Courting Claudia (6 page)

“…to go riding with me.”

That was the rest of his statement. He didn't desire her. He was toying with her.

And then she saw him, the pale blond–haired man who strolled into the lobby. Richard. If he saw her with Derrick, he would certainly tell her father.

“I really should get to my seat. I believe the show is going to start directly.”

He held his arm out to her. “I'll escort you.”

“No!” She practically shrieked the word. “I can manage on my own, thank you.”

Then he followed her gaze and gave a little nod. “I see that Lord Foxmore has arrived. Is that why you're scurrying off? You don't want him to see me with you, do you? Well, he should have secured your engagement, if he didn't want you with another man.”

“That's not it at all. And I am not scurrying. I simply like to get to my seat on time.”

“I'll make a bargain with you—I'll leave you to your own devices and keep old Richard from seeing us together if you agree to go riding with me.”

She brought her hand to her throat. Richard took a few steps forward and began to scan the room. “Yes, I shall go riding with you.”

“I'll have someone pick you up tomorrow morning at eight. You do rise that early?”

She nodded.

He placed a kiss on her hand that burned through the glove to her skin, then left her standing in the lobby with not a single thought in her head.

Claudia watched Derrick walk away, then found Richard to see if he looked in her direction. He was engaged in a conversation with a gentleman she did not recognize. Perhaps he hadn't seen her exchange with Derrick. But he would find out about them riding together. Surely people would see them.

Truth be told, that thought thrilled her. She would be the talk of the town if it became known that dashing rogue Derrick Middleton was courting her. But her father would never approve, and she had Richard to consider. Riding that early should keep her from most of the gossips' eyes, as most ladies wouldn't be out until after noon.

She would go riding with him, do her best to remain unseen, then cut her ties with Mr. Middleton. For the time being, she should focus on Richard.

She had a plan for their next meeting. Since Richard insisted on playing the gentleman even this far into their courtship, she would take matters into her own hands and instigate their first kiss. Yes, that would work perfectly.

Once she kissed Richard, she would forget her kiss with Mr. Middleton.
No, she wouldn't
, a voice inside her said. No matter if she kissed every man in London, perhaps in England, she'd never forget the way Derrick Middleton's lips felt melted against hers. Or the way his tongue had moved seductively through her mouth. No, she would never forget that. But kissing Richard might spur him to propose sooner, and the sooner he proposed, the sooner Claudia's father would cease his badgering.

“So what was that all about?” Poppy's question startled her out of her reverie.

“Gracious, Poppy, you scared me.”

“What did he want?”

“Who?”

“What's the matter with you? Mr. Middleton—I saw him here speaking with you only a few moments ago.”

“Oh him. Well, he came to invite me to go riding with him.”

“And?”

“And I accepted. I had no choice,” she added quickly. “He practically blackmailed me.”

“Blackmailed? With what material?” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Have you been holding out on a delicious secret?”

“Of course not.” Except the kiss, but she couldn't very well tell her that. “It was Richard. I didn't want him to see us speaking, and Mr. Middleton used it against me. I'm not quite certain why he asked me to go riding with him.”

“Perhaps you've captured him with your charms.”

Claudia released an unladylike snort. “That must be it,” she said dryly. “Be serious, Poppy. I'm in a dreadful situation.”

“How is it remotely dreadful when a man that looks and charms like Derrick Middleton is paying attention to you?” Poppy released a tiny shriek and brought her hand to her mouth. “
Oh
! He's courting you.”

“Shhh! Not so loud. He is doing no such thing.” Claudia winced and leaned closer to her friend. “He claims that he's courting me, but it simply cannot be the truth.”

“Why not?”

“Honestly, Poppy. Have you seen him? What on earth would a man like that want with me?”

“There's no reason why every man on earth wouldn't want you.”

“You are biased because you are my friend.”

“I am biased and I am your friend, but I'm also being truthful. There is not one single reason I can think of as to why Derrick Middleton or any other man wouldn't want to court you.”

Claudia opened her mouth to speak, but Poppy cut her off.

“Unless…” Poppy frowned.

“Unless what?” Claudia asked.

“It could be your father.”

“My father? What does my father have to do with anything?”

“Your father isn't exactly warm and inviting, Claudia. Perhaps men are afraid of him, and that is why Richard is your only suitor.” She raised one finger. “Until now. I think it's splendid.”

Claudia rolled her eyes. “You would.”

“Nobody said you have to marry him. Although given the choice between Richard and Derrick…Look at it this way, perhaps a little competition will spur Richard into action.”

“Heavens no. I don't want Richard or anyone else knowing that Mr. Middleton is playing this charade. But I do want to spur Richard into action as you say.”

“How are you going to do that?”

“I'm not certain.”

“I cannot for the life of me understand why Richard is dragging his feet. He has your father's permission and yours. What is he waiting on?”

“How should I know? Maybe he doesn't want to marry me.”

“That's rubbish.”

“The waiting is not sitting well with my father either. I can't be certain, but I believe he instructed me to seduce Richard.”

“He did no such thing!” Poppy said incredulously.

“I believe that is precisely what he meant when he said, ‘Claudia'—she deepened her voice—‘use what God gave you.' And when I asked for clarification, he boldly proclaimed, ‘Your womanly wiles.'”

“He said that? ‘Your womanly wiles'?”

Claudia giggled.

“I can't believe he said that. As far as my father is concerned, I have no womanly wiles,” Poppy said. She made a face and shook her head. “What a horrible conversation to have with one's father. How embarrassing.”

Embarrassing was right. It had been. Humiliating too. Poppy's father had it right. He encouraged his daughter to marry, but not in a dishonorable or deceitful way. That's the way it
should be, wasn't it? Whose father encouraged his daughter to seduce men?

Only hers apparently.

She would try to encourage Richard to propose, but she wouldn't put herself in a compromising situation to ensnare him. She might not be high on Society's list of marriageable girls, but she'd rather be a spinster than resort to dishonest tactics to secure a husband.

A
wake at eight indeed. Claudia had been awake since six, if not earlier. Her mind was alert with thoughts of Mr. Middleton's dashing smile and the things he'd said to her. She'd successfully avoided being seen with him last night, but what of this morning while they rode? Would people not see them in the park? People that she knew?

She scrambled to her feet, then rifled through her closet searching for the perfect bonnet. A hideous bonnet, one so large it was sure to hide her from other riders. She found it below her other
hats—it was a tad squished and wrinkled, but a few shakes should take care of that.

It didn't match her riding habit, but it would have to do.

Perhaps not, but this was a desperate situation. She couldn't very well break her promise to ride with Mr. Middleton, but she certainly couldn't parade about with him as if he was actually courting her, and she was allowing it.

If her father ever discovered all the time she'd spent with Mr. Middleton, he would likely ship her off to live in a convent somewhere. Especially since most of that time they'd been alone. And part of that time, they'd kissed.

She was a ruined woman. Richard would wed her thinking she was a complete innocent, which she was not.

Her cheeks burned with the thought. Instead of fantasizing about kissing Derrick, she should turn her torrid thoughts to Richard. Should not a wife desire her husband? She closed her eyes and gave it a try, but as much as she wanted to think of Richard in that light, there was nothing torrid about him.

She'd never actually entertained torrid thoughts about anyone until that first kiss. Perhaps once she kissed Richard, all feelings for Der
rick Middleton would leave her mind forever and be immediately replaced by desire for Richard.

Only part of her actually believed that, but she kept the thought in her mind in an attempt to persuade the rest of her.

She finished tucking her curls into the oversize bonnet. She would have to be careful walking in such a contraption lest she fall over, as it completely hindered her ability to see anywhere but straight ahead. The color, she noted, did match her eyes perfectly, but you couldn't much see her eyes once the bonnet was in place.

Well, if nothing else, the ridiculousness of this hat would send any suitor in the other direction, so by this afternoon she should be rid of Mr. Middleton and find herself in Richard's embrace.

She allowed that thought to swim around a bit, trying to warm up to Richard's arms, but found that when she thought of kissing, only Derrick's face came to mind. A person needed to take only one glance at Derrick's lips to know they were created for kissing.

How would she get through the morning looking at said face and lips? Ah, yes, the bonnet—she would simply keep her focus straight ahead and never even notice he sat beside her.

Which is precisely how she should be living her life. Looking straight ahead to Richard instead of
her continual dalliances on the side with another man. This was the perfect reminder.

She checked the clock; only fifteen more minutes. Grabbing her reticule, she tiptoed out of her room. She peeked out of the hall window and was pleased to see the day shone brightly with not a cloud in the sky. At least it was a pleasant day for a ride. And she hadn't been riding in so long.

A black brougham pulled up and stopped. She slipped out of the front door just as Derrick stepped from the carriage. It was a stately carriage, the black so shiny you could see your reflection, and the wheels were apple-red.

“You're early,” she said.

“You're ready.” He helped her into the carriage.

“This isn't a customary vehicle for riding in the park,” Claudia said as he climbed in beside her. The plush seats welcomed her, and she ran a gloved finger against the velvet cushion.

The carriage lurched forward.

“I never said we were riding in the park.”

“Where are we going?” She turned so quickly, she nearly whacked his face with the bill of her bonnet.

“That is a…lovely bonnet, Miss Prattley. If memory serves me correctly, it is the exact shade of your eyes. I must use my memory, however, as I cannot see any part of your face but your nose and
mouth.” He leaned down to peek at her. “Won't you come out?”

He was an irritating man. But blast it, he was as charming as he was handsome.

“You're missing all the lovely scenery.”

“I shall consider removing my bonnet once you tell me where you're taking me. This could be considered kidnapping, you know.”

“Kidnapping?” His left eyebrow cocked. “Indeed? Perhaps I shall ravish you.”

She pulled her mantle tighter around her.

His laugh filled the carriage. “I'm only teasing you. I wouldn't ravish you. Unless, of course, you asked me to,” he added in a low voice.

She sucked in her breath, not from horror as a proper lady should, but rather from sheer excitement. He would ravish her if she asked him to? Tingles scattered through her veins like fireflies, the feelings pooled somewhere between her thighs. She shifted in her seat.

“We are going to my home. It's only a short distance from London. I have a large stable and nice land on which to ride. I thought it would be more freeing for both of us. Especially since you don't seem too keen on being seen with me in public.”

His words stung. It was the truth, but it was such an ugly truth. It wasn't him—there was noth
ing wrong with him, but it would only tarnish her father and Richard to explain their feelings about him. And she owed her loyalty to them. They loved her. Mr. Middleton only…only what? She wasn't certain what he wanted from her. So rather than make silly excuses, she said nothing.

She untied the ribbon beneath her chin and pulled off the bonnet. She reached to pat her hair, but he stopped her, holding her wrist with his hand. Her pulse leaped beneath his touch.

“Your hair looks fine.”

She smiled. “Thank you.” While nothing he'd said so far had appeared dishonest, she knew in her heart he wasn't being truthful, yet his words sounded completely sincere.

He released her wrist.

“How long of a drive is it to your estate?”

“Not more than half an hour.” He turned slightly so he could face her more. “I think your last drawings were among your best. Whom do you plan to cover next?”

“The Paddington sisters. I've been watching them all Season. They have a unique flair when it comes to their fashions. They're bold.”

“And yourself?”

“What about myself?”

“Are you bold?”

“I should say not. My tastes run more with the
subdued—I like to blend, Mr. Middleton. It is never my intention to stand out in a crowd.”

“Oh, but you do.”

Well, that was nasty. She knew she had a rounder, plumper figure than most girls, but there was no reason for him to point that out. She looked out the window.

“Some things cannot be helped, sir, and I think it quite rude of you to mention them.”

“I simply meant that you have a different way about you. Your very presence makes you stand out among women who look and act as if they were cut from a pattern.”

She knew her mouth hung open, but she'd never before been around someone who seemed to surprise her at every turn. She found herself speechless with him, which was quite rare. Ordinarily she knew precisely what to say. Or rather she had a tendency to say whatever popped into her mind, whether it was appropriate or not. But with Derrick, she found he filled her mind, yet stole her words.

“Thank you, I suppose,” she said.

The rest of the ride was spent in silence. Shortly thereafter, they arrived at his estate. The large stone manor house sat upon an open green expanse. Ash, oak, and birch trees completed the picture. It was simple, yet utterly beautiful.

They parked at the stable and found their mounts were already prepared for them. Her mare was a pretty chestnut and seemed docile enough. It had been a while since she'd actually been on a horse, and her nerves were on edge. But with the help of the groom, she managed to get up into the saddle without embarrassing herself.

They rode for a while in silence. It was nice, and her nerves began to subside. She'd always loved riding and didn't realize until now how much she'd missed it.

“I can't even remember the last time I rode out in the country. It's beautiful.”

“I rather like the solace from London. I come out here often.” He nodded at her. “You handle a horse well.”

“Thank you. My mother loved horses, so as a child I rode a lot. When she died, Father closed our estate, and we moved to London permanently. I love London, and I don't believe I'd want to live in the country. But I miss having a place to get away to.”

“You're welcome to come here anytime to ride. Privilege as my employee. Now that I know you're comfortable on a horse, come. I'll show you the rest of the property.” He kicked his mount into a gallop.

She followed suit and soon found herself with
the wind blowing through her hair and caressing her cheeks.

She and her mother had ridden like this, fast and wild. It had made her father angry—he thought they should have had more control. But her mother would simply nod and go off to her room. Claudia had forgotten what it felt like to let go and ride freely.

And before she knew it, she was laughing out loud as the horse ran faster and faster, chasing after Derrick. Wind whipped through her hairpins, pulling her curls free.

Finally Derrick stopped, and she reined her horse up next to him. In front of them sat a clear pond surrounded by a handful of willow trees.

“This is my favorite part of the property. It is what made me purchase this estate.” He helped her down off her mount. They walked to the edge of the water.

“It's lovely.”

“Do you swim?”

“Oh no. That is to say I can, I suppose, prevent myself from drowning, but I haven't been in water in years. Well, I bathe, which I don't suppose we should discuss.” She bit her lip. “You can gather what I meant.”

He smiled, then motioned to the water. “Want to give it a try? The water should be warm.”

“Mercy no. I didn't bring anything to swim in. And it would be highly inappropriate for us to swim alone together.”

“Ah, yes.” He nodded. “We must always do what is appropriate.” He took a step closer to her and gently tucked an errant curl behind her ear. “If you continue to live your life like that, you will miss all that makes life grand.”

“Is that so? And I suppose your life is grand?”

“I am my own boss. That makes my life grand.”

“What of family?”

“I have my aunt. She and I are close.”

“I meant a wife and children. Don't you want to have your own family?”

“I was married once.”

He'd been married? Now he wasn't. That could only mean one thing. How dreadful. She didn't even know what to say, how to proceed. Perhaps he still grieved for the loss of his beloved wife.

So she said the only thing she could think of, “I'm sorry, I didn't realize.”

“No need to be sorry. You didn't kill her.”

He didn't sound like a grieving husband. He sounded sardonic and rather bitter.

Her curiosity got the better of her. “What happened?”

“It is not a story for today; perhaps someday I'll tell you.” He picked up a rock and tossed it out
into the water. The rock skipped three times, then sank, leaving rings in its wake.

“What was her name?”

“Julia.”

“Will you marry again?”

“Perhaps. Right now my newspaper and my employees are my family. I devote all my energy to them.”

“And to being inappropriate.”

A tiny smile quirked his lips. “When the mood strikes me.”

“You get in a mood to be inappropriate?”

“Absolutely.” He glanced sideways at her. “Don't you ever get that feeling? That urge to do something that may be wrong, but for the moment it feels right?”

“Like what?”

“I'll show you.” And just like that he closed the distance between them and cradled her face in his hands. He first kissed her gently, an innocent kiss. Then he proceeded to place sweet kisses all over her face. Her eyelids. Nose. Each cheek. Everywhere he touched, she wanted him to find a new place to put his lips.

Then his mouth met hers, and he moved across it slowly. Ever so gently, sweeping his tongue across her bottom lip and then the top. She
opened for him and felt his tongue enter her mouth. Tentatively, she moved her tongue forward and brushed it against his. The sensation radiated from her mouth to the tips of her breasts and then ended between her thighs. Bolder, she continued the tongue play until she thought she would lose her footing.

This was wrong. But, oh, did it feel right. Still, it was wrong. She should be kissing Richard this way, not this man whom she barely knew and whose motives she didn't completely trust and who, she'd only recently discovered, had been married before. She pushed at his chest, and he broke off the kiss and stepped back.

“Why did you do that?” she asked.

“Because I wanted to.”

“And what if I didn't want you to kiss me?”

“Then you shouldn't have kissed me back. It's the simple rule of kissing. If someone kisses you and you'd rather them not, then you simply don't kiss them back.”

“I'm not familiar with these so-called rules of kissing.”

“Claudia, I'm beginning to think that your so-called fiancé has not taken advantage of your sweet mouth.”

She felt herself stiffen. He might not have prop
erly proposed, but Richard was her intended. Everyone knew that. “My relationship with Richard is none of your business.”

“That certainly answers my question.”

“You didn't ask a question, and it does not.”

“Did you enjoy it?”