Chapter Ten

             “Enough already Allister, I get it.” Lillian growled as they rode along in the carriage. He was still gloating to her about how she should never underestimate him again. They were on their way towards Drake’s country estate for a week-long party. She had almost fainted in shock when the invitation arrived for her the other day. She hadn’t heard from nor seen Drake since their encounter on the balcony. She had convinced herself that he had forgotten all about her. She was just grateful that she hadn’t been left alone as Allister was by her side.

            He escorted her to several events allowing Aunt Harriet to rest. It was too much sometimes for the woman to be out with Lillian so late. Allister had volunteered to stay until the Season was up and would take over chaperone duties, not allowing Aunt Harriet to argue. Only Lillian knew the truth behind his offer. It was so he could continue to make mischief and torment his dear cousin. Over the past several days he had been droning on about how she needed to have more faith in his expertise. Claiming that she was worrying over nothing and Drake was no doubt pining away for her, to which she would always laugh. It was hard to imagine Drake pining for anything.

            So naturally when the invitation arrived inviting her to a private event at Drake’s estate Allister had held it over her for hours. She stared out at the rolling scenery that passed them, trying to make some sense of this situation. She had finally started coming to terms with her feelings and talking herself into forgetting about Drake. Now she was sitting in a hired carriage that had been sent to her estate by the same man who haunted her nights.

            She blushed as she recalled these dreams. They were almost always the same, a recap of their shared kiss on the terrace. Only this time, Drake didn’t pull away, but pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. She felt a longing like nothing else she had ever experienced build within her. How was she supposed to remain aloof and coy as Allister advised her to be when just the thought of the man’s lips heated her blood?

            Lillian was, in a word, doomed. There was no way she could remain calm if by some chance the two of them were left alone. Although she doubted that would happen considering just who she was. Once his mother realized that she wasn’t a noble the woman would make sure to keep her as far from Drake as possible. Lillian sighed and the sound made Allister laugh as he lounged on the seat opposite her.

            “If you keep sighing like that little lamb Drake will think you are unhappy to be here.” He teased and she glared at him, resisting the urge to poke her tongue at him. Instead she rested her chin against the heel of her hand and said,

            “I am not unhappy, just confused. Why would someone like me be invited to a country party? His mother will not be pleased.” She added as an afterthought and Allister clucked his tongue at her, a sound he knew irritated her greatly. She narrowed her eyes at him, but he pretended not to notice.

            “Dear Lily, what am I to do with a sour sprout like you? You are not on your way to meet the Dower Duchess, but her son. Who, if I’m correct and I know I am…is pacing the carpet now awaiting you arrival.” He said and let his eyes close to take a short nap before they arrived. Lillian looked at her cousin and wondered how he could have such confidence in this situation. Shouldn’t she be the one who was excited to be on this trip? Well, in a spout of inner honesty, she was very ecstatic. She could feel her body begin to tingle with the thought of seeing Drake again. No matter how she warned herself against the notion, there was no hiding the fact that she was still very much in love with the dark man.

            “But I doubt he’s pacing Ali…” She muttered and knew he heard her at his quiet chuckle.

********************************

            Drake grumbled under his breath again as he paced about his study, throwing looks out the large, pane windows. She should have arrived already right? He growled as he realized what he was doing and covered his eyes with his hand. What was he doing to himself? Apparently he enjoyed torturing his restraint by bringing her here to his home, where there was a high possibility he would be left alone with her again.

            He heard the door click open, but didn’t have to turn to know who had entered. She moved up to stand next to him and gave him a knowing look. He glanced at his mother, Lady Elena was still a striking beauty with fifty years behind her. Her hair refused to streak with grey as if to defy nature itself. It was still its elusive black that fell in soft curls past her shoulders, which she always wore down. She was never one for propriety and now that she was a widow, she cared even less. She turned those all-seeing violet eyes on her son and raised her brow at him.

            “She has not arrived yet and pacing like a caged animal will not will her here faster.” She said, the smile on her face widening as her eyes sparkled with mirth. Drake snorted and crossed his arms feigning ignorance at her words.

            “What nonsense are you spouting now crazy woman?”

            She giggled like a young girl which make his cheeks turn a slight shade of pink. His mother was certainly a strange one, she was the only person on this planet that could prick him and make him show emotion. Well until…once more he slammed that door closed, now was not the time. Elena turned to her son and poked his chest with her finger as she said,

            “Don’t act like it’s a secret Drake. Honestly, had I known you were so taken with this Miss Evergreen I wouldn’t have bothered inviting the other guests.”

            His eyes narrowed on his mother and he growled under his breath,

            “I am not taken with her. We have merely established a friendship.”

            “Must be a strong bond of friendship then. After all, she is the only name you added to my list of guests. I am quite excited to meet this young lady.” She said while crossing one arm over the other and placing her forefinger against her cheek. Drake stiffened at that stance, instantly recognizing cunning gleam that entered the woman’s gaze. People may believe that he developed his strategic abilities from his father, but they were wrong. So wrong.

            This woman was terrifying when she got an idea in her head. Nothing could stand between the Lady Elena and her chosen prize. How else could she, a second daughter of a baron have landed a duke for a husband? Drake groaned as it now seemed she had a new target in mind, his misery.

            “So tell me about this Lady Lillian. I don’t believe I’ve ever met her before at social events.” Elena said in a deceptively calm tone. Drake narrowed his gaze at her once more as he explained that Lillian was new to society and the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Elena nodded at all this and he could practically hear the cogs in her mind turning. She sighed and folded her hands over her chest,

            “She sounds like a darling thing. Brimming with innocence and beauty. Oh now I am even more excited to meet her. She sound like an amazing girl.”

            “She is…” He breathed without realizing he had said that out loud. Elena turned surprised eyes to her son before they darkened with mirth once more. Seeing the gaze in her eyes made him harden again and he huffed before turning from her gaze. She laughed and looked out the window once more. She hummed softly,

            “Hmm, isn’t that one of our carriages? Strange I don’t recall sending it out. Do you know anything about this son?” She asked, but by the tone of her voice Drake knew that she was playing with him. She knew perfectly well that it carried Lillian and her aunt inside and was the very reason he had been caught pacing.  

He swiftly turned from her, not wanting to fuel her crazy imaginings further. Let her believe what she wanted, but he would not be manipulated by any woman. Not even ones with deep green eyes that cause a fire to lick across his skin and desire’s hot claws to sink into his gut. He growled as he strode through his halls to begin his role a host and greet his guests. He noticed that his steps had quickened at the thought of seeing Lillian again and it made him groan once more.

            “D****t Lillian, what are you doing to me?”

Author's Note

Hope you enjoy and please leave a review to let me know what you think!

Reviews

[Toonsgirl]

I love Allister! He brings the light heartedness to the story. I yhink he abd Charles Bingly from Pride and Prejudice would get along very well!

[Melodycraft]

Alliaster cracks me up. Smug confidence. Can't wait to see how Drake reacts to it being him in the carriage and not the aunt. That transition about pacing the floor made me laugh out loud.
Um, I love the mom, so b.a. that her hair won't dare grey. She's gonna be a hoot.
.....this is super fun, please keep it coming....