Chapter Six

Samantha muttered and hastened toward her brother and aunt. She whisked her fan with ferocity, and if not careful, she could be tempted to hit him. The thought occurred to remove his quizzing glass from its cord and step on it. That would give him something to puzzle, but in this she contained herself.

Samantha realized the walls she erected, but every moment seemed enjoyable. The duke didn’t seem so high in the instep now that he had a chink in his armor. She viewed him as a suitable challenge.

Oh what fun, but it came at his, and possibly her, expense. In contemplation, she made the wrong chess move. She didn’t intend to say so much and just got carried away. Oh, dear, that was not her intention.

Aunt Minerva smiled as she greeted them. “Your Grace, how kind of you to return Samantha to us.”

“I’m afraid, Aunt Min, I have shocked His Grace.” She turned to Raven, stared into his steel gray eyes. “I apologize if I offended you. I meant no umbrage, but know that I have passionate issues and am not a chit in the vernacular of this society. I have a mind, and I like to use it.” She gave him a bold smile, paused and then winked at him.

She regretted her rudeness and didn’t want him to think ill of her family because she did recognize him as a man of substance. Some demon inside her wanted to erect the wall, to shock, insult and frighten him away. But he was dangerous also, and someone she could get to like. It was easy for her to resent his cool exterior, yet she wanted to see if she could pierce his armor again. Now, that part intrigued her beyond measure.

“You also have a quick tongue.” Her wink was audacious. A wink from her would not defuse the situation. Insufferable, but something about her spoke to him. Samantha’s attraction appealed in spite of her unconventional speech.

“One could say that to be called old, egotistical, a coward and an over-aged schoolboy in the same two minutes of conversation is a novelty for me. Tell me, did I miss any other affront to my dignity?” He controlled his tone but kept it superior.

“Yes. I also said you suffered from vanity.” Her retort shocked. He returned his gaze to her aunt who looked about to swoon and addressed Lady Minerva, “Take deep breaths, Lady Harrington. I did. I don’t envy you your supervision of your niece.” Not sure why, he turned again to her and spoke with utter calm. “If you have finished your tirade, do remember we have the last waltz, madam.” His tone became curt and crisp like a gale wind in a severe storm toppling many ships.

“I would be happy to, but on one condition, Your Grace.” Another soft smile curled her lips.

Now, what does the vixen have to say? He deemed her an expert in feminine wiles. “That condition is?”

He prepared for the worst, but she entertained, to say the least. Samantha just might be the most unusual woman he’d ever met. Raven knew he would never forget her. No other woman had attracted him or affronted him so. Of a certain, she would be bothersome, if not dodgy.

“That we talk about lighter subjects other than war and treaties.”

“Rest assured, I have heard enough about those subjects for a lifetime. How are truth, honor, and valor?”

“Oh, those are weighty subjects.” Samantha held his glare. “I don’t know if I’m consummate enough.”

“Of that, I’m sure. Such deprecation on your part does not signify, but I will try to educate you if you wish, so you can better understand them.” That comment put the woman in her place.

If she resented his superior manner, she’d be surprised at how he would use it to tame her. She now became an adversary to overcome. There were many ways he could do so. One of them might even pleasure them both. Why couldn’t she guard her tongue?

“Somehow, I know you will enlighten me by your strong opinions. His voice was an arctic freeze.

Raven observed the shocked reaction of Winston and his aunt at the quick repartee between him and Samantha.

“I’m not here to amuse you, Your Grace,” she shot back.

“Yes, I know too well. I’m not here to entertain you either, Lady Winston. I will not allow you to impugn me further. I would venture to say I have tolerated you well, all things considered.” Raven turned and nodded to his protégé who appeared at a loss for words. “Lord Winston, I believe your aunt could use a glass of punch and some fresh air.” He gave a slight nod to Samantha and strode away.

He went into the gentlemen’s parlor. Damnation, he needed a strong drink. And maybe something more.

Her brother interrogated with little patience. “What did you say to anger him so? I demand to know, Samantha. Did you call him all those invectives? This man could be important to my interests and yours. Why do you attempt to alienate all men and why this one in particular? You behaved like a shrew.”

“I don’t know, brother,” she said, ashamed of her actions. “He just seems so stuffy and sure of himself. He can be such a prig.” He was better in the coach. Or was it his kiss that warmed her? He needed assistance then.

“Who are you to say that about him? What, if anything, do you know?”

“I read the newspapers,” she protested, although regretting her very words. Oh, why, couldn’t she guard her words? Why, did she have to demean him when it wasn’t her intention? She justified herself. “The man is all about profits and industrialization of the nation, amongst other things.”

Samantha realized how her words sounded like foolish prattle. She added, “He has no heart.” Not sure why she demonized him so; he could be someone she wanted to know better. However, she did feel she went too far. He’d made a worthy adversary, and she admired that more than anything. But how could she compensate for her rude behavior at this stage of the game? Yes, it was also a contest.

“That man is a giant amongst small minded men. He is the future of England, Samantha. I’m ashamed of you and your free opinions.” Her brother’s voice was filled with anger. “I will try to make amends, but I forbid you to offend him again, do you understand?”

Winston’s words presented a strong temptation for her to inform him he had no right to tell her what to do and whom to do it with, but for the sake of proprietary, she bit her lips.

Winston walked away and returned with a glass of water for his aunt, who frowned and retreated to a couch. Samantha tapped her foot in frustration.

“Do you need fresh air, Aunt?” Winston asked.

Aunt Minerva sipped and regained her composure. She shook her head. “No, but thank you, nephew. Samantha and I require some time together. Why not join the men in the gentleman’s parlor?” Lady Minerva turned to Samantha. “Tell me, my dear; you didn’t call him an egotistical, vain old man, did you?”

“Yes, Aunt Min. I did.”

“Your brother is right that you drive all men away on purpose. You do this with anyone who takes an interest in you, even if it’s just casual. Men want women who are content to be women, not women who want to be men. Women who are soft, compliant and agreeable appeal to their vanities.” She took a deep breath. “We’ve discussed this before.” She sighed with apparent annoyance.

“Aunt Min, I don’t want to be a man. Why is this world for men only? Why can they do things that we can’t? Why is it that I must preen and pretend I’m a ninny to attract someone’s attention?” She firmed her chin in silent defiance and her fan whisked the air around them both. “I would rather be unmarried. Marriage to Percival held no joy.” When she realized she spoke in haste, she changed the subject before her aunt could ask any questions.

“Samantha, relax your fan. You have created a gale wind.” Her aunt adjusted her posture, and fingered her sleeve. “You will find that it’s more enjoyable to mold a man to your taste than to bludgeon him and recast him in the image you seek. It’s not possible, my child.”

Lady Minerva took Samantha’s hand yet again and seized the errant fan.

“Since Cleopatra, women have been content to use their considerable wiles to influence a man. Why do you act like a harridan?” Lady Minerva grasped Samantha’s hand.

She ignored some guests who were staring at the animated conversation and pushed away her aunt’s hand as it attempted to tuck a wayward curl in place.

“Dear child, I worry about you because while it’s admirable to see your independent nature, I see no softness in you when you have to espouse your ideals. That exchange with His Grace became quite disrespectful. You waged war on him.”

“Yes, I did. Why not? It’s exciting. He handled himself well. I’ll give him that.” She considered the remark. “Oh, Aunt Min, I know I disappoint you, but you are like a mother to me. I thought to use my education for good. I want more than a wealthy husband. I told the duke when he asked that I want a forever husband and an extraordinary kind of love.”

“Oh, my. We don’t always get what we want. How long is forever?” Her plumed head nodded when she returned the folded fan to Samantha’s fidgeting hand. “Is forever through eternity or just this world? Is forever until the end of time? Is forever until the next generation inherits? Sometimes, child, ordinary love with the right man can be a great comfort. Now promise me, you will not insult Ravensmere any more this evening.”

“I will try, Aunt Min, but I can’t promise.”

“Do your best, child, and get your head out of the stars.”

They walked across the ballroom to greet other acquaintances.

“You have given me a headache. If you continue with this attitude, I shall not live long. My heart will not endure. I have survived wars in India, politics of Russian princes, and English social mores, but this is too much. Be considerate of your aunt.”

Chastised, Samantha just smiled and held on tight to her aunt’s hand. “In that case, I will let you in on a secret. I think I like the duke, and it will be hard for him to forget me. Do you agree?”

“How could he forget you after the insults you hurled? I’m surprised he didn’t order you hanged.” Lady Minerva said.