Chapter Nineteen

S eth had gone to the flower market early this morning to choose the perfect bouquet for Frances. He wished she had a favorite flower as it would have made his choice easier, but she had once proclaimed that she loved them all equally. Therefore, he chose those that had been the first to be planted at the cottage and included pink roses because that was the one flower that would always be special to him.

When he arrived to escort her to the ball, he was led up the stairs and into the parlor where Lady Bethany was reading.

“Lord Seth,” she greeted with a smile. “I assume that Tessa had the invitation delivered today.”

“Yes. I look forward to attending Athena’s Salon tomorrow evening.” He had been surprised when the missive arrived and assumed that Frances had been the one to make Tessa change her mind. Not that it mattered and he was anxious to see how many of the gentlemen who once graced the tables at The Emerald Garter were now sitting in their gaming room.

In fact, that was something he and Jonathan had discussed earlier in the day. Attendance always dropped with the end of the Season as gentlemen returned to the country, but those who lived in London always returned with the autumn, except half of their regular patrons were not in attendance as often as before. That, with two gambling establishments closing their doors this summer, made them wonder if the opening of Athena’s Salon was responsible.

Seth found it difficult to believe, but Tessa had only opened her establishment four months earlier…

It was not his worry tonight as he intended to enjoy the ball this evening and not worry if his cousin was responsible for the decline in his business.

“Good evening, Lord Seth.”

He turned and found Frances standing in the doorway, her blond curls piled upon her head and exposing her long neck. Color was high on her cheeks and her coral lips waited to be kissed. The gown of deep rose hugged and lifted her breasts in a manner that caused his mouth to go dry and the only jewelry she wore was the simple emerald that rested directly above the center of her breasts.

It took a moment but he finally found his legs and approached, holding the bouquet of flowers out to her.

She reached for them, her hand and arm covered in what appeared to be white satin.

“Thank you.” She brought the flowers forward and sniffed. “I will ask a maid to put these in water.” She turned and disappeared, but it was not long before Frances was back.

“How is Lady Blythe? Is she in terrible pain?”

“She is recovering and has promised to remain off of her feet until the doctor gives her permission to stand.”

“I do hope she has a quick recovery and is not in too much pain.”

“As do I,” he answered.

“I also hope that it does not delay your travels to Laswell.”

Why should Blythe’s ankle determine when he left? “I am certain that she will be as comfortable in the carriage as she would be at home and if necessary, we will be able to elevate her foot.”

“I am glad.”

“Shall we go?” he asked and offered his arm.

“Yes,” Frances answered and allowed him to escort her from the house.

Why was she being so proper and polite, as if they were strangers? Was it because Lady Bethany was watching?

No. She had often been in their presence when Frances had not been this formal.

Was she angry that he had not called yesterday? Certainly, she understood.

“Is all well?” he finally asked as he led her to the carriage where a footman opened the door.

“Yes,” Frances answered after she was assisted inside and took her seat. “I suppose I may be nervous.”

“Why?”

“I have never been escorted to a ball by a gentleman, but only attended with my aunt and uncle. I also never anticipate dancing but simply observing or participating in the card room.”

Seth lifted her gloved hand to his lips. “This will not be the last ball that you and I attend together,” he promised. “Further, your wallflower status has ended.” He then placed his lips against the back of her hand.

Frances smiled and looked into his blue eyes, memorizing what she believed to be sincerity.

She had hoped that the only reason he had not asked her to accompany him to Laswell was because he would be alone, which is why she had pointedly asked about Lady Blythe. As she was going, then a chaperone would be present, and she couldn’t help the sudden twinge of pain that he still did not believe her worthy.

“I am also concerned of what will become of my reputation by arriving with you,” she said. “After all, you are a known rake, rogue and scoundrel who owns a gambling establishment.”

“I am also the second son of the Duke of Arscott,” he reminded her. Yet, he did not deny his reputation.

Of course, they had spoken of it before, but if he had any intention of changing, would he not have assured her?

Perhaps Frances was only looking for further reasons for exacting her revenge, when truthfully, she needed none.

Or maybe she was trying to remind herself why she should have never fallen in love with him again and maybe, just maybe, she could force herself to fall out of love.

“I already risk my reputation by riding with you in this closed carriage without a chaperone,” she said after a moment.

Seth leaned forward and placed his lips against her. “No one will think less of you, Frances. I promise.”

Except, he did not control the thoughts of everyone in London. He also seemed so unconcerned that she wondered if perhaps he was correct.

“If anything, Society will wonder at our courtship and if the rogue has been tamed.”

It was a consideration. “Have you been?” Frances found herself asking.

“Oh Franny, I do not think I will ever be tamed when I am near you. As for others, you are the only woman that I want.” He took her hand and pressed the palm against his heart. “My heart beats only for you. It always has and it always will.”

She sucked in a breath at his declaration as her own heart melted and nerves eased.

Closing her eyes, Frances pulled away and then took a deep breath. Her resolve to have her revenge began to slip, but she must not let it. Had he invited her to return home with him where she could spend time with his family, or visit the place she used to live, perhaps she may have changed her mind, but once again, Seth had made a determination that he needed to leave and expected her to remain behind to await his return.

It was unfair and maybe because it was a family matter, they wanted no one else present, but he did not offer that explanation. Seth had wanted her at the races, but not in his home. Had he said if he was returning for something other than a family matter that he would want her by his side, maybe she would believe differently, but he had not.

And even though he had only been back in her life for a short time, and said and did all the right things, Frances had too easily slipped back into wanting and needing him, and anxiously waited for him to call as she had done for so many years. It needed to end. No longer would she allow herself to be taken for granted then hurt in the end.

For those reasons, she was resolved to see this through. Tonight would be magical and she would enjoy the ball and the waltzing, but her heart would not become further engaged, for tomorrow they would be no more.

As the carriage came to a halt before the grand home of Lady Perrington, Seth assisted Frances to the walk then escorted her inside. After greeting their hosts, Seth escorted her about the room. They nodded to acquaintances but did not stop to speak with anyone. It gave her the feeling that they were simply here to be seen, as one does when riding in Hyde Park or sitting in a box at the theatre.

When a servant passed with a tray, Seth lifted two glasses of wine and handed one to her, then escorted her to a space beside an open window, which provided blessed relief with the coolness of the autumn night.

They did not speak. Instead, Frances took in the room as others watched her and Seth and whispered behind fans.

What were they saying? Had they decided if she was a proper miss who tamed a rogue or his mistress given her age and spinster status? Had her aunt been correct that her association and being employed by Athena’s Salon lowered her status? Was she viewed more as a fallen woman and less a spinster wallflower?

It did not help that Seth had not engaged her in conversation either, and as the night grew long, their silence began to grow uncomfortable.

Seen but not heard? Was that his intention? Such was meant for children, not a spinster wallflower. Except wallflowers were silent and often never noticed.

“Perhaps we should leave,” she finally whispered.

“Why would you wish to do so?” he returned.

“We are not conversing, nor are we dancing and everyone is watching us.”

“It is your beauty that has them mesmerized.”

Frances snorted and stopped short of rolling her eyes.

“They are all wondering about us,” he reminded her.

“I would rather they turned their attention to someone else.”

“They will not,” he said with confidence.

Just as she was about to insist that they leave, the musicians played the chords of a waltz. Seth took her wine glass and placed it on the table next to his and then led her to the floor.

As it had been during the masquerade, her skin heated where he touched, but he did not draw her any closer than was proper. Instead, he stared down into her eyes as he led her from one end of the floor to the other and back again. She paid no attention to where he led and given neither one of them was watching, it was a wonder that they did not stumble into another couple. By the time they were finished, Frances was heated and her heart pounded.

“They will never question my devotion and most assuredly will now view me as a reformed rake.”

Frances nearly laughed. “One waltz cannot change a reputation or standing in Society.”

“Ah, but it can.” He offered his arm and led her back to where they had been standing. “It is also the reason that I have not taken you for a stroll in the gardens for that would make them question my intentions and those in Society must believe they are nothing but honorable.”

Frances frowned. There had been nothing honorable in the way that he nearly seduced her two times unless he had simply allowed passion to rule. Had her assumptions of his intentions been incorrect?

He claimed that his heart beat for her and that he wanted Society to witness his devotion. Further, he was courting her.

Yet, he also claimed that his heart had always beaten for her yet it had not stopped him from leaving her.