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

“I intend to wait as long as possible before marrying, but Father has stated that I need to marry well. Preferably to someone with a title and great wealth.”

“Don’t you already have both?” James asked.

“Yes, but it’s important that we solidify the longevity of the Wynn line.” He shook his head as if he found the idea ridiculous.

“Are you willing to do as he asks without regard to your own happiness?” Lord Wynn had a poor notion about his children’s future as far as James was concerned.

“Of course.” Edward shrugged but his lips tightened, making James wonder if it would really be so easy for him to agree to a marriage of convenience when the time came.

“Perhaps the perfect lady will also be one who will make you happy. No harm can come from hoping, right?”

“Dashed hopes are difficult to overcome,” Edward said. “Just look at my sister’s predicament.”

“What do you mean?” Edward had never shared anything about Charlotte’s situation. James was eager to hear what he thought.

“Father has selected Lord Samuelson as her future husband.” Edward scowled as he turned the crystal glass idly on the table’s smooth surface. “He’s declared him the perfect match for her. But I have difficulty believing that, as does Charlotte.”

“Perhaps the two of you should discuss it with your father together.” James wished Edward would do something to aid his sister. Charlotte’s misery was causing her to put herself in danger. But he didn’t dare reveal that.

Edward scoffed. “Even if we spoke with Father on a good day, there would be no discussion, nor would he listen. The man doesn’t have a sympathetic bone in his body. Grandfather was exactly the same way from what I remember.” He paused for a long moment. “Do you think I will be that way as well?”

“No.” James leaned forward, surprised by how concerned Edward appeared at the idea. “You’re nothing like your father.”

“I suppose you’re right.” His customary smile returned. “All of this talk about our futures reminds me how important it is to enjoy life while we can. Surely serving in the military proved that to you.”

“True.” James leaned back, wishing he could do more to help Charlotte. How could Samuelson possibly make her happy?

“Why is it you never speak of it?” Edward held his gaze. “So many other former officers are eager to share each and every battle in glorious detail, whether we ask to hear it or not.”

Disquiet bubbled alarmingly inside James like a simmering cauldron. The thought of telling someone what had happened made his mouth go dry. Surely the memories and nightmares would grow worse, not to mention the questioning looks he’d receive. “Nothing much to tell,” he managed at last.

“I don’t believe that for a moment.” Edward reached for James’ arm, surprising him with both the tightness of his grip and the sincerity in his face. “I would be happy to listen should you ever decide to speak of it.”

The tight band ever present around James’ chest loosened a notch. “I appreciate that.” While it was reassuring to think he had someone to speak to, he could only guess at Edward’s reaction if James shared how frightened he’d been. How he’d nearly lacked the courage to see to his duties and the safety of his men. How unfit he’d felt to lead his troops on the battlefield only to come home and realize he was also unfit to live in polite society.

He didn’t belong in either place—an imposter living a lie.

With a sigh, he reached for his coffee, wishing he’d chosen something stronger to drink.

~*~

“He did what?” Margaret Gold’s voice echoed in the vaulted ceiling of the lending library and had the other patrons turning to stare in disapproval.

“Hush.” Charlotte glanced about, dismayed to see how much attention they were receiving. She took Margaret's arm and guided her toward a nearby empty table where they could speak with more privacy.

Two days had passed since the party, and it seemed as if it had taken that long for Charlotte’s aching head to subside. She could think of no one other than Margaret with whom to share the details of the story. At least, most of the details.

“Did you tell your father?” Margaret asked with wide eyes as they found an empty table.

“You can’t be serious.” Charlotte stared at her friend in disbelief as they took a seat. “Why on earth would I do that?”

“Someone should be told.” Margaret’s outrage on her behalf was touching. “How dare the man go about drugging young ladies. That is unbelievable. What if you’d had a second glass of champagne?”

“I’m pleased I didn’t.” Charlotte shuddered at the thought. “However, I believe he learned his lesson.”

While James’ ability to deal with the situation had come as no surprise, watching him strike Lord Palmer had been shocking. She'd never before witnessed violence firsthand. Yet a part of her insisted Palmer deserved each blow James had thrown. However, the strength and efficiency James had used left her breathless.

“I sincerely hope so. Thank goodness Viscount Redmond came to your aid. Palmer’s behavior is truly appalling. Has anyone seen him since?”

“I haven't and that's all that matters to me. I suppose he carries a few bruises on his face which would make it embarrassing to be seen. From what I’ve heard, Lady Barbara hasn’t made an appearance either.”

Charlotte had been unsurprised to hear she’d made a public spectacle of herself. If not for her outcry at her brother’s disappearance, no one would’ve discovered what had happened to him. Now rumors abounded.

But not all of the evening had been terrible. The delightful kiss she and James had shared was something she continued to relive. At least, up until Edward had interrupted them. After that, James had kept his distance while seeing her safely home. Had the close call with Edward worried him so much? She feared it was more than that. James obviously didn’t want her.

Margaret shook her head. “I hope this means you will be more cautious before going