Chapter Forty-One

Away from prying eyes, Raven gazed at her. “Forgive me. I’m jealous. I want to proclaim that you are mine to everyone.” Then he noticed something different about her. “What have you done to your hair? It’s short.”

“Yes, Raven. I succumbed to other spontaneous desires. You know the kind I mean,” she hinted with her double entendre. “My maid is talented. If you are not careful, I may steal her away, Your Grace.”

“Perhaps it will not be necessary.” He stepped back to inspect her. “I like your hair, although I’ll miss those long tresses splayed across my pillow. It suits you well, my lady of the stars. An unusual hairstyle for a unique woman.” He moved closer to her. “I would like to dance all night with you, but you know I can’t.” His warm breath caressed her ear when he spoke, and sparks ignited—wonderful, lusty and familiar.

“Thank you. I’m much aware of the protocols and will attempt to suffer through the other dances best I can…with other handsome men.” To him, her glance was as provocative as an oasis to a parched man.

The contentment within him had everything to do with her. Political intrigue consumed him, as well as the recognition he needed to control these momentary fits of jealousy with no due cause. He did trust her. Why then did he try to find fault? Or could it be that he feared to admit to himself how much he cared? All the qualities that appealed to him could hold the same for other men. Why not be flattered at her attention?

“Tomorrow has come too soon for I know you will leave. You have added elegance and beauty to my home by gracing my life, and I’m a changed man.” On a wondrous impulse, he kissed her lips with a gentleness that more than conveyed the warmth he wanted to express in other ways. His finger traced her lips and felt their heat. Taken aback for a moment, her acceptance returned equal ardor.

Raven took her hand in his and spoke with fervency. “When I gaze upon your face there is not a thing I would change. You look back at me with those large verdant eyes that promise so much, I’m awestruck and left with this incredible urge to love and protect you. Perhaps that’s what fuels my jealousy. I’m sorry, my dear. I will try to control this better. Consider it a compliment, Samantha. I want no other man near you. My future is with you. No other woman will do.”

She smiled at his words. “Raven, your words are affectionate. Thank you.”

“They are more than that. You’re impertinent, irreverent, and irresistible, but I’m taken with every inch of you just the way you are. I don’t want you to change,” he added with a dose of good humor.

“You smile at me. Does that mean you have forgiven all my transgressions?” Before he could answer, she whispered, “I believe the music has started.” She turned away, and he followed, held her elbow, and eased her to the dance floor. He tightened his embrace as he stepped into the folds of her gown with his practiced steps.

When the waltz concluded, he kissed her hand and asked, “To whom do I deliver you for the next dance?”

“It’s with Prince Nicholas.”

He stiffened. “I will have to shoot him.” To his credit, at least he said it with a smile.

“I promise to scream if he attempts to compromise me, Raven.”

“You have been compromised by me and don’t forget it. There is much we have yet to discuss, my lady.” His voice was now firm and ducal.

“Yes, Your Grace.” Her smile mocked when he handed her over.

His voice commanded, “Take care, Highness.” He nodded and turned away.

The evening proceeded in a dizzy whirl of events, dances, and conversations.

When she broke away from the ballroom, she sighted her aunt. “Aunt Min, I’ve looked all over for you. Where have you been?”

“Why, I was in a corner niche, my dear. I met an old friend I knew in India. We secreted ourselves away to talk about old times. He is a widower now, yet still handsome and looks rather good for his age. He owns a country estate nearby but will depart to London at the end of the week. I have invited him for dinner.” She settled her plume in a secure fashion into her hair. “Who knows what this will bring? I believe I promised him the last waltz. Do you enjoy yourself?” she asked.

Samantha never saw her aunt so unsettled. Why did she have to re-pin her plume? She wondered how well she knew the man in India. “Yes, Aunt Min, the night is wonderful.”

“Does Raven behave?” she asked in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Too much, dear Aunt Min, what have you said to him?

“I believe I said I would shoot him if he compromised you again.”

Samantha turned and ruffled her fan. “Aunt Min, you have no right to interfere. I’m a grown woman now. You told me to make up my mind about what I want. I have.”

“One romp in bed does not make you a grown woman, my dear. There is more to this than pure sex.” She arched her brows, “Although, such bed sport can enrich heart and soul. I digress, child. I’m determined to marry you off to someone who will appreciate all that you have to offer. I would be happy if it could be Raven, but don’t engage in a sordid affair. You will come to regret it. This week at Ravensmere would turn anyone’s head. I shudder to think what this cost him.”

“Aunt Min, what am I to do with you? You’re so much like Raven. You say one thing and then do the other. You give advice, and then you assume I don’t have the ability to make a decision. You tell me I have to marry. I don’t even get to select the prospect. And please don’t call me a child. I am a woman.” She snapped open her fan.

“Of course, you get to select the man to whom you will be married to for the rest of your life. There is a crude remark that I hesitate to repeat to you, but it is: Never give away what you can sell.”

“Aunt Min, you are impossible.”

Her aunt answered with a laugh. “Yes, I am. The type of woman a man will not forget with ease, do you think?

“Aunt Min, you blush. Your cheeks are crimson. Where is this gentleman you sneak away to corners to converse or was there an intimate reunion?”

Minerva pointed to the side. “The tall gentleman with the silver gray hair in the dark silk coat. “I’d forgotten how good-looking he is.” She preened herself. “I have ignored your second question.”

“Quite so, Aunt Min. Shall I give you a piece of advice, also?” She winked at her aunt. “Never give away what you can sell.” She sashayed off to dance the last waltz with Raven.

The evening would soon come to an end. The men retired to the lounge for cigars and brandy while the women went to a small room for ratafia and lemonade. They rejoined each other to bid farewell and good night. Happy, tired and amused, she heard her name called, recognized Raven’s voice, and went to him.

“I must say goodbye to my guests. Will you meet me in the boathouse? I will be there as soon as I can get away.”

She hesitated.

“Say yes, Samantha. It’s important.”

“Yes,” she whispered at his implied command.

“I’ll have one of my men escort you. The servant will wait at the base of the steps.”

Samantha went to look for her aunt and knew she’d have to get out from under her watchful eye. Sighting her, she suggested they retire. Her aunt looked tired, and Samantha truly became concerned all these late nights would take a toll on her beloved lady.

“Aunt Min, I will see you to bed,” They went up the long staircase. “We’ll leave right after we have breakfasted. I’ll wake you in the morning.” She opened her aunt’s bedroom door and motioned for the maid to attend to her. That would free her and allow time to escape to the boathouse.

“Sweet dreams, Aunt Min.” Samantha closed the door, took a deep breath, exhaled. She hurried to the dressing room in her chamber, stepped out of her gown and removed her front-laced corset, burdensome undergarments and petticoats, except for her chemisette, stockings and slippers. Next she pulled up the gown by its sleeves. A quick glance in the mirror suited her image. Samantha descended the staircase that would take her to where one of Raven’s servants waited.

In the dark, a man came out of the darkness. “Good evening, my lady.” Her pulse jumped at the momentary fright. He escorted her down the path without a word until they reached the boathouse, opened the door, and disappeared. She entered the room, closed the door and waited for Raven.

The bright stars and the half-moon shone overhead. It contented her to wait in the dark for him, almost as if the blackness of the night became an old friend. Her heart brimmed with desire and want of him. What could be so important? Would it be goodbye forever? Sweet heaven, no.

The sound of footsteps caught her attention, and for a moment she became frightened. It must be the darkness that bothered her. What if someone else came through the door? What if Prince Nicholas had followed her and then Raven came upon them. What would he think? She didn’t trust the Prince.

The large oak door opened.

“Samantha?”