Authors: Nichole Matthews
“
Quite fetching, indeed,” Poppy said, continuing to admire her reflection in the cheval glass clueless to the hidden animosity floating just beneath the surface.
“
Perhaps you would be so kind as to assist me with procuring my own charming bonnet.” Her sharp gaze searched Piper’s face. “I’m searching for a small something that will turn Rockwell speechless. I want him to be more than pleased.”
Piper’s throat almost closed up, gritting her teeth she managed to utter, “I would love to assist you, Lady Caroline, but Poppy and I were just leaving.” She discretely elbowed her twin, giving her a significant look.
“
I’ll take it,” Poppy said. “Apparently my wardrobe theme for this season is comprised of fruit,” she declared humorously. “Which I suppose is fitting since Declan looks as if he is going to devour me each time he walks in the room.” She chuckled.
“
Poppy!” Piper giggled into her gloved hand.
“
What?” She turned innocent eyes towards Piper.
“
You’re horrid.”
“
I’m truthful,” Poppy replied. “Wait until you are wed.” Then turning inquisitive eyes towards her twin she looped their arms. “Speaking of, I’ve heard a delicious rumor that Rockwell has taken a keen interest in you.” She spoke just loud enough for Lady Caroline to hear as she expertly led her twin from the shop. “How delightful.”
“
Poppy, you are deliberately trying to instigate trouble.”
“
Why, I have no idea of what you speak.” Her innocent look didn’t fool Piper.
“
I’m going to strangle Auntie Adele.” Piper groaned as a pink flush rose to her cheeks. “It was one ball. She acts as though he has quoted romantic poetry through my open window nightly. We walked in the garden, as did the rest of the guests at one point or another.” She patted Poppy’s hand as they exited the shop. “Besides, he is an unreliable rogue and not at all the sort of gentleman that would make a respectable husband.”
“
Who wants a respectable husband, Piper?” Poppy’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Auntie Adele was correct. Rakes make the most delicious husbands. According to Auntie, he is devilish handsome.”
Piper gaped at her sister, a blush touching her cheek. “You’re shameful.”
She let her gaze roam over her twins face. “What was that all about with Lady Caroline?”
“‘
Tis nothing.” She swallowed hard and attempted to answer, “She wants Rock…”
Piper’s words caught on a scream as she was pushed roughly from behind. Her arms flailing as she tried to catch herself. Landing on her side, barely avoiding hitting her head on the pavement, a pain so sharp, she barely noticed the receding footsteps as the perpetrator ran across the street and down an alleyway.
“
Piper! Oh, my dear Piper!” Poppy cried, a look of horror on her face kneeling quickly by her sister. “Oh dear, oh dear, are you alright? Is anything broken?”
Gingerly sitting up, Piper knew she would suffer a large bruise on her hip later that day. She struggled to catch her breath as two gentlemen stopped to offer their assistance. “I’m just grateful that was me instead of you knocked to the ground.” She bit back a cry, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. “I don’t know what I would have done if you had been injured.”
Poppy’s footman crouched down. “I will retrieve the carriage, my lady.”
“
Thank you, John.”
“
I’m so glad you’re not badly injured.” Poppy sniffled. “My heart about stopped.”
Looking up, Piper saw the dark eyes of Mr. Whitman watching her with concern. Holding out his gloved hand he enfolded hers in his tight grasp and carefully lifted her to her feet.
Poppy reached for her sister and hugged her close. “Oh thank you, sir.” She looked over Piper’s right shoulder.
“
We have not been introduced, but under the circumstances surely we can forsake propriety.” He bowed his head. “Mr. Whitman, at your service.”
“
Oh thank you so much,” Poppy cried, pressing her hand to her breast.
“
My carriage is right here, please allow me to carry you home,” Mr. Whitman offered his gray eyes sharp upon her.
“
No thank you, Mr. Whitman,” Piper replied as she took a moment to get her bearings again. “I’m feeling much better, and we are not done shopping as of yet.”
“
Are you sure you are up to continuing?” he inquired.
“
It was nothing but a bump.” She smiled. “I assure you I am more than able to continue.”
With a bow he released her hand. “Of course, my lady.” His eyes cold seemed to be looking at her with a hint of malice. “If you have need, please don’t hesitate to count me as a friend.” He handed Poppy his card.
Piper nodded, grabbing Poppy’s hand she pulled her into the nearest shop not even realizing it was strictly for gentlemen. Turning her back to the storefront window, she took a deep breath. Taking a moment she straightened out her pelisse. Attempting to look at her back. “Poppy, do I have anything on my backside?”
Taking a moment to scrutinize her sister, she replied, “No dear.” With a sharp look. “Are you sure you are not hurt? We can head home right now.”
“
I’m fine.” She smiled. “A little discomfited, but I’m unhurt.”
“
What a pleasure,” His deep voice spoke above her. “Have you need of a new coat, my lady?”
Piper raised anguished eyes as the now familiar voice sent ripples of excitement down her spine, too startled to respond for a moment when she realized the type of establishment she had dragged Poppy into. She was in a conundrum, she was also angry. Angry that he would choose to begin a flirtation with her when he was obviously still in a relationship with Lady Caroline.
“
John?” Graydon chuckled. “Are you attempting to start some new fashions for ladies?” He teased.
“
I beg your pardon, my lord?” John’s muffled reply drifted from the back room.
“
I must depart. Have you everything you need?”
“
Yes, my lord…” He came to a stammering halt when he noticed the two ladies standing in the entryway.
Graydon held a finger up to his lips, quieting Weston as he ushered them both out of the tailor’s shop.
Graydon watched as Piper’s cheeks were flushed deliciously by her discomfiture.
“
I don’t know about you ladies, but I could use some refreshment.” His smile one of supreme pleasure. “I know the perfect place.”
Turning to his left he glanced down. “I presume you are Poppy, the new Duchess of Hawksley.” He inclined his head. “Honored to make your acquaintance, my lady.” He bowed elegantly. Lord Rockwell, at your service.”
“
We meet again, my lady.” He said, turning back to Piper. “What a supreme pleasure.” Did fate have something in mind? She seemed to be thrusting him and Piper together at every turn. Weston’s? As far as he knew, no woman had ever stepped foot inside the hallowed entryway. He suppressed a chuckle. Of course she would be the first.
She was a conundrum.
An enigma.
A delightful mystery for him to solve.
And he wanted to ferret out all of her secrets and desires. Starting with why she was in Weston’s?
The pleasure she received from being in Graydon’s presence was warring with her extreme irritation at his obvious duplicity. With great effort she allowed a smile to tip up the corners of her mouth and a sparkle to settle in their depths. “It would appear so, my lord.”
He asked, “Do you like coffee?”
Piper glanced at her sister, who at this moment was wearing a pleased grin.
Poppy tightened her grasp on Rockwell’s well-muscled arm and replied expeditiously, “We absolutely adore coffee, my lord. Don’t we Piper?”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Illicit assignations are so delicious!
Piper’s journal
18 July
EXCITEMENT SKITTERED ALONG HER VEINS, FLASHED OVER HER SKIN. The sensation owed more to the unknown, then to the boat ride across the Thames ending at the water to Vauxhall Garden. She must extend praise to Perceval for his attentiveness, because he had not dismissed Miss Harris’ romantic notions of reaching the pleasure gardens by water.
Piper’s thoughts were consumed with hope and fear for the evening’s entertainments.
Would he take her hint and meet her at Vauxhall? Did she truly want him to? Was she still upset over Lady Caroline?
She’d spent hours deciding what to wear. What was his favorite color? Was she being too forward? She’d been to Vauxhall often, yet never with the anticipation of an illicit assignation in the gardens. So wrapped up in her own little world she didn’t follow any of the conversation taking place as they crossed the river.
They docked at the water-gate where Perceval assisted the ladies with exiting the boat. Loud chattering and titters of laughter surrounded their happy group as they disembarked.
Miss Harris looked briefly around at the twinkling lights that illuminated the gardens. “My belief that arriving at Vauxhall Gardens by boat is the most romantic has just been proven seven-fold.” She sighed.
“
Of course, Miss Harris,” Piper replied in a cheerful tone, patting her hand.
Each visit to Vauxhall seemed to be a new experience for Miss Harris, and as the girls chaperone, she had attended on many occasions.
Perceval offered his arm with a flourish, leading their small party down the heavily shaded walkway to his booth. Fulton graciously lent his arm to Agnes and Chester taking up the rear with an expression akin to impatience flittering across his face, offered his arm to Miss Harris.
Piper’s eyes wandered wildly over the crowd as they meandered through the crowded walkways to gain access to Perceval’s booth. Each tree they passed under, illuminated by the lamps strategically placed throughout their overhanging branches. The gentlemen assisted each lady over the threshold and insured they were seated in softly cushioned chairs.
“
I know we have arrived late,” Perceval admitted. “But as you can see, I sent ahead a footman to have our supper available upon our arrival.”
“
Capital,” Chester cried. “I’m famished.” Chester reached for a plate and began piling it high with wafer-thin slices of ham and salad.
“
How thoughtful,” Piper murmured.
Fulton poured a glass of arrack-punch and sighed at the potency of the brew. He knew he was going to need it to get through this evening.
Piper turned and saw Peyton pushing through the crowd. She raised her hand and waived. “Look who is heading our way.”
Peyton’s eyes narrowed as he took in the slipshod group of acquaintances assembled in the booth.
Extending his hand, “Lady Agnes, would you care to walk with me?” He barely gave her time to reply before he led her away, she practically had to skip to keep up with his long-legged strides.
After walking in tense silence for a few moments, Peyton pushed her into a darkened path and roared, “Just what in the devil do you think you are doing here with Fulton?”
Agnes snorted with disdain. “What rights have you to dictate whom I can attend Society functions with?” She emphasized her question with tiny jabs at his chest.
“
My rights as a longtime acquaintance,” he replied, hesitating before continuing, “I can’t allow it.” He set his hand on her sleeve.
She lifted her chin. “He asked, we accepted.” Haughtily, she raised both brows. “He was after all a guest in your home at the time. We couldn’t very well have been rude to him. Besides, we are guests of Lord Perceval, not Mr. Fulton.”
She shifted to slide past him and head back to the booth.
“
I will have to have a word with Parker,” he responded. “You know nothing of his reputation.”
“
Oh.” She pivoted with a smirk, crossing her arms protectively over her chest. “Is his reputation blacker than your own?”
He towered over her with tight lips and narrowed eyes. He took her arm steering her down the unlit path until they were completely wrapped in darkness.
He released a muffled snort, looked at her for a long moment, and then shook his head. “Why do you insist on flouting convention?” He clenched his fist in frustration but said in a calm air.
“
How am I flouting convention, Peyton?” She asked him furiously. “I am at a public setting with plenty of chaperones.”
His eyes narrowed even more, he hadn’t counted on her anger.
Agnes met Peyton’s piercing blue eyes. “Surely you of all people did not drag me all the way over here to lecture on propriety?”
He stared down at her. She was glaring back. They both broke out into laughter, but then a sudden hush fell over them.
His eyes seemed to devour her. Slowly, slowly his hand rose until it touched her cheek.
“
What are you playing at, Peyton?” Her voice trembled. This was not happening.
Sensing her puzzlement, Peyton drew her into his arms and kissed her.
……………………………………
.
“
Lady Piper,” Fulton said, in an intimate tone that made Piper extremely uncomfortable. “I was hoping we would have a moment of privacy.” Once again he took possession of one of her hands, clasping her fingers tightly between his own.