Page 8 of Stolen by My Knave
CHAPTER THREE
Elizabeth had not seen the mysterious man she met in the library since the first day. It hadn’t been long, but the two days she’d been at Clifton Park had seemed like forever. She wanted to see the man again and inquire if he’d read the books she’d recommended. Mostly though, she wanted to seehim... He’d been so familiar to her, and at first she hadn’t been able to figure out why. Distance and a clear head had made it all clear.
He was the pirate in the mirror—Captain Jack.
Of course, he couldn’t really be the same person. Captain Jack was a story her grandmother had made up, and then her mother had passed it down to Elizabeth and her brothers. But he had seemed so real in the mirror when she was a young girl. She’d become fascinated in ways she’d never been before. He was as beautiful, as she’d recalled from that one glimpse. He had beautiful golden blond hair. If he’d not thought it untoward or an invitation, she’d have reached out and touched him. Up close his sea-green eyes were mesmerizing. The man had been pleasant enough, but Elizabeth had a feeling if she’d allowed it, he’d have taken liberties, and she’d have liked them too.
Her mother had summoned her to the parlor for games. It was the last thing she’d wanted to do, yet a part of her hoped the pirate, for that was how she’d started to think of him, would attend as well. It was a foolish wish because men of his ilk wouldn’t willingly partake in silly games.
She rounded the corner and stopped short at the entrance. He was inside the room. A round of butterflies took flight in her belly. This was the chance she’d hoped to have but now was too nervous to attempt. If she played it right, she’d have her conversation and perhaps finally learn his name. There were several gentlemen in attendance she’d not been acquainted with. He could be any one of them.
There was only one way to figure it all out. She had to enter the room and play the role of debutante. As much as she abhorred some of the strictures of society, they could be useful from time to time. Elizabeth took a deep reassuring breath and entered the room. It wasn’t long before her mother spotted her and hastened to her side.
“Oh, there you are,” her mother said, grabbing her arm. “What took you so long?”
“I’m sorry...” She wasn’t sure if that was a question or a statement, and her mother latched onto it.
“Are you really?” She narrowed her eyes on Elizabeth. “I don’t think you are.”
Elizabeth sighed. Her mother knew her too well. She hated these things and would much rather be in her room curled up with a book. Why must she socialize? Most of these people didn’t care one whit about her. They weren’t about to start now. Most cared because she was the daughter of a duke and hoped to gain that connection through marriage. The females hated her for the same reason. She wasn’t friend material—only competition. They never realized she didn’t care if they snatched the gentlemen away from her. The ladies in search of a husband were welcome to any or all of her suitors—none of them meant a thing to her. Except one... She’d suffer whatever was necessary to gain his attention. He intrigued her and she had to learn more about him.
“Fine. I’m not. Do I have to stay?”
“Yes,” her mother replied. “Go mingle. Meet people. You can’t hide in your chambers forever.”
She wished she could. Life would be much easier if she could ignore the world around her. Where to start? Going straight to the man who’d caught her attention would be playing her hand too early. She couldn’t very well appear too eager. If he realized how interested she was, she might scare him off. Should she tell him she wasn’t interested in marriage? It might put him at ease.
“Hello, Lady Elizabeth,” a man said from behind her.
Elizabeth inwardly cringed, fearing whom she believed he was. She turned, disappointed she was, indeed, correct.Drat. Why washethere? The Earl of Redmayne had taken an interest in her during her last season. She’d tried everything to discourage his suit, but he continued his pursuit.
Elizabeth turned to face him. “Lord Redmayne, it’s lovely to see you again.”Lie!She didn’t want to spend any more time in his company, but she couldn’t say so. It wasn’t polite to actually say what she thought of him. He was—slimy. The way his gaze traveled over her left her feeling cold inside. She didn’t want to understand what he thought when he looked at her. Whatever it was, it couldn’t be good.
“When it came to my attention you’d be in attendance I couldn’t turn down the invitation.” His lips titled upward. “It’s always a pleasure to be in your company.”
She was barely able to suppress the urge to grimace at his words. How was she supposed to escape him? He wouldn’t let her leave easily. The earl wouldn’t force her to remain, but rather he would be determined to follow her wherever she went.
“Lord Redmayne, I’m so glad you were able to attend. I was afraid you’d not make it,” a female said.
Elizabeth turned to meet the dowager countess’s gaze. She was Lord Clifton’s mother and the reason for the house party. It was no secret she hoped to find a spouse for both of her children. Lord Clifton made himself scarce and only appeared when he was forced to. Poor Lady Bianca had been at every event—her mother pushing her at all the eligible gentlemen. It appeared, thankfully for Elizabeth, to be Lord Redmayne’s turn to be pursued by the countess. It was much like a game of chess with pawns being shoved in different directions and all of them at odds with each other. Every person sought to achieve one goal—to take the king or queen, depending on who was in control, as their own.
“There was never a doubt I’d turn down your gracious invitation, Lady Clifton,” he replied. “This event is the place to be in the off season.”
Elizabeth gagged at his syrupy praise. She covered up the noise by coughing lightly. “Please excuse me. My throat is quite dry.”
“Would you like me to fetch you something to drink?” Redmayne asked.
“No—I mean...” She wanted to escape the earl, not give him a reason to stay by her side.Drat and blast.
“Don’t worry about Lady Elizabeth,” Lady Clifton said. “Hey, you over there.” The countess waved at a gentleman on the other side of the room. Elizabeth turned and met his gaze and groaned. It was the pirate. A wicked grinned formed over his handsome features. He took the countess’s invitation and crossed over to join them.
“My lady,” he bowed. “You beckoned.”
His lips tilted up in the corner. He looked even more like the pirate in the mirror. Elizabeth’s skin heated and her cheeks were close to being on fire. She must look like a blushing ninny.
“You’re a rascal, Your Grace.” The countess actually blushed at his greeting. She turned toward Elizabeth and asked, “Have you been introduced to the Duke of Whitewood? Never mind, you have now.” She lifted her hand and brushed it away as unnecessary, then returned her attention to the handsome devil. “Could you do me a favor and fetch Lady Elizabeth something to drink. She’s rather parched.”
Elizabeth’s embarrassment rose to new heights. Why, oh why, did this have to happen to her? But she did learn something in the exchange. His title was something she hadn’t heard before. His full name, though, was hers to discover yet. “I’m capable of acquiring my own beverage,” she replied. “Don’t trouble yourself.”
