Tempting a Gentleman by Smith, Ann (bearly read books .txt) 📕

through narrowed eyes and replied, “Not recently.” Theo’s pleasant smile masked her displeasure.

It was never a good thing to be in Theo’s bad graces. Christopher asked, “Why are you angry at me?”

The woman’s lips thinned into a straight line briefly. When he raised an eyebrow, Theo answered, “Your fiancée is the best modiste in town, and you are stealing her away.”

Ah. Given the request for them to venture off was from the Network and not a PORF dictate, it had obviously upset his cousin. The interference of either group affected many. Mayhap both parties would soon learn that meddling, no matter how well intended, had significant consequences.

Lowering his voice, Christopher said, “As you are aware, one decision can have an impact that trickles down to a countless number of souls.” With his private message delivered, Christopher smiled at the small group and settled his attention upon Theo. “Sarah and Maude will ensure your gowns will be as magnificent as the one you are wearing this eve.”

Theo replied, “Hmph. Not surprised it would take two to replace Emma.”

His cousin was right. The loss of Emma to both the Network and PORFs would be great. Selfish as it may be, he wasn’t going to be separated from Emma—ever.

Christopher spun and followed Waterford’s intense gaze. Bronwyn and his mama stood on either side of Landon. Uncertain when or if he’d see them again, he placed a hand over his chest to ease the sharp, hot stab to his heart. He was leaving them, his family, to start anew with Emma. Melancholy transformed into panic. Where in the blazes was Emma?

Theo placed a hand on his arm. She must have sensed his unease. “There is nothing to worry about. Emma is well guarded and protected here tonight.”

Her comment further rattled his nerves. Once they were abroad with only a small contingent of Network members, who would assist him in ensuring Emma’s safety? The New World was reputed to be wild and dangerous. Damnation. Unlike Landon, he often hastily agreed to matters. But this wasn’t a matter of haste; he wanted Emma, and he was confident she was the woman for him.

Christopher rolled slightly onto the balls of his feet to gain a few more inches over the sea of coiffeurs. “Still, I won’t be sure until I have her within sight at the very least.”

“Go find her…you are worse than Landon.” Theo turned him by the arm and gave him a slight shove in the direction of the gardens.

Emma wouldn’t have risked leaving the crowd without an escort. Except the glimpse of a red gown out on the terrace proved Theo was right. The woman disappeared down the stairs that led to the darkened gardens. Emma had mentioned something about assisting Hereford.

Marching towards the exit, Christopher halted mid-stride when Hereford appeared at his side.

Eyebrows furrowed, Hereford asked, “Have you seen Emma or Arabelle?” The man was impeccably dressed, but his whole countenance radiated agitation.

“No. I’ve not seen either of them.” Christopher grasped Hereford’s upper arm, attempting to sidestep, but they both moved in the same direction.

“Grr. Those two are going to be the death of me.” Hereford looked over Christopher’s shoulder and searched the crowd. “They wandered off together. Lord knows what the pair are up to.”

Facing the terrace doors, Christopher said, “I’ll search the gardens. You continue the search indoors.”

Hereford nodded and headed, grumbling, into the throng of guests.

Slipping through the doors into the brisk night air, Christopher made his way to the set of stairs the woman in red had taken. At the bottom, he followed his instincts and searched the hedges. A sliver of shimmering mint-green silk caught his attention. Moving as stealthily as he could along the pebbled path, Christopher held his breath.

A small hand reached out, and fingers dug into his upper arm. His assailant tugged him into the prickly shrubbery. He wrapped his fingers about the cold, gloved hand that covered his mouth.

“Ow.”

He released his fiancée and swiveled to face her. “Emma! What the devil?”

“Shh!” Emma's eyes slid to a couple a few feet away.

A woman in a daring ruby silk gown smiled down at a gentleman on one knee. Their features were too shadowed to identify.

Christopher reached for Emma’s hand and pressed his lips against her wrist. Damn the material that created a barrier between them. Emma withdrew her hand and frowned up at him. Momentarily distracted by the blaze within his beautiful fiancée’s eyes, Christopher brushed his mouth over her lips. Emma opened for him and returned his kisses. He tried to draw her closer, but she pushed against his chest. “Ye stop that, or we’ll not be returning to the ball.”

He turned Emma by the shoulders to face the couple. “Is that Arabelle and Markinson?”

“Aye. And ye need not interfere.” She looked over her shoulder and added, “Markinson jus’ needed time and for everyone to stop pokin’ about his business. Men can be contrary, ye know. The more ye push them one way, the more likely they’ll run the other. Now, shh. Let’s see how Arabelle handles him.”

“With care, I hope.”

Emma giggled. “He’s no pansy. He’ll do fine.”

Markinson pulled his hand from his pocket, extending a rather large diamond that glittered in the moonlight. Except Arabelle had both hands firmly clasped behind her back and shook her head. The droop of the man’s shoulders meant only one thing. Arabelle had refused. What game was Arabelle playing? This is what she had wished for, for over a year. Christopher’s hands left Emma’s shoulders, and he shifted forward.

Emma hauled him back before he revealed them both. In a harsh whisper, Emma asked, “Wot are ye doin’?”

“I’m going to put an end to this nonsense.”

She tilted her head, exposing her tantalizing neck. Christopher froze. Emma said, “Weren’t ye the one goin’ on about how everyone should have the ability to choose their own future?”

“I was referring to the members of the Network…not the rake about to ruin a family member.”

Emma placed a chaste kiss upon his cheek. “I