Unconventional Suitors 01 - Her Unconventional Suitor (12 page)

Wiping her eyes she asked, “What if I am?”

“It will break my heart.”

“Good, then you will know how I feel right now.”

***

Benedict had painstakingly picked out his clothing for the rout that evening, trying on every pair of breeches and every dress coat and waistcoat from the hideous selection his friends had produced until he found the ones that fit him the best. The last thing he wanted to do was embarrass Miss Graham more than necessary and cause further scandal to befall his already tainted reputation.

Despite his pleading, his mother had left for the country that afternoon, leaving Benedict in a somber mood. He was in no mood to attend a party, but he had no choice seeing as how he had already committed to attending with Miss Graham.

Jonathan finished tying his cravat for him then stood back and said, “I dare say, my lord, that it is a vast improvement.”

“I quite agree.” But, less his friends find his appearance too tame, he grabbed the quizzing glass off of his dressing table and stuffed it into his pocket.

The rout was already a crush by the time they arrived and made their introductions to Lady Hoppleworth. Miss Graham held onto his arm tightly as they wound their way through the never ending crowds of people. Benedict wondered how he’d ever manage to find Lady Gillian in the crush.

After pausing to exchange greetings with several people, Miss Graham and Benedict moved to a far corner of the room where they spotted an open window in hopes of catching some fresh air.

Miss Graham opened the fan that was dangling from her wrist and began fanning herself. “It’s dreadfully stuffy in her.”

“Would you like me to fetch you some lemonade?”

She glanced towards the other room where long trays of drinks and refreshments were set up. “I do not mind doing it myself, for I see a friend of mine by the tables whom I dearly wish to speak with.”

Benedict let go of her arm. “Very well.”

No sooner had Miss Graham disappeared into the crowds when he spotted Griffin and Warren making their way to him. He quickly procured the quizzing glass from his pocket and held it up to his eye as they approached.

“What in tarnation do you think you are doing?” Griffin asked angrily.

Benedict squinted at him from behind the quizzing glass and answered in his most snobbish voice. “Looking at the most irritating man in London. Isn’t that obvious?”

Griffin snatched the quizzing glass from his hand while Benedict laughed. “I’m referring to Miss Graham, you imbecile. You are supposed to be wooing Lady Gillian, not Marcus’s sister. He’s furious, by the way.”

“Oh really, I had no idea,” Benedict retorted dryly, though the tender bruise on his jaw was a constant reminder of Marcus’s feelings on the matter.

“We are here on his behalf,” Warren interjected. “And we insist you stay away from Miss Graham.”

“Too bad you did not set that as one of the conditions of the bet. Your only stipulations were that I dress in this foolish garb and convince Lady Gillian to wed me before the season’s end. You never clarified how I could or could not go about realizing that goal. I’m not sincerely interested in gaining Miss Graham’s affections. I am merely using her to make Lady Gillian jealous.”

“Well may I at least offer a recommendation?” Griffin asked snidely.

“Be my guest, though I may not feel obligated to acquiesce.”

“I highly recommend that you spend more time keeping an eye on Lady Gillian and making sure she is not compromised than wasting your time play acting with Miss Graham.”

“She has disappeared with Lord Evander and could very well be being compromised as we speak. I saw them slipping out onto the balcony,” Warren offered. “Though perhaps it is not in my best interest to tell you so, for I do desire to see you fail.”

Benedict fled in a panicked hurry, leaving Griffin and Warren behind, anxious to find Lady Gillian before it was too late. The sky was black and starless as he emerged onto the balcony, furiously looking for any sign of Lady Gillian. Sure enough, Warren had been right. She was standing in the far corner, her arm hooked through Lord Evander’s, their heads lowered together in conversation.

His blood began to boil at seeing her alone in the dark with the man. “Lady Gillian, I have word from your mother.”

Both Lady Gillian and Lord Evander’s heads snapped up at the intrusion. He took slow methodical steps in their direction, though what he really desired to do was run to her, snatch her away from Lord Evander, the devil, and claim her as his own.

Lady Gillian let go of Lord Evander’s arm and stalked right up to him. “My mother sent you to seek me out? That is impossible for me to believe.”

Benedict ignored her, turning dangerous eyes on Lord Evander instead. “I suggest you give me a moment of privacy with the lady,” he said coldly, the tone of his voice broking no argument.

Lord Evander stepped forward and put a protective hand on her arm. “Lady Gillian, do you wish me to leave?”

She glanced nervously at Benedict before surprising him by saying, “Please. I will join you back inside in a moment.”

“Very well. I shall wait for your return.”

Benedict barely waited for Lord Evander to disappear before saying, “He was rather easy to persuade. Is he always so willing to do your bidding?”

Lady Gillian seethed. “Do not insult Lord Evander. He is a perfect gentleman, quite unlike you, my lord. Now pray tell what my mother wants, besides for me to stay as far away from you as I can.”

“Why does your mother want you to stay away from me?” Benedict asked sharply.

“La! Isn’t it obvious? For the same reason every mother in London wishes their daughter to not keep company with you.”

“Every mother? That is a gross exaggeration, for I can think of at least one lady whose mother does not mind me pursuing her daughter.”

Benedict watched with satisfaction as she stomped her foot angrily and said, “Then go harass Miss Graham instead of me.”

He took a step near her and laughed. Reaching out, he traced one finger along her jaw and tilted her face up so that she was looking at him. “My intent is not to harass you,” he said softly.

“Then what is your intent, my lord, for I’m growing weary of your games.”

Benedict felt his heart soften as he looked into her eyes, eyes that appeared almost black in the dark shadows of the night. “My intent is to see that you are not compromised by that rake, Lord Evander. I am here for your protection.”

She let out a mirthless laugh as she took a swift step backwards, away from his touch. “The lion here to protect me from the lamb? Ha! Need I remind you that you have already compromised me, my lord?”

Benedict felt a stab of guilt at her accusation and felt the need to defend himself. “I did not ruin you. No one is aware of what happened between us in the library but you and I.”

Lady Gillian closed her eyes, her dark lashes fluttering against her pale cheeks as she inhaled deeply, angrily. When she opened her eyes, she looked positively murderous. “Just because no one found out does not mean that you did not ruin me, you fool!”

She surprised Benedict by laying her palms on his chest and giving him a hearty push. Benedict stumbled back before finding his footing and standing firm. He grabbed Lady Gillian’s wrists and held them firmly to her sides. As his face lowered towards hers he snarled, “I never meant to ruin you. I was simply proving a point.”

“And you were right, blast it all, for no one has been able to stir me the way that you do. Don’t you see Benedict? Your kiss ruined me for any other man, and I hate you for that. But that is exactly what you intended to happen, wasn’t it?”

Her anger would have unnerved him had he not been elated by her admission. Without letting go of her wrists, he pressed his body against hers and mumbled a hasty, “Then marry me, for I’m about to compromise you again,” before capturing her mouth beneath his own.

Her hands struggled against his, but she presented no real challenge. He successfully held her arms firmly to her sides and though she protested his kiss at first, within seconds he felt her body go limp and her mouth start to respond. Fire swirled within him as his insides clenched tight with a barely restrained passion. She was so lively, so passionate, so beautiful, and he wanted none other.

When he was finally able to part from her lips, he let go of her arms and gathered her to him, using one hand to guide her head to his chest. He laid his cheek against her hair and breathed deeply of her scent. “Gillian, marry me.”

“I cannot,” she muttered apologetically, though he thought it reassuring that she didn’t attempt to pull away.

Benedict’s heart sank. “Why ever not? You said that no man stirred you the way that I do, and it is the same for me. I want these feelings for the rest of my life. I want you.”

She pulled back and searched his face. “What about Miss Graham?”

“Is that what this is about?” he asked gently, his eyes softening as he gazed upon her. “I do not have feelings for Miss Graham, if that is what you are asking. She is the sister of one of my closest friends and I feel a brotherly affection for her. That is all.”

“But are you positive that she does not have feelings for you? I would hate to be the cause of her heartache.”

Benedict chuckled. “She and I have already conversed about such matters, and I can assure you that her feelings are likewise familial.”

Lady Gillian looked momentarily relieved, but then her eyes turned sad. “Benedict, it could never work. What about my mother?”

“What about her?” he asked, unwilling to see the Duchess as an insurmountable challenge.

“She would never allow me to wed you. Never.”

Benedict was thoughtful before asking, “Is my apparel truly of greater importance to her than the fact that her daughter would wed an earl and become a countess? Or the fact that you would be well taken care of and loved for the rest of your life?”

Lady Gillian gasped as she took a step back from him, her eyes twinkling with an emotion he couldn’t quite decipher. She grabbed his hands in her own and pulled them to her breast, causing Benedict to momentarily forget what they were conversing about. “Do you mean it?”

His brain was foggy with desire. “Of course,” he answered, not entirely sure what he was agreeing to.

“You love me?” she asked reverently.

The tone of her voice told him that she needed reassured. He blinked and forced his mind away from fantasies of possessing her and said honestly, “I do.”

“Oh Benedict,” she breathed huskily, taking his mind instantly back to his wicked fantasies. He wanted to hear her sigh his name longingly for the rest of his life.

He cupped her face in his hands and just before his lips touched hers, he urged once more, “Marry me.”

“Give me time to work on my mother,” she pleaded as she searched his face.

Not exactly the answer he wanted. There were no admissions of love in return and no ready acceptance of his proposal, but at least she hadn’t refused him outright. “Of course,” he smiled before placing a gently kiss to her lips. “But not too long.”

Gillian slipped back into the house and quickly made to find Lord Evander. Her mind was awash with so many different emotions. She wanted nothing more than to go home and retire to her room in silence so she could attempt to sort through the recent happenings with Benedict. Her heart swelled when she thought about him promising to love her for the rest of her life. Was it possible that she returned his feelings? She wasn’t entirely certain.

“Lady Gillian, I am right here.”

Gillian turned to see she had walked right past Lord Evander. She politely took his offered arm. “I beg your pardon, my lord. My mind is a million miles away.”

“Yes,” he laughed, “I can see that. Is everything well?”

Gillian pondered on how she should answer that. “Yes, though I’m suddenly feeling faint. Perhaps I should find my mother.”

“Allow me to escort you.”

Gillian let Lord Evander lead her through the throngs of people until they finally found her mother conversing with Lady Tartwell and Lady Juniper. Her mother ceased speaking as she approached, a pleased smile on her face.

“Allow me to introduce you to my eldest daughter, Lady Gillian. This is her first season.” The ladies curtsied before her as they said their greetings. “And this fine young gentleman is Lord Evander.”

Lord Evander bowed before each of them before returning his attention to her mother. “I’m afraid that Lady Gillian is feeling faint. Perhaps it is best if I see her home.”

The Duchess of Chesley’s eyes widened with delight at the same time that Gillian’s heart sank. She did not wish to be alone with Lord Evander, for surely he would feel welcome to kiss her after her forwardness during their prior outing to the theatre. And now that she had been branded with Benedict’s kiss once more, she was positively certain that she’d never be the same again, that no other man would do. She had no desire to encourage Lord Evander in his pursuit.

“Oh how kind of you to offer, Lord Evander, but I do not wish for you to leave the party so early. My mother can see me home, thank you.” She hoped that no one would protest further.

“Are you absolutely certain?” he asked her, slightly puzzled.

“But of course,” she answered honestly, though she did so without so much as looking at his face. She couldn’t stand the look of disappointment he was sure to be wearing.

As soon as they were seated comfortably in their carriage, her mother turned to her in disbelief. “I cannot believe you refused Lord Evander’s offer to see you home. Clearly he is interested in you.”

“And clearly I am not interested in him,” she retorted hotly.

Her mother’s hand flew to her breast as she opened and shut her mouth several times before finally saying, “How could you say such a thing? He is splendidly handsome and demure and has been persistently perusing you. Pray tell what you find so offensive about the man.”

“Nothing, for he has behaved himself as a perfect gentleman should.”

“Then I fail to see the problem, Gillian,” her mother said coldly. “I am not amused by these mind games you are trying to play with me. I thought that you welcomed Lord Evander’s pursuit.”