Page 11 of A Bonny Pretender
Chapter Three
Shams and Charlatans
Frank had onlyarrived in Town the previous day. He’d planned on a ride through Hyde Park and dinner at Boodle’s. “I was hoping to run into you tonight at the club. Will you be there?” he asked, unable to take his eyes off the prime article between his two friends.
She had luxurious, auburn hair and the most brilliant blue eyes he’d ever seen. Heat surged through him. He resisted the urge to groan when the tip of her tongue peeked out and swiped her full lower lip.
Say something, you chawbacon!ordered a voice in his head.
“Miss MacNaughton, have you visited London before?” At least his voice held steady.
“No,” she murmured and cast her eyes to her lap.
Demure and lovely. Frank smiled encouragingly to give her confidence. “Are you enjoying the city so far?”
Miss MacNaughton nodded and gave him a sideways glance. “Especially the ride today,” she murmured.
The sun flashed one of her curls a deep red. Captivating. That’s what she was. “Where in Scotland are you from? I have an estate in the North.”
Why were Wilkens and Lady Brecken giving one another such odd looks? Perhaps they were surprised this shy creature had opened up so quickly. He understood the quiet ones, for he himself was more reserved than outgoing.
“The Highlands, my lord, near Dunderave.”
He could hear her brogue now. Charming.
“In answer to your question,” interrupted Wilkens, a curious expression on his face, “I had planned on Boodle’s tonight. Shall we meet in the dining room?”
Frank nodded.
“What time?”
“That would be fine.” Frank studied her profile, the straight nose and perfect chin set in the oval face. Her skin had a dusting of light freckles over her nose.
“I’ll bring the monkeys, and you secure the elephants. We’ll have a wager in the books on which beast storms the gaming tables first.”
“Yes, of course. I fully agree.” He wanted to place a kiss on the tip of that nose, then close each ocean-blue eye with his mouth, move to her chin and her smiling lips…
Wait! What? Elephants and monkeys?
“Lord Raines, what brings you back to London? I don’t believe we’ve come across each other since last summer.”
Lady Brecken’s voice cut through the fog in his brain. His gaze snapped to her, and he realized belatedly that they were all smiling at him. Heat spread across his face. He cleared his throat and focused. “I’ve been busy with my estate, putting things in order after my mother passed.”
“I was so sorry to hear it,” said Lady Brecken. “I remember how devoted you were to her.”
Frank nodded, relieved the spell had been broken. It had certainly felt like an enchantment. “Thank you. She was ill for so long. I think it was almost a blessing when she was out of her pain.” He placed his beaver hat back on his head and adjusted his gloves, giving his eyes somewhere to look besides Miss MacNaughton. He couldn’t admit he was in London to find a wife, so he’d just dodge the question.
“Well, tonight around eight, then?” asked Wilkens with a smirk as his eyes traveled from Raines to Miss MacNaughton. “Seems we’ll have much to talk about.”
*
Later that evening
Boodle’s Gentlemen’s Club
“How the devilare you, Frank?” asked Charles, pumping his hand. The awkwardness was gone without the women present. “I expected to see you when the weather was nicer. Or are you thinking to claim a seat in the House?”
“Never, Wilkens! I prefer to stay removed from politics, if you don’t mind.” He took a chair and held his glass up to a footman. “I’m parched.”
