Page 147 of Rogue of My Heart

“Oh, how you tease.” She rested her fingertips on his coat sleeve.

He smiled. His words were meant to tease, but they held the truth as well. Tonight would be a special night for them, and he had no wish for his plans to be delayed.

He led her to the large arched door and placed a kiss on the back of her hand. “Until tonight, my lady.” He winked.

Twelve

Rebecca stood with Phoebe near a potted fern at the back of the ballroom. Most of the guests had already spilled into the space. Ladies and gentlemen stood in every corner, fanning out along the walls of the candlelit room as they waited for Mother and Father to open the floor for dancing.

Still, Camden had not appeared. Her stomach tightened as she stared at the entrance. What could be keeping him? He had seemed eager this afternoon, and gave every indication that he would not miss their dance.

“Is something bothering you?” Phoebe asked, worry lines etched her brow.

“No.” Rebecca glanced at Phoebe, then quickly back to the door. Camden would arrive any minute, and she did not want to miss his entrance. Everything was fine. She was sure of it.

“Are you quite certain? You acted a bit strange all afternoon, and now you seem very distracted,” Phoebe said as she rested her hand on Rebecca’s arm.

“I am merely anxious to see this house party draw to an end.” Rebecca flipped open her fan. Had the air warmed suddenly? She fanned herself as she said, “The past fortnight has been grueling. I long for everyone to take their leave.”

“Will you be saddened by Captain Beauchamp’s departure?”

Rebecca’s chest tightened, and she had the sudden realization that she no longer wished for him to leave. She sighed, her gaze still on the door. “I do not know that he plans to leave. He has said nothing of the sort to me.”

“But surely you know he must wish to. He cannot stay in that decrepit castle forever.”

“Almerry is not decrepit. He has been working to restore it and plans to return it to its former splendor.”

Camden swept into the room and Rebecca swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat. She’d enjoyed their time together so much she’d allowed herself to ignore that he was a soldier.

There was no ignoring the fact now.

He wore his full dress uniform, and though he looked breathtakingly handsome in the white breeches and red coat decorated with intricate gold designs, it reminded her how ill suited they were. Nonetheless, she felt pulled toward him.

She glanced at Phoebe. “If you will excuse me, I promised Captain Beauchamp the first set.”

“By all means.” Phoebe grinned, opening her fan with a flip of her wrist. “Do not keep him waiting.”

Rebecca pushed away her trepidation and made her way toward Camden. She would enjoy this night, even if tomorrow promised heartache. Tomorrow she would end their courtship. She wished things were different, but she could no more change the fact that he was a soldier than she could bring Roland back from the grave. It mattered not that she’d come to care for Camden—to love him—they could never make a match.

She’d been a fool for taking Phoebe’s advice when she had known from the start there was no future for her and Camden. It was a dangerous game and she never should have indulged it. But did she ever have a choice? Camden attended the house party and currently resided next-door. It was not as if she could have hid from him.

She would not—could not—think on it tonight.

As the quartet struck the first cords of a country-dance, she met Camden’s eyes and gave a brilliant smile.

“My lady.” Camden bowed before he offered his arm. “I believe this is our dance.”

Rebecca curtsied. “Captain Beauchamp, I believe you are right.” She rested her fingers on his sleeve before glancing at the dance floor to where her parents stood. “I also believe you are late.” She ignored the familiar flutter of her stomach at his touch.

“Nonsense, I am right on time.” He swept her onto the dance floor, where they took their positions in line.

The music started, and she curtsied while he bowed. He caught her gaze as they swept past each other and offered a wink. Heat scorched her cheeks. She glanced around as she made her turn. Heaven forbid anyone noticed his flirtatious actions. When she swept past him, the second time, she gave him a scowl. “Behave yourself.”

He grinned at her from across the floor. Blast her body for it warmed at the sight. And her fool heart—the blasted thing soared. She averted her gaze to her mother and father. They danced by, light on their feet and grinning at each other. Once they had passed, Rebecca and Camden came together. She placed her hands in his with a furtive glance. He led her down the line, mischief dancing in his eyes.

Camden led her through the rest of the dance in silence. Rebecca’s heart thumped as she took Camden’s arm, allowing him to guide her from the floor.

“That was exhilarating. Will you join me for a stroll out of doors?” He led her toward the large doors at the rear of the ballroom. “It is stifling in here.”