“You do not know me!” She looked horrified at the idea, stepping toward him in her anger so that their chests were nearly flush once again.
“I know you a little. I know you like to keep your distance from me. So please, tell me this, why on earth would you kiss me like that? When we both know you’d sooner see me in an accident?”
“That is harsh.”
“You have argued with me enough to make me believe it is a fair summary.” He moved his hands to his hips. “What is going on? Explain yourself, I beg you.” When she didn’t answer him but shifted her weight between her feet, looking almost nervous at him being so close to her, he began to realize what was afoot. He tilted his head, the better to watch her. “I know the art of seduction, My Lady. I have made it my business to know it.”
“If you are boasting again, this is hardly the time for it.”
“I am not boasting, I am being practical. Seduction is slow and teasing, it is not forceful and demanding a kiss, as you just did.”
“Forced? Ha!” She laughed, tipping her head backward. “You seemed rather eager to kiss me back, Your Grace.”
“I dare any man not to kiss a beautiful woman back when they kiss them.”
“I beg your pardon?” she asked, blinking.
“You know you are beautiful; I will not say it again for your own vanity.” He waved a hand dismissively, for it was not the point of the conversation. “You demanded a kiss from me, and whether I joined in or not is academic at this point. You did it on purpose, did you not? Could you hear there were others in the garden?”
She smiled a little. It was the only answer he needed, for he stepped back, practically falling into the rhododendron bush in amazement, breathing in the cold air.
“Calm yourself, Your Grace. You have played your part, and now I want nothing more from you. Good night.” She curtsied to him and walked off.
“Good night!?” he spluttered and ran after her. He only got a few steps before he cut in front of her, bringing her to such a sharp stop that she backed away from him, increasing the distance once more. “Do you not realize the compromised situation you and I have been seen in? Our reputations will be ruined!”
“You were already believed to be a rake, were you not?”
“I was never seen kissing anyone before, it was all just hearsay.”
“Yes, but as I have heard you declare, you have no wish to marry.” She wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders and stood tall, with a victorious smile on her face. Edward fell still, struggling to understand.
“Care to explain in full what game is afoot here, Lady Julia? I am rather like a mouse at this moment, am I not? I am in your trap. So, I pray, reveal all to me,” he said sardonically. She scoffed, shaking her head at him before she continued.
“My father wished to marry me to Lord Gillet.” Her words came clearly and firmly, so much so that Edward felt the truth of what had just occurred slipping into place without her really having to say it.
“A foul man,” he conceded. “No woman would be happy married to him.”
“Quite so. I needed a way to ruin my reputation. A man like Lord Gillet, who cares for money and for his reputation, will hardly marry me now, will he?” she asked, stepping around Edward once more.
He didn’t follow her this time, he just turned on the spot, letting his eyes dance after her.
“You used me, My Lady,” he called after her.
“Just as you have used countless ladies for your own amusement, I used your weakness yes, you can accuse me of that. I have no defense, but it will not mar you for long,” she called back over her shoulder. “Soon enough, thetonwill accept it is what they already expected of you, and my reputation will be the only one harmed. You are safe from me, Your Grace.” She was about to step out of the rhododendrons when Edward called to her.
“You have made a mistake.” His words made her stop and slowly turn back, with those eyes glittering in the moonlight.
“What do you mean?”
Scandal. So much scandal.
“You think I can let this go that easily?” he asked. His mind was working quickly now as he began to realize what had truly happened that night.
He already had one scandal brewing at home, one he was trying desperately to keep a secret, but how long was it before it got out? Months? Weeks? Maybe only days? Once that scandal was known, his family name would be tossed in disgrace and he and his sister would be pushed to the very edges of society.
I must protect Esther from that. I am her brother; I have to protect her.
“What do you mean, Your Grace?” Lady Julia called back to him.