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“You have my promise,” he answered sincerely. “Your viscount has, I am sorry to say, found a path into my...shall we call it affections? Yes, let us. And besides that, he is your playmate, how could I not see to him?” He kissed her wrist. “Until later, my Jessie.”
A moment passed and he was gone. Did she float through the house? Was that her aunt speaking to her? She was hopelessly in love, and all she wanted to do was to go and relive his kisses and everything he had said.
* * * * *
Sir Warren watched Rodrigo lead Jessie into a country dance. She was looking exquisite in her gown of blue silk, with her curls of flame piled high on her fine head. Red tresses bounced around her ears, and her provocatively alluring figure showed to advantage. Indeed, the heart-shaped bodice was cut low...perhaps too low, and displayed her full and luscious breasts. He thought about the things he would teach her in his bed. Ah yes, Lady Jessica was confirmed in his belief that she would make him a perfect wife!
However, a sneer made its way across his face. It was apparent Lady Jessica had eyes for no other save the Latin rogue. Why was Rodrigo so attentive to her? By all accounts, he was a confirmed bachelor, and even Sir Warren did not believe the Latin would actually attempt to seduce her to his bed. After all, she was surrounded by friends and family who would, Sir Warren was sure, end the rogue’s bachelor days!
What then? Did he mean to marry her? Well, he would put a stop to that!
If Rodrigo wasn’t enough to give him disquiet, there was the puppy—that young viscount who was nearly forever in her company. When Lady Jessica wasn’t casting Rodrigo wistful glances, she was petting and laughing with her puppy. And why was the young viscount’s eye blackened and his lip cut? No doubt he had won the injury protecting Lady Jess from something or other. Why else would she accord him such loving concern?
Right then, it would appear it was time for June Keenen to enact the game they had agreed upon. In the meantime, he would see what he could do to win a smile or two from the woman he wanted as his wife. He walked directly towards Lady Jessica as the country dance was concluded. He bowed as he stood in her path, and was able to take her hand to his lips while Don Rodrigo frowningly watched.
“Can it be that the Lady Jess has no time for an old friend?” he asked.
Jessie was rarely unkind, thus, she smiled. “Have I been ignoring you?” she countered. “No, I think not. I don’t recall you seeking my company this evening...before now.”
“Not true, my lady love, but I found it difficult getting past your press of suitors. They grow in number each moment you are out in society,” he returned with a charming smile.
She allowed him to take her elbow, as she did not wish to embarrass him in front of Rodrigo, and the music had once again struck up. He led her to the floor, but oh, she thought of all the men seeking a dance, Sir Warren was not who she wished to lead her out. Truth was, she only wanted to dance with Rodrigo. She found and met Rodrigo’s glance, and was gratified to see he did not take his eyes off her.
Indeed, Rodrigo watched Sir Warren lead her off and found himself consumed with an emotion he had not felt since he was a boy—jealousy! Damn the man! Warren wasn’t fit to look at his little spitfire. He would rather see her with anyone other than the devil, Sir Warren, then he realized, even as this thought intruded, that he lied to himself. He didn’t want to see her with anyone else!
He could have taken her, made her his own when they were alone...but he couldn’t do that to her. She was ready. The woman in her was ready, but he knew she thought herself in love with him. If he took her to his bed, she would be heartbroken when he left for Argentina. He could not do that to his spirited little...love? Did he love her? Bah! What was love? It wasn’t real. It lasted through the power of lust, then vanished over time. No, he would not be tied in such a fashion.
He was going to have to put her aside and find the strength to forget her smile, her nose, her lips...the sound of her voice.
“Rodrigo!” the young viscount called as he took hold of Rodrigo’s shoulder and gave him a shake. “Come on. They are getting up a game of cards in the next room. Have done with all this dancing and join me.”
She looked again at Rodrigo, and as their eyes met, he felt a thrill rush through his body. She was an innocent who fancied herself in love. He saw it, knew it, and was determined to let her down as easily as he could. Yet—he was himself, he knew, totally enthralled with her. Leaving her when he finally departed for Argentina would be the hardest thing he had ever had to do.
He smiled at the viscount and said absently, “Eh...cards? Right. I find that an excellent notion, Pauly.” He called on some inner strength and did not look back at her over his shoulder. It wasn’t right. He must leave her to a suitor whose intentions were honorable, as much as the notion made him sick!
* * * * *
When Jessie eyed the ballroom next and did not find Rodrigo there, she was aware of a profound feeling of loss. She had seen Pauly approach him, and realized the two must have gone off to play cards. She realized, in that moment, that Sir Warren had said something, and politely, she tried to concentrate, and was forced to ask, “What? What were you saying?”
She saw the irritation flicker over his face, but he managed to smile and say, “I was saying that I hear June Keenen’s performance at the Drury Theatre is reputed to be superb. I have been wanting to pop in over there for a night’s entertainment.”
“Oh yes, I have heard the same,” Jessie answered, putting on a smile as distrust swept through her. She knew very well about the rumors of Rodrigo and the actress. Was this Warren’s attempt to gossip about the matter?
“Indeed, I have never seen any of her performances, but I am told she is a diamond amongst the actresses. Very beautiful as well, I am told.” He sighed. “But, for me, Lady Jess, there is no beauty that could hold my attention but yours.”
She almost snorted but said politely, “You are, as always, very gallant, Sir Warren. I thank you, but in truth, I know better than to believe such nonsense.” She only meant to lighten the moment.
He apparently took insult and took her elbow to lead her off the floor. He eyed her, and there was anger in his eyes as he said roughly, “What is this? How can you doubt me? Jessica, my dear sweet child, don’t you know you are being hailed in the clubs as ‘the incomparable’? Can you honestly say you don’t think I find you the most exquisite woman in all of England?”
“Well, as to ‘the incomparable’?” She shrugged her shoulders. “So, it may be what men say now, but next year, it will be another. I know better than to take such nonsense seriously.”
“And my admiration? Do you not take that seriously?” he countered. “Have I not made it clear how I feel about you?”
She felt the heat fill her cheeks and wished her Aunt Charlie would come and rescue her. She saw her great-aunt and waved. “Ah, there she is,” Jessie said with some relief, ignoring what Sir Warren had just said to her. “Aunt Charlie!” she called.
Her great-aunt saw her and gave a wiggle of her fingers and motioned for Jessie to join her.
Jessie hurried over with Sir Warren in tow, and saw the dowager regarded her with a raised brow as she said, “So, you finally have time for your great-aunt. ‘Tis well, for if that Spanish rogue had led you out for another dance, I would have definitely put a stop to it!”
