Page 134 of Rogue of My Heart

“Captain Camden Beauchamp, allow me to introduce our hostess, my delightful wife, Lady Chesterfield.”

Camden bowed over Lady Chesterfield’s hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady.”

Her smile broadened. “Welcome to our home, Captain Beauchamp.” She turned to her husband. “I trust the captain will be introduced to our daughters.”

“He has already met Lady Rebecca and will be introduced to Lady Phoebe as well.”

“Splendid,” Lady Chesterfield said, her gaze moving to a nearby couple. “Do excuse us Captain Beauchamp.”

Camden barely registered their departure, his gaze firmly fixed on Rebecca. As she sang the last words of the song, her gaze brushed past him. Had she noticed him in the crush, or did he blend in with the masses?

She leaned close to her sister, the curls around her face dancing with her movements. When she straightened, both ladies looked in his direction. Rebecca lifted one honey-colored brow at him. His pulse increased. Was she cross with him for coming, or happy to see him?

Her face gave no clues. He shrugged a shoulder while searching her expression. She nodded toward the door, disappearing through it a moment later.

Camden swallowed past the tightness in his throat, glancing around the room. Had anyone else noticed her brazen invitation? By the looks of it, everyone was engaged in conversation or distracted by drinks and food.

He strolled across the room, making his way toward the door. Sweat gathered on his palms as he moved into the long hallway. He liked to be the one in control, but for now he had little choice other than to let Rebecca take the lead, for he would not turn down an opportunity to speak with her.

The sharp, echoing thud of his footfalls reverberated against the polished marble floor as he made his way down the long hallway. Candles flickered along the corridor, casting shadows that danced along the walls and floor. He peered into each room he passed--a drawing room with thick velvet curtains and overstuffed armchairs; a library with shelves lined from end to end with leather-bound books; a game room with a billiards table and well-stocked sideboard. But none of them contained Rebecca.

Where had the minx gone? He paused at the next door, hearing the sound of skirts rustling, and peeked inside.

Rebecca reached out and grabbed his jacket lapel. She tugged him into the office, closing the door behind them. Her green eyes blazed. “Why are you here?”

“I told you I would attend when we spoke earlier.” He grinned. “I mean to become better acquainted with you.”

She strolled over to a large window. Her elegant fingers smoothed a fold in the velvet drapes. “You are wasting your time.”

He needed common ground. Something that interested her more than her desire to be rid of him. Something like… Almerry. “Tell me. How many times have you breached my castle’s walls?”

Rebecca spun on him, a light blush upon her cheeks. “What are you accusing me of, Captain?”

He could not fight his smirk. “We both know I speak the truth. On at least one occasion, you strolled through Almerry’s gate.”

She placed her hands on her hips. “I came after an intruder. How was I to know you were actually the owner?”

“I do not begrudge your actions. You simply took me by surprise when you marched into my stable and ordered me from my land.” He moved to sit on a nearby chaise. Perhaps if he looked less formidable, she would soften. “In truth, I quite admire you for it. Now tell me, how many times have you visited Almerry?”

“This is ridiculous,” she said, then strode toward the door.

Camden stood and placed himself in front of the exit. “Today, I found you by the postern gate. Do you visit often?” He offered a smile he hoped was friendly. “There is no need to be defensive. You have leave to enter Almerry whenever you wish.”

“I do?” She blinked at him, her lips parting in surprise. “Why?”

“Because I believe you care for the castle.”

Rebecca’s shoulders relaxed a measure. She looked at him, silent for long heartbeats. It seemed he had her attention at last. A strange pull formed in his chest. “I realize you mean no harm to Almerry. I daresay you may even care for it more than I do.” He took a step closer.

“The castle fascinates me. For as far back as I can remember, I have been quite taken with Almerry.”

“You have?”

She nodded. “The legends of your ancestors, the love they were rumored to share, I find it all very inspiring.” A warm smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “Do you know the locals claim you can hear them call to each other on still nights? Have you heard of Sir Ariston and Lady Isabel’s legend?”

Merriment coursed through him at his small victory. At least for this moment, he had won Rebecca over. He was not fool enough to believe the war between them over, but he was the clear victor of their current battle.

A hollowness filled his chest at the foolish notion. His ambition had been to win her friendship, and it seemed he had. He had no further reason to remain in her company, no reason to attend the remainder of the party. Why did he find the idea so unsettling? He should be celebrating, not contemplating further skirmishes.