Page 15 of Hot and Bothered in July
Jackson spread his hands wide, as if he’d made his point. “Then that is your solution.”
With his thoughts swirling in a mixture of disbelief and something entirely dark and forbidden, he warned, “I hope you are right about this and I do not unleash an insatiable, lust filled demon.”
Giving a smirk, Jackson said, “If you do, then I guess you will just have to pray.”
Sariah was overjoyed to see her best friends. It had been nearly a week since she’d set eyes on Maggie and Ava, which was entirely too long since she was used to seeing them nearly every day during the season.
She embraced each of them at the Wendlehouse soiree the moment they made their appearance. Dragging them over to a private corner before the merriment was to begin, Sariah said, “I am so sorry I have not come to see either of you, but I was afraid I would not be welcome.”
The two women exchanged a glance, and then Maggie said truthfully, “That might have been accurate right after the incident at the Pond, but now that some of the excitement has calmed down and you are to be married, our parents have collectively agreed that you have returned to respectability.” She gave a dramatic roll of her eyes.
“Imustknow how your engagement came about!” Ava said excitedly, her blond curls bouncing like a child. “I was near bursting at the seams when I received the update from Maggie!”
“I heard the rumor from Lady Martin’s tea the other day,” Maggie said dryly. “Apparently, it was a grand gesture brought about by our hero’s grand rescue efforts. There was even discussion that it was a love match.” Another eye roll. “I did not believe it for a single minute, especially considering the scathing you gave him at the Pond. I was under the impression that if he showed his face again you would happily give him a proper set down quite enthusiastically.”
Sariah’s cheeks warmed. “Yes, well, perhaps I was a bit more humiliated than appreciative that day. But it does not signify as the betrothal is merely a farce.”
Ava’s mouth dropped open while Maggie simply lifted a slim red brow. “Do tell.” It was not often that the lady showed much emotion. However, Ava certainly made up for the lack as her eyes lit up like she’d been offered an early Christmas gift.
After Sariah explained Mr. Carrington’s plan and the reasoning behind it, Maggie added, “That is sound reasoning, but what if you were to fall in love with your betrothed before the month is over?”
“I should think that would be the most romantic thing! A true love match,” Ava sighed, hopeful stars shining in her gaze now.
Maggie rolled her eyes but Sariah was a bit more hesitant to discount the warning. It actually scared her to imagine that her heart could ever be in threat of becoming engaged. She had considered the dangers before now, of course, but since the gentleman seemed eager to retain his distance from her of late, she did not think she was at too much risk. “I doubt that will happen.”
“Because your positions in society are too wide to cross?” Maggie guessed.
It was a perfect solution that Sariah grasped onto. It was easier than doubting her own words. “Precisely. I am expected to marry well, and Mr. Carrington hardly fits the noble lord that my father has envisioned for me.”
Ava abruptly turned pale and attempted to gesture to something—or someone—beyond Sariah’s shoulder. Her stomach sank because her friend’s distress could only mean one thing.
Reed was standing behind her.
Turning, Sariah pasted a pleasant smile on her face, hoping that he had not overheard her ridiculous statement. By the stiff set of his jaw, she had the feeling that he had.
“Miss Kent,” he greeted coolly.
Oh, dear. “Mr. Carrington.” She looped her arm through his, and she could tell it was all he could do not to yank it away. “I am glad you were able to join us this evening. If we could have a moment to discuss?—”
Unfortunately, her pleas fell on deaf ears as the hostess of the evening took that opportunity to set the soiree in full swing. The musicians at the front of the room began to play, and Sariah was forced to hold her tongue.
Drat.
Chapter Seven
Reed felt like an utter fool.Although he had not expected a declaration of love and devotion to come from Miss Kent’s lips, the fact that she had discounted him because of his humble background had not set well with him when, until now, she had not seemed to mind his upbringing. He had believed her to be above the same shallow beliefs that most of society dared to boast. He thought she was more forward thinking than that, yearning to change the world so that certain discriminatory factors could finally be laid to rest and everyone might enjoy this beautiful country on the same, common ground.
Apparently, he’d been wrong.
Now, more than ever, he wished he had not interceded at that blasted Pond. While he did not want to see anyone injured or struggling for their life, surely someone else might have stepped in to rescue Miss Kent. If so, he would not be in the current predicament he’d found himself in at the moment, sitting among members of the aristocracy and feeling, more than ever, his resentment that he did not belong in their revered company.
He snatched a glass of wine from a passing servant and downed nearly the entire thing in one gulp. He was going to bein need of some sort of sustenance if he was to make it through the rest of this evening without voicing his harsh opinions. If anything would be detrimental to his business, it would be the gossip that he’d been effectively removed from a polite household for acting out.
It would be easier if he didn’t have to escort Miss Kent about the room and act the doting suitor for so many observant eyes watching from above their fluttering fans. There would be a certain amount of satisfaction if he were to walk out now and leave her standing there with her mouth open in shock. The temptation was almost too much.
It wasn’t until he grabbed his third glass of Madeira that Sariah whispered urgently in his ear, “I need to speak with you.”
“I cannot imagine why you would debase yourself to speak to someone of such low standing.” He despised the sneer in his voice but at the same time decided it was quite deserved.
