Earl of Persuasion Page 3

  “If any of my families grooms witnessed me doing anything of the sort they would promptly report it to my brother.”

  “No one will see because once you arrive in the park, you will lose your groom.”

  She glanced at Carstine then back to him. “I do think that will work. What time should I arrive and where will I find you?”

  He released her hair, then offered his arm as Carstine started toward them. “The fashionable time, rotten row.”

  Chapter 5

  Brian rode across rotten row with his attention focused on spotting Minerva. He had thought of her well into the night. He’d never met such an adventurous lady. Never had a conversation with a debutante that entertained him. Never once had a lady elicit such need in him.

  Not the need to bed her. Oh, that was surely part of it, but more so, he needed to be near her. The need to speak to her. And most of all, the need to watch her light up with excitement and joy—consumed him. She captivated him on a level nobody before her ever had.

  And he did not know what to do about it.

  Of course, he had vowed to wed her if their adventures led to ruin, but was marriage truly what he wanted?

  The fact that it was even a thought should startle him. The very idea should send him in the opposite direction of the captivating beauty. In the past, a mere mention would have him breaking out in a cold sweat and fleeing the proximity.

  Before he could ponder it further, Minerva rode into view. He slowed his mount and stared at her until their gazes met. She gave a mischievous smile, then a barely perceptible nod of her head.

  He followed her direction, spotting a group of ladies on horseback off to the side of the riding path. He could not be sure what she was attempting to convey, but the set of her lips and barely veiled mischief she displayed told him to pay attention.

  The lady had a plan.

  He nodded back, then watched as she said something to her groom. She met his gaze again before riding toward the group of ladies. He circled around to bring his mount to the far side of the group, staying several furlongs away as he watched Minerva.

  She looked like a goddess, draped in a cream riding habit, her chestnut curls bouncing beneath her simple riding hat. Her jacket accentuated her breasts, wrapping tight around them while her skirt cascaded over the side of her regal grey mare. But nothing compared to the beauty of her heart-shaped face.

  Her cheeks were flushed from being kissed by the gentle breeze blowing through the park. Her wide, lush lips curved into an enticing smile, and even from this distance, Brian could see a decided twinkle in her blue eyes.

  Her zest for life was contagious, and he had caught a desperate case of it.

  Their gaze’s met, and she leaned close over her mount before giving another slight nod.

  Brian returned the gesture, then indicated a less frequented path off to their right. He waited until she rode, then turned his mount in the same direction. Minerva soon rode past him, her laugh invigorating him as he set his mount into a fast gallop.

  No doubt, several of their peers had taken notice of the pair racing away from rotten row. However, at their speed, one would be hard-pressed to put a name to them. Brian caught up to Minerva, but neither slowed their pace. They rode neck-or-nothing down the trail until they reached the most desolate area of the park.

  He pulled rein and turned his mount toward her. The joy on her face caused his breath to catch, and whatever he’d been about to say escaped him.

  “Do you think anyone recognized us?” Minerva asked, laughter in her voice.

  Still trying to recover his words, Brian simply shook his head, indicating that he did not believe so.

  “My groom will no doubt look for me. He is probably attempting to follow us at this very moment.” She smiled and shrugged one delicate shoulder. “I’d wager we have but a short time before he discovers us.”

  Brian’s momentary loss of words resolved, and he said, “Then let us make the best of the time we have.” He dismounted and strode toward her. “Do you have breeches under that skirt?” He asked as he reached for her.

  “Indeed,” she beamed, “We have a stable lad that is about my size.”

  Brian placed his hands on her waist and lifted her from her mount. “And how did the lady procure the lad’s breeches?” Brian arched a curious brow.

  “Why, she bribed him, of course.” Minerva laughed, a low throaty laugh that sent a wave of merriment and longing through him.

  “I do hope the price was not too high,” Brian lowered her to the ground but did not release her waist.

  “It was high indeed, but worth every shilling.” She notched her chin, her gaze boring into his. “I would pay any amount to be near you.”

  Her cheeks flooded with color at the admission, but she held his gaze.

  At that moment, Brian found himself incapable of ignoring the pull between them. He gave in to the desire she had sparked in him from the moment he caught sight of her on Bond St and pressed his lips to hers.

  Minerva met his kiss with a hunger all her own. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her fingers finding their way into the hair at the base of his neck as he pressed his lips to hers.

  When she opened her mouth to him, a jolt of longing mixed with the fierce desire to protect her surged through him, nearly knocking him off his feet. Brian pulled back, more than a little alarmed at the foreign sensations.

  “We better get you on the horse before we are discovered,” his words came out raspy.

  “Who are you?” She stared back at him, her eyes smoldering with desire.

  He felt a little tug at his lapel and glanced down. She was fidgeting with his Wicked Earls’ Club pin. When had she moved her hand to his lapel?

  “An earl, to be sure,” she continued, “But what is your exact title?”

  He cleared his throat. “How did you surmise that?”

  She darted out her tongue, wetting her lush lips. Brian nearly came undone. He swallowed hard.

  “My brother used to wear this same pin. It is the symbol for the Wicked Earls’ Club.” She feathered her fingers over the gold W of the pin as she searched his gaze. “Who are you?”

  “My name is Brian Kennington. I did not lie to you. But I am also the fifth Earl of Connlee.”

  “The Earl of Persuasion,” she whispered.

  He gave a roguish smile. “I have been referred to as such.”

  “And you are not ashamed?” She asked but did not step away.

  He averted his gaze for a moment, collecting his thoughts. Perhaps he should be ashamed. He had blazed a trail across England, leaving many an actress and widow in his wake. But he had never dishonored a lady—never would. Brian enjoyed life. He endeavored to live every moment. He had no regrets.

  He shook his head. “I see no reason why I should be.”

  Minerva’s gaze turned more serious, and she asked, “Am I safe with you?”

  Her question weakened him and sent a fresh surge of protectiveness through him. He could not say why, but she was important to him. Brian cared for her and meant what he had said previously. He reached up and stroked his fingers across her flushed cheeks. “Always. You will always be safe with me.”

  He watched as several emotions seemed to pass through her eyes before they took on a decided tenderness. She gave a firm nod, then said, “I trust you. Now help me mount.”

  He took her hand and led her to his horse. If she were going to ride astride, she needed a proper saddle, therefore; she had to ride his stallion. “Crusader is a good horse. He is well trained and responds easily. Just use a firm hand,” he instructed.

  Minerva nodded, then hiked her skirts up to her waist, revealing the breeches beneath, which revealed her shapely legs and perfectly rounded bottom.

  Brian’s mouth went dry, his words escaping him once more. Rather than try to speak, he took her by the waist and swung her into his saddle.

  Pride surged in him when she found her seat and took up the reins. She appeared to be a natural. That is, until Crusader moved. Minerva’s bottom bounced most enticingly in the saddle, and his male anatomy took notice. Still, the decided smack of her backside against the saddle was all wrong for riding.

  “Hold yourself up by pushing your feet against the stirrups until your bottom hovers just above the saddle,” he called out.

  She did as instructed; her form becoming perfect as Crusader walked in a slow circle. “May I take him for a run?” She called out, her face full of wonderment and joy. “I want to feel the wind on my face.”

  Brian nodded. He could not deny her. “But do not go far. Just a quick gallop,” he called after her as she turned Crusader toward the path they had raced in on.

  She galloped only a few furlongs before Crusader reared up. His heart sank at the sound of her scream as she flew from the saddle. Brian ran toward her, his heart thundering with fear. She could be hurt—her neck could have broken.

  He never took his gaze from her as he pushed himself to run faster. She lay in a heap on the ground, unmoving. “Minerva,” he yelled. “I’m coming, Minerva.” When he reached her side, he dropped to his knees beside her and held his hand against her chest.

  Thank God, she was breathing. “Minerva, can you hear me? Are you okay?”

  Her laughter wrapped around him as her eyes fluttered open. “Perfectly. Better than alright. In fact, I have never felt more alive.”

  He ran his hands across her shoulders, down her arms. “Does anything hurt?”

  She pushed herself up to sit, her hands going to his face. “I am right as rain. Do not fret,” she said.

  Relief swelled in him as he glanced toward Crusader, who had returned to the clearing and now grazed on the rich green grass at his hoofs. “What the devil happened? What
spooked the horse?” He asked Minerva.

  She pressed her eyes together for a moment, then turned her head. “We’ve been found,” she said, her words scarcely above a whisper.

  Brian turned to look in the same direction and spotted her groom racing toward them. “Bloody hell,” he cursed.

  “Now help me up before he reaches us.” She simply laughed harder. “I will attend the Duchess of Hathaway’s garden party.”

  “Then I shall be there as well.” The words left his mouth before he had time to consider them. If he did not take care, people would think he was courting her.

  And somehow, he did not care.

  Chapter 6

  Four days latter…

  Thick clouds gathered in the distance as Minerva stood beside Mother at the Duchess’s garden party. The event had turned out most of the ton, but she’d yet to find Brian. She’d done little else but think about him and their adventures for the past four days. Today, she was full of anticipation.

  Mother had noted Minerva’s change in mood and appearance, commenting that Minerva was positively glowing and in a rather jovial mood of late. Carstine had held her tongue but exchanged a knowing glance with Minerva. Even Blake had raised a curious brow on more than one occasion.

  Of course, Minerva could have told them all that she had met someone. However, doing so would be premature. Brian had not actually proposed to her. Nor was he officially courting her. Her heart squeezed at the thought. Somewhere along the way, she had stopped thinking of him as her adventure and now dreamed of a future with Brian.

  Ninny! Minerva shook her head. He was the Earl of Persuasion. A proud member of the Wicked Earls’ Club and renowned for being a rake. She doubted marriage had even crossed his mind, and she would do well to remember it.

  She glanced into the distance and her pulse sped.

  Her gaze found Brian’s. He was leaning against a tree at the edge of the Duchess’s refreshment table. He saw her too, for their gazes locked, but he made no move to come to her. No gesture calling her to him, either. He simply stared.

  Minerva hazarded a smile, her heart skipping when he returned the gesture. “I am rather parched. Might I go to the refreshment table, Mother?”

  “Of course, and there is Lady Houghton, I should go to her.” Mother waved Minerva off.

  Minerva fought the urge to hike up her skirts and run toward Brian. Instead, she took practiced steps; her gaze ever on him. Heart pounding the whole way.

  Today would not be a day of adventure, for what adventure could be had at the Duchess’s garden party, but just to be near him was adventure enough for her.

  When she reached the refreshment table, she paused and looked back toward Mother. Satisfied that her parent was not watching her, Minerva circled around the table, then went to Brian.

  “You are as lovely as ever,” he drawled as he captured her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

  “And you are a perpetual flirt.” Minerva gave him her brightest smile.

  Brian tucked her hand through his elbow and said, “You love it.”

  Her heart soared at the mere mention of the word love on his lips. Surely she was a fool, but she did not care. Never had she felt so free, so alive, so much in control of her life as she did when she was at his side.

  “I hope you did not get in too much trouble the other day,” he said, curiosity mixed with genuine care shone in his eyes.

  Minerva shook her head. “None at all. I convinced my groom that his oversight was an accident and there was no need to tell my family about it.” The corners of her lips lifted as she shrugged. “I will admit that it was not well done of me. The poor man. But what else could I do? My brother, Lord Edgemore, would have ordered me to my room and kept me there for the rest of the season if he had learned of my escape.”

  “I can well imagine,” Brian chuckled as he led her into the Duchess’s hedge maze. “I am well aware of Edgemore’s disposition.”

  “You know my brother, then?” Minerva asked, her curiosity blooming. “What a bird-witted question.” She shook her head. “You belong to his old club, and you are both earls. Of course, you know him.”

  Brian patted her hand. “It was not at all a foolish question. I could have joined after he married. As for the rest, I spend very little time at society events and have made avoiding the marriage mart a refined skill. It is quite possible that I would not know your brother.”

  “But you do know him,” she said, curiosity laced through her words.

  He gave a firm nod. “I do.”

  “Are you friends then?”

  “No. More like acquaintances,” Brian turned them down a new path. “We have met on several occasions, enjoyed a few games of cards together and the rare drink. Nothing that bonded us, though.”

  “I see,” Minerva said. Then she looked up at the gathering clouds. They were racing across the sky much as her thoughts raced through her mind. She wondered what her brother’s opinion of Brian was and how he would react to her keeping company with the earl.

  Then her thoughts turned to Brian’s words about marriage, and she could not help but ask, “Why do you avoid marriage?”

  His eyes narrowed, and for a long moment, she thought he would ignore the question. Then he released a breath and stepped around to face her. “I have never met a lady that I could envision spending my life with.”

  “Oh,” Minerva fairly sighed the word.

  Brian looked into her eyes and added, “I would not wish to be trapped into an unholy union the likes of which my parents had.”

  Minerva saw pain in his deep brown gaze. She reached out and placed her hand on his chest. “Then yours was not a happy childhood?”

  He shook his head. “My father was an angry, bitter man. He’d been forced to marry my mother… She, too, was unhappy with the match. They never allowed one another to forget their displeasure.”

  “I’m sorry,” Minerva said, her heart heavy for the boy he had once been.

  Brian placed his hand over hers, holding it to his chest. “Do not be. It is in the past.”

  “And yet, it still affects you.”

  “No.” He shook his head. “I learned from it and vowed not to make the same mistake.”

  Mistake.

  Minerva’s throat tightened. If they were caught together and he was forced to marry her, she would be imposing that very fate on him. “Perhaps, I should go.”

  “Whatever for?” He asked.

  “If we are found—”

  Brian smiled. “This is a garden party. People are everywhere, and we are merely strolling in the garden.”

  “But, I would not wish—”

  “If we are seen, it will only be assumed that I have taken an interest in you. At the worst, they would assume that I want to court you.” He rubbed his fingers up and down hers, sending tendrils of heat through her gloved hand. “Besides, we have more adventures to be had.”

  Dumbfounded and entranced, she whispered, “We do?”

  “Indeed, we do.” He looked up at the darkening sky. “I believe dance in the rain was on your list.”

  Minerva looked up as the first drop of rain hit her cheek. “You are a wonder,” she said. “One could almost believe you control the universe.”

  He certainly had become the center of her orbit.

  He chuckled. “It is but a dash of luck.” He twirled her away from him, then brought her into his arms as the rain picked up intensity.

  Minerva tipped her head back, allowing the cool drops to splash against her face, her laughter creating a melody all their own.

  And then his lips were on hers, and they were clinging to each other without a care for the rain, or the party, or the risk of discovery. He pulled her close, and she held him tight as their mouths moved together in a rhythm as old as time.

  This was more than an adventure. He was everything: all that she wanted and all she would ever need.

  But he was not hers. Emotion overwhelmed her, and tears stung her eyes as she clung to him, kissing him with desperation.

  Fool that she was, she had fallen in love with him.

  Chapter 7

  “Minerva. Minerva, are you out here? Minerva?”