Chapter 13

The Lancasters’ Ball

" P lease end my torment and run me through with a cutlass," Miles said as he munched on an apple tart.

"How much more must we endure of this infernal torture? I feel the sword of Damocles hanging above our heads whenever Mother is about," Sebastian replied before shoving a piece of candied fruit into his mouth.

"We need to make sure that Lucas and Victor remain the main focus of Mother's obsession, but they both keep disappearing," Brenton grumbled through a mouth full of grapes.

The brothers—Miles, Sebastian, and Brenton—had their heads together in the supper room of yet another ball, trying to find ways to deflect women toward Lucas and Victor. Never ones to pass up free food offered in a crisis, they were shoring up energy to get through another night of social torment. This act of desperation had come about since their father, at the insistence of their mother, had decreed weeks earlier that if at least one of them was not married before the season's end, they would all be cut off. They were eager to ensure Lucas or Victor married first, which would let them all off the hook. The problem was that Lucas and Victor had become just as good at hiding from their mother as they were.

"So, what do you have so far?" Miles asked Sebastian.

"Well, I have a hunch that Victor is half in love with Miss Briana Walsh."

"Victor? That is rather odd, don't you think?" Brenton said.

"Yes, indeed. But he practically fought me for her at Almack's," Sebastian replied.

"I've also caught him staring at her a great deal," Miles said with a reflective expression.

Sebastian nodded and said, "And I do believe Lucas has fallen head over heels for Miss Drummond."

"The frilly bluestocking?" Brenton asked.

"The very one. She is rather pretty but has such ghastly fashion sense," Sebastian replied.

Miles said, "Hmm, interesting indeed. We just need to find ways to nudge them a little so they move this farce along at a faster pace."

They were contemplating what to do next when their mother appeared in the doorway, surrounded by an ever-increasing crowd of debutantes and scanning the room.

"Good Lord, run!" Sebastian hissed as he quickly grabbed a sandwich, then high-tailed it out a side entrance.

Miles and Brenton cursed under their breaths, rapidly shoved more food onto their saucers, and rushed out after Sebastian.

Meanwhile, their father Edward, who had been watching them discreetly, began chuckling to himself. He wondered, not for the first time, whether he should tell his sons about the Cambridge curse. Then he decided against it. It would be best if they learned on their own that love and fate would find each one of them when the time was right.

brIANA WAS BEING WHISKED around the dance floor by yet another partner. She had not been short of invitations, much to the chagrin of the witches. Although her feet were sore from being trod on by several inept partners, she kept a smile pasted on her face.

"Miss Walsh, how delightful to see you again."

"Lord Faulkner, the pleasure is all mine. May I inquire how your mother fares? I heard she was taken ill."

"Miss Walsh, you have a most kind and generous heart. My mother fares much better, thank you. She wishes to extend her gratitude for your lavender tea. It has helped speed up her recovery tremendously."

"Oh, I am pleased to hear it."

Faulkner cleared his throat slightly, as if hesitant about something. "But I wonder, Miss Walsh, if I could call upon you on the morrow. There is a rather important question I would like to ask you in person, away from all the noise."

Briana tried hard not to grimace. This was the third man who wanted to visit on the morrow and ask her a question. She was trying to think of a diplomatic way to say no when Faulkner was jostled aside, and in his place stood Victor Cambridge.

"I say, what the devil, Cambridge?" Lord Faulkner grumbled.

"My apologies, but I believe this is my dance," Victor replied as he clasped Briana about the waist and whisked her away across the ballroom floor, leaving a very red-faced and angry Faulkner fuming behind them.

"What on earth are you doing?" Briana hissed. "That was very rude, and people are staring now."

"What the devil were you doing at an illegal rally last night?" Victor asked with a feral growl.

Briana glanced up at him and tried to hide her surprise. "I have no idea of what you speak."

"Don't lie to me. I saw you there in full view, despite your disguise," he replied in an angry tone, his dark grey eyes piercing through her.

Briana felt naked, exposed, and vulnerable, but she refused to waver. Instead, she matched his anger with her own. "You were there? Are you spying on me, my lord?"

"Should I be?"

"What I do is none of your concern!" she replied, voice raised.

"I beg to differ, Briana."

"I did not give you leave to address me by my first name, sir."

"I do not care one whit. What I care about is your safety."

Briana shut her mouth tight. She had no intention of discussing anything further. Already things were precarious between them, and her mind was scrambling to keep up. It was decidedly difficult given the proximity of their bodies and his bergamot scent as they glided effortlessly across the dance floor. Victor was all muscle and strength, and the way his fingers danced upon her skin was causing her to overheat with riotous emotions.

"Briana!" Victor growled in her ear. "Answer me! Why were you there last night in the company of those types of people?"

"What do you mean by 'those types of people'?" Briana asked, her hackles rising over the snide comment.

"I mean ruffians and rabble-rousers. The kinds of people a woman of your status should not consort with."

If there was one thing Briana could not stand, it was a snob. Suddenly her fanciful thoughts of Victor went out the window, and she decided she was done. "With respect, my lord, that is none of your damned business. But in defense of the good, hardworking men and women there who seem so beneath you, they are exactly the kind of people I do not mind consorting with because I, sir, am one of them!" she replied in a curt tone.

Fortunately, the dance ended, and the music stopped as partners separated. Before Victor could respond, Briana gave him a subtle nod, turned, then stormed from the dance floor.

Why she thought that was a good idea was anyone's guess, because no sooner had she made it down the hallway than she shrieked as her arm was clasped from behind and she was hurriedly ushered out a set of terrace doors.

Briana gasped in shock because Victor had somehow maneuvered them out of the ballroom and onto a private terrace overlooking the gardens. He shut the doors, shoved a large potted plant in front of them so they would not be interrupted, and then turned and stalked towards her. He reminded her of a lion stalking its prey; his eyes were ablaze in the moonlight, and good grief, she wanted to throw herself upon his mercy and explain her entire sordid, sorry life. Instead, her slippered feet shuffled backwards until her back was against the wall, and Victor caged her in by placing his large hands on either side of her shoulders. Their bodies were mere inches apart. He gave her no quarter and no room for escape.

They were completely alone, hidden in the shadows underneath a balcony belonging to the terrace above. Shielded from the ballroom, hidden from prying eyes above and the gardens below.

Victor was panting as if he had run a mile. She then realized he was trying to contain some emotion she could not read. His eyes remained on her face, her lips, then lingered lower to her cleavage. He raked his eyes across her body in such a heated way she felt like she was going to spontaneously combust. Then he said, "Miss Walsh, you quite mistake me. I did not allude to them being beneath me. I merely meant those among the crowd who are there simply to cause trouble. Furthermore, do not ever walk away from me when I am trying to keep you safe!"

His mouth was now inches away from hers, scorching eyes gazing down at her, waiting for a response. For some reason, that made Briana mad. How dare he manhandle her onto a terrace and then make demands? "Or what, my lord? What are you possibly going to do about it if I choose to ignore you?"

She saw the flash of indecision before he growled from deep in his chest, "Damned, stubborn wench!" Then he slammed his lips across hers.

Briana gasped in surprise as she felt his tongue seek entrance and stroke her lips, then demand her full attention. She moaned despite her shock because it was the most wondrous kiss she had ever experienced. She felt it bone-deep into her soul. Then his fingers gently caressed her neck and stroked down to the cleavage threatening to burst from her dress as he held her in place, deepening the kiss. Soon he pulled away, then his lips were gliding across her neck and making their way down.

Briana was breathless in the heat of passion. "My lord?" she rasped.

"Victor. You will call me Victor; do you hear me?"

"But I—" Her sentence was cut off when Victor's lips were suddenly upon hers again, and Briana lost all sane thought. She felt only passion and fire as he pulled her closer, enveloping her in his arms under the moonlight. She pressed her hands against his chest, feeling his heart beat through his garments. As he pressed against her, she felt his passion in equal measure as his hard length rested against her thigh.

His lips were back to moving down her neck as his hands caressed her bosom through her clothes. Suddenly she gasped when she felt the frosted cold air against her skin. Victor had managed to pull down her bodice, exposing her breast to his heated gaze. Her nipple stiffened under his relentless gaze, then she gasped when he lowered his head and she felt his hot, wet tongue suckle the tip repeatedly. She whimpered, clinging to him for she could barely stand.

Victor knew he needed to stop. He was losing all control over this little miss. He had been furious that she had dared to storm away from him in public after giving him a dressing down. How dare she be so brazen and alluring! He had every intention of throwing her over his knee and spanking her backside for her impertinence, but the moment he had her against the wall, all innocence and fiery passion rolled into one, challenging him to his face, he was lost. His heart was pounding profusely and, horror of all horrors, he felt incredibly aroused as the blood shot straight to his groin.

A feeling he had long thought dormant came to the fore. He had never wanted a woman so damned much in his life, and he could not even explain it. Then her tentative kisses, her soft whimpers, and her rapid breathing—he wanted nothing more than to flip up her dress, spread her wide, and take her right here against the wall, bathed in moonlight. The thought of sinking his hardened, aroused length into her depths and joining them as one had him damned near exploding.

Her scent and the heady sensation of running his tongue across the tips of her ample breasts—he wanted to suckle her to completion. Show her passion like she had never known. Train her in ways that would please him and learn what would bring her the greatest satisfaction. Lost in a haze of lust and at her silent, breathy moans, he pulled down the other side of her bodice and lavished attention on her other taut nipple. She was squirming against him now, holding his head tight against her, her eyes closed, her head thrown back as he gloried in the contact.

The taste of her skin against his tongue, the heat, the passion—Victor was so damned close to taking what he wanted when he heard a strange shuffling noise. He instantly whipped his head up and became aware of his surroundings. His only thought was Briana's modesty. She was still half in a daze, her lips and nipples glistening with moisture from his attention. Victor instantly pulled her bodice back into place as her glazed eyes focused and she blushed deeply, as if she too had come out of their lust-filled exchange and realized they were moments away from discovery.

They both had just enough time to right their clothing when Victor was pushed hard from the back and straight into Briana. He had just enough time to grab her and pull her to the side to avoid both of them toppling over the railing.

The force came from Miles, landing on the terrace beside them, having somehow jumped down from the balcony above. "Apologies for the intrusion, but you both need to move back right now!" Miles cried out as he yanked them backward so they all had their backs against the wall.

"What on earth?" Briana said before she found Miles's hand over her mouth.

"Have you gone completely mad—" Victor said before Miles slammed his free hand over his mouth.

Miles whispered, "Shut up! Mother is heading to the terrace above with some Dalton chit. I had no choice but to jump down here."

No sooner had he spoken those words than Brenton also appeared from a ledge above and landed beside them. He squeezed himself out of view.

Briana frowned, wondering what on earth was going on. Victor had since slapped Miles's hands away from them as the four of them stood against the wall directly underneath the balcony above.

"This is preposterous!" Victor hissed. "No one should be jumping down or climbing up any part of any building. Have you lost leave of your senses?"

"Shush! Mother is now directly above us," Brenton whispered.

They stopped talking as they heard a voice from above say, "That's strange. I could have sworn I saw my sons head out this way. They seem to have eluded me once more." They heard a door close, and Miles and Brenton breathed a sigh of relief.

Victor scowled at his brothers.

"Why are you all hiding from your mother?" Briana asked.

"Because our mother is trying to marry us off by any means necessary," Miles replied.

Brenton said, "We thought once her attention was on Lucas and Miss Drummond, she would abandon her mercenary ways, but it has only strengthened her resolve for more blasted daughters-in-law!"

"And with Victor here disappearing all the time and Sebastian nowhere in sight, desperate times call for desperate measures!" Miles added.

"What do you mean?" Briana asked. She had not realized Victor was still holding her against his side.

"Well—" Brenton was about to explain when he was interrupted.

"I am sure Miss Walsh does not need to hear this. I suggest you both head back to the ballroom," Victor said, cutting off any response.

Victor ushered his brothers to leave, and Miles almost did but then paused and said, "Might I inquire as to why you two are out here, alone, in the dark?"

"And why is there a potted plant across the doorway?" Brenton asked.

Briana was at a loss for words until Victor replied, "Miss Walsh was feeling unwell. I had just stepped out onto the terrace when I noticed her here and inquired about her health. That plant was in the way. Besides, we were just about to leave when you bumbling idiots practically killed us with your acrobatics."

Brenton snorted and replied, "Stop being so dramatic, Vic. Miss Briana, I apologize for the intrusion. I do hope you feel better soon." He then moved the potted plant and strode back inside.

Miles gave Briana a wary look, then glanced at Victor and smirked. He was moving towards the door when he turned around and said, "Miss Walsh, if you are unwell, please allow me the honor of escorting you and your chaperone home." Miles then stretched out his arm for her to take it.

Briana was in two minds. She wanted to remain with Victor, to explain that she was not some wanton woman despite her behavior and to reiterate that the kiss meant nothing. But she knew she was lying, and any more alone time with Victor could mean disaster. Instead, she decided to accept Miles's offer. "Of... of course, my lord, that would be—"

"Unnecessary," Victor replied in a low and menacing voice. He was glaring at Miles with a clenched jaw. "Miss Walsh and I still have important matters to discuss."

Briana stilled and watched the silent exchange between the brothers. Miles was almost smirking.

"Oh, but I insist," Miles replied. "After all, I believe I saw Lady Seymour searching for you earlier. You best escort her home before mother sees you." Miles reached out and placed Briana's hand on the crook of his arm.

Briana frowned and immediately stepped away from Victor, putting more distance between them. As she brushed past him, Victor rasped in her ear, "We will discuss that kiss."

Briana whispered back, "No, we won't because it meant nothing." She shuddered inwardly then moved out with Miles.

Miles had the foresight to ensure they slipped back into the ballroom unnoticed.

"What was that about?" Briana asked Miles.

"Oh, just some friendly game I play with Victor."

"And Lady Seymour, is she... are they still together?"

Miles scrunched up his face in a disagreeable snort. "I don't mean to be harsh on the fairer sex, Miss Walsh, but Lydia Seymour is a leech. Once she digs her claws in, any man is done for. She's had her sights set on Victor for some time."

"I see," Briana replied. Some small piece of her heart that was still reeling from that delectable kiss was also dying inside, knowing that this was what ton men were like. They could dance with their wives, raise offspring with them, then go and visit their mistresses.

"Now, let's see to getting you home, shall we?"

"My lord, there is really no need. I am feeling somewhat better and—"

"Good lord! Quick, we need to hide right now," Miles said rather urgently as he practically dragged Briana behind an alcove then proceeded to crouch down and pull her down with him.

"What is it now?" Briana hissed.

"That woman, right there. Do you see her?" Miles asked and gestured towards a young lady striding down the pathway with a stern look upon her face.

"What about her?" Briana asked.

"She is on a mission to ruin me! She has been stalking me for days."

"Why?"

"Because I stole her horse."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I didn't realize it was hers. I thought it was mine."

"Then give it back."

"I can't. I accidentally sold it the following day, and now she is hell-bent on harming me every time she sees me."

"Why don't you retrieve the horse from the person who bought it and explain your predicament?"

"Because I can't remember who I sold it to. I was inebriated, Miss Walsh."

Briana replied, "Goodness me. This is the most ridiculous evening I've ever experienced. So now what?"

"Now, we wait until she's gone, then I'll escort you home."

"Is this normal for you?" she asked.

"Miss Walsh, if you’re going to become a part of this family you’re going to have to learn to hide. A lot."

Briana just shook her head and threw her hands up exasperated. The Cambridge brothers were indeed a very odd bunch.