Page 26 of Stolen by My Knave
CHAPTER TEN
Jack left the ballroom whistling as he walked. His conversation with Alys had changed everything. It was a good thing he’d danced with Elizabeth. It would have been quite rude to leave her without a dance partner because he had been afraid to touch her. Thank the lord he could touch her without feelings of guilt. His desire for her could be explored, and he fully intended to do so at some point.
He had a lot of things to work through mentally. Alys had answered a lot of his questions, but he wanted to learn more. The good news was he had time to do just that and spend time with Elizabeth. It could even be an excuse to get closer to her. It was wicked of him to use his curiosity in such a manner. He didn’t make any excuses for it. At his core, he was a pirate first and a gentleman second. A pirate took what he wanted and didn’t give a damn what anyone thought of him. Jack rather liked the idea of claiming Elizabeth.
He’d achieved his main goal—claiming his dance with Elizabeth. The ball was a success as far as he was concerned. He’d have to go back after dinner and dance with Lady Bianca and Lady Hyacinth, but until then he was free to do as he pleased. Lord Clifton couldn’t fault him for bowing out afterward. One dance should be enough for society to believe he was interested. The coalition would allow him to be a part of it and his income would grow as a result. He whistled as he strolled down the hall, stopping suddenly when he noticed Clifton heading toward him.
“Whitewood,” Clifton said. “Escaping already?”
He lifted a brow. “I don’t much like balls.”
The earl laughed. “Nor do I. Don’t blame you for departing for a while. I try to find an excuse to leave whenever possible myself.” He paused a moment and then said, “I saw you chatting with Bianca. She already seems to be gathering more suitors. Perhaps she’ll find one at this blasted party after all.”
As far as Jack could tell, he didn’t stick around for any of the events. The ladies in attendance must be rather disappointed. Some of them probably agreed to come with the sole purpose of catching his eye. A lot of matches were secured at house parties such as the one Clifton was hosting. There were some gentlemen searching for a wife, but Jack, along with Clifton, were not amongst them. Marriage was an undesirable institution that was agreed upon once it became necessary. His reactions to Elizabeth changed everything. He’d have to let go of his notions about matrimony if he hoped to have her.
“I’d rather amuse myself elsewhere.” Perhaps he’d finishPride and Prejudiceuntil he had to return. It would give him something to discuss with Elizabeth the next day. Not that he needed an excuse, but it helped to have one on the ready. He was looking forward to further conversations with her.
“Do you have a little liaison scheduled?” Clifton lifted a brow. “Don’t let me keep you from your appointment.”
“No—it’s not...”
The earl held up his hand. “Don’t explain. The less I know the better. Deniability is everything.”
Jack’s lips formed a firm line and he shook his head. The earl had it all wrong, but perhaps it was easier to let him believe as he wanted. Clifton wouldn’t believe the truth if he told him regardless. His mind was already made up. The appointment Jack had was with a book sitting on the table in his chamber.
“Then if you’ll excuse me,” Jack said with a shrug. “I’ll retire for the evening. Have a good night.”
Clifton nodded at him. “Probably not as good as the one you’ve arranged, but I’ll be content. When you have a moment, stop by my study tomorrow. I have much to discuss with you regarding the railroad.”
That was the news Jack wanted to hear. “I can talk now if you’d like.” The book could wait. “I’ve nothing pressing right now.”
“A lady doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” The earl laughed. “The business will hold. Besides, I have a meeting of my own I need to attend to. Come see me tomorrow after the morning meal.”
“If you insist,” Jack replied. “I promise you nothing requires my attention. There is no lady waiting for me.” Although the idea of Elizabeth waiting for him in his chamber would be quite desirable... Too bad that wasn’t a real possibility. Maybe someday it could be though. She would have to get over her idea of love and marriage at some point. The things in life that were guaranteed were passion and death. Jack sure hoped he’d have a lot more passion before he found his way to his final rest.
“But I do have a meeting,” Clifton said. “And I promise you she’s no lady either.” The earl winked at him. “It’s much easier that way. Makes for less expectations. I use the word lady as a sign of respect. They are females, and they like it when we show them a little regard. Something you should keep in mind for your future transgressions.”
“You misunderstand me,” Jack said. “I wasn’t dismissing the figurative lady as inconsequential as she doesn’t actually exist.”
Jack wasn’t about to explain there was only one lady that he wanted to do anything with. For a moment, he’d thought she was untouchable because they were related. It was a relief to realize his desire could be fulfilled. She should remain out of his reach, but he found that wasn’t possible. Elizabeth was meant to be his. There was something about her that drew him toward her, and he wasn’t going to ignore it. All she needed was a little time to realize the same thing he did. He was willing to be patient and let her discover her own path to his way of thinking.
“Continue to deny it if you must,” Clifton said. “I won’t be telling tales. Have a good evening, Your Grace. I intend to.”
Clifton didn’t give Jack a chance to respond. Without another word, he turned the corner and headed in the opposite direction. Since he had no other choice, he kept to his original plan and headed up to his bedroom. He’d read until he could read no more. If he could manage it, he’d finish the novel.
Anything to keep his mind off of Elizabeth... Otherwise he might go in search of her and that wouldn’t lead anywhere good.
***
Elizabeth danced the rest of the night away. Jack had come in briefly and danced with the ladies he’d promised dances to. He’d shot Elizabeth a few heated glances but hadn’t approached. Once the dance had ended, he left as quickly as he’d come in. What did he have to do that required him to bail on the rest of the ball? It would have been better if Jack had stayed, but as he hadn’t, she remained determined to have fun. They’d made progress of a sort. He was no longer completely avoiding her. She wanted much more from him, but she could remain patient. Romance shouldn’t be rushed, and if love was to bloom it should be given time to flourish. She wasn’t entirely sure that was what she felt for Jack, but she figured she had to be close to it. No other man had ever made her heart beat quite so rapidly.
“Did you enjoy the evening?”
Elizabeth’s mood plummeted at the voice she heard from behind her. What would it take for the Earl of Redmayne to leave her alone? He was too determined, and she wasn’t attracted to him in the slightest. The earl might make another woman happy. Unfortunately, for him, she was not that woman.
“It was a lovely ball. Quite exhausting.”
She wasn’t in the least bit tired. There was too much excitement spreading throughout her. The desire to run and skip in happiness filled her to the brim. She’d have to find something to expend her anxiousness after she made it to her room. Perhaps some light reading would help calm her enough to sleep.
