Chapter 2

All Carina had wanted was a cool breeze to bring relief from the stifling Assembly Rooms. Dinner was pleasant, but once the dancing had begun, the temperature within had risen to quite unbearable. As Gaia and her husband were occupied speaking with acquaintances, Carina had taken the opportunity to sneak away. Not that she had left the gathering immediately. Instead, she'd found a place out of the way, as a wallflower should, but the heat even reached her in her little corner, and she had to escape.

When at balls given in the homes of hosts, there was usually a garden that offered relief. Such was not the same here, or at least not that she had found, so she stepped out and onto the walk.

It was a warm night but at least the air was a little cooler outside and she took the moment to dab her brow and upper lip with her handkerchief, dreading that she'd have to go back inside.

As a gentleman stepped from the building, Carina took a step into the shadows. It wouldn't do to be found outside without an escort or companion.

Unfortunately, Lord Clarkston noted her presence and smiled.

He was one of the few gentlemen who did speak with her at functions and had often asked for a dance. She had granted him two in the three weeks since they'd first been introduced.

Carina did not care for him and had no desire to encourage his attention. Though she could not identify specifically what she did not like about Clarkston, that was good enough for her to want to discourage his pursuit.

"Miss Leonelli, what a surprise to find you here."

"Lord Clarkston," she greeted.

"I assume you are escaping the heat as much as I desired to do."

"Yes, but it is time that I returned inside before I am missed."

Carina tried to walk past him so that she was not caught being alone outside with a gentleman, but Clarkston gently grasped her elbow. "Please do not abandon me and leave me all alone."

"I am quite certain you will survive." Carina attempted to pull her arm from his gloved hand, but his grip only tightened. "If you will excuse me."

"What do you have against me, Miss Leonelli?"

"Nothing, Lord Clarkston," she answered. Just because she knew that the two of them would never suit did not mean she had anything against him. "I simply do not wish to have my reputation called into question by being found outside with a gentleman with no chaperone about."

"What if I could offer you a far more pleasant position. One that would be rewarding for both of us. Why be a companion when you could have a home, jewels, servants."

If he wished to court her, he would say so. Instead, Carina suspected he was proposing a disreputable relationship. "But not marriage," she countered. "And this position would only last until you tired of me."

"Unfortunately, it is known that I must wed an heiress, a titled one if possible."

At least she now had a reason for her dislike of Clarkston instead of a simple feeling. Further, how dare he offer her a position as his mistress!

"Then there is no reason why we should continue our discussion. Good evening, Lord Clarkston."

"How can you dismiss what I offer when you have not yet tasted the temptation."

Before she knew what was happening, Clarkston pulled her close and his lips descended toward hers.

Carina turned her face away. She had never been kissed before and she most certainly didn't want her first one to be from this rogue.

His wet lips landed on her cheek and Carina did not even try to suppress the shudder of disgust.

"Ah, you tease, Miss Leonelli. I enjoy that in a lover."

"I am not your lover, nor will I ever be. Please let go of me now." That was the last of her trying to be polite.

In a blink, Clarkston was gone, thank goodness. Except, it wasn't by choice and Carina sucked in a breath as Felix's fist connected with Clarkston's nose and she quickly moved away in fear that they would soon be engaged in fisticuffs.

"She asked you to let her go," Felix bit out, still clutching Clarkston's cravat in his fist.

"How dare you accost me you…you…coachman," he sneered. "I will see you sacked."

As Felix had no fear of losing his position, he raised his fist once again.

"Halt!"

He froze and glanced over his shoulder to find Bolton just behind him.

"He is correct. A coachman should not accost a lord."

If Bolton knew what had just transpired, he'd not argue with Felix.

He drew up to the side of Felix. "See to Miss Leonelli."

"I am not finished with him yet," Felix argued.

"Yes, you are," Bolton ordered.

Felix would have words with Bolton later. He did not care that Clarkston thought him a lowly coachman. He had accosted Carina and Felix would not be satisfied until he was unconscious.

"It is better coming from me."

Felix had barely stepped out of the way when Bolton's fist connected with Clarkston's eye. "You have insulted the dear friend of my sister and shall meet me tomorrow at dawn."

Clarkston gaped at him.

"Have your second contact mine." He glanced back at Felix. "Mine shall be Knight. He will be found at Lydell's home for arrangements to be made."

Clarkston stumbled back. "You will regret your assault on my person," he said before turning and marching away.

"Why did you stop me from beating him into a bloody pulp?" Felix demanded.

"Because you are a coachman," Bolton said, meeting his eyes. "Your issuing a challenge would go worse for you if caught."

"Whereas an earl would escape the worst of punishments," Felix acknowledged even though it did not sit well with him. Felix had wanted to be the one to defend Carina's honor.

"You are both being ridiculous. I had matters well in hand."

They turned toward her, and Felix quickly removed his suitcoat and placed it around her shoulders.

"You did not," he insisted. "And I feared what else may have happened to you had I not intervened."

"I saw the whole thing as well, Carina," Bolton stated. "Felix simply beat me to dragging Clarkston away."

"He did not harm me," she insisted.

"He ruined your gown."

Carina frowned and looked down then gasped before she pulled Felix's suitcoat closed.