Page 15 of Married to the Rake

Chapter Six

Well, it had worked. Brook allowed himself a smile as the Larkins entered Benedict’s ballroom and were announced. He let his smile expand as he took in the sight of Miss Larkin, her curves flattered by a gown that to his rather expert eye was slightly too tight for her. Her red hair was a strawberry swirl piled elegantly on top of her head. He chuckled when he saw her grimace and rub her scalp. No doubt that mass of hair was pinned up tightly and probably hurting her. He could just tell the woman was itching to be out of her gown, dying to pull her hair down and be tucked away amongst books.

As Mr. and Mrs. Larkin glanced around, Brook ducked back behind the dancers. If they spotted him, they would know his father would soon be on his way and no doubt leave immediately. Apparently, Mrs. Larkin had been quizzing Benedict as to who would be in attendance but they managed to keep the fact that his family would be here from her. He only hoped Benedict did not pay the price for his meddling.

If their fathers resolved their differences, it might be worth it. And Benedict was a big boy, he could handle himself. However, after what his father had told him about Mr. Larkin, he was not sure he would blame his father if he did not wish to resolve the situation.

He slipped around the back of the ballroom, shadowing the Larkins’ steps but ensuring he remained out of sight. It was a darn shame that Miss Larkin should come from such poor stock. Did she even realize the bastard her father was? He had to believe not. In his experience, most daughters thought their fathers the best thing in the world, and he doubted she was any different.

Bodies were pressed close together, overpowering floral scents surrounded him, and a woman laughed loudly in his ear. He squeezed through the heaving bodies and pressed a hand through a gap to grab Miss Larkin’s hand. She jolted and he thought he heard the sound of surprise come from her but he could not be certain with the noise and bustle. Twirling, she snatched her hand back and her annoyed expression did not dissolve as he had expected.

“Come with me,” he said to her over the din.

She opened her mouth then closed it. Glancing at her parents, her shoulders dropped a little and she pressed through the crowds to come to his side. “Where are your parents?” She shook her head. “I should have known you would not follow through on your part.”

“My father is on his way.” Another shrill laugh made him wince. He snatched her hand again and dragged her back toward the entranceway of the ballroom. She tried to remove her hand from his but he kept a firm grip of her fingers until they were tucked around the corner and away from all the noise.

“That’s better.” He grinned at her flustered expression.

“Whatever it is you want, talk quickly. I shall not allow myself to be caught with you of all people.”

Brook pressed a hand to his heart. “Am I really such a villain?”

“I believe you just might be.” She narrowed her gaze at him. “Especially if you are so like your father.”

“So like my father?” he echoed.

“I suppose it makes sense you are the way that you are. With such an example to lead you, it is no wonder you think you can take whatever you want, whenever you wish.” Miss Larkin rubbed her gloved fingers. “Even my hand.”

“I needed to get you away from that crowd. It is impossible to have a conversation in there. Especially with Lady Treadwell laughing in my ear every two seconds.”

“Believe it or not, there are better ways to get a lady’s attention.”

“Oh yes,” he said dryly. “I should have simply waved a first edition in your face.”

She pursed her lips and cocked her head. “Say whatever it is you wish to say. If your family is not here and have no intention of attending, you could have sent word somehow.”

“My family are on their way. No doubt Father’s pacing the hallway waiting for my mother as we speak.”

“They had better be. If I have attended a ball that I did not need to because you are playing some strange game…”

Brook chuckled. “I am not certain what strange game I could be playing by getting you to attend a ball of all things.”

She shrugged, making the jewels on her neck glitter. He could not help but dart his gaze down and eye each little blue stone as they twinkled along her cleavage. He saw the pulse at the base of her neck give a flutter and he dragged his gaze back up.

“As I said, it is hard to know what to expect from you.”

“Ah, yes. Because my father is a bad example.” He moved closer, forcing her back into the shadows as more people entered the ballroom, coming past them. She smelled of soap and the tiniest hint of violets. “Pray tell, what exactly do you think he might have done? To be such a bad influence?”

Miss Larkin stared at him for a moment, again her gaze skipping over his expression. “You do not know.”

“Know what?”

“Our fathers’ argument is about more than just land.”

So, she did know. And yet she still took her father’s side. It was a pity, because he thought Miss Larkin was cleverer than that. He did not think she would be so blinded by love. Perhaps he had underestimated her.

“I know about that.”

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