Lockley and Trident guffawed at the statement. Danbury winced at his cohorts’ words. He, at least, knew better.
Garrett, no longer feeling amiable, brushed at some invisible lint on his sleeve before looking up again. Although his glare bore into Farley, Garrett’s words addressed Stone. He refused to be baited. “I will not abuse your mother’s hospitality, Stone, by responding to your guest’s words tonight.” He swept his gaze from Farley and Danbury over to Lockley and Trident before settling it back upon Stone. “But if they do not stepaside so I might pass, I’m more than willing to meet them in the park at dawn.”
Danbury pivoted and pounded his head into the wall three times. Farley, more bluster than courage, stepped back, and his sidekicks followed suit. Garrett nodded in Stone’s direction and then brushed past them.
Entering the drawing room, he took a moment to bring his anger under control. The buffoons he’d met in the foyer were of no consequence, and yet he was furious. He was furious with Stone for inviting him here. He was furious with Danbury for his comment about Lady Natalie. But most of all he was furious with himself.
He was furious with himself for caring. When in London earlier this summer, he’d erected a wall of sorts. Over the past few days, however, it had crumbled.
Without thinking, he ran a hand through his hair and then grimaced as it came away with the pomade Marcus had applied earlier. God dammit! He searched through his pockets, located a handkerchief, and then wiped away the annoying oil. He’d been enraged by Danbury’s words implying that Lady Natalie would be receptive to his advances. He clenched his hands to stop them from shaking.
And then a dainty, white-gloved hand settled atop his fists.
He didn’t need to look up to see whose it was. He knew her by her scent, by the sounds of her breath, the way her presence changed the air around him.
“They are of no account whatsoever.” She sounded annoyed. “They have not been invited, and I’m sure my brother is this very moment seeing them back to their mounts. He would not abide their presence here this evening.” She went from annoyed to outright angry. It was as though she wanted to protecthim, Garrett Castleton! This thought alone lightened his mood. Earnest blue eyes held concern as she peered up at him.
“You look beautiful tonight.” He didn’t know where the words came from. They escaped of their own accord. But he could not help himself. She wore her hair in a loose chignon, wavy tendrils caressing her nape. And her dress, rather than compete for attention, enhanced her beauty. Although the bodice was modestly cut, the embroidered design accentuated the delightful curves hidden beneath.
She blushed at his compliment. “My thanks to you. You are looking fine this evening as well, my lord.”
He liked it when she “my lorded” him. Not because it reminded him of the title he held, but because she said it when she felt flustered.
Tilting her head, she reached up a hand to his hair. “Except you’ve mussed your hair here.” She removed her glove and plucked and smoothed his hair for just a few seconds. The motion drew them closer together. He wanted to lean down and place his lips on the spot where her neck curved into her shoulder but of course could not. He leaned into her, however, and inhaled her scent.
“There, that’s better.”
Garrett took hold of her hand. Using his handkerchief, he wiped away the traces of hair treatment, sliding the material between her fingers and then around her palm. He knew she was not unaffected by his touch. But that he could kiss each finger, draw each one into his mouth…
With the fabric still in her palm, she clasped it in her fist and lowered it to her side.
Awareness of their surroundings compelled her to look about nervously. Garrett wondered, too, if their unusually intimate exchange had been witnessed. As luck would have it, a large potted plant blocked them from much of the room. Miss Crone and Miss Wright, however, had observed all. Garrett nodded at them. Miss Wright looked away, obviouslyembarrassed at being caught, but Miss Crone merely shook her head and then turned back to her friend.
Natalie stepped away. She tilted her head to one side and regarded him again. “I don’t believe I thanked you yet for helping me to shore this afternoon. I am normally a good swimmer but never considered the hindrance my dress would cause me.” She spoke in a calm manner, not at all willing to admit the peril she’d been in.
Garrett had been furious earlier, but now, seeing her all prim and proper and thanking him so graciously, he could not summon his anger back easily. “Glad to be of assistance,my lady. But I have a question for you.”
“I will answer it for you if I am able.”
“Does your pup, by chance, cry and whimper throughout the nighttime hours?”
“Oh, yes, he cries wretchedly!” As Natalie explained how she’d found the pup and then decided to keep him in her chamber, Garrett thought to strangle her. What he’d thought was her distress had prevented him from getting a good night’s sleep as well. Oh, hell… maybe he’d just as well deserved it.
“I would be happy to introduce you to Baby Bear sometime, if you wish—that is…” Her voice trailed off, suddenly unsure. “Perhaps after viewing your mother’s paintings?”
He’d nearly forgotten his promise to Lady Eleanor. Had that just been this morning? “I would be delighted.” Realizing the other guests were making their way to remove to the dining room, Garrett winged an arm at the lady beside him. “Shall we?”
Something shot through him when she took hold of his arm. Protectiveness? Pride? Tenderness? God help him but he felt all of those. Privileged to escort her, he spent the next few hours playing the part of gentleman to her lady. His father and theton, be damned.
HER MOTHER’S VARIOUS COURSES
Her mother’s various courses never tasted so divine as they did that night. Except perhaps not because of the food, but the benefit of receiving such undivided attention from Garrett Castleton. He treated her almost as though he were courting her. He was polite to her brother, Peter, who sat on his other side, but included her in their conversation as well. Occasionally, he placed his hand upon her arm in a casual but…possessive manner. He did not, however, attempt to touch her inappropriately, as he had done the night before.
This was almost more tantalizing.
Garrett’s demeanor had concerned Natalie when she watched him enter the drawing room earlier. His jaw had been clenched and his eyes narrowed. Immediately, she sensed something untoward must have occurred with Stone’s guests causing Garrett to be on the verge of losing his temper. She’d been drawn to his side. She wanted to soothe him. She could not keep herself from touching him. And now, she clutched the handkerchief he’d given to her in her left hand, under the table.
Looking at him now, she could hardly believe anythingupsetting had transpired at all. Engaged in animated conversation, he exuded both charisma and charm. The world was a wonderful place indeed when Garrett Castleton smiled.
