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Sidney climbed the steps to her room with her head bent in deep thought. She tried to mull her thoughts together on how to proceed with her research. She already came to the conclusion earlier she was in way over her head. This afternoon she would list her data into the correct columns and began to write her paper. After a few days, she would have her outcome. Her footsteps shuffled along the hallway and through the doorway to her room. She shut the door behind her to inform her family and Rose she didn’t wish for them to disturb her.
When she raised her head and turned around, she gasped as she noted Wildeburg laid on top of her counterpane with his hands relaxed behind his head. His wicked grin spoke of his true intentions. She gulped as she noted his long form spread across her bed in leisure. He discarded his jacket and a waistcoat on her chaise. He loosened his cravat and left the first few buttons of his shirt opened for her to ogle. Lord Wildeburg was a very fine specimen of a man. He rolled on his side with his hand propping his head while he patted the spot next to him.
Her head swayed back and forth with the message of no since she was unable to utter a single sentence. This was every girl’s dream, Noah Wildeburg on their bed. He laughed, then crooked his finger as he tempted her to come closer. As if under his spell, her legs moved towards the bed, while her mind screamed NO, NO, NO! It would seem her body held a desire all on its own. When she reached near him, he lifted his palm and she slid her hand into his. With a small tug, she soon landed in his arms. Wilde never spoke a word, only lowered his mouth to hers for a kiss.
The kiss while gentle held a pressure for release. Each nip and brush of his tongue begged more from her. When she responded as eagerly as him, the pressure of release poured their emotions into the passion. Their kisses became bolder, hungrier for more. Before long, his hands wrapped in her hair as he drew her closer. The stroke of his tongue guided her to abandon her proper restraint. She ran her fingers through his hair, luxuriating in the full honey locks. When his lips moved to her neck, mumbling incoherent words she pulled his head closer. An ache overcame her body, only he could ease. She needed to touch him as he caressed her. When her fingers began to unbutton the rest of his shirt, he pulled back, enclosing her hand in his. He rested his forehead against hers, breathing deeply. As he stared into her eyes, Sidney watched a man who tried to regain control. She shook her head no to his gaze.
He closed his eyes as he gathered her closer into his embrace and held her to his chest as he brought his body under control. Wilde tucked her head into his shoulder as he held her trembling form. She was an enticing minx. He only meant to tease and to gain a reaction to his appearance in her room in broad daylight, not to fall under her spell. However, after one kiss and touch from her he became lost. Why he came here, he still tried to understand himself. It was insane, the surest way to end in his demise. Marriage. To climb her trellis in the dead of night was one thing but to climb it during the day only asked for the parson’s noose.
When he regarded her in Sheffield’s arm, and when she didn’t slug his friend, he realized he might have lost the game. He realized then he would have to ante his stakes. Wilde didn’t want to examine the other emotions he experienced when Sheffield stroked his finger across her cheek, they still lingered for him to process later. At least she didn’t grant the bloke a kiss. Of that he held an advantage. Even though neither of them declared Sidney Hartridge a game, the result was the same. There was nobody or nothing off limits to their level of competition. She was no different, even as delightful of a kisser she was. Not to mention, heaven in his arms. When her body settled into his and her trembles seized, he breathed a deep sigh.
“When I saw you in Sheffield’s arms and he stroked your face, a jealous rage overcame me. I had to see you. Before you lecture me on improprieties, I will apologize. However, I will not say I am sorry for the kiss I stole from your lips.”
Sidney raised herself to rest her head on her folded hands as she gazed at him, “My Lord, you are no gentleman. You are the worst scoundrel in all of England.”
He released a laugh, sure to draw notice if anybody walked along the hallway. She laid her hand over his mouth to quiet him. His tongue stroked the delicate fingers, tasting her. When she moaned, and her fingers relaxed under his tongue, he continued the exploration as his mouth moved to her wrist. As his tongue rested against the beating of her rapid pulse, and her eyes darkened with heated desire, he decided the hell with Sheffield and their games. He needed to have her.
He raised his head to ravish her lips under his, taking from her what she returned in full. His fingers popped the buttons along the length of her back, with a need to touch and taste her fully. Her moans became lost in his as her fingers slipped inside his shirt to stroke his chest. Sidney’s touch set his body aflame where every coherent thought left. His need only grew stronger. When her lips left to move to his neck, he pressed his hardened cock into her womanly core. As her lips lowered to place soft kisses on his chest, he rotated his hips against hers. He was on the verge of ripping the rest of buttons off her dress, when the door flung open, and he stilled in horror.
“Sidney, your Mama said you were hiding in your...” Sophia paused as she found her friend wrapped in a passionate embrace with none other than Lord Wildeburg.
Wilde jumped from the bed and yanked his clothes in order afraid Sidney’s mother would not be far behind. When Lady Sophia closed the door and stood smirking at them, he knew he was safe for the time being. His gaze landed on Sidney who also left the bed and set her dress to rights. As her hands tried to smooth her skirts, her head rose to entrance him in her stare. Their unanswered desire sizzled between them begging for release. He shrugged on his waistcoat and tossed his suit coat over his shoulder and held his hand towards her. She moved silently to him and rested her palm in his with complete trust. He glanced over her shoulder to note Lady Sophia turned her back on them to offer them a sliver of privacy.
He kissed her forehead, “I will see you tonight,” he promised her. Wilde tossed his coat out the window and climbed down the trellis as he did the night before.
Sidney watched him exit the garden without being caught by her father. As she turned around, she saw his discarded cravat hung off her bed. She lifted the blue material to her nose as she sniffed his clean aftershave. When she glanced towards Phee, she found her friend at her desk, fanning her face.
“Well I needn’t ask how the research is progressing. It would appear you have lured one gentleman into a kiss.”
“You misunderstand.”
“No, my friend, I haven’t.”
“Yes, you draw conclusions where there are none to draw.”
“You were entwined in a fiery embrace with the most charming rogue of London while he ravished you in your bedchamber; it painted a very clear picture Sid.”
Sidney reclined on her chaise as she wrapped Wilde’s cravat around her hand over and over as she realized her friend was correct. He consumed her thoughts with the passion he ignited in her. If Phee hadn’t interrupted them, how far would they have gone? Would she have allowed him to make love to her in her bedchamber when at any moment somebody could have caught them? She was foolish and didn’t need her behavior confirmed. It was a recklessness that held consequences for not only her and Wildeburg but for her family too. Shame would grace their doorstep for her actions. Sidney glanced at Phee who stared back at her with a confused look she couldn’t decipher. The look held one of amusement and pity.
“Phee?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve made such a mess.”
“It would appear so.”
“What do I do?”
“What do you want to do? Or should I be asking whom?”
“Wildeburg,” Sidney sighed.
“Finally.”
“Finally?”
“I thought you would never succumb to romance.”
“Romance, this emotion is beyond romance.”
“Then for once in your life don’t analyze your feelings, explore them.”
“But what if his intentions are to toy with me?”
“What if they aren’t?
“Am I crazy?”
“No, Sid you are a woman being awoken to desire.”
“Sheffield claimed his intentions towards marriage this morning. He has declared to Papa his suit and forms strong claims to our union.”
Sophia came off her chair and knelt in front of Sidney as she drew her hands into hers, “You cannot marry that conceited arse. He would be the biggest mistake of your life. Promise me Sid, you will not tie yourself to him. Give Wildeburg a chance.”
“Sheffield provided good points if I were to marry him. Mama and Papa would never worry about money and the boys would have bright futures.”
“Do not sacrifice yourself for status. Your family wouldn’t expect it from you. Sheffield is only planting ideas inside your head.”
“You warned me, and I didn’t listen.”
“You never do, that is what makes being your friend so adventurous. Now give me details, I want to know if kissing Lord Wildeburg was as delightful as it looked.”
“Even more so,” Sidney sighed.
“When are you seeing him again?”
“Tonight, at the Steadhampton Musical.”
“Perfect, I will run interference with your other suitors, while you two sneak away for some private moments. But Sidney, you must be careful you don’t get caught.”
“I only need a few moments with him, to inform him he needs to court me properly for our acquaintance to continue. If he is interested in me for more than my body, then he will agree. If not, then he isn’t the one for me. I need to know his true intentions.”
Sophia agreed with her, then she let the subject drop. She could tell Sidney’s thoughts were troubled and needed to process her emotions on her own. She continued to hold her hand as her friend’s eyes drifted away lost in reflection. While she wished to know more of what transpired before she interrupted them, she understood they were private memories Sidney wished to keep to herself. Phee took absolute delight in the scene she walked in on and knew without a doubt Lord Wildeburg was just the man to lead her friend on a romantic journey.
It was not long before Mama and Rose invaded her room. They bustled in with a new dress of Phee’s they hemmed for her and declared how gorgeous she would look tonight.
“What are you twirling around in your hand dear?” her mother inquired.
Sidney’s eyes widened at her mother’s attention on Wildeburg’s cravat. Sophia acted quick on her feet when she grabbed the fabric and shoved it inside her pocket.
“Only a piece of fabric I plan on using for a blanket I am making for Mama. Please keep my secret, it is a surprise for her birthday.”
“You are a dear girl, Sophia. Mum is the word. I cannot wait to see the finished product. From what I saw it was a lovely shade of blue.”
Sidney rose from the chaise in panic but calmed when her friend covered for her. Her antics would soon draw her mother’s full attention. But it seemed, after she skirted one issue, another soon arose when Rose saw the state of her undress and the missing buttons from her dress.
“It was if someone ripped the garment from your body. This will take me the entire evening to repair.”
Her mother frowned at her state of undress. A man’s cravat and ripped clothing sent Sidney into a panic as she noticed the messed bed sheets. Soon, her mother would add all the signs together and come to a conclusion that would end her research. She shot her eyes to Phee’s and motioned with her eyes towards the bed. Her friend realized her dilemma and threw herself on the bed to muss the cover more.
“That was all my fault Lady Hartridge. I told Sid about the dress you fixed and was eager for her to try it on, in my excitement I popped a few buttons lose. Someone hooked them so tight, I pulled and then... Poof they sprang apart.”
“Well, that is all right dear. To be honest, this rag needs to retire to the dustbin. I’m ashamed the Duke of Sheffield witnessed you in this monstrosity. The horror. What must he think of our family?”
“Mama, there is no need to be ashamed. I hardly think Sheffield took any notice of my apparel today, his mind was otherwise occupied.” She wrapped Mama in a hug while she whispered thank you to Phee over her mother’s shoulder.
Phee laid on the bed with a mischievous grin on her face while she picked up the pearl seeded buttons scattered across the counterpane. After she finished, she wandered to Sid’s desk, where she slid the buttons and cravat into her secret drawer. By then Sidney’s mother and Rose removed her clothes and prepared her for the evening. Phee crossed to her side and kissed her on the cheek goodbye with a promise to see her later at the musical.
~~~~~
SIDNEY WAITED AT THE entryway to the music room as she searched for him. He had not shown his face yet, and with no mention of him amongst the guests, meant he wasn’t present. A throng of people entered the room, for the concert was set to start soon. She stood on her tiptoes to look above the gentlemen’s heads because they obscured her view of the door. Soon her mother was upon her and urged her to take her seat.
“I will be along shortly Mama, I am waiting for Sophia.”
“Well, don’t be long dear, Sheffield is saving our seats.”
“I promise,” Sidney grimaced at the thought of being stuck in the Duke’s company for the evening.
Sophia soon rushed to her side with her mother. Phee promised her mother they would be in soon as she noticed Sidney’s attention focused on the door. She had a notion who she waited for. When the last of the guests trickled inside, Sidney’s eyes took on a dejected expression.
“Perhaps, he is running late.”
“Or, he decided not to appear after all.”
“Who will not appear this evening?” Rory asked over their shoulders.
“A friend,” Sophia replied.
“Which friend?”
“We should take our seats; the musical is about to start.” Sophia tried to direct them into the music room, to conceal Sidney’s questionable behavior from Rory.
Sophia was unable to direct them inside before Sheffield came upon them. He positioned himself next to Sidney as he displayed his dominance over Rory. Sophia narrowed her eyes at his domineering behavior. Phee would not allow him to win over Sidney. She made a promise to herself for Sidney to find love and Sheffield wasn’t the man.
“Your Grace, I notice you’re missing your sidekick this evening,” Sophia directed towards Sheffield.
“Ahh, Wildeburg. I’m afraid he had a previous engagement with Madame Bellerose.”
“Madame Bellerose?” Sidney questioned.
“Now, Sheffield these ladies should not be subjected to this discussion,” Rory interjected. He reached for Sidney’s arm, disgusted with Sheffield’s comments.
Sheffield stood with a smirk of satisfaction. He managed to lay doubt in Lady Sidney’s mind towards Wildeburg. Also, he knew between her and Lady Sophia they would wiggle who Madame Bellerose was from Rory Beckwith. While he was not a good friend to Beckwith, he admired the man and his intellect. He also spotted him as competition. His protective behavior didn’t go unnoticed as he watched Rory escort Lady Sidney to her mother.
He proceeded to follow them when he heard an humph next to him. When he glanced to his right, he observed Lady Sophia with her arms crossed as she glared at him. Her feet beat a fast rhythm as she tried to keep her temper controlled. His interest did not lie with her, but she portrayed a fetching piece when riled. Her blond hair piled high on her head, displayed her creamy neck where ear bobs dangled as she shook her head. Her violet eyes shot daggers in his directions. Violet? Were her eyes really purple? He stepped closer to her, to discover. When he brought himself within a few inches, he found they were. A dark amethyst which became darker as he peered into them. He felt her breath fan out across his lips as he continued to gaze into her eyes. They were fascinating to him. When she pressed her hand against his chest to push him away, he shook himself out from under her spell.
“Who is this Madame Bellerose?”
“A lady of ill repute.”
“Why were you so cruel to mention her to Sidney?”
“Sometimes you must use cruelty to prevent heartache. I can understand Lady Sidney’s draw to Lord Wildeburg’s charm, but it can only end badly.”
“You cannot control them.”
“Oh, but I can, and I will. I am a Duke and I have chosen her for my bride and that is how it will be.”
“You are a pompous man.”
“You are allowed your opinion. But let me send you a warning, nobody and that includes you, will stand in my way. So, tread softly, My Lady.”
The lights dimmed as the concert began. He offered his arm, because he knew she would take it, for her to snub a duke would be the end to her season and any season in the future. She slid her palm over his arm and her fingers gripped him in frustration. Which only made his smug smile grow wider. Her perfume swirled around them as they threaded their way to their seats. The only two remaining seats in their party were seated together. It would seem he must endure the concert surrounded by her anger. Well, he found it delightful, and he succeeded in tarnishing Wilde’s name. He relaxed in his seat and divided his attention between the ladies.
“Who is Madame Bellerose?” Sidney whispered to Rory from behind her fan.
“Nobody you need to be aware of.”
“Please tell me Rory, I must know.”
“No,” he refused.
Sidney lowered her fan and closed it to squeeze in between her hands. Sadness invaded her soul when she realized she wouldn’t see Wildeburg this evening. Her anger grew when Sheffield informed her of Wilde’s current amusement. Then as Rory attempted to keep her in the dark, she about had it with him. His brotherly concern annoyed her.
Rory sensed Sidney’s anger. He witnessed it multiple times before to know they were about to come upon a storm if he didn’t calm her. He laid his hand over hers’ and loosened the fan from her grip. When she released the fan, he patted her hands to calm her. To his relief her grasp relaxed, and she rested her palms on her skirts. As she turned her tear-filled gaze to him, he became lost in their sorrow. It was then he realized he held no chance with her, but the other two gentlemen didn’t deserve her affections. So, for her best interest, he continued what Sheffield started. He slandered Wildeburg in her eyes.
“Madame Bellerose is the most sought-after Madame in all of London. She runs a brothel of the highest esteem to gentlemen in the aristocracy. Wildeburg is a frequent customer of hers, so I have heard.”
Sidney shook her head in denial to his claim. He answered with a shake of his head in the affirmative. She glanced over her shoulder to Phee, who regarded her with a look of sympathy. When she noticed the smugness covering Sheffield’s face, she felt betrayal seep into her heart. Sheffield’s looked also displayed his determination to make her his bride. When he arched his eyebrow at her, she turned back in her seat. Sidney couldn’t tell you about the performance of the concert, for she sat twisting her hands in her lap as she tried to control her emotions.
Why, after the affections he bestowed on her the night before and throughout the day, did he betray her with a visit to a brothel? Did he toy with her emotions as part of a game? While her heart screamed no, her mind informed her yes. Wildeburg’s dalliances were well known throughout the ton with his prowess and ruination of young ladies. She, herself fell victim to his wicked charm. When the singer sang a sorrow passage, Sidney’s bruised heart cried. Silent tears she allowed herself, flowed inside as her dreams of romance died on the final notes. As she stood to applause the concert, her heart hardened, and her mind became determined. Determined to finish her research, expose all the men and their games to the female heart.
When the concert ended, both men tried to push their way to her side to escort her around the room. She evaded them and pulled Phee into an empty room. They slipped inside the dark parlor and Sidney sunk onto the sofa.
“He preferred a brothel to my boring company.”
“You are never boring, my friend.”
“Why did I imagine I could intrigue a man of Wildeburg’s esteem?”
“He could only be so lucky for your attention.”
“I was a fool.”
Sophia rested beside her and drew her into her arms, “He was the fool, Sid.”
Sidney shed the tears she held inside herself during the concert. Wet drops slid along her face as her friend comforted her. Sophia’s soft words helped to bolster her tattered ego. When she regained control over her emotions, she sighed and rested her head on Phee’s shoulder. Neither one of them discussed Wildeburg, each confused with the gentleman’s behavior. Sophia reached into her reticule and handed Sid a handkerchief. Sid wiped her eyes and handed the garment back to Phee. She pasted a grin on her face and hugged her friend.
“Onward and upward, Phee.”
When Sidney uttered those words, Phee knew it was hopeless to persuade her with a list of excuses for Wildeburg’s absence. She already moved on and it would be pointless to convince her of the Marquess’s innocence. Especially when she wasn’t convinced herself. He was a rogue who played a part in convincing her how to lure her friend into his charm. She was partly to blame for Sidney’s disappointment and felt an extreme sense of guilt.
“I’m sorry Sidney.”
“You have nothing to apologize for Phee. It was my own fault when I fell for his charm.”
“But I helped him.”
“Nonsense, you fell for his charm too. Only he conned you into helping his bid along.”
“But...”
“But nothing, we are finished with the subject of Lord Noah Wildeburg. He is only to be mentioned as a subject for my research. After the Havelock Ball, he will no longer be a thought in our heads. I will take my revenge on him soon enough.”
Sidney rose from the couch and held her hand for Phee. Together they made their way to their mothers’ sides. As they made small talk for the remainder of the event, Sidney was well aware of the curious glances Rory and Sheffield settled on her.
Neither man pressed their suit this evening aware of her vulnerable feelings. While it would be the perfect time for them to strike on their advances, both men understood her temper and didn’t want it projected amongst themselves. Tomorrow would be the earliest time to continue their pursuits.
~~~~~
FOR ALL OF HER ARGUMENTS with Phee on the removal of Lord Wildeburg from her mind, they were nothing but brave words to soothe her ego. As she sat at her desk taking notes, she waited for him. Every whistle of the wind or tree branch scraping her window brought her to her feet, anxiously waiting for him to climb into her bedchamber. When the hour grew late drawing into the wee hours of the early morning, Sidney finally faced the facts that he wouldn’t appear. She blew out her light and wandered to the window where she pulled the drapes back to peer into the garden. As she looked outside, the moon rose high in the sky with the stars shooting light into the garden. There was still no sign of Wildeburg. She glanced to the bench where he offered her candy, to find it empty. She sighed and crawled under the covers. As she stared at the ceiling, a sense of loss invaded her soul. A loss she couldn’t understand, for it was a loss of the unknown. Still it saddened her. She rolled on her side and closed her eyes as exhaustion took hold. As she drifted to sleep, tears rolled onto her pillow soaking into her hair.
~~~~~
HE WATCHED HER BEDCHAMBER from the alleyway behind her house for hours. He waited for her light to extinguish, but it never did. Wilde failed her this evening and knew without a doubt, he lost his chance with her. When her room shrouded in darkness, he noticed her curtains open. Her silhouette appeared before the window as she searched the garden. Did she hope to find him there? She only waited for a moment, but it was long enough for him to decide she was worth the fight. Sidney held a goodness to her he didn’t deserve but wanted to explore.
Wilde discovered this evening the depth of his need to conquer. After he located Sheffield at White’s, he discovered how far his friend went to slander his good name with the lady. When he came upon his friend, he found him sharing a drink with Rory Beckwith. Wilde’s suspicions grew when he joined their party because the two men rarely ran in the same circles. The smug smile of victory that graced Sheffield’s face was nothing compared to the glare from Beckwith. The man appeared ready to leap from his chair and slug him. He narrowed his eyes back at Beckwith then to Sheffield. Something was amiss, and it pointed towards him.
“Bugger off Beckwith, I need to have a private word with Sheffield.”
“Not until I discuss your involvement with Sidney.”
“Sidney who?” Wildeburg questioned while not taking his eyes off of Alex.
“Lady Sidney Hartridge,” Rory growled as he advanced on Wildeburg.
Wilde turned his head towards Beckwith, pretending indifference towards the subject being discussed, “And who is she again?”
“Why you...” Rory gritted his teeth as he grabbed Wilde by the lapels of his suit.
By this time, every member inside the club gathered around them hoping to witness a fight. Soon bets rang out with Beckwith in the favor. Every gentleman of the ton knew of his temper and the strength of his fists. A good deal of them wanted revenge against Wildeburg for the attention he paid to their wives or daughters. Nobody knew yet of the reason for their altercation and didn’t care. It would be a source of entertainment for a dull evening.
Sheffield rose and separated the pair. He pushed Wilde into a leather chair near the fire while he whispered to Rory a promise to take care of their problem. With one last furious glance at Wildeburg, Rory strode out of the club while the patrons moaned in the background their disappointment of no fight. They questioned Beckwith as he exited, but he swatted their questions away in annoyance. Not only were the men out of watching a scuffle, they held no gossip to spread with their wives or mistresses. Sheffield waved the server over to bring Wilde a drink. Once the waiter filled their glasses, Sheffield lifted his whiskey in a toast to his friend.
“You sure know how to make enemies, my friend. Pretending ignorance of the young lady will not gain you any favors.”
“Where were you tonight? Belle needed your assistance.”
“Did you help her?”
“Yes, but that is not the point. Your friend required your help.”
“I am aware of her needs, that is the reason I sent for you to remove her problem. Since you succeeded, all is well.”
Wilde nursed his drink as he watched Sheffield’s disinterest towards Belle’s troubles. Any other time Alex would have risen to the occasion to help her, but instead this time he pawned it off on him to rescue her. He didn’t mind rescuing Belle, but he did mind the underhanded techniques used to prevent him from attending the Steadhampton Musical. A sense of doom overcame him as he realized his non-appearance resulted in his loss of Sidney. Why else would her friend Beckwith confront him in anger in concern for her? His glance towards Alex confirmed his suspicions. A man as confident as Sheffield, sat relaxed as he drank his whiskey. A man who appeared victorious in an accomplished game of winning the hand of a lady through underhanded plays.
“How was the musical?”
“Most enlightening I must say.”
“How so?”
“Lady Sidney attended with her barracuda of a friend Lady Sophia.”
“I find Lady Sophia to be enchanting.”
“Yes, well, maybe you might have luck with her then, since Lady Sidney is quite disenchanted with you after this evening.”
“And why would that be?”
“Somehow, she heard the rumors of your visitation to Belle’s and the type of establishment you frequent.”
“Who would burn her ears with such gossip?”
“Who else?”
“This is far from over Alex. I never thought you would slander your own friend for a chit, especially with a false rumor. You were fully aware of the reason for my visit to Belle’s. Hell, hell you sent me there per your request.”
“I have decided Lady Sidney will be my Duchess and I mean to secure her. Your secret meetings with her will end now. I don’t want to lose our friendship but if you continue your liaisons with her, you will leave me with no choice but to ruin you.”
Wilde stood and straightened his suit jacket, tugging on the sleeves, “Well consider myself ruined. If you wish to discard our friendship so easily, then prepare yourself for the fight you will have to make her your Duchess. You see, I aim to make her my Marchioness. May the best man win.” He took a bow before Sheffield and wandered from the club, his whistle growing louder as he left.
~~~~~
HE LOOSENED HIS FISTS as he controlled his anger. Wilde wanted to punch the pompous look from Sheffield’s face, but realized it would have been of no use. Alex changed the rules of the game tonight. He either backed away from Sidney, or Sheffield would ruin him. It no longer mattered, his feelings for this lady were on another level which would lead him on a path to happiness or despair.
Once she disappeared from the window, he let himself in through the garden gate and continued towards the bench. He glanced to her window again and wished for her to call out to him. When she didn’t, he laid a token of his apology to her on the bench, hoping she would discover it in the morning. He took another glance before he left for home. He would need to rise early, to stay one step ahead of Sheffield and any other gentleman who would call on her tomorrow. Sidney was no longer a game to him, but a challenge of love.