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

The etched appearance of his features eased. “I hope you have the pleasure one day. It truly is a sight to behold, especially if you are near enough to hear the roar and feel the spray of the water. The Cascade is interesting but not the same as the true experience.”

Charlotte smiled at the thought, imagining it clearly. The odd thing was that her image also included James standing beside her. Longing rushed through her, much like a roaring torrent, and she blinked back sudden tears at what could never be.

Everything she’d experienced in the past two weeks had been better—richer—because James was with her. Would this be the final adventure? He’d made it clear he thought it should be. If that were true, she was selfishly pleased he hadn’t wanted to leave. She longed to enjoy every moment to its fullest.

“Now, let us enjoy the remainder of the show,” he advised as he turned with her to face the stage, keeping her hand tucked against him.

The continued rapid thud of her heart as they watched had little to do with the performance and more to do with the man at her side. At that moment, she realized she’d been looking for adventure in the wrong place. But was she brave enough to seek it with James?

~*~

James was incredibly relieved when the waterfall performance ended. The loud rumble of the metal panels had brought a terrible dread to the pit of his stomach. No matter how many times he told himself it was all an act, he could barely keep his panic at bay.

Thank goodness for Charlotte's presence, or he would have been cowering on the ground with his hands covering his ears and looking the fool.

What was it about her that calmed him to his bones? Her touch along his cheek had given him an anchor, a port in which to calm the storm swirling in his mind.

While the remainder of the show had been unpleasant, it hadn't been as debilitating with her holding onto him so tightly. Heaven knew what would happen when the fireworks started. He would have to take great care not to be bothered by the explosions. Perhaps by bracing himself, he'd be better able to endure them. He didn’t want Charlotte to see him come unhinged in full.

The next scheduled performance was the tightrope walker and the group moved to where it would take place. James had seen similar acts before. Why anyone would choose to walk the rope high in the air before a cheering crowd was beyond him. So many other aspects of life were filled with stress and uncertainty. Why create the feelings deliberately? Then again, perhaps the performer only felt excitement.

Lady Barbara giggled and clapped her hands. “I cannot wait for the performance.”

He glanced at Charlotte, wondering why she’d invited the lady. Her remarks and behavior were often childish from what little he’d witnessed.

“I know,” Charlotte whispered as if she read his mind. Then she leaned closer. “But at times her enthusiasm is highly entertaining.”

“I suppose seeing other people's excitement can add to one’s own. I’m just relieved her brother didn’t join her.”

“As am I.” Charlotte sighed. “Though I’m not certain Lord Samuelson is any better.” She shook her head, suggesting she didn’t want to discuss him further.

She was right. Neither of the men was good enough for her. But he didn’t want to upset her by stating the fact. He dearly wanted to tell Lord Wynn he should reconsider. That Charlotte deserved someone so much better than Samuelson. Someone better than James as well. Someone who would make her happy.

He clenched his jaw, the idea of losing her more than he could stand. How he wished he were better—undamaged by what he’d endured—and confident that he could be the man she deserved.

Soon the tightrope act began, and they all watched as the scantily clad woman walked along the thin rope above their heads. Whether her near mishaps were staged or true, they still caused the crowd to gasp with fright as she swayed alarmingly high in the air. The performance hadn't yet concluded when Charlotte tugged on his arm.

“Let us go,” she whispered.

“Go where? It’s nearly time for the most exciting part of the performance.” The element he’d been dreading.

“There is one more attraction I would enjoy seeing this evening.” Her breath tickled his ear as she leaned close.

“Oh?” He was almost afraid to hear her request.

Charlotte glanced about as if to make certain no one overheard her. “Walk with me along one of the paths.”

James hesitated. Did she understand what she was asking? The paths in the gardens were well known for providing couples with an opportunity for romantic assignations. As attracted as he was to her, he wasn't certain he could resist her charms if they were alone.

Then he realized she could be requesting this now to provide him the chance to be farther away during the firework display.

Something deep within his chest performed a somersault similar to the one the woman on the tightrope had. Charlotte’s consideration left him stunned. She seemed to forever be thinking of everyone but herself. This night was supposed to be her adventure. Not his.

“Please?” She gazed into his eyes, and he was lost. How could he refuse?

“Are you sure?” He watched her face carefully to make certain this was what she truly wanted. There was always the chance they might be caught, and her reputation ruined.

“I am.” Her smile convinced him of her sincerity.

“Very well.” He glanced to where the others in the group stood just ahead of them, noting they were all focused on the act. He eased back, leading Charlotte through the crowd.

At last, they made it to where the crowd thinned, and the sights and sounds of the show faded. The quiet evening settled around them, giving him pause.

His purpose in accompanying Charlotte was to protect her. He didn’t want to be the reason she landed in trouble. Her request to walk along the dark