To Refuse a Rake (15 page)

Hudson sat up and pulled Emma up with him. When other voices began to call out, he stood. Carefully assisting Emma, he quickly rushed to hide her behind the hedge. As he tried to discern the reason for the piercing noise, he saw Lady Alton burst from the manor, doubled over and wearing only her camisole! Lady Linden followed shortly after and gave her a robe. She spoke with Lady Alton for a moment before both women entered the house once again. Hudson glanced to Emma and watched her lips turn up into a saucy smile.

“I think we best head inside. It’s quite… er… crowded out here tonight,” Emma said. Her gaze lowered and a cascade of hair covered the side of her face at the movement. Hudson swallowed hard. All he wanted to do was regain the feverish moment that was just interrupted.

“Oh, I think our little corner of the garden is quite… private.” Hudson chuckled and leaned in to kiss his
fiancée
.

“It is… for now. But I do not wish to be included in whatever scandal surely took place this night,” Emma teased as she kissed him back.

“Must you always be so clear-headed?” Hudson grumbled, earning a giggle from Emma.

“No. Once we’re married I promise to throw all caution to the wind,” Emma leaned forward and vowed hotly in Hudson’s ear.

“I have a special license.” Hudson spoke quickly, wanting nothing more than to once again feel the weight of Emma straddling him.

“Perhaps we’ll make good use of it.”

“I can think of many ways we could make grand use of it…” Hudson replied with a seductive tilt of his lips. Oh, the many ways he would tease and torment Emma with passion until she cried out unable—

“Hudson?”

Emma was shaking his shoulder slightly.

“Yes?”

“I was saying… I’ll head back to the house and you follow in a few minutes. Is that acceptable?” Emma arched an eyebrow, surely knowing where his mind had been.

“Indeed. Shall we meet in your bedroom or mine?” Hudson leaned forward and kissed her wickedly, teasing her lips with his tongue and teeth.

“You in yours, me in mine… for now.” Emma winked and then glanced about. Seeing the way clear, she rushed across the garden and entered the house.

“For now,” Hudson promised then began a slow count to two hundred.

Chapter Thirteen

Emma awoke with a smile on her face. Last night’s adventure was surely the most romantic and entertaining event of her life! Perhaps today she’d learn what had caused Lady Alton to scream and rush into the night with such little clothing! Lady Linden’s parties were usually the source of some scandal. Now Emma was able to witness the scandal firsthand.

As she dressed, she remembered that Sadie had her own confession to make. Was she creating firm attachment to Lord Longton? What were his intentions? Emma’s heart constricted as she considered the damage he could do if he were just after a dalliance with an unattached widow. Surely Sadie knew to be careful.

As she made her way down to break her fast, she passed numerous doors. Which one belonged to Hudson? Was he still abed? Or was he awake, thinking of her as well? Never had she imagined she’d fall in love, let alone with him! Life could be full of such delightful surprises!

As she arrived at the breakfast room, she glanced about at the various people milling around. Each person was quiet and very subdued, as if not able to fully awaken. Sadie was pouring herself a cup of tea when Emma caught sight of her.

“Good morning.” Emma spoke quietly as she approached her sister.

“It is indeed morning…” Her sister gave her a wry grin. She studied Emma, narrowing her eyes and tilting her head slightly. “You’re practically glowing. What happened? What don’t I know?” Sadie leaned forward with a cheeky smile and waited.

“I’m assuming there is much that you don’t know, sister dear.” Emma quipped and stepped around her.

“Indeed, yet I’m going to make the grand assumption that your smile has something to do with Lord Daventry.” Sadie raised an eyebrow.

“Perhaps. Does
your
smile have something to do with Lord Longton?” Emma shot back with impertinence.

“Perhaps.” Sadie narrowed her eyes.

“Does it
per
chance
have something to do with a maze at midnight—”

Sadie’s eyes widened and she reached out and tugged her sister into the hall.

“What exactly did you see…? Wait!” Sadie leaned back and crossed her arms. “What were
you
doing at midnight?”

“I’d love to answer your question, but I see my
fiancé
approaching and I’d like to wish him good morning.” Emma winked at her sister and barely suppressed a giggle at the astounded expression that overtook Sadie’s face.

As Emma walked over to Hudson, his chocolate gaze warmed her from the inside out, reminding her of the flavor of his kiss. She felt her cheeks heat as she remembered her brazen actions the night before. But she couldn’t summon a guilty conscience, only an anticipation to experience them again, and soon.

“Good morning.” Hudson’s voice was husky in quality, as if he hadn’t spoken much this morning. Emma savored the sound and a tremor of delicious anticipation swirled in her belly.

“Good morning,” Emma replied shyly as her eyes took in every inch of him, hungry for more.

Hudson’s eyes greedily studied her as well, first her face then the length of her body while a devilish tilt of his lips exposed his white teeth. He strode forward, closing the distance between them and reached out, taking Emma’s hand.

His kiss was lingering and warm to her gloved flesh and goose bumps rose on her arm in response. How she wanted his kiss placed to her lips, not her hand! Yet, as his gaze locked with hers, the intimacy conveyed was searing in its passion.

“I understand there’s to be an announcement.” Sadie’s voice broke through the haze of desire and Emma glanced down, breaking eye contact.

“Indeed. Your sister has made the astoundingly wise choice to marry me.” Hudson grinned at Sadie.

Emma felt her jaw drop in amazement. But after a moment, she simply shook her head. After all, he was correct, as much as it severely pained her to admit it. At least she didn’t need to affirm it out loud!

“Even now your sister is coming to the realization that I’m correct.” Hudson arched an eyebrow at Emma. “Emma dear, you’ll soon find out I’m almost always correct.” He winked.

“You are, indeed, always arrogant,” Emma shot back.

Hudson chuckled. “Perhaps. Then I can also assume you’re taking upon yourself the responsibility to keep me humble?”

“Indeed. Someone must,” Emma replied loftily.

After eating, the men left for a short hunt while the women were given the option of embroidery and conversation or walking around the gardens before they would take their leave back to London. Various card games were set up as well, but Emma had no desire to do anything save be around Hudson.

“You never told me what you were doing spying around at midnight,” Sadie whispered as she came alongside Emma beginning her walk in the garden.

“You never told me what you were doing in the maze with Lord Longton,” Emma countered, raising an eyebrow.

“You are exasperating! That is none of your business.” Sadie turned away but a smile broke through her feigned anger.

“You, sister dear, know I’m exasperating. You might as well tell me now before I pester you further.” Emma poked Sadie in the side, earning a glare from her older sister.

“If you must know… Lord Longton requested that I meet him. He
did
have one favor from a guest to collect from winning ‘Move-All’.”

“And he wanted to collect that ‘favor’ at midnight?” Emma asked with a disbelieving tone.

“Yes.”

“That’s not scandalous at all,” Emma replied sarcastically, but with a teasing glint in her eyes.

“Well, I didn’t think anyone would see us!” Sadie shot back, narrowing her eyes at her sister.

“Be thankful it was I that saw you!” Emma replied.

“I suppose you’re correct. Nonetheless, a lady never kisses and tells.” Sadie turned away, walking more briskly.

Emma felt her smile widen and she increased her pace to catch up with her sister.

“Then you are no lady!” Emma scolded as she caught up with her sister.

“What?” Sadie stopped and glared at her sister.

“You said that ladies never kiss and tell. You, sister dear, just told me.” Emma grinned and crossed her arms.

“I suppose I did.” Sadie shrugged.

“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll not tell Lord Longton that you aren’t truly a lady.” Emma giggled at her sister’s appalled expression.

“How kind of you,” Sadie replied dryly.

“But, forgive me if I’m putting a damper on the delightful mood, but are you sure of Lord Longton’s intentions? Are they honorable? I just don’t want to see you get hurt once more.” Emma placed her hand on her sister’s arm. The sun flashed on her ivory glove, reminding her of the night before with Hudson, when she had foregone that formality. Tingles shot through her but she forced her mind back to her sister.

Sadie glanced down and then back to her sister. “Yes. He’s not the type to dally, that I’m aware of at least. His attentions seem sincere, and it’s a risk I’m willing to take, Emma.” Sadie’s clear blue gaze was piercing in its sincerity.

“Then I trust your judgment. But please… keep your wits about you. He appears to single you out with his attentions, but…”

“I’ve been fooled before?” Sadie finished with a sad smile.

“Yes,” Emma whispered.

“I know. I’ll be careful.” Sadie said as she began strolling again. “Your turn.” She cleared her throat delicately and turned expectant eyes to Emma.

“My turn?” Emma’s heart began to thump wildly.

“Yes! What were you doing out a midnight?” Sadie gave Emma a look of exasperation.

Emma felt her cheeks heat with a blush. There certainly wasn’t much she could say to her sister without scandalizing her! “Hudson asked to speak with me and he proposed marriage.” She smiled, hoping her sister would not press for further details.

“I had thought it was as much. I must say, you certainly shocked me earlier with that revelation. Truly Emma, I’m so very pleased for you and Lord Daventry. My heart is full knowing that you have found such a perfect match, a love match no less.” Sadie reached over and hugged her sister gently, careful not to cause any wrinkles in their dresses.

“Thank you. I knew you would be pleased.”

“I am, but it’s clear that you are pleased as well. Do you love him?”

“Yes, at least I believe I do. I cannot go more than two steps without whispering his name in my heart, or thinking of him in some fashion. When he’s not with me, I wish he were. “
And I cannot quench the raging desire I feel for his lips, his touch,
Emma added silently.

“So you’re not afraid?” Sadie stepped around a twig on the path and cast a sideways glance at Emma.

“Oh, I’m terrified!” Emma admitted. “But as terrified as I am, it seems small in contrast with the depth of my affection. Does that make sense?”

“Yes. It does.” Sadie smiled and reached out to cup her sister’s cheek. “I promise you this, Emma. It will only get better with time. As Lord Daventry continues to show you his regard and loyalty, whatever fear remains will slowly diminish.”

“Thank you,” Emma whispered. They rounded a bend and found themselves near a Grecian outbuilding. Emma mentally traced the ivy twining up one thick white column and made her mind up to investigate Lord Longton a bit further. Perhaps Hudson would help.

“You’re welcome. Who knows, maybe we both found love here at Lady Linden’s.”

****

“So what has you grinning like a fool?” Hewett trudged through the tall grass to catch Hudson as they glanced about for game.

“Like a fool, you say?” Hudson cleared his throat and struggled to keep his expression stern, but of their own accord, his lips tilted into a smile that finally broke free.

“It’s downright disconcerting seeing you act like this,” Hewett remarked as he studied the marshy land before them.

Hudson chuckled at his friend’s wary expression. “You never were one to hunt. Why is it that you’re even here?” Hudson tried to change the subject, not knowing if he wanted to share his delicious secret just yet.

“Miserable idea. Shooting animals, cleaning them. I’d much rather — Wait! Don’t you attempt to change the subject. It won’t work.” Hewett gave him a wry expression before turning around to head back to the Linden Estate. “Are you coming? We have quite a walk ahead of us and, judging by your attempt at distracting me from my question, whatever information you have to disclose is not for others to hear.” Hewett paused and waited with an impatient expression.

“Oh, devil take it. I haven’t fired one shot either. Might as well leave this bloody miserable place.” Hudson caught up with his friend and they began to walk in silence.

“So?”

“So?” Hudson replied, just to annoy his friend. Hewett was in a rare mood and Hudson wanted to take full advantage. Retribution of sorts for how he had mocked him earlier when he had asked Hewett for help in courting Emma.

“You bloody well know! Don’t play ignorant with me. I haven’t the patience today.

“I can see that. Why I wonder?” Hudson bit back a grin at his friend’s grimace.

“I didn’t sleep well.”

“So you now have the tolerance of a badger?”

“If you are so deuced interested, last night there was far too much commotion, which included but was not limited to, screaming, yelling, and a large fanfare during which Lady Alton began to bang on our door at all hours demanding we let her into her room! Can you imagine? The woman must have consumed all of Lady Linden’s brandy to be so confused! Her room was in a separate wing of the house!”

Hudson coughed to cover up his laugh. “I heard there was a… disturbance last night.”

“You have no idea. I was so angry I couldn’t sleep, and now you see the product of a poor rest. Forgive me if I… devil take it! You did it! I rambled on for how long? You bloody bastard!” Hewett shook his head.