And then Wildfire, true to his name, lost no time.
He easily, deftly steered Babs out of Sir Edward’s view. Before she could question, or object, he had her slender arm and was at the ballroom door pulling her out into the courtyard and the warm night air.
Outdoors, he took a moment to bring his thoughts together. Babs looked up at the stars and said softly, “Beautiful …”
He looked meaningfully at her. “Exquisite.”
When she looked up and into his eyes, he felt like a boy. Her dark eyes held a shine, held a look of love, and thrilled him. The air was intoxicating with the sweet scents of early summer blossoms. A breeze wafted by touched with salt and was refreshing after the tight quarters in the small ballroom. The fresh green landscape, the torches, and his beloved …
He was overcome with need and love and desire. She had wrapped her fingers around his soul and made it hers. She said his name softly, and like a fool all he could say was, “Babs … my love … my everything …”
He crushed her into his arms, and at first his kiss was a gentle brushing of her full lips with a light touch of his own. Then he felt her tongue lick at his bottom lip, and he parted her delicious lips so that his tongue could join hers. One kiss turned into two, and then he was taking her shoulders and setting her apart from him.
Her dark eyes looked up at him questioningly, and he groaned. “Babs, beloved girl, I want you, but not like this—not when you are in trouble and desperate and don’t know where to turn … so turn to me.”
She frowned up at him and lowered her eyes. “I did not say I was in trouble …”
“And yet I know that you are. Tell me, why have you told Ned you would marry him? It makes no sense to me.”
Her eyes were so dark, and suddenly a tear rolled down her cheek. “Because I have to …”
“You have to?” he nearly shouted back. “Why in thunder do you have to? Is it money? Does your father need the money—has Ned offered to pay off his debts?”
She shook her head. “No, it isn’t the money … now … not a problem with money.”
“Then, love … sweet love … tell me. Trust me. If you are trying to protect your father, I shall immediately make all the financial arrangements—”
She cut him off with a finger in front of his face. “No! You cannot buy me for a mistress. How can you suggest such a thing?”
He laughed, but it was short-lived. “How can you think that is what I am offering?”
“What else must I think?”
“Babs, my own dear sweet Babs. I did not think I was ready for marriage … am not quite ready for marriage, but I still wish to protect you.”
She eyed him with a shake of her head, but once again he was kissing her, and this time she pulled away.
“This is madness,” he said out loud, for he’d decided to do something he would have considered unthinkable madness even two weeks ago. Despite not considering himself ready for marriage, despite not having observed the niceties of asking her father’s blessing, even despite her supposed engagement to Ned, he was going to propose.
“Very sweet, but forgive me if I do not appreciate the eloquence of the scene,” said Sir Edward, coming up on them.
Nick saw his beloved’s face. She appeared devastated. Their moment together had been shattered. He had to do something, and he had to do it immediately. Just what was Sir Edward using to get Babs to marry him? He stepped in front of Lady Babs and confronted Ned. “The fact is, I am not inclined to forgive you …”
Sir Edward moved towards him ominously. “I could bury you for this!”
“You are more than welcome to try …” offered the duke, very much ready for a fight.
Babs touched Wildfire’s arm. “Nick?” Her voice was scarcely above a whisper.
He realized if they were not careful they would attract attention. He did not want his love’s name bandied about. He patted her gloved hand reassuringly. “I am certain, however—” He stared Sir Edward down. “—that we may give one another satisfaction in this matter at another appropriate time.”
“You are right, of course,” returned Sir Edward, and the duke could see the fury in his eyes. However, Sir Edward bent his arm to Babs. “My lady, you will come with me.” It was said in a tone that would brook no argument.
Babs cast the duke one quick glance that seemed to beg him not to interfere as she placed her hand on Sir Edward’s arm and allowed him to lead her away.
He stood and watched them reenter the ballroom. He had done absolutely nothing to help her. This was more than he could bear. What hold did Ned have over her? Why would she go away with him so meekly? That was not like her. What should he do? Damn it all to blazes, he had to do something and soon!
Nineteen