Page 21 of A Scandal Before Christmas
Theodore’s winter blue eyes narrowed on Lauren. “What do you say then, Lauren? Shall we?”
Lauren lifted an eyebrow. She wasn’t so naïve as to mistake Theodore’s secret intent. He wanted to findheralone… somewhere he could continue this assault on her heart unimpeded. He’d declared warfare, and oddly enough, she was eager to reengage in battle.
“Yes, we shall.” Lauren nearly laughed out loud at the surprise in Theodore’s eyes. Her words twisted to fit their situation, reminding him he’d concealed the truth for so long. “I’ve no skill with this particular game, but maybe I’ll be as good at hiding as some of the expert players.”
* * *
They gatheredwith approximately eight others in the library. Melanie was there, and Lauren gritted her teeth when the lady’s eyes lit up with pleasure to see Theodore. It went against everything in her nature, but she sidled closer to him. Glancing down at her, he simply arched a brow, quirked a knowing smile, and tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow.
As the rules of the game were explained, amidst much giggling and excited conversations, Theodore leaned down and whispered in Lauren’s ear.
“Go directly to your room. I shall meet you there.”
When she stiffened in silent protest, Lauren felt Theodore’s grin even though she couldn’t see it. His breath was responsible for the chills racing up and down her spine.
“Do you really want Sanderson to find you?” he inquired softly. “Now, you will go to your room, won’t you?”
She nodded, casting her eyes downward when she noticed Melanie staring at the two of them.
“You will send your maid to Lady Penelope with a message. You’ve developed a sudden headache and decided to rest for the afternoon,” he instructed further, and Lauren nodded again.
Theodore moved away, hands clasped behind his back, silently waiting until Sanderson finished explaining how things would go.
“I’m afraid my aversion to parlor games prohibits me from participating after all,” Theodore tsked softly. “Forgive me if my absence throws the ratio into chaos.”
The women murmured in disappointment. Melanie’s eyes narrowed with suspicion, focused on Lauren and Theodore.
“It will still be great fun, I think!” Emma exclaimed, clapping her hands.
“Of course, we wish you would reconsider, Hawthorne, but your feelings on the matter are noted.” Sanderson was almost gleeful. “While it is little more than a nursery game, there’s something to be said for the thrill of the hunt.”
Lauren frowned at Sanderson’s choice of words, discomforted at the thought of being pursued through the halls of her cousin’s home. Her gaze caught and held with Theodore’s for a brief instance. The bright gleam of excitement she saw in the blue depths sent anticipation zinging through her veins. There was no doubt, if the game were conducted on his terms, he’d show no hesitation in hunting her down.
“I’ll leave you to it. For what it is worth, if bets were placed on the outcome of this… hunt… my money would most certainly be placed on Lady Emma Whitestone. She seems a most formidable opponent, for all her inexperience.” Theodore smiled at the young woman as others tittered and nudged each other. “I do believe she will route you all.”
Bowing at the waist to the collective group, he turned to Lauren. Lifting her hand, he pressed a soft kiss upon it, his expression promising much more once they were alone. “I wish you luck in the games and hope I find myself seated beside you at supper tonight. Until then, Lady Lauren.”
* * *
The game began in earnest.
Lord Sanderson insisted on being the first seeker. The hungry look he wore each time his eyes passed over Lauren was disturbing. That look sent her scurrying through the corridors to the safety of her room the moment his back turned and the count started. Never mind the rules stating private spaces could not be utilized as hiding nooks.
Anne was there, preparing the gown Lauren would wear for supper.
“Good afternoon, milady.” Anne’s smile was distracted as she smoothed wrinkles from the dark ivory silk. “Is everything all right?”
“Nothing but a headache, Anne. You can put the gown away. I think I’ll have a tray sent up for my supper.” In her own ears, Lauren thought she stuttered over the words, but Anne seemed not to notice. “Would you please tell Lady Settleton I won’t be down?”
“Certainly. I’ll have a pot of tea sent up right now, too. It might help.”
“Some brandy as well, if possible.”
“I’ll have Ollie deliver it, Lady Lauren.”
“Thank you, Anne. I’m so glad he is improved. After the brandy and tea are delivered, you may take the rest of the evening for yourself. I’ll ring for supper when I’m hungry.”
Before long, a pot of tea and a decanter of brandy were delivered to Lauren’s room. Ollie ducked his head, discomforted to have his employer inquiring over his health. He was still quite pale, but his cheeks bloomed pink whenever his eye caught Anne’s eye. Their mutual affection was readily apparent and had only strengthened as a result of his sickness. Upon assuring Lauren he was nearly back to normal, he excused himself, and Anne rushed to complete her duties.
