To Refuse a Rake (13 page)

Hewett narrowed his eyes. “I appreciate your small attempt at sobering yourself.”

“You were saying?”

“Yes, it would seem that I, being the astute and considerate friend that I am, have discovered some news that will certainly pique your interest.”

“Indeed? What did you discover?” Hudson leaned back against a marble pillar.

“Tonight, we are to have a scavenger hunt!” Hewett leaned forward and his eyes danced with excitement.

“Thrilling I’m sure…” Hudson raised his eyebrows and waited for his friend to elaborate.

“You are impossibly slow! A scavenger hunt! You’re so dense that you still do not get it!” Hewett shook his head and ran his fingers through his curly brown hair. “Must I explain everything? This is the perfect opportunity to spend time with Miss Kingsly! If you two are partnered together, then you’ll spend the entire evening in her company…
in the dark.
” Hewett leaned back and crossed his arms.

“You don’t say.” Hudson rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger as amusement tried to stretch his lips.

“Indeed. Now. The only issue is for us to somehow arrange for you to be partnered with Miss Kingsly.”

“What do you suggest?”

“I thought you’d never ask! I already spoke with Lenore and she in turn put a hint in Lady Linden’s ear. It’s a done deal.” Hewett clapped his hands and rubbed them together.

“But you just said it was an issue.” Hudson said.

“Just to build up the suspense, you understand.” Hewett waved his hand in a dismissive manner.

“Brilliant,” Hudson remarked sarcastically.

“I tell myself that very thing each day.” Hewett sighed.

“Now that we’ve sufficiently inflated your vast pride, shall we prepare for dinner? I’m assuming the hunt will take place afterward?”

“You’re correct. I believe my debt is paid in full.”

“Debt? Ah, your loss from the ‘Move-All’ game. Indeed. You’ve done your part, good friend. Thank you.” Hudson shook Hewett’s outstretched hand.

As Hudson ascended the stairs to his room, a grin tugged at his lips. Already his body was aching to hold Emma again and feel her softness pressed against him. Tonight would be a perfect opportunity to taste her once more. He had to remember to thank Lady Linden for all her games. Indeed they were the most surprising and favorable events he had encountered in some time!

At dinner Hudson could not keep his eyes from constantly straying to Emma. She was a portrait of perfection with her golden hair and sparkling blue eyes. A beautiful rose color warmed her face whenever she caught his gaze, sending a searing heat to scorch his body with desire.

The sweet and creamy custard that was served for dessert was only a reminder of the sweeter sampling he would have later that night. For as delicious as the confection was, nothing compared to the decadent flavor of Emma’s kiss. His body tightened at the mere thought.

Shaking his head slightly to drive his focus from the more carnal notions plaguing him, he tried to focus on any handy distraction. As he searched for a diversion, a movement caught in the corner of his eye drew his attention. He turned his attention toward it in time to see Lord Longton’s back retreat around the corner of the dining room. Others stood as well, so he disregarded it, but when Lady Hodge stood and abruptly left in the same direction, Hudson’s curiosity was piqued. He hoped Lord Longton was honorable in his intentions, perhaps he would ask the man later. But that would all depend on how tonight went… and on Emma’s answer.

Just the thought brought all the insecurity of his youth flooding back. Of all the women he had flirted or dallied with, none had held the power that Emma wielded. Indeed, with one well-placed word, she could cause more harm that she knew. It was a strange place to find oneself, out of control. Yet she was worth it. She had always been worth it. He had just never thought he’d get the chance. Tonight he would declare himself. He had decided that there was no grander overture then promising his life to another, no greater risk to take or way to display his unchanging loyalty. His hands began to sweat as he thought of it, yet the prize would be worth it.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! By now I’m sure you’ve heard that I’ve arranged a scavenger hunt for this evening’s activity.” Lady Linden nodded at the gracious applause. “It will be held in the gardens, and even now my servants are illuminating the various paths so you won’t get lost in the dark… unless you wish to.” At her scandalous words, she winked, causing her audience to chuckle awkwardly. “The winning couple will be awarded a kiss from one guest or their choice of dessert for the rest of the weekend. Here are the couples!”

Lady Linden began to list the couples, but when Hudson heard his name, he discovered he was not paired with Emma! Shooting a questioning glare to Hewett, he raised his eyebrows.

Hewett simply shrugged his shoulders and turned to his wife, but Lady Hewett was shaking her head as well.

Hudson was paired with Lady Hodge and Emma was paired with Lord Longton. Perhaps was there some confusion? Regardless, he wasn’t able to change the arrangement so with determination he sought out Lady Hodge. Thankfully she had re-entered the room sometime during Lady Linden’s instructions. He strode towards her.

“My lady, are you ready to win?” he asked as he extended his arm.

“Indeed, I am,” she quipped then turned and winked boldly at Lord Longton, who was standing beside her.

“Then allow me to escort you to the gardens. Do you have the parchment with our instructions?”

“Yes.” She lifted it up.

Emma was making her way over to Lord Longton. When she arrived Hudson took a step towards her.

“I’ll be back in a while to claim my prize, Miss Kingsly.” Hudson said as he leaned forward to speak only to Emma.

“Of course I could always win as well… I cannot tell you how I’ve ached for chocolate. Dessert would be lovely, don’t you think?” Emma quirked her lips in a saucy smile and turned away, leaving Hudson hungering for more than chocolate.

“We’d best be off if you wish to win, Lord Daventry.” Lady Hodge’s amused voice broke through his passionate gaze at Emma’s back.

“Indeed.” He spoke softly and grinned, leading the way out.

****

“Are you certain that the clue is about the maze?” Emma asked politely as Lord Longton led her to the darkest part of the garden.

“Indeed.”

He had been watching Sadie for the past twenty minutes and now Emma was certain they were far behind the other couples. Though they had collected over half the clues, Lord Longton was absurdly distracted. Emma’s patience was wearing thin. She couldn’t lose to Hudson, again.

“May I see?” Emma asked.

“Of course.” He handed over the parchment and Emma wandered over to a lantern to read it clearer.

“Lord Longton? I believe we are to go to the orangery, not the maze. It’s also full of greenery.”

“Very well.”

They walked over to the orangery. When she found the clue, she glanced to Lord Longton, but upon seeing his gaze wandering, she took it upon herself to discern the meaning of the clue.

As Emma worked quickly collecting clues, leaving Lord Longton more interested in watching her sister than in winning, they began to make up for lost time. Soon they came to the last clue.

Emma searched with urgency. Even now she kept glancing back at Hudson, just to make sure he wasn’t rushing to Lady Linden with his final clue.

A piece of paper caught her eye and she reached for it. Upon breaking the seal, she jumped with excitement and pulled Lord Longton’s arm. Abruptly, he turned and flashed her an amused expression as she waved her prize in the air. Quickly they found Lady Linden and presented her with the last clue.

“I believe we have a winner.” Lady Linden’s eyes danced with merriment. “Aren’t parlor games the most wonderful diversion?” She leaned forward and whispered the words as if betraying a great secret.

“Indeed.” She had beaten Hudson!

“You are declared the winners!” Lady Linden’s voice carried through the garden and a chorus of grumbles and half-hearted claps echoed. “Claim your prizes!”

Lord Longton turned and searched the crowd until his gaze found Sadie. Emma held her breath as he strode purposefully towards her. Sadie’s lips were tilted in a slight smile but Emma could tell she was nervous. As Lord Longton drew nearer, Sadie’s face flushed a bright red and a few people clapped.

“May I collect my prize from you, Lady Hodge?” Lord Longton’s voice was like a caress as he spoke her name.

Emma found herself holding her breath as Sadie nodded.

Slowly Lord Longton leaned forward and reached out. Tenderly, he took her sister’s hand. Without breaking eye contact he gave a gentle kiss to Sadie’s gloved fingers. He lingered just for a moment before breaking the contact. Sadie’s face broke into a beaming smile and her gaze was locked intently with Lord Longton’s. The intimacy of their gaze sent a flush to Emma’s face. She averted her eyes, yet her heart thrilled for her sister. Glancing back, she saw that the noise from the clapping and cheering crowd had broken through the humming tension between Lord Longton and her sister.

Emma sighed at her sister’s contented expression. If there was anyone who deserved romance, it was Sadie.

“Miss Kingsly, what will your prize be?” Lady Linden’s voice called, shaking Emma from her absorption in the ardor unfolding before her eyes.

As Emma turned her gaze to find Hudson, her body began to tremble with desire. Indeed, his kisses were far more delicious than the sweetest, most decadent chocolate. Yet did she dare declare herself in front of all these people? For how many years had she been untouchable and on the shelf by choice? Was she ready show that her frozen resolutions had long ago melted in the heat of Hudson’s love and pursuit? To do so in front of people, no less! Already she had taken such a large step and asked him to kiss her, assuming he’d understand the implication. Surely that had been enough. Yet if Hudson had won, certainly he would have not hesitated but demanded a kiss. Surely, she could do no less.

“A kiss.” Emma almost sighed the word, her breath suddenly stolen by nerves. She closed her eyes and waited, building up the courage needed. After a deep breath, she opened her eyes and made her way towards Hudson. He watched her with unabashed desire while a wicked grin toyed at his lips. As her focus narrowed to only him, no fear remained, only an exhilaration to be free from the ideas of the past, the freedom to truly love.

When she arrived, she slowly reached out her hand to Hudson. Raising an eyebrow she waited. As he reached forward and grasped her hand in a possessive yet gentle hold, she was immediately overcome by warmth. It radiated through her body and created a stir of desire. She licked her lips and averted her gaze, trying to collect her self-control. When she glanced up, she saw his intense expression and his eyes widened and darkened with a smoldering quality that stole her breath. His jaw was rigid, as if he were restraining himself. But from what? Emma searched his eyes and tried to determine just what was going on in his head. Slowly, he leaned forward. Emma felt her heart race. Surely he didn’t mean to kiss her so intimately in front of the other guests? Yet his gaze held her captive and she knew it would be impossible to deny him if he indeed tried. Slowly, with a wicked tilt of his lips, he bent down to her ear. His breathing overcame any other noise in the garden and Emma felt the warmth of his breath tickle her flesh.

“I would much rather surrender your prize in private.”

Hudson exhaled a warm breath and blew it purposefully against her neck, causing gooseflesh to tingle across her skin even as her body lit with desire.

He leaned back slowly, watching her with his chocolate gaze. Emma felt herself nod through the haze that surrounded her. She couldn’t help but return the smile he gave. A wicked, rogue gleam in his eye promised her prize would be worth the wait.

“As honored as I am by Miss Kingsly favor, I would
never wish to burden her lips with sin as dark as my own.” He bowed carefully and took a step back, as the crowd began to clap loudly.

Emma’s face was warm with a
deep blush as she glanced down
then back
up at Hudson, who stood
wearing a knowing expression.

“Few gentlemen indeed would pass up such an opportunity. Perhaps the rumors are indeed true. Your reputation as a gentleman may just overcome your…
previous reputation, Lord
Daventry.” Lady Linden’s voice rang out.
She turned toward the onlookers.
“Let us retire for
dessert!”

Emma followed the crowd back to the dining hall, her insides tingling and dancing with a million sensations that all focused on the anticipation of midnight.

“Don’t forget, midnight,” Hudson
whispered
quietly
on passing her. As he spoke,
his hand grazed hers
and squeezed her fingers slightly.

“No. Don’t
you
forget,”
Emma
murmured
back then winked and left him behind. Indeed,
collecting her prize would be worth the wait.

Chapter Twelve

Hudson waited until just before eleven-thirty to escape his room. He wasn’t taking any chances of being late, nor did he want both he and Emma to leave at the same time and possibly raise suspicion. Just because he was going to ask for her hand, didn’t mean he wanted to take the choice away from her.

More than a week earlier, he had asked permission for her hand from her uncle. Her uncle had written back shortly before the party and granted favor to his suit. All he needed was Emma’s consent, though that would be the hardest favor to win. Yet, hadn’t her public display been an affirmation? But marriage was a larger step than a requesting a gentleman’s polite kiss. Hudson chuckled to himself. The kiss Emma would receive would be anything but polite.