Page 2 of Every Wallflower Has Her Thorns (Revenge of the Wallflowers)
Chapter Two
T he next day, the men were in George’s study playing chess. “By the way, the next time you ask me to accompany you to a ball, please ensure the hostess has not closed the card room.”
George laughed at Calum as they sat across from each other at the chessboard by the large roaring fire. “Stop trying to put me off my game. We have your black stallion riding on the outcome of this match.”
“Putting you off? Your play is so slow, this game may well last longer than my horse.” They had started this game two weeks ago and so far, neither of the men was gaining the upper hand.
George rubbed his forehead. “Speaking of last night, I thank you for following Alice’s direction to rescue me from Lady Penelope. It was generous of you, considering she hunted you for the rest of the evening.”
“I may well have given her the wrong impression by my eagerness to escort her, but your sister is hard to turn down.” Calum looked at George. “You do realize Alice thinks she’s unmarriageable.”
Her brother sighed and sat back in his chair and took a long drink from his wineglass. “I think some of the ladies were not particularly kind to her at the start of the season. She believes them when they say no man wants a cripple. I cannot convince her otherwise, and she’s lost all confidence.”
“She’s not a cripple. She merely has a limp. Besides, she’s beautiful and has a very large dowry.”
A picture of Alice formed in his head; a vision of grace and elegance, reminiscent of a delicate blossom. Her porcelain skin bore a soft, rosy hue, a testament to her youthful vitality. Her expressive hazel eyes, framed by long, dark lashes, possessed a sparkle that spoke of intelligence and kindness.
She moved with a poised demeanor, despite the noticeable limp that accompanied her every step. Her gentle sway carried a subtle rhythm, a testament to her resilience rather than a hindrance. Her petite stature, adorned with tasteful attire of the finest fabrics, always carried an air of sophistication, each garment meticulously chosen to complement her figure and reflect her exquisite taste.
Alice often styled her hair, a cascade of fair strawberry curls. in a simple yet elegant manner, adorned perhaps with a ribbon or two, framing her face in a way that highlighted her delicate features, and her smile, warm and genuine.
Though constrained by her mobility, her spirit soared freely. Alice had a sharp wit, her intellect shining through in conversations that she graciously navigated with eloquence and charm. Her keen interest in literature and the arts made her a captivating conversationalist, effortlessly weaving tales and discussing the latest novels or artistic exhibitions.
Despite the challenges she faced, Alice exuded a quiet strength that inspired admiration among those who had the privilege of crossing paths with her. If only society gave her a chance.
“I love my sister. She’s the only family I have left and she made me promise that who, and if, she wed would be her choice. She’s very firm. Alice doesn’t want a marriage of convenience. Which of course means she’s unlikely to wed. How many love matches do you know of within the ton ?”
Calum could count them on one hand. He himself had no immediate thoughts of marriage. Not after his previous disaster. He wanted to travel. His father was as strong as an ox, he had three younger brothers, and he had little regard for women in general. They lied and flattered to get what they wanted. He’d learned that as a young man. They mostly viewed him as prey, either as a husband or a provider. He’d almost fallen into one female’s trap, and it had cost him his heart and pride.
When it did come time to marry, he would do the choosing and be more circumspect where his heart was concerned. A woman would have to prove her devotion and love before he willingly surrendered his heart. Woman were often false where feelings were concerned. Money and security more of a driver than love.
Except, of course, for Alice.
As if she’d heard him, there was a soft knock at the study door and she entered. “Sorry to disturb you, but there is an urgent missive from Lord Starling,” she said and handed George the note.
Upon reading it, he cursed. “My pardon, Alice, but I can’t escort you to Lady Eversham’s musical soiree tonight. Lord Starling is in urgent need of me and you know I cannot refuse.” Lord Starling had been their father’s closest friend.
With a gleeful voice, Alice said, “What a shame. Never mind. I can have a night at home for a change.”
“Or I could escort you,” Calum didn’t know why he offered. He didn’t wish to attend a boring recital. In fact, he was supposed to meet with Lady Patricia, but he wanted Alice to be seen. He wanted to rebuild her confidence and make her see, and society see, that she would make a wonderful wife and mother. She was worth more than any of the debutantes he’d had the misfortune to meet.
Alice’s smile disappeared. “There is no need. I really don’t mind not attending.”
George looked at Calum and nodded. “Thank you. That is most kind.”
“Shall I collect you in my carriage at, say, eight?”
Her green eyes flashed with anger. Why was Alice so reluctant? It was as if she didn’t wish to be seen with him and that rankled. Most women fought for his attentions.
“That would be acceptable.” Then her attention turned to the chessboard. “Gosh, one of you could have this match won in four moves.” Then she cheekily added, “Do you need my help?”
Both men frowned, with George leaning closer to the board. He studied it closely for several minutes before declaring, “Bother it. I cannot see what you are talking about. Can you, Calum?”
He, too, could see no victory in what he thought would be his next four moves. His admiration for Alice grew. He understood how clever women could be. Most of them planned their entrapments as well as Wellington planned a battle, and he really didn’t want to lose his best stallion.
He flashed Alice a smile only normally reserved for seducing his fancy women. “If I promised you the first foal from breeding my stallion, would you help me win?”
“That’s not fair,” George exclaimed.
“Oh, brother, I’ve already helped you. Calum would have had you two moves ago if you’d not asked for my help,” she responded teasingly.
Calum’s eyebrow rose. “Is that so? Not very sporting. So, I have no qualms in asking your sister to share her skills.”
“For a foal from your first breeding of the stallion?”
“Absolutely.”
“Not fair,” George crumbled.
Alice sat next to him and her arm brushed his. Tension, hot and rapid as summer lightning, arced between them at the contact. Giving him a startled look, she turned her attention to the board. To his surprise, his damned loins tightened in response to merely touching her. That was new. He’d never thought of Alice as a woman in that way. Why now? He kept his expression cool when he asked, “Do I move knight to king four?”
Alice arched a slender eyebrow. “You do know how to win this, but our deal stands.”
Within the hour, Calum declared checkmate and George surrendered.
Alice clapped her hands in glee. “I look forward to receiving payment. Now I shall leave you gentleman to your amusements. I’ll expect you at eight.”
Once she’d left the room, George gave Calum a quizzical look. “Why this sudden interest in Alice?”
He took a long drink of alcohol. “Whatever do you mean?”
“You rushed to her defense at the ball last night and now jumping to escort her. If you were any other man, I’d have suspicions regarding your intentions.”
“I too have a strategy. If I look to be interested in your sister, I’m sure other men will begin to notice and seek to learn why. That should help her find someone suitable. As for me, it will stop avaricious mamas and daughters from pursuing me if they believe I’m pursuing Alice. We will help each other.”
As George sat back, nursing his drink, he said, “I can only think of one drawback. What if Alice falls for you? You know what your attentions can do to a woman. I don’t want my sister hurt.”