Earl of Persuasion Read online

“They do not.”

  The corner of his mouth quirked up. “If we are discovered, I will marry you. Now hurry.” He propelled them back into motion.

  Minerva’s heart thrilled and her feet moved of their own accord.

  Heaven help her! This man—this adventure—excited her beyond anything she had experienced before. How could she refuse?

  Chapter 3

  Brian Kennington, fifth Earl of Connlee, had most certainly lost his mind! He was a confirmed bachelor, a proud member of the Wicked Earls’ Club, and sworn never to marry. Yet he had just vowed to marry this lady should it become necessary.

  What the devil was he thinking?

  One glance at her made everything clear. She stole his breath, warmed his blood, inspired, and intrigued him. He could not help but be in her presence. And when she spoke, he found himself enthralled. He wanted to give her the adventure she craved.

  It was the very reason he had entered her carriage all those months past. She had captivated him at first sight. Brian had seen her exit a shop and could not fight the urge to meet her. Then, her response when he entered her carriage only entranced him further.

  She had not screamed as most ladies would. Not that she did not exhibit a modicum of fear—she was cautious, but she did not allow it to show. Not his beauty. She held her head high and confronted him with steel in her bones.

  It made her even more appealing, and he knew that day he would have to see her again. His only problem—he did not know who she was. Compounding the matter evermore was that he avoided social functions and his beauty was undoubtedly a lady.

  Brian knew if he were to see her again, he would have to show himself at balls and the such. And he had been right, for here she was.

  And now that he had found her, he had no need of the ball and every desire to escape it. With her at his side, of course. With a decided spring in his step, he led her through the open French doors and out onto the marble terrace.

  The night air exhilarated him further as he led her through the torch-lit path of the garden. A veil of darkness concealed them when he brought them to a stop. “Take off your slippers,” he said.

  “I cannot,” Minerva protested, though a wide smile tugged at her full lips.

  Brian arched a brow. “You cannot, or you will not?”

  She held one foot out, her slipper peeking from beneath the hem of her light blue gown. “I cannot.”

  He crouched down and captured her foot in his hand. “Then allow me.”

  She laughed as he removed her slipper, then lifted her opposite foot so he could repeat the action. Once Brian removed both slippers, he met her captivating blue gaze. “If we are to do this right, I must also remove your stockings.”

  “You are mad,” she said with a giggle.

  “Mad?” He teased. “How can one dance barefoot in the grass if they do not remove their stockings?” He questioned, his tone light and carefree.

  “Humm,” she drawled, her lips pursing. “I do see your point.” She angled her chin, looking up at the sky bursting with stars. “However, I would be forever scandalized if I allowed you such liberties.”

  “Very well,” he said as he stood. “I will remove mine as you ponder the dilemma.” Brian kicked off his shoes before removing his stockings. With the job done, he rubbed his barefoot across the lush grass. “It has a decidedly wild feel to it.”

  Her smile brightened as longing filled her eyes. Minerva strolled a few paces to a marble bench, then sat. “Turn your back, and I will remove mine.”

  He did as she asked, his pulse speeding at the image of her skirts hiked up and hands on her thighs. He imagined she had silky, warm skin, and he longed to touch it himself.

  Still, he had not brought her out here to ruin her. He’d done so with the desire to give her the experience she craved.

  He would behave. He must, for he did not intend to marry.

  “There,” she said.

  He turned toward her and extended a hand. “May I have this dance?”

  She schooled her expression into one of seriousness and placed her hand in his. “It would be my honor.”

  He brought her close, and for a moment, his breath caught. She was stunning, and a wildness lay beneath her surface begging for indulgence. Recovering his senses, he began to hum a simple melody. Brian led her through the first figures of their dance, twirling her out then bringing her close again.

  “How does it feel? The grass on your feet?”

  Minerva looked down at the ground between them, then back at him. “It is marvelous. Soft, chilly, and a bit ticklish.” She drew in a breath. “I feel free.”

  “You look wild. Beautiful, but wild,” he said. “Like a child escaped from her nurse. I dare say; it is a good look for you.”

  She laughed, the sound of her merriment surrounded them before fading into the night. “Do you know, I don’t believe I have ever had so much fun.”

  “That is a pity, to be sure, and we must rectify the situation,” he said, his mouth close to her ear. “Meet me tomorrow.”

  “Where?” She asked without a hint of reservation in her tone.

  He thought for a moment, then said, “Hyde Park. Near the Serpentine.”

  When she did not respond, he dipped her. His gaze boring into hers. “Will you come?”

  Her lips twitched as though she were hiding a smile, but she did not speak.

  “Say you will. I promise you will not regret it.” He twirled her out, then brought her against him. Looking deep into her eyes, he said, “Don’t let our adventure end here.”

  She lost the battle, a bright smile lighting her face. “Very well, you have convinced me.”

  He led her back to the bench so that she might set her feet to rights. “Be there at dawn.”

  “I couldn’t possibly. My Mother and Brother would be most suspicious,” Minerva said, a frown pulling at her lips. “I have morning calls, and then there’s—”

  “Surely you can think of something,” he interrupted. “It must be early if we are to shoot pistols.”

  She picked up her stockings, then paused. Her brow creased with thought. “Perhaps I could feign a headache. Or, maybe, I can say I agreed to breakfast with one of my friends.” She nibbled her lower lip. “I’ll think of something. I am rather good at making plans.”

  “That does not surprise me in the least,” he said, as he turned his back so she could put her stockings on. He busied himself retrieving her slippers as he waited.

  “I am ready.”

  He turned to find her holding one foot up and grinned as he approached. “Does the slipper fit?” He teased as he palmed her heel and placed her toes in the satin slipper.

  She giggled, the sweet sound going straight to his heart. He found himself reluctant to return her to the ball and very much wishing for the morning. Before he slid her other slipper on, he asked, “I have your word, you will be at the park tomorrow morning?”

  “You have my word.” She smiled, her eyes taking on a decided sparkle.

  Chapter 4

  “I need you to cover for me.” Minerva stared at Carstine, imploring her to agree. She had spent the better part of the previous night trying to figure out a way to meet Mr. Kennington. Brian. Lord whoever he was.

  None of that was quite right, but she had no idea what his title was or even where among the peers he ranked. For now, she rather liked not knowing. It kept him an adventure and lent a certain clandestine feel to their interactions.

  “Cover for ye why?” Carstine asked.

  Minerva nibbled at the corner of her lower lip for a moment as she collected her courage. “I wish to take a walk… alone.”

  “For what purpose?” Carstine asked.

  Minerva turned a bright smile on her sister-in-law. “No reason, really. Nothing of significance. I only wish to have a bit of time for myself.” Minerva tried one more time to convince Carstine without telling her the whole of it. “I only need for you to tell Mother and Blake that I have a headache.”

  Carstine studied Minerva, her green eyes full of suspicion. “And while they believe ye are shut away in yer room, ye will be where? Doin what?”

  “I will be at Hyde Park learning to shoot a pistol.” Minerva did her best to appear nonchalant.

  Carstine placed her hands on her hips and peered at Minerva. “Absolutely not. Yer Brother is my husband. I’ll no deceive him. Furthermore, ye would be ruined. Of all the hair brained ideas—”

  Minerva sighed and squeezed her eyes shut. “Very well, forget I said anything.”

  “So ye can sneak off and ruin yerself? I donna think so.”

  Frustration welled in Minerva and she pivoted then strode to the window to peer out at the morning.

  Perhaps Carstine was right, but Minerva did not care. She craved adventure and for the first time in her life, someone was willing to give it to her.

  Besides, hadn’t he promised to protect her?

  Minerva’s heart lightened at the memory and she turned back to Carstine. “You have no reason to fret. He promised to wed me if we should be discovered.”

  “He?” Carstine arched a questioning brow.

  Minerva gave a firm shake of her head. “Yes, he. I met him at the ball and when we danced I expressed an interest in learning to shoot. Unlike Blake, Mr. Kennington offered to teach me.”

  “Mr. Kennington?” Carstine gazed with speculation in her eyes. “I’ve nay heard of him.”

  Minerva waved a dismissive hand. “He is of the peerage and quite fun to be around.” She smiled hopefully before continuing. “I really like him, Carstine. And I want to meet him. It will be fine. The park is all but empty at this time of morning, and I assure you, he is a gentleman.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that,” Carstine said. “What
time are ye tea meet?”

  “Nine this morning.”

  “Perfect. Give me ten minutes tae ready myself.”

  “And you will keep my confidence?”

  “Ye have my word.” Carstine started toward the door, then paused. “So long as he is indeed a gentleman.”

  Minerva nodded. She did not find this anywhere near perfect, but at least she would make her meeting. More importantly, Mother and Blake would not be the wiser for it.

  A short time later, Minerva strolled along the Serpentine with Carstine at her side. As she had predicted, the park was void of lords and ladies, though there were several people milling about. Nanny’s with small children in toe, the occasional couple of the lower class milling about, and even some venders.

  No-one seemed to pay them much attention. Minerva was glad of it as she glanced around looking for Brian. Sunshine washed across the park causing her to squint despite the shade of her bonnet.

  “Good morning Beauty,” his voice wrapped around her.

  She turned, her gaze finding him, and a bright smile pulled at her lips.

  “Carful, yer blushin,” Carstine said, a teasing lilt to her voice.

  Minerva felt the warmth in her cheeks, but she did not care. With out an ounce of shame, she called back, “Good morning,” then started strolling toward him.

  He looked even more magnificent in the morning sun. His dark coloring in stark contrast to the days light. Tight breeched hugged his muscular thighs and his great coat clung to his wide shoulders and tapered waist.

  She must be a heathen to notice such things, but she could scarcely help it. Nor did she wish to. He was a marvelous example of a man. Not at all like most of the gentlemen she knew. He was most certainly in a category all his own and only a fool would fail to notice.

  When they reached one another, Brian took her hand and bent over it depositing a kiss to her knuckles. When he straightened he meet her gaze, and her heart thrilled. She could not even rip her gaze away to acknowledge Carstine. Instead, she simply said, “Allow me to introduce my sister-in-law, you may refer to her as Countess.”

  Brian released Minerva’s hand, and turned to Carstine. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Countess.”

  Carstine gave a slight smile. “Likewise, Lord…” her eyes narrowed as she waited for him to fill in the blank.

  “I see no need for such formality. Call me Kennington,” he said, his tone brooking no argument.

  Minerva thrilled at his words. And the fact that she had managed to introduce Carstine without providing a name. She would eventually wish to know exactly who her adventure was, and for him to know her identity as well, but not just yet.

  “Very well.” Carstine smiled. “I am pleased tea meet ye, Kennington.”

  “Scottish?” He asked.

  “Aye,” she confirmed.

  “Shall we?” He held his arm out to Minerva, and she looped her hand trough his elbow. As he led them toward a thatch of trees, he turned his attention to Carstine. “I have an uncle who lives in the highlands. Where about do you hail from?”

  “Inverness. Perhaps I know him?” Carstine said, excitement in her tone.

  Minerva listened to them converse as she enjoyed her proximity to Brian. As it happened Carstine did know his uncle and as the two conversed, Minerva noticed a decided softening in Carstine’s demeanor.

  When they stopped in a clearing, well away from the hustle and bustle of the park, Minerva released his arm with great reluctance. She could have strolled beside him all day, and would not have complained a bit. But then, she was here for a reason.

  She pushed a wayward curl from her forehead and asked, “Are we to shoot now?”

  He smiled at her, then opened his coat and pulled a pistol from within. “I thought to bring a ladies pistol, but could not procure one fast enough. This is my own double-barrel flintlock. I assure you, it is far superior to a ladies pistol.”

  “No doubt,” Carstine said as she drew closer inspecting the weapon.

  Minerva thrilled at the sight of the pistol. It was intricate in design and the metal portions flashed in the sunlight filtering through the trees. Excitement bubbled within her as she asked, “May I hold it?”

  “I think you must if you are to shoot it,” he teased, then his face went serious, “but first you must learn the proper way to hold it.”

  “Is it loaded?” Minerva asked.

  “It is,” he said.

  Carstine interrupted, asking, “What will ye be shootin at?”

  Brian nodded into the distance where there was a fallen tree. A row of glass bottles lined the trunk. “We will aim for those.” He grinned. “Do you wish to shoot as well?”

  “Nea, I’ll just rest over there,” she nodded to a grassy patch several feet behind them, “and observe.”

  Minerva watched Carstine take herself off. She had hopped Carstine would allow them at least a modicum of privacy and was ever so pleased that she did.

  Brian moved behind Minerva, his hard chest pressing against her back as he brought his arms around her. “Are you ready, beauty?” His breath tickled her cheek.

  “I… Yes,” How she managed to speak was beyond her, for at that moment her insides where all a fluster.

  He placed the gun in her hand, then brought her other hand up to help steady the weapon. With his hands guiding hers, she raised the pistol.

  “Do you see the sight? Those bits of metal raising up from the top of the pistol.”

  “Yes,” Minerva said, doing her best to focus on the pistol rather than the heat radiating between them.

  “Close one eye and look between them. Move the pistol until you have a bottle lined up between them.”

  Minerva focused, she peered down the barrel and moved the pistol ever so slightly until she saw a bottle in-between the metal pieces. “Do I shoot now?”

  “Slow down.” He chuckled. “The safety is on.”

  “Safety?” she asked.

  He reached out and slid a little round piece on the pistol. “It prevents one from accidentally firing.”

  “Oh,” she said, realigning the sight. “So now I may shoot?”

  He moved her finger to the trigger, then said, “Squeeze it.”

  Bang.

  Minerva thrilled at the noise of the gun firing, then bubbled over with excitement as the bottle she’d aimed for shattered. “I did it!” She exclaimed.

  “You are a natural,” he praised. “There is one more shot in the pistol, would you like to try again?”

  Minerva nodded, a wide grin tugging at her lips and her heart pounding.

  “All you need do, is aim and fire. Carful though, the safety is not engaged this time.” He released her and took a step back.

  Minerva turned all of her focus to the task at hand. After sighting in another bottle, she drew in a breath and squeezed the trigger.

  Bang.

  Another bottle shattered following the shot. “This is so exhilarating. Can we reload and shot more?” She asked, pivoting to face him, the gun waving wildly in the air.

  “Carful,” he said, taking the weapon from her. “You could hurt someone.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. It is empty.” She approached and lifted the gun back from his hand. “Can you reload it?”

  “I would do anything to watch your enjoyment, beauty. You are radiant when you are excited.”

  Her cheeks warmed and she could only image how pink they had become. “You are a terrible flirt,” she chastised.

  “I cannot help myself when in the company of such a charming lady,” he said, as he retrieved the gun. “Give me a few minutes and we will have you shooting again.”

  After Minerva fired two more rounds, she reluctantly gave the pistol back to him. “I regret to say that we must be going.” She had no wish to see her adventure draw to an end. However, if they dallied much longer, Mother would grow concerned.

  “Do not look so downtrodden. Your adventure is far from over,” he said.

  Her brows drew together. “How did you know what I was thinking?”

  He captured a lock of her hair and wound it around his finger. “You shared your scandalous to do list with me.” He winked.

  Minerva swatted playfully at his shoulder. “Rogue.”

  He chuckled. “I was thinking we could go riding tomorrow. Wear britches under your habit and bring a groom as chaperone. I’ll teach you to ride astride.”