The Ugly Duckling Debutante (House of Renwick #1)(13)

He would have the feather, an innocent untitled bride, and freedom from his lustful desires. All he needed now was to make sure Sai took in the ton. Hopefully she would set her cap on someone straight away, so he could be free to leave her side. He was no protector of virtue and didn’t know how long hers would stay intact with him constantly watching her. As it was, he felt like he undressed her with his eyes merely by smiling at her. He shook the thought out of his head and pulled the cord in his study. There wasn’t enough tea in the world to get ride of the stirring of feelings he felt at the moment.



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“Sai!” Her aunt’s voice rivaled her own mother’s, and if ever she doubted their relation, it was now confirmed, however distant it might be. Sara had not slept well. In fact, she hadn’t slept well since her unfortunate meeting with Lord Renwick. He was unnerving and possibly the most attractive man she had ever met. Naturally he would invade her dreams, but did he have to invade every waking thought as well?

She stumbled out of bed, and with the help of her lady’s maid, donned a riding habit that left little to the imagination. It was tight enough to show off what little curve she had and clung tightly to her bosom—which her aunt had pointed out, was her best and only asset. She pulled on her gloves and went down the stairs.

“My dear, we have a change of plans.” Her aunt was in an elaborate ball gown saying something French to the woman nearest her. “My gown is to have crystals sewn onto it!” Her voice gave away her excitement making Sara smile for her. “I must stay here.” She didn’t look Sara in the eye, instead she said, “Oh, and Lord Renwick is waiting for you in the study. He has graciously consented to escort you to the park for an hour or so to aid you in familiarizing yourself with some of the more famous of the ton.”

Sara wanted to scream. Wasn’t it bad enough she had to be escorted by him to the ball, now she had to spend even more time with the man? She held her tongue and smiled. “Shall I be off then?”

Her aunt looked up from her dress. “Well, hurry on.”

Sara did a quick curtsy and walked into the study. Lord Renwick’s back was facing her, giving her adequate time to size him up. His pantaloons tightened over thickly muscled thighs, and her eyes traced up his velvet coat and smoothly pressed shirt. His hair was a little unruly, possibly from the ride, but it gave him an air of danger she had grown to admire about him.

He turned quickly, meeting her gaze. She dropped into a curtsy and heard him sigh as if annoyed by her presence “Lady Fenton informs me she will not be joining us?” He was glaring at her.

“No, my lord. That is, she was planning to come but has a pressing matter to attend to with her modiste. If you would like to reschedule, I’m sure—“

He cut her off with a wave of his hand. “Surely you don’t think I am afraid to be alone with you?” He smirked in her direction. His moods seemed as unstable as her breathing.

She backed up into the wall. “Of course not, my lord. That wasn’t my intention. I was merely thinking it would be unwise to be without a chaperone.”

His eyes flashed with anger as he walked quickly toward her. He stopped inches from her face. “I am not the one you need to be worried about.”

“So you’ve told me,” she answered boldly.

His eyes widened as an amused smile broke out on his face. He dangled his hand in front of her. “Shall we?”

“Lead the way,” she muttered somewhat sarcastically. He obviously caught her disdain and laughed ironically.

“You don’t like me,” he announced rather smugly once they were facing each other in the carriage.

She scowled. “Whatever would give you that idea, my lord?” She smiled sweetly at the end, possibly sealing her fate as his least favorite person.

His eyes crinkled at the corners giving him a cheerful look. “Have I offended you?”

“When have you not offended me?” she retorted impulsively, thinking about the masquerade and the insults of the day that followed.

At that he laughed a little too hard for Sara’s liking. His expression sobered when he saw the disdain in her eyes. “My dear, I am trying my best to help you. Tonight would be trying for the most normal of girls.”

Her stomach lurched. How often was this Adonis to remind her of her contrasting plainness. “And I’m not normal.” She said it without emotion as she looked into his icy gaze.

“No,” he finally answered. “You are not.” His voice was strained.

“I understand.” She looked down at her hands and played with her gloves. A change of subject was needed. “How long will we be in the park, my lord?”

Nicholas looked confused about the subject change but shrugged his shoulders in response, “As long as it takes.”

“As long as what takes?” she asked.

He smiled brightly. “You’ll see.”

Minutes later, he was helping her out of the carriage. Several people were walking through the park arm and arm, and many more single ladies with chaperones were chattering away. As she linked her arm within Lord Renwick’s, a blanketed hush fell upon the once chatty people of the ton. They whispered; some men smiled at her wickedly. Naturally they must think her ugly, too. She tried to brave a smile but found it terribly trying. After about ten minutes, Lord Renwick abruptly stopped the walk and turned toward Sara.