A Pledge of Passion (The Rules of Engagement #2)(17)

"The moon is too bright to see much," he said. "The best time to view stars is during the new moon."

"Can you find Cassiopeia for me?"

"She doesn't emerge in the heavens until autumn, but Ursa Major is best viewed in spring. It's also the easiest to recognize. Do you know the myth?"

"It is the story of Callisto, is it not?"

"Yes. Zeus was smitten by her, and Hera, his jealous wife, transformed Callisto into a bear. While she was in animal form, her son Arcas was going to shoot her, but Zeus intervened and turned Arcas into a bear as well. He then placed mother and son permanently in the heavens."

"It seems so unfair that Callisto was punished merely for attracting the attention of Zeus, but then again, maybe she's happier lighting up the nighttime sky than worrying about unwanted propositions from powerful men."

"Unwanted propositions?" Her words rang a peal in his ears. "Did Rochford importune you?"

"No. He did not, but he hinted at a proposal of marriage."

"When?"

"Earlier this evening."

"How did you answer him?"

"I didn't. Please, Mr. Needham. I don't wish to talk about it. Why were you looking for me? Did you receive any news from Lord Marcus?"

"Yes. He anticipates he and Miss Trent will arrive late tonight."

"What has detained him for so long?"

"He didn't elaborate. He only said it was a matter of urgency." She shivered. "You are cold." He immediately stripped off his coat and laid it over her shoulders.

Her eyes met his. "Thank you, Mr. Needham."

"Nicolas," he said. "Or Nick would be even better."

"Nick," she repeated with a soft smile. "I like the sound of it. It suits you."

"And why is that?"

"It's a no-nonsense kind of name, isn't it? You don't seem to care for their disingenuous ways any more than I do. Indeed, you are the only one here with whom I am at ease. It's hard to believe we met only a few short days ago. I feel as if I have known you so very much longer."

"Perhaps it's just the wine?" he suggested.

"No," she murmured, leaning toward him, close enough for him to catch a teasing hint of lilacs. She licked her lips. The gesture drew his gaze to her luscious rose-colored mouth. He couldn't help wondering if her lips were as sweet and petal soft as they looked. "It has nothing to do with the wine and everything to do with the man."

Her tone and demeanor were warm and inviting, and innocently seductive. He was surely courting danger to be alone with her any longer. "We should go back inside and join them at cards," he said.

"Must we?" she asked, soft and pleading.

"Yes, we must," he replied resolutely. He'd come looking for her to protect her from Rochford, but who would protect her from him? "If you don't wish to join them at cards, you could always make an excuse to retire early to your chamber."

"But I won't be able to sleep. I'm far too restless. What about you? Do you intend to wait for Lord Marcus and Lydia?"

"Yes."

"Then I will wait with you," she said. "That is . . . if you would care for some company."

"No," he said. "It wouldn't be appropriate for us to be together. Indeed, if we stay out here much longer, we will surely become an object of speculation."

"Would that be so terrible?" she asked.

"What do you mean?" He was half afraid of her answer.

"If my reputation were tarnished, perhaps I would not then be troubled by any more unwanted suitors."

"You are quite mistaken in me if you think I would do such a thing," he replied tersely.

She had no idea the torture she was putting him through. What she'd just implied, that she was willing to be compromised, was pushing him perilously close to the breaking point. He was an honorable man, but a man nevertheless—made of flesh and blood.

"I'm sorry." She bit her lip. "It was a foolish thing to say. But I am no one. Why would anyone bother themselves with me?"

"You don't understand how it is," he said. "This world is full of malicious people, Mariah. To those who live meaningless lives, spreading gossip and fomenting scandal is the ultimate in entertainment."

"I have nothing in common with such people," she said. "I hate falseness and malice. I'm very sorry I came here."

"Are you?" he asked softly. "I'm not. If you hadn't come, I never would have had the delight of getting to know you, and that would have been a tragedy for me."

"But what does it matter? It's unlikely that we'll ever see each other again after tomorrow."

His gaze narrowed. "After tomorrow?"

"Yes. In the morning, I intend to pack my belongings. I'm returning to Morehaven."

"You're leaving?"

"Yes. I am needed at home."

“But you can't leave so soon," he protested. "I promised to teach you about cricket. I could never break my word to a lady. I have my reputation to protect."

His effort at levity only seemed to annoy her. “Your reputation?" She gave a snort of indignation. "Is that all that matters to you, Mr. Needham? What others think?"