Page 16 of One Scandal Too Many (Havenwood Academy #1)

C harlotte walked with Jaclyn as they entered the area set up for the day’s activities. It didn’t take a genius to uncover what that activity would be: archery. As a little girl, she had wanted to learn how to shoot a pistol, but her father had told her no. That type of weapon wasn’t for girls. He had compromised with her and allowed her to learn a different skill. Archery was a much better option for a girl, even if it too was far too masculine for the duke’s mindset. Still, she could learn as long as she never let anyone know she could shoot an arrow better than any man. Which meant she never participated in these types of events. How the blazes was she going to extricate herself from this? She could pretend to be something she wasn’t—a woman without any idea how to hit the target. Could she do it?

Jaclyn wrinkled her nose. “There are many things I would rather do than this.”

“Name one,” Charlotte challenged her.

Her friend glared at her and then accepted the gauntlet Charlotte had thrown. “Swim naked in that pond we passed on the way here.” She grinned. “That would be both daring and exciting.”

Immediately the image of Declan swimming in that pond flashed before her. He was decadent that day. She also remembered the dip he had taken the night before, though that one had been fully clothed and undesired. “I can see the appeal.” She’d like to swim naked with Declan. Her cheeks heated at the idea. How scandalous...

Jaclyn laughed. “I can guess where your thoughts are roaming, but I’ll refrain from speaking them aloud.” She bumped shoulders with her. “Lest your wickedness spill over onto some innocents nearby.”

They came to a halt nearby where the targets had been set up. There were a lot of guests already milling about. She searched the area but did not see Declan. She hoped he would find her soon.

Charlotte rolled her eyes. “If anyone has wickedness to spill, it’s you.” She fought a smile. “You’ve led me down more scandalous paths than anyone else.”

“How very astute,” a man said from behind them. “She knows you well, then.”

They both turned and found the Duke of Amberwood and the Earl of Foxmoore there. The duke didn’t seem happy to see them. The earl was ambivalent. He seemed to be looking for someone else. Charlotte could guess. He wanted to see Georgina. Well, he wouldn’t have to wait long. Georgina and Melisande had been a short distance behind them. They should reach them soon.

Jaclyn glared at the duke. “You only think you know how wicked I can be.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Trust me,” she told him. “When I’m truly wicked, you’ll be the last man to know.” With those words she walked away, leaving the Duke of Amberwood gaping at her.

“She’s too much,” he said under his breath.

“You think so?” Charlotte asked as she glanced in her friend’s direction. “Then I suppose it is good that she’s not yours, isn’t it?” She tilted her head to the side. “She’s free to find a gentleman that will appreciate her.”

The duke turned his gaze toward her. “And whoever that fictitious person may be, he is quite welcome to her.”

There was something in his gaze that belied his words. He did not truly want another to make a claim on Jaclyn. She couldn’t help wondering, not for the first time, what their history actually consisted of, and if they had any chance of rectifying the mistakes they had clearly made with each other.

“You may regret that one day,” she told him. “Though I do believe you already carry many regrets that weigh on you. Perhaps you should not add more to that already-overbearing load.” She turned toward the earl. “If you’re waiting for Georgina, she’s approaching now.”

“I’m not . . .” The Earl of Foxmoore sputtered out the words. “I mean . . .”

“It’s all right, my lord,” she said with amusement. “Your secret is safe with me.” With those words said, she turned away from the two gentlemen and went in search of her friend. Their chaperones would not be far behind, but still she didn’t wish for her friend to be alone. She was clearly troubled by the duke’s words.

She didn’t get a chance to locate Jaclyn, though. Charlotte ran right into Declan. He reached out and steadied her so she didn’t fall to the ground. That would have been quite ungraceful. She had been so preoccupied with her search, she hadn’t seen him approaching her. “I’m so sorry,” she said. She was sincere in her apology, but she was also grateful. Charlotte had come for him alone. The rest of the house party had no allure for her. But Declan... Her fascination with the marquess was not waning but growing with each passing day. Every moment they spent together only proved to draw them closer together. Whenever he touched her, in any fashion, desire sparked to life within her. Though it was far more than that. The feelings she held for him were far more complicated than simple lust. Either way, she was always happy to be in his company. This time was no different.

“What is bothering you?” he asked. His expression filled with concern. He started to reach out to touch her face but clenched his fingers together. It wouldn’t be wise to be too familiar with her with so many gazes watching them. “Tell me.”

“It’s not important,” she said. Charlotte did not wish to speak ill of the duke. Declan considered him a good friend. Besides, she wanted to protect Jaclyn for as long as possible. Her friend did not need any more anxiety at the moment. She motioned toward the targets. “Archery?”

“Yes,” he said. “I just finished speaking with my mother about the activities she has planned.” He glanced around them. “There are more guests here than I anticipated.”

“What will we do next?”

“It’s a competition,” he began. “She has an elaborate point system set up. The top three scores will win a prize.”

Charlotte nibbled on her bottom lip. She debated all the possibilities. If she participated in the archery contest, she could win; however, that would mean her father might discover the results. He didn’t want her displaying her skill for all the ton to witness. Did she want to take a risk that might displease her father? What could she possibly gain by taking part in this activity? Perhaps there was something she could do instead. But what? She narrowed her gaze and studied Declan. “Are you going to take part in the archery contest?”

“It was my intention to do so.” He studied her. “Are you?”

“I’m considering it,” she said in a noncommittal tone. Charlotte glanced over to the archery area once more. “Are you a fair archer?”

“I’d say so.” He frowned. “What is your concern? Perhaps I can alleviate it.”

She doubted he could. This had to be her decision, and hers alone. If she decided to take up the bow and take a chance in the contest, she would have to own that choice. Especially once her father discovered what she had done. “It’s not something you can change.” She smiled. “Either I decide to take part, or I don’t.”

“And if you don’t?” He lifted a brow. “What will you do then?”

Charlotte shrugged. “That’s yet to be decided as well.” Should she suggest they go off somewhere and find someplace to be alone? She would love to kiss him again. His kisses were so decadent they made her toes curl. She had never dared to believe she would find a gentleman so perfectly suited for her.

He narrowed his gaze. “I believe that you should select a bow and prepare to shoot.”

“You do?” She tilted her head to the side and studied him. What was he trying to say here? Did he think she was good at archery, or was this something else? Charlotte could not be certain. “And pray tell, why is that?”

“Because you want to,” he said in a tone that brokered no argument. It was decisive and firm and it made her shiver a little bit. “Do you need any other reason than that?”

Charlotte had no doubt he would list off as many as she required if she asked it of him. She didn’t need that, though. It was enough that he believed she should do as she pleased. “Will you escort me over to select my bow?” She would want to test them all to find the one she was most comfortable with. The last time she had held a bow had been some time ago. Definitely not since she’d been at Havenwood.

“I’d love nothing more,” he said warmly. “In fact,” he began. “I’ll even select a bow myself. We can compete in this tournament together.” He winked. “My mother informed me we would be pairing up either way. The scores will be accumulated between the two of us.”

“Interesting.” Was this his mother’s way of ensuring that more of the guests had a chance to interact with each other, or did she hope her son would find his bride at this party? What did it mean that he preferred her company? Should she even begin to think he might want that bride to be her? “What is the prize we will win?”

“My mother informed me that I couldn’t know until the winners were declared.” He rolled his eyes. “I am afraid of what it might be, since she is being so secretive. She can be a tad overdramatic at times.”

Charlotte laughed. “It must be nice, though. To have a parent care enough to bother.” Her father saw her as a reflection of himself, nothing more. Her actions affected him, and therefore she must consider that in every decision she made. He made no secret what he thought of her and any of her gender. Females had only one purpose—to provide an heir or support their husband in whatever way they needed. As his daughter, she would secure a match that would only prove to elevate his position. She wasn’t certain in what way. He was a duke, after all. What would he gain by her marriage?

In that regard, she turned her attention to Declan. He was a marquess. Not nearly as lofty as a duke, but still a high-ranking title. Would her father believe he was good enough for her? She had her doubts. But like everything where her father was concerned, that was no surprise. That one scandal, the one that had ensured her attendance at Havenwood, had been too much. The scandal wasn’t even one of great consequence. She doubted many had even heard about it. Well, that wasn’t true. Too many had heard about it. They had been wrong in their assumptions, but when had that ever mattered when the salaciousness of the tale sounded far better?

They reached the selection of bows. Charlotte picked up one and tested the string. It wasn’t quite right. She did that with all of the bows until she found one that worked best for her. Declan had been doing the same at her side. “I’m ready,” she informed him.

He picked up a bow and tested it and then nodded. “As am I.”

They headed over to one of the servants that was handling all the information for the tournament. Once they received their instructions, they went to their target to wait for the next step. Charlotte studied it. The wind was a little high, and she would have to take that into account when she took her shot.

“You really do not know what the prize will be?” she asked.

“I do not,” he admitted. “I am curious, though. What do you think it could be? Should we take a few guesses?”

“To what end?” She frowned. “We cannot really know until it is announced.”

He shrugged. “To give us something to do until we are to start shooting.” He gestured to the stacks of hay with targets attached to them. “Unless you have a better idea of what we can do until that time?”

She shook her head. “I wouldn’t presume to have a better suggestion than that.” Charlotte batted her eyelashes at him. It occurred to her then that she had completely forgotten about Jaclyn and she hadn’t seen her chaperone either. Was Mrs. Havenwood starting to trust them, or was there a scheme she was unaware of happening? Declan could be convincing. He’d persuaded her with ease to meet him the night before. Why wouldn’t he have done something similar with the headmistress of Havenwood?

He chuckled in a low throaty tone that made her insides squirm with a need she didn’t understand. Declan grinned at her. “I’m certain that you have something in mind.”

“If I did,” she told him. “I could not say one way or the other. We are in mixed company, and some might not appreciate my boldness.”

“Oh,” he said in his wicked voice. “I appreciate it very much. Do not stop on my account.”

Her grin widened. She adored this man. She desperately wanted to press her lips to his. “I’m sure you revel in it quite a bit.” Charlotte winked. “But I’m still not taking a path I cannot return from.”

“Then perhaps I will have to lure you down it and we can spend a lengthy time there. Once there, we can discover all the appeal it holds and slide into some sinful drudgery.”

“Drudgery?” she lifted a mocking brow. “That is sinful?”

“Not in the least.” His lips tilted upward into pure wickedness. “But, darling, we are in mixed company, as you said. I cannot very well announce exactly what I am thinking, now can I?”

“And what is that?” She was nearly breathless. How was she supposed to shoot her bow when all she could think about was his lips and how they would feel upon hers?

He leaned down and said in a low tone. “I want to kiss you until you forget how to breathe.” He lifted his hand and trailed a finger over her shoulder lightly, and completely out of everyone’s view. “But what I want more than anything is to strip this dress from your lovely body, and everything underneath. I want you naked and at my mercy.” She licked her lips in anticipation. Charlotte desired him just as much. “And I want to have my mouth on you. The need to taste your skin and kiss you is overwhelming. When I look at you—I just want. It’s as simple as that.”

Saints above... this man. “Devil take it—you’re destroying every bit of my restraint. How am I to resist you when you say such arousing things to me?”

His grin was still as wicked as ever. “I never said I play fair, darling. I want you, and I will claim you. When you’re ready, I’ll gladly carry you away and prove to you I meant every one of those words.”

Charlotte didn’t doubt it for one second. He would do it, too. The question of course was: Did she want him to? She thought about it, and yes she did. One day, her father might arrange a marriage for her. It would probably be to an old man, or worse, a man that would mistreat her. Shouldn’t she know what true passion was like before then? Declan hadn’t offered her marriage. The way she had been acting with him, she didn’t blame him either. She was acting the part of a courtesan. Meeting him in secret and letting him kiss her without shame.

He hadn’t said he loved her, either. But what did she feel about him? She adored him, yes, but did her feelings go deeper than that? How did one know if one was in love? Charlotte shook those thoughts away. She wasn’t going to ask him to ruin her now. They had an archery contest to win. The rest could wait until later. She lifted her chin and met his gaze. “Today we have something else to occupy our time with. I do believe it is time to start shooting.”

She had a feeling she would be awful, and she didn’t care.

“Yes, we do.” He grinned. “You can shoot first. I insist.”

Charlotte sighed and took up her position. She nocked an arrow and took aim. Once she studied the shot and determined the best angle, she let it loose. It hit the center, and she grinned. Perhaps it wouldn’t be as terrible as she had first believed.

It was Declan’s turn to shoot. He did the same as Charlotte had. He nocked his arrow and took aim at the target. He did not let the arrow fly yet. He waited, then took a breath before he let go of the bow string. He hit the target, his arrow landing next to Charlotte’s. They were evenly matched, it seemed.

“It’s your shot, darling,” he teased.

That gave Charlotte an idea. Her lips twisted into a wry smile as she met his gaze. “Declan, love,” she said in a husky tone. “Why don’t we play for our own stakes?”

He lifted a brow. “A wager between the two of us?”

“Precisely,” she told him. Then she trailed a finger across his chest, making an x, as if marking her spot. She wanted to own his heart, and perhaps in time she would. Until then, she had staked her claim in the only way she could. “Clearly we are both excellent archers.”

“With the two shots we have landed, I’d have to agree.” He tilted his head to the side. “What do you propose?”

“If I win,” she said, “then you will allow me to participate in the gentlemen’s activities tomorrow morning.”

“You wish to join the hunt?” He grinned. “Darling, we do not need to wager for you to join in. I want you there with me.” He sighed. “As the host, I’m required to join. I had not been looking forward to it, but with you there I’ll happily attend.”

“Then we can decide upon a different boon,” she told him. “I agree to whatever it is you wish.” She winked. “And you will do the same.”

“To the winner goes the spoils?” He flashed her that wicked smile she adored so much. Charlotte almost sighed at that decadent sight. “I can agree to that. Are there any other terms for our wager?”

Charlotte shook her head. “I don’t believe so.” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “However, we should establish rules.”

“Rules?” he said. “I thought the rules of archery were fairly clear.”

“That they are,” she agreed. “But I would like to add one simple thing to them.”

“And that is?” he asked. There was a hint of mischievousness in his tone.

“That we may use anything at our disposal to win.”

He nodded. “I agree to that. Shall you take your shot now? The other arrows have been removed from the target.” One of the servants had removed the arrows from the center. They would do that after each person took their shot.

“Yes,” she said. Then took her place in front of the target. She nocked her arrow and raised the bow to aim. Just before she was about to shoot, Declan stepped closer and blew on her ear. The arrow went wide but still hit the target, though not in the center as it had before. She turned to him and frowned. “Are you satisfied?” She arched a brow.

“It will have to do,” he answered, then grinned. “You’re far better than I’ve given you credit for.”

“That’s what usually gives me an advantage. Men always underestimate a lady’s prowess.” She nodded to the target. “It’s your turn, my lord.”

Declan lifted his bow and nocked his arrow. He glanced back at her and grinned. The arrogant arse thought he had the upper hand. She’d see about that. She wasn’t tall enough to blow on his ear, but he had lower extremities that would be sensitive to her touch. Charlotte didn’t dare touch his manhood, but she could perhaps get close. Once he was about to let his arrow fly, she stepped closer. He glanced down at her warily, but he wouldn’t know what she intended. She stood next to him giving as much appearance of innocence as she could muster. He stared at the target, then when he took his breath before he shot, she slid her hand across his bottom and stroked it all the way down to his thigh. He groaned and his arrow not only went wide, he missed the target entirely.

She grinned. “I do believe I have won.”

“You’re a minx,” he said, but there was mirth in his tone. “What boon shall you claim?”

“I’m not certain yet.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “I’ll have to choose carefully.” She motioned toward the archery contest. “Shall we call it complete? We’re not to have a high enough score to win the tournament after that last showing.”

Declan held out his arm to her. “I think our contest was much better anyway. I cannot wait to discover what your boon will be.” His gaze twinkled with amusement. “I suspect it will be far more pleasurable than whatever prize my mother gives the winners of the contest.”

“Perhaps,” she replied in a noncommittal tone. “Perhaps not. As I have not yet decided, I will make no promises.” Charlotte rather liked being wicked with him. She prayed it would always be that way. With the archery over for her, she was free to wander the grounds with him. As long as they didn’t sneak away, none of her chaperones would interfere.

Happiness spread through her like wildfire. So much so, it terrified her. She couldn’t help being frightened of losing this with him. What would she do if he lost interest? She took a deep calming breath. It was best not to beg for trouble that hadn’t arisen yet. No promises had been made. Charlotte would enjoy these moments with him, and trust that everything would turn out the way it should—with a love match she had never dared wish for. With that thought she grinned and allowed him to lead her away from the archers. They had the rest of the afternoon just to converse and learn more about each other. There wasn’t anything she wanted more in that moment.