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Sidney hurried to the garden to meet Phee. Not wanting to keep her friend waiting, she picked up her pace into a run, only to stop short as she came along the path where her friend sat on a bench talking to a gentleman. Not any gentleman, but the one never far from her thoughts since she first met him. Noah Wildeburg held a deep conversation with Phee, with his head bent toward her to capture her every word. The intimate discussion confused Sidney. And sparked her jealousy, which was nonsense. She was not jealous of her friend. If Phee could find happiness with somebody of Wildeburg’s reputation, then she wished them the best. Only, she felt a strong connection to Wildeburg on many levels herself.
She backed around the corner, pasted a smile on her face, and called out a greeting to her friend. As she came back around the corner again, it was to find Wildeburg on his feet at a respectable distance from Phee. Sophia rested on the bench with a secretive smile gracing her face as she gazed adoringly at Lord Wildeburg. Sidney felt like an interloper on a budding relationship.
“Lord Wildeburg, what a surprise. Emerson did not make me aware of your visit.”
“I’m afraid I am intruding. I came upon Lady Sophia sitting all alone as I walked by and decided to keep her company.”
“It is highly improper of you, My Lord. You should have called at the front door,” Sidney reprimanded him.
“My apologies, Lady Sidney. Thank you for our delightful conversation, Lady Sophia. I bid you ladies a wonderful afternoon.” Wildeburg bowed before he left the garden.
“Sid, your behavior was rude. Lord Wildeburg acted as a complete gentleman.”
Sidney grimaced at her own rudeness. Her jealousy overtook her emotions, and she understood how badly she behaved toward him. She slumped next to Phee and rested her head on her shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Phee. Please forgive my rudeness. I am so confused.”
“Your apology needs to be directed to Lord Wildeburg. Also, I believe he hoped to catch you in the garden, not I.”
“I am not so sure of that. You two appeared pretty friendly with your heads together.”
“Yes, well ...” Phee drifted off.
Sidney lifted her head to notice Phee had a dreamy expression on her face. She wanted to know what they discussed but held herself back from asking. Whatever they chatted about must have been a private conversation between the two. She needed to put her own attraction to Wildeburg to the side now—for her friend’s happiness. Besides, attraction was only a fleeting emotion, the kind that never lasted. While lust disappeared as fast as it appeared, it was love Sidney desired the most. Love would endure the test of time. If Sophia felt love for Wildeburg, then Sidney must make sure his intentions were true. All the more reason to discover what his actions were.
“What are you confused about, Sidney?” Phee interrupted Sidney’s thoughts.
“My three subjects, what else?”
“Tell me about your interactions, and I will help you process your confusion.”
“Who do I start with?” Sid sighed.
“Well let us start with the least of your troubles, Rory.”
“He is not the least of my troubles. He is ranking right up there with my other subjects.” Sidney rose from the bench and paced across the garden path.
“How so?”
“Right before I came outside, we shared a couple of moments in the study.”
“Please sit, Sidney. You are making me dizzy with your pacing.”
“I can’t, you know this is how I process information. I need to sort out my feelings so I can understand how to continue with my study.”
“All right, but at least slow down. What has Rory done that has you so rattled?”
“Well, for starters, he declared his intentions to court me, then he pulled me in his arms and was about to kiss me before we heard Papa in the hallway. Then as I passed him on my way out of the study, he brushed his fingers across mine in an intimate gesture.” Sidney ticked off Rory’s actions on her fingers as she listed them out for Phee.
Sophia stared at Sidney in shock. Rory’s actions surprised her. Ever since Rory entered their lives as a friend, he only ever portrayed a brotherly connection to both women. He was good-natured and protected them from scoundrels, always good for a laugh or a thoughtful conversation. Never once did he display an attraction toward them. Sure, he was a handsome fellow, and any lady would be lucky to have him, but their friendship with him never pointed in that direction until now. Sophia feared her friend got herself in over her head. This was only one of her subjects. Phee was eager to hear what else Sidney experienced. If the behavior of their close friend was any indication, Sid was doomed.
“Close your mouth, Phee, before you eat a bug.”
“Well, I must admit, your encounter with Rory is shocking. Before I even try to understand his actions, fill me in with your visits with the other two men. I understand Sheffield took you for a ride this morning, and I’m only guessing you had a visit from Wildeburg too. Am I correct on this?”
“Two visits.”
“With Sheffield?”
“No, Wildeburg.”
“Wildeburg? Now I am dying to learn more. First tell me about Sheffield. I’m sure he was dull as dirt. That is, if you could get past his arrogant, pompous attitude. Yes, leave the delicious Wildeburg for the end. How was your ride with Sheffield?”
“Sophia Turlington, that is a vulgar opinion of Sheffield, even for you.”
“Yes, but it is nothing that is not true. I am only calling it like I see it.”
“Phee, you never talk negative about a single soul. Why such a strong reaction to Sheffield?”
“Something he declared regarding you.”
“And that was?”
“Nevermind, I do not want it to influence your research. You must keep an unbiased opinion on your subjects and not be manipulated by outside sources.”
“Phee ...”
“No, Rory made me to realize Sheffield’s words are not worth getting upset over. He explained that you will see through any smoke and mirrors to understand a person’s true character.”
“Rory declared all that?”
“No, but it is the conclusion I drew from his reaction. I won’t tell you either, Sid, until you finish your research. So, you will not attempt this discussion again. Also, you will not ask Rory, because he will tell you whatever you want to hear to further his chances for your hand.”
Sidney growled her frustration. “All right, you are correct as usual.”
“So, onto Sheffield. How was your outing in the park?”
Sidney finally settled on the bench, drawing her legs up to rest her chin on her knees as she described her adventure this morning. She then told Phee how Sheffield pulled the curricle into a secluded spot and explained their interaction in full detail. Every action from his touch, to her touch, and everything that happened after that. If Sidney stunned Phee earlier with Rory’s new attitude, it was nothing compared to how she felt about Sheffield’s reaction. Phee’s mouth once again hung open in surprise, only this time her eyes grew larger too. Her friend’s reaction would have been comical if Sidney wasn’t so confused herself. Sid went on to explain how Wildeburg interrupted them before Sheffield kissed her. She then continued to share with Phee the entire exchange, concluding with her conversation with Sheffield on the front stoop.
“Sidney you almost achieved today alone, the results for your experiment with Rory and Sheffield.”
“I am aware of that, Sophia. The gentlemen of the aristocracy are all scoundrels, our friend included. This whole thing is moving faster than I ever imagined. I thought it would require months to collect the data that has taken me less than a week to accumulate.”
“And Wildeburg? Has he given you any data to compare with Sheffield and Rory?”
Phee watched her friend blush at the mention of Lord Wildeburg’s name. Sophia felt Sidney held an attraction to the gentleman. She watched as they danced at the Woodsworths’ ball. Phee observed the connection simmering between the two when they interacted, and it seemed that both of them were oblivious. It would also appear that Sidney had spent time alone with the wild marquess. From her recent conversation with Lord Wildeburg, he was smitten with Sidney and wished for her help to further his cause. While Phee questioned his full intention, she could tell he had fallen under Sidney’s charm. His charming attitude settled Phee into an ease that before long she disclosed with him Sidney’s likes and dislikes in full detail. He appeared genuinely interested in Sidney.
Phee understood Sidney’s desire to expose the rascals of the ton, but she also felt her friend deserved a happily ever after. Of all the men Sidney collected data on, Wildeburg seemed the perfect match for her friend. So, while Sidney did her experiment, Phee decided she would do her own. Her experiment was to find her friend a match for the season, and Lord Wildeburg suited Sid to a tee. Besides being an absolute charmer, he was very sexy. There was enough chemistry between the two for an explosion, one Phee would be more than happy to ignite. Sheffield was a boor and didn’t deserve Sidney. Rory might be a friend, but his mixed emotions only confused the situation. Phee would have to make Rory understand, in a polite manner, how absurd his intentions were. As for Sheffield, she would endure putting herself in between him and Sidney for her friend to have a chance at love.
“Only the dance we shared and our time with Sheffield earlier.” Sidney lied again to Phee. She didn’t want to discuss their time alone in the park. It was a private moment she was not yet ready to share.
“What conclusions do you draw from your interactions?”
“He is definitely a charmer. His comments about a wife and her duties astounded me. He displayed actions I would not have thought a rogue would. His behavior is one of a hero in those romance novels you read, charming and caring to his devoted love. I know it sounds weird. We all know no gentleman would behave that way and mean it.”
“Why is that so hard to believe?”
“Phee, you don’t believe in the rubbish you read?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. I believe any man with the right lady would treat his beloved the way those stories convey. If you would let your softer side emerge outside of your intellectual side, you would envision the same outcome.”
“I value our friendship too much to dissuade you from your own beliefs. If this is how you imagine true love, then I wish you all the luck in discovering this passion.”
Sophia sighed as she reached for Sidney’s hand. “My friend, one day this passion will consume you, and then you shall see I am correct. I only hope you embrace the moment and simply enjoy.”
“Mmm,” was the only reply Sidney offered Sophia.
“So now, how will you proceed?”
“At the Havelock Ball, I will attempt to draw each gentleman into the garden to sample a kiss.”
“I thought you only wanted to see if they tried to get you alone to kiss you. Now you want them to actually kiss you?”
“I must. Each man has affected me differently. I need to understand why I am attracted to each of them.”
“Sidney, that is going too far. You run too much of a chance of getting caught. Then your parents will force you into a marriage with one you do not desire.”
“That is where I will require your help. You will follow me to the garden with each gentleman and send me a warning if we are about to be caught. Also, you will interrupt us if they attempt liberties beyond a simple kiss.”
“I still think this is a horrible idea.”
“Maybe, but it is one for the greater good. You must remember our friends who were ruined; this will give me the final data for my research. Then I can write a paper and expose the scoundrels of the ton and their ruses to lure innocent misses to ruination. Sophia, consider how this information will aid every new debutante.”
“I suppose so. Will you promise me one thing? If one of your subjects happen to be your soul mate, you will end this experiment and open your heart to love.”
“I promise, not that there stands a chance for any such nonsense.”
Sophia bid her farewell to Sidney, leaving her alone in the garden. Love? She shook her head at the silly notion. Her friend spent too much time reading about romance. Phee considered every gentleman’s attention a gesture toward a relationship, while most of the time they only displayed kindness. Sophia was naïve when it came to the character traits of men. True, Sidney secretly read those same stories, but she was more realistic with a man’s true nature. During the time she worked with her father and involved herself in his discussions, she recognized men for who they really were. They were domineering, conceited, and only looked at topics with a one-sided opinion. There were a few rare exceptions: her father for one and Rory a close second. Perhaps Rory was an ideal mate. He always protected and valued her opinions without trying to change her mind. Even though he didn’t make her heart go pitter-patter, he was a fine-looking fellow. What more could a girl ask for?
She could ask for a fellow who made her feel soft inside and gave her a dreamy expression when she thought of him. One whose touch made her shiver for more. One who had thick blond hair, she wished to run her fingers through, while his bedroom eyes devoured her. One who she wished would kiss her. One who stood before her?
Sidney shook her head to clear her thoughts, closing her eyes. Now she was imagining him in her garden. This wasn’t a good sign for her sanity. As she heard a throat clear, she opened her eyes. To see standing before her, the man who invaded her thoughts.
“Excuse me for interrupting you again, but I wanted to apologize for my earlier behavior.”
“You want to apologize for the very behavior you are repeating again?”
Wildeburg smiled at her quick wit. “I was hoping this token would excuse my actions,” he replied as he held out his hands to her.
In his hands he held a small package of her favorite butterscotch candy, wrapped in Sampson’s paper and tied with a red bow. A piece of candy was hanging from the ribbon. Sampson made the best candy in Piccadilly. He moved his hand closer for her to take the sweets. When she hesitated, he undid the ribbon and pulled out a piece for himself. After no movement from her, he undid the wrapper and popped the butterscotch into his mouth. He closed his eyes and released a moan of delight as he savored the candy. Sidney’s mouth watered at the treat he enjoyed. She also gulped as she gazed at him enjoying the candy. His pleasure seemed almost sensual. Sidney’s teeth scraped her upper lip, biting down as she watched him. As he licked his lips, Sidney’s reaction was to lick hers too.
When Wilde opened his eyes, he thought he would find a disgruntled lady, agitated at him for invading her private sanctuary. Instead, his eyes encountered midnight eyes growing dark with desire. As he stared, her tongue slid over her lips, as if she herself savored the sweet candy. Her lips glistened as they begged for him to kiss her, to have her sample the butterscotch from his mouth. He took a step toward her, startling her out of her daydream. When her eyes met with his, he noticed her confusion. He kept forgetting she was an inexperienced miss. While he was aware of the full impact of their attraction, she was not. There was nothing he wanted to do more than to draw her into his embrace and show her the passion they could share. But he understood that would scare her away. He would frighten her into somebody’s else’s arms. Sheffield’s arms. No, he would need to slow down his chase. Slow and steady wins the race.
Wilde cleared his throat. “As I was saying, an apology.” He placed the candy on her lap and bowed before her. With a smile, he took his leave and left the garden as quietly as he entered, never giving her a chance to comment.
Sidney continued to sit on the bench in confusion. What just happened? She was unable to come to a conclusion over her muddled thoughts. Her emotions in the last few moments changed from caution, to desire, to bewilderment, to an utter state of awe. How could one man hold such an impact on her emotions? She wanted to explore her attraction to Wildeburg, but to do that, she ran the risk of a broken heart. Sidney had an inclination it would be worth it. To experience what he offered her would be a once in a lifetime chance. Why wouldn’t she want to grab it?
As she glanced to her lap, she took notice of his sweet gesture. Sidney smiled as she unwrapped a piece and popped the candy into her mouth. She moaned. It was delicious. No wonder Wildeburg moaned his delight at the flavor. As she replayed the scene in her mind, not once did she stop to question how he knew the flavor of her favorite candy.
~~~~~
WILDEBURG SAUNTERED into White’s with the swagger of a man satisfied with himself. He sent nods to acquaintances and cocky grins to those who disapproved of his actions. As he settled into the cushioned leather seat in Sheffield’s private room of the club, he waited for his friend to acknowledge him. When he continued to be ignored, his smile only grew more confident. For when Sheffield ignored someone, he was irritated with them. This only meant he held more of a chance with Sidney Hartridge than Alex did. Yes, another score for him.
Sheffield was well aware Wildeburg sat across from him with a smug grin on his face. He watched as he strutted into the club, sure of himself. Before he caught his eye, Sheffield pulled the newspaper in front of his face and pretended to read. He was beyond irritated with the fool. This morning in the park, Wilde stated his intentions with Sidney Hartridge loud and clear. Wilde meant to pursue her and to give Sheffield a run for his money. He couldn’t let him know how much it bothered him. If Wilde sniffed the scent of competition, then it would become a contest of who was the most superior man. Sidney Hartridge didn’t deserve to be played as a game. While the lady used to annoy him, he grew to respect her after the last couple of days spent in her company. She took stock of a situation and analyzed it before she responded. She was no simple-minded miss, and for that, he owed her the respect she deserved.
His conversation with her father earlier only confirmed his decision to not tempt Wilde into a contest. Sheffield had warned Lord Hartridge of Wildeburg, but her father only brushed the warning aside, muttering that Sidney was a grown woman and could look after herself. He even informed Sheffield that Sidney was the only one to offer permission on his suit. He wouldn’t be the one marrying him, so it would be pointless to agree to scare away any other gentlemen who might wish to court her. The earl was as unpredictable with his daughter as he was with his research. Any other father of the ton who realized a duke courted their daughter would decline all invites from any other gentlemen. But not Lord Hartridge, he encouraged the more the merrier. As a sign of respect to their family, he would take it upon himself to remove any threat. The other chaps would be easy to discourage, but Wildeburg would be harder to shake.
He saw the attraction between the two, even though Lady Sidney displayed no behavior to the contrary. Her innocence made her unaware of the sizzling atmosphere. He needed to make sure Wilde didn’t expose her to the emotion. To have Noah discontinue his pursuit of Lady Sidney Hartridge, he must pretend his own indifference to the lady. When Wilde realized there would be no contest, he would grow tired of the innocent miss and find other delights within his grasp. Perhaps if he were to show interest in another lady, Wilde would move on from the trick he was playing.
“How long are you going to continue to ignore me, old chap?”
“As long as it takes for you to accept the hint and leave.”
Wilde released a bellow of laughter. “Never.”
Sheffield sighed and lowered the newspaper, folded it, and placed it next to his drink on the table in front of him. As he grabbed his drink, he leaned back in the chair and swirled the liquid around in his glass before he took a sip.
“Not your usual scene this late at night. I’m sure Belle is missing you.”
“More you than me. She was disappointed to hear you would not be visiting her anymore.”
“Yes, well her establishment is not a location where I can be seen during this time.”
“You misunderstand. Her sadness is not from missing your coin, but your company instead.”
“A friendship I cannot continue during my search for a bride. Perhaps later.”
“After you’re married then?”
“Of course. When else? Belle will understand. I shall send her a message on my predicament. She is a woman who is aware of the restrictions of my status as a duke.”
“So, after your wedding, you plan to continue where you left off.”
“After a considerable amount of time, I see no reason my life should alter just because I’ve taken a bride.”
“You would embarrass a lady as special as Sidney Hartridge with mistresses?”
“A common occurrence of the ton. You of all men understand that. Or are the married women you trifle with innocent in their actions?”
Wilde sat in silence at Alex’s words. Harsh as they might have been, they held truth in their unspoken depths. As grand of a prize as Lady Sidney was, why would Sheffield abuse what could be a promising marriage? If a husband and a wife shared a deep connection, why would a husband stray? Or a wife for that matter? Why not nurture said relationship as it developed into a love everlasting? Wilde paused in his thoughts. Where did that drivel come from? He laughed to himself. It must have come from the damn novel he read. The absurd book almost made him believe in the promise of one mate and a happily ever after. How ironic for him to imagine that scene. Sheffield was correct. It was only natural he would stray, as well as any gentleman of the aristocracy. It was their culture; any lady would assume their husband kept a mistress on the side.
“Whether it be Lady Sidney or any other lady I will court this season, the outcome will be the same. I will devote my time to her until she is with child. Then I shall resume my pleasures,” Sheffield explained.
While he became lost in his thoughts of romance, Sheffield declared something about other girls he would chase this season. Did he hear correct that Lady Sidney wasn’t his only option? If so, his own hunt for her hand was for naught. While they held a connection he didn’t understand, he only chased her to prove to Sheffield that no woman would choose anybody over himself.
“Lady Sidney is not your only candidate?”
Sheffield laughed. “Not by far. She happened to be the first. There are many ladies who hold my interest to court. A man cannot settle for mediocre when he can have the grandest being offered.”
“You find her lacking then?”
“Mmm, let us say she possesses a few faults I don’t know if I can overlook.”
“You seemed to overlook a few of her faults at the park this morning. From what I witnessed, you appeared close to sampling a few of her charms.”
“Yes, as I was saying, I need to know if the lady I choose to become my bride meets all my requirements. Plus, she directed a few of her own signals my way. I only acted on what she offered.”
Wilde stood and advanced toward Sheffield. His eyes narrowed as his lips tightened in anger at the insult. He leaned over his friend to drag him from his chair and place a planter on his face. When he encountered Sheffield’s haughty smirk, he realized he might have spoken the truth. It was not like him to defend a lady’s honor. Also, it would appear Alex played his own game with him. To find out the truth, Wilde retreated to his chair.
“What signals would those be?”
“A true gentleman does not kiss and tell.”
“So, you two shared a kiss? I thought I interrupted you before you had the chance.”
“Yes, well it was not as if you were present during our entire outing, were you?”
Sheffield had him there, but he knew when his friend lied, which he mostly definitely was. Wilde took notice of every ounce of her while in their company, and she wasn’t a lady who had been recently kissed. Her lips were untouched. If Sheffield kissed her, he didn’t kiss her the way she deserved. Her lips were not full, red, or pouted from being savored. No, Sheffield played him for a fool. He would appear to fall for his lies while he observed his actions.
“Who are your other choices?”
“Why are you so interested? Do you plan to chase their skirts too?”
“Afraid of the competition, mate?”
“No. By all means, compete.”
Wilde stood as he realized their conversation gained him no results. Sheffield was a fool not to think Lady Sidney was the perfect mate. If his friend were to court other ladies, then he would warn Lady Sidney and at least protect her from any hurt she might suffer at the hands of Sheffield. Then he would chase the other ladies to make sure Alex got what he deserved in his search for a perfect mate.
“Give Belle my love.”
Wilde raised his hand as he acknowledged Sheffield’s sly remark. Let him believe he still frequented Belle’s establishment. What could it hurt? As he paused outside the club, he waved away an offer for a ride with a group of young gentlemen who left the club. They were on their way to a card game, and he declined their offer, to their groans of disappointment. While any other night he would have led the charge to one indiscretion after another, tonight his heart was not in it. He walked for a spell, his thoughts leading his steps to an unknown destination. Before long, he stopped and leaned against the street post, the glow of the lantern lost in the fog, keeping him in the shadows. He stood outside the home of the lady who consumed his thoughts.