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

Palmer smiled. “I hardly think escorting her and my sister to a gathering is cause for alarm.”

“It is when those in attendance are of your ilk.”

Palmer scowled. “Why are you suddenly playing the role of her protector? Surely her brother should be doing so.”

James had no intention of revealing that Edward didn't know what had happened. He preferred to have Palmer believe Edward knew as well.

“I hope we don't hear of another such outing.” James held Palmer's gaze for a long moment. “I would hate for any harm to come to the lady or her reputation. If it does, you will pay dearly.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“I’m certain there’s no need for such drastic action. No doubt you have the lady's best interests at heart and don’t wish any harm to befall her.” James glared at him for a long moment to make certain his words sank in before stepping around the lord to continue on his way.

How foolish of him to allow Palmer to upset him. If the man mentioned anything to Edward, that would only raise more questions. James needed to hold on to his temper as best he could. Yet he didn’t regret warning the man. Surely it was better that he realized someone was taking notice of his activities with Charlotte.

The lady who tangled his thoughts caught his notice a short distance away, speaking with her friend, Margaret Gold. His vision narrowed to her. He made his way closer, much like a moth drawn to a flame, unable to keep his distance. Involving himself with her would only cause problems, yet his body refused to listen.

Then she turned and her gaze met his, a look of surprise quickly followed by delight lighting her face. His entire being warmed from the inside out at her expression. He etched it into his memory to examine later.

“Viscount Redmond, how lovely to see you this evening,” Charlotte said. She and Miss Gold curtsied as he bowed.

“The pleasure is mine.” He smiled at her friend. “Good evening, Miss Gold.”

“The ball continues to grow more interesting,” Miss Gold said as she returned his smile.

James glanced at Charlotte to see if he should understand the lady’s remark. Charlotte merely gave a small shake of her head as if to suggest he ignore her friend’s comment. Then Miss Gold accepted an invitation to dance and was escorted away.

“I didn't expect to see you here.” A lovely shade of pink stained Charlotte’s cheeks, reminding him of how she’d looked after their kiss.

Did that blush mean she was remembering it as well? Before he could stop himself, his gaze dropped to her rosy lips. Good heavens, he was acting like a smitten youth. A look at her expectant expression made him realize she waited for his response. Yet his mind was stubbornly blank. Why hadn’t he thought of a reason for coming to the ball?

Then he realized Lady Wynn stood directly behind Charlotte. “Lady Wynn.” He bowed, hoping he hadn’t revealed his infatuation with her daughter. “How good to see you.”

“Redmond.” Her gaze continued past him to glance over his shoulder. “Is Edward with you?”

“Unfortunately not.”

“I see.” Her disappointment made him wish he could’ve given her a different answer. Her lips twisted before she lifted her champagne glass and drained it.

A passing footman collected her empty glass and to James’ surprise, she took another from the tray the servant offered.

Charlotte watched her mother with a look of concern but said nothing.

“May I have the next dance?” James would’ve been willing to say or do nearly anything to fill the awkward silence that followed.

“How kind of you.” Charlotte took his offered elbow, and they moved toward the dance floor.

“Is all well?” he whispered as they walked.

“Quite. Thank you.” Yet her look of distress clearly said otherwise.

He told himself to let it be. The less he became involved with the family the better. “You’re concerned about your mother?” The question escaped before he could halt it.

“It has been a trying evening for both of us, but her nerves often get the better of her.” Charlotte cast a worried glance at where they’d left her standing.

James noted the lady’s glass was already half-empty and wasn’t certain what to say. His own mother was steadfast and true, a bright spot in his life. Lady Wynn struck him as rather unhappy and discontent though she’d always been polite to him.

Charlotte sighed and met his gaze once more. “I’m so pleased you’re here.” Her smile was anything but natural, but he refrained from mentioning the fact.

“As am I.” They began the dance, this dance going much better than the previous one when he’d struggled to remember the steps.

“I am anxious to settle the details of our next adventure,” Charlotte advised when they moved toward each other briefly.

He blamed his misstep squarely on her statement. “We agreed there was to be just one outing.”

“I didn’t agree to any such thing.” Her smile shifted to a more genuine one and nearly had him smiling in return.

He schooled himself before responding. “Nonetheless, you must see how ill advised that would be.”

“I should like to visit Madame Gaston’s.”

“Absolutely not.” He had trouble breathing at the thought of her in such a place. “Out of the question.”

Madame Gaston’s was a gambling establishment off St. James on King’s Street and was frequented by many of the ton. The play there was expensive with a few willing to risk a fortune on the roll of a dice or the turn of a card.

While a better establishment than those he and Edward had frequented of late, it was a far cry from White’s or the like.

“Very well.” Those pretty lips twisted into a scowl before the dance took them apart.

James couldn’t believe he’d won so easily. He dearly wanted to see her face to see if she’d truly seen reason.

They returned together, joining hands to move forward, and she glanced about as if looking for someone. “I believe I saw Lord