Masquerade Secrets Page 9
“No doubt.” His lips curved wryly. “They are in the country and bored after a few hours from sitting inside too long.”
She laughed softly. “Most are used to being in London where their lives are lived out indoors.”
“Exactly. However, I noticed that you do not share that opinion.”
“Not at all. In fact, I would live in the country at all times if possible.”
His brow arched in fascination. “How unfashionable of you.”
She shrugged in an unlady-like way and laughed. “To be honest, I find myself unfashionable most of the time. I never really jumped into the way of debutants, finding myself different in both looks and temperament from others. I have no desire to change.”
“And I’m grateful for it,” he said, not bothering to dissuade her. “I find that I enjoy the diversity you offer from other women. I’ve never once heard you giggle.” He gave a dramatic shudder.
Laughing with her whole body, she shook her head. “No, I have never been known for my giggling, to my mother’s relief. However, I believe she would wish me to prefer London as others do.”
“The country is far superior,” he agreed.
Surprise.
“You? But you’re a duke.” The moment she said the words she knew she sounded ridiculous.
“And? It is so much more peaceful in the country. I don’t have to stay up all hours, I may ride as freely and as often as I wish, and I am usually in the comforts of my own estate. What more could a man ask for?”
“True. I enjoy riding everyday. I hadn’t realized that I had picked up the habit until we arrived here. It will be something that I will miss once we return to London again. The sedate pace that is required in Hyde Park just doesn’t give me the same thrill.”
He nodded in agreement. “Care for a ride?”
The invitation cut off her lighthearted laughter. “Now? Together?”
“Yes. As you said yourself, there isn’t anything scheduled until this afternoon.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I enjoyed our ride the other morning.”
“I did too.”
“Shall we then?” She could see that he was eager to spend time with her, and that knowledge surprised her. She felt him willing her to accept.
“We will need a chaperone.”
Sighing, almost as if he were relieved that she had accepted his offer, he smiled as he stood. “I will arrange to have a servant accompany us.”
She stood as well, tilting her head back a little to meet his eyes. Memories from the night before surged through her. His eyes gazed into hers, not with recognition, but with fondness. He truly wanted to spend time with her.
Could it be possible? Could she have a chance with him as Lady Aubrey and not the masquerade woman? The possibility flittered in her stomach. “I will change into my riding habit and meet you in half an hour. Is that agreeable?”
“Yes. I’ll meet you by the stables.”
“All right,” she said and turned to leave, but she couldn’t help herself from glancing back at him as she left, flushing when she caught him staring at her waist and hips.
His eyes trailed back to hers filled with such heat that it singed her skin. She had never thought her curved body was attractive, but he couldn’t seem to stop staring at her with desire whether she was the masquerade woman or simply Lady Aubrey. Pleasure surged through her heart at the thought.
She couldn’t wait to spend more time with him.
CHAPTER 7
When he had approached Lady Aubrey, it hadn’t been his intention to ask her to join him for a ride. In fact, as he stood in the stable yard holding the reigns for their horses, he couldn’t believe he had.
The lack of strength and discipline that he had displayed since meeting the masquerade woman was astonishing.
He had spent an hour speaking with the guests in the room, weeding out women on his list of possibilities. His mind had been focused, completely in tune with his mysterious woman.
He had cataloged, weighed odds, gained more vivid memories of the encounters he had had with the woman, and then he had seen Lady Aubrey and all thoughts of the masked lady had flown out of his head.
Looking up at the sky, the bright rays of sun warming his face, he remembered the way she had looked in the corner chair.
Fresh, alluring, and observant. He couldn’t help but be drawn to her. He had just needed to be by her. Needed to speak with her. He couldn’t fathom the effect she had on him, but he knew he craved it. Both body and mind. He needed to be by her.
Disloyal idiot.
What was the matter with him? He wanted to pull his own hair out. The moment Lady Aubrey had left the room he had regretted the invitation. Nothing good could come of it. Nothing.
And the way she had looked walking away, all luscious curves and innocence, he had to fight back the urge to grab her.
He really wasn’t worth either woman’s attentions.
The ride would have to be a quick one. He couldn’t afford to spend much time in her company, risking a stronger attachment to her.
His time was better spent searching for the woman he had promised himself to. Not courting someone else.
But he wanted to. He wanted to know Lady Aubrey more than he had ever wanted to know anyone else.
Good Lord, what was wrong with him?
Seeing her walk down the path from the house, he choked back the curse that hovered on his lips, groaning instead.
Her midnight blue riding habit showcasing her many curves. A hat tilted on her head saucily, but was balanced by one honey-blond curl falling over her shoulder.
Clenching his fists, he fought back the urge to move the silken hair and kiss the tender part of her neck.
“Were you able to find a groom to ride with us?” Aubrey asked as she approached.
“Yes, the stable master is readying his horse now.”
“Excellent.” She looked at the white mare and smiled. “I was hoping to ride her again. I quite enjoyed it last time.”
“I thought you might. I asked for her especially for you.” The pleasure that lit her face had his blood pumping hotter.
“That was kind of you. Thank you.”
“It was nothing,” he said, hoping she didn’t hear how hoarse his voice was becoming. Why did one small sign of pleasure from her have him wanting to give her more? Much, much more.
A quick image filled his mind, showing him a different kind of pleasure he would like to give her, but he quickly stamped it out. He may be attracted to Lady Aubrey, but he had already given his promise to another.
As the groom’s horse was led out of the stable, Bradford called out to the waiting man that hovered a discreet distance away. “Follow behind us so we are in sight, but no further.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“May I?” he asked, offering his assistance with her mount. She nodded, flowing easily into his grasp.
Trying to ignore the sharp curve of her waist, he quickly deposited her on the back of her horse before rounding to his own. “I’ll follow.”
“Excellent.” She gave him a grin that told him she was pleased with the courtesy.
After a moment of watching her body curve, moving as one with her mount, he quickly regretted his decision to follow her. She sat a horse beautifully, her back straight to almost the point of an arch. She tossed a teasing look behind her, almost daring him to catch her, and he had to stop himself from doing just that.
Quickening her pace to a trot, her body posting with the horse had him moaning at the sight. Seeing her slide up and down, moving so in tune with the animal, had all sorts of images of her moving that way above him.
With a curse, he moved his horse into a canter to close the distance between them, preferring to ride at her side.
While it kept her out of his line of vision, the damage had already been done. He was aware of her like he had only ever been one other time, with another woman. His mystery woman.
Why was this happening to him? Why
with two different women?
If he had been this aware of Lady Aubrey before the masquerade, he would have gladly courted her, happily married her so he could have her in his bed. But he wouldn’t have realized how much he could enjoy her out of bed as well. He could see himself with her, sitting at the breakfast table, conversing about the little things that married couples tended to discuss.
The breath was knocked out of him as he brought his horse to a dead stop.
Marriage to Lady Aubrey. When had such a thought entered his mind? When had he let his attraction for her spiral so out of control that he would even consider such a thing when he had promised his future to another?
Noticing that her partner had stopped, Lady Aubrey brought her horse around. “Is everything all right? Is your horse injured?” Concern was evident in her voice.
It took a minute to get his breath back. “No. He is fine. I just needed a moment to rest.”
She eyed him skeptically, clearly seeing through his lie. Glancing at the groom far behind them she offered, “Shall we walk for a bit?”
He nodded his agreement and was grateful to have his feet planted firmly on the ground, both physically and metaphorically.
Silence enclosed them as they walked, but he didn’t feel unnerved by it. In fact, as the minutes passed, his unease began to recede.
“This might be impertinent of me, but I am a good listener. I would be happy to hear about something that is bothering you if you feel like sharing.”
The offer surprised him. The prospect of telling her about the masquerade woman, something he hadn’t told anyone else yet, was hard to resist.
He didn’t know why, but he trusted her. Trusted her completely with something that was so important to him. And somehow, deep down, he felt like if he told her that he was trying to find another woman, her appeal would lessen.
He was ready to try anything at that moment to get the attraction he was feeling for her out of his system.
“That is very kind of you,” he said before pausing. How much should he tell? Should he start from the beginning and lay it all out?
Then an idea hit him. Perhaps she could help him. She might even know the woman.
Why hadn’t he thought of that possibility before? He could have told someone, anyone, and they may have known of his lady. He was desperate enough to try anything at this point.
“There is something, in fact, that has been on my mind of late.”
She remained silent, as the best listeners do.
“I recall you mentioning that you attended Lady Templeton’s masquerade.” He paused for her nod of confirmation. “Sometime after I arrived, a woman entered the room. I didn’t recognize her, had no clue who she was. We danced together, and I was… intrigued by her.”
“I see,” she said softly, beginning to walk slower.
Mistaking her voice for sadness, he felt a twinge in his heart. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he had to tell her, had to let her know that there was someone else. He stopped and fully turned to her, the need to tell her everything overwhelming him. “I need to find her.”
“She’s important to you.” It was said as a statement, but he couldn’t tell how she felt about it.
“Yes.” He looked to the horizon as if searching for the woman. “I have to find her.”
She hesitated only slightly. “I wish there was something I could do to help you.”
Her offer of help was sweeter than any gift anyone had ever given him. Her kindness, even through her own disappoint, had no equal.
With every second that he spent in her presence, he was drawn even more to her, found more qualities within her that he admired, respected.
She was so much more than he had ever known. So much more than the quiet wallflower she presented herself as. What a fool he had been.
What a fool he was now.
He was telling her how important this other woman was to him, and all he could think about was her. Her qualities. Her kindness.
He cleared his throat. “Actually, there is something you could do to help me.”
“There is?” She turned toward him.
“Yes. I know some basic attributes of hers. I could use your help compiling a list of who might possess those traits.”
Walking away, lost in thought, he thought she might refuse him, and his gut clenched. He wanted her help.
“I would be happy to help you in any way I can.” There was a hitch in her voice as she made the offer. Turning back toward him she offered a wobbly smile, and he couldn’t help but approach her. The pain etched in her features was something he couldn’t ignore. To have her offer her help, regardless of her feelings or desires, was more than anyone had ever done for him.
Gripping her arms lightly, he waited for her to look up at him. Her eyes, bright with sadness and unshed tears, had him berating himself. How could he be so thoughtless?
He pulled her against him, needing to give her comfort. “I’m sorry. I never should have asked such a thing of you.”
“No.” The one word was strong, making him pull back to look at her face, read what she was feeling. “Please don’t be sorry about that. I would do anything to help you.” She looked so sad and it caused another twist in his heart.
“Not at this cost.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “I care about you, Aubrey. I don’t know when the feelings started, but I care for you. I don’t want to hurt you.”
She stilled in his arms, absorbing what he had said. With her features impassive, he wasn’t sure how she received his declaration.
“I care about you too,” she finally whispered, looking up into his eyes.
He was drowning. The feelings in her eyes seemed to latch onto him, seemed to pull him into her where nothing else mattered.
Suddenly, he realized he held her against him. Her lush curves against the hard planes of his body, his arms wrapped around her slim waist.
When had that happened? He had meant to hold her in comfort, but all he could think about was how good she felt against him.
His gaze dropped to her lips, and the plump rose of her bottom lip beckoned to him.
Her quick intake of breath let him know that she knew he contemplated kissing her. The fact that she didn’t pull away from him, made his desire for her flair hotter.
With Aubrey firmly in his arms, the masquerade woman fled his mind. Nothing and no one else mattered more than this moment with Aubrey.
He felt like he was standing on the edge of a cliff, waiting for one swift breeze to push him over. When her small, pink tongue darted out to wet her lips, he was lost.
Cursing his lack of control, he swooped down, finally tasting the lips that had entranced him more than any other sight ever had.
The immediate taste overwhelmed him. She was tart and sweet at the same time, more refreshing then anything he had ever tasted. Her flavor seemed to seep into him, made him want more and more of her.
With a small cry, which he wasn’t sure was from relief or distress, she threw her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
The kiss turned darker, more demanding. He couldn’t help himself as he slanted his lips over hers again and again, trying to find a better angle. But every angle was amazing.
She fit in his arms perfectly. There wasn’t anything about her that didn’t feel just right against his body. If these were the last few minutes of his life, he would happily die a satisfied man in her arms.
But this wasn’t the last moment of his life. And he couldn’t seem to get enough of her.
He felt her body press more firmly against his as if she wanted to crawl inside of him to get closer. A growl escaped his throat as he thought of all the ways he wanted to be closer to her.
Had he ever felt so overwhelmed, so in tune with someone else?
The thought was like ice water to his desire. Pulling away abruptly, he cursed, turning away from her.
“I’m… I’m sorry,” she said, desire and confusion tingeing her voice.
But he wasn’t free. He had made a promise to another woman, and he couldn’t take it back.
Cursing himself twice the fool, he finally turned back toward her. “You don’t owe me an apology. It is I who must apologize to you.”
“I…” she trailed off. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No!” The denial was ripped from somewhere in his chest. He couldn’t bear for her to think that she had done something wrong. Or that she lacked in some way. “You are perfect. More wonderful than anyone I have ever met.” A light flickered in her eyes, a light of hope, but there was no hope. “You have done nothing wrong, but I have.”
Her face fell, and he felt like a cad. Wrenching away from her pain, he turned, raking his fingers through his hair in frustration. A gesture that he had never done before.
His normally perfect hair stood on end from his fingers.
“I made a promise to another.”
She was quiet for a moment, processing what he had just said. “The masquerade woman.”
He nodded, frustrated with his life. “Yes. I promised myself to her, promised that I would find her.”
“I will help you.”
He shook his head forcefully. “No. I can’t ask that of you. Especially after what just happened between us. I can’t hurt you more.” He breathed shakily, turning toward her. “I hate myself that I’ve hurt you already.
He felt her feathery light touch on his arm. “I am responsible for myself, Bradford. I have made my own choice, and I will take care of my own feelings. I don’t regret what has passed between us, and I never will. But I’d like to think of myself as your friend.”
“You are. Perhaps even the best I’ve ever had.”
She smiled wistfully at that. “Tell me what you know of her, and I will help you in this.”
He searched her face, looking for the hurt, but didn’t see it. He had no idea that she was capable of masking such a strong emotion, but he knew she did now. What else didn’t he know about her?