Page 5 of Playing the Scoundrel

Not much escaped James’s notice, even when Henry thought he had been discreet. “What would you have me do? Mrs. Palmer is the one who bumped into me.”

“Miss Clay knows you’re a charmer, though I have not detailed to what degree.” Then James’s features softened. “She still thinks highly of you, so I don’t want her to have to face the disappointment.”

That word.Disappointment. It cut through Henry like a hot blade. He was flattered to know Miss Clay found value in him, but it was only a matter of time before she discovered the truth that everyone, even James, already knew; Henry would only ever be a disappointment.

“I am sorry, James. Truly.” Swallowing his troubles, Henry placed a hand on James’s shoulder. “You know I would never do anything to intentionally harm Miss Clay. I will do my best to maintain the illusion of a man of caliber in her presence.”

James frowned, raising an eyebrow at him. When Henry couldn’t bear the scrutiny a moment longer, he stepped back. “You see your ladies home, and I’ll catch up with you another time.”

“Come by tomorrow, and we’ll find a boxing ring without them.”

Henry nodded, waving to hurry along the duke’s departure. He didn’t want to linger in the emotions that threatened to drown him. He couldn’t be wallowing when Mrs. Palmer wanted a charmer. He grew intoxicated by the mere thought of finding a moment alone with the passionate widow and all that a moment could afford.

Pushing through the crowd, Henry went looking for the drink table. Picking up a glass of champagne, he took a sip and let his eyes gaze across the crowd. There she was. Mrs. Palmer had been stopped by a conversation with an older gentleman, but Henry could tell she was not entertained. The way she toyed with a curled hair by her cheekbones was an obvious indication she was bored. How Henry longed to rescue her. As soon as she made her escape, Henry would be there to fill the void.

“Mr. Godwin.”

The voice behind him made him cringe and close his eyes. Could he never escape her? She was completely unrelenting and damn near impossible to avoid.

Taking a deep breath and straightening his shoulders, Henry turned to face her. “Miss Roberts. Are you enjoying your evening?” he asked, trying to keep one eye on Mrs. Palmer.

Her lips pursed in a childlike frown. “I most certainly am not, especially after the way you snubbed me.”

The accusation caught his attention. “Snubbed? I greeted you and your friend with absolute decency.” And if it hadn’t been for her beautiful friend, he wouldn’t have been able to muster much more than decency.

“It wasn’t your greeting that lacked, but your manners. You promised me a dance and then stood up with someone else entirely.”

Henry sighed. Ah, yes. He had done that. It hadn’t been intentional, but he’d found a widow fresh out of mourning in need of a partner and could not have allowed her to be alone. Not only that, but as an afterthought, he’d hoped Miss Roberts would take the hint. Such was clearly not the case.

“Yes, I must apologize for that oversight. It won’t happen again.” Because he wouldn’t be asking her to dance again. He wouldn’t have asked her this time had it not been forced on him.

“Well, I should hope not. I had assumed, considering our history at the dowager’s house party, that I would not be so easily forgettable, and you would welcome my company.”

Henry shook his head. This could not be borne any longer. With a glance at Mrs. Palmer, he set down his glass on the drink table and took Miss Roberts by the hand. “Come with me.”

“Oh, are we going to sneak off to a romantic rendezvous?” she purred in a pleased whisper.

Finding a public enough corner by the stairwell, Henry whirled her around to face him. “No, I’m afraid it’s quite the opposite.” He was about at his wit’s end with this girl, but Henry tried to keep his tone friendly. “I’m flattered by your preference and grateful for your company, Miss Roberts,” he lied through his teeth, “but I must tell you, while you are an amusing young girl and plenty pretty, whatever attachment you have fixed on me must come to an end.”

Her smile dropped completely. “What do you mean? You gave me so much attention at the house party.”

“Are you certain it wasn’t you who sought to occupy allmyattention?” Henry inhaled sharply, trying not to lay the accusation at her feet. “I know I’m a charming chap, and my intention was to be kind to all of the duchess’s guests, but I never sought to encourage your affections. All I can offer you is friendship, nothing more. Though I doubt your parents would approve of even that.”

“That’s not true! I already told my mother, and she’s delighted that I’ve found such a wealthy catch.”

Henry closed his eyes. Things always got messy with parents and expectations. “Then she’s quite misinformed about me, as are you, Miss Roberts. The truth of the matter is, you wish to marry someday, don’t you?”

Her eyes sparkled. “More than anything.”

“Well, I do not. I’m a rake, you see? Not only would I damage your reputation, but I’m convinced I’d make you miserable in marriage, as well. You’re much better off without me.”

Finally, the light of hope left her eyes, and Henry could see she was beginning to understand. “My father did warn me you might be, but I thought that maybe you might change if I could get you to fall in love with me…”

“I’m afraid I’m decidedly against falling in love, especially when it requires changing. There’s just no hope for me, so you’ll have much better chances with the other lads at the ball.”

Miss Roberts didn’t move. Her lips set in a frown, her eyes now shining with tears, Henry worried he might never be rid of her. “Please go on, Miss Roberts. It’s for the best if you don’t seek me out again.”

She turned to leave, but paused, looking at him over her shoulder. “You’ve broken my heart, Mr. Godwin.”

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