No Earls Allowed (The Survivors #2)(111)

“Not necessary,” Beaumont said, already at work. “I have it all in hand.”

But Collette had reached for the small bell that had toppled off the tray, which Lady Ravensgate used to call the servants to this room, as it had not been outfitted with a bellpull. Beaumont’s hand caught hers. Collette inhaled sharply at the touch of his skin on hers. In addition to her carelessness at leaving her correspondence out, she had also forgotten to don her gloves. Beaumont had taken his off to take tea, and now they touched skin to skin.

He pulled her hand away from the bell, holding it lightly but firmly. “You needn’t trouble the servants.” His warm hand engulfed hers, and when she tried to draw hers away, he didn’t release her. “Would it be scandalous of me to remark on how soft your skin is?” he asked, voice low and seductive. “I’m not certain I’ve ever felt skin like yours.”

Collette hardly knew the rules of English society, but she did know what whatever the etiquette might be, the feeling she had with her hand in his was most improper. She had the urge to link her fingers with his and to hold on to him more tightly. He had such a strong, sure grip, and she was so weary of floundering.

Instead, she looked him directly in the eyes. Those lovely, lovely violet eyes. “Release me, monsieur.” During courting rituals the hedgehog sow continually rejects the boar, turning to give him her flank.

“Ah, the French again,” he said, still not releasing her. “Does that mean you are angry? Or perhaps you feel another emotion?”

Desire. That was what he had to mean, what he must refer to. Was she that transparent? No matter. What she felt and what she did were two very separate matters. She might find Beaumont handsome and arousing, but Lord help her if she ever dared act on those feelings. Very deliberately, she pulled her hand back and rose to her feet. “Thank you for your call today, Mr. Beaumont,” she said pleasantly. Inside she shook with a churning of emotions she could not begin to name.

“No, thank you, Miss Fournay.” He made an elegant bow. “Our time together has been most enjoyable. May I claim your hand for the supper dance at Lord Montjoy’s ball next week?”

Hedgehog courting continues with the boar circling the sow.

Collette shook her head, at a loss as to what was expected of her in this situation. To her knowledge, Lady Ravensgate had not been given nor accepted an invitation to a ball by Lord Montjoy. Collette did not even know the name, which probably meant he was not a friend of Draven’s and therefore could not give her any useful information.

“Surely you will attend. It will be one of the last events before the few members of the ton still in London finally retreat to their country houses. Those of us without country houses will have to find another amusements.”

The door opened and Collette blew out a relieved breath. Lady Ravensgate entered and briskly took center stage. “I do apologize for having been so long detained. May I call the butler to show you out, Mr. Beaumont?” Without waiting for his response, she rang the bell.

“Thank you,” he said, appearing unruffled by the blatant attempt to be rid of him. He smiled at Collette. As usual, his smile had the effect of leaving her breathless. “And I look forward to our dance at Lord Montjoy’s ball.”

“What is this?” Lady Ravensgate asked. “Lord Montjoy?”

“Don’t tell me you won’t attend.” Beaumont tapped his chest where his heart—if he had one—would have been. “Miss Fournay has promised me the supper dance.”

She had done no such thing, but before she could protest, Lady Ravensgate interrupted. “I regret we have not received an invitation to Lord Montjoy’s ball. My dear cousin was probably not aware of that fact when she accepted your request.” She gave Collette a speaking glance.

“I see.” Beaumont looked thoughtful. “I will remedy that situation directly. Leave everything to me, my lady.” He bowed again just as Evans opened the door. Beaumont glided out as though he had only been waiting for the butler to arrive. A moment later Collette heard the front door open and then all was silent. She looked at Lady Ravensgate.

“I did not accept his offer. I would have refused, but then you entered and—”

Lady Ravensgate held up a hand. “I find Mr. Beaumont’s visit quite curious.”

Collette had found it curious as well, but she thought it rather rude of her sponsor to point out the obvious fact that she was not beautiful or witty enough to attract a man like Mr. Beaumont.

Lady Ravensgate continued, pacing about the room, stepping over the scattered pieces of the fallen tea tray in the process. “Either he is quite taken with you, or he has an ulterior motive.”

Collette glanced at the desk and the decoded letter she had left out. Could Beaumont have been trying to peek at her private correspondence or was he merely making polite conversation? It was not as though she had kept up her side of the dialogue.

“I don’t mean to imply that you are not eminently desirable, my dear.” Lady Ravensgate smiled a little too brightly.

Collette narrowed her eyes. “But it might be wise to consider the possibility that Mr. Beaumont is a threat. After all, he was part of Draven’s troop in the war against Napoleon.”

Lady Ravensgate’s chin jerked. So she’d known. Why had she kept the information to herself?

“If he did hope to glean information by coming here, he gathered none today,” Collette said tightly. “I managed to keep him from perusing the desk. From now on I shall make certain to take all of my correspondence to my bedchamber.”