The Seduction of Sebastian St. James (House of Renwick #2)(11)

He glanced at the clock and swore; it was a minute past eight. He had tried his best to stay in his room until the time came for him to escort the girl. He steeled himself against the lust and anger shooting through his body and reached for his hat. Surely she couldn’t be any lovelier than early today.

Since returning to Renwick House, it seemed the only thing he could think about was Miss Gates and the location of her bedroom. As he walked down the hall, he began preparing himself for her appearance.

He waited at the bottom of the stairs, restlessly twirling his hat in his fingers. A door slammed in the distance and moments later Miss Gates descended the marble staircase. Delicate hands smoothly traced the cherry wood railing. Gaining enough curiosity, he looked at the rest of her and accidently cursed out loud.

Dresses should be outlawed. In fact, it would please him greatly if any woman of at least above average beauty revolted against modern fashion and decided to wear giant loose fitting dresses. Dresses that covered more than hugged. Noticing the sway of her hips as the material seemed to cling and then dance next to her thighs, his eyes swept upward, his only saving grace was that the thick shawl seemed to cover the more appealing parts of her body. He mouthed a prayer of thanks and smiled as she took his outstretched hand and dipped in a low curtsy.

“Why, Miss Gates, you look positively ravishing.” Teeth clenched, he managed to only get out one sentence before gaping again at the cut of her gown. His height gave him the advantage as his eyes scanned beneath the opening of her shawl.

“It’s not for your benefit, so stop staring,” she retorted with a smirk. “I’m supposed to be husband hunting, remember?”

Brazen hoyden! Did it matter that he was staring when every other man in attendance would be doing the same? What prim and proper girl said such things? And to a duke no less! Nicholas needed to keep a closer watch on this girl, if he desired for her to last more than a week without being led out into Vauxhill gardens by the first rake who took a liking to her charms.

Blind fury took over as he clenched her outstretched hand. It irritated him that such a tiny flippant comment would even upset him. Pasting the coolness on his face years of breeding had taught him, he whispered into her ear, “How could I so easily forget my place? Apologies.”

Emma’s eyes squinted at him before she turned and waited for the door to be opened. The ducal carriage was waiting just outside to take them to the ball. Sebastian watched in fascination, it seemed everything she did was graceful. He found himself watching every move as if trying to decipher why the woman had so much fluidity in her motions.

Sebastian heard Nicholas and Sara approach, both of them giving final instructions to the nanny before they left, as well as consequences for Duncan if he again tried to sneak out.

Poor Duncan was back from boarding school and none too pleased to have to stay home while the adults had all the fun. He was also positively smitten with Miss Gates, not that Sebastian blamed the youngster. Then again he was eight by now, so his loyalty was easily swayed. Miss Gates had complimented Samuel on training his dog all by himself. After commending him, he was convinced she was the best thing that had happened all year.

Once everyone was snug in the carriage, he hit the top and they were off. The silence was a welcome distraction from the perfume he could smell wafting from Miss Gates. Sitting by her had been the obvious choice. Now he regretted it.

Sara cleared her throat, demanding attention. “Now would be an excellent time for both of you to explain why you felt the need to yell at one another this afternoon over a silly little misconception at the park.”

Miss Gates’ eyes widened. Sebastian shook his head. Obviously she had no idea he was grounded from riding because of Samuel, not her.

“He’s being an arrogant and ungrateful cad,” Nicholas interjected, crossing his arms.

“And he’s being stubborn and pig-headed!” Sebastian bellowed. He never bellowed.

Where was the whiskey again?

Sara threw up her arms in exasperation. “You men have been friends for years. Even I can’t say I’ve known my husband that long. Whatever it is that has both of your feathers ruffled—deal with it. Or I shan’t speak to you ever again.”

Her eyes were on Sebastian as she made the threat, then she turned and acknowledged her husband. “As for you…You may find a different place to sleep tonight. I’m sure Samuel left remnants of jelly on his bed.”

“My apologies for our earlier spat, Seb!” Nicholas shouted nearly taking the roof off with his volume. Obviously he had been spending too much time with his mother-in-law Lady Fenton, whose loudness trumped in comparison.

Sebastian rolled his eyes. “Accepted. I too apologize for giving advice that wasn’t mine to give, just don’t be so hard on the little boy. He only acts like his father.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Nicholas huffed. Sara grabbed his hand and kissed it.

“Was that so hard, my love?”

Nicholas immediately softened and kissed his wife firmly across the mouth.

Miss Gates looked away and sighed, bringing Sebastian’s attention back to the curve of her mouth.

Who was this girl?

Her hair was adorned with several tiny crystals making the shots of red shimmer. Vixen. That would be the only word to describe her. He had to avoid her at all costs, lest he compromise her and force her into a marriage neither of them wanted.