To Dare a Rogue - Lana Williams (novels for beginners TXT) 📗

hadn't been watching her closely, he might not have seen the slight tightening of her lips or the way her gaze fell to the floor briefly. “Well. Thank you.”

Her answer annoyed him when he could see it was anything but true. Yet how could he call her out on the lie when he’d given a false answer as well? They made quite the pair, both avoiding the reality of their lives whenever possible.

“Thank you for responding to my message. Since you haven't been by the house of late, I wasn't certain how else we could speak.”

He refrained from sharing how tempted he’d been to come to her window in the night and toss another pebble on the glass with the hope she would come down to see him. Obviously, he’d spent too much time with Edward of late because thoughts of Charlotte were continually on his mind.

“What is it that we have to speak about?” Surely she didn't think they would go on another of her adventures.

“I should very much enjoy seeing the Cascade at Vauxhall Gardens.” Her delighted, secretive smile—dimples and all—was nearly his undoing.

“What does that have to do with me?” This was yet another outing she could easily do with her friends. Many people ventured to the gardens to see the imitation of a waterfall. There was no risk in doing so, assuming she had a proper chaperone.

“Because I wish to see it with you.”

Her admission put a chink in his armor. Yet he couldn’t understand why she wanted to spend time with him. Not after what he’d said on their last adventure.

“You must know that isn’t possible.” James glanced about the room, half-expecting to find the other guests staring at them. “If we’re seen together in such a setting, gossip will soon follow.” He studied her for a long moment. “I wouldn’t want to harm your reputation.”

“I have already thought of that and will invite a few others to go with us. It will be entertaining. Much like this evening.” The teasing glint in her blue eyes had his mouth twitching. The woman was incorrigible.

“I believe our definitions of the word differ. Surely your brother would be a better choice than me.”

“Absolutely not.” Her look of horror was nearly comical. “He would never agree. Besides, going with him would be a miserable experience.”

The inference that going with James would be the opposite warmed him. He did not doubt that watching her delight in viewing the Cascade would make it truly pleasurable. But it was still a terrible idea.

“Please say you will accompany me.” As he opened his mouth to refuse, she narrowed her eyes and lifted a single finger to halt his reply. “At least tell me you'll think about it.”

He looked at her for a long moment then said, “I will and the answer is no.” Never mind that he wished he could agree.

She chuckled. “That is not what I meant and you know it.” Then she looked into his eyes, her expression somber. “I won't have much longer. Father is insistent that I will be betrothed soon and then my adventures will end.”

His heart clutched at the thought of her marrying Samuelson. At the thought of her marrying anyone. But there was little he could do about that.

“Just one more. Please?” she prodded.

How could he deny her and the worry in those lovely eyes? Against his better judgment, he nodded reluctantly. “This is the last one. Are we agreed?”

Before she could answer, another couple, the Earl and Countess of Granger, joined them.

“Lady Charlotte, what a pleasure to see you again so soon,” the countess greeted Charlotte warmly as did her husband.

James had been introduced to them before but didn’t know them well.

“Indeed, it is,” Charlotte replied with a genuine smile and a curtsy as James bowed. “I believe you are acquainted with Viscount Redmond?”

“Of course,” the Earl of Granger nodded. “Good to see you, Redmond. Thank you for your years in the army. Your efforts on the battlefield continue to be lauded by many.”

James blinked in surprise. “I was pleased to do my part.” That much was true.

The earl glanced toward the instruments as if to determine how much time they had before the performance began then looked back at James. “I should very much appreciate your opinion on a few issues. Perhaps we could meet at my club sometime?”

“Of course. The pleasure would be mine.” James couldn’t imagine why Granger would want his opinion but was curious.

“I believe the musicale is about to begin,” Charlotte said and tipped her head toward the pianoforte where a young lady was taking her seat. “Shall we take our seats?”

James soon found himself sitting beside her, her chaperone, and the Grangers, thinking what an odd twist the evening had taken but enjoying it all the same.

If Charlotte’s time was growing short, so was his own. Was it so wrong to enjoy the moments they had left? Yet the more time he spent with her, the more his feelings for her grew. How miserable would his life be once she was no longer a part of it?

His thoughts latched onto the image of her in another man’s arms. Samuelson’s. He nearly shuddered as details took hold. But he could easily imagine her with children. Eventually, her life would be full and rewarding.

While his would continue to be empty and meaningless.

It was suddenly all he could do to keep his seat and pretend as if he were listening to the music.

Chapter Ten

Excitement bubbled through Charlotte as she and James entered Vauxhall Gardens along with several friends. While the evening would surely prove entertaining, being with James was what caused the pleasure coursing along her skin.

“I believe Madame Saqui is scheduled to perform,” Charlotte told him after they paid their admission.

The Frenchwoman was a popular tightrope walker and dancer who, at the end of her performance, descended an inclined tightrope at a run with fireworks exploding above her.

“Do you hope to watch her this evening?”