To Pleasure a Lady (Courtship Wars)

He still felt the urge to return to Danvers Hall and shake Arabella out of her stubborn blindness. She was making a grievous mistake, letting her past ruin her future. She would miss him, he had no doubt. Just as he missed the devil out of her-

The distant rap of the front door knocker intruded on Marcus’s dark thoughts, but knowing his butler would answer it, he paid little attention until the sound of a familiar feminine voice followed. Marcus felt his stomach muscles clench. Arabella.

He suspected she had come to demand her emancipation but moved closer to the door, the better to hear.

Hobbs’s forbidding voice floated down the corridor. “His lordship is otherwise engaged at present, Miss Loring.”

“Ah, yes, I can tell he is fencing again. But I believe he will receive me.”

There was a notable pause while Hobbs likely debated his chances of turning her away. Evidently he realized the futility of it. “If you will wait here, Miss Loring, I will inquire if his lordship is receiving at present.”

“We needn’t stand on such ceremony, Hobbs…isn’t it?” Arabella asked, her tone charming.

“Yes, madam, the name is Hobbs.”

“Well, Hobbs, you clearly do not approve of my calling at a bachelor’s residence, and under ordinary circumstances I would agree with you. I assure you, I am usually quite proper. But in this instance, I have urgent business with Lord Danvers. And since he is my guardian, the infraction is not so very egregious, is it now?”

“Perhaps not,” the butler answered, stiff with resistance.

“Then you will allow me to see him?”

“Very well, Miss Loring, if you insist…you may follow me.”

“Oh, you needn’t trouble yourself. I can find my way.” Her footsteps sounded on the marble entrance hall, then hesitated. “Hobbs?” she called. Marcus could picture her speaking over her shoulder. “You are to be admired for protecting your master’s privacy. I will make certain he knows of your devotion.”

“Thank you, miss,” the butler replied, clearly exasperated.

A moment later Arabella appeared in the doorway. Although Marcus had braced himself, he felt his heart jolt at the welcome sight of her. As she paused to survey the room, heat and hunger stabbed through him. Then her gaze locked on him, and the hunger worsened.

Her expression was intensely focused, her gray eyes searching. After another heartbeat, though, she gave him a smile of such sweetness, such utter brilliance, that he felt dazed.

Arabella was the first to tear her gaze away and seek out his friends’ attention. The marquess and duke had halted their practice in order to observe her.

She turned her bright smile on the two noblemen as she advanced into the room. “My lords, I hope you will forgive me for interrupting your fencing session yet again. You must think me very vexing.”

His grace, the Duke of Arden, lifted an eyebrow. “You do seem to be making a habit of intruding on our practice, Miss Loring.”

But the Marquess of Claybourne’s response was more congenial. His eyes gleaming, Claybourne gave her a roguish smile. “It doesn’t follow that the intrusion must be unwelcome. It is indeed a pleasure to see you.”

She glanced at Marcus briefly. “Would you mind terribly if I steal his lordship away for a few moments?”

The duke answered her. “You may speak to him here, Miss Loring. We were nearly finished anyway.”

Arabella was glad that the imperious duke seemed prepared to leave, for he was obviously not delighted she had come. She doubted she would be able to win over his opinion any time soon, even if she tried. Moving to the table, the duke returned his foil to its case and, after offering her a polite bow, strode from the salon. The marquess shrugged and followed suit but flashed her a charming grin as he passed.

Alone with Marcus, Arabella turned slowly to face him. He had said not a single word thus far, and she couldn’t tell if that was an ominous sign or a propitious one. She only knew how she felt upon seeing him again: sheer happiness. That, and yearning. She wanted to fling herself into his arms. Wanted to press ardent kisses all over his dear, handsome face…

If she hadn’t already realized the depths of her love for Marcus, being with him again after enduring a wretched week of despondency would have clarified her feelings.

She was keenly aware, however, that Marcus did not look happy to see her. Arabella gazed at him in uncertain silence, conscious of her thudding heartbeat brought on by a sudden case of trepidation. He was watching her soberly-not at all the welcome she had hoped for.

“So, sweeting, to what do I owe the honor of your visit this time?”

Arabella’s heart sank at his impassive tone. Hesitantly, she stepped forward. “For one thing, I wished to thank you for seeking out my mother in France and bringing her home. You went to a great deal of trouble on our behalf, Marcus, and you have my gratitude, as well as that of my sisters.”

His broad shoulders lifted in a shrug. “Your gratitude is unnecessary. I merely did my duty as your guardian-which doubtless is your real concern. If you’re here to discover the status of your emancipation, you can set your mind at ease. The proper documents granting your independence have been prepared and only require my signature.”

She managed a smile. “Thank you, but that is not my chief reason for coming.”