Her heart steadied a little, but she prickled with an awareness of danger. “I refuse to be seduced, sir.” She launched it as a formidable warning. Heavens above, it was unbelievable that such a man have any interest in her, but her instincts were sounding the alarm.
His right hand covered hers on his arm. Warm and strong, it flexed slightly as his lids lowered in a way that raised her pulse rate again. “If you were over-eager, Hippolyta, there would be no challenge in it, would there? I can never resist a challenge.”
They had stopped again and Portia knew she should be concerned about what everyone was thinking, and yet…
In one smooth movement, he raised her chin and brushed his lips across hers like gentle fire.
She snatched herself away, looking around in alarm. No one was looking at them, however. The king and queen had just arrived.
She glanced back at Lord Bryght. Had he known, or had he been inexcusably daring? His expression provided no answer.
“You—”
His finger touched her lips to silence her. “We must attend the monarch.”
The crowd had quieted to attention and were all facing the royal party. The king and queen had come with little ceremony, only accompanied by a half dozen ladies-and gentlemen-in-waiting and a small body of the Guards. They went immediately to inspect and watch the troops on display.
Portia took the time to gather her wits and steady her nerves.
She had to recognize that her reaction to Bryght Malloren was alarming. Even now, without looking at him, she felt his presence beside her in a way she had never experienced with any other person. Whenever he spoke, his mellow voice seemed to stroke her senses and destroy rational thought.
She slid a look sideways. The sight of him fascinated her. He was beautiful—long, lithe, and elegant—but there was something about him that could perhaps be called presence. It was in every small movement of his body, in the lines it assumed, and even the play of sunlight over the planes of his face. She wished she were an artist….
She called herself to order. He’s a bully, a gamester, a hawk, and probably a heartless seducer, Portia. Be on your guard.
He caught her slanting look. “And what do you think of our monarchs, Hippolyta?”
Sensitized to every aspect of him, Portia was turning dizzy. She looked away to study the young king and queen. “They seem rather ordinary. But…good. They look like good people.”
How inane.
“In many ways they are. They favor fidelity and quiet evenings by the fire. Do you think they will alter the tone of Society?”
Portia looked around. The flock had quieted with the appearance of royalty, but she did not think it was changed. “No.”
“You are doubtless correct. What do you think of fidelity and quiet evenings by the fire?”
“They sound delightful.” For a moment, Portia regretted the admission, thinking it too revealing, but then she relaxed. It should certainly show him she was not a woman for his amusement. The idea of Bryght Malloren faithful to one woman and content to stay home toasting his toes at the fire was ridiculous.
Having done their duty to the troops, the young king and queen strolled about the park, stopping to chat briefly to this person or that. Everyone bowed or curtsied as they passed, as did Bryght and Portia when the royal couple strolled near by.
At such close quarters, Portia could see that the queen was indeed very plain, but looked kind. The king was handsome enough but seemed rather anxious.
She wondered what he could have to worry him. He was not penniless and plagued by a seducer of devastating charms and no moral fiber whatsoever.
The royal party re-assembled and rolled away. The courtiers stirred into chattering motion again and Portia took control of the situation. “I will not allow you to kiss me again, my lord. It is most improper and could destroy my reputation.”
He turned them back toward Oliver, waiting at quite a distance. Portia had not been aware that they had come so far.
“On the contrary. It could make your reputation.”
“Not in a way I would like, my lord.”
“So, if you have no desire to be famous, and no desire to be seduced, what do you plan for your stay in London?”
“Nothing. We are merely here whilst my brother attends to some business.”
“Business to do with the Earl of Walgrave, perhaps?”
