Читать книгу An Earl In Want Of A Wife - Laura Martin, Laura Martin - Страница 9

Chapter Two

Daniel was in a foul mood and he knew he only had himself to blame. He was standing on the perimeter of the Prestons’ ballroom trying to look inconspicuous. And failing quite spectacularly. Already the eligible young women were beginning to flutter their eyelashes in his direction and, even worse, their mothers were looking at him with undisguised interest. He hadn’t attended a society event like this in years; in fact, he could count the number he’d shown his face at on one hand.

Which meant all the young ladies of marriageable age were immediately intrigued, and convinced he must be there to search for a wife.

Daniel groaned. He was there to look for a wife. As little as he wanted his current lifestyle to change, a visit to his accountant that afternoon had put things into perspective. He needed money, and he needed it soon. Hence his presence at the Prestons’ ball this evening, and his need to be sociable and personable.

‘What on earth brings you here, Blackburn?’ A familiar voice broke into Daniel’s thoughts.

Daniel turned and smiled his first genuine smile all evening. The night wouldn’t be such a disaster with Fletcher by his side.

‘I’d have thought that was obvious,’ Daniel said, keeping his expression impassive. ‘I’m here for the scintillating company.’

Fletcher moved to Daniel’s side and perused the ballroom.

‘You’re creating quite the stir. I’ve heard the name Lord Burwell mentioned at least a dozen times and I’ve only been here five minutes.’

Daniel knew he should be pleased, he should want every eligible young woman with a good dowry thrown at him that evening, but he couldn’t quite conjure up the enthusiasm.

Fletcher looked at him appraisingly. ‘You’re looking for a wife,’ he said in a matter-of-fact tone after a few seconds.

‘Good God, is it that obvious?’ Daniel asked, hoping he wasn’t coming off as desperate.

‘There are only three reasons a man comes to these events,’ Fletcher explained. ‘And seeing as you don’t have any female relatives to escort and you don’t need to do any social climbing, it must be to look for a wife.’

Daniel nodded glumly. Fletcher was right, of course, he was there to look for a wife and he felt rather shocked by the fact. Just yesterday he had been a bachelor, firm in his conviction that he would never marry, happy to flirt with any woman who crossed his path, but unwilling to settle down. The problem was now he had no choice—he had to marry. The idea of finding a young woman with a good fortune and marrying her to acquire that fortune didn’t sit well with him. In fact, he felt rather disgusted with himself that he was about to become one of the fortune hunters he so despised in society, but he really had no other option. He kept telling himself his future wife would be well-treated, she’d gain a title and an old family name, but he felt bad that she wouldn’t be loved. For one thing Daniel was sure of was that he was never going to risk his heart again. He’d loved once and the experience had left him emotionally battered. He wouldn’t allow that to happen a second time.

‘There’s no need to look so down, old chap. We’ll have you dancing with the most interesting and beautiful before the evening’s out.’

Daniel found himself scowling. He didn’t want a beautiful wife, or one that was particularly interesting. He wanted someone kind and quiet, who would let him continue with his current lifestyle and not interfere. Plus, of course, she needed to be wealthy. He found himself wondering when he had become so cynical, but deep down he knew. You couldn’t have your heart broken and come out unscathed, and Daniel had certainly had his heart trampled on.

‘I need someone rich,’ he said bluntly.

Fletcher looked at him appraisingly but didn’t comment.

‘Then we have a shortlist. There are three very wealthy young women in attendance tonight.’

‘How do you know all this?’ Daniel asked.

‘When you have four sisters out in society it’s hard not to know everything about their competition. Including the size of their dowries.’

‘Who are the three?’ Daniel asked, hating having to be so direct, but knowing it would be better to get directly down to business. Then he wouldn’t have to attend so many of these events.

‘First up is Miss Priscilla Dethridge, daughter to the very successful banker Mr James Dethridge.’ Fletcher motioned discreetly to a young woman in her early twenties. She was pretty enough and seemed to be having a lovely time on the arm of a young gentleman Daniel didn’t know.

‘Then there’s Miss Trumping. No one knows how her father made his money, probably wasn’t strictly legal, but she does have the advantage of being very attractive.’

Daniel looked over at the stunning young woman Fletcher was indicating. She was beautiful, there was no denying it, and she was surrounded by far too many men.

‘And the last?’ Daniel asked.

‘Miss Amelia Eastway.’ Fletcher was scanning the room looking for the young lady in question. ‘Father is Colonel Eastway, an army man settled in India, very successful trading business. She’ll be an extremely rich young woman when he meets his maker.’

Daniel waited patiently for Fletcher to locate her and perhaps even introduce him.

‘I can’t seem to see her.’ Fletcher shrugged. ‘She is quite an unassuming young thing. Not unattractive exactly, just rather normal.’

Daniel smiled. She sounded perfect. Or at least perfect for him. Wealthy, available and not someone he was going to lose his head over. Although all three qualities were necessary, he rather thought the last was the most important. Daniel was certain he never wanted to lose control like that again and Miss Amelia Eastway sounded like the perfect young woman to save him financially and allow him to carry on with life as normal.

‘And now I need to go and do my duty,’ Fletcher said with a sigh that Daniel didn’t quite believe. His friend was quite dedicated to his family, whatever he’d have the world think.

Once again Daniel was left alone on the perimeter of the ballroom. He could sense the curiosity of the female guests almost reaching a peak and knew if he wasn’t careful he would find himself trapped into dancing with some young woman or another. He grimaced. All he wanted was an introduction to the eligible Miss Eastway, to murmur something charming as he kissed her hand and to make his escape. Desperate though he might be, Daniel was sensible enough to know he would not make much more progress than that tonight, but he at least wanted to make the acquaintance of the woman he was going to marry.

He scanned the ballroom for someone who met Fletcher’s description of Miss Eastway with little success. There were no plain-looking women surrounded by fortune hunters that he could see. He felt a stab of panic as he wondered whether she had already been claimed and let his eyes wander to the open doors leading to the terrace. Surely even a naïve young woman new to London society wouldn’t allow herself to be led outside by an unscrupulous suitor.

Telling himself he was just being a gentleman, checking on a lady’s safety, he strode across the ballroom, resolutely not looking at anyone in his path. In truth, he felt a bubble of irritation. If the innocent Miss Eastway had gone and got herself compromised, it would ruin all his plans.

He stopped short as a young woman stepped into his path.

‘Lord Burwell,’ she purred, dipping into a curtsy and looking up at him with a coquettish smile.

‘Mrs Winter.’ Daniel took her hand and brought it to his lips.

‘It has been far too long,’ the widow said.

Daniel couldn’t help but smile. He and the charming Mrs Winter had been bumping into each other for six months now. Each time they shared a drink and a few words and then moved on, but there was a certain spark in her eyes that told Daniel he wouldn’t need to do much more than smile and she would come to him willingly.

‘I’ve missed our scintillating chats,’ Mrs Winter said, her hand curling around Daniel’s upper arm possessively.

They walked a few steps together, Daniel always keeping one eye on the door to the terrace in case someone matching Amelia Eastway’s description came through the opening.

‘I heard the most scandalous rumour about you,’ she said, dropping her voice to a loud whisper.

‘I’m sure it’s not true.’

‘It was involving you and a pretty little actress called Victoria.’

Daniel felt a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. Victoria was a sweet little thing who just seemed to enjoy Daniel’s company and demanded nothing more.

‘And my dear friend Mrs Highton has been dropping the most obvious of hints. I do hope you don’t favour her over me.’

Daniel grimaced. This was why nothing had happened between him and Mrs Winter; he got the impression that she could become rather possessive. Daniel had never wanted a long-term mistress, instead preferring short liaisons with women who did not make a fuss if he called things off.

‘How could I prefer anyone to you?’ Daniel asked, turning towards the young widow with his most dazzling smile.

That seemed to placate her a little and Daniel took the opportunity to escape. He wasn’t in the mood for flirtation tonight. His decision to marry was sitting heavily on him and he wanted to find his possible future wife, introduce himself and return home before he could talk himself out of it.

He reached the terrace doors in less than a minute and slipped out into the cool summer’s night. The outdoor space was illuminated by candles dotted along the stone balustrade, but there were plenty of dark corners a young woman with little experience could find herself lured to by a man with less than noble intentions. Daniel wondered what to do next—he’d expected to come outside to find someone who fitted Miss Eastway’s description and had planned to whisk her gallantly away from danger. Now he was here even he knew that plan was foolish. Firstly, the people who slipped outside normally didn’t want to be disturbed, and secondly, he couldn’t very well rescue a damsel in distress if he couldn’t see her.

Daniel almost gave up and returned to the ballroom, but compared to the cramped, stifling atmosphere inside, the summer’s evening was lovely and cool. He thought he might sit for a moment or two before returning to find the woman he was going to marry.

Quietly he slipped down the stone stairs into the garden proper and seated himself on a little bench looking out into the garden. Not for the first time he wished he was back on his estate in Cambridgeshire, strolling about his own garden with a glass of whisky in his hand. Or even at his club in London, sitting quietly with a newspaper or discussing the day’s events with his friends. Balls and ballrooms didn’t suit him. He wondered not for the first time if there shouldn’t be an easier, more pleasurable way of finding oneself a spouse, but knew in today’s society things were unlikely to change any time soon.

Daniel was just about to get up from his bench when he heard the doors to the ballroom open on the terrace above him. For a few seconds the music swelled and pulsed, then it was quiet as whoever had slipped outside closed the door. Daniel waited for the whispers of two illicit lovers and wondered if he should clear his throat to let them know they were not alone.

No whispers came, just the unmistakable swish of silk as someone started to descend the stairs towards him.

Daniel didn’t want to startle the woman, but equally he didn’t want to be caught in a deserted garden with some empty-headed young thing. He stood, coughed quietly, then approached the steps.

In the darkness Daniel heard a cry of surprise before he saw something moving towards him at great speed. He tried to jump backwards, out of the way of the careening object, but his reflexes weren’t quite quick enough. Something warm and soft crashed into him and knocked the breath from his lungs. Unable to keep his balance Daniel toppled backwards, taking whatever it was with him. They landed together with a quiet groan.

For a few seconds Daniel was too stunned to move. It was obvious now the object that had come hurtling down the stairs towards him was a woman. A rather stunned young woman if her silence was anything to go by.

Slowly he became aware of her body pressed up against his. One of her legs was nestled between his thighs and her chest was pressed closely to his. Her face must have been cradled into his neck as he could feel her soft breath tickling his skin. She was trembling, he realised, and too shocked to move.

Gently he rolled her over and sat up, being careful not to move suddenly.

‘Are you hurt?’ he asked, thinking himself rather foolish. After all, who could fall down quite so many steps and not be hurt?

‘Erm...yes...no. I don’t know.’

Daniel found himself smiling. She was conscious at least and sounded rather charmingly befuddled.

‘Let me check you over,’ he said, in a voice that invited no argument.

It was dark outside, too dark to make out much of the young woman’s features, but Daniel’s eyes had become accustomed to the blackness and he could at least see her outline. Gently he reached over and took one hand in his.

He heard a sharp intake of breath as he traced the lines of her arms with his fingers, checking for any broken bones. He did the same with her legs, but when he was just reaching her knees it seemed she had regained at least some of her wits and pulled sharply away. Daniel sighed—he was just starting to enjoy himself.

‘I’m sure I’m fine,’ the young woman said in a voice that wasn’t in the least bit convincing. ‘What about you?’

‘Me?’ Daniel asked. ‘Oh, I’m used to cushioning the falls of fair maidens,’ he said with a grin. ‘But that was certainly the most pleasant introduction I’ve had all evening.’ Daniel pictured the young woman’s cheeks turning pink and silently reprimanded himself; sometimes he couldn’t help his flirtatious side. ‘There’s a bench just over here. Let’s see if you can make it over.’

Daniel thought he saw her nod her head in the darkness and stood, leaning down to assist her up. He felt her totter a little and slipped an arm around her waist to steady her. She was slender, but Daniel could feel the flare of her hips beneath her dress and felt the first stirrings of desire. Reluctantly he pushed them away. This was most likely a well-bred young lady who he couldn’t dally with. And, he reminded himself sternly, he was here for one purpose only: to find a wealthy wife, no matter how much the idea galled him.

Together they hobbled over to the bench and sat down.

‘What happened?’ he asked gently, not letting go of the woman’s hand.

She sighed. ‘You’ll think me foolish.’ There was a modicum of humour in her voice and Daniel found himself smiling. The whole situation was farcical really, and most young women would be in hysterics, but this one was taking it all in her stride.

‘I wanted to escape...’ She paused, then corrected herself. ‘No, I needed to escape. If I spent one more second in that ballroom, I would have screamed.’

‘Surely it wasn’t so bad that you had to throw yourself down the steps?’

Although he couldn’t see her expression Daniel rather thought she’d smiled.

‘Almost.’ She sighed. ‘I’m sorry, I’m sure I’ve ruined your...’ Instead of finishing the sentence she waved a hand in his general direction. ‘Whatever it is men wear to these balls.’

Daniel found himself leaning in a little closer, trying to make out what his mystery woman looked like. He knew she was tall, with a slender waist and delightfully curvy hips, but he wished he could catch a glimpse of her facial features.

‘I just wanted some peace and quiet, just for a few minutes. When you coughed you startled me and I tripped.’

‘I wanted you to know you weren’t alone.’

Daniel felt himself drawn to this woman and started to gently trace his thumb backwards and forwards across her hand. He knew it was wrong and he knew he should send her back inside immediately. If they were found in this position, outside and alone together, there would be a terrible scandal, but he couldn’t quite bring himself to send her on her way just yet.

‘Why did you want to escape the ball so much?’ Daniel asked. ‘A lovely young woman like you must be the centre of attention.’

He could tell she grimaced even in the darkness. ‘I feel like an antique up for auction.’

Daniel laughed, he couldn’t help himself.

‘Not that I think I’m any kind of prize, quite the opposite,’ she rushed to reassure him. ‘It’s just when you know people are only interested because of money...’ She let her sentence trail off.

Daniel suddenly felt a little guilty. All evening he hadn’t thought of anything but securing himself a wealthy wife. He hadn’t considered what his potential spouse’s feelings would be on the matter, hadn’t even thought of her as a real person. That must be what this young lady felt like, an object up for auction. Daniel pushed his qualms aside. He would treat his wife well, give her anything she asked for, and all he needed in return was for her to save him financially. It wasn’t even as though he’d squander all her money gambling like most husbands; her fortune would be going to a good cause.

‘We should get you back inside before you’re missed,’ Daniel said reluctantly. He didn’t know why he was so loath to let her go, he was certainly enjoying himself more than he’d expected to at a ball, but he knew she had to return to the ballroom before someone noticed she was gone.

‘I am sorry I fell on you,’ the woman repeated.

Daniel stood and offered her his arm. She stood up rather too abruptly and he found himself face-to-face with her. Even in the darkness Daniel could make out the curve of her lips and suddenly he had an overwhelming urge to kiss her.

Without thinking of the consequences Daniel lowered his lips to hers, feeling the sharp intake of breath as she realised what he was about to do. He half expected her to push him away and storm off, but for a few seconds she stood frozen, as if too stunned to react. Then he felt her body melt into his.

It was the first time she’d been kissed, Daniel was sure of it, but her lips were full and inviting and Daniel knew he wouldn’t be able to pull away. He breathed in her scent and pulled her closer to him, revelling in the small moan that escaped from her lips as they kissed.

Suddenly she stiffened and Daniel knew the moment was over. Even though he’d met this woman only a few minutes previously he knew she wouldn’t become hysterical, just that she’d come to her senses. Slowly he pulled away, keeping one hand resting gently on her waist.

‘That... I mean... Well.’

Normally Daniel would have prided himself at rendering a woman speechless, but already he was beginning to feel like a churl. He’d just seduced an innocent young woman he had no intention of marrying. It went against everything he believed in, every code of honour he lived his life by.

‘That was unforgivable of me,’ he said softly. ‘I just couldn’t help myself. I wouldn’t have been able to resist kissing you even if there was a sword to my heart.’

‘I should go,’ she said, pulling away. Almost immediately she stumbled and Daniel sprang forward, steadying her so she didn’t lose her feet.

‘Can I at least know your name?’ he asked quietly.

It seemed like an eternity before she answered and Daniel had the absurd feeling that she might give him a false name.

‘Amelia,’ she said eventually. ‘Amelia Eastway.’

Daniel felt the bottom drop out of his world as Amelia slipped from his grasp and started to ascend the steps back to the terrace.

‘May I call on you tomorrow?’ he called after her.

He wasn’t entirely sure, but he thought he saw her nod her head before she disappeared into the darkness completely.