The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series) (12 page)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Eve wasn’t surprised when Count Vernon insisted he had to leave the Arlington soiree to attend to other matters. It seemed the night was doomed to be maddening, for as soon as she made her way back from the ladies retiring room, she found Paxton at the end of the hall. He’d obviously been waiting for her.

“What is irritating you now? Was I in there too long?” she asked in a scolding whisper, immediately irritated by his stern expression.

“We need to talk.” He snatched her hand and held it down upon his arm as he led her back through the throngs of people and out onto a grand stone terrace overlooking a picturesque garden.

The night was warm and the soft lull of music drifted out of the open double doors. The smell of lilacs clung to the air above them and violet jackmani clematis climbed the wall to the left where it draped the railings of a metal balcony above them. Being a lover of flowers, Eve scanned all the nearby flowerbeds, observing the magnificent array of colors. “I’m really not in the mood to argue with you,” she thought to warn him.

“Good. I don’t wish to argue either. Let us walk.” Paxton escorted her down the numerous stone steps to a candlelit path that meandered through the garden obscured by flowering trees and bushes.

“I’ve been warned to never venture off into gardens with men at night,” Eve hastened to reply.

“Don’t worry. I’m too old to do you any harm,” Paxton said with annoyance as he dragged her down the winding path. “I’d likely hurt my back.” He laughed sarcastically.

Eve said nothing as they walked, observing rare Dutch tulips, spectacular hydrangeas, and a lovely variety of wild flowers. When they came up upon a butterfly bush, she stopped to take in its soft scent.

“I see you are enjoying my cousin’s garden. Rebecca takes great pride in it.”

“It shows. I think it’s marvelous.” Eve continued to admire the bush.

“What kind of bush is that?” Paxton asked, seemingly interested in her fascination with it.

“Actually, I’ve only seen it in books. It’s called a butterfly bush, and as its name suggests, it attracts butterflies.” Eve walked to the next flowerbed.

“You would like to have one in your garden?”

“Absolutely. Who wouldn’t?” she stated.

“Then I shall see that you have a dozen. I’m sure my cousin can arrange it.”

“I would love that, my lord, and I will see that you’re compensated in return.” Eve gingerly touched the petals of an exotic orchid. She jumped with a small cry of surprise as a peacock ran out from under the foliage and across the path and disappeared into more shrubbery.

Paxton laughed at her expression. “My cousin does tend to go to extremes.”

Eve smiled, nodding in agreement. As they came around the bend, she was shocked silent as she stared at a man bending over a woman in the bushes. Not wanting to make their presence known, she whispered to Paxton, “Are they…?” She hesitated, unable to finish her question, being that it was of a sexual nature.

Paxton, clearly astonished at what Eve was insinuating was taking place, laughed. “No, love. They’re not.”

Oh my goodness. I sound ridiculous.
She was immediately appalled and embarrassed by her lewd train of thought and the fact she had spoken it aloud. She felt a blush creeping into her cheeks. She was sure her face was as red as the large dahlia next to her. She deemed it her mother’s fault for telling her how a stroll in the garden often led to nefarious activities. Now she seemed destined to see lewdness where there was none.

What was the earl thinking of her now, knowing an innocent like her actually knew such a position existed? It was unseemly and she was mortified. She was immediately transported back to when she was younger. She had gone to stay with her Russian school friend Alexia for a week. Being typical adolescent girls, they were too intrusive for their own good. One day, while they were taking turns hiding on Alexia’s younger brother. They found a large book under Alexia’s parent’s bed, Aretino’s
School of Venus
. This special Italian book held sixteen unforgettable engravings each depicting a different sexual position. The images had taught Evelyn things she had not thought possible. She had never been able to forget those graphic pictures. She suddenly found herself envisioning what pleasure would feel like with Paxton.

“Excuse us,” the earl interrupted the couple.

“Oh!” The lady turned, bumping into the man bent over behind her. “Oh blast it, Harold. Kindly give me some space!” The man immediately stepped back and the woman stood, shaking out her skirts. “Oh, how this must look. It is not at all what it seems. You see, I lost my locket.” She cast a glance at the man next to her, and then said, “Or should I say, someone threw it in one of these flowerbeds.” She gave the man another evil look.

“Would you like for us to assist you in your search?” Eve automatically bent over to help, moving branches and greenery aside.

Paxton began to help too, although, Eve noticed, without much enthusiasm. The situation reminded Eve of her father who was always missing something: a glove, a hat, his favorite riding crop, even money. He would yell for her mother, insisting he had looked everywhere for the missing item. Mother would stop whatever she was doing, walk into the room where he was searching, and hand him the object. Of course her father would claim he had already looked in the same place.

As Eve leaned over a large white spirea, she felt something nudging her from behind. She turned her head to find Paxton backing into her. Before she could say something, she lost her balance and fell into the white flowered bush. Eve squawked as she plunged forward.

Paxton, having stepped on her dress, found himself losing his balance; and as he lost his footing, he wound up in a heap below her. As he tried to make sure they weren’t stabbed by any branches, he frowned up at Eve who was laughing hysterically as she tried to remove herself from the bush. Instead of allowing her up, he tugged on her dress and she fell another foot down to lie on top of Paxton.

“Oh you!” She smacked him softly on his chest. “Now let me up this minute.”

***

Paxton, enjoying the position they were in, wrapped his arms around her to keep her from fleeing.

Eve tried to push away. “Paxton, please!” She looked around, seemingly happy no one was in their vicinity.

The other couple had already wandered off down the path in search for the locket. Paxton hoped they kept going.

“What if someone sees us? What will they think?” Eve kept looking frantically in all directions, and he began to feel sorry for her.

“Evelyn,” he said. When Eve quit struggling and looked at him, he smiled. “Do you think they might come to the same conclusion you did when we happened upon Harold and the locket lady?”

“Well, it is quite possible.” Her cheeks flushed in an adorable manner.

Paxton laughed at her heightened color. Looking into her ocean-colored eyes, he felt whisked away to the young man he used to be, to the days when he was happy, carefree, and not burdened down with estates to manage and his lack of trust toward females. Without thinking, he pulled Eve’s head down and kissed her with all the joy he was currently feeling. Passion ignited between them, their combined heat ready to burst into flames and consume them. Eve eagerly met the thrusts of his tongue with her own, encouraging him to continue. She ran her hands over his face, moved her lips back and forth over his, tasting him, driving him mad with desire as her body molded to his.

It was Paxton who finally broke the embrace, though regretfully, for he heard someone approaching. He pushed, and Eve quickly stood, righting her clothing. He could tell she was trying like mad to rid herself of her guilty expression.

With her hands, she tried to make sure her beautiful red hair wasn’t in disarray. She looked up at him and smiled at his stare. “What?” she asked as he came to stand beside her.

“Nothing. You look perfect,” he said, trying to reassure her and not knowing what else to say. He hadn’t intended for the kiss to happen. He just couldn’t make himself hold back. “I guess most friends don’t…”
Damn, apologizing is indeed difficult when one isn’t sorry.

Eve quickly held up her hand for him to stop. This gesture seemed to indicate that an apology was not necessary and he sighed in relief. “Let us forget about it,” she told him, and he nodded, knowing such a thing was not even in the realm of possibility.

And then, like a man bewitched, he watched as Eve continued to look for the locket.

Harold came around the corner. “Any luck?”

“No, not yet,” Paxton answered, trying hard not to look at Eve’s backside as she bent over in her search.

“Well, I am extremely grateful for your help.” Paxton knew Harold was aware most people wouldn’t have bothered themselves with the search, and indeed, Paxton might not have either, if it wasn’t for Evelyn being in his company. With hesitation, he gave his enchantress a smile when she looked at him. He didn’t know what to do about her.

“I give up!” the locket lady stated heatedly as she came stomping from around the corner. “You’re going to have to replace it.”

Eve pushed some ferns to the side and Paxton saw her smile of victory. She had either found the gold locket or perhaps another rare species of flower. “Here you go,” she said, spinning around with the locket in her hand. She passed the item to the lady.

The woman smiled, thanking Eve for her help. Then she grabbed the man named Harold by his overcoat and pulled him down the path.

“I think Harold’s in for another argument.” Paxton stepped up next to Eve. “I noticed Count Vernon left early. Did he have a prior engagement as well?” He was curious as to where the French spy had run off to in such a hurry.

“Are you implying that both my worthy suitors had better things to do than spend time with me?”

Ah, dash it! I’ve angered her again.

“Let me tell you, Lord Devonhurst. I could have dozens of men clamoring for my hand. It happened to be my own decision to concentrate on only a select few. It may be hard for you to understand, but I would like to get to know a man before I decide to spend the rest of my life with him.” Now she was sounding like his sister.

“Whoa, love. I meant you no insult.” Paxton ran his thumb down Eve’s cheek in a soft caress. She was so lovely.

She looked up at him when he touched her cheek, and he watched as her anger melted away and she smiled. He was sure their kiss still had her out of sorts. Lord knew his mind was still reeling with the aftereffects. He understood that she was taking her frustrations out on him. He should have never brought her into the garden.

“I apologize. It was the way you phrased your question. As for Count Vernon, he did not share his plans with me, nor did I ask.”

Paxton decided to change the topic. “By chance, have you seen my sister?” he questioned, guiding her back down the path and up the steps into the ballroom.

“I think I saw her in the card room last.” She appeared not to want to elaborate, which immediately told Paxton that his sister was gambling when he strictly asked her to cease such activity.

“Was she playing cards?”

“I can’t say.” Eve looked down at the highly polished floor as they entered the ballroom. Paxton noted that she wasn’t very good at deception. He smiled at that thought and decided he happened to like that about her.

“Can’t or won’t?” he teased as they crossed the ballroom and entered the room in question.

“Oh, there she is!” Eve made a dash to Lydia’s side. His sister was thankfully standing well away from the gaming tables and talking with some other women.

Eve approached Lydia with a smile and stood next to her. Noticing her right away, his sister made the appropriate introductions to the elderly matrons with whom she was conversing. Eve then turned, likely checking to see if he was following her, but he had moved to stand with Cole beside a potted palm in the corner.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“Where did you and the fair Eve disappear to?” Cole rested his arm on a wooden ledge specially crafted to hold beverages along the wall.

“We went for a stroll in the garden. Eve happens to be a lover of flowers,” Paxton answered, watching Eve across the room laugh at something one of the ladies said.

“I’m sure she is.” Cole followed his friend’s gaze. “Shall we join them?”

“In a minute.” Paxton glanced around to make sure no one was close to them, then lowered his voice to ask, “Did you notice the count was here earlier and then he made a hasty departure?”

“What of it? Perhaps the man was feeling under the weather.” Cole shrugged.

“Or perhaps he found out about a certain meeting and hurried off to perform his duty as spy?”

“Found out about the meeting, did you?” Cole smiled.

“Not hard information to come by when most of the guests on my cousin’s list happen to hold various positions in government. So why are you here and not at the meeting with your father?”

“I was told I could be of more help if I came here. With me here, people are less likely to think the meeting terribly important. Not all government officials had to be present. I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’m not the only official still in attendance.”

“Yes, I noticed.” Paxton looked around the room. “Care to share with me what the meeting is about?”

“We’re discussing some precautionary measures: reviewing positions of military garrisons, making sure our trade relations are solid, our sea routes secure, and any other matters of importance.”

“If everything is going well, then why are we worried about garrisons?”

“We don’t want to get caught with our pants down, so to speak. On the sea we are unbeatable, but we have to increase our strength on land.”

Lydia and Eve approached, putting an end to their conversation.

“What do you two have your heads together about?” Lydia asked.

“I was telling your brother that he could not have a lovelier woman for his sister. I must say, you look fetching this evening, Lady Lydia.” Cole poured on the charm.

“And you, my lord, make a dashing figure in your tan coat with your dark brown overcoat.” Lydia ran her hand along Cole’s sleeve. “And what a muscular arm you have. You surely must send all the girls to swooning.”

“All right, you two bothersome people, enough,” Paxton exclaimed, looking at Eve to explain. “They enjoy driving me mad with their flowery compliments to each other.”

Eve laughed at the look of frustration on his face.

“So, my sweet sister, have you been staying away from the cards like I asked?”

Lydia smiled pleasantly. “Don’t I always do what you say, dear brother?”

“How much have you lost?” Paxton asked.

“It is my allowance, is it not?” Lydia huffed as if feeling her independence slipping away, which he knew she hated. She didn’t wait for his response before she said, “That being the case, I feel it is no concern of yours how much I won or lost. And I don’t appreciate the assumption that I lost. I’ll have you know that I am a splendid card player, and of late, some people have even begun to call me Lucky Lady. So you can take your negative demeanor elsewhere,” Lydia harrumphed.

“Well said.” Cole laughed. He seemed to find amusement in their family squabbles.

Paxton shot him a warning look. “Don’t encourage her.”

***

As Eve also watched the exchange in amusement, out of the corner of her eye she saw the man dressed all in black who had been casting leering looks at Lydia from across the card table walk up behind Lydia. Eve watched in silent amazement as the man sauntered boldly forward and, in front of Paxton and Cole, pushed a few stray tendrils away from Lydia’s sleek neck and whispered in her ear loud enough for all of them to hear.

“Please tell me you have not given up, Lucky Lady?” The man practically purred, and then he kissed Lydia’s neck before boldly sauntering out of the room.

“Who the hell is that?” Cole asked, watching the large man’s retreating form.

“I don’t care who he is, just that he won’t be living much longer.” Paxton’s fists were clenched white as he seethed with anger. “You have some explaining to do, little sister. That man blatantly issued me a challenge by his daring actions toward your person. I intend to see him receive his due.”

“Do you really think challenging him is necessary?” Eve stepped in his way to keep him from following Lydia’s bold admirer. She nonchalantly kicked at Lydia’s skirts, giving her a you-better-do-something plea.

Lydia was obviously still reeling from the intimate caress. She finally snapped out of her dreamy state when Eve kicked at her. “Oh no, Pax. You mustn’t!”

“You better have a better reason than that,” Cole told her.

“Surely he meant no harm. He’s…” Lydia hesitated, most likely because there wasn’t any plausible excuse for such behavior. But Eve could tell that the last thing Lydia wanted was her brother dueling with the handsome card player. “He is a friend. I’m sure his gesture was in jest. I mean, think about it logically. What man in his right mind would ever do such a thing, especially in front of my strong, temperamental brother?”

“I’m not temperamental, and if he is a friend, he should know better. Friends do not intimately kiss their friends.” He briefly looked down at Eve. “And that man, friend or not, doesn’t seem to care about your reputation, and that alone is enough for me to beat him senseless. What is his name, Lydia?”

“I’m…um…not sure,” she answered sheepishly.

Paxton started to leave again to go after the man only to find Lydia grabbing his coat sleeve and Eve plastered against his chest.

Cole moved forward. “Looks like the ladies don’t wish for you to hurt the fellow. Perhaps can I be of some assistance?”

“Do be quiet, Cole!” Lydia demanded, turning back to her brother. “If you love me, you will let this matter go. If you don’t stop, you will bring unwanted attention upon us. I will never speak to you again if you hurt him.”

Paxton swore.

“My lord, please lower your voice,” Eve pleaded, knowing her mother would surely never allow her in the earl’s company again if he caused a scandalous scene.

Cole seemed moved that Lydia was close to tears and interceded on her behalf. “Paxton, perhaps the ladies are right. It seems no one noticed what happened. If you go after him and start a brawl, it will be on everyone’s lips come tomorrow. I know you don’t wish to bring unwanted attention to your sister, yourself, or Lady Evelyn. How will Lydia find a husband with a scandal connected to her name? I don’t think men will come courting Lydia if they fear her brother.” Eve believed Cole was overdramatizing the situation, but she applauded his effort. “Besides, the man already left.”

Paxton knew, as they all knew, that Cole was right. They didn’t need any extra attention. “Under one condition.” He glared down at his sister, removing his arm from her grasp.

“Anything,” Lydia agreed.

“You will tell your
friend
, if I ever see or even hear about him acting in any way but a gentlemanly manner toward you, I will not be held accountable for my actions.” He looked into her tear-filled eyes. “Is this understood?”

“Yes, yes, of course.” She breathed a sigh of relief.

Both Cole and Paxton turned their attention to Eve, who still clung to his waist.

“For someone who is concerned about appearances, I’m surprised to see you don’t consider holding me in a constricting hug as a head turner, Lady Evelyn.” He smiled at her obvious embarrassment. “Not that I mind.”

Eve immediately released him and backed up. She was exceedingly grateful for the potted plant that blocked them from onlookers.
Holding on to his waist, indeed what is the matter with me?

“I think we have had enough excitement for one evening. Shall we say our good-byes to Rebecca?”

“You do remember I planned to stay here for a few weeks?” Lydia asked, clearly knowing he forgot. “Rebecca and I are going to redecorate some rooms, which entails shopping every day.”

“I remember now. I didn’t realize you brought luggage.” Paxton sounded saddened, and Eve thought it adorable that he was going to miss his sister.

“What’s wrong? Are you going to miss me?” Lydia asked. “You can visit, and I promise to visit you as well. It’s only for a few weeks.”

“I’m wondering whose going to keep an eye on you?”

“Our cousin, of course, and there is the duke.”

“True. Do you promise to behave yourself?”

“Don’t I always?” she teased as they approached the duchess.

“I’m so glad Lydia is going to stay here for a while. It will be nice to have another female around. I can use all the input I can gather on the decorating. I’m afraid my husband doesn’t really care either way. He’d let me decorate in animal skins if I desired.”

“A great quality in a husband,” replied Lydia. “It must be nice that he allows you so much freedom and independence. Many men wouldn’t. I hope and pray my husband’s as carefree and understanding.”

Paxton rolled his eyes, Cole hid his smile, and Eve nodded in agreement with Lydia.

“It was a pleasure to see you again, Lady Evelyn. I do hope you enjoyed yourself.” Rebecca smiled.

“I did indeed, Your Grace. You have the most amazing garden. The many different flowers are beautiful and impressive,” Eve stated enthusiastically, then frowned when she saw Paxton wink at the duchess.

Cole laughed and bowed, kissing the duchess’s white-gloved hand.

As Paxton ensconced Eve in her wrap, she questioned him about their farewells. “Why did your cousin act odd when I complimented her garden, and why in God’s name did you wink about it?”

Paxton’s grin widened. “I believe she was surprised to hear you were in her garden.”

Eve’s face turned bright red. “You mean to say… I mean, she thinks…that I…that we…” She fell silent for a moment. “Why didn’t you correct her assumption? Oh blast you. You’re a beast!”

“Blast me?” Paxton laughed loudly as he escorted her down the stone steps. “I wasn’t the one who shared that piece of information with her.”

It was at that moment Eve realized they would be alone on the carriage ride home.

***

Evelyn and Paxton remained quiet as the carriage moved over the cobblestoned street. “What are you thinking about?” Eve finally asked, although from the look on his face, she assumed he was thinking of the villainous stranger who kissed his sister.

“I’m thinking about how I let you and my sister sway me from beating her attacker senseless,” he growled, pulling the velvet curtain closed across the window.

Eve rolled her eyes. “For heaven sakes, he didn’t actually attack her. I think you are overreacting to a little kiss. Besides, women like handsome men who dare to be openly bold unto suicidal about their wants. It is obvious to me that he wishes to acquire your sister.”

“Acquire?” He smiled. “You better not let my sister hear you say that or, daringly handsome or not, Lydia will toss him into the Thames.”

Eve nodded in agreement. “She does try to cling to what little independence she can.”

“It’s because of that blasted equal rights advocate Wollstonecraft. She has my sister thinking women are mistreated.”

“I’ll have you know Wollstonecraft does make some valid arguments.”

He raked his fingers through his hair. “Is there any woman in my life who hasn’t read her books?”

“I have to admit I haven’t read much of her work. I tend to stick to books on botany, but I agree that women have the right to be not only educated but taught the same subjects as men. Men are under the misconception that a woman’s brain is too vacuous to comprehend much. I think there are many things women can comprehend better than men.”

***

Paxton watched as color rose into Eve’s face as she defended her sex. He sat transfixed as her supple lips formed her words.
Women. They are amazing creatures.
The urge to kiss her pulled at him. “And what, pray tell, can women do better than men?” He was sure there were scores of things women did better than men, but he thought this a brilliant conversation.

“Take fashion, for instance. Women are much better at coordinating outfits with accessories.”

“I agree that many men do not care much of their dress and leave the expertise to their valets. Although, I’m sure Beau Brummell and his cohorts would firmly disagree with you. But, you must admit that men are good at planning, let us say, strategies of war, a far more important skill.”

“True, but you have to admit that women have never been trained in that area. I’m sure that, if we were, you would find we are just as clever as the men.”

Paxton shrugged his shoulders. He agreed that women weren’t taught, or indeed usually even told many details, about war, and he knew from the women in his life that they were definitely clever. “Perhaps.” He stared at her lips as her tongue slid out to moisten them.

“Men are better at kissing than women.” He knew his statement was absurd, but he didn’t care. He was alone with her in a carriage and all he could think about was kissing her sweet lips.