Page 9 of Playing the Scoundrel

“Good evening, Miss Follett.”

Emma turned, surprised that anyone should know her by name, only to be disappointed when she found herself face to face with Mr. Godwin.

“Is it?” Emma managed to say, turning away from him.

“Come now, and here I thought you looked so lovely talking with that previous gentleman,” Mr. Godwin said, taking a step closer toward her. “It must be that you’ve given him all your smiles and have none left for me.”

“It would appear so.” Emma kept her eyes on the dancers.

“And what have I done to deserve such a cold rejection?” he asked, leaning on the wall beside her.

“You approach me quite boldly, sir. Without chaperone or companion.”

“Were we not already introduced?” he asked innocently.

“And am I not at my leisure to continue the acquaintance or not?” Emma kept her eyes on the wall, hoping her brash words would not earn her a reprimand from speaking so to one of superior status. “I did not smile or bow or give the least inclination that I desired your presence.”

“And my only question is, why wouldn’t you?”

Emma then turned to face him, finding his arms folded across his chest lazily and a knowing smile on his lips. But she would not return it, for she was anything but entertained with hischarms. “You promised a dance to Miss Roberts, you flirted openly with me in front of her, and then snubbed her by not coming back to claim the dance as you had promised.”

He visibly cringed, and Emma was glad to have made him uncomfortable. “Yes, I can see how I would be unfavorable in that light.”

She glanced over at Mrs. Dunn, who was still deep in conversation, so Emma was on her own. “And have you no defense for this accusation?”

Mr. Godwin raised one eyebrow. “Would you rather I had seduced her completely?”

Emma’s face burned hot, but she narrowed her eyes at him, refusing to back down. “I would prefer you had not met her at all.”

He huffed, a laugh shaking his shoulders. “Alas, that was not within my control.”

“As expected.” Emma shook her head.

“But I was sincere in the other accusation––that of, my interest in you.” He leaned forward, his lips curling into a smile.

Emma’s heartrate increased. She would have stepped back had she any space, but the wall hit her back, and made her swallow. She was trapped.

“When I’m introduced to a young woman, I feel it my responsibility as a man to make her feel like the most beautiful thing in the room. Especially one as intoxicating and intelligent as you.”

Emma wanted to turn away from such obvious flirtations, but she couldn’t let him know how his words affected her. “What would you know of intelligence?”

Mr. Godwin pressed a hand to his chest and gave a mocking gasp. “And barbed wit to match! You are quite unique, Miss Follett, and anything you say or do from this point on will likely only intrigue me further.”

She was not amused by his knowing smile, but the closer he leaned toward her, the more easily she saw the green of his eyes. In them, she was surprised to find depth, not dissimilar to the promise of more she found in the skies. It triggered a desire inside of her to want to know more, but that desire needed to be squelched immediately.

The music slowed to an end, and Emma was certain Mr. Bernard would be returning to claim her for their dance, so Mr. Godwin needed to leave. Why would this rake want to pursue her anyway? Mrs. Dunn had confirmed Emma wouldn’t be in danger from him, that she was not the sort of woman he normally would seek out, so she needn’t worry for her reputation. But that didn’t mean she sought after his presence. He was a scoundrel who had hurt women like Laura, just like the man who had ruined Judith. Men like him ought to be taught a lesson.

The thought brought a wicked smile to Emma’s lips, and Mr. Godwin seemed to take this as encouragement, but it should have done the opposite. If her reputation was safe with him, perhaps that would put her in an innocent enough position to bring his pride down a notch. Of course, it might not make a great difference in his life, but she liked the idea of breaking him. She could let him think he was winning her, lead him on until he’d completely fallen in love with her, and then utterly ruin him.

And if the result was one less rake in the world, then it would be a worthwhile endeavor.

Emma lowered her gaze at him, nodding demurely. “Then I suppose there’s nothing else I can do but just give in.”

“My point precisely.” Mr. Godwin nodded in approval.

Mr. Bernard appeared with a bright smile, offering Emma his arm. It was such a simple thing to her, for a man to keep his word when promising a dance, but now she found it a strength among men, making her like him already.

“Until next time, Mr. Godwin.”

“I look forward to it, Miss Follett.”

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