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

last demimonde party they attended, nearly everyone wore a mask. James wondered if it was to hide their identity or if they simply found it added to the excitement and mystery of the evening. He wore one but certainly didn't care whether anyone recognized him.

James glanced around, thinking it all ridiculous. “People should find a more productive way to spend their time. The money spent on a ball such as this could do much to aid those in need.”

Edward patted his shoulder. “You should loosen up a bit. Life needn’t always be serious. Let us find you a drink.” He led the way to the refreshment table where glasses of champagne stood for the taking. “This will have to do for now,” Edward said as he handed James a flute.

James downed it in one gulp then set the empty glass back on the table and took another.

“If you keep that up, the night will be over before it begins,” Edward teased.

If only that were possible. But James kept the thought to himself. He would like nothing better than to move quickly through the night and reach morning. However, his days had significantly deteriorated of late. Not even the careful tending of his investments held his interest for long. Only thoughts of Charlotte did.

“How is your father?” James asked.

Edward stared at him as if he'd lost his mind. “What on earth would make you ask that now?”

“Just curious as to whether his gout continues to bother him.” What he really wanted to know was how Charlotte fared, but he could hardly ask. If Lord Wynn was in better spirits, Charlotte would be better as well. He knew how much more difficult her life was, along with Edward’s, when Lord Wynn felt poorly.

“The last person I wish to speak about is my father.” Edward scowled. “Let us wander through the crowd and see if anyone catches your eye.” Yet rather than moving, Edward continued to stare.

James raised a brow. “What?”

“The women will only run if you continue to glower.” Edward nudged him. “Try to look friendlier.”

James showed his teeth in the hope it resembled a smile. “Is that better?”

“Never mind. You’re impossible.” Edward shook his head then led the way farther into the ballroom.

James hoped Edward’s focus shifted to finding the opera singer rather than on him.

In truth, it was best that he didn’t pursue Charlotte. He couldn't imagine how he would tell Edward.

By the by, I find your sister irresistible.

Or I know Charlotte is your sister, but she is also an incredibly desirable woman.

He gave himself a mental shake at his ridiculous thoughts. That would never come to pass, and he should strike it from his mind. How he wished he was different. Better. Whole. He pressed a hand to his chest at the ache of longing the thought brought.

“At least pretend as if you want to be here,” Edward murmured.

James forced himself to look around and find something of interest. He didn't want to ruin Edward’s evening. Nor was remaining home alone an option if he wanted to keep his sanity.

So he sipped his champagne and studied the other guests, noting both the extravagantly dressed ones as well as those attired in a more subdued fashion.

Within minutes Edward had spotted his opera singer and moved in her direction, leaving James alone. He didn’t care to be the third wheel. He found a column to lean against where he was out of the way but could observe the crowd.

He sincerely hoped Edward would be ready to leave soon. A gaming hell sounded much more appealing than this party. At least there he had the chance to win some money. That was now his sole purpose.

He continued to peruse the guests, spotting a few who seemed familiar but given their masks it was difficult to know their identity for certain.

One tall gentleman seemed especially familiar, and he searched his memory for the reason. Lord Palmer. The man he had warned Charlotte about. James watched to see if he had found some other unsuspecting young lady to escort. Several women stood near the lord, talking and laughing. Another lady returned from the dance floor to join them.

Charlotte.

His heart nearly stopped at the sight of her. Though she wore a different mask this time that covered nearly all of her face, he would have known her anywhere. Her green gown with a square neckline made her skin glow. Her hair was plaited and coiled at the base of her graceful neck. She fanned her gloved hand before her face as if she were overly warm, looking beautiful as always.

But she didn’t belong there. Certainly not with Palmer.

He straightened and set aside his drink then started toward her only to halt. How could he question her presence and the company she kept when he had refused to meet her? If he were smart, he would find Edward and tell him.

James hesitated, trying to determine what to do, only to see Palmer take her arm and lead her toward the garden door. Anger coursed through James, and before he realized it, he was wading through the crowd to follow them only to find his way blocked, forcing him to take another route.

He glanced about, almost hoping to see Edward and allow him to deal with the situation. But his friend was nowhere in sight. He watched in disbelief as Palmer and Charlotte passed through the door into the dark night.

Had she gone mad? Did she not realize the possible damage to her reputation by being alone with the man?

~*~

Charlotte waved a gloved hand before her face again, wondering if she was going to faint. Good heavens. She felt light-headed. Considering she’d only had one glass of champagne, she didn’t understand what the problem could be.

She gulped a breath of the cool evening air as she stepped outside. Then another.

“Are you feeling better?” Lord Palmer took her hand.

“A little. My apologies. I’m not certain what came over me.” She drew another breath, tipping her