Page 14 of A Night of Forever
Arend thought Isobel would see his idea was an excellent one…until she lowered her hands and pinned him with her intelligent gaze.
“While I commend you on your brilliant strategy,” she said, “I do have a reputation to maintain. I do not wish to be viewed as one of your conquests.”
At the word “conquests,” altogether wicked thoughts entered into his head. He would very much like Isobel to be one of his conquests. Even in a plain day gown, she was delectable. The material seemed to cling to her every curve. He would like nothing more than to slowly peel it from her body and explore her feminine charms.
But to give in to his body’s desires would be unwise. His mind could not be distracted by lustful urges if he was to defeat a woman as clever as Victoria.
“I swear I will protect your reputation,” he told her. “If your reputation becomes damaged, I will, of course, honor our betrothal.”
Perhaps those words were a mistake, for more fear filled Isobel’s eyes, and he watched her expression change from open to guarded.
“What do you expect this betrothal will gain?” she said.
“That’s an excellent question, Isobel.” Understanding her instinctive resistance, Arend started to explain. “First, if we are to investigate Victoria, we need to spend a lot of time together. Unless we are betrothed, my reputation as a rake will damage yours.”
She nodded. “That makes sense. So you wish me to pretend to be your betrothed?”
“Yes. It would only be a temporary arrangement until we find evidence against Victoria. Then I can always give you grounds to cry off. Any lady may withdraw from a betrothal. You simply announce that you and I don’t suit.”
“The only thing I’m worried about—well, one of the things I’m worried about—is society’s reaction to our sudden betrothal. It’s all a bit rushed, and they may assume…Please, get up.” She reached down, took his hand, and tugged it. “You are making a spectacle of yourself.”
Still holding her hand, he rose to his feet, and then returned to his seat on the bench, glancing around the park as he did so. People were staring. He didn’t care, but for her sake he should have thought his plan through more carefully. He should’ve started to court her earlier so gossip did not erupt.
“Besides,” Isobel said, “Victoria is going to be highly suspicious.”
“Or she will think you’ve taken her advice.”
Isobel shook her head. “No. She will be suspicious that you have suddenly taken an interest in me. Why would you propose to a woman you hardly know?”
She was right. “This is why it is very dangerous for you. She may think you’re simply securing your future. On the other hand, she may guess you have some inkling of the truth, and will try to ascertain the extent of your involvement.”
Her chin lifted. “It’s just as dangerous for you.”
He shook his head. “She already knows I stand against her. Now she’ll know I’m entering her game—one where she holds the cards and makes the rules. I will be playing blind. However, if we are to win, I have to take a seat at the table.”
He could tell by the flush on her cheeks that she understood what he was saying. It was also clear that she recognized the dangers she faced, and that they gave her pause. “You should be scared,” he said, with as much gentleness as he could. The back of his neck crawled at the thought of her possibly being in danger. “If we are to work together, your reputation will become a matter of speculation. But our betrothal should shield you from the worst suppositions. It will not shield you from Victoria. If anything, it will focus her attention on you.”
Isobel sat silently, weighing her options.
He shook his head. “I can see you have reservations. Hell, I have reservations. I don’t like putting you into a situation filled with such danger.”
Suddenly she laughed. “I’m in danger anyway. My abduction and near death in that carriage accident are testimony to that fact. I think I’ll feel safer knowing you are watching over me.”
God, he hoped he could protect her, but he would be unable to watch over her twenty-four hours a day. If Victoria got the slightest hint that Isobel was a willing participant in his game, that she was on his team, her life would be worth nothing.
Any oddity associated with this betrothal would scarcely affect him. Society already had cast him as a villain. His rakish ways and outrageous deeds were overlooked only because of his wealth. As a gentleman, he should give her one last chance to make the sane choice.
“I realize this is a momentous decision. Why not take the day to consider my offer? Give me an answer tonight. I shall be at whatever function you are attending to hear what you have to say.”
The sounds of the park suddenly intruded on them. He’d completely blocked them from his mind, focusing instead on finding a way to get inside Victoria’s stronghold. Isobel was the key. Either she was innocent and would help him prove her stepmother was a killer, or she was party to this evil and would think she was fooling him. Either way, he would have to play this game of double cross carefully until he knew for sure which side Isobel was really on. He hoped he knew already, but there was too much at stake to assume. He could not afford to underestimate Victoria.
Isobel stood, called to Sealey, and then turned to face him, a pretty pink flush on her cheeks.
“I shall consider your plan and give you my response tonight.” She gazed round the park at those still staring, and when she continued, her voice was filled with amusement. “You will be in a pretty pickle if I do not accept. Either way, you are well and truly routed from your confirmed bachelorhood. I can already imagine the crush of mothers with eligible daughters at every event tonight.”
He leaned in close and whispered in her ear, “Only until you accept my proposal.” Her shiver fueled his confidence that the answer would be yes. He knew he affected her.Careful,he warned himself. If she was no longer a virgin by the end of this hunt, he would be married to her in truth.
He knew he was in deep trouble when that thought did not scare him as it should.
