The instant the carriage slowed, one of her cousin’s footmen let down the steps, but just as Vivian was about to allow the servant to help her, Lord Stanstead lifted her down again.
She couldn’t take much more of that and maintain her composure. All she wanted to do was throw her arms around him. “Thank you for taking me. It was lovely.”
“The pleasure, my lady, was all mine.” His voice was low, warm, and seductive.
Her body prickled with awareness. She did not dare look up, but she knew Lord Stanstead was gazing at her. If only she could allow herself to want him, but it was no use. Once he saw her unclothed, he would not desire her.
“Thank you once more for the lovely outing.” She started to turn, but he took her hand. Oh Lord, what was she going to do if he continued to touch her?
Fighting the urge to peel off Vivian’s gloves and kiss each finger one at a time, Rupert brought her hand to his lips, touching it lightly. Until now, he’d never understood why Robert had felt it necessary to attempt to compromise Serena into marriage, yet his actions were increasingly comprehensible.
From Rupert’s perspective, the day had been a disaster. Vivian had been amiable but not willing to be charmed. Her smiles had at times appeared forced, and when he had placed her hand on his arm, her touch was different than before, cooler. What exactly had occurred between last night and this morning, he didn’t know, but he would damn sure find out.
He drove to his house, giving the horses over to his tiger. “Take them to the stables, and tell Harlock I’ll be back before dinner.”
No more than thirty minutes later, he was at Jackson’s Salon, stripping.
“Is there anyone interesting here?” he asked one of the great Jackson’s assistants, hoping to find an opponent he hadn’t fought before.
“Lord Hawksworth brought a friend. Looks like he’ll show to advantage, if I do say so meself.”
“Good. I need a challenge.” Surprising how one recalcitrant lady could bring on the need for violent physical activity.
“I’ll ask the gentleman if he’d like a sparring partner.”
“Thank you.” A short while later Rupert strode out of the changing room into the boxing area, inclined his head to Hawksworth, and stopped.
Next to him was the man whom Vivian had been avoiding. Rupert’s day had just taken a turn for the better. He could vent his spleen on someone who deserved to be pounded into the ground. His soon-to-be challenger was almost equal to him in weight and reach, although Rupert thought he had a slight advantage in height and age. “Hawksworth.”
The other man turned. “Stanstead, here for a round or two?”
“Indeed.”
“Allow me to introduce you to the Earl of Beresford. Beresford, the Earl of Stanstead. I recommend each of you to the other.” Hawksworth moved aside and murmured, “I shall keep track of the betting.”
Rupert and Beresford entered the ring and waited until the attendants had affixed boxing gloves to their hands. Several other gentlemen and some of Jackson’s assistants gathered round. Hawksworth said something, and slips of paper were handed to him. The wagering had begun.
Having taken notice, Jackson himself came over and stood between Rupert and Beresford. “You may begin, my lords.”
As soon as the great man stepped aside, Beresford lunged, feinting as though he meant to attack from the left, but Rupert was wise to that trick and landed a hard strike to the other man’s jaw.
Beresford shook it off and advanced again. “You’re good.”
“So are you,” Rupert replied, refusing to be distracted.
They danced around for a bit, sizing each other up, before he managed a punch to Beresford’s gut. A whoosh of air burst out of him, and he charged, catching Rupert on the shoulder as he once more attempted a flush hit to the other man’s jaw.
“I hear,” Beresford panted, “that you’ve been spending a lot of time with Lady Beresford.”
Rupert leapt out of reach. “What does it matter to you?”
“I asked her to marry me.” Beresford closed the distance between them.
“I plan to do the same.”
Beresford stopped, and his brows came together in a puzzled expression. “Do you care for her?”
“Thatis really none of your business.” Rupert swung, knocking Beresford off balance. “But if you must know, yes, I do, a great deal. Do you?”
