After The Storm (15 page)

“He is a rake,” Sally replied in a flat voice. “And besides, one does not need a jester for a husband.”

“I beg to differ,” Miranda retorted. “I should rather laugh than cry, and I’d far much rather laugh than be bored to tears.”

Sally’s frigid stare cut right through her. “Yes, but then again,
I
do not have to settle for a younger son.”

Elyse cleared her throat. “Ladies…”

Miranda held Sally’s stare without a whit of discomfort. She’d had quite enough of her superiority and didn’t mind letting her know so. “I’d not consider Gerard Montgomery to be a man any woman
settled
for. But then again, some consider the man they marry as a person,
not
a title.”

Her words struck a nerve. Leaning in close enough their noses almost touched, Sally narrowed her eyes. “And some think a lady ought be at least that and
not
a
hoyden
. Few gentlemen wish to marry a lady more masculine than he.”

Miranda’s belly twisted sharply, spilling anger-fueled blood through her veins. She wanted to grab Sally by her slender neck and throttle her purple. “It is fortunate for ye tha’ I have listened to Lady Elyse, and decided no’ tae toss ye on yer arse in front o’all these fine people,” she growled, her hands clenched at her sides.

Fire shot from Sally’s eyes. “If you wish to truly destroy
any
hope you have of marrying above a stable boy, I’d suggest you remember your place,
Miss
MacDonough.”

“Enough, both of you!” Elyse’s harsh whisper slit the tension as she stepped between them. “You are creating a spectacle.”

Miranda hardly cared who watched, but she glanced up just the same. Gerard made his way toward them with two crystal glasses filled with ruby red punch. His eyes narrowed as he stopped before her. “Is something the matter?”

She gritted her teeth and shot Sally a look before forcing a smile to her lips. “Nothing at all. I was but giving Lady Sally a lesson in Scottish etiquette.”

Gerard’s smile never wavered as his gaze flicked from her to Sally and back, and he pressed Miranda’s glass into her hand. “I’ll wager it was quite a lesson indeed.”

Sally made a face at him before she turned to storm away, with Eloisa scurrying after her. Miranda held her breath and waited for Elyse’s reaction. Relief washed over her as Elyse snorted. “It was priceless, Gerry. I wish you could’ve seen the look on Sally’s face.”

Disaster averted. Elyse found no fault with her actions. Her relief was short-lived, though, as she caught sight of Aunt Arabella. A stern expression replaced her usual smile, and the subtle shake of her head was enough to remind Miranda to be careful. Properly chagrined, she swallowed hard and nodded.

When she turned back to her companions she breathed a silent prayer of thanks as Gerard said, “Judging by the manner in which her ladyship marched off, I’d say you hit her with quite the stinger, Miss MacDonough.”

Aunt Arabella didn’t approve, but it seemed her outburst of temper amused both Elyse and Gerard, and for that she was grateful. “I was angry,” she replied carelessly, and lifted her glass to take a sip of the sweet and refreshing punch.

“Well, I do hope you are angry no longer.” Gerard lifted his glass in salute. “I daresay I wish to snatch you up for at least one waltz.”

“You might wish to reconsider, my lord. I fear I have been cursed with two left feet and blessed little control over either one.”

Elyse giggled. “Oh, Randi, you have come quite a long way since that first afternoon.”

“And I should think a three-legged dance partner gives anyone just cause for tripping oneself up.”

“Three-legged?” Miranda wrinkled her nose in Gerard’s direction. “Oh, do you mean His Grace’s cane? But he set it aside when we danced. He claimed he was quite able to dance for a short while without it.”

Gerard scowled. At least she
thought
he scowled. His jaw tightened and relaxed so quickly she wasn’t certain if she imagined it. She frowned. “Have I again said something I oughtn’t?”

“Hardly,” he assured her before draining his glass in one long swallow. Lowering it, he shook his head. “You’ve said nothing amiss. I am just amazed Hugh voluntarily separated himself from that blasted stick. I was beginning to think it actually attached itself to his body. Why, look now and you can see it seems fused to his hand.”

Her belly leapt at the notion of Hugh’s entering the ballroom and she had to fight to keep from whirling about. Instead, she turned slowly, her mouth dry and her lips tingling all over again as he stepped into the room, apparently oblivious to the many pairs of eyes now trained in his direction.

The moment her gaze fell on him, her heart lurched and her mind raced with all of the witty things she wished to say. The thought of having the chance to flirt with him or of his asking her to dance left her lightheaded. Flirting ought to come naturally after their steamy embrace, shouldn’t it? She simply had to wait for him to look in her direction and smile, as he surely would at any moment.

Much to her disappointment he did not so much as glance in her direction. Rather, he seemed to focus toward the far corner. As she followed the direction of his stare, her heart sank.

Lady Sally Hayworth.

Hugh crossed the ballroom, the throng parting to allow him passage, and joined Lady Sally, whose color by now returned to normal.

The lady smiled up at him, glowing with joy. Sally cast a quick glance at Miranda, her smile smug, before she beamed up at Hugh once more. Ignoring the crushing disappointment, Miranda turned back to find both Elyse and Gerard giving her knowing looks.

“It is difficult to believe he thinks himself a cripple.” Gerard plucked Miranda’s empty glass from her grasp. “If you ask me, I think the only person who pays his limp any mind is Hugh himself.”

“Does he see himself that way? As a cripple?” She hoped she sounded as at ease as Gerard. It wouldn’t do to let anyone see her disappointment, and she did not need yet another reminder Hugh was off limits. Sally’s remark about wedding a man higher than a stable boy echoed in her ears. Perhaps she
wasn’t
fit to entertain thoughts of winning the heart of a duke.

Elyse nodded. “At times, I’m afraid. It is one of the reasons he hesitates so before asking for Sally’s hand.”

The stinging grew worse. “It is?”

“Trouble yourself not,” Gerard broke in with a chuckle. “The old boy always manages to muddle his way through. And once we get through their wedding, I’ll wager he finds a way to make do without the stick. Especially if Sally has anything to say about it.”

“Yes, he probably will.” She kept her voice light, even as she watched Hugh smile at something his intended said. Something terribly witty, no doubt. Something
she’d
most likely be scolded for saying.

It took great effort to keep her chin up and her back straight, but she’d not have anyone in attendance think her any less a lady. Now, if only controlling her burr came so easily. That took far more effort, as witnessed by the lashing she gave Sally. If she did
that
again,
none were likely to let her forget it.

“Oh, let’s not speak of Hugh right now.” Elyse grinned at her. “We are here to find
you
the man of your dreams, aren’t we?”

Gerard’s spirits seemed to rise right before her eyes. “In
that
case, I should like to throw my hat in. I, for one, find our Miss MacDonough to be utterly charming.”

“Gerry!” Elyse burst out laughing and elbowed her brother in the ribs. “I’d never subject Randi to you. I
like
her.”

“Are you so terrible then, my lord?” Miranda forced a playfulness she did not feel into her words. “Perhaps I ought but keep my distance?”

“I don’t think that will be necessary.” Gerard’s eyes danced with puckish mischief. “But I do hope you will keep me in mind should you find the others less than desirable. I am quite the keeper, you know.”

“I shall remember that.”

“And you will remain very firmly at the bottom of the list,” Elyse informed him staunchly. “As I said, I like this girl and I intend to keep that friendship.”

Gerard laughed as he bowed. “I am honored. And now, I am going in search of a whist game. I shall return, though, to collect my waltz in due time, so be certain to keep a slot on your card free.”

She hated to see him leave but it took no effort to return his smile. “I look forward to it, Mr. Montgomery. I have a feeling yours will be the only slot filled.”

“Don’t be silly.” Elyse caught her by the arm to turn her away from Gerard’s receding figure. “I’ve invited quite a few eligible gentlemen for this party and I daresay you will approve of at least one. I’d hate for you to think Gerry was your only option.”

“That wouldn’t be a terrible thing,” Miranda replied without thinking. “He seems decent enough.”

“Well, he is, but you will do far better than him. I love him to pieces, but I’m afraid he is quite the rake and I’d hate to see you hurt. Perhaps he is sincere this time, but I find it best to take no chances, for his is a fickle heart.”

She reached out to place a hand on Miranda’s shoulder. “Pay no mind to Sally’s parting words. She was just angry you were able to get the best of her so easily. She offered to lend a hand in your search for a husband, you know. She is not as horrible as she can seem at times. However, I think she will have many tiffs in the coming years, as she sees for herself how many ladies’ heads are turned by my brother.”

“Yes…I suppose that would take some acclimating.” There was little comfort in the knowledge that Sally was going to aid in her quest. She didn’t want to consider what she might do in order to
help
her. Her gaze snapped back to Hugh and Sally, now surrounded by several more people. “They are quite the striking couple.”

“Yes. And now, let me introduce you to some rather striking gentlemen of your own. Shall we?” Elyse didn’t wait for an answer, but slid her arm through Miranda’s and tugged her toward the opposite end of the ballroom. “Mind you, more will be arriving tomorrow, but you have enough to choose from this evening as well. Trust me, you’ll
not
have to settle for Gerry if I have anything to say about it.”

Though her voice was light and airy, Elyse’s expression suggested all was not as right as it appeared. Miranda leaned toward her and lowered her voice to ask, “Is something the matter? You look troubled.”

Elyse stiffened, as if surprised Miranda noticed. Still, she gave a subtle shake of her head. “No. Just a bit of a spat with my husband. Everything is fine.”

Everything hardly seemed fine, but Miranda didn’t feel comfortable pressing the issue. Not that Elyse gave her the chance. Instead, the lady pasted a too-happy smile on her face and said, “We’re not going to worry about my silly little fight when we have much bigger things to worry about. You will be in quite the pickle if we don’t get out of this stuffy little corner and find you the man of your dreams.”

Without giving her a chance to protest, Elyse pulled her toward a small clump of people at the far end of the room. “Let us go and see if we might find that man, shall we?”

Chapter Twelve

Hugh smiled and nodded as Sally prattled on, but he hadn’t a clue as to what she’d said. Rather, his mind was a thousand miles away. No. It wasn’t quite
that
far. Just on the other side of the ballroom.

He’d felt Miranda’s presence before actually seeing her, but when his gaze alit on her, the jolt rushing through him was akin to being hit by a bolt of lightning. Every muscle seemed to tense and leap at the same time, and his thoughts went screaming down a less-than-innocent path, straight back to the privacy of his chambers.

Why
had he kissed her? It was torture enough to see her when he could do nothing about his attraction. Kissing her set the demon free. Her warm curves melded against him brought forth a swelling tide of desire no amount of cold water could dissipate. When he’d covered her body with his, curved his hand over her firm breast—

No. He’d crossed the line. Stopping was the
only
thing to do. Though he had yet to bind himself to Sally, and was free to dally as he wished, Miranda MacDonough was
not
a mere dalliance. He felt something much more when in her presence. Something he did not wish to dwell upon, as it brought his thoughts dangerously close to doing the unthinkable—going back on the promise he’d made to both his father, and himself.

Sally’s laughter, a silvery mist that once brought a smile to his lips with its girlish joy, jolted him back to the present. “Eloisa and I were just talking about how we’re going to help Elyse find a suitable husband for Miranda. It will be such fun.”

He stiffened, but no one seemed to notice. “Help?”

She nodded. “Oh, yes. I am so looking forward to it. Why, who knows? Perhaps we will find him during this house party.”

His fingers tightened about the silver eagle’s head. It made him uncomfortable—both that Miranda was husband-hunting, and the fact that he didn’t care for the notion of her husband-hunting. It stirred something in him, something ferocious, something best left undisturbed. Why even Gerard’s interest in Miranda troubled him. He couldn’t recall something like that
ever
happening before.

Damn it. What did Sally say?

She smiled up at him and slid her arm through his to give it a squeeze. “And it will be a love match, no doubt. A terribly romantic love match and I
adore
romance.
All
forms of romance.”

Her eyes sparkled with meaning. Since he’d begun calling on her, she’d done her damnedest to woo him into seducing her. Had taken advantage of every opportunity to offer up saucy double entendres and coyly flutter her thick black lashes at him, as if he had no more control than a mere boy. Though he
was
tempted, he held back. But where it had once taken a great deal of effort, it was no longer a hardship.

The words came to him naturally, along with his smile. “I’m certain it will be, pet,” he replied, patting her hand.

“I had no inkling Elyse invited Sir Roderick.” Eloisa’s voice quivered with excitement. But her expression went from joy to irritation as she scolded, “Sally, you didn’t tell me Elyse intended
Roderick
to be one of the eligible bachelors?”

“Haven’t I said you should set your sights higher? Besides, I had nothing to do with the guest list. I’d never have put him on it.”

Hugh watched Sally search the crowd for the man as Eloisa flounced off giving the excuse of needing a breath of fresh air. “That silly Scottish girl would do well to land a knight. She’d consider herself most fortunate, I imagine.”

It was on the tip of Hugh’s tongue to lash out at Sally for her thoughtless words. But defending the honor of another woman was an unforgivable breach Sally would never let him forget. He’d be haunted to his grave, and most likely have the gossips frothing at the mouth over the delicious tidbit.

So he remained silent, though his gut burned at the thought of Elyse introducing Miranda to Roderick Stanley. Roddy was a decent enough fellow, but his tastes seemed to run toward women of a more delicate stature than Miss MacDonough. Women he could dictate to without fear of reprisal. If anything, it would be amusing, seeing Roderick attempt to put Miranda in her place. She was more apt to pick him up and break him in half than obey. An interesting match, indeed.

As if able to see inside Hugh’s head, Roderick turned and made his way in their direction. He wasn’t an entirely unwelcome addition though Hugh couldn’t promise that wouldn’t change. Still, he bobbed his head in greeting. “Roddy.”

“Evening, Your Grace,” Roderick greeted him before bowing in Sally’s direction. “My lady.”

“Good evening, Sir Roderick.” Sally bestowed her warmest smile upon him as she held out her hand. “How are you this evening?”

“Well, my lady, thank you.” Roderick gave her fingertips a quick squeeze and released her, as if afraid of drawing Hugh’s ire.

However, ire was the farthest thing from Hugh’s mind. The musicians were in tune, and two lines took shape on the dance floor. He spotted Miranda across the room, frowning at the lines, and he almost smiled, wondering if her future partner had any inkling as to what sort of beating his feet might take. He wondered if Derek planned to come down and if Elyse intended to shove him before the carriage as well.

Sally nudged him from his reverie. “Shall we, darling?”

“I fear I am in need of a bit of reinforcement.” He cast a gaze about for one of the butlers who swirled through the throngs. As it wasn’t a large gathering, only four servants circulated about, bearing trays of drink and sweets. Pain spread through Hugh’s left leg, firing the desire for a much-needed drink. “Perhaps the next one.”

Sally’s eyes dimmed but she nodded, her smile tight. “I will hold you to that, my lord.”

“I think a drink sounds most welcome right now,” Roderick broke in as he gestured toward the doorway. “Shall we?”

Before Hugh could respond, Stephen Pemberton, Marquis of Saintsbury, stepped into the room. Apparently, Elyse cast a wide net for Miranda, and of the eligible men already present, Stephen was most definitely the finest catch. A bit long in the tooth, as the man was a bachelor at nearly two score, but a fine catch, still.

Pemberton was all smiles and hearty greetings as he joined them. He held a drink in one hand and clapped Hugh on the back with the other. “Good evening, Thorpeton! I daresay I am surprised to see
you
in attendance. It looks to me as if mostly eligible gents made the guest list. Elyse fishing to replace that savage husband of hers?”

Hugh chuckled. “Don’t let
her
hear you suggest such a thing. For some reason, she refuses to see reason and insists on remaining with Ashton.” A quick glance around the room and he added, “Though, I wonder where he’s got to. Elyse will be furious.”

“A pity she is so fond of him,” Pemberton sighed as he glanced over his right shoulder. “I say, who is that darling little creature standing with her?”

“That is Miss MacDonough,” Sally answered before Hugh, her words dripping with disdain. “She is visiting from Scotland and Elyse has taken her quite snugly beneath her wing.”

Pemberton turned back to face them, a wide smile creasing his face. “Perhaps
little
is not the most apt description, considering how she is most likely close to my own height. I’ll wager only the hearty survive up there in Scotland.” He brought his glass to his lips and sipped.

“If you wish, my lord, I’d be delighted to introduce you,” Sally said, brushing the marquis’ arm with her fingertips. “She is here seeking a husband and I’ve heard rumors you’ve decided the time has come to take that step yourself?”

Hugh swallowed his groan at her bluntness, but Pemberton didn’t seem offended. He lowered his drink and glanced from Hugh to Sally. His smile remained firmly in place as he replied, “I had no idea my dull life was fodder for the gossips. But yes, much as it pains me, the time has come to fulfill my duty and produce the dreaded heir. One cannot dally about forever. More’s the pity.”

Sally’s cheeks pinkened at the marquis’s words, but she remained crisp and cool. “Do come with me and allow me to introduce you. I promise you, Miss MacDonough is like a breath of crisp winter air.”

Hugh cleared his throat. “Perhaps the introductions should wait a bit. I understand a game of whist is starting in the library and I believe you owe me a rematch.”

“But, Duke,” Sally turned incredulous wide eyes to him, “whist can wait. Love at first sight cannot.”

Rolling his eyes, Hugh replied, “Love at first sight? Isn’t that a bit premature?”

This time, Pemberton’s laugh was not quite so easy. “I don’t believe in
anything
at first sight, even though she
is
a lovely piece. Still, one never knows unless one takes the chance, eh, Thorpeton?” He jabbed Hugh in the ribs.

“Come along then, my lord, and I shall make the proper introductions.” Sally shot Hugh a glare over her shoulder as she slipped her arm through Pemberton’s to drag him along the perimeter of the dance floor. A quadrille was underway, but there were only six couples, so it wouldn’t take long to finish.

Hugh tightened his grip on his cane as Gerard came back into the ballroom and without a whit of hesitation, made his way over to Miranda.

A few hundred epithets danced in his head as his frustration mounted. He could do nothing to stop Pemberton or any other man who might show interest in Miranda. It was enough to drive him mad. Pemberton’s reputation was that of the worst sort of rake, breaking one heart after another in his quest to find the
perfect
bride. However, his criterion was strict and any woman who allowed herself to fall under his spell and topple into his bed was
not
going to be the one who stood at the altar with him.
He
might be a rogue, but he expected his
bride
to be pure and above reproach.

“There is little I can do about it,” Hugh muttered, crossing to the nearest butler to relieve him of a flute of champagne.

“Talking to yourself, Thorpeton?”

Hugh hadn’t seen Evan Morgan, Viscount Ryder, enter the room, and started at his droll greeting. “Must you sneak up on me that way?”

Evan grinned. “You ought know me better than that. Why, I’ve been sneaking up on you since we were but five years old.”

This was true. Growing up together, Hugh and Evan were as close as brothers. They did their schooling together, gambled together, wenched together, and served together in the Royal Navy. Both had reached the rank of lieutenant within hours of one another, and stood side by side on board the
HMS Confiance
as they surrendered their steel to the victorious Americans.

Evan bore scars of that encounter, just as Hugh did, and it was something neither one ever felt the need to discuss. The dull ache in his knee grew stronger, and he shifted his weight to lessen it a tad. “So, are you here to attempt to win Miss MacDonough’s hand as well?”

Evan’s brow furrowed. “Who?”

“Miss MacDonough. You mean to say, you are the only one unaware of our newest face?”

“My dear boy, I am not interested in giants,” Evan replied easily after casting a quick glance in Miranda’s direction. “And I am also not in the market for a wife. Where do you think I’ve been these last weeks?”

“I’ve given it very little thought. Been a mite busy with my own life,” Hugh replied dryly and sipped his champagne.

“I’ve actually been north leg-shackling myself, if you will, and loving every minute of it.”

Hugh almost choked at the sly smile that creased Evan’s face. “What?”

“You do remember Christina Townshend, don’t you?”

“Christina Towns—” Hugh grinned as the lady immediately leaped to mind. Yes, he most definitely
did
recall her, and for two good reasons. “The one with the enormous—” He held both hands in front of his chest, choking on his laughter.