Page 6 of A Simple Scandal (Millionaires of Mayfair #3)

Five

A fter hesitating, Grace let Dane pull her into the music room. If her glare was any indication, she was furious beyond measure. He only hoped that whatever persuasive powers he possessed would convince her to return to dinner. “Is the beef not to your liking? If not, I’ll have Cook prepare one of your favorites. You can’t leave.”

He felt at peace for the first time since Pippa had packed her belongings. His home was filled with laughter and love. Frankly, having Grace be a part of it was as natural as writing with his right hand. God as his witness, he wished he could leave her alone for both their sakes, but it was a losing battle.

After he’d closed the music room door behind her, she faced him with her arms crossed, ready for a verbal battle. He had seen this side of Grace a million times before, especially since they’d parted ways. “It’s not the food. I am not one of the charities that you support. You can throw all the money you want my way, and I will not accept it.”

He raked his fingers through his hair, feeling an urgent need to justify his request for Pippa to create a few dresses for her. Beneath it all, he felt a deep yearning to provide Grace with everything that would ease her life.

“Grace, you are not a charity case to me.” He stepped nearer, and she stepped back, her body resting against the wooden door. “I thought it would help Pippa.” He shrugged, then gave her a sheepish smile. “You know how I am toward my sisters.”

She studied him with narrow eyes. “I don’t believe you.”

“May I remind you that I challenged Ravenscroft to a duel after I found him and Pippa with their disheveled appearances? That’s being protective.”

Her lips puckered in annoyance.

“You were there shortly after I discovered Honor and Trafford at his hunting lodge.” He offered his most innocent smile. “Another perfect example of me being protective.”

“Don’t use your sisters as an excuse.” She reached behind her and twisted the handle to open the door. “Good evening.”

A ludicrous, almost primal urge to roar rose in his chest. He would not allow her to leave. Not again, and not when she was this angry with him. It reeked of all those years before when they’d parted for good. Since then, he could have cared less about whether she was angry at his antics or not. It was almost a game to him, and he suspected she enjoyed it as much as he did. But at this moment, this time of his life, he didn’t want to argue with her. He didn’t want to trade barbs back and forth; he just wanted things to be simple.

He stepped forward until only two inches separated them, resting his arms against the door. Without touching her, he had essentially framed her in his embrace. Grace tilted her head to meet his gaze. “I wasn’t using my sisters or you as a tool, or as an implement, or as an instrument.”

She narrowed her eyes again, but the beginnings of a grin tugged at her lips.

“There it is. One of those beautiful smiles.” Careful, like approaching a wild animal, he rubbed the back of his index finger across her cheek. Her skin was still as soft as down feathers.

He could easily see Grace at Ardeerton House working in her study, then moving to the music room. He’d find her, tease her, then seduce her. Once they were married, he had always planned to have her in every room of this house within the first two weeks. He’d always been a high achiever. And Grace, as competitive as she was, would have been game for such a challenge. She never turned away from any dare. That’s why he’d always thought they were a perfect match. They were alike in so many ways. He released a breath through his nostrils.

Yet, it was a mistake to caress her. But he couldn’t force his fingers to obey. It seemed as if the world had grown quiet so they could enjoy this rare peace between them. He could practically feel their hearts beating in rhythm. They hadn’t been this intimate since the day she had agreed to marry him. They had been perfect for each other back then.

“Grace?” When she opened her eyes, he smiled slightly. “I didn’t want you to feel obligated to purchase a new wardrobe as we attended events.” He still caressed her softness as his eyes searched hers, begging her to understand what he was saying. “And I did want to help Pippa. She would never carry tales that would embarrass you.”

He slid his gaze down her body and then up before he met her eyes. He willed her to see how desirable he thought she was. She had changed over the years. Before, when they courted, she’d been a winsome young woman, and he had been barely a man. But now, her allure was a hundred times more potent than before.

She licked her bottom lip as she held his gaze.

He wanted to groan slightly as his cock thickened at the sight. He didn’t have to look to know that his breeches were tented. If she glanced at his body, she’d know what kind of effect she had on him.

And he didn’t care. All he cared about was taking her in a kiss that they’d remember for the rest of their lives. Perhaps she would finally regret leaving him.

He was a fool and lying to himself. He didn’t want to kiss her so she’d feel remorse. Certainly not for revenge. He wanted to kiss her because she was Grace. His Grace.

“I’m protective of my sisters,” he murmured, closing the distance between them. He could feel her warm breath skate against his chin. “I’m protective of you.”

“Does that mean that you think of me as your sister?” The breathlessness in her voice practically undid him.

“The way I want to kiss you should be against the law. My skin is on fire. If we kiss, London will go up in flames.” He didn’t breathe as a cavalcade of emotions cascaded through her brilliant brown eyes. Doubt, disbelief, heat, and finally desire.

“I won’t kiss you, Grace, unless you tell me that you want it,” he murmured in a challenge. “But I’m begging you not to deny either of us this moment.”

She leaned near until a hairsbreadth was the only distance between their lips touching.

They were suspended in the air, neither ready to let go. Was it fear?

Perhaps. Most probably, the hesitancy resulted from each knowing that neither would retreat once they crossed this line in the proverbial sand.

It was wicked on his part, but he could not let their standoff continue. He’d never seen Grace back down from a dare.

“Do it, Grace.” He lowered his voice until it was practically a deep purr, one designed to subdue an unsuspecting prey, and cupped her cheek with his hand. The softness beckoned him to never let go. “I dare you. Kiss me.”

Damnation. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest. Dane Ardeerton, the Duke of Pelham, could always get her to rise to the occasion much like a fish after bait, especially when he looked like a forbidden treat that would be so satisfying and delicious.

That is until the guilt for imbibing would crash through a person’s conscience.

“Do it, Grace,” he urged. “I dare you. Kiss me.”

She had expected a wicked half-grin, but instead, his blue eyes burned hot with desire. She’d seen that look countless times before they’d parted ways.

She gripped his wrist, but it was so large that her fingers couldn’t meet. Neither of them moved. “What are we doing?”

“We’re waiting for you to decide how you’ll answer the dare.” He moved closer until their chests pressed against one another. “Will you be brave enough to kiss me or not? That’s the question of the hour, isn’t it?”

She didn’t have to look between them to know that her heart was pounding, and her chest heaved like a fireplace bellows. Every nerve was on edge ready to react. It would be so easy to kiss him, but where would that leave things between them?

In a befuddled mess.

She waited while keeping her body practically still. Of course, he excelled when divining the truth from others. He taught her how to control her body so that others would react first. But tonight, all those lessons had flown out the window.

He chuckled softly. With an endearing smirk, he leaned closer, bringing his mouth to her ear while she still held his wrist. With a breath that teased, he whispered, “I’m a patient man. I can wait until you are ready. But know this, Grace, playing cards has taught me a singleness of purpose over the years. Sometimes, I’ll lose a hand. Sometimes, I’ll win it.” His nose brushed against the tender skin of her neck as he inhaled deeply. “I know how to play the long game better than anyone. The reward of winning satisfies like no other. It takes years of practice, luck, and a natural skill, which—fortunate for us—I possess.”

For the love of heaven, if she wasn’t mistaken, he pressed his lips to her neck. But she couldn’t be certain. It almost felt like butterfly wings brushing against her skin.

He drew his lips against the tender skin of her neck until they rested against the lobe of her ear. “You still smell as divine as you always have. It’s rose water, isn’t it?” Without waiting for her answer, he continued, “I wonder if your kisses are still as sweet?”

She sucked in a breath at the seductive words.

He leaned away to look at her face. For a moment, she wanted to moan her disappointment and pull him to her again. Hoping to find her lost indignation that had somehow left the room without her notice, she blinked and swallowed.

Like a bird of prey, he watched the slight movement of her neck— bloody hell.

Why was she reacting to him like this? He was someone from her past. She’d dismissed Dane from her life ages ago.

“Grace,” he murmured. “I know you’re scared, but you have nothing to fear, especially from me.”

“Said the spider to the fly.”

The brilliance in his eyes made him even more attractive than ever before. The laugh lines that framed his azure eyes told the story of a man who was accustomed to laughter in his life. As a duke, he could always put someone in their place, but as a friend, he’d always let a person know how much he cared for them.

Until there was a card game. Games of chance called to him like the powerful sirens who sang to those poor, misguided sailors and lured them into the seas. But he was never one to gamble excessively, or so she’d heard. He almost always won at games of chance. And when he was losing? He had an uncanny ability to walk away from the gaming table when it suited his interests. Who knew if any of it was true?

Yet, one time she’d seen his remarkable talent with her own eyes. Without a look back, he had walked away from her when the odds were against him.

“Well, this spider is using his keen eyesight to see the apprehension in your gaze.”

Dratted man.

He always could see right through her as if she were a web of gossamer threads.

That same infuriating yet all-consuming, indescribable force that connected her to Dane slowly flooded her senses and entire body, rising inch by inch. It was as if the proverbial water had transformed her into a buoy. Grace effortlessly lifted herself onto her tiptoes, almost as though she could float. Her gaze locked with his, and his captivating eyes coaxed her closer until she brushed her lips against his with the faintest of touches. For a moment, she felt like she was home. The comfort in that touch became all-consuming.

“Yes, Grace,” he encouraged gently. “It’s only you and me in this moment.” As he said the words, he wrapped one arm around her waist and the other around her back and pulled her near. “I need to feel you. I need you. Tell me you want this as much as I do.”

She nodded, then tangled her fingers in the silken strands of his blond hair. As he pressed his mouth to hers, a deep growl escaped him. How she had missed that sound. Good heavens, it had been years since she kissed anyone. She’d probably forgotten how. The last man she kissed had been Dane.

When he deepened the kiss, their tongues slid against each other.

A long, throaty moan escaped her. At that moment, she wanted to bare everything. How lonely she was. How unsure of herself and her future. She wanted to reveal every weakness and failure she had experienced and lay them at his feet. “I want…”

“Tell me,” he soothed.

“Dane?” Banging on the door jolted her out of her passion-infused fog. “Are you in there?”

His arms tightened around her, the move protective and intimate at the same time.

He rested his forehead against hers, his ragged breath brushing against her mouth. In many ways, it was as if he were still kissing her.

“Honoria,” he murmured.

“Are you all right?” Honoria called through the door, then knocked again. “We wondered where you escaped to. Is Grace with you?”

“Is she playing for you?” His other sister, Pippa, called out. “Let us in, Dane.”

“A concert?” Honoria’s voice rang with glee as she clapped her hands.

“The rest of us would like to hear Grace play,” Pippa admonished.

“Younger sisters are the bane of my existence,” he chuckled, still resting his forehead against hers.

“Trafford and I have always enjoyed music. It’s unfair of you to keep her away from us.” Ravenscroft chortled through the door.

“I’ve never heard her play,” Trafford added unhelpfully.

“I forgot to mention that best friends are the bane of my existence as well. Also, meddlesome.”

“Then, it’s a good thing that I’m not in either of those categories.” She smoothed a hand down his chest as she straightened his cravat. She nodded once when she was satisfied with how he looked. “I suppose I’ll be giving an impromptu concert.”

“If you wouldn’t mind,” he drawled. “It’ll keep them from asking nonsensical questions about why we were in here with the door closed.”

She stepped away from the door and straightened her dress. When he didn’t open the door, she arched an eyebrow as she caught his gaze.

“One more thing before we let those heathens in here.” His voice deepened, making every part of her body vibrate. “Just so you are aware. Your lips are swollen and red like a bee stung them.” His finger caressed her lower lip. “I have an answer to my earlier question.”

“What’s that?” Her voice had turned into a whisper. It was difficult to concentrate with him so near.

“How sweet your lips taste. I’d like to discover if you’re as sweet everywhere else.” Then the handsome, dastardly man smiled with a slight smirk as if he were letting you in on his most profound and darkest secrets. He would charm the sourest matron in all of London with that look.

She had no defense against it either.

“If you’re wondering, your lips are still as sweet as honeysuckle nectar. My favorite.”

Grace peered through the window of Lord Marbury’s carriage, still burning at the comment he had delivered when he’d told Grace that his morning schedule had changed, and he could not accompany Athena and her to Pippa’s dress shop.

Since you are a respected matron, it would be acceptable for Athena to travel alone with you.

Respected matron, indeed. She hmphed silently to herself. She could still turn a man’s head if she set her mind to it.

Dane didn’t think she was a matron last night when he dared her to kiss him. She hid her smile from Athena, sitting across from her in the carriage. The man was ravenous for her and had utterly captivated her.

It was quite a compliment that Dane still desired her even after all these years.

Her smile evaporated. What if he wasn’t besotted with her? What if he was attempting to woo her so that he could jilt her just like all those years ago?

Grace inhaled a determined breath. She had to be overthinking this. It made little difference if the improper, not to mention indecorous, Duke of Pelham wanted her. All she wanted and needed was her own home. She would have a contented life with a deed and excellent savings put away after she’d worked all these years as the Governess .

The coach driver called, “Whoa.” Instantly, the carriage rolled to a slow stop in front of Pippa’s dress shop, which Lord Ravenscroft had purchased for her before they’d agreed to be married.

“My word, Lady Grace, would you look at that red gown in the window.” Athena pressed her nose against the carriage window and stared longingly at the dress. “Do you suppose it’s for sale?”

“We must ask.” Grace smiled at the young lady’s enthusiasm. “It is a beautiful gown. Is red one of your favorite colors?”

“It is. But everyone expects me to dress in gold since that’s the color associated with the goddess Athena.” The young lady smiled sheepishly. “I hope it doesn’t sound as if I’m ungrateful for my wardrobe, but it does get a little tiring wearing various shades of ivory and gold all the time.”

Everything Marbury had said about Athena had been the truth. She was a beauty, who possessed lovely manners, not to mention she was an heiress. She would have no trouble finding a worthy match this Season.

Grace patted the young woman’s arm. “Come, Athena. With her experience and talent, Lady Ravenscroft will help you choose other colors that are becoming on you.”

Before they arrived at the shop door, it swung open. Completely oblivious to everyone else, Pippa wrapped her arms around Grace. “You’re finally here. Honoria and I have been waiting all morning.”

“Honoria? She is here as well?”

Pippa nodded, then turned her smile toward Grace’s charge. “You must be Lady Athena.”

The young lady dipped a proper curtsey and smiled. “It’s lovely to meet you, Lady Ravenscroft. I’ve heard so much about your dresses. I’m hopeful that I might be able to acquire a few of your designs.”

Pippa grinned, her pleasure obvious to all. “I’m certain we can create a wardrobe that will make society declare you the incomparable of the Season.”

Athena answered her with a wide smile that made her entire face glow. “I would like that very much.”

“Let’s not tarry. Come inside.” Pippa waved them through the doorway. As soon as Athena passed her, Pippa wrapped her arm around Grace’s waist and tugged her in a different direction. “Mary will assist Athena in selecting fabrics and starting the measurements.” Her blue eyes twinkled, and her cheeks had reddened. “Come with me. I have a surprise.”

For a moment, Grace couldn’t say anything. “A surprise?” Grace narrowed her eyes, but she continued to smile. “What mischief is this, Pippa?”

Pippa brought her to a corner of the store reserved for her worktable. The corner provided the best light to sew, as windows surrounded it, allowing Pippa and her staff to see who was coming into the store.

Her friend waved her hand at the table. “Behold.”

Three of the most stunning gowns Grace had ever seen were meticulously draped across the table. The first gown was a classic morning dress in pale blue with peacock-colored trim and a coordinating ribbon. It even featured a matching pelisse in the same peacock blue and trim. It was both demure and elegant, a sophisticated gown that enhanced a lady’s confidence. The second morning gown consisted of black satin with white trim and jet buttons running down the back. A bright red reticule, trimmed in the same black ribbon and jet buttons, accompanied the ensemble. Only a lady of wealth could afford such accessories as buttons and matching reticules.

But the evening gown demanded everyone’s attention. It was an iridescent pink reminiscent of the inside of a seashell. It shimmered and twinkled, with tiny clear jewels sewn into the bodice and trim around the waist and sleeves. A train of gossamer silk in the same pink shade was attached.

They were all beautiful, but the evening gown took her breath away. She would feel like a princess if she ever wore such a creation. Even a dowdy matron like her would feel as if she were the belle of the ball.

She had to forget the young lord’s insult. Based on Athena’s comments, he was shy and awkward in social settings. Thankfully, Athena had Grace to steer her through the Season. A young lord with a young ward would be eaten alive by the gossips.

“Pippa, these are gorgeous.” Grace reached out to touch the evening gown but then thought better of it. “I don’t want to risk soiling them.”

“Go ahead and look to your heart’s content,” Pippa murmured.

“Who are they for?”

Just then, Honoria came around the corner with her arms laden with shoes, fans, chemises, and even a hat. “Did you start the party without me?”

“Never, dearest,” Pippa cooed. “I didn’t have time to hide these before Grace and Lady Athena arrived.”

Honoria nodded, then looked around the store. “Where is she?”

“Athena is over there with Mary,” Pippa answered.

All three of them turned in the direction of Athena, who was not only talking to Mary but also had several young ladies gathered around her.

For a moment, Grace’s protective instincts rose. As a new face in society, Athena could easily become a target to the young ladies who thought themselves better than anyone else. In many ways, such women reminded Grace of squawking hens who were the bullies of the barnyard. They were always loud and overthought their own importance.

Just as she took a step forward to go to Athena’s side, the young woman laughed and glanced at Grace with a warm smile. She wasn’t intimidated and seemed to relish the young women around her. They were laughing, whispering, and then laughing again. All four of them wore smiles.

Grace relaxed.

“They seem friendly enough,” Honoria commented as she regarded the women.

Pippa grinned. “They are. They met at finishing school and have recently arrived in town. They visit the shop daily and inspect the fabric and the gowns.” She lowered her voice. “Which is wonderful for me. I do not doubt that these intrepid young ladies will find a way to convince their parents that they require one of my gowns.”

“You’re very generous to allow them to spend time here,” Grace added softly so as not to be overheard.

“Truthfully, I like having them here. They have an entirely different perspective on fashion than their mothers or other family members. I think the melding of such tastes will ensure that my gowns are unconventional and highly sought-after fashion.” She grinned and waggled her eyebrows.

“You are incorrigible,” Honoria said with a smile. “But I like the way you think.”

“I learned it all from you.” Pippa turned back to Grace. “Before I help your young charge, I wanted you to try these on. If any adjustments need to be made, we can do it here. But I think they’ll fit as I used your measurements from your other?—”

Before Pippa finished her sentence, Grace was shaking her head. “I can’t,” she murmured. “I don’t have the money to buy these gowns. And if your brother is funding this purchase, it’s all the more reason I cannot accept these.” She placed her hand on Pippa’s arm and squeezed. “You understand that it’s not appropriate.”

Honoria frowned. “But Grace, we’re friends. Practically family. Why can’t the Ardeerton family help you?”

“We shall be discreet.” Pippa nodded in agreement. “It’s no different than if Dane bought us a gown.”

Grace bit the inside of her cheek. “It is. I’m not his sister.”

“No, but you’re…” Honoria trailed off and then looked to Pippa.

Both sisters blushed at the inference. The question on their faces was easy to interpret. If Grace wasn’t his sister, then what was she?

His Governess. The person who would teach him all about the marriage mart and help him find the perfect mate. Grace didn’t confide that information to Honoria or Pippa. It was Dane’s prerogative whether to share that he was hunting for a wife. Not hers.

Honoria smiled sheepishly. “Well, we feel as if you are our sister. Therefore, this is our gift to you.”

Pippa nodded in agreement. “I made these dresses specifically for you. When you wear them, every man and woman will have their eyes on you. You’ll be magnificent.”

“Now, try these on for us. We also have reticules, shoes, chemises, and everything else you’ll need for the gowns.” Honoria swept two of the gowns into her hands. “Shall we try these on first?”

Pippa pointed to the back. “Why don’t you go to my private study? I have a full-length mirror and a pedestal that Grace may stand on. I’ll go see about Lady Athena, then I’ll join you.”

As Grace opened her mouth to say no, Honoria wrapped her in a hug. “Please, Grace,” she whispered. “You’ve done so much for me and Marcus. I know that Pippa feels the same about your efforts on her and Hugh’s behalf.” When she pulled back, her eyes were filled with emotion. “I don’t know what my life would be like if you hadn’t helped me.”

“I feel the same,” Pippa said as she wrapped her arms around both of them. “You’re going to make me cry.”

Tears welled in her eyes as they broke apart. The Ardeerton sisters always treated her like a true friend, making her feel special to them.

She slowly nodded her agreement. “I have a condition.”

Both sisters leaned in.

“Allow me to concentrate on Lady Athena first.” Grace’s charge was currently picking out fabric with the help of her friends. “She’s my first priority. I can come back later in the day or tomorrow.”

“Well, I’m not leaving until you are properly fitted with these gowns.” Honoria propped her hands on her hips as if issuing a challenge.

“Me as well,” Pippa said.

“All right, you two. You’re acting like your brother right now.”

“We consider that a high compliment,” Pippa retorted.

“He knows how to get things done,” Honoria agreed, then lowered her voice. “He also knows how to be protective and love fiercely.”

Grace did her best to hide her melancholy smile. There was once a time in her life when Dane had loved her ardently, and she’d loved him with that same fervor. Since then, she couldn’t help but worry in the darkest part of the night that she had made a mistake all those years ago. Yet, he’d been the one who had insisted that they should break their betrothal.

The bolts of fabric before her faded into the background. Everything had been so clear all those years ago when she’d confronted him in that meadow.

Slinging mud behind them, Dane’s horse galloped at breakneck speed across the field. Like her thoughts, the morning rain had left everything wet and muddled. In seconds, Dane dismounted and stormed toward her.

His long legs ate the distance between them. By the set of his jaw, he was furious. Well, so was she. Grace tilted her chin slightly, ready to confront him.

By the time he reached her side, he was panting. “What is the meaning of this?” He waved her note in the air.

“How could you?” she asked at the same time.

His nostrils flared as he stared at her. “Grace, explain.”

She narrowed her eyes slightly as she regarded him. The blond stubble of his beard indicated that he hadn’t shaved that morning, and it didn’t hide the bruising on one cheek. Her eyes widened at the black and blue marks. “What happened?”

“Nothing,” he snapped.

She reached to cup his cheek, but he drew his head back.

“It looks like it is painful. Did you get into a fisticuffs match last night?”

“No. It happened after I asked you to marry me.” He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes. “I don’t want to discuss my face.”

“Fine then. I’m sure it has something to do with where you were last night. Father told me he saw you at the Jolly Rooster gaming tables.” She crossed her arms. “With two women who were undressed sitting on your lap. You were completely foxed.”

“No, I wasn’t, and they weren’t undressed.”

“Their bosoms were on full display,” she countered.

“Well, yes.” His familiar, roguish grin appeared. It normally always charmed her, but not today. “I can explain.”

“Oh, this should be titillating. Unfortunately, I don’t have a pencil and paper to write it down. I’m sure your explanation will be memorable enough that I’ll want it as a keepsake.”

“If it’s memorable, then why would you need to write it down?” he countered, then dipped his head and rubbed the back of his neck. “Let us not do this. I apologize.”

“For the girls or your sarcasm?”

“Grace.” His voice dropped into a soothing lilt to placate her. “It’s not what you think.”

“What am I supposed to think when you had two naked women on your lap the same day you asked me to marry you?”

“It’s bloody unfortunate that your father saw me ? —”

“Unfortunate for whom? I think it is a godsend.”

“I should have told you what I was doing. Forgive me,” he crooned softly. He stepped forward and held out his hands to take hers.

Instantly, she took a step backward. If she touched him, she might fall apart.

“I didn’t have much time. Scoville was there looking for a high-stakes game. He’s known for running a high table and leaving when he wins a hand. That’s why I didn’t have a chance to tell you.”

“Why should I care about that?” She was practically spitting at this point. Never had she been so livid in her life. Nor had she ever been so hurt. “Did I even cross your mind as you sat there? Did you consider what I would think…” She gasped as the emotion threatened to overwhelm her. “Did you consider how I would feel knowing you’d been with other women?”

“Grace?” Pippa’s voice broke her out of her reverie.

“Forgive me. I was woolgathering.” She smiled slightly.

Pippa pointed at the window. “Lady Athena asked about the dress in the window. I told her it wasn’t for sale.”

“Why?” Hopefully, Athena would not be too disappointed.

“Because I made it for you.”

Grace turned her attention to the striking gown in the window. If she wore that to Lord and Lady St. Albers’ soiree, every man in the ballroom would ask her to dance. If only she could find a way to pay for it. She wanted that gown, and what was more, she wanted to see Dane’s expression when she wore it.

Respected matron, indeed.