The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series) (6 page)

CHAPTER SEVEN

Paxton spun Evelyn around in a smooth circle and drew her into his arms for the dance. Eve laughed at the dramatic gesture but then was caught by the intense gaze of his deep brown eyes. As Eve followed the rhythmic moves of his well-muscled body, she realized he was the very reason she came to London. They were perfect for each other. Affinity was the word that came to mind. Now she only had to convince the stubborn earl and show him how right they were together. A difficult task, definitely, but she was ready for the challenge. A little voice inside her head was saying she should slow down, that they had just met and moreover he was throwing obstacles at her; but she ignored the irritating little voice and continued on her merry way.

***

Paxton was sensing how determined this lady in his arms was to make her dreams a reality, to make him her husband. Although their bodies didn’t touch, he could feel the curves of Evelyn’s body as they swayed to the music. She was achingly beautiful and her body moved gracefully over the parquet floor. Her dress sparkled like a million diamonds under the chandeliers. She was a vision to behold.
Why did she set her sights on me?
He always tried to steer clear of her kind, those hell-bent on achieving a husband, but their encounter at the theater had created some kind of bond, a friendship of sorts.
But this woman isn’t looking for a friend. She is looking for a husband.

Just when he had finally thought his life was in control, she comes along and threatens to destroy that control with a seductive glance. If only she wasn’t after marriage, he would happily comply with any other desire she possessed. She had ultimately challenged him, however, and he could refuse a challenge. He actually felt bad that this was a battle she would lose. At least she was still going to allow others to court her, which was a relief to his conscience but irked him too.
Why did she have to tell me this?

In spite of the fact that it was proper to stare at one’s dance partner, he felt she was trying to read his thoughts and so their stare became uncomfortable for him. He decided to make some polite conversation. “I have met your family. Your parents appear to be very proud of their daughters.”

She seemed a bit surprised by this news. “Were you already asking my father for my hand?” she asked in faux innocence, a hint of a teasing smile on her face.

Paxton laughed. “No, my sweet. I think it best if you forgo the marriage idea when it comes to me, as I have noted more than once now.”

The young lady didn’t falter. “Anything worth having is worth some work.” She glanced over at someone watching them. “Do you know that man observing us with such scrutiny?”

Paxton looked in the direction she indicated. “Yes, he’s a friend of mine. His name is Cole Stanton, the Marquis of Geary. He’s probably wondering why in the world I am on the dance floor. He’s a good man and friend, but I advise you to avoid dancing with him. He doesn’t think twice about seducing innocents. He likely stares because the dance floor is a place I’m rarely seen. If you look around, I’m sure you will notice we are the talk of the ball. It’s not often I am caught dancing with someone who is, shall we say, looking for a husband.”

“And what of you, my lord? From what I have heard, your reputation is not exactly pristine. This could be the reason for their stares.”

Paxton smiled down into her upturned face. He enjoyed her frankness even if she was insulting him. “One thing you should keep in mind while you’re in London, Lady Evelyn. Don’t believe everything you hear.”

“Are you saying my information is false?”

“I’m unaware of the information you’ve obtained, but I know I can safely respond with yes and no.”

Eve must have realized she wasn’t going to receive a clearer answer because she nodded in acquiesce.

“Is the count a friend of yours?” Paxton couldn’t help wanting to know what her relationship was with the Frenchman. It seemed unlikely that she would commit treason for someone she didn’t know. Besides, she was English, and she wasn’t in crisis and needing to sail her country down the river Styx. According to Cole, the Stonehaven’s finances were in fine shape.

“Why would you assume him to be?”

Paxton thought she was skating around the question, which made him suspicious. But he also realized how much she liked to manipulate his thinking. “You walked in together.”

Eve grinned. “Yes, we did, didn’t we? Well, he was at a party we were attending earlier, and since he was coming here anyway, he decided to follow us. Since he is from France, I assume he was unsure of the location. My family seems to think he is smitten with me.” He saw the color rising in her cheeks. She glanced at the count, who smiled and nodded in her direction.

Paxton was unsure if she was being truthful for he was quickly becoming aware at how clever she could be. “Is he an immigrant who fled during the Reign of Terror?” He already knew the answer, but he was curious as to how well she knew the man. Most Frenchmen now living in England had moved here when their homeland was being torn apart by the revolution in 1794. In Paris alone more than thirteen hundred victims lost their heads to the guillotine in a six week span.

“No. I was told he is taking a long holiday.” She seemed to find his interest in one of her suitor’s intriguing. Smiling a seductress’s smile, she reached up and pulled her fingers through one of his dark curls and sighed heavenly. His body tightened in response and the delicate scent of her perfume filled his head.

“Are you trying to gain the attention of every person in this room?”

He looked around at the surrounding people, noticing a few women speaking behind their fans and a couple of men elbowing each other with knowing jabs. Since she was new to London, it was obvious that Lady Evelyn wasn’t used to having her every move watched so closely. But all of her embarrassment appeared to fade when she looked back at him. “No. Just yours.”

“Then allow me to assure you that you have my full attention. Acts like that are likely to gain you trouble.” The lady sighed and Paxton groaned inwardly. The woman had no idea of the effect she had on men, himself included. Her sigh brought erotic images to mind: Eve’s body writhing beneath him as he pounded into her, listening to her cries of ecstasy as he brought them both to fulfillment. She was too innocent to be so open about her thoughts and feelings. Someone definitely needed to bring this young lady into line.

Lady Evelyn appeared not to have realized her sigh was audible, and she shrugged. The song was going to end soon and already he was upset by the knowledge that he was going to have to let her go. He would walk her back to her family and their encounter would be over. The thought was not a happy one.

“What are you thinking?” he had to ask. He fleetingly wondered if he enjoyed the torture and challenge of trying to keep his manhood under control.

“It’s more like hoping. I was hoping they would continue playing this song so we could continue dancing all evening.”

Paxton could think of something he wished they could do all evening, and it wasn’t dancing. Her comment did show her innocence, and he suddenly felt more drawn to her than ever. He knew he had to control his lust before it became embarrassingly noticeable. “Do you speak French?”

She gave him a perplexed look. “Yes, of course I do. Why do you ask?”

The promise he gave Cole kept him quiet about his concern regarding the count. Besides, he knew it was a stupid question. In all probability, ninety-percent of the educated ladies in England spoke French, including his sister. Now he had to come up with a reason for his bizarre inquiry. “I’m curious. Ever travel there?”

She wrinkled her lightly freckled nose in the most adorable manner. “No. It hasn’t been exactly peaceful there.” She paused as if contemplating something. “Are you testing my education, my lord, for I can promise you it is more than adequate. I would make you a wonderful wife.”

A test?
Now what was he to say? Was she always this sure of herself? Hadn’t a man ever told her no before she encountered him?
Of course not.
Who was he kidding? She probably had suitors lining up at her family’s London residence daily. He already noticed men waiting by her father for a chance to dance with her. “I’m sure you would. That is, if I wanted a wife, which as you know, I do not.”

The music ended, but she seemed reluctant to let him go, a fact that thrilled him to no end, although he knew it shouldn’t. When he was near her, he seemed to fight a constant battle with himself.

“Would you mind escorting me onto the balcony for some air?” she asked, her tone and demeanor all innocence.

Paxton knew he could not handle being around her much longer. She stirred his loins and played with his mind like no other woman he’d ever met. Assuredly, other women had made strong overtures toward him, but he hadn’t felt drawn to them as he was to Lady Evelyn. On top of these reasons for needing to leave her side, they had drawn enough attention to themselves for one evening. A trip to the balcony was out of the question. “I think it would be best if I returned you to your family.” Paxton escorted her to her father, bowed, and smartly took his leave. He congratulated himself for doing the right thing in regard to an innocent miss.

***

Eve stared helplessly at the Earl of Devonhurst’s retreating back.

“I thought I told you to stay away from him,” her mother scolded quietly while keeping a smile on her face for the onlookers.

Eve was angry at Paxton’s speedy dismissal. Once he was no longer in view, she looked at her mother. “It would have been rude to refuse a dance, Mother. After all, Lord Devonhurst did save me from being crushed by the theater crowd.” She wasn’t about to tell her mother that she had asked him to dance. Such things were not done.

“Yes, of course, dear. I understand. It seems that, once you two were on the dance floor, the volume of voices increased tenfold. People do like to gossip. You would do well to endeavor not to be the name on everyone’s lips.” Thankfully her mother was pulled aside by Cassandra who needed her escort to retrieve some punch.

Eve declined dances for the rest of the evening, claiming she was tired. She sat on a nearby chair next to her father, who was conversing with another older gentleman. She looked up as a shadow fell over her. “Hello, Count Vernon.”

“Would you care to dance, Mademoiselle Evelyn?” Henri held out his arm.

Eve was still bothered by Paxton and only noticed the count’s gesture when he pulled his arm back. She tried to smile, but it was a bad effort. “
Merci, mais non
.” She switched back to English. “I’m afraid I’m fatigued.”

“Yes, the hour does grow late. Perhaps I could persuade your father to allow me to escort you home.”

Eve was stunned by such an insolent comment. “That would be most improper, sir. My parents would never allow me to ride with you without a chaperone.”

Henri nodded. “Nor should they, my dear. I thought Lady Cassandra could join us.”

Eve felt silly for thinking him so crass. Looking up into his light brown eyes, she smiled. “That is a fine idea. Thank you.”

“I’m going to say goodbye to a few friends and then I will retrieve your cloaks for you.”

When Madeline and Cassandra returned, Evelyn asked permission to be driven home, along with Cassandra, by the count. Her mother agreed, claiming her father was also tired, and saying they would follow behind them.

Eve was talking to her mother about plans for tomorrow when the Earl of Devonhurst walked up with a young lady on his arm. “Lady Stonehaven, may I introduce my sister, Lady Lydia. Lydia, Lady Stonehaven and her daughters, Lady Evelyn and Lady Cassandra.”

“It’s nice to meet all of you.” Lydia curtsied and Eve and Cassie curtsied in return.

“I’m glad for this introduction, Lady Lydia. I had asked your brother to bring you over for I wished to meet you. I’ve heard much about you,” Lady Stonehaven said.

“My mother hears everything that goes on in London from her friend Lady Spritewater,” Eve stated by way of explanation. She was so thrilled that Paxton was back beside her that she had a difficult time holding back her giddiness. He stood between her and his sister. She could see the resemblance between sister and brother, the same hair color and defined cheekbones.

Lady Lydia nodded. “I don’t believe I know her, but I hope she told you good things about me.”

“Oh, nothing but the kindest words ever leave her lips,” Mother assured her.

“Lady Spritewater is a very nice woman. She never says a negative word about anyone.” Eve thought she should elaborate further, not wishing Lady Lydia to think they were saying unkind things about her. “Besides, I’m sure you are not one to cause gossip.”

Lydia laughed uneasily as if she wasn’t sure such a trend would last. “Let’s hope it stays that way.”

“It better,” Paxton said solemnly.

“That should work both ways, my lord.” Eve smiled at him.

“Are you ready to go, Lady Evelyn?” Count Vernon returned carrying Eve and Cassie’s cloaks over his arm.
Drat the man!
If Devonhurst was going to stay by her side, fatigue be hanged. She’d stay until the sun came up.

“Oh…um, yes.” Eve hesitated, allowing the count to drape her cloak around her. It seemed she was to leave when she suddenly didn’t wish to. She fastened the broach around her throat, looking up at Paxton’s princely features, hoping he’d somehow delay her departure. But he was glaring at her. She pasted on a smile for everyone’s benefit, perplexed by his rude stare.
What is wrong with the man now?
“It was nice to have met you, Lady Lydia. Perhaps you will call on us for tea sometime?”