Page 140 of Rogue of My Heart

The war had ended. Perhaps she had no reason to fear a relationship with Camden. So long as there was no war, he could not die in battle. Besides, he’d not asked for her hand. He had merely asked to call on her. She turned and stalked back across the room.

“Would you please cease that incessant pacing? You’re making me dizzy.” Phoebe sighed, placing her needlepoint on the mahogany table beside her. “You act like you are headed for the gallows.”

Rebecca stopped at the window. “I may well be.”

Phoebe arched one brow. “Don’t be so dramatic. Captain Beauchamp is a perfectly respectable gentleman, and Mother arranged for you to be chaperoned.”

Rebecca peered out the window toward the long drive leading to her home. If Phoebe knew how disreputable Camden truly was, she would forbid the courtship herself. Rebecca touched her lips, recalling the kisses she and Camden had shared. Her stomach fluttered. Would he kiss her again? She hoped he would. Her cheeks warmed, and she waved her fan in an attempt to cool them.

She belonged in Bedlam for having such a thought. Even more so for surrendering to him, as she had. He could have carried her up to his bed and she would not have complained so long as he continued to kiss her. She was not safe with him. Not as long as her body betrayed her in such a way. And now her heart threatened to falter.

She turned back to Phoebe. “I cannot go through with this. Tell him I have a headache. I am going to my room.” She moved toward the parlor door.

Phoebe stood, her eyes rounded, jaw slackened. “I will do no such thing.” She stepped into Rebecca’s path. “You agreed to spend time with him today, and you shall. Now stop being a goose.”

“I am not being a goose. I have legitimate reasons for not wanting to be around him.” She slapped her fan against her leg.

“Being a soldier is not a legitimate reason for refusing a courtship.” Phoebe placed her hand on Rebecca’s shoulder. “Roland would not have wished for you to behave in such a way. Our brother loved being a soldier and knew the risk he took. He was brave and took pride in fighting for England. You do him no honor by behaving as you are.”

Rebecca’s eyes stung with unshed tears, and she blinked them away. “Sometimes I hate him for getting killed, and for leaving us and his sweet baby behind. Nothing is the same anymore. I miss him so much.” She sniffed and dabbed a handkerchief to the corner of her eyes. “I will not become like Daphne. My heart breaks anew every time I see her.”

“I understand, I swear I do. But it makes no difference who you marry. You cannot guarantee they will live as long as you do. People die young every day and war is seldom the culprit.” Phoebe patted Rebecca’s shoulder. “Just consider it. Allow yourself to get to know Captain Beauchamp before you toss him aside.”

Feet shuffled, and Rebecca turned to the door. Her butler stood in the entrance. A maid scurried past him, taking up her station in the corner. Her stomach turned as she waited for the butler to speak.

“Captain Beauchamp to see Lady Rebecca.” He gave a bow, then backed from the parlor.

Camden strolled in, offering one of his toe curling smiles that made Rebecca’s insides quiver. “Good day, Lady Phoebe. Lady Rebecca.” He bowed.

Rebecca’s pulse sped. Her mind screamed at her to make an excuse to get away, but her legs refused to move. The mere sight of him captivated her. Long muscular legs in tan breeches, tapered waste and broad shoulders scarcely disguised by his elegant navy day coat and starched white cravat. His blue eyes shone in stark contrast to his dark, windblown hair. He was the handsomest gentleman she’d ever seen.

“Good day to you as well, Captain Beauchamp. If you will excuse me, I was just on my way to answer some letters.” Phoebe curtsied, giving him a welcoming smile.

Rebecca narrowed her eyes at Phoebe. How could her sister run off knowing how badly she did not want to spend time alone with Camden? She’d done the same thing at Almerry. Why did she seem so determined to push them together?

“Yes, of course.” He stepped aside, allowing Phoebe to sweep past him and out of the room.

Rebecca watched her disappear through the door in a flurry of yellow skirts. The fluttering returned to her belly the moment she met Camden’s gaze. She rested a hand on her abdomen. “I’ll ring for refreshments. Please have a seat.”

He stepped closer to her. “I thought we might enjoy a stroll through the garden, but if you would rather stay inside, I am happy to join you on the settee.”

She swallowed hard, heat fanning through her like flames being stoked in the hearth. Fresh air might do her some good. She glanced out the window. “A walk sounds lovely.”

He proffered his arm. From the moment she slid her hand around his bicep, she regretted the closeness. The heat raging inside her increased as he led her into the grand foyer. After she accepted her parasol from the butler, Camden donned his hat and led her outside. He looked even more dashing with that dratted hat.

The day was warm, but a cooling breeze danced around her. She opened her parasol, grateful for the shade it cast. Birdsong drifted from the distance. If only she could spread her wings and fly away. But would she really choose to do so? Probably not, for she was drawn to Camden and the flames he stoked within her.

She glanced over her shoulder to ensure the maid followed at a distance. Not that it truly mattered, as one would be hard pressed to consider a maid as a respectable chaperone. Still, it was preferable to being alone with Camden. And they were out of doors where anyone could see them. Yes, a walk was a good way to spend her time with him.

“Lady Chesterfield tells me there is to be a ball.” He guided her onto a path running along the garden’s edge. “Might I request the first dance?”

Rebecca’s breath hitched at the idea of his arms holding her for all the world to see. She both longed for and feared his touch. It was unfair of her to lead him on. The kindest thing she could do would be to end this thing blooming between them. Yet her heart refused to cut ties. Could she truly continue to fight this pull between them? Did she even wish to?

Phoebe’s words echoed in the forefront of her mind. She was indeed being a goose. Her sister was right. Camden would depart for his family home before long. He’d told Father as much. Once he was gone, her life would return to normal. No harm would come from allowing him to court her for a short time.

Not as long as they remained properly chaperoned, and there would be plenty of prying eyes at the ball. She would need to enlist one of the older married women or a widow as chaperone. Besides, she enjoyed Camden’s company.

Having made up her mind, she met his gaze and said, “I should like that.”