To Dare a Rogue, Lana Williams [read an ebook week txt] 📗

as she moved, though not with the exaggerated gestures many ladies made to draw attention to themselves. Her enjoyment was genuine, evident by the light in her eyes.

At last, the final notes of the music swelled to a halt. The couples bowed and curtsied to close the dance, and James offered Charlotte his arm. Not once had they been close enough to have a conversation. Now was his chance.

He glanced around the ballroom and noted a large column along one wall that would work perfectly to hide them from most of the other guests. He escorted her toward the column, pleased to see a tall potted plant along its side that would provide them an additional measure of privacy.

“What is your relationship with Viscount Palmer?” Though he wanted to order her never to see the man again, he had a suspicion that particular approach wouldn’t work. She wasn’t one of his men.

A blush rose in her cheeks as she lifted her chin. “What business is it of yours?”

“You are my friend’s sister. I do not want to see you hurt.” He had fond memories of the girl she used to be and a need to do what he could to keep her safe.

“I am ten and nine years of age, not some young girl who doesn't know any better. I can take care of myself.”

“I don't think you understand Palmer or men like him.”

Her blush deepened and a spark lit her eyes. “You are not related to me. In fact, we hardly know each other. Who I associate with is none of your concern.”

“Are you interested in him?” James clenched his fist. The very thought of a man with Palmer’s reputation touching Charlotte was more than he could bear.

“What?” Her whispered outrage reassured him more than a simple denial would have. “No. I am not. How dare you ask!”

“What am I to think when he accompanied you to that party?”

“Along with his sister. I was never alone with him.”

“Humph.” That wasn’t nearly good enough. “You should not see him again.”

“You do not have a say.” Charlotte shook her head. “While I’m sure you don’t care about the reason behind it, I intend to do my best to enjoy myself the next few months.” She glanced away. “I am to marry soon, and such opportunities will be lost.”

He frowned at her odd wording, ignoring the equally odd skip of his heart. “Who are you marrying?”

“I don’t yet know.”

“Then how can you possibly marry soon?”

“You will have to ask that of my father. There is little I can do about it except enjoy a few adventures while I can.”

“I appreciate the idea of enjoying yourself before you wed. However, doing so could be dangerous. Especially with a man like Palmer.” It could result in her landing in trouble or finding herself in a situation she couldn't talk her way out of. And if her father caught her, there would be hell to pay.

“You're making too much of this. I'm only trying to have a little fun. A few adventures.” Her eyes pleaded with him to understand. “You and Edward are free to do as you please, but I am not. You do realize how unfair that is, don’t you?”

“Your wish to enjoy a few evenings isn’t what concerns me. Who you’re doing it with does.”

“I see. Will you take me instead?” The defiant look on her face suggested she expected him to refuse. “Would you dare to escort me on an adventure?”

“Dare?” It was on the tip of his tongue to refuse. He had no intention of encouraging her in this scheme even if he sympathized with her plight. Yet the idea of her continuing to have Palmer as an escort was not to be had. “What sort of adventure are you planning next?” He couldn't believe he'd asked. What had come over him?

As her eyes held his, awareness seeped into him. Awareness that she was no longer the young girl from his memories. She was an attractive woman.

“I haven't quite decided,” she said. “But I would much prefer your company over Lord Palmer’s.”

“It would only be once.” He wanted to make it clear that this wouldn't be an ongoing situation. “After it is done, you agree to take greater care with your activities. No more outings with Palmer or anyone of his ilk.”

She smiled, revealing those charming dimples that grabbed his thoughts and scattered them willy-nilly. “I will finalize the details soon and share them when you next come to the house.”

Before he could think of a response she turned and eased back into the crowd, disappearing from sight. Only then did he realize she hadn't agreed to his request. Again.

~*~

The next morning Charlotte woke with a smile. She could hardly believe James had agreed to take her on an adventure. She needed to pick this one carefully. It needed to be something fun and that she wouldn’t have gone on otherwise.

She trusted him, though she couldn't say precisely why. As she’d told him, they didn't really know each other anymore. Her memories of him were clear as was the secret tendre that had burned brightly within her, but he was a man now in every sense of the word. It was easy to imagine him on a battlefield calling out orders. He seemed so capable and confident as if he could handle any situation that might arise. What had his time away been like? What interesting places had he seen? What tragedies had he witnessed? More importantly, what had caused the melancholy she sensed in him?

He wouldn't allow her to push the bounds of propriety as Lord Palmer did. James would be overly protective and cautious. Of that, she had no doubt. He would do all in his power to make certain they returned safely. Hopefully, that didn't mean they wouldn't enjoy themselves. From what little Edward had mentioned, he enjoyed James’ company. Surely that meant James wasn't too much of a stick in the mud.

The idea of