The Seduction of Sebastian St. James (House of Renwick #2)(17)

Emma choked on her laugh just in time to meet Nicholas’s searching eyes. Then his mouth turned into a smug grin. She hated it when he got that look on his face.

“I know exactly how to handle this.”

Sebastian shifted his weight and rolled his eyes. The doubt on his face was apparent. Emma couldn’t help but share the same feeling. What could Nicholas possibly do to them? They were adults after all.

“Both of you, follow me.”

Emma wasn’t given a choice as Sebastian urged her forward, leaving an almost searing handprint on her back. The man did wicked things to her. Just a moment ago she had been kissing him like a madwoman. And she did feel mad. For even though part of her was still terrified, another part was delighted and couldn’t help but wonder when or if it would happen again. Not that it would be a good idea. After all, they didn’t want to end up having to marry just because they found each other's kisses more exciting than a ball.

For goodness sake, anything was more exciting than the ball. Especially when one didn’t dance. A girl can only drink so much punch and eat so many bonbons before it starts to show on her figure, sending her into even deeper despair of ever finding a husband.

Emma followed Nicholas blindly into the main room.

“Go along now,” he said authoritatively.

Emma turned to Sebastian for help. He winked.

“What would you like us to run along and do, my lord?” The mockery wasn’t lost on Nicholas. His face grew even sterner. Which, considering the circumstances, was quite a feat.

Suddenly Nicholas smirked. “Pardon my interruption, Lady Fenton!” he announced, voice louder than a man of his stature should possess.

Lady Fenton turned around. “Ah, Nicholas, there you are.”

“Indeed, did you know I’ve just heard the most delightful news?”

Lifting her eyebrow, Lady Fenton leaned in. “What is it? Surely your secret is safe with me.”

“It has come to my attention the Duke of Tempest and Miss Gates are both actively searching for someone with whom to share their hearts. And after careful consideration, they’ve decided to announce at the Fenton ball next week their choices for a companion. After several dances, they will announce their intentions of whom they wish to court. Isn’t that delightful?”

Emma watched in horror as Lady Fenton’s face seemed to brighten with every word. “Will Renwick House be accepting visitors then?”

“Naturally, both Lady Gates and Tempest will be accepting callers.”

Emma’s mouth dropped open. Sebastian let out a lovely string of expletives and ran his fingers roughly through his hair.

Torn between wanting to shout and curse alongside Sebastian, Emma watched with dread as Lady Fenton leaned in and whispered a few words to the ladies in her group. This process was repeated until everyone in the ballroom seemed to be a flutter with excitement.

In one sudden movement, people began scattering about looking Emma and Sebastian up and down as if the game had now been set, the pieces laid out, and execution in order.

Feeling trapped, Emma desperately wanted to do more than run as three older gentlemen hobbled her way. Two of them looked like they had one foot at deaths door. Not to mention that they appeared to be suffering from gout. The third suitor was at least smiling, but missing all of his teeth.

Lovely. Maybe she could chew his food for him as well.

Her eyes darted toward Sebastian, sending him a look of utter misery.

She should have known his response would be to greet all three men.

Then offer them a drink.

And his support.

Curse the man.

All because of the kissing and the grapes. Well, he would pay—dearly.

As if sent from God, his ‘payment’ approached. Four green girls in white frilly dresses nervously walked up to him. If their faces didn’t scream ‘desperate for a duke,’ their excitable chatter and posture certainly did.

Emma complimented them on their beauty then promptly told them the duke’s favorite color was yellow.

Earlier she had overheard him complaining about yellow dresses to Nicholas.

The look on his face confirmed he wasn’t even slightly amused at her gesture.

For good measure she added, “A little hint, ladies.”She stepped forward, bringing the girls into her confidence. “He just adores attention. So don’t feel awkward at all about following him to and fro. In fact, the duke loves to feel pursued and desired. Why just this last year a girl stalked him for six months! Once he discovered her true identity, he bragged to everyone at Whites about how desired he was. So girls, it’s up to you to make him feel special.”

Wide-eyed with excitement, they nodded their heads in unison and did as she directed. Like little chicks, they followed him all around the ballroom.

She vaguely remembered she still had the three old men standing next to her. The one without gout, whom she would forever refer to as toothless, had promptly fallen asleep standing up. Either that or he was shielding his eyes from the guests in the ballroom. Safe to say he wouldn’t notice her walking away.

The other two, whom she was now referring to as balding men with gout, were eyeing her like a delicious morsel of food. Impossible to figure out if it was the type of treat one would eat or a sweet morsel one should never think about when staring at old men with gout. Taking into account their girth, it was a question that would remain unanswered. And for that she was eternally grateful.