One Rogue Too Many Read online

  Anthony slammed his palms against the table and surged to his feet. “The hell he will!”

  The gentlemen exchanged a glance. Corby smiled slyly as he grabbed up the quill and began to scribble something in the book.

  “What are you doing?” Anthony spotted his name scrawled across the page. “Stop writing at once. What do you think you’re doing?”

  Corby passed the book to his companion and displayed every tooth in his head. “Welcome back, Ellis. London was dull with you away.”

  “I’ll take this bet,” Ledbery said.

  Devil’s bollocks! There had to be some mistake. Gabby wouldn’t toss him over like that.

  Spinning on his heel, he stormed toward the door.

  “Where are you headed, Ellis? Don’t you want to take the bet?”

  “I have yet to call on Lady Chattington since my arrival. I’m certain she will be pleased to see me.”

  “Offer our regards to Lord Thorne.”

  “Go to hell.”

  ***

  If Lady Gabrielle Forest had learned anything in her twenty years on this earth, it was that her heart couldn’t be trusted. Her parents’ happy union had filled her head with silly nonsense.

  There were no such things as perfect matches, true love, or destiny for everyone. And if by chance there were love matches for the undeserving, she had proven a poor judge of who that person was for her. Twice. She wouldn’t make the same mistake a third time.

  Her only destiny involved a smart marriage to a decent fellow so her two younger sisters could finally have their coming out. Liz and Katie had been more than patient with her, but the delay had become a heavy burden to shoulder.

  She suppressed a sigh. Here came her destiny now, his dark gaze focused on her. Gabby forced a smile, for no matter how certain she was that the handsome Baron Sebastian Thorne would make a suitable husband, she didn’t know whether she could accept a proposal if he offered one. Her heart still belonged to Anthony, even if she’d given up hope of him returning to claim her.

  “Anthony,” she muttered. His name was a bitter taste upon her tongue.

  Lord Thorne reached her, his grin dazzling. “It’s almost time to collect the waltz you promised.”

  Her brother Drew took up position by her side with his arms crossed. “Not until the next set. Move along.”

  Gabby shot him a scathing look then smiled politely at the baron. “How lovely to see you again, my lord. I can’t recall if I thanked you for the drive this afternoon.”

  “You did, my lady, but I should be the one offering my gratitude. Your company was most pleasant.”

  Drew grumbled something insulting under his breath about insincere popinjays, but she ignored him. Her brother was of a mind that she was a ninny for considering a rogue like Lord Thorne, but if she wanted his guidance, she would ask for it.

  Her brother didn’t understand her decision to make a match based solely on a list of qualities she deemed important for a gentleman to possess. Drew believed the heart should guide these types of affairs, but Gabby had followed her heart in the past and it had gotten her in trouble. This time she would apply logic. Reliability, steadfastness, frankness. These were the traits she sought, and Lord Thorne had all three.

  Besides, he was in London courting her while her betrothed had yet to return after months out of the country.

  She faked a happy smile. A compliment for her suitor was on the tip of her tongue, but a slight commotion at the ballroom entrance distracted her. Her gaze locked on the new arrival as he ignored the footman’s protest that he wasn’t on the guest list. Her heart tumbled end over end.

  Blast her heart! The dreadful thing always led her to trouble. And trouble’s name was Anthony Keaton.

  His face lit as he spotted her and headed in her direction, but his step faltered and his eyes narrowed on Lord Thorne at her side. The baron was still speaking, his voice droning on and on, but she couldn’t hear a word he was saying. Her thoughts skittered around in her head like ants caught in rain.

  Anthony was back. Her hands shook as elation coursed through her. She turned her back to him to gather her thoughts. Why hadn’t he returned at Easter as he’d promised? She’d heard nothing from him for months, and here he was as if he’d never left.

  Her brother’s rigid stance shifted, and he grinned. She knew Anthony was approaching.

  “Ellis, I didn’t expect to see you at the Chattingtons’ ballroom this evening,” Drew said.

  “I only just arrived to Town.”

  Gabby glanced at him, quickly assessing his dress. His coat was free of dust and his boots polished to a high shine, but he was inappropriately attired for a ball. She didn’t know how she had missed it upon his arrival. “Only arrived as in moments ago?” Her voice hitched slightly, betraying her hope he had come straightaway to see her.

  “I returned a bit earlier,” Anthony said pleasantly.

  She silently berated herself. Of course he hadn’t contacted her the moment he’d arrived in London. Those were the actions of a man in love, and nothing in Anthony’s behavior since the day of his proposal had suggested he loved her. Doubt crept into her thoughts again. During his absence, she’d begun to suspect he had asked for her hand out of duty that day rather than any sense of affection for her.

  “I didn’t know I would be attending Lady Chattington’s ball until I had a chat with Lord Corby.”

  Lord Thorne crossed his arms, the beginning of a smile making his lips twitch. He nodded to the far side of the ballroom. “There is our hostess now. Please, don’t allow us to deter you from a reunion with the lady.”

  Anthony’s cool-as-winter eyes assessed the baron. “You’ve never deterred me from anything that matters, Thorne.”

  The baron arched a brow, his dark gaze assuming a feverish gleam. “Is that so?”

  “That it is.” Anthony squared off with him, mirroring Thorne’s challenging stance.

  It was the oddest exchange she’d ever seen. She looked to Drew to translate.

  Her brother rolled his eyes. “Behave yourselves, gents. My sister is here to dance, not watch you two peacocks arguing over who has the prettier tail feathers.”

  Gabby’s face was suddenly too hot as her mind conjured an image of Anthony’s backside from the time she’d stumbled upon him swimming one summer. He winked as if he knew the path her thoughts traveled. Embarrassment consumed her.

  Lord Thorne scowled. “When was the last time you were in the presence of a lady, Ellis? You have the manners of a goat. And you’re no better, Forest, with your talk of peacocks.”

  Drew just shrugged, flashing his dimpled grin.

  The baron bowed toward her. “Forgive us, Lady Gabrielle. I’m afraid all three of us have been absent from the ballroom long enough to forget how to behave like gentlemen.”

  She took a deep breath to calm her jitteriness and smiled. “Apology accepted, my lord, and thank you. I look forward to seeing you again when the next set begins.”

  The muscles at his jaw shifted and his returning smile was tight. Still, he bid her a gracious farewell then went to speak with another guest.

  Anthony was watching her, his eyelids hovering at half-mast. When she was younger, she’d thought his eyes gave him a bored air, but she had once overheard a widow refer to them as bedchamber eyes. She hadn’t understood the reference until after their steamy encounter months earlier. An image of his mouth tenderly at her breast set her body afire again.

  She cleared her throat. “Was your journey pleasant, Lord Ellis?”

  “I accomplished my aims.”

  “Oh? And what aims would those be?”

  A hardness set in his jaw. “Do you really look forward to dancing with that scoundrel?”

  Drew nudged her with his elbow. “See? You won’t listen to me, so listen to Ellis.” He turned toward Anthony, likely pleased to have found an ally. “I don’t care for Thorne sniffing around Gabby’s skirts.”

  “Neither do I.” Anthony had an
edge to his tone. “How long has he been bothering her?”

  They were speaking around her as if she had no say in the matter. “I’m not bothered.”

  Drew ignored her. “He danced with her last week, then sent flowers thanking her the next day. Every day since, he has been underfoot. I don’t know his aims, but you can bet his intentions are not honorable.”

  Her hands landed on her hips. “Really, Drew. You know nothing about the man or his intentions.”

  “But I do,” Anthony said. “I’m well acquainted with Sebastian Thorne, and he is not honorable. It shouldn’t take much to shoo him away.”

  “Now wait one moment—”

  “Splendid.” Drew clapped Anthony on the shoulder. “It’s good to see you back in Town. Lana and I would be pleased if you joined us for dinner this week.”

  “My pleasure.”

  Insufferable oafs! This was just like when they were children. Drew and Anthony would join alliances and tell her what to do. Well, she was no longer a child.

  “I have something to say.”

  Drew chucked her on the chin. “Later, princess. I’ve finally spotted Lana. You’ll be in good hands with Ellis while I dance with my wife.”

  Her brother sauntered off without waiting to see if she consented to being left in Anthony’s care. She stared daggers at his back before swinging toward Anthony, daring him to try to run roughshod over her now.

  He offered an enigmatic smile in return. The air crackled with awkwardness as silence dragged on. He had never been one to engage in polite chitchat, but after four months apart, did he have nothing to say? Frustration brewed in her chest, the pressure building inside her.

  “I’m still waiting for an answer,” he said at last. “Do you look forward to dancing with Thorne?”

  Her chin lifted. He hadn’t answered her question either. “As Drew said, I’m here to dance.”

  “And do you have a spot on your dance card for me?”

  In her first Season, there wouldn’t have been an unclaimed dance, but she was no longer the most-sought-after debutante. There were prettier, younger ladies on the marriage mart now, and they were more willing to play the ridiculous games involved with collecting many suitors.

  She gripped her card, tempted to lie. He owed her answers, but one touch from him and she feared she’d forgive and forget with no effort on his part.

  “Let me dance with you, Lady Bug.” His voice caressed her injured pride.

  She sighed and reluctantly passed her card to him. He scribbled his name and returned it without blinking. She glanced down to see he had claimed the empty slot before Lord Thorne and laughter bubbled up inside her. “The quadrille?”

  He had always complained about dance lessons when he was a boy, and in truth, he had never been good on the ballroom floor. She had found that out the hard way when he had volunteered to practice with her when she first began lessons herself.

  His lips inched up and a spark of warmth lit his blue eyes. “It will be like old times.”

  “I certainly hope not. You were abysmal.”

  He laughed, melting the last of her resistance. Drat, but she was hopeless when it came to him.

  “I have missed your directness, Lady Gabrielle.”

  “How kind of you to say so, my lord.” She refused to admit she had missed anything about him. He already held the upper hand.

  When it was time to take position on the dance floor, Anthony offered his hand. His intense study of her made her flush again and her legs tremble. “Your brother needn’t fret about me keeping close watch. I can’t take my eyes off you.”

  Two

  Anthony was certain of Thorne’s intentions, but his boldness surprised Anthony. Gabby’s brothers were known for their fierce protectiveness and skill with blades and pistols. What he didn’t understand was Gabby’s defense of Thorne, and he wanted to know where her mind was, but the quadrille required most of his attention to avoid colliding with the other dancers. He’d forgotten how blasted fast the steps were. Gabby twirled with him for half a breath, then skipped away to her corner.

  Questioning her on the dance floor had been a bad plan. Even if he could manage more than a word or two with her before being dragged away by the overzealous Lady Marwick, there was no privacy on the crowded floor. He could barely cavort without treading on the ladies’ skirts.

  What was it ladies did not understand about men and frolicking? Men were not built to be graceful. At least he’d never been.

  When he and Gabby finally came together, they sashayed around the circle, following the other couples. With her at his side, his suspicions faded. She would never betray him as his wife had. Gabby’s heart was too pure.

  Thorne stood on the sidelines, his scowl a flash as they passed him. Anthony’s irritation flared to life again. He may trust Gabby, but he didn’t trust Thorne. Or Gabby’s ability to ward off the baron’s advances. Thorne could charm even the dourest matrons, making them blush like schoolgirls. Anthony should know, since he’d lost that particular bet. Gabby’s innocence would make her an easy target for a man like Thorne.

  “How could you have allowed Lord Thorne to take you for a carriage ride this afternoon?”

  She gasped and missed a step, but recovered quickly. “Were you spying on me?”

  “No!”

  They faced each other and turned a circle. She glowered the whole time. “How long have you been in Town?”

  “As I said, not long.”

  “Just long enough to see me in Hyde Park.”

  The dance required them to switch partners before he could correct her assumption. Lady Marwick snatched his hands and swung around in a wide circle, her head tossed back with a gleeful laugh. He’d never seen anyone dance with such abandon. It was no wonder Lord Marwick usually hid in the card room.

  When Anthony and Gabby came back together, he started to explain he hadn’t seen her in the park, but she was too quick.

  “Obviously, you have been back long enough to have sent me word.”

  “I sent word to your brother.”

  Behind her gray eyes, a storm was brewing. Experience had taught him to keep his mouth closed when she was in a temper. Her anger would blow over soon enough and he could speak reasonably with her again.

  “I had expected you to be eager to see me after four months apart. I see our separation has been easier on you.”

  That was unfair. Not to mention untrue. “I came as soon as I could. And I did miss—”

  The last strains of the quadrille faded and he swallowed his response. It wouldn’t do for everyone at the Chattingtons’ party to be privy to their affairs. He escorted Gabby from the floor and led her through the promenade.

  “It wasn’t easy on me, love,” he murmured. “I’ll call on you tomorrow and set everything to rights. I promise.”

  She drew to a halt, her mouth falling open. “Is that what this is about? You feel there is a wrong to make right?”

  “No!” He urged her to a quiet corner. “This isn’t the place or time for this discussion.”

  Her eyes filled with tears.

  Damnation! They were drawing enough attention with their sudden exit from the dance floor. If anyone suspected what had happened between them, her reputation would be ruined. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and passed it to her. “People are looking our way.”

  She dabbed at her eyes before forcing a detached smile for their audience. “Please, tell me the truth now and spare me a restless night. Why didn’t you come back when you said you would?”

  “I had no choice,” he said under his breath.

  “Why not? What business kept you away?” Her voice was beginning to rise again.

  Across the room, Lady Ibberton whispered something to their hostess and Lady Chattington tossed a curious look over her shoulder. Two ladies joined their group, not bothering to hide their stares.

  “This isn’t the place, Gabby. Please, just trust me. We can discuss it tomorrow.”


  “You’re avoiding me once again. Why am I not surprised?”

  Her bottom lip quivered and he longed to pull her into his embrace. Instead, he covered her hand resting on his forearm and gave it a small, reassuring pat.

  He should have foreseen how his absence would hurt her. Gabby would have needed more reassurance of his feelings while she awaited his return, especially since the loss of her father. Had Anthony not been scouring the countryside of Wales in search of his missing daughter, he could have written. He also would have been home long before now and gained her brother’s permission to marry her. Yet he couldn’t explain the reason he was delayed without going into the entire tale, and there were facts he never wanted the ton to know about his daughter.

  He leaned close to whisper in Gabby’s ear, her floral perfume bringing back their last moment alone together. She had possessed him that day in his study, and he’d lost all sense of right or wrong. He’d had no claim to her, but he had nearly taken everything she trustingly offered.

  “Everything will be better tomorrow, I swear it,” he murmured.

  He hesitated to release her, but she jerked away. “You must think me the biggest fool in London.”

  She stormed off, likely unaware of how enticingly her derriere bounced with each angry step. It was enough to make him want to keep her in a fit of pique.

  ***

  Gabby slipped behind a pillar and sank against it. Her breath came fast and hard; her hands shook. She needed a moment to gather her wits before she danced with Lord Thorne, but the baron was already weaving through the crowd, headed in her direction.

  Thorne’s brown eyes glittered in the candlelight, and a grin that should have her swooning, as it did with every other lady he turned it on, slowed her racing heart. She never felt out of control with Lord Thorne.

  “Here you are, my lady. Hiding from Ellis, I take it?” He held his arm out to her, his smile expanding. “Not that I blame you. The man is a terrible bore.”

  She hesitated before linking arms with him. “I wasn’t hiding. I simply needed a moment to catch my breath.”

  He led her to the dance floor and they took position for the waltz. His palm against her upper back was soothing and tension flowed from her on a slow exhale. This was what she needed in her life.