He was acting like his father, possessive without purpose, claiming without right. A man who would destroy what heclaimed to protect, all in the name of love, he wouldn’t let himself feel.
CHAPTER 24
“Lord Lansdowne has been staring at you for the past ten minutes.” Lady Merrow delivered this observation while fanning herself in the overheated ballroom of Marlington House.
The card party had drawn most of fashionable London, despite the continuing winter weather that made travel treacherous.
Louise glanced toward the tall, sandy-haired viscount who quickly looked away when their eyes met. “He’s being polite.”
“Polite men don’t look at women the way hungry wolves eye sheep.” Lady Merrow snapped her fan shut with unnecessary force. “Though given my nephew’s behavior, perhaps some competition would do him good.”
Louise followed Lady Merrow’s gaze to where Aaron stood near the fireplace, ostensibly engaged in conversation with Lord Harwick but watching her with an intensity that made her skinprickle. He had maintained this vigilant observation all evening, tracking her every movement while keeping himself carefully distant.
“His Grace is merely ensuring our safety in a crowded venue.” The excuse sounded weak even to Louise’s ears.
“His Grace is acting like a dog with a bone he won’t eat but won’t let anyone else have either.” Lady Merrow reopened her fan with sharp precision. “And here comes Lord Lansdowne. This should be entertaining.”
The viscount approached with the determined air of a man who had gathered his courage. He bowed deeply, his pleasant features arranged in what he probably thought was a winning smile.
“Lady Louise, Lady Merrow. I wondered if I might have the honor of partnering Lady Louise for the next round of whist?”
Louise felt Aaron’s attention sharpen from across the room, though he never turned his head. The weight of his regard pressed against her like a physical touch.
“That’s very kind, Lord Lansdowne.” She kept her tone carefully neutral. “I would be pleased to partner with you.”
Relief brightened his expression. “Excellent. Shall we?”
He offered his arm, and Louise accepted it, ignoring the way Aaron’s posture stiffened. Lord Lansdowne led her to a card table where another couple already waited.
As they took their seats, Louise caught sight of Aaron abandoning his conversation entirely, positioning himself where he could observe their table without obstruction.
“I must confess,” Lord Lansdowne said as he dealt the cards, “I’ve been hoping for an opportunity to speak with you properly. You’ve become quite the subject of admiration since the Ashworth ball.”
Louise focused on arranging her cards. “People will talk about anything to pass the time.”
“Perhaps. But in this case, the talk is entirely complimentary.” He smiled warmly. “Beauty combined with intelligence and grace is rare enough to inspire genuine interest rather than mere gossip.”
From the corner of her eye, Louise saw Aaron move closer, ostensibly examining a painting on the nearby wall but clearly eavesdropping. His jaw clenched with each word Lansdowne spoke.
“You’re very kind, my lord.” Louise played her card with deliberate concentration. “Though I suspect your compliments are colored by politeness rather than accuracy.”
“Not at all. I speak only the truth.” Lansdowne leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a more intimate register. “In fact, I wondered if you might allow me to call on you. With Lady Merrow’s permission, naturally.”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Louise didn’t need to look to know Aaron had gone completely still, his attention fixed on their table with predatory focus.
“I’m afraid that wouldn’t be appropriate.” She kept her eyes on her cards. “My position as Lady Merrow’s companion requires all my attention.”
“Surely, you’re permitted some personal time? Even companions deserve joy.”
The word ‘joy’ rang bitter in Louise’s ears. What happiness could she claim when the only man who stirred her blood treated her like a possession he couldn’t decide whether to keep or discard?
“Lady Louise has made her position clear, Lansdowne.” Aaron’s voice cut through the moment like a blade through silk.
He stood beside their table, his expression carved from winter ice.
Lord Lansdowne flushed but maintained his composure. “Your Grace. How lovely to see you.”
“Lovely indeed.” Aaron’s tone could have frozen champagne. “I’m afraid Lady Louise is needed elsewhere.”
