Page 15 of Sense and Suitability
“A sign?”
“That we would be a most advantageous match.”
Dropping all pretense of civility, he replied, “Whose advantage?”
Her smile never faltered. “For us all, of course. I conquer you and gain a title, which would be immensely gratifying. My father gains access to Ravenscross, which he desires. And you, my dear Simon, gain the funds to restore your family’s estate and live as a gentleman of leisure.” Her brow rose in triumph. “A perfect situation.”
“Conquer me?” He straightened to his full height, heat risingto his neck. “You mean to exact your revenge for a perceived slight years ago?”
“It doesn’t have to be a punishment.” Her smile turned razor sharp. “In fact, it could be delightful—if you would temper that iron will of yours.” She took a deliberate step closer. “Your father was always rather nasty to my father, and I must admit to a small bit of Hemston pride in knowing I could secure the old man’s estate as recompense.” Her tone was silk, her brow arching higher. “I am quite determined, my lord.”
The sheer audacity of her ambition left him momentarily speechless. The very thought of Ravenscross in Hemston hands was an affront he could not abide. The threat hit his pulse. And as far as his will was concerned, she’d only ensured that it remained ironclad.
Before he could voice a scathing retort, his name rang out to his right, saving him from further engagement. A lady approached with a train of companions, their bright eyes alight with purpose. Another called from his left. A third followed suit, her entourage not far behind, all eager for “a conversation,” “a little more information,” “tell us about your sister...”
Simon bit back a groan. He needed escape. Now.
The throng of women surrounded him, asking after his family, his plans, his very existence as though he were some prize bull at market. As the clamor grew, he spotted salvation—a set of glass doors leading outside, he hoped. And to escape.
Taking advantage of the ladies distracting Selena, Simon ducked into the crowd, but their voices pursued him, with Selena at the helm. Mr. and Mrs. Craven appeared at his left, calling his name to introduce him to their daughter. Mr. Lund did the same. He’d never experienced such a quest before, except when in pursuit of a rather muddy Sophia through the garden on a rainy day with the dogs in chase.
Did becoming the landowner of Ravenscross truly produce such pandemonium?
As if on cue, Ben stepped out of nowhere, garnering the attention of the throng with some redirection at just the right time for Simon to turn the corner of a pillar in the room, duck down behind a nearby plant, and slide out the doors.
Ah! A balcony.
Fresh air. Freedom.
Veering left, he pressed himself into the shadows of the stone wall, another step away from the door. Relief surged—until he collided with something soft.
Not stone, like the railing he’d expected.
“Oh!” A feminine cry pierced the night.
Simon’s arms instinctively wrapped around the woman to steady her, her precarious balance sending her teetering toward the railing. He pulled her close, the scent of apples enveloping him like a spell—a deliciously familiar spell. It fogged his thoughts and mingled too well with the fit of her softness against him. Dancing didn’t allow for this sort of embrace.
“Pardon me, Miss...” He steadied her, the light from inside casting a halo down on the woman’s face.
All heat fled his body and then surged back through him in a second.
“Emmeline.” Her name escaped on crushed air.
Her pink lips opened in surprise, and only a wisp of breath released, but he nonetheless felt the touch of it against his chin. So close. Too close.
And yet his arms only tightened.
She stared up at him, her wide eyes betraying a flicker of vulnerability before cooling to ice. “This... this ismyhiding spot, Sim—Mr.... Lord Ravenscross.” The sentence wobbled from her lips in halted puffs.
Beautiful lips. Lips he’d dreamed of kissing dozens of times.
“And... and you’re going to attract attention,” she hissed, pushingback from him only to nearly tumble over the edge again. “Making my attempts utterly useless.”
He wanted to smile. Smile at her ridiculous sweetness after racing from Selena’s claws. Smile at her trying to hide from the guests at the halfway mark of every ball. Smile at the fact he actually knew about her hiding.
He kept his arms around her. “Emme.”
Those beautiful lips parted again, only to firm back into a frown. “If you recall, you forfeited the right to address me on such intimate terms,Lord Ravenscross.” Her gaze flashed back to his, searching his face, hesitating a second to stare, before snapping to attention. “If you would be so kind as to release me.”
