Wishing for Rainbows

Trenton kept quiet. He could see no reason to argue against something that was indeed an accurate assessment of Roger Brampton. When Frederick looked a little cautious, he frowned.

“What? You must tell me now or I shall be curious all evening.” He nodded to Ursula when Frederick still didn’t speak. “I hope he doesn’t have any intentions towards Miss Proctor, or I shall have to take steps to remedy that situation.”

“Oh, no. Well, I have not heard of anything, you understand? It is just that I heard he was seen talking to Miss Somersby the other night, and the following morning, if you catch my drift,” Frederick replied obliquely.

Trenton nodded, completely unsurprised. “I can assure you, Frederick, that Miss Somersby and I have never been engaged. It was a scurrilous rumour put about by Miss Somersby. I have never, and would never, offer for Miss Somersby.”

“Good for you,” Frederick murmured. “I always thought you would have better taste than that. What’s the story with Miss Proctor then? Why is she here?”

Trenton didn’t see any reason why he should divulge Ursula’s father dictates. While Frederick was a circumspect man who wouldn’t risk damaging his reputation by spreading rumours, his wife was a nefarious gossip. “We are old childhood friends and neighbours. My father’s estate borders her father’s property. She is enjoying the sights and sounds of London before she marries next year.”

“She is betrothed?” Frederick asked with lifted brows.

“As good as,” Trenton assured him obliquely.

“Doesn’t look like Brampton knows about it,” Frederick murmured with a nod toward the rogue, who had meandered around the room until he ‘happened’ to cross Ursula’s path.

Ursula dipped into a curtsey and watched Brampton bow. There was something different about him this evening. Although outwardly his manner was polite and courteous, his eyes were cold as his dispassionate gaze raked her from head to toe. He looked as though he was assessing a piece of horseflesh rather than admiring a lady.

She shifted uncomfortably and glanced about the room in search of her aunt. The gentlemen who had been beside her moments earlier had all melted away, leaving her alone with one of the three men she had been trying desperately to avoid. The other was, right now, standing in the far corner of the room deep in conversation with their host.

“How are you this evening, Miss Proctor? Enjoying everything London has to offer?”

“Yes, thank you,” she replied, carefully ignoring the way Brampton’s mouth twisted snidely as he spoke. “Have you seen my aunt anywhere? I must have a word with her.”

“Really? Did you not arrive with her then?” Brampton challenged. “Careful, my dear, or I shall think you are avoiding me.”

“How could I be avoiding you?” she snapped. “I am standing right here.” She took a sip of her Ratafia, mentally praying that her aunt would return to the room soon.

“I haven’t seen you at many social engagements recently,” Brampton accused.

“I have been busy,” Ursula replied. She studied him warily when he took several steps toward her but couldn’t back away because of the chair beside her.

“Are the rumours true, darling Ursula?”

“Rumours?” she gulped.

“You have been having secret assignations with Calderhill?” Brampton’s voice was as callous as the look in his eyes. “I will tell you now that I don’t like being made a fool of.”

“Why would my seeing anybody make a fool out of you? I have no association with you, and don’t need to explain myself to anyone,” she declared. “Now, if you will excuse me.”

Her elbow was captured in a cruel grip when she turned to leave. She glared at Brampton as she yanked her elbow free. “Unhand me this instant,” she snapped with narrowed eyes. “How dare you?”

Brampton immediately loosened his hold. “I was just preventing you from falling over this,” he murmured blandly. His eyes remained locked with hers as he slowly stepped around her and bent to pick up the fire iron that had fallen onto the rug at her feet.

If she didn’t know better, she would think he quite enjoyed unnerving her. Determined not to allow him to see her shiver, she threw him a dark look as she mentally calculated the distance to the door.

“Is everything alright?” Trenton asked suddenly from beside her. He had stayed away for as long as he could, but when Brampton had started to edge closer to her he just had to step in.

“If you are well, I shall take my leave of you, Miss Proctor,” he murmured huskily. “I shall hope to see you again soon.”

Instead of bowing to her, he lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. However, rather than a perfunctory kiss, he allowed his lips to linger far too long while his gaze remained locked with hers.

Ursula snatched her hand away and scowled at him when he smiled mirthlessly. Her lip actually curled as she turned away but, to her consternation, suddenly found herself face-to-face with Trenton.

Her heart hammered in her throat and a wild flurry of awareness made her shiver.

“Hello, Mr Calderhill,” she murmured politely.