The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series) (5 page)

“Some government officials of my acquaintance do not believe him to be. He’s being watched, in fact. Thus far his behavior has been impeccable. With his title and his money, he’s invited to mingle with most of the gentry, and so far, I’ve heard that everyone considers the count to be a fine man.”

Paxton was going to say that he already didn’t like the man, but he kept his thoughts to himself. “Why is he being watched?” Cole’s lack of information was irritating.

“Obviously you are not going to rest until I tell you the particulars. Mind you, I heard this from my father, who heard it from the Duke of Mayberry, who heard it from a close confidant of the Duke of Wellington, who, as you know, is a confidant of the king.”

“Oh bloody hell, Cole. Proceed!”

“You must vow not to tell anyone, including the young lady he is with.”

“I won’t tell anyone.”

“All right. You know this is a government secret.”

“Cole, in a minute I’m going to start breaking things over your obstinate head.”

“We have it on good authority that he is part of Napoleon’s Legion of honor, an award given to him at the age of eighteen for the rendering of special services for France. He now claims to be loyal to the Bourbon regime. However, when Napoleon was exiled, a few of his faithful officers saw him off, Henri Leverett among them. So, you see, it is in our country’s best interest to keep an eye on him while he’s here. However, he has been here for some months now, and due to his inactivity, he is no longer being observed very closely. It is costly to keep twenty-four hour surveillance on a man when he shows no signs of causing trouble.”

“I see. For what was he rewarded by Bonaparte?”

“Espionage.”

“And the English lady? Do you think she may be a traitor?” Paxton’s distrust of women immediately surfaced.

“I have no reason to believe this the case. You’re the one who met her. What did she tell you?” Cole asked.

“She said it was her first Season and she was looking for a husband.”

Cole grinned, seemingly knowing Paxton must have hated the lady telling him she was interested in marriage. “I assume she didn’t tell you this in French.”

“Of course not. She spoke perfect English.”

“Then I am sure she was telling you the truth and she is merely in the marriage market.”

Paxton looked at his friend in irritation, knowing Cole enjoyed repeating that last bit of information. As the men left and headed back down the hall, Paxton added, “One can never be sure when it comes to women. They are completely untrustworthy.”

Cole shook his head as they made their way back into the ballroom.

CHAPTER SIX

“Where did she go?” Cole asked Paxton teasingly.

Paxton glanced around the large ballroom. Although it was crowded and hard to see, he spotted her right away. “She’s dancing to our left, behind the Everton’s.” He glared at Cole when he laughed.

“Why don’t we introduce ourselves to the rest of her family?” Cole didn’t wait for Paxton to respond but started making his way toward them. Upon closer examination, Cole informed Paxton that the older man they were quickly approaching was the Viscount of Stonehaven, a man Cole had previously met through his father. “Good evening, Lord Stonehaven. I am Cole Stanton, the Marquis of Geary. I believe you are acquainted with my father, the Duke of Scottsdale.” Cole shook the viscount’s hand.

“Yes, of course, the Duke of Scottsdale’s son,” Lord Stonehaven said, seemingly recalling the duke. “And how is your father?”

“He is quite well, sir. He’s rusticating at our country home. He abhors travel.”

Charles laughed. “Yes, I remember that about him. This is my wife, and this is my daughter, Cassandra.” After Cole greeted the ladies, Charles introduced him to the count, who stood quietly nearby.

“And may I introduce my good friend, the Earl of Devonhurst.” Paxton came forward at that point and made the appropriate remarks. He regarded the count with keen interest.

“Is your sister here with you today?” Lady Stonehaven asked Paxton, pulling his attention away from the Frenchman.

“As a matter of fact, she is, my lady. I am in London as her official escort. Perhaps this will be the Season she decides to wed.” Paxton knew what he told her was a bit personal, but he wanted this pretty lady with the funny headdress to talk freely to him about her own daughters, the older one to be more exact. What better way than to let her know the plain truth, that they were in London on similar missions.

“Your sister is still young yet, my lord. Perhaps you should wait to commit her to such responsibilities for a couple of years. I was told Lady Lydia is only eighteen. That’s my Cassandra’s age. I don’t feel it necessary to subject a lady that young to the rigors of marriage.”

“Madeline, dear, the earl may have a different view,” Stonehaven gently reprimanded his wife.

“It is quite all right, my lord,” Paxton said. “I believe your wife is correct. However, Lydia has a wild spirit, and I feel it would be in her best interest if she had a family to focus upon. I’m afraid she can be a handful.”

“I see.” Lady Stonehaven seemed somewhat miffed by Paxton’s honesty.

Paxton looked at Cole, who was gazing continuously at the lovely Cassandra while listening to this conversation. She kept her eyes cast demurely downward. Smart girl, Paxton thought.

“Lord Stonehaven, would you mind if I had this dance with Lady Cassandra?” Paxton expected an outright refusal to Cole’s request. He watched as Cassandra’s cheeks flushed pink.

Lady Stonehaven looked on the verge of saying no on her husband’s behalf, for she seemingly noticed the way Cole was openly staring at her daughter. Instead, she looked at her husband, most likely hoping he read in her eyes the refusal she wished him to give.

Stonehaven appeared oblivious to his wife’s warning stare. “As long as you are aware of her youth, I’m sure this one dance will be acceptable.”

Paxton held back a laugh at the scowl that appeared on Lady Stonehaven’s face.

Cole led Cassandra out onto the dance floor and Stonehaven grinned. “That was what she needed,” he informed Paxton. “She was growing tired of watching her sister dance the night away.”

As Paxton nodded he saw the worried look on the viscountess’s face. Knowing Cole as well as he did, her concern was indeed warranted. In London, the Marquis of Geary’s name would be found at the top of the list of notorious rakes, if such a list existed. Paxton stood for a few more minutes talking to the viscount about some new legislation the House was trying to pass and then excused himself to go check on his sister, the innocent young lady of whom he was in charge.

“Please bring Lady Lydia over to us when you have a chance, my lord. I would like to meet her,” Lady Stonehaven insisted, and with a nod that promised he would do so, Paxton walked away.

***

After checking on Lydia, Paxton went to stand on the balcony overlooking the extensive garden with its dimly lit pathways and hidden benches. When the music was low, you could hear the drone of crickets.

“I know her name,” Cole said, making his way toward him.

Paxton nodded, knowing Cole would purposely stall and make him ask for the information. “And I suppose I must ask what it is?”

Cole laughed. “It’s Evelyn. Her sister calls her Eve.”

“By the by, that was a bold move asking her father to part with his precious young jewel for a dance,” Paxton stated, impressed.

“Of course it was. The young lady liked my boldness. Women tend to like assertive men. Besides, she is far too lovely to sit off to the side while her sister has all the fun. It seems like every man here is lining up to dance with the fair Eve.”

“And what about the fair Cassandra? I’m sure your dance caused a bit of a stir and now her father will have to fight the randy lads away from her.” Paxton knew Cole was trying to pester him and thought to harass him in turn.

Cole laughed. “Too true. Five men approached her as soon as we were done dancing. The viscountess shooed them all away.”

“It’s a shame her one dance had to be spent with you,” Paxton taunted.

“She was glad to have it so. I suspect she will be thinking about me for years to come.”

It was Paxton’s turn to laugh. “You may think you ooze charm, but your conceit is vexing.”

“And yours isn’t?” Cole chided.

“Only when it suits my purposes.”

“Yes, well, I’m going for a drink. Do you want one?” Cole asked, turning back toward the double doors.

“No, thanks.” Paxton watched his friend leave and then decided to go for a walk in the garden. Big parties were not his style. He wished he was at home sitting in his own garden, for although his garden needed work, it was quieter.
Bah!
He was starting to sound like an old man with his want of tranquility. As he took to the path, he observed the red brick pavers that weaved in and out, connecting to various walkways. He ended up doing a small circle and found himself back where he started. When he approached the balcony stairs, he noticed Lady Evelyn on the balcony with the young Duke of Herrington. Paxton stopped to admire her. The red in her hair caught like flames in the moonlight. Then right before his very eyes, the duke kissed her. Paxton felt his whole body tense. When the man started to deepen the kiss, Paxton couldn’t help the objection that escaped his lips. “Eve!”

***

Eve abruptly pushed the bold man away and slapped him soundly across the face. She didn’t know who called her name, but she was not about to let the Duke of Herrington take advantage of her. “You, sir, are beyond contempt. I wish for you to go!” she hissed through clenched teeth, and she was relieved when the duke shrugged and sauntered back into the ballroom in an arrogant manner. The scoundrel hadn’t even offered her an apology for his boorish behavior.

Eve wiped her glove across her lips in disgust. Admittedly, she was being flirtatious, but that did not give the duke leave to act beastly. From now on, she had to try to be a better judge of the men who approached her, for it was obvious some took her perfected coquetry as an invitation to wickedness.

Then the beautiful man she had thought about all night appeared before her.

“Why are your parents not watching you?” he asked in a hostile manner.

Eve was taken aback by the sternness in his tone.
Was he the one who called my name?
Taking in his fierce stance, her back grew rigid and she glared back at him. “And who are you, sir, to claim I need watching?”

He seemed to realize the extent of her anger for he blanched ever so slightly, and Eve cursed her tongue, for this was certainly not how she wanted their meeting to go. He suddenly relaxed his stance and, with a disarming smile, he bowed. “May I finally introduce myself, Lady Evelyn. I am Paxton Witley, better known as the Earl of Devonhurst. I am sorry to have bellowed your name, but I felt it necessary under the circumstances.”

Eve calmed and smiled. This was the charming man she remembered. “I was very happy for your intrusion, my lord. The duke was acting most inappropriately, and I thank you for the rescue.”

“Shall I call him out for you, my lady?” he gallantly offered as he raised her gloved hand to his lips.

Eve laughed, assuming from his lopsided grin that he was jesting. “That’s very chivalrous of you, my lord, but fortunately, it is not necessary.”
And it is illegal. Good gracious, he is handsome. And large.

“You are awe inspiring, and so perhaps we should excuse the young buck for not being able to control himself around you.”

Eve was suddenly feeling rebellious. Last night and all day she had envisioned this encounter and thought of what she would say and how she would act, and all for naught. The man was against marriage, after all, and so how was she to make him see the wonderfulness of the married state? She remembered some of her mother’s insightful words: “Shy and innocent doesn’t work to capture all men; some want bold and daring.” Eve looked him over, from his dark-haired head to his polished black boots and then back again. When he smiled at her perusal of him, she easily came to the realization that to catch Lord Devonhurst, bold and daring would be necessary. She tried to hold back a blush at her daring perusal of his figure.

He appeared to be waiting for her to speak as he watched her curiously, seemingly amused as she admired his perfect form. “My lady, although I enjoy looking at you, I find myself desperately longing to know your thoughts.”

Eve found a way to phrase those thoughts. “I was wondering, if you find me so awe inspiring, why you seem to have full control of yourself around me?”

Lord Devonhurst laughed and she fairly preened in satisfaction.

“You are a delightful surprise,” he said. “I admit that I like your frankness, and so I shall be honest in return.” And then he proceeded to look her over, from her red curls to her shiny-slippered feet, lingering slightly longer on her décolletage, until he finally sought her blue eyes. She fought off the urge to faint at the heady sensations filling her. He even smelled divine.

“You are a vision of loveliness, and I admit you could tempt a saint, which I am not. However, I am also not a young buck. I am a man-grown. Unlike the young one who kissed you, nothing short of gunfire would have separated my lips from yours.”

Eve’s insides were melting. On the outside, she purposely wrinkled her nose in amusement. “And how many others have you said such things to?”

The man appeared perplexed by her question. “I do not recall saying anything of the sort to any other lady,” he assured her. “I told you. I was being honest.”

Eve’s heart was racing and she felt less steady on her feet.
Perhaps this is how a lady feels when struck by love.
Lord Devonhurst was protective, witty, charming, intelligent, and handsome. He was perfect for her. “And you honestly don’t wish to marry?” she had to ask, an indeed deemed it silly not to with the way she was feeling. She already had her hopes up and did not want to continue down this avenue if the cause was completely hopeless.

Paxton grinned at her and her heart leapt. Evidently, he too remembered the conversation they shared at the theater. “I honestly don’t.”

“Well then, Lord Devonhurst, perhaps you have met your match. For I am going to change your mind,” Eve stated boldly while placing a gloved hand upon his chest. Her mother claimed men had difficulties when dealing with their true feelings and Eve refused to believe this man felt nothing for her. She had never acted in such an obvious manner in her life, but when he was near, she couldn’t seem to stop herself. He appeared pleased by her challenge.

***

Paxton laughed at her boldness, but he groaned inwardly at Lady Evelyn’s seductive gaze. He could feel himself moved by desire, and he knew, if anyone could get him to marry, it would be this vixen with her mesmerizing blue eyes and adorable splatter of freckles across her nose. “You are welcome to try, my lady. But since we are being so honest, I feel it necessary to warn you that I am a hopeless case. You should not waste your time with me when you have the crème of Society’s eligible bachelors clamoring for your attentions.”

The breathtaking lady before him then smiled and said, “I do not plan to fail, my lord. But then, since we are speaking candidly, I should likely tell you that I do not plan to waste my Season hovering around you and simpering for your attentions. I plan to allow gobs of men to court me.” She then turned toward the door. “Perhaps you would care to dance?”

Paxton thought back to what Cole said earlier about getting in on the game. Aside from Lydia and his mother, no woman had ever asked him to dance. As protocol insisted, gentlemen did the asking.
This woman is mad.
He smiled as she waited for his answer, her blue eyes simmering in challenge. “Let the game begin,” he said, coming forward to take her arm. She gave him that bewitching smile when he accepted the dance, and he knew she most likely believed he had accepted her challenge of changing his mind about marriage, which she had no hope of achieving. But he did intend to have some fun. He couldn’t seem to stop himself from wanting to accept this challenge when Lady Evelyn Manning was his opponent.