Page 65 of Married to the Rake

Chapter Twenty-Two

The strains of a country dance cut through the excited buzz of chatter. The daylight faded fast with streams of amber light dappling in through the tall windows of the ballroom. Chandeliers glittered and highlighted the guests’ finery. Brook shook his head to himself with a grin. It was a fine engagement ball indeed.

And Chloe was missing the whole thing.

He searched out her friends who were seated together on the edge of the dancefloor. Joanna caught his eye and gave a little shrug. None of them were surprised that Chloe had vanished.

Neither was he. But he’d be damned if he’d spend the evening without her.

Before he could stride off, his father approached with Mr. Larkin. It could not be claimed they were the best of friends yet but both men were trying hard to mend their relationship. The end of the argument over the land had already benefited both men who appeared less tired and a darn sight more relaxed.

“I was hoping Miss Larkin might be with you,” his father said over the chatter.

Mr. Waverley grimaced. “She is probably—”

“In the library,” Brook finished for her father.

Mr. Larkin chuckled. “You know her well it seems.”

“We can talk more on this in the morning but Marcus and I wished to let you and Miss Larkin know that we have decided on an engagement gift for you both.”

“Uh…” Brook peered around. Now he wished Chloe was at his side. She would be much better at saying all the correct thank yous.

“We are gifting you the land.” Mr. Larkin’s smile widened.

Brook glanced between both fathers who appeared proud of themselves indeed. “The land?” he echoed.

“Indeed. The much-contested land.” His father clasped his hands behind his back and rocked briefly on his heels. “It will be gifted with certain clauses, ensuring that it shall remain equally yours and Chloe’s.”

“So you see, it will be both Larkin and Waverley land.” Mr. Larkin’s grin grew even bigger.

“Ah.”

“Ah? Is that all you can say, Son?” his father asked.

“Forgive me. It is an excellent idea.” He patted his father’s arm. “Thank you, I appreciate it. Hopefully I can speak for Chloe when I say she will be happy that we have a resolution too.”

“We thought it a rather fine idea.” Mr. Waverley shared a proud look with Brook’s father.

Brook smiled and shook his head. When he’d wanted the two men to make up, he’d never anticipated they’d end up plotting together to fix centuries of discord over the land. He was only a little annoyed he had not thought of the resolution himself.

“Well, we shall leave you to your celebrations. Hopefully my daughter shall make an appearance soon.”

Once both men had eased back into the crowd, Brook used the opportunity to slip through the well-wishers to the edge of the ballroom before anyone else nabbed him for conversation. He gave Elizabeth and Benedict a little wave then he headed toward the library, marching quickly until he reached the door. He eased it open and allowed himself a smile. With her head bent low over a book, her legs curled up to one side and her shoes kicked off revealing her stockings, Chloe made quite the picture. Indeed, it was a picture he had imagined many times since their engagement. He looked forward to moments like these—personal, private moments that revealed the true Chloe.

She had already surrounded herself with a few books, like a little fortress. He only hoped she would let him in.

“Oh.” She lifted her head and made a face. “I am sorry, Brook. I tried very hard to remain but everyone wished to speak with me and…”

He closed the gap between them swiftly. “You do not need to apologize.” He sank onto the oriental rug next to her, allowing himself a moment to admire her in the lamplight. The golden tones highlighted her red hair and softened lips that made him ache to kiss her. Rubies glinted in her ears and around her neck.

He wanted to kiss her there too.

He wanted to kiss the damned woman all over. The sooner they were married the better. Seeing her like this just reminded him how much he loved Chloe Larkin—even if she did abandon him at their own engagement ball.

“I know I should have stayed,” she said softly.

“It is well enough.” He took the book from her hands and laid it gently away from her so that he could shift closer and cup her face.

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