Page 81 of A Rake's Revenge


Font Size:

“I think you meanthroughthe arches, Lady Lockwood,” Stephan said. “The ball must go airborne to go through the hoops.”

“How silly of me.” Vanessa snapped open her fan. “I am sure Lord Barclay knew what I meant.”

Stephan was sure Brice knew what she meant, too, since the gown she was attired in had a bodice cut much too low for an afternoon dress and she had lowered her fan just below her cleavage. By contrast, her charge, Miss Vincent, was buttoned up to her chin in yet another loose-fitting gown of a nondescript beige color.

“At any rate,” Vanessa continued her conversation with Brice, “I would be most appreciative if you would demonstrate the game to Miss Vincent. We could discuss how well she did later.”

Stephan had a suspicion that Vanessa didn’t plan to have that discussion take place in a public area. From Brice’s uncomfortable expression, he probably felt the same.

“Well, I…that is, we have just gotten here—”

“You do not have to explain,” Miss Vincent interrupted, two bright spots of pink on her cheeks. “I will be quite content to simply watch the game.”

A somewhat surprised look passed over Brice’s face, and for a moment, he looked stricken. Stephan figured that Brice had been trying to get away from Vanessa’s clutches, but the American girl had taken it as rejection of her. Rake though Brice might be, he was not a cad who would intentionally insult a lady, especially one so quiet and polite and newly arrived. Stephan felt a twinge of sympathy for his friend. He’d offer to teach the girl himself, but that would leave Caroline vulnerable to Tisdale.

Brice gave Miss Vincent his most enticing smile. “I would be both honored and pleased to partner with you for the game.”

“Splendid,” Vanessa said before Sarah could open her mouth. “Then I will leave her here and check with you later.” She hurried off before anyone could protest.

Sarah gave Brice a direct look. “I do not want to keep you from your friends. I meant what I said. I will be quite content to simply watch the game.”

Brice frowned slightly and then he squared his shoulders. “And I meant what I said. I look forward to an enjoyable afternoon. That is, if you will agree to let me be your escort.”

Sarah hesitated, although her gaze didn’t leave his face. Her expression was as impassive as a faro player’s, leaving no indication to what her thoughts might be. Finally, she nodded. “You seem to be nice, so yes.”

Nice, Stephan thought as he watched them walk away. Brice had a slightly bewildered look on his face, and Stephan doubted that any woman had ever used the termniceto describe Brice before. At least, given Miss Vincent’s serious demeanor, his friend wouldn’t have to listen to incessant babble.

But then Stephan’s attention was drawn to a corner of the garden where Eric had just come around the corner of the Pavilion. He hurried over to him.

“Did you find the coach?”

“Aye. It had a broken wheel a couple of miles north of the inn.”

“Did you get the report?” Stephan asked.

Eric nodded as he pulled an envelope out from his overcoat and handed it to him. Stephan tore it open and scanned the contents of his solicitor’s letter, then leafed through several pieces of paper the man had enclosed. He looked up at Eric with a wide grin.

“Good news, then?”

“Very good news.” Stephan folded the papers and tucked the envelope inside his waist coat. “I need to talk to the prince regent right away.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Caroline was deliberately late in attending the afternoon party, mostly because she wanted to be sure Stephan would already be there so she wouldn’t be subject to Tisdale’s sole attention. But when she looked around the expanse of lawn, she didn’t see Stephan. Several couples were waiting at the first of thepaille-maillearches to take their turns at striking their balls with long-handled mallets down the course that had been designated with white wooden stakes and lines of rope.

Interestingly, Brice was in line, and it appeared he was escorting Sarah Vincent. Caroline smiled, glad that Brice was gentleman enough to make the girl feel welcome. The other single men had hardly given her more than a glance, perhaps because she was American or perhaps because of the choice of clothing she wore. Either way, at least Sarah would have an enjoyable afternoon.

But where in the world was Stephan? She knew he’d spent the night on theLadyto make sure no other sabotage took place. Had something happened? He hadn’t come to the Pavilion for breakfast, either, although that was probably for the best, given that her feelings for him would probably show on her face as soon as she saw him. How could they not when her every waking thought—not to mention her dreams—had been about their lovemaking aboard theLadyyesterday? Her breasts still felt heavy and achy with need, and a pleasant soreness between her legs was a reminder of how thoroughly Stephan had taken her. That thought made muscles clench deep in her belly as she felt a warm dampness pool at her core.

Still, she hadn’t seen him since last evening’s conversation about the Earl of Lockwood procuring the special license. Not that they would need Lockwood’s license, since Stephan had said he would obtain one today. Perhaps that was what he was doing. The idea that in just a little over twenty-four hours she could be Lady Kendrick—Stephanswife—sent tingles to every nerve ending.

Her anticipation faded as she saw her father and Tisdale making their way toward her. He looked inordinately pleased with himself, and she wondered why. She frowned suddenly. Had the earl been talking to her father? Perhaps persuading him to choose the earl if things went awry? Or even if Stephan won…had the earl told her father about his suspicions that Stephan was a pirate? The heat she had felt in her blood only a moment ago chilled as another thought struck. Had the earl actually gotten proof? Had he gone to the prince with it? An unaccustomed panic filled her. Had an arrest warrant been issued? Was that why Stephan was not here?

Caroline forced herself to take a steadying breath. Brice would not be here, casually playingpaille-maille, if something had happened to Stephan. Unless he didn’t know. The threat of hysteria bubbled up again, and she looked wildly around. There was no discernible excitement amongst the crowd. Surely something as scandalous as an arrest warrant for a marquis would have spread faster than the Great Fire of London. Everyone seemed simply to be having a good time, enjoying being out-of-doors in the warm sunshine.Be calm. Breathe.

“There you are, my dear,” her father said as they approached. “What kept you?”

“I…I was resting. The time got away from me.”