“La Bohème,” he said, finding Jolene at her writing desk. He surmised she was penning a letter to the viscount to accept his invitation to the opera Friday evening. If there was anything Robert knew firsthand, it was that when parents forbade their children to do anything, it only made them more defiant. Since his half sister no doubt shared his rebellious streak, it would take diplomacy to rectify the current situation as described to him by his mother. Jolene glanced up at him peering down at the paper, which she quickly flipped over.
“What about it?” She looked up at him curiously.
“I have been told that you wish Grace and me to attend the performance along with you and this stranger.” Robert paused and stroked his chin with a mischievous smile. “What’s his name again?”
“James Derrington.” She smirked.
“Is that James Robert Derrington, James Dudley Derrington, James Giles Derrington, James—”
“Oh, now you are teasing me. I don’t know his middle name,” she said, looking down at the desktop.
“Well, finish your note to the man and let him know that we will meet him at the opera house thirty minutes before the performance. We can use the family box,” he added.
“Father talked to you, no doubt,” she said, making a disgruntled face.
“And Mother too. In the short time that you have been here, you have already caused a stir amongst the household.”
Jolene rose from the chair and frowned at him. “I suppose you will be the family chaperone,” she said, pulling her mouth to one side to show her disapproval.
“No, I will be your sibling, looking out for your best interests.”
“Well, all right, then,” Jolene sighed. She sat back down behind the writing desk and flipped over the paper. “I will let him know the arrangements.”
“Will he mind?” Robert looked suspiciously at Jolene.
“No, in fact, he suggested that if my family felt uncomfortable, he more than welcomed someone else attend.”
“Well, if that’s the case, he has obtained his first favorable point for being a gentleman,” Robert jested.
“Oh, I can see it now,” Jolene said. “You will be running a tally of good and bad points and then reporting back to Father and Mother regarding your expert opinion of the man.”
“Do you think me that devious?” Robert countered. Actually, he had already planned his strategy. Rather than having Jolene consort with a man she hardly knew, he would make sure that the viscount would be placed front and center of the entire family. Being under scrutiny would solve two problems — Jolene spending time with him alone and the family’s opportunity to discover the man’s character.
“Let me give you a piece of advice,” Robert said.
Jolene rolled her eyes. “I have been showered with advice by others so you might as well join in.”
“If you wish for this man to find acceptance, then you need to openly include him into family affairs.”
“What do you mean?”
“Stop sneaking around behind everyone’s back with clandestine meetings. It only appears as if you wish to hide your behavior with him.” Robert saw her brow crease as if she were digesting the wisdom of his suggestion. “Place your relationship with him in the center of everyone who holds you dear so others may assess his worthiness of your attention.”
“Why must he be judged?”
“Because you are loved, and no one wishes to see you hurt.” Robert smiled warmly, hoping she would relent.
“Well, I suppose you do have a point,” she admitted, pouting as if it pained her to agree.
“A wise choice.” Robert gave her a brotherly peck on the cheek. “Write your note to your prince charming, sweet princess, that we shall accompany you to the opera.” He flashed a wink and headed for the door. As he reached the threshold, Jolene called after him.
“You are a rascal!”
“Indeed,” he drawled, inwardly gloating at his ability to sway a stubborn woman.
Jolene stood in the foyer of London’s Royal Opera House. At her side were Grace and Robert awaiting the arrival of James. She knew that Robert had her best interest at heart but also worried that the poor man would be subject to intense scrutiny the entire evening. If he did not pass Robert’s approval, surely she would be faced with the decision to scandalously pursue the relationship. Undoubtedly, Robert and Grace would evaluate his qualities against those of Alastair’s. Jolene admitted she was hard-pressed to find anything negative about Grace’s brother, who professed his love for her a few days ago.
While nervously clutching her small reticule, she caught a glimpse of another group of patrons arriving through the entrance. Unable to control the slightest hint of excitement, a broad smile spread across her face when she spotted James. As he caught her eye and began approaching, she admired the way that he carried himself with dignity. His tall stature and broad shoulders accented the authority of his appearance, exuding a muscular frame beneath his formal evening attire.
“He’s here,” she blurted to Robert and Grace.
“I have no doubt by your exuberant announcement,” Robert teased.
Jolene closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath to calm her jitters. As she opened them, he stood only a few feet away, looking at her with admiration.
“Komtesse,” he said, bowing at the waist. “It is a pleasure to see you again.”
“Viscount.” She lifted her hand, and he took advantage of her offer and pressed a kiss against her trembling fingers. Jolene felt helpless to suppress the broad smile and flush of her cheeks. She pulled her hand away and turned her attention to Robert, who suspiciously glanced up and down at James.
“May I introduce you to my half brother, Lord Holland, and his fiancée, Lady Whitefield.” She turned toward Robert. “Viscount Derrington,” Jolene announced.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” James nodded respectfully to both Robert and Grace.
“Indeed,” Robert responded with an air of snobbery. “We are pleased to make your acquaintance as well. Jolene has spoken of her fondness for your company.”
“Robert,” Jolene protested, shooting him an irritated glance.
“I am not ashamed to admit that I am fond of her company as well.” He offered her his arm. “She is a charming and intelligent woman.”
She glanced at Grace, who remained quietly by Robert’s side, displaying a rather cold demeanor. Undoubtedly, she still nurtured resentment at the spurning of her brother’s affections.
“Robert, will you be so kind as to lead us to your family’s box?” Jolene asked.
“Of course.” He escorted Grace, and they followed behind.
“It is good to see you again,” James said in a low tone. He gave her arm a slight squeeze. “You look absolutely stunning this evening.”
His flattery made her heart race, along with the tingling attraction of his touch. Jolene found him impossible to resist, and an overwhelming sense of peace flooded her soul.
“Thank you.” The struggle to keep her emotions in check would be a challenge the entire evening.
As they entered the box, Grace sat to the left of Robert. James chose to sit to the right of Robert, and she took the chair to the right of James. It appeared that he purposely placed himself near her half brother to give him an opportunity to talk more freely with him. She uttered a silent plea to heaven that he would succeed in making a good impression.
Jolene flipped open the program handed to her as they entered and began perusing the cast. It did not take very long for Robert to begin his interrogation as she heard him strike up a conversation with James.
“Thank you for joining us this evening,” he said. “It places Jolene in a much better situation socially to be in your company alongside her family, don’t you agree?”
She noticed James’s jaw tighten as she glanced at him for his reaction to Robert’s comment. Obviously, Robert had made a point to express his displeasure about their secret meeting only a few days beforehand. Jolene hoped that James would give a genteel response, even though she feared he found the comment offensive.
“I have the komtesse’s best interests at heart,” he coolly but calmly stated. “You can be assured that it is not my intention to harm her reputation.”
“I am relieved to hear of it.”
Robert eyed him suspiciously, and Jolene cringed. Oh, Robert, please do not embarrass me, she cried inwardly. To her surprise, James did not reply to Robert’s threatening tone. Instead, he turned his head toward her and looked into her eyes.
“I have no intention of harming your reputation,” he assured her.
“Frankly, I am confident that your intentions are nothing but honorable,” Jolene positively confirmed. She purposely spoke the words loud enough for Robert to take heed. Jolene did trust James, but she wondered if she could trust herself. The closeness of his body next to hers aroused an alluring attraction. As she wrestled with the overwhelming urges surging through her body, the lights dimmed. Thankfully, the curtain opened, and Jolene took the opportunity to place her mind elsewhere.
Her hand clutched the program until it wrinkled between her fingers. After a sharp inhale of breath to calm her nerves, she released her grip and fixed her mind on the stage. The music rose in crescendos, but Jolene sensed the nearness of James challenging her attention. A moment later she felt his hand rest upon her own that fidgeted in her lap. She turned to acknowledge his touch, but he appeared engrossed in the production, not returning her glance. Nevertheless, a slight smile curled the corner of his mouth acknowledging his awareness of her emotion. He touched her hand tenderly and swiftly withdrew it. James’s reassurance quieted her butterflies. Jolene lost herself amongst the voices, costumes, and story.
Robert struggled with an uneasy feeling throughout the entire evening. With Grace to his left, the viscount to his right, and Jolene nearby gave him no time to enjoy the opera. Not that he cared for the entertainment, but it would have been welcome had it been successful in taking his mind elsewhere from the worrisome, gnawing thoughts rumbling around in his head.
His complicated emotions confirmed that he had become extremely fond of Jolene, so much to the point that he wanted to protect her from harm. Nevertheless, he had to admit that she deserved happiness as much as any other person did their age. No doubt she wished to marry and have children, which was probably why she felt drawn to the viscount. The entire affair would have been much easier had she succumbed to Alastair’s wooing instead. However, he knew from the onset that the odds were stacked against his friend in spite of his irreproachable character.
As far as this new chap was concerned, Robert hated being in the dark regarding the man’s background. Title or not, he could be a rake of the lowest sort. The thought caused Robert’s nostrils to flare as he pictured the man taking advantage of Jolene.
When the curtain finally fell, Robert rose to his feet with the crowd and gave his usual bravos with the other attendees. The lights illuminated the auditorium, and his eyes glanced at the seats in orchestra stalls. To his surprise, he saw Geoffrey rise to his feet, with an unrecognizable young lady at his side.
“Oh, bloody hell,” he mumbled loud enough for Grace to catch his curse.
“What’s the matter?”
“Geoffrey Chambers,” he said faintly, hoping Jolene would not hear. “In the orchestra stalls.”
As soon as the words left his lips, Geoffrey lifted his head to their family box, and a bright smile spread across his face. He nodded at Robert, and he noticed his eyes glance over at Jolene. As soon as he saw the viscount, his smile faded.
“We should go,” Robert announced.
“James, would that be agreeable?” Jolene asked with anticipation.
“Yes, I see no reason why not.” He offered her his arm.
Robert did not hesitate to leave the box and make his way down the stairs heading for a side exit rather than the main doors.
“I know a quicker way out of here,” he announced, sprinting in the direction.
“Why the rush?” Jolene called after him.
Robert continued to trot down the staircase without answering.
“Tell her before she breaks a leg running out the door,” Grace said out of breath.
“Geoffrey. Need I saw more?”
“Oh, dear God,” Jolene gasped. “Say no more.”
James remained quiet and unconcerned until Robert burst open the double doors and they found themselves out in the cool of the night. Other patrons milled about the sidewalks while Robert’s eyes scanned the area relieved that Geoffrey had been lost in the crowd.
“Is there something that I should be concerned about?” he questioned.
“No, nothing,” Jolene assured him.
“My driver is waiting just down at the corner,” Robert directed. “Why don’t we get a bite to eat?”
“My sincerest apologies,” James suddenly announced. “Unfortunately, I must be elsewhere later this evening, regarding a private matter.”
“You must leave?” Jolene inquired with a disappointing glance. James took her hand and lifted it to his lips, giving it a tender kiss.
Robert wrinkled his brow over his declaration. “Well, if you must go, then by all means tend to your private matters,” he curtly countered.
“Komtesse, it was indeed a pleasure to see you.” He turned toward Robert. “And I am most happy to have made your acquaintance, Lord Holland, and that of your lovely companion.”
He tipped his hat and gazed affectionately at Jolene. “Until we meet again.”
Robert merely nodded, keeping his lips in a straight line of disapproval. The horrified expression on Jolene’s face screamed her disappointment. He could not quite understand the man’s abrupt departure either.
“Well, that action was an unexpected occurrence,” Grace mumbled. “Are you all right, Jolene?”
“I am fine, thank you.” She turned her attention to Grace and Robert after James disappeared into the crowd. “He must have his reasons,” she added, forcing a fake grin. “Robert, I am starving. Does your offer for dinner still stand?”
“Of course it does. Two beautiful women on either side of me. What more could a man want?”
He offered his elbow to each. Robert’s eyes glanced about the dissipating crowd as he led Jolene and Grace to their waiting motorcar. Alastair would enjoy hearing this tidbit about their night out and wondered what, if anything, he would conclude regarding the viscount’s strange behavior.