To Want a Rogue

But as he stepped out the door, a noise caught his ear. It was a low rumble that dragged on and on, punctuated but short clops. It sounded as though multiple carriages were on the road. The noise stopped and the distinct sound of a horse’s whiny cut the air, followed by the squeaking of his gate.

In short order, the rumbling began again. By the sound of it, there were three or four carriages at least. Who would be headed up his drive now?

He shifted his walking stick to his right hand. Nearbottom should have turned back, but what if the man hadn’t received his missive? Or just as likely, ignored the note?

Several seconds passed and as his grip tightened on the handle of the stick. He didn’t have to wait long as an ornate coach came into view. Letting out a low groan, Gavin ran his free hand through his hair.

Nearbottom was here and he’d shown up with an entire party of guests.

Chapter Eight

Dahlia heard the rumble of carriages from her room. They were far too loud to be the doctor alone. Gavin had mentioned a party. Her stomach clenched. Had it arrived?

She hadn’t asked who was coming or what the gathering was for. Was it just a party with his friends? But as the sound of female voices filtered up the hall, a great many female voices, she thought again about his offer. No wonder he’d only agreed to marry her if she faced destitution. Women were likely clamoring for his attention.

Unable to help herself, she opened her door and crept outside. Her movements were slow and heavy as she made her way toward the top of the stairs. The voices grew louder, full of laughter and excitement and she swallowed down a lump of dread.

Coming to the open banister on the landing above, she peered down, taking in the scene. Her stomach clenched. Four men, Gavin among them, stood in a ring, deep in conversation while women swirled about them, eight at least, in brightly colored dresses. Their excitement was evident in their laughter and movements and Dahlia died a little inside.

One of the women approached the men and ran her hand down Gavin’s back, her fingertips tracing his muscles. Jealousy stabbed at Dahlia’s insides. She had no right to be jealous, but it ate at her anyway. She reached for the banister, taking a deep breath.

As if he heard her, Gavin glanced up, his gaze widening the moment their eyes met. “Dahlia,” he said but his voice carried farther than he might have expected. The entire assembled party stopped and looked up at her.

A man with slick, dirty-blond hair and a hawkish nose spread in his lips in a wide, tight smile. “Oh my, how delicious. You’ve invited a guest of your own, Lord de Wolfe. Nicely done.”

Gavin started for the stairs, his long stride carrying him to the stairs two at a time, and he was at her side in a matter of seconds. He curled his fingers under her elbow, spinning her away from the rail. “You’d be more comfortable in your room.”

She wanted to challenge him. Ask him to introduce her to his friends. Jealousy had made her curious. But it wasn’t her place, she had no right. “Of course. My apologies for interrupting. I just heard voices and…”

“Dahlia,” he whispered. “You weren’t interrupting.” He stopped, now out of view of the crowd below, and brought his hand to her waist. “Those people,” he drew in a deep breath. “They aren’t meant for a woman like you.”

Her brow crinkled. “Aren’t meant for me?” Those men had been well dressed and the women…she let out a gasp. She real

ized now those dresses had revealed a great deal of skin for the afternoon hour.

His eyes closed. “I’ll explain later. For now, let’s return you to your room.” They started walking again then just as suddenly stopped. “I’ll have dinner sent up.”

Her shoulders hunched. Why did that make her feel worse? She was being banished and he…he was going to be with those women. And they were there to…her hand rose to her mouth. When had she started to care so much?

“Dahlia?” he asked, stopping in front of her door.

“Yes?” She’d lost the thread of the conversation entirely.

“Dinner?”

She couldn’t look him in the eye. He’d see all her feelings. “You brought me a tray already, remember?”

“Hellfire, I did.” He let out a growl. “I need to get rid of them post haste.”

Get rid of them? It dawned upon her that his strange behavior might not be because of her, but them. He looked exceedingly uncomfortable by the whole situation. That made her relax. “Are they your friends?”

His mouth turned down. “Once upon a time.” Then he opened her door and let go of her elbow. “Sleep well.”

Sleep? Given the whirlwind of emotions she’d just experienced, she had a feeling she’d barely sleep at all.

Gavin stalked back down to the foyer. The situation was getting worse by the minute. Nearbottom had leered at Dahlia. Leered. The pig. Gavin ignored the fact that he had likely given his fair share of lewd looks in her direction. Besides, while his intentions might not have been wholly honorable, at least he did not see the woman as a prostitute.

The man was crude. Not fit for the company of a lady. Nor were the men he’d brought with him, and certainly not the ladies.