Page 3 of A Rogue to Ensnare

Miles met his father’s gaze, seeing curiosity and even a bit of indulgent humor there. He pointed to his own eyes. “Fear not, Father. No gleam.” With that, he turned and walked away before his parents could produce another woman whom they considered more worthy of his interest.

Or worthier than the younger Miss Blair, he mused. He wondered if she’d left the ball, and where he might fall over her next. Perhaps, he mused, this night would turn out to be much more than another tiresome social gathering. And indeed it wasn’t even an hour later when, across the room, furtive movement caught his attention. It was Siobhan, as she darted from behind curtains, past a large potted plant, and then slipped out, unchaperoned, into the garden.

He could not help but smile. She was a wild one, indeed.

Chapter One

May 1893

Glasgow, Scotland

When the carriage came to a stop in front of the Blair mansion, Miles let go of the breath he’d been holding. This was to be the first of many summer balls that he would be required to attend. If not for the fact his young sister, Penelope, was attending, he would not be there.

Penelope had recently turned sixteen, and in his opinion was not at all ready to be out in society. But there was no holding back the willful lass, who wished to attend as many balls as she could.

When he’d asked her about it, she’d giggled, stating that she wanted to see what all the fuss was about. He’d silently thanked God she showed little interest in courtship of any kind.

“My lord.” The driver held open the door and he climbed down from the carriage. Once standing on solid ground, he ensured his soft gray overcoat was in order, sliding his hands down the front.

His parents’ carriage, following behind, came to a stop once his pulled away, and he walked over to assist his mother and sister.

“You look very handsome.” His mother’s green gaze scanned over him. “I have always considered gray to be a good color for you. It brings out your eyes.”

Penelope studied him for a moment. She wore a yellow gown, which Miles was sure she’d picked out because of the brightness of the color. It was slightly garish for a debutante and not a popular shade, but his mother had not stopped her as the family was in no hurry for her to find a suitable husband.

In spite of the garish color, she was pretty, with an impish face, and upturned lips that made it seem as if she were always holding back laughter. Truth be told, she often was; she had a personality as bright as her dress. “Brother, you must introduce me to Siobhan Blair. She is the talk of the town for making you fall.”

Miles gave his sister as bland a look as he could muster. “You were there. I am sure you met her that night.”

“I did not,” his sister insisted. “Corinne and I were occupied in the planetarium.”

“Spying on couples?” He cocked an eyebrow but could not help laughing. “Minx.”

Penelope giggled and took his arm. “Do not scold me. It is very enjoyable to be part of all of this.”

“What about a husband? Have you considered that by being out in society, it is assumed you are prepared to marry?”

His heart danced happily when Penelope wrinkled her nose. “I do not want a husband. Mama agrees that I should wait at least another year.”

“I also agree.”

His father and mother were announced as they entered the ballroom, followed by him and then Penelope. They were ushered into a long ballroom. Windows had been placed at each end of the room, either looking over the long road in front of the house so people could see the arriving carriages, or peer into the gardens.

Despite not caring to be there, Miles had to admit the room was beautiful. Chandeliers hung every few feet, and under each was placed a round table with offerings of every appetizer imaginable or huge punchbowls filled with liquids of different colors.

Miles stood with his sister for a few moments before spotting Henry Campbell, who’d obviously been deserted by his lovely wife Hannah. He bid his sister to behave herself and went over to stand with his friend. As Miles neared, his friend gave a slight bow in acknowledgement. “I did not expect to see you here. If not for Mother’s insistence, Hannah and I would have remained at home.”

“Then we both have the same reason for being here.”

With a good-natured grin, Henry nodded. “Mothers.”

Henry’s regard moved past him to where his family was. “Also in your role of protective brother then?”

“A bit. However, with Father present, I doubt any man without good intentions will go near Penelope. Fortunately, it turns out she has no desire to marry anytime soon. Her sole purpose for attending functions is to gather gossip with her partner-in-crime, Corrine McDaniel.”

They accepted flutes of champagne from a passing server and made their way to the doorway near the windows that overlooked the gardens. The evening breeze filtered in, allowing for the room to remain a bit cool.

Strains of music began, and people made their way to the dance area at the front of the room. In no time, a lively country dance began in which he had no desire to join. But it seemed to remind his friend that he had a wife who might be otherwise inclined. “I best go in search of Hannah,” Henry said, taking his leave to make his way across the room to find her.