Lady Be Reckless (Duke's Daughters #2)(15)

As she walked toward them, she couldn’t help but notice how attractive Mr. Wolcott was. And not in the traditionally handsome way Bennett was; Mr. Wolcott looked wild, and fierce. His dark hair, while brushed and in place, had a curly unruliness to it that made him look untamed. He was clean-shaven, but his cheeks were stubbled, making him look more dangerous. His eyes were dark as well, focused on the crowd with a wary intensity that made her very glad he was not looking at her.

And where Bennett’s form was sleek and lean, Mr. Wolcott was both broad and angular, his shoulders wide, his legs long and lean and encased in his evening trousers.

Everything about him, not just his birth, seemed as though he had been made without attention to propriety. He was unsettling. And she had never been unsettled by anyone before.

She would have her work cut out for her, taking this dangerous-looking person and making him appear to be a respectable gentleman.

As much to herself as to her world.





Chapter 5




Never back away from a chance to do something right. No matter how much personal turmoil it might cause you.

Lady Olivia’s Particular Guide to Decorum



“Good evening, Lord Carson.” It was her again, the lady who practically vibrated she was so alive. Edward felt his skin prickle as though she’d touched him.

“And good evening, Mr. Wolcott,” she added with a bright smile directed squarely at him.

It was a hefty weapon, her smile. At least to him. He felt flattened by it, aware of what she thought of him but still unable to keep himself from feeling more intrigued and interested by her.

“Good evening, Lady Olivia,” Bennett replied in his usual charming tone. As though the lady hadn’t offered him a marriage proposal the previous evening, which he’d firmly rejected.

Edward had to admire his friend’s aplomb.

“Good evening,” he echoed, bowing.

“I am glad you are both here,” Lady Olivia said, shifting her gaze from Edward to Bennett and back again. “I have something I wish to say to both of you.” Edward’s unease grew; what knowledge was this unexpected woman about to impart? Judging by the pleased expression on her face, it was something that brought her pleasure. But since the only time he’d heard her speak her mind it was to announce that she and Bennett shared mutual feelings for one another—well, he did not trust her to know what would bring happiness to anyone.

“What is it?” Bennett sounded as wary as Edward felt. His aplomb had deserted him, no doubt scurrying away to regroup after feeling the force of her personality.

“Well,” she replied, beaming in satisfaction. “I have thought of something I can do to help your situation.”

“What situation?” Edward blurted out. She gave him a reproving look.

“The situation of your acceptance into Society, Mr. Wolcott, since you asked,” she replied. Sounding as though she were delivering a lecture, not speaking in conversation. “I know there are many who would snub you for the circumstances of your birth,” she began, her cheeks coloring as she spoke. Because she had snubbed him herself? Even called him a bastard?

“And it is my duty to ensure you are fully accepted by everyone whom you might meet.” She gave a firm nod as she finished speaking. As though what she had said would be done merely because she had said it.

“It doesn’t work that way,” Edward said. Bennett shot him a look, which he ignored. He needed to tell this insufferable, vibrantly blazing woman that it wasn’t that easy, despite how simple she made it sound.

He also had to admit to not wanting to see her hopes crushed so soon after having them crushed by his best friend. If she knew how hard it would be, she would be better prepared for when she failed.

“You can’t just bestow a few smiles and dances on me, introduce me to your friends and family, and expect that everyone will be absolutely fine with the circumstances of my birth. It doesn’t work that way,” he repeated, realizing that now he was vibrating, but with anger.

Not necessarily at her, but because of the entire situation. How was it possible that a piece of paper could stand in the way of his being accepted? Of making friends? Of finding a bride?

Of pleasing his father?

Lady Olivia lifted her chin, a fiery, determined look in her eye. The one he was coming to both dread and admire. “But, Mr. Wolcott, here is the thing. I am the Duke of Marymount’s daughter. I have successfully helped a wide variety of people and causes—”

“Such as?” Edward interrupted.

Her color heightened, and she glared at him as much as a young lady at a polite Society party could. “I am on the committee for the Society for Poor and Orphaned Children, I am a strong supporter of mothers’ rights, and I do not back down from something I see as wrong.”

He’d want to laugh if she weren’t absolutely serious. “You are saying that because you have shown up at some meetings and possibly spoken out—shocking some people, I’m sure—that you can force my acceptance into the most entrenched company?”

Her mouth opened as Bennett stepped between them, putting his hand on Edward’s arm. Edward hadn’t realized he was only a few inches away from her, close enough to see the golden lights in her hazel eyes, close enough to kiss.

Not that he wanted to do that. Not at all. He was furious with her—wasn’t he?