Chapter 4

Four

S eth could not take his gaze from Lady Constantine. He tried to pay attention to what Julia and her husband, Charles Kendle, the Duke of Selkirk, were saying, but he simplycould not.

Lady Constantine was far too captivating in her pale blue taffeta gown and pearls. Her hair gathered in an intricate chignon at the back of her head with golden curls spilling down to brush her back. His fingers twitched with the need to touch her as he marveled at her beauty.

She turned her head, their gazes colliding from across the room, and his pulse sped. The woman was beguiling. A rare mixture of hoyden and innocence wrapped up in one captivating creature.

"Are you listening, Gulliver?"

Seth was vaguely aware of Charles speaking, but could not look away from Lady Constantine. Instead of fighting the urges coursing through him, he waved a dismissive hand to his friends, then started walking toward Lady Constantine.

Lady Chadwick and Lady Celia flanked Lady Constantine's sides, the three of them chatting as they sipped lemonade.

When Lady Constantine noticed him striding toward them, she took a step in his direction.

His footfalls faltered when Celia reached out a hand, stilling Lady Constantine, then turned her curious gaze on him.

Seth regained his footing and continued toward them as Celia leaned close and said something to Lady Constantine.

What was the minx about?

As soon as she'd finished speaking, Celia released Lady Constantine, hooked her arm through Lady Chadwick's, and strolled away.

Seth could not help but grin as Lady Constantine turned her charming smile back on him.

Whatever the mischievous minx had said must have been harmless, though he was quitesure it pertained to him.

He'd known Lady Celia as long as he'd known the Duke. He and Charles were the closest of friends, more like brothers. As a result, Celia and the Dowager Duchess had also become like family. He well knew the mischief that Celia was capable of.

Constantine gave a slight curtsey when she reached him, her eyes sparkling.

"My lady," Seth said as he took her hand, placing a kiss to her knuckles. "I dare say you shine brighter than every other woman in the room."

She blushed at the compliment, her lips turning up as she met his eyes. "You are a merciless flirt."

"Is that what Lady Celia told you?"

Constantine shook her head. "No."

"Then, dare I ask what she said?"

"You may dare anything you please, but in this case, I shall not give an answer." Constantine glanced across the parlor.

Seth chuckled. "Then perhaps you will join me for a stroll in the garden."

"I fear my reputation would be lost if I did." She gave a teasing grin.

"I am sorry to inform you that the mere act of speaking with me is enough to tarnish one's reputation."

"Is that so?" Constantine peaked up at him through thick lashes.

"Indeed, so you see the damage has already been done." Seth proffered his arm, a challenge shining in his eyes.

"Well, in that case." She laughed as she threaded her hand through his arm. "I might as well enjoy my fall from grace."

Seth led her from the parlor, out into the fading sunlight. "It seems night will soon be upon us."

"I am not afraid of the dark," she retorted.

He turned her down a cobbled path leading to the gardens behind the house. "And what of the things that lurk in the shadows?"

Constantine shook her head in a matter-of-fact way. "I find they are usually rather tame."

He could not help but chuckle at the oddness of her statement, and his curiosity blossomed. "Have you happened upon many creatures lurking in the night?"

She nodded, her curls bouncing. "I am a country miss. I have spent many hours out of doors after dark." She gave a triumphant grin. "I have happened upon many creatures. Mostly rabbits, deer, and fowl. I daresay nothing has ever harmed me."

He leaned closer to her, inhaling her scent of rose and hibiscus. "And what of rogues?" He asked, mischief threaded through his tone.

"Never." She peered at him, but the golden flecks of her eyes held no scorn. "Have I cause to fear rogues?"

"Would you run for the house if I said yes?" He hoped she would not be put off by his statement, but he could not help teasing her. Something about the lady inspired his wickedness, and he could not recall the last time he'd had such fun jesting with a woman.

Lady Constantine notched her chin and gave a sassy smirk. "Rogues do not frighten me. Least of all you."

He chuckled as he turned her down a path bordered by rose bushes that led to an ancient willow tree. He knew the spot well, as he'd always favored it for the privacy it afforded. "They should."

She arched a brow, shooting him a questioning look. "Why is that?"

He stopped, then stepped around her. Seth brought his hand up to cup her cheek, and she turned into it, sending a burst of longing through him. "You tempt me, Lady Constantine."

"How?" She whispered, making no attempt to put distance between them.

Passion blazed to life as he stared into her golden gaze. "You are unusual. Smart, stubborn, and witty." He stroked his thumb across her plump lower lip. "I want to kiss you again."

"What's stopping you?" She asked, her voice quivering.

Was the unsteady tone due to desire or fear? He dropped his hand from her cheek and released a breath. "I fear my ability to stop at kisses, and I am not in the habit of ruining innocent ladies. Even if I were, I'd not take advantage of you."

Lady Constantine sighed. "What makes me special?"

He turned back to her. "I believe I am only beginning to understand."

"Then perhaps you will change your mind once you come to know me better." She gave a saucy grin.

"The Duchess is fond of you."

Lady Constantine's eyes narrowed, and she tilted her head. "How does that signify?"

Seth took Lady Constantine's hand and placed it on his elbow as he started strolling once more. "I hold the Duchess in high regard and would do nothing to betray her." He glanced at Lady Constantine. "Ravishing you would no doubt cause her a great deal of unhappiness."

"I do not recall inviting ravishment, My Lord." She pursed her lips for a heartbeat then continued, "I only recall discussing kisses."

"Ah, but kisses often lead to ravishment. It's a near certainty when one kisses a lady as comely as you."

Seth fought the urge to stop and pull her into his arms. He knew he should return her to the house, but he had no desire to part with her.

Not when they were sharing such amusing banter. And not when she blushed so prettily at his words.

One need only look at her to know that she, too, was enjoying their conversation. The devil in him could not resist asking, "Do you wish for another kiss?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I cannot say for certain. I may find your kisses altogether, distasteful upon further sampling."

"I doubt that," he said, his gaze wandering to her lips.

She stilled, her head turned toward him, gaze searching. "I think I should like to find out." She slid her tongue along her lower lip.

With a teasing grin, she lifted up on her toes and pressed her lips to his. The merest press of her flesh to his, then like a fleeting dream, her lips were gone from his. It was the kiss of an inexperienced youth, not the passionate sort shared by lovers, and yet raw need laced through his veins.

"I'm sorry," she said. "That was not at all lady like. It seems I am incapable of following the rules, and now I have made a fool of myself. Please, forget all about this," she said in a rush, then turned away from him.

"I like that you shun propriety. That you go after what you want and enjoy yourself despite societal dictates." He placed a hand on her shoulder and stepped closer so that his body pressed to her back. "Don't ever change."

She pivoted around, bringing her chest against his. Her lips parted slightly as she stared up at him. "You do?"

"Indeed, I do."

Her gaze turned saucy. "What else do you like?"

"I like to kiss you properly." He stroked his thumb across her jaw.

Her face flamed as she stared at him. "What was improper about my kiss?"

"It was just the beginning."

"Show me the ending." She lifted her chin, her arms coming around his neck, a teasing glint in her eyes.

All sense fled his mind as he brought his mouth to hers. He'd have the devil to pay, but he didn't care. Not now. Not here with her in his arms. He slipped his tongue into her sweet mouth, then groaned with need when she met his passion with her own.

The vixen ignited his blood. Another minute of her lips pressed to his, their tongues rubbing together, and bodies pressed close, and he would lose all sense of right and wrong.

Seth pulled away, taking a step back. "We should return to the house now."

"I think I would rather kiss," she said with a boldness he'd seldom heard in other women's voices.

"There has been enough kissing for one night." He took her hand and started back down the path. "I fear you will regret our actions come morning."

"Never," she said, her tone ringing with conviction.

Seth smiled at her, his heart warming. He believed her words, for he could see the embers of desire in her gaze.

Common sense told him he should leave her alone. Julia would be more than a bit cross if Seth ruined the lady, but then, he had no intention of ruining her, so what was the harm?