To Refuse a Rake (3 page)

“Well, I’m glad that she had some sort of reaction. She’s become quite cold, as if there were ice flowing through her veins. Perhaps you can warm her up?” Hewett nudged Hudson and wagged his eyebrows.

“We’ll see.” Hudson shook his head and glanced over as the orchestra began to play. “I must say I’m thrilled to have secured a waltz though… at least I think.”

“With Miss Kingsly? She’s a graceful dancer. You’ll have to fight your way to get your chance. She won’t entertain suitors, but there’s not a man who doesn’t jump at the opportunity to hold her during a waltz.”

“Always wanting what they can’t have?”

“Precisely.”

“I’ll just have to make sure my offer is one she cannot refuse.” Hudson nodded and began to walk away.

“Yes… you do that.” His friend’s amused voice followed him as he went to claim what was his…for she
was
his, she just didn’t know it yet.

****

Emma danced the quadrille and a few other sets before her flesh began to tingle with a strange awareness. She glanced away from her current dance partner, Lord Restington, and began to search for the source. She missed a step and smiled an apology before returning to her search. She scanned the crowd and finally found him leaning against a pillar next to the far wall. Hudson’s chocolate gaze watched her intently as his lips curved devilishly. Emma nodded to him then gave her attention to Lord Restington.

Yet, as much as she tried to keep her attention on her partner, her mind kept replaying the intense gaze that seemed to penetrate all she had build up around her. Indeed, it was as if he could strip down all she had created in defenses and pour heat into her very soul. She couldn’t shake the sensation of knowing his eyes followed her. In her distracted state, she mis-stepped a few additional times, cursing Hudson in her mind for her own inattentiveness. If he thought she would dance with him after this, then he had another thing coming.

The set finished and Lord Restington escorted her to the refreshment table. He nodded and left without so much as a word. But that was what she expected, that was what she wanted… wasn’t it? A strange hollow feeling filled her briefly before she pushed it away, reminding herself that love wasn’t worth the risk.

“I thought you were a better dancer than that.” A silky voice spoke from behind her, close enough that his warm breath tickled the flesh behind her shoulder. An involuntary shiver of pleasure rocked her body, but she refused to be moved.

“And I thought it was impolite to stare.” She quipped as she turned, raising an eyebrow at his handsome smile.

“I would rather call it… observing.” He chuckled and reached for a glass of champagne. His gaze bore through her as he lifted the fluted crystal to his lips and took a deliberate swallow. The motion widened his lips and made them appear fuller, tempting, and far too attractive.

Emma delicately cleared her throat and glanced away, resisting the urge to use her fan to cool off her heated skin. What was wrong with her? This was Hudson, for pity’s sake!

“I do believe this dance belongs to me.” Hudson’s deep voice broke through her self recriminations and she glanced at him, blinking. Without giving her a chance to respond, he began to escort her towards the dance floor. “I don’t remember your refusal… at least not this time.” He chuckled.

“No one can fault your memory,” Emma responded crisply as she walked beside him. She tried to keep herself stiff and unmoving even though the heat from his body radiated through the thin fabric of her dress and created a swirling sensation in her belly.

The music began and Hudson pulled her into the position for a waltz. The warmth of his hand at her back was distracting. How many men had she danced with, not once noticing that very same sensation? Why was he different? She stiffened as he pulled her in closer, resisting his strength. He lifted one side of his mouth in a lopsided grin but relented. Emma gave an internal sigh of relief. Never had she been so tempted to give in and throw caution to the wind… just a bit. But any crack in her wall would surely weaken the integrity of her resolution.

But oh, Hudson did tempt her.

Which was why she determined that she must never waltz with him again. Ever. Smoldering gazes and warm embraces only lead to ruin, whether you shared his title or not.

****

Emma danced with a grace that moved him in many ways. Her feminine form fit perfectly into his arms, though he would have preferred her much closer than the proper distance. In fact, Emma had made sure that there was more than the proper distance, much to his chagrin. He watched as a myriad of emotions passed over her beautiful features, each becoming more obstinate than the last. She always had been a stubborn one.

The way she shivered when he had approached her and spoken in a low voice next to her ear spoke of a mutual attraction, but he needed more than that. Even now the proud tilt of her chin let him know that he was in for a battle if he wanted more than a few polite words and perfectly spaced dances.

What had changed in her? More importantly, how had she changed his mind concerning marriage? Hadn’t he balked when his mother suggested the idea? Hadn’t he told his friend Hewett that he wasn’t interested? He had traveled the world, tasted the lips of many a beautiful woman who’d eagerly shared their bed. Why now was he suddenly finding the prospect of marriage more and more appealing? The answer was simple, because he found Emma more and more appealing.

Perhaps it was only because he had not been with a woman in quite some time. Yet, part of him wondered it that was truly the cause. Emma had always stirred to life some strange attachment that he couldn’t shake. Too bad he didn’t seem to stir the same intense emotion… but perhaps he could, if given time. The question was, did he want her that much? Was he willing to pursue her, be named the fool for trying? She was known for her cool demeanor… Was he willing to sacrifice a significant measure of pride in order to attain a higher prize?

He gazed intently at Emma, searching her eyes for the answer. What held her back? Was there some secret that he wasn’t privy to that made her untouchable, not by choice but by design? He felt his eyes narrow as he studied her further. She held his gaze defiantly, refusing to blink or back down. Her back stiffened slightly under the warm hold of his hand, and he grinned inwardly at the challenge she seemed to present. Pressing the thoughtful questions to the back of his mind, he decided to take a risk. His eyebrow arched as he smiled and gave her fingers a slight squeeze.

A moment of confusion flickered across Emma’s face as he tightened his hold on her hand. Quickly he pressed his advantage. As they turned he went too fast, causing her to fall off balance, just enough for his plan to work. Indeed Emma leaned into him as she was caught off guard by the speed of the turn and he pressed her in tightly, far tighter than she had allowed earlier. Her eyes narrowed as she glared up at him, but he only smiled wider. Next, he began to slightly rub her back with the smallest movement of his fingers. She tried to wiggle away but was unable to shake his firm hold.

“What are you doing?” she asked through clenched teeth.

“Waltzing.” Hudson gave her his most innocent expression.

“That is not what I’m speaking of.” She glanced around at the crowd and then to him with a flushed face.

“I do believe you’re blushing.” Hudson leaned forward and spoke in a hushed tone. Her lips parted into two scarlet ribbons and her pink tongue flicked out to moisten them. He almost groaned out loud at the delectable picture she presented. His body tightened with awareness, and his senses were flooded with her spicy scent, the slight heat from her body.

“They are staring.” Emma’s gaze dropped to the floor. “Of course I’m blushing, you’re creating a scene.” She glanced up, the blush gone, replaced by a stoic expression that held no emotion. Hudson decided he hated that expression.

“Perhaps… but you were already the center of attention. I don’t see why you’re upset.”

“I was not the center of attention.”

“You indeed were.”

“There are dozens of beautiful young debutantes filling the room. I’m already considered on the shelf.”

“Deuced blessed shelf,” Hudson replied.

Emma closed her eyes and appeared to try to collect her patience. Truly, Hudson couldn’t remember a time when he had enjoyed himself so thoroughly!

“What I’m trying to say is—”

“Emma. You are stunning and equally as stubborn. You may consider yourself on the shelf, but I guarantee you that few men in this building aren’t willing to go to great lengths to change your mind. Just because you believe something, doesn’t make it true.”

Emma huffed an exasperated sigh.

“Since they are already muttering amongst themselves, why don’t we give them something to gossip about tomorrow?” Hudson raised an eyebrow as he issued the challenge.

Emma’s eyes grew wide and she began to protest, but he slid the hand at her back over to her side and pressed into her ribs, causing her to take in a sharp breath.

“Please…”

Emma’s tortured expression caused Hudson to pause. Was she truly so deeply concerned over attracting attention? He released his firm hold and allowed her to step back to the proper distance. Her absence affected him acutely, as though missing the warming of the sun when it was hidden by a sudden cloud on a spring day.

She cast a few glances at the crowd as the music ended. “Thank you,” she murmured as she followed him from the dance floor.

“Miss Kingsly… it is and has always been a pleasure to dance with you.” Hudson nodded then added in a low voice “Forgive me if I caused you unnecessary alarm. T’was all in good fun, I assure you.” He smiled, hoping his sincerity was evident.

Her blue eyes studied him, curious and calculating as if evaluating the authenticity of his statement. She glanced down and then at the people milling about them.

“I know.” She gave him a sad smile and then excused herself.

Hudson watched her leave, curious and intrigued. What was it that had made the stubborn and defiant Emma become so fearful and meek? Had she been hurt or rejected by a lover? Immediately Hudson’s fist clenched as his muscles flexed. The thought of her belonging to someone else was unthinkable. From the age of nine, he had wanted to claim her for himself. Perhaps that was his answer. Maybe there had never been a choice at all. Because when it came to Emma Kingsly, he was powerless to do anything but pursue. Even when he knew rejection was very possible in his future.

****

“Who was that handsome man you were waltzing with?” Sadie asked the moment they entered the carriage for the trip home.

All Emma wanted to do was unlace her wretched corset, find a good book, and read until she fell asleep. The last thing she wanted to do was talk about Hudson, the Earl of Daventry — especially to her sister.

“That was Hudson Cade, The Earl of Daventry.” Emma sighed, closing her eyes and hoping Sadie wouldn’t quite hear the full name.

“Daventry?” Sadie’s shocked voice echoed throughout the closed carriage.

“Yes.” Emma opened one eye, then the other. She leaned forward and grasped her sister’s hand.

“He looks like Emmett. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before.” Sadie’s tone was soft, wistful, and fully miserable.

“Somewhat. Though I think he takes after his father more.” Emma tried to take away the association with Emmett, Hudson’s late older brother. Sadie didn’t need any reminders.

“Perhaps.” Sadie gave Emma a brave smile and leaned forward. “But he was handsome, and his gaze followed you all night. At least that’s what the gossip has already declared.”

“Please tell me it’s not true.” Emma groaned and then leaned back into the plush velvet of the carriage seat.

“It seems as if another gentleman is after the unattainable. I’m sure there’s already a wager started at White’s to determine how long it takes for him to give up… or for you to.” Sadie smiled but the joy didn’t reach her eyes.

“Whoever bet the shortest amount of time will soon be declared the winner. I refused Huds— er, Lord Daventry when I was nine and I can certainly resist what small amount of charm he’s attained since then.” Emma flicked her hand in a dismissive gesture. The ivory glove encasing her hands met a sliver of moonlight filtering through the carriage widow and seemed to glow a pale white.

“Nine? I must have missed that.” Sadie’s tone was full of suppressed mirth. Had it not been so dark, Emma knew her sister’s expression would have been quite amused.

“It’s not important. I’m not getting married. Ever. Lord Daventry will have to accept that. But that’s making the grand assumption he’s interested at all.” Emma sniffed and glanced outside at the passing buildings.

“I think it’s safe to say he’s interested. I saw the waltz. He wasn’t just dancing with you. He was seducing you on the dance floor. It’s a wonder the dowagers weren’t scandalized.”

“It was not that bad.” Emma huffed.

“Sister, dear… you didn’t see what we saw.” Sadie leaned forward, the moonlight illuminating a full grin. Emma heaved a sigh of relief. She’d gladly do anything to keep that smile on her beautiful sister’s face. It had been gone for far too long. Stolen.

“Perhaps this season will be more interesting than I thought.” Sadie lifted a shoulder and leaned back.

“Not if I can help it,” Emma whispered. Yet, deep inside she had the suspicion that Sadie was indeed correct and all the blame for that would lie at Hudson’s feet.

Chapter Three

Early the next afternoon, Hudson stood outside of Hewett’s residence, hoping to find his friend at home. He approached the tall stone structure and knocked. The boxwoods next to the door were perfectly manicured and still carried drops of water from the earlier rain.

“Yes?” the graying butler who’d opened the door asked with a raised brow.

“Lord Daventry to see Lord Hewett.” Hudson placed his card on the silver tray.

“Just a moment, my lord.” The butler disappeared inside the house and Hudson turned to study the street. Hewett lived just outside of Hyde Park. The fashionable hour would soon be upon them, and the now sparsely-populated green acres would be teeming with gentry, all flirting with each other and showing off their prize horseflesh.