“I am also concerned of what will become of my reputation by arriving with you,” she said. “After all, you are a known rake, rogue and scoundrel who owns a gambling establishment.”
“I am also the second son of the Duke of Arscott,” he reminded her. Yet, he did not deny his reputation.
Of course, they had spoken of it before, but if he had any intention of changing, would he not have assured her?
Perhaps Frances was only looking for further reasons for exacting her revenge, when truthfully, she needed none.
Or maybe she was trying to remind herself why she should have never fallen in love with him again and maybe, just maybe, she could force herself to fall out of love.
“I already risk my reputation by riding with you in this closed carriage without a chaperone,” she said after a moment.
Seth leaned forward and placed his lips against her. “No one will think less of you, Frances. I promise.”
Except, he did not control the thoughts of everyone in London. He also seemed so unconcerned that she wondered if perhaps he was correct.
“If anything, Society will wonder at our courtship and if the rogue has been tamed.”
It was a consideration. “Have you been?” Frances found herself asking.
“Oh Franny, I do not think I will ever be tamed when I am near you. As for others, you are the only woman that I want.” He took her hand and pressed the palm against his heart. “My heart beats only for you. It always has and it always will.”
She sucked in a breath at his declaration as her own heart melted and nerves eased.
Closing her eyes, Frances pulled away and then took a deep breath. Her resolve to have her revenge began to slip, but she must not let it. Had he invited her to return home with him where she could spend time with his family, or visit the place she used to live, perhaps she may have changed her mind, but once again, Seth had made a determination that he needed to leave and expected her to remain behind to await his return.
It was unfair and maybe because it was a family matter, they wanted no one else present, but he did not offer that explanation. Seth had wanted her at the races, but not in his home. Had he said if he was returning for something other than a family matter that he would want her by his side, maybe she would believe differently, but he had not.
And even though he had only been back in her life for a short time, and said and did all the right things, Frances had too easily slipped back into wanting and needing him, and anxiously waited for him to call as she had done for so many years. It needed to end. No longer would she allow herself to be taken for granted then hurt in the end.
For those reasons, she was resolved to see this through. Tonight would be magical and she would enjoy the ball and the waltzing, but her heart would not become further engaged, for tomorrow they would be no more.
As the carriage came to a halt before the grand home of Lady Perrington, Seth assisted Frances to the walk then escorted her inside. After greeting their hosts, Seth escorted her about the room. They nodded to acquaintances but did not stop to speak with anyone. It gave her the feeling that they were simply here to be seen, as one does when riding in Hyde Park or sitting in a box at the theatre.
When a servant passed with a tray, Seth lifted two glasses of wine and handed one to her, then escorted her to a space beside an open window, which provided blessed relief with the coolness of the autumn night.
They did not speak. Instead, Frances took in the room as others watched her and Seth and whispered behind fans.
What were they saying? Had they decided if she was a proper miss who tamed a rogue or his mistress given her age and spinster status? Had her aunt been correct that her association and being employed by Athena’s Salon lowered her status? Was she viewed more as a fallen woman and less a spinster wallflower?
It did not help that Seth had not engaged her in conversation either, and as the night grew long, their silence began to grow uncomfortable.
Seen but not heard? Was that his intention? Such was meant for children, not a spinster wallflower. Except wallflowers were silent and often never noticed.
“Perhaps we should leave,” she finally whispered.
“Why would you wish to do so?” he returned.
“We are not conversing, nor are we dancing and everyone is watching us.”
“It is your beauty that has them mesmerized.”
Frances snorted and stopped short of rolling her eyes.
“They are all wondering about us,” he reminded her.
“I would rather they turned their attention to someone else.”
“They will not,” he said with confidence.
