mention it, not that I mention orrery’s all the time, mind you, but everyone’s eyes appear to glaze over when I attempt to explain to them how fascinating the mechanical workings are.” Piper swallowed a groan as she realized she must be boring him to tears. “I’m completely envious!” The longing was apparent in her voice, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. “Perhaps I might be able to view it one day?”
Why must that blasted dimple keep capturing his attention? He regarded her for a moment. “Perhaps, I will see what I can arrange.”
Piper had expected their conversation to wane, but Graydon was very good at steering them to new topics. He quizzed her on their summer house party, informing her that he had unfortunately had to decline the invitation extended to him by her brother due to unforeseen family business. The rest of their ride passed in pleasant and comfortable ease.
He brought his hunter to a stop near a screen of trees and swung down; lifting her from her saddle before looking around to make sure that her groom was still far off.
“
Would you think me a liar if I claimed to be utterly besotted by your beauty?” Graydon murmured close to her ear. Holding her gaze, he took her hand, pushing aside her cuff and raised it to his lips kissing the tender inside of her wrists.
His lips branded her. An unmistakable yearning flooded Piper, she felt her heart quicken in her chest as she met the deep intensity of his gaze, searching his strong, masculine face. She felt as if she were embarking on a marvelous adventure when she stared into his amber eyes. “I shouldn’t be here with you.”
An odd look came over her face. “Why?” Piper’s eyes brightened with curiosity.
“
Isn’t it obvious?” He raised a brow. “Because you are an innocent and I am rumored to eat innocent young ladies like you for breakfast, remember?” He grinned wickedly.
Piper harrumphed. “Fiddle!” She scoffed, throwing him an amused and knowing glance before leaning in close as if she were asking a very serious question, “Have you eaten any innocent young ladies like me for breakfast recently, my lord?” she asked impishly.
Graydon choked down a laugh, “Not of late,” he said smoothly, even though his heart was thundering in his chest. “But then again, I find myself suddenly starving.” He swallowed visibly as he watched her through gleaming eyes.
Piper laughed nervously.
“
You do understand the extent of my reputation, don’t you?” Surprisingly, he hesitated. “Especially after the rumors from last year, you should jump back on your horse and run from me.” A heavy silence fell around them.
She forced herself to meet his gaze steadily. “Of course I’ve heard the rumors, who hasn’t?” she admitted blithely. “Lord Seymour made sure that we were all fully apprised of the unfortunate situation that occurred last year at the Keckilpenny ball.”
Rolling his eyes. “How could I forget that you were there? He found great pleasure in advising me that he told everyone. He thought it quite a lark.” Graydon caught her gaze, his eyes scorching hot and intense. He wanted her so violently that he was swollen painfully against the front of his buckskins. She was the very essence of innocence, and everything he could never truly have, but he wanted her far more than he had wanted anything his whole life.
After a moment of contemplation, he planted his hands on each of her shoulders, leaning in he grinned, his gold-flecked eyes twinkling. “I want to kiss you again, Piper.”
She waited as he quickly tugged at the fingers of his gloves, pulling them roughly from his hands and shoving them deep in his pockets.
He closed the space between them until there were only a few inches between his body and hers, raising a bare hand he gently traced the curve of her bottom lip with the rough pad of his thumb sending shivers of deep awareness racing down Piper’s spine. “I’ve thought of nothing else since I walked away from you last night.”