Page 44 of Wicked Rivals
His mother resumed fanning herself. “I do. There’s something about her, a strength I see in her that reminds me of myself.”
“She is strong.” He certainly agreed with her on that.
“But she’s guarded, and for a reason. You must take care, my boy. She’s been hurt before, that much is clear. It would do neither of you any good to push her too far too fast. Do you understand?”
“I will be careful with her,” he assured his mother.
Regina smiled. “That’s good, because she deserves to be properly wooed. You may start tonight at the Mertons’ ball. I had to turn down our invitations, but when Mrs. Merton learned it was because we had guests, she sent invitations this morning for Charles, Jonathan and Lady Melbourne.”
“A ball?” He stifled a groan. Courting Rosalind was supposed to put a stop to his mother sending him off to these blasted balls. But it seemed there was no way to avoid this one.
“Yes, and you will attend. There’s a nice young man I want Joanna to meet. If you come and show off your new fiancée, it would look well for Joanna. And a decent, respectable country ball will keep your friends out of trouble.”
How bloody thoughtful of Mrs. Merton to think of adding a few more guests to her list.
“I ought to ask Rosalind. She may not wish—”
Regina laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous. Every woman loves a ball. Dancing is the best way to a woman’s heart.”
Ashton scoffed. “Dancing? I doubt that.” While it was one of his many talents, dancing was not something he particularly enjoyed.
His mother’s fan smacked him in the chest with a resoundingwhack.
“Of course it is. How do you think I fell in love with your father?” Regina’s face softened as distant memories resurfaced. She sighed and dabbed at eyes, which were suddenly bright. “He was wonderful dancer.” It had been so long since his mother had spoken of his father in a positive light.
Ashton held his breath, wondering if his mother would keep speaking about his father or if the past would be too painful. His mother’s eyes glistened as she looked at him. He’d never wanted to think about how hard it had to be to love someone who hurt you. Regina had loved his father, despite the womanizing and the gambling. Shestillloved him.
She looked up at the sky. Sunshine covered her face, and for a moment he could imagine how she had looked as a young woman Rosalind’s age.Lovely.
“When a woman dances with a man, she feels safe. It’s a special sort of intimacy, one that promises love. So tonight, my dear boy, you will take her out onto the dance floor and stare deep into her eyes as you waltz. Seduction is not always about what happens between the sheets. Do you understand? Seduce herheart.”
Love. He hadn’t thought of Rosalind in such a way before. Protection, advantage, mutual pleasure, certainly. But love? If he was honest with himself, the thought of love scared the hell out of him. Ever since he’d witnessed Godric and Emily fall in love a secret part of him had yearned for that, but he was a man who dealt in realistic notions and practical behavior. The need to control his life, to protect everything fiercely—it didn’t bode well for any woman who dared to love him.
“Ashton.” His mother’s voice cut through his thoughts.
“Yes?”
“Promise me you’ll consider it.” She was looking right at him.
“Consider what?”
“Love, you silly boy. Winning her heart.”
Ashton could not believe he was having such a frank discussion with his mother, especially on such a subject. He shifted on the blanket, trying to feel settled, but it couldn’t be helped when a man was discussing love with his mother. Was this how Lucien felt when his mother had tricked him into seducing Horatia last Christmas?
Lord, save us all from meddling mothers.
“I’ll consider it.” Ashton turned his gaze back to Rosalind. She was wearing a makeshift blindfold now, searching for the giggling children around her. Their little bodies danced out of reach as she called for help to find them. Joanna was laughing and shouting directions to avoid being captured.
With a grin, Ashton left his mother to finish her lemonade, and he crept up behind Rosalind. Before Joanna could speak, Ashton raised a finger to his lips. She smiled back and kept quiet.
“Oh! Where are you?” Rosalind muttered, half giggling as she spun and ran straight into Ashton.
He captured her by the waist, pressing her body flat to his. Her body fit to his with a startling perfection. Her features were animated and lively beneath the spring sunlight, and it filled him with a quiet joy that made his heart race.
She could be mine…if I can woo her.
“Well, it seems like I’ve captured a pretty prize,” he said. “What is my reward?”
