The Elusive Lady Winston (Regency Rendezvous Book 5) Read online

  The lights dimmed and the curtain rose. Eliza could hardly keep her gaze on the stage when all she wanted to do was give into the urge watch the earl. His hair had a slight curl behind the ear. A charming feature no doubt. Even in the dim lighting the man was intensely handsome.

  Eliza turned away to focus on the stage. Tonight had been diverting thus far and she could not fathom what later would bring. Though, the absence of her cousin was concerning and she would question Mary upon her arrival. She highly suspected her cousin would do something foolish, but never in all her years did she suspect her cousin would abandon her in such manner.

  Short staccato notes to long drawn out moments drew Eliza in by the second, that is, until the earl captured her fingers in his hand and brought them to his lips. The warmth of his kiss and those lips brought back teh brief lapse of judgement she’d experienced yesterday. How she wanted his lips on hers again, and this very second.

  He released her fingers, placing his hand on her skirt, leaned into her and whispered, “Thank you for joining us. Your presence makes this opera tolerable.”

  Eliza struggled to stifle a giggle. There was something about Evan that kept her from her senses. She leaned close and whispered, “It was the least I could do. Besides, your sister is amiable. Tell me…are she and the viscount closely acquainted?”

  He went rigid and she noticed his grip on her leg tightened.

  Clearly the earl had not noticed his friend’s attraction to his sister.

  Eliza suspected that perhaps he had no inkling of the bond the viscount and his sister had. Sure, it was all fun in public, but did he not see the signs of something much more grand?

  She leaned into the earl again and this time took his hand, “Do not be alarmed. I think it quite charming.”

  “You wouldn’t think so if you knew of the company he keeps as of late,” the earl growled lowly.

  “Now, now. Consider this, you’re no patron saint either, nor is any man, I imagine, of any sort of wealth. You gentlemen are accustomed to acquiring what you want and when; and men do change when they find the right woman.”

  The earl snorted. “I won’t change. I can be certain of that.”

  “Such a bold claim for a man who passionately kissed an older woman outside her townhouse.”

  She heard him lift his chair and without any sort of warning he lowered to her ear and whispered, “Follow me.”

  The man had to be jesting. Intermission was soon to occur and if they weren’t in their seats by then…

  Eliza took his hand and followed the earl until they reached a door before the stairs. They entered what appeared to be a service corridor. He then pressed her against the wall.

  “You cannot be put out by our kiss from yesterday,” he said. “If you are, then I apologize. On second thought, I do not apologize. I would plunder those beautiful lips of yours nightly if I could.” His eyes were serious, yet the smirk on his face showed some tenderness.

  “Do you handle all your lady birds in such a manner, my lord?”

  “No, Lady Winston, I do not. I prefer them naked, willing, and wet.”

  Heat seared her cheeks. This man was a living, breathing and walking ruination. Not that she was a vestal virgin by any means, but, Lord, had this man made her wanton with need. A terrifying thought slammed into her bosom and she looked away. She could never be what he wanted. His glazed over eyes screamed he wanted her, but she would not want to be viewed as a mistress. Never in her life did she expect the thought to cross her mind.

  The earl pulled away, and cupped her cheeks. “Eliza, love, what is the matter?”

  Eliza squeezed her eyes shut, searching for the proper words for this moment only to blurt out, “This affair cannot be born, can you not see that? I will not suit as a mistress. I lack in any sort of experience, and you would be expected…”

  “I am expected to do what? Damn it, Eliza, would you look at me?”

  She shook her head. “You would be expected to marry someone younger, beautiful, and with an appealing dowry. My presence in your personal life would complicate matters, especially while you have your sister on the marriage mart.”

  He pulled away and handed her a handkerchief. She hadn’t realized until this moment she’d sobbed the final words.

  When she dared to look up at him, he only smiled.

  “My dear, I am already up to my ears with two scandals. I hardly believe a third one would be so crushing. Eliza, if you are worried that things cannot be learned, I am happy to announce anything can be learned. Patience and admiration go a long way and is mutually beneficial. I am not frightened by your lack of experience and appreciate your honesty. Allow me to return the kindness.”

  The earl moved closer to her. Eliza was firmly pinned to the wall.

  “I assure you I am not on the market for a wife. However, a former lover seems to think she’ll be my countess. I have made my position clear on the matter, but I do suspect she knows no end to harassing me. I would never consider you a mistress, but you need some companionship. The sort that leaves you panting and satisfied. If you desire, we can come to a temporary arrangement. I want you in every possible way you will allow me to have you.”

  Eliza gasped. This was indeed a scandal in the making. Mary always said she needed a lover, but a high born one with trouble already at his door? Her stepson would surely cut her off, not that she didn’t think he could do so, or could he?

  “Evan… I do love how direct we can be with each other, but what of finding your sister a husband?”

  “What about Annabelle? I will find her a husband. The only obstacle is finding one who will keep her in line and respectable.”

  He lowered his head closer and closer, until the moment their lips met. Evan grasped her arms and pinned them above her head. His musky scent tangled with the skillful tongue he slipped into her mouth made her knees quiver. Never in her thirty years did she believe a couple could be this engaged. Her heart raced, and warmth swept over her body like a hot summer breeze. She desired more of his touch, yet now was hardly the moment.

  Evan pulled away and looked down the corridor. The sound of a flurry of footsteps headed toward them, sent her into a panic.

  “My lord! We must return to our seats.”

  He nodded and took her by the hand and led her back to his box. Neither his sister or the viscount said a word, but their silence spoke volumes of how disheveled she must have appeared. Lord, if there was to be any gossip, she was sure it would be in the morning rags.

  They returned just as the curtain rose again when the door opened behind them and a woman’s perfume wafted to them. Eliza kept her focus on the opera, but the earl rose and stepped behind them. The viscount turned and looked past her. Everything in her body warned her to not look, but her curiosity won over.

  When she turned, the door clicked shut and the earl had vacated the box. With whom she did not know, but she suspected by morning she would hear.

  The viscount moved to sit next to her.

  “Never fear, my lady. Radcliffe will join us momentarily while he deals with an altogether problematic member of society.”

  As he was about to rise, Eliza pulled on his jacket. “Tell me, sir, does your friend know of your fascination with his darling sister?”

  The viscount straightened and smiled. “I haven’t the slightest notion what you are saying, my lady. Belle and I are simply friends.”

  Now it was her time to smirk. “You sound like a man who is attempting to convince himself of the matter.”

  He placed a finger to his lips in a shushing motion, then rose. “Now pay attention to the opera. Soon enough it will be over, and the ton will be wanting their introductions to you.”

  Eliza nodded and he returned to his seat before the earl returned at her side.

  “Pardon me, my lady. I had to quickly remove a lady who was out of line.”

  “Oh! I see,” she whispered. “Pray tell, who was this lady? An ex-lover by chance?”

&nb
sp; He growled. “No one you need concern yourself with.”

  And there it was again. The man simply danced circles around her when she asked him questions.

  “If you insist on being so secretive, you may find yourself asking questions I may choose not to answer.”

  Eliza smiled. Two could play this game. Not that their appearance in public was any game, but she could not allow him to be so cunning. She’d already been married once and could not be fooled as to what went on behind closed doors. She knew the woman had to be a former lover, and one that might make his life difficult. Yet, they were all adults, and there was no reason to be evasive.

  Perhaps she would take this as a lesson and use her own wiles to remind him that he isn’t so infallible. That, he too, was just as vulnerable, and she wasn’t one to mince words with.

  Chapter Seven

  “Wake up this instance, Eliza! You must come down immediately.”

  Eliza burrowed deeper into the bedcovers. Whatever for, Mary, can’t you see I’m tired?”

  “That may be, but you will want to read the paper Christian brought home. Now come along.”

  Her cousin left her to dress in privacy and whilst the tone of Mary’s voice stressed urgency, Eliza suspected that news she spoke of was that of her and the earl. A small price to pay she supposed, yet the challenge returning into the scrutiny of the ton didn’t terrify as much as it once did.

  Her aging husband had no use for society, and the adventure last evening had opened her eyes to the prospect of many more evenings of cordial conversation and pleasant company.

  Eliza went to the parlor. She entered the room and flopped on the chair in the darkest corner of the room. “Pray tell, what did the rags have to say about me in the Earl of Chisholm’s company last evening?”

  Her cousin stood, mouth gaping wide. “How can you possibly be so…so…cold! Lady Amelia is going out of her way to become his countess, and if the rumors Christian and I have heard are true, the woman should not be trifled with.”

  Eliza laughed. “Would someone ring for tea please?”

  She sat up straight and reached for the paper. Eliza read the article not once, but two more times, and began to laugh.

  “Honestly, the tart shouldn’t have gone to such lengths. If she wants him, and he’ll have her, then so be it. I for one, can say he is not interested, though he was not direct when I asked him who had detained him for part of the opera… Which by the by, where in the world were you last night, Mary?” Eliza glared at her cousin and waited for an answer.

  “Christian, would you go and see what is keeping Eliza’s tea, please?”

  “Really, Mother. I’m a man. Don’t think for two seconds I didn’t hear you were seen entering Lord Haversham’s townhouse either.” Mary’s son left the room with a grin so big, you’d think he was a child again.

  “I do not see why all the intrigue if you had made other plans. Mary, you should have been honest with me,” Eliza said.

  “I apologize, my dear cousin. The visit was quite unexpected and I fear it has turned into sticky wicket of sorts.”

  Eliza shook her head in disappointment. How could this morning have gotten so out of hand?

  “Oh! I should mention, you’ve been invited to Henry’s sister’s ball, too. There will be an abundance of suitors you could distract yourself with while your earl decides to come to his senses.”

  The idea was quite clever. However the thought of it failing had not escaped her, either. If Evan truly desired her, the man simply had to be more forthcoming with his intentions. Who would she tell, anyway? Relatively new to the London scene, she had not even a chance to meet anyone, much less attend parties.

  “When is the ball, Mary?”

  “I believe on Friday. That gorgeous blue and silver gown would be perfect for the occasion. I do hope you will wear it.”

  “I think I will, but the neckline is quite scandalous.”

  “That, my dear cousin, is the point,” her cousin added with a saucy smile.

  With the ball on Friday what was left to do in the meanwhile? She supposed she could send Annabelle a letter telling her how much she enjoyed her company last evening, and wondered if the girl would share the tidbit with her brother.

  Mid-thought Christian returned with her tea and a biscuit.

  “I apologize for the delay, cousin Eliza. The housekeeper seems to have gone out on errands, so I fetched everything myself.”

  He turned to face his mother. “If there isn’t anything I can help you ladies with, I will be joining some men from the regiment for a couple of days out of town.”

  “Very well, my dear. Be safe and send word when you’re to return home.”

  He nodded and left them to continue to discuss matters in privacy.

  Eliza took a sip of her tea and started to laugh.

  “What do you find so amusing, Eliza?” Mary asked.

  “I just had a thought. If you were to remarry, what would Christian have to say?”

  “I am certain the child would be glad to see me go. As you well know, the house is his, and he is of age to take a wife and settle down. With me gone, I am sure he would be more interested in taking a wife.”

  “So how are things with you and Lord Haversham developing? Have you known each other long?”

  “Quite a long time. He was a friend of my husband since childhood, and has been a widow for at least two years now. Before you came to London to visit, he would stop in regularly to check on Christian and I.”

  Eliza had to question if her cousin’s seclusion was really a ploy to secretly hide an affair between the two; a thought that had not crossed her mind. If things further developed between her cousin and her lover, then there was no point to staying with her in town. She’d only be in the way.

  Things could never be easy. She would break the news to her cousin that she changed her mind and would return to the country after the ball. In the meantime, she would at least amuse herself while the entertainment was in reach.

  “Eliza! You’ve gone quiet and look quite stiff. Is anything the matter?”

  “Nothing at all, but I do think I will get my morning dress on and post a letter. Will you be seeing your gentleman friend today?”

  “I’m not certain. He was expecting his family today, but one never truly knows. Men seem to keep their own schedule.”

  Eliza nodded and quietly returned to her room. This sudden change in plans made her question if she should even attend the ball.

  Lord only knew she enjoyed her visit with her cousin, but she had an inkling she was beginning to become the third wheel. An unsettling feeling rose. She would dress, write that note to Lady Annabelle, to her servants, and get some fresh air. There was no sense in feeling sorry for herself.

  Her morning dress, while rather plain, suited perfectly for the morose morning she was beginning to have. She sat at the desk in her room and began to pen her notes. Perhaps town life wasn’t for her, and when she returned to the country she would consider donating some of her time to the village orphans and aid in their education. The vicar would certainly appreciate the assistance.

  She quickly sealed her letters and raced downstairs. It was imperative she send them out. Her two servants could at least get things ready for her return, and her manservant could meet her at a staging inn halfway.

  The letter to Lady Annabelle would be the first to arrive, and her servants within three days.

  * * *

  After she left the post, she noticed the familiar coach of the Earl of Chisholm parked on the street halfway down the block. She crossed the road to see where the man could possibly be, but quickly regretted the decision. As she passed a haberdasher, she observed a woman clinging onto the earl. The blond woman with long curls had to be the infamous Lady Amelia.

  Eliza’s lip quirked. Stumbling across the two shouldn’t have bothered her, yet it did. They had no connections, no indiscretions beyond being seen together and that delightful kiss in his carriage. She was
quite over the prospect of having an arrangement with the rake. Yes, returning home to the cottage was the best decision she’d made in months.

  She scanned down the road for a hackney. Her pace was beyond ladylike, but she wanted to avoid being seen by him. A conversation with him at this moment would make her even more uncomfortable. No taxi was in sight. She started at a brisk walk toward home.

  “Lady Winston,” the earl called.

  She slowed. Drats. It was too late. He had seen her, though she didn’t know how he managed to come away with the woman hanging off of him.

  * * *

  Evan was nearly out of breath by the time he caught up to Lady Winston.

  “Eliza! Please. Wait,” he called out, but she kept on walking. What could he have possibly have done to offend her that she wouldn’t give him the courtesy?

  The stopped and turned around. “I thought I heard someone calling me, though I can’t imagine why you would. You seemed quite cozy with that woman in the shop.”

  “So, you did see me. Are you jealous, my dear?”

  “I am not, and if you haven’t read the latest news, you would know that the woman you were with went dreadfully out of her way to try and scare off any competition.”

  He frowned. So, she had read the paper, just as his mother and sister, which turned into the most painful discussion over breakfast.

  Not only did he come to Eliza’s defense, but so did his sister, which was quite unexpected, especially after only meeting once. Their mother simply excused herself, and a servant followed with her dish back to her room.

  “You may recall me telling you that I have no plans of making that woman my countess, much less a mistress. I had a brief affair with her before her husband passed, and ended things when I realized she kept a few men on the side. Not exactly something to be proud about.”

  “I see. What exactly will following me home accomplish, my lord?”

  “Eliza, do you really want me to go over this with you in the middle of the street? Or would you accept a ride home in my carriage where we can discuss things privately?”

  He watched a flurry of emotions cross her face. Anger, disappointment, and resolve.