He held his arms wide in what was becoming a familiar gesture of defensive surrender. “It never occurred to me that a woman with the fortitude to march into a gambling hell dressed as a gentleman would be fearful of spiders.”
“It’s not the same at all!” She rubbed her forearm again, the creepy feeling of being grazed by spidery legs lingering.
“Apparently not.” He stepped closer and reached to take her hand, rubbing down her forearm with a much firmer touch. “I promise I was trying to wake you gently.”
His touch on her arm sent the familiar surge of heat through her. She tugged her arm, but he refused to release it, moving even closer, looking down into her eyes. “It did not work.”
“Apparently so.” He leaned down and kissed her, a gentle graze of his lips against hers. “Although I’m now wondering if spotting such an errant arachnid would make you leap in my arms for protection.”
She harrumphed. “I am far more likely to ruin one of your favorite books or boots—” Her words stopped with the arrival of another kiss, and she leaned against him. “Although I could pretend—”
Robert wrapped his arms around her and pressed her close. Eloise rested her head against his chest, the sound of his heartbeat a reassuring presence, as she circled his waist with her arms. “I’m glad you are back safely.”
He released her and pulled her toward one of the wingbacks. “We need to get you home.”
She pointed toward the private entrance. “When there’s a convenient bedchamber right there?”
He smiled again and sat. He motioned for her to sit in his lap, which she did, snuggling against his shoulder. His warmth engulfed her, and his scent—that distinctive blend of pine, sandalwood, and grass—lured her toward relaxation. Being in his arms felt familiar and comfortable. Although she had started from her doze, she knew she could easily drift off again. Except that Eloise also felt that growing desire to do more than nap. She rubbed her hand over his chest and down his side to his waist.
Cuddling her against his body as if she were a child, Robert kissed her temple. “Not tonight. We both need rest and a lot of it. Tomorrow will be quite a long day.”
Curiosity pierced through her growing desire. She rose and looked at him. “How so?”
“Can you meet me at Adrienne’s shop around three?”
The curiosity soared. “I do not know. Friday night is the Haverton Ball. I’m quite certain she and her girls will be overwhelmed with work. The ladies there for a fitting will not appreciate the appearance of a man.”
“I can wait outside. It is notmypresence that needs to be secretive. But you need to look like the finest of dandies.” He lightly touched her cheek. “A diminutive Brummel, if you will.”
“For what reason?”
Robert paused, watching her closely. “I’m taking you to White’s.”
Eloise stilled, a touch of fear building in her gut. “White’s?” Appearing as a man among people who did not know Lady Eloise Surrey was a far different cry from walking within touching distance of men who knew her father, who may have even danced with her at some past ball. “You wish me to be discovered?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. It’s why your disguise must be impeccable.” He swallowed hard. “If we are successful, it could result in making contact with the people—the group—I believe have Timothy.”
She straightened, bracing herself against him as a spear of hope shot through her. “Truly? Is that what you discovered tonight?”
He nodded. “I met with a man who told me how I may possibly locate the organization. But it will be urgent that you are seen as a young man, even a boy. Titled and wealthy, but definitely male.”
She nodded. “Delie calls me Lord Edmund. Lord Edmund Surrey.”
Robert studied her. “Is there such a person?”
“Yes. Although he is not a lord. He is a distant cousin, far removed, from the Scottish branch of the family. His family lives near Glasgow, if I remember.”
“Does he ever come to London?”
“I doubt it. His father hates the city and the English. So if you are thinking anyone at White’s would know Edmund, it is quite unlikely.”
“A useful fiction, if we need it. I hope to only introduce you to a select few. I also do not plan to stay long, but once we leave White’s, there are a few other places we should be seen to make the picture complete. We are attempting to connect with an organization called the White Stallion.” He looked away from her then, toward the window.
The sudden distance in Robert’s gaze disturbed Eloise in a way she could not accurately convey, and that supposition she had earlier began to grow within her again, although she was still not certain she wanted to face the notion. She stroked his jawline, drawing her fingers along the rough stubble on his cheek.
“And these are the people who provide young boys to men?”
He nodded.
