Page 11 of Tempting Her Viscount

Chapter Five

Kit frowned at the room full of masked guests and searched for Gray among them. There were many dark-haired gentlemen in attendance, but he didn’t recognize any of them as his best friend.

Perhaps Kit should have sent a message letting Gray know he had improved and decided to attend the party after all. Had Gray not come because Kit couldn’t? That didn’t sound like Gray. He wouldn’t have missed this party for anything.

Kit cleared his throat. While he was feeling his usual, hearty self, his voice had not returned to full strength. It still came out low and raspy. He might have used it as an excuse to avoid coming tonight. In fact, he didn’t require an excuse since he’d already told Graham he wasn’t coming.

He would have been free to remain at home as he’d planned.

But instead, he was here.

He’d thought over what Gray had said. That this could be Kit’s final chance to attend Lady Harrington’s Masquerade. Married men and women were not invited.

While Gray most likely assumed Kit would look back on tonight with longing, Kit cataloged every detail as something he’d never be forced to endure again.

The loud laughter and cloying perfumes served as motivation for him to find someone he could settle down with and be happy. Someone who would make such a party seem boring in comparison. Someone who would be his for all time.

His.

He saw this party as a passage from his old life to his future.

“My lord,” Lady Harrington came down the stairs directly behind him. He turned and offered a bow. Despite his mask, the woman had recognized him as a regular to these parties. Just as he had recognized many of the people in attendance as well. The mask only offering the illusion of anonymity.

“Good evening, my lady. You are beautiful tonight, as expected.”

She tilted her head and accepted his compliment with a smile. “Why thank you. You are as charming as ever.” She lifted her brows. “I’m so glad you are here. You would be perfect for my needs. Can I persuade you to visit one of our guests in a private room?” she gestured over her shoulder.

“Actually, I only just arrived,” he said as an excuse. While he was happy to attend and say his farewells to this life, he wasn’t up for partaking in the activities.

“Lady Selene arrived only a few minutes ago as well. This is her first event and was a bit nervous to stay down here. I settled her upstairs and she’s asked for someone tall, fair-haired with kind, green eyes. It was as if she described you exactly. Won’t you be the woman’s hero and provide her every desire?”

He looked out over the sea of people laughing and thought he’d prefer a bit of quiet. Perhaps one last evening spent in a woman’s warm embrace would encourage him even more to find a wife.

“She’s beautiful,” Lady Harrington said.

He didn’t doubt the woman waiting upstairs would be absolutely stunning. Lady Harrington didn’t invite anyone to her parties who wasn’t perfection.

Kit wouldn’t set out to marry a perfect woman. He wanted a partner. A woman whose beauty came from within and radiated out in a witty sense of humor and kindness. He wanted a deeper connection than he’d find here tonight.

But Lady Harrington pressed on.

“I feel she is very shy. I hate to put one of these other stallions in with such an untried filly.”

She’d managed to appeal to his sense of honor. If such a task could be seen as honorable in any way. But he knew he could be gentle and see to the woman’s satisfaction, rather than rut upon her and move on like many men were known to do.

“Very well. Lead on. Let it not be said, I did not do my duty when called upon by a woman in need.” He laughed it off as he followed her upstairs.

She tapped on the door and then pushed it open. “Right this way, Lord Desire,” she announced mysteriously. He shook his head. He would not miss the drama of these parties. He wouldn’t miss the emptiness of the liaisons. And he wouldn’t miss the rush of anticipation as he stepped into a room with a warm, willing stranger waiting for him. Perhaps that last thing would remain a pleasant memory.

He blinked, giving his eyes a moment to adjust to the dim light. A movement caught his attention and he turned to his right as the door closed behind him.

A woman stepped closer into the stream of light from the nearest lamp. She was wearing a blue silk dressing gown. Her hair was black. In truth, it might have been brown, but in the low light it looked dark as pitch. Her eyes, what he could see of them with the distraction of a blue jeweled mask were also dark. But he didn’t notice them very long for her lips entranced him. They were shaped for smiles, kisses, and speaking her mind, and he had an urge to revel in each.

He was spellbound when she stepped closer and smiled. She reminded him so much of Celia. He let out a breath and shook off the thought. Even if she’d had auburn hair and blue eyes, he would have been reminded of Celia. She’d claimed his interest long ago and he still had yet to let her go. He cast the thought of her aside. He’d promised himself he’d no longer think of the countess. It wasn’t fair to this woman.

Nor was it fair to him. She was not an option. Even if he could get past the damage she’d done to his heart, she had said just days ago she had no intentions of remarrying. And he wanted a wife.

Tonight, would be for Selene. He’d see to her enjoyment.