Claims of the Heart by Alina K. Field

Author:Alina K. Field [Field, Alina K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781944063375
Publisher: Havenlock Press

Stolen Kisses

They’d not been introduced but she knew who he was.

He introduced himself as Lionel Dankworth and repeated his request. She lifted her chin and held his gaze, the room slipping away, the air clearing as if it was just the two of them. He stood in a rising haze, the color dark gray, like smoke from a new fire, and her skin prickled with an awareness of danger.

If Rudgwick and Harmonia truly were in peril, this man had a part in it.

She wouldn’t know anything if she sat back and let others lead. If Dankworth was testing her mettle, then so be it. She dipped her head and let him take her hand.

As it happened, the dance was another waltz. Where Rudgwick’s hand—even the cold dead one—sent melting warmth through her, this man’s touch made her muscles tense for battle.

Let him think he is leading, she reminded herself.

“And so, we meet again,” he said, “though we’ve not been properly introduced before. How are you finding London?”

“We’ve not been properly introduced now,” she said. “And my time with Lady Fiona has been precious.”

“You are quite the equestrian. Do you ride in the Park every day?”

“I ride every morning but mostly in Chelsea.”

Oh fie, that had been a misstep. She didn’t wish to meet him on one of those morning rides.

“I was surprised to encounter you with Rudgwick. Are you particular friends?”

She felt heat rising in her face. He feigned a crestfallen look. “I beg your pardon. I didn’t mean—”

“Aye. I know what ye’ve been meaning. My father and Lord Rudgwick are particular friends. They fought together in the Peninsula and at Waterloo and convalesced together in Brussels. Were ye safe at home during those troubles?”

His lips quirked in an infuriating way. “I confess, I’ve never been past Glasgow or Edinburgh,” he said. “I didn’t know the Scottish Highlands produced such beauty. And I’m told you’ll inherit a Scottish barony.”

The compliment was Spanish coin. His real interest was good British money. That was why he’d pursued marriage to Lady Harmonia.

“Where do ye hail from?”

“I’m heir to a baronetcy in Norfolk and spent considerable time there.”

The hair on her neck rippled. Lord Jeremy had mentioned the connection to Norfolk. Banquo’s boys, Fleance and Giles, had lived with their grandparents in Norfolk. They’d been at school in Norwich. Their father had been on his way to Yarmouth when he died.

In for a penny, in for a pound. “Then ye might have known my father’s cousin, Banquo.”

He screwed up his face as if pondering the name, but his eyes glittered. Oh yes, he knew Banquo.

“I might have. It’s an unusual name.”

“He is dead this last year. My father and another cousin, Lord Menteith, are his sons’ guardians. Though they’re not young boys, mind ye, but almost men. Fleance will likely be Menteith someday.”

“Is that so?”

“Oh yes. Father is sorting out their inheritance. With the confusion of the past year—Waterloo, ye know—it’s a bit of a jumble.” She forced a laugh. “Banquo left them well-provided for, and we’ve become close.

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