Page 24 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
“But he was the second son. He will inherit now that his brother is dead,” the Bow Street Runner insisted, his eyes sparking in the dim light. “You have to admit, he had rather a lot to gain from Lord Kidlington’s death.”
“If you think that, then you truly know nothing about the Colonel. Aside from the fact that he was not even in the country at the time of Rothwell’s death, the Colonel never wanted to inherit.” He shook his head and sipped his champagne. “He has a thriving military career, and that has always been where his heart lay. That is all ruined now — all his hopes and dreams.”
“But —” the Runner began, but Warner held up a hand to silence him.
His eyes had found Lady Adelaide’s. Her brown eyes drawing him in like a moth to the flame. At the same moment, a youngman approached her, and she turned to face him, that dazzling smile on her face.
Warner clenched his hand into a fist. “Do try and investigate people who are actually likely to be the culprit in future. I have no wish to waste time with red herrings and wild goose chases. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some business to which I must attend.”
Warner’s feet moved almost of their own accord. He was so caught up in the moment, that he barely noticed the way the Bow Street Runner took in Lady Adelaide. As he approached her, the crowd parted.
He’d felt alone andcoldsomehow when she turned away without those flame-bright eyes meeting his. His mouth was dry, and he licked his lips, his irritation rising at the way his heart pounded against his ribs.
“May I have the honour of —” the gentleman was saying to Lady Adele, but Warner pushed between them. “The lady is dancing with me.”
Lady Adele drew herself up, startled and — intrigued?
“Dance with me?” He held out a hand to her, and for a moment, he thought that she would not take it. She glanced at the people around her, and then nodded and let him lead her onto the floor. The band struck up a waltz, and he began to lead her around the room.
“It seems every eye is upon us.” Lady Adelaide’s cheeks coloured slightly, and a strand of hair fell across her face.
Warner fought down the urge to tuck it behind her ear for her. “Can you blame them? Just look at what you are wearing.”
He was relieved his voice did not sound hoarse. Lady Adele quirked an eyebrow at him. “I thought you said I deserved something beautiful for me?”
“I did say that. I am simply pointing out that you can hardly be surprised that all eyes are upon you when you look like that.” He scowled at the men who seemed to be leering at Lady Adele as he pulled her close to him, and they began to waltz.
“What are you doing here anyway? Looking like Aphrodite incarnate and attending a ball alone — a perfect way to cause a scene.”
The smell of her rose perfume filled his senses. He shook his head trying to clear it, but that only made it worse. Lady Adelaide was looking at him with reproach in her eyes.
“It is my sister’s fortieth birthday; of course, I would be here. Or would you rather I had brought one of the Widows as my companion?” She arched an eyebrow at him. “That would be quite the scandal.”
“You know that is not what I meant. None of them are men.”I must keep calm.How did she manage to get so under his skin
“I should hope not. That would make their marriages rather illegal.” She laughed softly, and he was struck by how pretty the sound was.
Focus Warner.He swallowed. “This is no time to joke. Look at the way they are looking at you, like a pack of hungry wolves.”
He saw the colour on Adele’s cheeks deepen as she realised the hungry way the men around her were looking at her.
“They will delight in breaking you,” he murmured, his voice barely audible above the swell of music and voices.And I will not let them.
“Careful, Your Grace; if I did not know better, I would say you are concerned for me.” Her smile was full of daggers.
“I am concerned for you,” he breathed, twirling her around the dance floor.
“Of course.” An odd look crossed her face that he could not quite read. “And that is the reason you put yourself between me and Lord Kenworth? You know, most men would ask a woman to dance rather than announce it.”
“I am not most men.” His eyes found hers. “I am not the asking type.”
“Clearly,” she replied drily. “Nor are you the kind of man who makes sense.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?”
“Just that you told me I should not deprive myself of beautiful things, and now, you are growling at me like some angry jackal because I have had the audacity to listen to you.” She glowered at him. “Perhaps you would have preferred me to remain in my usual dowdy frock?”
“If it meant I would not have to deal with these lecherous men, then perhaps you should have.”
