Page 51 of Married to the Rake

No, the woman loved him, he was certain of that. He’d known it even before she had. There would be a reasonable explanation for the delay.

Hands clasped behind his back, he paced around the fountain several times before pausing and pulling out his pocket watch. Blast, it had only been ten minutes. Waiting for Chloe was beginning to feel like an eternity.

He did another loop then paused, his heart near dropping into his boots. What the devil was she doing here? Had she sent out sniffer dogs or something to find him? This was getting beyond ridiculous.

Judith bounded over to him, her smile wide. He noted there was no sign of a limp.

“What luck,” she said with a smile. “It must be fate that we should meet here.”

“I see your ankle is healed,” he murmured dryly.

“My ankle? Oh, yes, quite.” She offered a hasty smile. “I heal quickly. I’m from strong stock you see.”

He looked around again for any sign of Chloe. If Judith saw them leaving together she would surely make a scene or run off to his mother. Of course, his parents would have to find out eventually but he rather wanted to give them a head start.

“Are you waiting for someone?”

“No,” he said quickly.

“Well, perhaps you can accompany me for some tea. It looks to be turning into a warm day and refreshment would not hurt.”

“No, thank you.”

“I could keep you company,” she suggested.

“No.” He clenched his jaw. His manners were leaving him rapidly. Judith needed to understand his lack of interest—fast.

“It seems terribly boring just standing here. Whatever are you waiting for? It must be someone, surely?” She tilted her head. “Are you trying to keep a secret from me?”

He fixed her with a stare. “Judith, whether I am meeting someone or not is really none of your business.”

“Oh, Brook, you really should consider making it my business.” She lifted her chin. “I will not be dissuaded, you know. I understand that giving up one’s bachelor lifestyle can be daunting but we would work so perfectly together and I could keep you very, very happy.” She shifted closer and trailed a finger down his chest. “You would hardly remember your days as a single gentleman once you have me in your bed.”

He grabbed her finger and thrust it back toward her. “That is not going to happen, Judith.”

Her expression darkened. “If you cannot see what a fine match we would make, then I will have to do something about that.”

Before Brook had registered her dramatic change in demeanor or what was about to occur, she flung herself upon him, using every bit of strength she must have to plaster her lips to his. Brook put his hands to her arms and shoved her back.

“If you think you can force me into marriage by making a scene—” He stilled, along with his heart that came to a shuddering standstill. “Damn it. Chloe.”

Chloe stood by the fountain, frozen.

“Chloe.” He followed after her as she turned on her heel, heading back toward the country lane. She moved swiftly, her skirts swishing about her ankles and her bonnet bobbing on her head. “Chloe!” He caught up with her with Judith on his heels.

Coming in front of her, he forced her to a stop. Confusion and fury marred her expression. “I should have known,” she said.

“Chloe—”

“You really do live up to your reputation.” She glanced at her hands. “How foolish I was.”

“Chloe, damn it, that was nothing.”

“I would not say nothing,” Judith said smugly, swinging her gaze between them. “Is this really who you were waiting for, Brook? This plain, little wallflower?”

Pain flittered in Chloe’s pale gaze. He wanted nothing more than to draw her into his arms and tell her how beautiful he thought she was but he doubted she’d be receptive to that.

“I think I should go,” Chloe said, the words barely a whisper.

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