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

“No need. We’re enjoying our walk.” James glanced back at Charlotte.

“So I see.” Her brother chuckled. “I have a friend as well.”

Charlotte resisted the urge to peek over James’ shoulder to see if anyone was visible.

“Glad to hear it,” James said.

She had no doubt he was gritting his teeth at the lengthy conversation.

“Join us,” Edward suggested. “We’ll have our own party.”

“Thanks, but we’d appreciate a bit of privacy.”

“On the pavement? That seems an odd choice.”

Good heavens, since when had her brother become so chatty and persistent?

“We won’t be on the pavement for long,” James said.

Edward laughed again and a feminine trill joined in. “Are you certain you don’t want a ride?”

“Positive.”

“Very well. Don’t you want to introduce your friend before we go?”

Charlotte stiffened. The mask she wore wouldn’t hide her identity from her brother.

“Another time, perhaps,” James responded. “We’re still coming to know one another.”

“I understand. Enjoy yourselves.”

“And you as well.” James released an audible breath when the carriage finally rolled away.

“Who was with him?” Charlotte asked, curiosity getting the better of her as they continued to walk.

“A certain opera singer would be my guess.”

As her imagination took hold of what the woman and her brother were going to do, she sighed with envy. While such a life would be difficult, at least the woman could choose her partners. However, one never knew when a lover might lose interest and seek another.

There was no easy answer for women it seemed.

“Let us get you home.” James quickened his pace, obviously eager to be rid of her.

If only...

She closed her eyes briefly, hoping to stop the wish before it took a deeper hold. James had made his feelings clear. He was not hers, nor would he ever be, despite how much she loved him. The crumb of hope she’d held so tightly to fell away, leaving her with an aching heart.

Chapter Thirteen

James reluctantly folded the newssheet and set it aside as Edward slid into the chair across from him the following afternoon at Brooks’s.

“Good afternoon.” Edward’s smile suggested he was in a fine mood. Apparently everything had gone well with his opera singer.

“You seem to be in especially good spirits,” James said.

“I am. I’m surprised you’re not as well.”

James’ stomach tightened. If Edward knew who had been in his arms last evening, would he call him out? The worry was another reason not to see Charlotte again. Yet given what had happened when he didn’t escort her on the adventures she insisted on having, he worried what trouble she’d next find herself in.

He silently berated himself. Now he was making excuses to see her again. Grasping at reasons to seek out her company.

How did he move forward from this point? Each time he was with her, his feelings only deepened. Their relationship could lead nowhere. If only his heart would accept that.

“My evening was good, but obviously not as good as yours.”

Edward offered a satisfied smile. “The chase was worth the delightful outcome.”

“Pleased to hear it.” James nodded at an acquaintance passing by, hoping against hope that Edward would change the subject.

“You’ve nothing more to add?” Edward asked, his gaze pinning James.

“Can’t say that I do,” James said, wondering if he looked as uncomfortable as he felt.

Never mind that nothing untoward had occurred last evening with Charlotte. At least, not after the kiss Edward had interrupted. James preferred to think he’d been the perfect gentleman as he’d procured a hackney, seen her home, and left. But none of that had matched what he wanted to do.

Edward waved for a waiter to order a drink, but James shook his head. He was drinking coffee this afternoon.

Edward sat back, his brow puckered. “Did you have anything to do with the rumor that Palmer received a beating for attempting to take advantage of someone at the party?”

“Did he? I hadn’t heard.” James hoped his expression didn’t reveal anything other than the surprise he truly felt. How had anyone found out about their confrontation?

“I left shortly after a stir was made when a masked lady who sounded suspiciously like his sister declared he was missing. Rumors abounded.”

“Interesting.”

“I find it more interesting that you missed it, considering I saw you with a woman directly afterward. Do tell. Whose honor were you forced to protect?”

“What makes you think I had anything to do with it?” James focused on remaining still. Fidgeting would surely declare his involvement.

“I also have to wonder,” Edward continued as if he hadn’t spoken, “if the situation has anything to do with the fact that you’ve disappeared several times over the past two weeks. I know you’re no longer involved with the actress, so who has captured your interest?”

“No one.” Charlotte deserved someone better than him. Yet the image of Lord Samuelson had him frowning. Was Samuelson better? Surely not. Had he been looking at the situation in the wrong light?

“You sound so certain,” Edward said. “Is she another actress then? Or a merry widow, perhaps?”

“No.” The denial slipped out before James could stop it. He should’ve lied. Then Edward wouldn’t continue this ridiculous line of questioning.

“Hmm.” Edward seemed to ponder various possibilities. “A marriageable lady whom you won’t be marrying. How intriguing.”

“There’s nothing intriguing about any of it.” James adjusted his position, unable to sit still. “The situation is over and done and will not be repeated.” Why did he feel as if that was a lie? He nearly scoffed. The answer was simple. He didn’t want it to end. He couldn’t get Charlotte out of his mind.

Or his heart.

“We shall see.” Edward’s knowing smile annoyed James all the more.

The urge to tell Edward exactly the reason there would be no announcement tempted him. While sharing the truth might wipe away that smile, it could easily destroy their friendship.

“Does your question mean marriage is on your mind?” James asked, hoping to shift Edward’s attention by turning the subject on him.

“Good heavens, no.” He nodded his thanks to the waiter who brought his drink then took a sip.