Chapter 2

 

Taylor noted Lady Phoebe coming his way and glanced back to Noah, who had let his guard down for a moment. Surely Lady Phoebe had been warned of leaving a party on her own, especially onto a dark balcony. If so, she hadn’t heeded it and Noah was too caught up in his own conversation to note her escape.

He had watched her all evening as she danced with one partner after the other, laughing, chatting and apparently having a wonderful time. Not once did he notice her flirt, act coy or flutter her eyelashes. It appeared she was simply enjoying herself and it radiated from her entire being.

Her fresh innocence astounded him and he couldn’t recall ever seeing it among the upper class before. While it was delightful to watch her honest reactions, her naivety could land her in trouble.

Taylor slipped through the doors after her but knew better than to approach. Lady Felding had been quite adamant about Lady Phoebe not being seen with any of the rogues, as she liked to call Felding’s friends. It was too early in the Season to ruin all marital opportunities for Lady Phoebe. Taylor didn’t understand why, even though Janine seemed to think other gentlemen could not compete. A ludicrous idea. Besides, Lady Phoebe was the sister of one of his best friends. It would feel wrong to court her, and certainly not with his history. Felding would shoot him first.

However, Lady Phoebe was the exact type of lady he wanted for a wife - open, enchanting, charming, delightful and honest. Few of those characteristics could describe the currently available ladies of the ton. But, as she was Felding’s sister, he knew to look elsewhere, which he would do as soon as he was free of guarding Lady Phoebe.

Time weighed upon him with each day that passed. He would turn thirty in less than two years. If, by that time, he had not married and sired a legitimate heir, the estates and wealth would be taken from him. His title held little appeal without the trappings that usually accompanied it.

It wasn’t that he was against the matrimonial state. In fact he had attempted it before and it ended badly. If it were up to him, he would avoid marriage for the rest of his life, but that option was not available.

He took a deep breath and tried to relax. Remaining on the balcony did give him a break from the crush and it was much cooler out here. Taylor focused on Lady Phoebe and put the rest of the guests from his mind. The pale green gown and the jewels around her neck enhanced her emerald eyes. Lady Phoebe’s midnight hair had been pulled back into a curly mass at the back of her head, with only a few errant curls around her face. She was beautiful indeed and Taylor could well understand Felding’s concern with her debut this Season.

His relaxation soon ended as a shadow came through the door and Taylor knew instinctively it wasn’t someone bent on good intentions. Jeremy Carlyle approached Lady Phoebe, who currently had her back to the entrance. Taylor believed Jeremy to be about his age with a rapidly diminishing reputation. Carlyle was also in desperate need of funds, having been cut off by his family due to his irresponsibility at the Faro table. This made Phoebe the most attractive female in London. She could have two heads with one eye and Taylor was sure Mr. Carlyle would still seek her out.

 

* * *

 

Phoebe took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the cool night hair. A breeze wafted across her skin, cooling her almost immediately. Her shoulders relaxed and the tension left her body. She leaned against the railing and sighed. Below her in the gardens, couples walked arm in arm, most keeping in sight of the house and their chaperones. A few she noticed however, had stolen off into the darkness together. Even she knew better than to walk into a dark garden with a man. Perhaps those couples were already married. If so, then it probably was permissible.

For the life of her she could not comprehend why there weren’t more people out here instead of inside. Perhaps they enjoyed the suffocating heat, but she didn’t see how that was possible.

In the center of the garden below a large fountain stood, water poured from stone buckets held by maidens, modestly dressed. A smiled pulled at her lips. Most of the statuary she had seen, at least those portraying humans, were far from modest. Especially the one in the far back gardens of her own home in the country. Of course, the land was filled will all kinds of oddities added over the years. Naked statues, follies, mazes, sequestered cozy cottages and the remains of a castle wall. She loved exploring her home as a child and wished she could be there right now.

Feeling a presence behind her, she turned slightly, recognizing Jeremy Carlyle, the last man she had danced with.

“Lady Phoebe, I had no idea you were here.”

 

* * *

 

“Not bloody likely.” The words could barely be heard and Phoebe looked beyond Carlyle but did not see anyone. Perhaps it was someone who stood below in the gardens. Voices were known to carry on breezes such as the one cooling the air tonight.

Stopping in his tracks, Jeremy looked around at his surroundings. He must have heard the comment as well. He approached with more caution, looking around the area to see if anyone was present.

“Good evening, Mr. Carlyle,” Lady Phoebe greeted.

“You admire the gardens below?” Jeremy asked her.

“The gardens are beautiful,” Phoebe agreed. “But it is that statute I find interesting.” She pointed to a pair of cupids on top of a smaller fountain far to the left side of the large one she admired a few moments ago.

“Did you have a chance to see the ones on the other side of the house?” He gestured into the darkened portion of the terrace. “Lord Sanderson loves to collect statues. There are at least three times as many at his estate in the country.”

“No, I haven’t seen any others here. I had no idea there were more.”

“Let me show you.” Carlyle offered his arm.

Phoebe began to take it, but hesitated and cast a look at the man. “I don’t think I should,” she said with reluctance and glanced at the darker end of the balcony.

Carlyle straightened and his chin jutted out as if he were insulted. “I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Still, it wouldn’t be wise,” Phoebe balked, looking back at the crowded ballroom, hesitating.

“I will have you back before anyone notices you’re gone.”

She glanced to the end of the balcony, back to the ballroom and then to Carlyle and smiled. Noah would kill her if he learned but what were the chances of that happening. He was too busy in conversation with that older couple, whose names she had already forgotten. Besides, what real harm could there be? It wasn’t as if they were the only people out here at the moment. More than likely guests were strolling on that side of the house as well. “Just for a moment and then I must hurry back before my brother misses me.”

Jeremy’s smile broadened as he began to lead her away but stopped short. The smile faded and Phoebe looked up. The man barring their way was tall with light brown hair. His eyes were dark as well, though cold at the moment. He seemed angry, if the firmness of his full lips were any indication. She recognized him as one of the men who had been standing with her brother earlier. He must be one of the gentlemen she was to avoid. Her mother warned her to avoid Noah’s friends without giving a specific reason and she half wondered if they were dangerous. Not that Noah could be considered as such. Phoebe wondered who this gentleman was waiting for. Perhaps his mistress.

He casually leaned against a pillar, blocking their progress. “You weren’t considering taking Lady Phoebe away from the ball were you, Mr. Carlyle?”

The man stammered, cursing under his breath. “She had a desire to see the statues on the other side of the house. I was merely escorting her.”

Phoebe stood beside Carlyle and watched the other man. What had been a lovely, carefree moment was now filled with tension. Dread sank to her belly as she began to comprehend the potential error she almost committed. She had been warned of this very thing and she almost succumbed to Carlyle’s charm. His offer seemed so nice and, well, innocent at the time.

“How thoughtful,” the other man offered in a cool voice. “However, they can be seen much better during the day.” Straightening, he took Phoebe’s arm from Carlyle and turned her back toward the door. “I’ll mention it to her brother so he can bring her by.”

Phoebe knew what this gentleman believed and he was probably right. On her first night out she was almost lured into the very situation she had been warned against. Yet, she didn’t take too kindly to having her hand taken and placed on this man’s arm. She hadn’t even been introduced to him, regardless of his association with Noah. She tried to pull away but his hand tightened. With their backs now to Carlyle, she looked up at him in anger. “I believe you are one of the gentlemen my mother suggested I avoid.” She wanted him to be as insulted as she was at the moment.

He merely chuckled. “Believe me, your mother will view me as the lesser of two evils.” They stopped directly in the doorway and the handsome gentleman shot a look toward Noah.

Phoebe saw her brother directly ahead, bent over in conversation with the beautiful redhead she had seen earlier. Currently the redhead was motioning toward the door with a worried look. Was she trying to get her brother to take her out for some cool air? Slowly, as his face lifted to hers, Phoebe saw the worry that quickly turned into irritation when he spotted her escort. The man holding her arm tensed and Phoebe was afraid Noah would be angry with him when he had only helped her. As Noah approached, she could sense his mood and groaned.

“It is not how it appears,” she offered hastily, believing Noah thought that she had already broken a rule by being seen with this man.

“On the contrary, it is exactly what I feared,” Noah said through clenched teeth, while keeping a pleasant smile on his face. Phoebe watched him curiously, wondering how he did that.

“Please don’t be angry with this gentleman.” She stopped and turned toward the stranger. “I am sorry, but I don’t know your name.”

He glanced toward Noah and then back to her. A smile pulled at his lips. “Taylor Qualls, Earl of Sandlin.” Bowing, he kissed her hand. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Phoebe.” He tucked her hand back in his elbow again and faced Noah.

Why, this man wasn’t dangerous at all. In fact at this very moment, he appeared quite charming. His eyes weren’t so very dark or hard any longer. They were actually a warm brown, with flecks of gold, she amended to herself. The poor lighting on the balcony must have caused them to appear otherwise. He also had a lovely smile, with straight white teeth. This Lord Sandlin was actually a very handsome man. She would have to see about finding a wife for him as well.

Shaking her thoughts, she turned her attention back to Noah, hoping to calm him and keep him from ruining a friendship. She started to open her mouth to speak, but Noah glared at them both.

“I wasn’t angry with Sandlin.” He shot a look at his friend. “However, his need to escort you back can only mean one thing, sweet sister.”

Phoebe stiffened. How could he know what had almost occurred? She slid a glance at Lord Sandlin, then back to her brother. Before she could offer a word, her escort spoke, “Jeremy Carlyle.”

Phoebe was humiliated on the spot. So much for charming. She was hoping her little error would remain a secret, but apparently not.

Noah gave a quick nod of his head. “That one didn’t waste much time.”

Phoebe watched their exchange. Had Lord Sandlin been sent to watch her? Ridiculous, it was just a coincidence he had been on the balcony at the same time. Regardless, she knew something was going on by the way her brother and his friend exchanged looks and short phrases. At least the tension began to leave their posture.

“Would you like me to take care of it?” Lord Sandlin asked.

Noah took on a stern look. “I believe I will.”

Taylor simply nodded, then glanced at Phoebe and smiled. “While you see to him, Felding, perhaps you would allow me a dance with your lovely sister.”

A warning glare came from Noah, but he approved the request. “As you have already been seen with her in the doorway, you might as well,” Noah groaned and walked past them, exiting out into the night onto the balcony.

Lord Sandlin escorted Phoebe onto the dance floor. She studied him and decided he was very handsome in a boyish sort of way. “I am somewhat confused,” she finally admitted.

“About?” He returned with a smile.

“My mother asked me to stay away from my brother’s friends, but you are one of them. Now my brother has granted us permission to dance.”

He chuckled. “That was before I was seen escorting you from outside.”

Her face grew cold. Oh, dear, was she ruined now? So quickly? Her mother would be mortified. She was mortified.

He seemed to read her thoughts. “No worry little one. Your reputation is still safe.”

Confusion followed next. “But,...” she trailed off, not sure what the question should be and the two separated as the dance pulled them apart.

 

* * *

 

“Who is that woman?” Taylor expected Lady Phoebe to finish the question she was about to ask but she changed topics. With a quick glance, Taylor realized who Lady Phoebe meant. He groaned inwardly. Why did she have to ask about that one particular woman? “That is Lady Draden.” He was not willing to offer more.

“Is she a friend of Noah’s? She seems quite taken with him.”

“Why do you ask that?” He hadn’t thought Lady Draden one to let her feelings show.

“When I was standing with Noah, shortly after we arrived, she was watching him and appeared amused.”

Taylor could well believe that. Noah had recently told the woman in question that he would not be spending as much time with her this Season because he would have his hands full watching his sister. Lady Draden hadn’t believed him and thought it was only an excuse to distance himself while searching for a wife. Obviously, once she had seen Phoebe, she realized Noah spoke the truth.

“She is an acquaintance of your brother.” He didn’t offer anything further. Actually, he wasn’t really sure what relationship existed between the two, and if what he suspected was true, it was not something he would share with an innocent, young woman.

Phoebe’s eyes sparkled and she leaned in to whisper. “Would she be his mistress?”

No statement or question could have stunned him more, and he cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure, and prayed no one overheard her. “What do you know of such matters?” ,he asked in a hushed voice.

She gave him a quick, irritated look. “I may be from the country, but I’m still aware of how matters are in the world.”

Taylor smiled and chuckled. “If that is so, why were you about to let young Carlyle lead you into a dark corner?”

Phoebe bit her lip before she answered. “It was a momentary lapse of judgment on my part, which will not be repeated.”

“See that it isn’t.” She was a delight to talk to. Charming, honest and uninhibited. While refreshing, it could prove to be very dangerous.