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

His brief touch set her entire body trembling. She held the candle carefully to one side and lifted onto her toes to kiss him. Being with him always made her feel as if all would be well. His presence pushed aside the sense of impending doom that had held her in its grip since dinner. When they were together, anything seemed possible.

He deepened the kiss, his tongue brushing against hers, his warmth seeping through her thin robe. The feelings rushing through her were a reminder that what they had between them was special and worth fighting for.

She couldn't—wouldn't—marry Lord Samuelson. Not given her feelings for James. What a gift it was to know he returned them. Yet she knew the road ahead would be fraught with difficulty.

The worry had her easing back to look into his eyes.

“I'm not certain what to do next,” she admitted.

“I do. If it brings you comfort, we have Edward’s blessing.”

“We do? You told him?” A little thrill ran through her even as she wondered what exactly he’d said. While she knew Edward didn’t want her to be unhappy, she doubted that he realized the strength of her dislike for Lord Samuelson. Edward couldn’t change their father's mind, but having his approval helped. “That is good to hear.”

“He was rather...surprised.” The edge in his tone made her even more curious.

“I suppose we haven't been with him since we...” Heat filled her cheeks as she stumbled over how to describe their relationship.

James’ smile eased her embarrassment. “Since we have come to care for one another?”

She nodded at the simple explanation though it didn’t begin to describe how she felt. “How do you suggest we proceed?”

“I will call on your father tomorrow and ask permission to court you.”

Charlotte’s spirits plummeted. “He'll refuse.”

“That's a risk I will have to take. Perhaps I can find a way to convince him that our match would be beneficial to everyone.”

Despite James’ reassurance, doubt returned in full force. “I'm not certain that would be wise. Perhaps we should wait.”

“For what? Are you having second thoughts about us?”

“No, of course not.” He was the one part of her life of which she was certain. “I want to find a way to convince Father to reconsider his plan, though I don’t know how.”

“Do not worry so.” He reached for her waist and held her tight. “A conversation with your father is the proper way to proceed. I want to make my intentions clear. We won't make further plans until we learn his response.”

“I fear your conversation with him will be unpleasant at best.”

“Trust me. I've endured worse.”

“I suppose you have.” Her heart ached at the truth of his statement. She hoped one day he would share some of his experiences. “I don’t want a life such as my parents have.” The words slipped out before she thought better of them.

“Nor do I.”

“I want us to be honest with one another.” Did he understand what she implied?

“Of course. I want that as well.”

“Then in the coming days, will you tell me some of your time in the war?” She knew he’d rather not. But how could she understand him completely if she didn’t know? He knew all about her and her family, including the worst.

He hesitated before nodding. “I will.”

“Thank you.” His agreement warmed her, returning her hope.

“Charlotte, I—” The abrupt halt to what he’d been about to say caught her curiosity.

“What is it?”

“Never mind. I will be back in touch soon.” He kissed her again, the feel of his firm lips against hers warming her as nothing else could. “I’ll watch to make certain you return inside safely.”

“Good night, James.” She turned away with reluctance, the candle still in hand. The idea of spending every moment of the rest of her life with him filled her with a longing so sharp that her breath caught. They simply had to find a way to convince her father that they belonged together.

~*~

Late the following morning, James knocked on the door of Wynn House. While he held faint hope for a successful outcome, he was determined. If this meeting didn’t go well, he would simply try again. He didn't pretend to understand why the earl favored Lord Samuelson as a husband for Charlotte, but James preferred to think he compared well with the other man.

The butler greeted him warmly, hiding his surprise when James asked to see Lord Wynn.

“Allow me to see if he's at home.” Gordon showed him to the small reception room just off the entrance hall where James resisted the urge to pace.

Though tempted to ask if Edward and Charlotte were home, he resisted. Seeing either of them would only distract him from his purpose. He waited only a few short minutes when the butler returned.

“His lordship will see you now.”

James followed the servant to Lord Wynn’s study, waiting as Gordon opened the door to announce him.

James had told himself numerous times that he wasn't nervous about this meeting, but now that he was here, tension tightened his entire body. He dearly wanted Charlotte in his life and the man sitting behind the desk—who didn't even bother to rise to greet him—stood in his way.

“Good morning, Lord Wynn.” James bowed. “I hope the day finds you well.”

“Well enough.” The older man gestured toward a chair before the desk. “I was surprised to learn you wished to speak with me.” He placed his elbows on the polished desk and steepled his fingers. “What is it you seek?”

So much for polite conversation, James thought.

“As you know, Edward and I have been friends for many years now,” he began. “In the past few weeks, I have had a chance to speak with Lady Charlotte on several occasions and have grown fond of her. I should very much like your permission to court her.”

“Is that so?” Lord Wynn frowned, his bushy brows nearly hiding his eyes. “That won’t be possible. She will soon be betrothed to Lord Samuelson. The agreement is