Romancing the Rogue (110 page)

Grace tried not to stare at the masculine glory that was less than a foot away from her. Though the cotillion didn’t afford much time for speaking, when they had engaged in conversation, she found herself grinning with delight.
Shiply
. Why had she never met him before?

As if reading her mind, he spoke. “You’re most likely wondering where I’ve been.” He cast her a mischievous grin that warmed her insides.

“Of course! I don’t remember ever seeing you before.” She smiled as he moved with her in the dance. And certainly she would remember if she had. She would remember anyone who could distract her from Ewan.

“That’s because you haven’t. I left my beloved England about three years ago and have toured the wonders of Italy, Holland, Denmark.”

The dance separated them, after a moment he continued.

“It was delightful. So much culture.” His eyes were fixed ahead as if remembering the sights, reliving the memories.

Grace loved the way his eyes squinted when he was deep in thought; the effect was decidedly enticing. Everything about Shiply attracted her. It was a beloved distraction from her prickly temperament around Ewan.

She found herself enjoying the conversation immensely because it was far less work than trying to constantly one-up her partner. As the dance finished, he escorted her from the dance floor.

“What was your favorite place you visited?” Grace asked with acute curiosity.

A grin turned up the corner of his lips slightly. “Holland. All the dykes, windmills and the tulips… my.” He paused. “The tulips were astounding. Fields and fields of colors that seemed to run off into the sunset.” His eyes were distant for a moment before he turned to her once again, smiling.

Grace tried to imagine the sight. “It sounds magnificent.” She sighed, wishing she could see it for herself.

“It was, but I’ve seen far more beautiful sights. Especially recently.” His eyes held a smoldering quality she’d seen before in Ewan when he was teasing, but the effect was far less pronounced in Lord Shiply.

Her cheeks burned at his implication. She glanced down at her sage green gown and brushed imaginary lines from it while her cheeks cooled.

A moment passed while she gathered her wits, and she glanced up at her companion. “La, you are a bit of a rogue aren’t you, Lord Shiply?” She offered a smile, hoping she was flirting properly.

“I’ll let you decide, Lady Grace. Perhaps you need some more time to make your decision?” he asked, eyebrows raised. “Would a walk in Hyde Park be acceptable in helping you determine whether I’m of the good sort?” he asked, revealing the playful nature Grace had suspected.

“I believe that will be acceptable, if I must,” Grace replied, thrilled he was making an effort to see her again. Perhaps he was truly her rescuer, the one who could finally take her heart away from the unsuspecting Ewan.

His eyes darkened as he spoke in honeyed tones. “Oh, yes, Lady Grace, you must. I insist.” Grace didn’t have a chance to respond before he straightened, backed up slightly, bowed, and left.

Grace watched his retreating form with a smile. A few other debutantes watched him pass by with longing expressions. With a deep breath, Grace began to turn, only to walk into a hard, broad chest.

Warm hands gripped her upper arms and held her steady, averting an otherwise certain tumble backward. Her heart leaped for a moment at the intimate contact. Even with gloves covering the large masculine hands, the touch sent shivers of delight through her. Without looking up, she knew who held her captive. Before she realized what she was doing, she inhaled deeply the scent of warmed cinnamon that came from his body, the scent she had associated with him since their first waltz.

When he didn’t release her, she risked a glance up into Ewan’s face. His blue eyes darkened and burned her insides with their heated desire. Grace searched his then, looking for a trace of authenticity to the blatant desire within their depths. But before she could allow herself to hope, she forced herself to take a step back out of his embrace.

Ewan’s hands quickly dropped from her arms, as if scalded by touching her. With a slight shake of his head, he said impatiently, “You should stay away from him.”

His words shattered her traitorous heart’s wild beating. Ewan’s scolding tone caused her to once again erect the walls around her heart.

Grace reverted into her usual banter with Ewan before he suspected her fevered emotions. She tilted her chin up and prepared to battle. Of all the arrogant things to say! Why should he care whom she danced with? He had never minded before.

She knew better than to suspect his intervention to come from any sort of jealousy. Why did he have to meddle in her life? Why couldn’t he simply leave her alone? Perhaps then she could forget him, his scent, and the feel of his hands, long gone but still tingling on her flesh. The very thought of his hands touching her caused her to take a deep breath, but she forced herself to recover quickly.

“Oh? And why, pray tell?” She placed one gloved hand over her hip and barely resisted the urge to smack him with her fan.

With a snort that implied his disgust with her question, he shook his head slightly before offering her a patronizing look. Angry, Grace balled her fists. Oh, why did he provoke such strong reactions from her?

“Because he’s a rake,” Ewan stated confidently, as if that answered her question with complete clarity.

Unamused, Grace offered a patronizing look of her own. “Well that’s calling the kettle black, if I ever heard it.” Her annoyance was evident in her tone, and she waited for a more intelligent answer from Ewan.

“He’s a bad rake, the worst sort,” he stated again, his expression conveying irritation that she hadn’t gleaned that information from him the first time. His gaze softened and grew concerned.

Her belly stirred slightly, but she steeled herself against the traitorous reaction. He had no reason to meddle in her life “And you’re a patron saint?”

“Compared to him, yes.” Ewan nodded, clearly pleased that she had finally understood.

“I find that hard to believe,” Grace mumbled.

“Believe it,” Ewan responded confidently.

“And how would you know? Grace asked, exasperated with the topic.

~~~~

Ewan locked eyes with Grace, sensing a battle. Why was she so stubborn? He was trying to protect her! Of all the ungrateful, selfish, mesmerizing… Oh, why did she have to look at him like that? Her eyes were narrowed and flashing fire.

After nearly knocking her over, his body still hadn’t recovered from the close contact. Her scent reminded him of the heady fragrance of hothouse roses and citrus trees. Her soft flesh had burned through the fabric of his gloves in a way that left him straining against his desire to lean down and taste her lips. When she had looked up he felt as if the music in the background leading others in dance was rather punctuating their own private moment. The soft green of her eyes had changed and burned with a shocking desire that left him trembling with fear when he saw himself reflected her clear eyes.

She could be his undoing, and the fear he saw in her eyes reminded him that he could hurt her as easily as she could hurt him. The realization was sobering. He removed his hands quickly as she backed away. The moment he stepped away, he relived those profound moments, which caused him to glance at her lips once more. With a shake his head, he distracted himself. He needed a new tactic to help Grace understand the severity of the situation, so she would refuse any further attentions from the earl.

“I’m simply looking out for your welfare, Grace. Your mother agrees with me, I’ll have you know. Stay away from Shiply,” he commanded, hoping she wouldn’t question him any further, because her mother hadn’t in fact, told her to stay away from Shiply. No, that was his little addition.

“My mother?” Grace asked with a disbelieving tone.

“Yes, she said you needed some additional looking after…” He trailed off at the sight of the fury building in her eyes.

“What?” Grace all but yelled, drawing attention to their heated conversation.

He wanted to hit his head against a wall, repeatedly. Of all the foolish things to say! Could anything go right tonight? It had been going blissfully perfect until Shiply showed up, making him feel things, realize things he’d rather not have known. Ignorance truly was bliss. “I didn’t mean to imply that you—”

“No, no, no! You didn’t imply anything! What you said was that I was too young and naive to figure out for myself who I wish to spend time with!” Her eyes squinted.

“No, I simply stated that since Lord Shiply was of the rakish sort that I wanted to make sure you were protected—” Ewan tried to explain.

“From Lord Shiply? I’ve had to guard myself more around
you
in the past moments than in the few minutes I’ve danced with Lord Shiply!”

Her outburst re-played in slow motion in his mind. She had to protect herself from him? Why? He had never, or at least never intended — or well, had he? Would the new and fresh emotions never end this night? He wanted to go home and lose himself in a nice vintage of brandy and forget all the mixed feelings of the evening.

Bewildered, he took in Grace’s rapid breathing, which allowed him a perfect view of her bosom. With a herculean effort on his part, he looked up. “Me?” He searched her gaze for a moment.

“Never mind. I’m leaving.” Grace spun on her slippers and left.

“Lady Grace? You have a gentleman caller,” Taite notified Grace as she waited in her library for Shiply to arrive and take her for their ride in the park. She didn’t even ask who had come calling, but she nodded to her butler and descended the stairs to find Ewan’s eyes following her.

“You?” Grace asked, confused by his presence. Why was he here? He didn’t often visit her at home — in fact, she couldn’t remember him ever calling upon her at her home. Suspicious, she walked over to him.

“Come now, Grace. Is that any way to greet a guest?” He shook his head in a scolding fashion.

Could he be serious? After their argument last night, she had thought he was only referring to the time they spent at social functions, not her private life. This was a disaster in the making. How was she ever going to focus on Shiply when Ewan loomed in the background like a sinfully beautiful guardian angel?

Collecting herself, she began to apologize for her rude comment, only to be waved off.

Ewan paced slowly across the foyer floor, his boots making muted thuds along the tiles. His dark lashes concealed his blue eyes just enough to distract Grace from being able to concentrate.

~~~~

The moment Grace descended the stairs, Ewan knew he was in trouble. Not only did she not want his presence, which he had expected. But also, she looked far too beautiful to be out with Shiply in the company of only a maid. The realization hardened his resolve to be the wedge between them in any way possible. He again wasn’t willing to examine just why; he simply knew it was necessary.

As Grace began to apologize for her lack of manners, he waved her off and began to explain his plan, knowing she wouldn’t be thrilled, but he was determined, nonetheless.

“You’re expecting Shiply, I know. I spoke with him after you left and informed him that I was concerned with his reputation, and I notified him that I was a family friend looking out for your best interest. He let me know that he was going to walk with you this morning. I requested that I come along. Unorthodox, I know, but given Shiply’s character, I felt a more masculine presence would be safer than the simple presence of a maid, although I’m sure you should have one accompany us as well.”

A tall maid entered the room and stood to the side, waiting to accompany Grace. As Ewan turned his attention back to Grace, he noticed the crimson hue of her cheeks, not from embarrassment, but from anger.

Ewan waited for the inevitable explosion of Grace’s temper. But he was firm in his decision, and he refused to admit the reason why. He broadened his stance, knowing Grace would be rather upset. He admired her passion and spirit. He always had.

“You what?” she asked, sounding completely dumbfounded. In her shock, she did not even raise her voice.

Ewan smiled to himself, feeling on top of the world for being one step ahead of Grace. “Must I speak slower? Or were my words too large for you?” he teased, unable to help himself.

Her mouth dropped open before her eyes narrowed, and he felt just the slightest bit afraid.

“Of all the arrogant, conceited, self-serving and manipulative—”

Lady Jarvais breezed into the entryway. “Ahh, dear. I see you have greeted our guest.” Lady Jarvais winked at Ewan, and he tried to keep his smile in check but failed, earning a fierce scowl from Grace. Lady Jarvais went over to Grace and kissed her cheek.

“Mother, what do you mean by allowing this?” Grace asked, her words almost a whine.

“Allowing…?” Lady Jarvais asked, waiting with an expectant expression.

“Allowing Ewan to… interfere. It is of no consequence to him, or at least it shouldn’t be,” she added, with a glare aimed at Ewan.

“It’s for the best, dear. After all, we don’t have your father here at the moment, and your brothers are too busy with their own families. When Ewan offered to look out for you, why, I couldn’t turn him down.” Lady Jarvais’s tone was soft, easily undermining her daughter’s indignation. With a small smile, she cupped Grace’s cheek, then moved toward the parlor.

Lady Jarvais’s explanation puzzled Ewan. What was she doing? He shifted uneasily on his feet, wondering what Lady Jarvais had up her sleeve. As he watched her leave, she turned slightly and winked in his direction, affirming his suspicions that she was up to something. Before he could react she was gone.

“That’s not what you said! And you call me the liar!” Grace accused in a hoarse whisper.

“I, er, well…” Ewan was unsure of how to continue. If he affirmed that indeed Lady Jarvais was behind his involvement, then he’d be calling her a liar to her own daughter. Unwise. Especially in Grace’s fit of temper at the moment. But if he agreed with Lady Jarvais’s explanation, then he would be implicating himself as a liar, the very thing he held over Grace’s head with glee. Therefore he reverted back into the eleven-year-old pest.

“My dear,” he began with his practiced patronizing tone that he used often on Grace, simply to ruffle her feathers. “Your mother and I both agreed on the situation. Besides, what’s done is done. It no longer matters who came up with the brilliant idea,” he added with a smile, knowing he had once again gained the upper hand.

Grace scowled, her wide lips pulling into a thin line of consternation. Her green eyes squinted as she evaluated his words, testing them for a weakness to exploit. He took the moment of silence to truly consider her. His eyes roamed over her riding outfit, appreciating the nip and tuck of the fabric that accentuated her perfect curves. She was beautiful when she was angry.

“Stop,” Grace commanded.

“What?” Confused, Ewan snapped his eyes from the curve of her hip to her flashing eyes.

“Stop doing that.” Grace spoke in a low tone that he found seductive regardless of the anger behind its tone.

“Doing what?” he asked, uncomfortable that she’d caught his brazen gaze. Normally he wouldn’t have minded had a woman noticed him appreciating her body, but this was Grace.

“Do not examine me as though you’re undressing me with your wicked eyes,” she accused, seeming to be overly frustrated.

Ewan understood the sensation all too readily. He was beginning to feel frustrated himself, just not the same way as Grace.

“I was not.” He was turning into a liar, a deceptive liar. All because of Grace and her incessant need to call him on every rakish move. She was exasperating, yet rather than annoying him, it drove him to distraction, and heaven help him, he found it alluring. An unwelcome distraction in which he found himself wondering what she tasted like, what her skin felt like, and he was frustrated at the realization that he had no idea and likely never would.

~~~~

Grace was trying not to show the fevered reaction she immediately had experienced once she noticed the way Ewan’s gaze drank her in.
It’s all a ruse
, she repeated to herself. Ewan might,
might
find her attractive, but it was nothing more. If she succumbed to his charm, she would simply become part of the parade of faceless bodies that had graced his bed. That was not going to happen.

Centering her focus required her to pull from all her inner strength to combat her feverish emotions. She remained calm and collected on the outside as the storm warred within.

Curse him for the effect he has on me!

What she needed was a distraction, so she closed her eyes, momentarily thinking of Lord Shiply. Soon he would arrive, and she would be blessedly distracted from Ewan. He couldn’t get there soon enough. As if her thoughts had called to him, she heard Taite answer the door and escort him into the foyer where she and Ewan were waiting.

“Ahh, Lady Grace! How lovely you look today!” Lord Shiply said charmingly as he strode forward, eyes only for Grace as he kissed her gloved hand.

“Thank you, Lord Shiply,” Grace responded with a gracious nod.

“I believe you are even more beautiful today than last night, if that were possible,” Lord Shiply continued to compliment Grace with a sincere tone.

“Ah, you are the flatterer aren’t you, Lord Shiply?” Grace flirted. This was exactly what she needed. A deep relaxing breath relieved a portion of the tension created by Ewan’s presence. She allowed herself to be lost in the warm gaze offered by Shiply.

“I only speak the truth.” He waved his hand dismissively. “Now, if we are to walk together you must call me Shiply; everyone else does.” His eyes crinkled in a grin that lifted only one side of his mouth.

“Very well, Shiply.” Grace tilted her head to the side, enjoying the charming way he smiled.

~~~~

As Grace blushed at his compliment, Ewan kicked himself for not mentioning it first. Rather, he had brazenly assessed her without a word. He truly was a rake.

Ewan watched the exchange silently, unable to speak without saying words he’d surely regret later. Rather, he considered ways to trip Shiply and cause serious injury without being blamed. The need to address his nemesis forced him to gather a deep and fortifying breath. “Hello there, Shiply.”

“Greys? Didn’t see you there, old man. I must admit I didn’t know if I’d see you this morning. A little early for you, isn’t it?” Shiply looked at him as if he truly hadn’t noticed his presence before he had spoke to him. And as much as Ewan wanted to see a double meaning behind his words, he found none reflected in his eyes.

“As much as I thank you for your concern over my aged sleepless self, I am here to walk with you both this morning.” Ewan waited, knowing it was only a matter of time before Shiply’s true character was revealed.

“Ah, yes.” Shiply regarded him curiously before dismissing him and returning his gaze to Grace. “We wouldn’t want any harm to come to Lady Grace’s reputation, after all. I must confess, Lady Grace, I am ashamed to say my reputation at one time was less than pristine. However, that was long ago, and I swear to treat you with the utmost care.” He bowed slightly and smiled at Grace.

Ewan ground his teeth. He wanted to strangle Shiply for his confession.
Less than pristine?
Ewan thought. No, that didn’t begin to cover the many sins of Spencer Raleigh, Earl of Shiply. Surely he hadn’t reformed that much. Once a rake always a rake. Correct?

Ewan’s anger increased and gained a healthy dose of fear when he noticed Grace’s reaction.

“Why, Shiply, how honest of you to confess! But I have all faith that you will be more than a gentleman. But I thank you for being so forthright.” Grace nodded her gratitude. Respect for Shiply’s admission shone brightly from her eyes.

Ewan was concerned. Surely Grace could see through the lie? She wouldn’t fall willingly into Shiply’s waiting hands once the ‘gentlemanly’ actions were replaced by his true nature.

But a new thought stole his anger and made his blood run suspiciously cold. What if Shiply wasn’t lying, after all?