"Gentlemen, if you will excuse me," she said with as much dignity as she could muster. Which wasn't a lot, given the circumstances.
She trudged to the edge of the pond, her progress slow due to the weight of the water on her dress. Edward did not think he'd ever seen such a beautiful dress!
As she reached the edge and made to climb over, he rushed to her assistance, almost knocking both Tom and Lady Caroline to the ground and out of his way.
"Allow me," he said, extending his hand to assist her.
Rebecca looked into his eyes and time seemed to come to a sudden halt. He heard the breath hitch in her throat and it was all he could do to prevent himself from pulling her flush against him. Good God! What was the matter with him?
The air between them felt like it had been struck by lightning. She placed her small hand in his and it felt perfect. He could not resist rubbing his thumb along the delicate palm. He watched as her lips parted and almost groaned aloud once again.
Get a handle on yourself man!
He shook his head slightly to try to clear the sensual haze surrounding them and stepped back so she could climb over.
Her bonnet, he noticed was still tied at the front, though it trailed down her back. For some reason he found it incredibly endearing. She must have noticed his glance for she reached back, which did nothing for his current state, and pulled it forward again.
"Well," she said jovially, presumably trying to salvage some propriety from the situation, "I shall be on my way. Good afternoon Caro, gentlemen." She curtsied once again and lifted her bonnet to replace it on her head.
And, of course, upon tipping it over to replace it, proceeded to dump its contents all over herself.
She gasped in shock as the icy cold water dripped down her head, and spluttered most becomingly as it hit her face.
Lady Caroline groaned and dropped her face into her hands once more. Tom, once again lost control of himself and gave a shout of laughter.
Edward found himself biting his tongue enough to taste blood to stop himself from laughing too.
Lady Rebecca swiped the excess water from her eyes and shot them a rueful grin. Then, turning on her heel, she trudged her way back up the garden and towards the house.
They heard the squelch of the water in her boots until she had disappeared over the slight hill.
The silence she left behind with her departure was deafening.
"Your grace," Lady Caroline stuttered the words in the general direction of his chest, too mortified to look him in the eye, "perhaps you would like to return to the house."
It seemed they were not going to discuss the surreal incident they had just witnessed. If he was honest though, he could not think of a damned thing to say anyway.
So, throwing a quick look of complete amazement towards Tom, who was looking thoroughly entertained, he offered his arm to Lady Caroline. "I would indeed, my lady," he answered, all politeness.
Edward had no idea what he had let himself in for by coming here. But suddenly, he could not wait to find out.
ALSO BY KRISTIN VAYDEN
What the Duke Wants
CHAPTER ONE
Charles Evermore, Duke of Clairmont, glared at his solicitor, narrowing his eyes until he could no longer see the small framed man before him. There had to be a mistake. There was no other explanation for the words coming from the man's mouth.
"Your grace, if you'll simply read the documentation for yourself…" Mr. Burrows spoke with practiced patience.
Charles stood and stalked around the desk, ripping the papers from his grasp. Mr. Burrows leaned back, folding his hands and watching Charles with unaffected impassivity. Not for the first time, Charles thought the man looked like a praying mantis, all long and lean with exceedingly large eyes and a patient demeanor that was all to deceptive.
But he was the best solicitor available.
He had better be for what Charles paid for his services.
"If you'll start on the second page…" Mr. Burrows suggested.
Charles read the endless prattle of legal terms until his eyes focused on the chilling phrase.
Wards.
Three girls, to be exact. Ranging from ages seven to sixteen.
And, as heaven stood by laughing, he was to be their guardian.
Charles stared at the words, willing them to disappear. He hadn't the time, the energy, or the inclination to take over the raising of three insufferable miniature females! He could hardly tolerate his mistresses, and they were full grown and low maintenance! He studied the rest of the document, searching for any other names that might take this plight away from him.
"You're likely curious as to why you were chosen," Mr. Burrows suggested.
"The question had crossed my mind." Charles remarked sarcastically.
Mr. Burrows wisely ignored the duke's surly attitude. "It was a tragedy, to be sure. The poor girls lost both parents in a carriage accident—"
"And there were no aunts or uncle to take them in?" Charles interrupted.