Page 1 of Stay Here Forever

PROLOGUE

London, England—1804

Luke had been at the Wrexham ball for only a quarter of an hour, but it already felt like more time than necessary. The air was oppressive, thick with the humidity which accompanied the hundreds of bodies that had packed into the opulent space for the opening event of the Season. It didn’t help matters that this particular ballroom was perhaps not quite as large as necessary to host a gathering of such size, everyone having turned out this evening.

The sense of being slowly suffocated was beginning to overcome him, and he scanned the room for the nearest exit.

“Kent,” a familiar voice boomed in his ear as a hand clamped down on his shoulder, effectively stalling his retreat. Tugging at his collar, Luke stifled a groan while turning to address his friend.

“I’m glad your father forced you to make an appearance,” Felix said with a grin that swiftly warped into a grimace. “I need some company to get me through tonight. I’m forced to play chaperone for Audrey and can’t disappear into the cardrooms as usual.”

“Your sister is here?” Luke tried to sound nonchalant as he watched Felix pull a silver flask from the inside pocket of his jacket. He took a swig, then stealthily replaced it within the span of seconds—a practiced move. Luke marveled at the tailoring of the jacket, which left no hint of the concealed object within even as it hugged the baron’s torso, all the while hoping that his affection for Felix’s sister was not evident in the tone of his voice.

The fact that Audrey would be participating in her first Season this year was not lost on Luke. In fact, it was the only reason he’d capitulated to his father’s request to attend the ball. He could pretend he was appeasing the viscount’s desire for Luke to engage more with society before assuming his post on the Continent. Deep down, though, the only thing that had motivated him out the door to the Wrexham’s was the hope of something he dare yet name.

“Yes, Audrey is making her debut tonight . . . God help us all.” Felix massaged his temple, emphasizing that the trials leading to this evening were clearly weighing on him as the new Baron Jacobs. “You must be sure to dance with her. She’s worried that others will perceive her as unpopular for the remainder of the season if she’s not frequently engaged. You as well,” Felix addressed to their friend, Rufus, his hand snaking out to catch him as he tried to skirt past, focused instead on approaching a rather eye-catching woman across the room. The large selection of plumage falling over her brow marked her as a woman who would be open to receive such attentions, and knowing Rufus, he was more than happy to oblige.

“Wha’ was that . . . Oh, Jacobs!” Rufus smiled once he’d refocused enough to know who required his attention, patting the arm that was immobilizing him with affection. “What were you saying?”

“I need you to dance with Audrey tonight. She’s a fit of nerves that no one will approach her—but if she’s seen in the arms of a few eligible men, others will follow suit.”

Luke was only half listening as he caught sight of the young woman in question, his breath catching as he took in the sight of her. He could tell she had taken pains with her appearance, her mahogany hair beautifully curled and swept up beneath pressed, russet-colored ribbons that perfectly suited her complexion. But Audrey’s was a stately, graceful presence; her ornamentation, unlike the feathered woman’s, highlighted her natural charms rather than overshadowing them.

Suddenly, he was glad his father had berated him into attendance this evening, even though everyone knew Lady Wrexham could be a bit much at times. He’d had an awareness of Miss. Jacobs since visiting Felix after their father’s sudden passing late last year. Luke had helped him sort the estate for the barony and find his footing. Though grieving, Audrey had surprised him with her demeanor. She had been a quiet pillar of strength, assuming running of the household following their stepmother’s quick departure, and remained unflappable while Felix floundered contemplating their newfound responsibilities as the eldest siblings, which included figuring out how to keep things operating and caring for their eight-year-old sister, Victoria. Impressed by her competence and spirit, she made an impression which stayed with him, and he was eager to be reacquainted with her tonight.

But Luke also knew that he needed to be cautious; after all, Audrey’s loss was relatively recent and, at only nineteen, she was still rather impressionable. He would need to tread carefully so as not to upend sensitive feelings which may still be heightened. Especially as he was leaving in a few months to assume his role with the Foreign Office, making him unsure what kind of life he may be able to offer any woman.

“Of course I’ll dance with your delightful sister. Where is she?” Rufus’s exclamation was a bit loud for the setting, and several heads turned their way.

Luke watched as Audrey’s attention landed on them, catching sight of Felix who took advantage of the moment, motioning for her. She turned back to the young women in her circle, presumably making her excuses, and offered a quick curtsey before hurrying their direction. Halfway across the room, her eyes landed on Luke and a warm smile lit her face. He suddenly felt his breath catch again, only this time in his throat.

“Mr. Kent, how happy to see you again.” She extended her arm and curtseyed as Luke grasped her fingertips, bowing over her hand. Even in the brief exchange, heat radiated through their gloves at the contact, forcing a shiver down his back even in the stifling room.

Luke forced a swallow around the lump in his throat and found his voice. “You look lovely tonight, Miss Jacobs. May I claim one of your dances?”

“Of course you may—I would be most pleased.”

A slow smile was just beginning to spread across his face when Rufus’s hip wedged into the soft flesh of his side, quite literally inserting himself before Miss. Jacobs, and forcing Luke to firmly plant his left leg to prevent himself from stumbling.

“But not until after I’ve had your first dance,” Rufus proclaimed, his rakish grin causing a singular dimple to appear on his cheek as he leaned down and brazenly kissed the back of her hand.

Eyes sparkling, Miss Jacobs blushed profusely before stammering, “It would be my sincerest pleasure, bu-but I’ve already . . . I’ve already agreed to dance with Mr. Kent, and I must fulfill that duty first.”

“Of course. And I’ll be right here observing every step, breathlessly waiting until it may be our turn.”

Luke wasn’t sure what had just happened, but he didn’t particularly appreciate the idea of being danced with out of duty. He watched as Rufus finally took a step back, never having broken eye contact with the still blushing, and seemingly transfixed, Miss Jacobs. It felt as if he was on the outside observing a private moment between only the two of them, even in the center of the crowded ballroom.

“Grand,” Felix said, slapping Rufus on the shoulder, seemingly amused by the entire scene and unaware of the tension thrumming around them. “I’ll leave Audrey in your capable hands then while I slip out for a quick round.”

Luke could see the musicians making their way to the elevated stage. Shaking off the uneasy feeling that had settled over him, he stepped forward and held out his hand. “Shall we, Miss Jacobs?”

Audrey tore her eyes away from Rufus—who was still giving his most dazzling smolder—and offered Luke a distracted smile of her own, not fully meeting his gaze. “Yes, of course.” She daintily placed her palm within his and allowed him to lead her to the edge of the dance floor. He tried and failed not to feel irritated by his friend’s behavior.

Rufus had been the charming one among their set at school and had an ability always to make things go exactly his way—enchanting and talking his peers around to his own point of view, causing Luke to roll his eyes more than once over the years. But it had never really bothered him until now. Perhaps it was unfair to be put out, though, as he’d never given any hint as to his regard for Miss Jacobs. Nonetheless, the way Rufus had interfered, edging himself into his moment with her, grated.

Hearing a pause in the cacophony of tuning instruments, Luke carefully took his place across from Miss Jacobs, knowing the music was about to commence. As they came together through the steps, he delighted in every small touch between them, enjoying the opportunity to be close to her and able to openly admire her graceful steps.

But as the dance progressed, Luke could sense her distraction. She kept peering over his shoulder and her gaze lingered on the corners of the room as she twirled around him. He realized too late that she was seeking Rufus and knew the moment she found him, her cheeks flushing and a smile blooming across her beautiful face. He felt a crushing disappointment recognizing she wasn’t in the moment—that she was not really dancing with him at all.