To Refuse a Rake Read online

  “Indeed.” Hudson narrowed his eyes.

  “I once rode an elephant while in India. Now where is your scar?”

  “You didn’t answer my question!” Emma responded quickly.

  “It was never stated in the rules that I needed to answer your questions, just that I needed to disclose a surprising secret.” Hudson quirked an eyebrow.

  “Then that means I do not have to answer yours either.” Emma crossed her arms.

  “Touché. New rules. Every other revealed secret must be in response to a question. Is that better?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then it would be my turn to ask you a question, Miss Kingsly.”

  Emma opened her mouth to protest then paused, thinking back over her last statement she had indeed not answered a question. Hudson was correct.

  “Where, Miss Kingsly, is your scar?”

  “On my shoulder.” Emma blushed then glanced down, embarrassed at speaking about something so intimate as a bared shoulder. Glancing up she saw Hudson’s gaze drop to her shoulders and study them, as if he could see beneath her dress.

  “Your turn,” Emma interjected, trying to break the feverish feeling his gaze was creating.

  “Hmmm…” Hudson pushed from the tree and took a slow step forward. “I believe you must ask me a question, Miss Kingsly.” His gaze was warm and caused her thoughts to jumble.

  “Wh-who did you write the sonnet to?” Emma spoke quietly, mesmerized by the way his gaze heated her entire body.

  “Oh, a silly little girl, much younger than I and utterly unconcerned with a young man’s tender heart.” Hudson’s lips tilted in a lopsided grin as he continued his slow approach.

  “So you’ll not tell me her name?”

  “I answered your question… now you may choose to disclose something to me, Miss Kingsly.

  “I… I am quite unable to swim.” Emma spoke after glancing to the pond. Her mind was already in such a fog, it was a miracle she was able to put together the truthful statement.

  “Interesting, perhaps I’ll educate you later.” Hudson’s gaze dipped down her body then to the pond. “I myself am a very powerful swimmer, Miss Kingsly.”

  Hudson was only a few steps away. Emma’s breath caught in her throat as his familiar scent invaded her senses and reminded her with a violent force, the passion and taste of his kiss.

  “Miss Kingsly…” Hudson murmured as he closed the distance between their bodies so that her dress brushed against his coat. His warm and spicy breath fanned over her face, mixing with the alluring scent that was already present.

  “Yes?” Emma said breathlessly.

  “I believe it’s my turn to ask you a question.”

  Emma closed her eyes and swayed slightly. Swallowing her fear and sudden insecurity, she asked the one question she swore, so long ago, that she’d never ask. Oh how she hoped she wasn’t making a mistake by daring to ask.

  “Lord Daventry…” Emma opened her eyes and found reassurance in the passionate gaze Hudson showered over her. She hesitated, wondering if Hudson would recognize the depth of her next question. Would he remember? Swallowing her fear, she took a deep breath. “Will you please kiss me?”

  Hudson’s gaze widened and a devilish grin broke out across his face, but only for a moment, the very next second she found herself swept into his tight embrace while his fierce kiss branded her with his own flavor of desire. As if she weighed only a pound, Hudson carried her, all the while tasting her lips as if they harbored the very manna from heaven. Gently he set her down, never once breaking the seal of their lips.

  Emma felt the tree at her back as Hudson’s body pressed against hers, his kiss deepening. Raising her hands to lose herself in the soft texture of his hair, he paused and moaned. Emma tugged slightly on the reddish chestnut locks and suppressed a smile of delight when Hudson groaned in pleasure. Boldly, she pulled down his head and kissed him, caressing his lower lip with her tongue. Hudson’s response was immediate and fierce. The force of his kiss almost stole her breath in its intense administration. Over and over his lips ravaged hers until her inexperienced lips began to ache with a delicious pleasure from his stubble.

  Emma’s hands roamed over his broad shoulders, kneading his muscles and memorizing the feel of his body beneath her gloved fingertips. Hudson’s mouth left hers and began to trail kisses across her jaw and just below her ear. Emma wantonly gasped and tilted her neck so he’d have better access. Delicious shivers of passionate delight danced through her body until she smoldered deep within.

  “Emma…” Hudson’s voice was thick with desire.

  “Emma!” Sadie’s voice called out from nearby, too nearby. Emma snapped out of her passionate haze and glanced around her, noticing the sun had indeed made a good distance across the sky.

  Hudson let out a frustrated groan. His eyes locked with hers, conveying more than any words. In his gaze Emma saw love, hope… and freedom from all her fears. Tenderly, she reached up and caressed his face with her fingers, memorizing the sensation of his slightly whiskery cheek as it teased her glove.

  “Hudson…” Emma murmured.

  “Emma!” Sadie called again, this time even closer.

  “Will you meet me later? In the orangery?” Hudson murmured against her lips, before placing a lingering and tender kiss to the very same place.

  “When?”

  “Midnight?”

  “Are you endeavoring to make us the scandal of Lady Linden’s party?” Emma teased as she gently tugged on his hair once more.

  Hudson chuckled. “No, although there could be very specific benefits—”

  Emma smacked the back of his head even as her heart thrilled with his implication.

  Hudson grinned at her unrepentantly.

  “Midnight, then. But if I get caught I’m blaming you!” Emma said softly as she began to move away from Hudson.

  He grasped her arm and pulled her in tightly once more.

  “I’ll gladly take the blame, Emma. Though I must admit whatever results from us being caught would certainly not be a hardship in the least—”

  “I’m here, Sadie!” Emma called out as she covered Hudson’s mouth with her hand. His eyes danced with merriment and desire.

  “Now, go before we’re caught right now!” Emma let go of his mouth and pushed his shoulders.

  Hudson chuckled and sauntered off slowly, ducking around the corner just as Sadie came into view.

  “There you are! I’ve been searching for you near a half hour! What have you…” Sadie paused as her eyes narrowed in regarding her sister.

  “The ducks are lovely, aren’t they?” Emma gestured to the ducks that were still luckily, swimming nearby.

  “Indeed.” Sadie’s eyebrow rose in disbelief but she didn’t question. “It’s time for tea, are you ready to come in?” Sadie asked after a moment.

  “Tea sounds lovely.” Emma began to walk back to the house with her sister, all the while counting down the hours until midnight.

  Chapter Eleven

  Hudson whistled a merry tune as he made his way back to the house. How everything had changed! Earlier he was simply hoping for Emma to have warmed to him, however slightly. For her ask him for a kiss was beyond anything he had hoped! Surely she remembered their conversation so many years ago and her adamant rejection. Was that her way of telling him that he had a chance at capturing her heart?

  Possibilities soared through his mind as he made his way back to the house. As he entered, he found Hewett waiting for him.

  “Where have you been?” Hewett huffed.

  “Outside.” Hudson spoke skeptically, eyeing his friend.

  “I searched outside. Did you attempt to walk back to London? You were nowhere to be found!”

  “Perhaps I didn’t want to be found.” Hudson quirked an eyebrow.

  “Oh, well. Then. I… nonetheless, I need to speak with you!” Hewett shook his head and pulled Hudson’s arm until they were out of the main entryway and in a small alcove.


  “Wanting me to yourself, Hewett? You should know I’m not the—”

  “Quiet. And wipe that ridiculous smirk off your face! This is important! Here I’m trying to help you and I’m forced to deal with the immature side of your personality!”

  “Forgive me.” Hudson regarded his friend while trying desperately to hide his grin.

  Hewett narrowed his eyes. “I appreciate your small attempt at sobering yourself.”

  “You were saying?”

  “Yes, it would seem that I, being the astute and considerate friend that I am, have discovered some news that will certainly pique your interest.”

  “Indeed? What did you discover?” Hudson leaned back against a marble pillar.

  “Tonight, we are to have a scavenger hunt!” Hewett leaned forward and his eyes danced with excitement.

  “Thrilling I’m sure…” Hudson raised his eyebrows and waited for his friend to elaborate.

  “You are impossibly slow! A scavenger hunt! You’re so dense that you still do not get it!” Hewett shook his head and ran his fingers through his curly brown hair. “Must I explain everything? This is the perfect opportunity to spend time with Miss Kingsly! If you two are partnered together, then you’ll spend the entire evening in her company… in the dark.” Hewett leaned back and crossed his arms.

  “You don’t say.” Hudson rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger as amusement tried to stretch his lips.

  “Indeed. Now. The only issue is for us to somehow arrange for you to be partnered with Miss Kingsly.”

  “What do you suggest?”

  “I thought you’d never ask! I already spoke with Lenore and she in turn put a hint in Lady Linden’s ear. It’s a done deal.” Hewett clapped his hands and rubbed them together.

  “But you just said it was an issue.” Hudson said.

  “Just to build up the suspense, you understand.” Hewett waved his hand in a dismissive manner.

  “Brilliant,” Hudson remarked sarcastically.

  “I tell myself that very thing each day.” Hewett sighed.

  “Now that we’ve sufficiently inflated your vast pride, shall we prepare for dinner? I’m assuming the hunt will take place afterward?”

  “You’re correct. I believe my debt is paid in full.”

  “Debt? Ah, your loss from the ‘Move-All’ game. Indeed. You’ve done your part, good friend. Thank you.” Hudson shook Hewett’s outstretched hand.

  As Hudson ascended the stairs to his room, a grin tugged at his lips. Already his body was aching to hold Emma again and feel her softness pressed against him. Tonight would be a perfect opportunity to taste her once more. He had to remember to thank Lady Linden for all her games. Indeed they were the most surprising and favorable events he had encountered in some time!

  At dinner Hudson could not keep his eyes from constantly straying to Emma. She was a portrait of perfection with her golden hair and sparkling blue eyes. A beautiful rose color warmed her face whenever she caught his gaze, sending a searing heat to scorch his body with desire.

  The sweet and creamy custard that was served for dessert was only a reminder of the sweeter sampling he would have later that night. For as delicious as the confection was, nothing compared to the decadent flavor of Emma’s kiss. His body tightened at the mere thought.

  Shaking his head slightly to drive his focus from the more carnal notions plaguing him, he tried to focus on any handy distraction. As he searched for a diversion, a movement caught in the corner of his eye drew his attention. He turned his attention toward it in time to see Lord Longton’s back retreat around the corner of the dining room. Others stood as well, so he disregarded it, but when Lady Hodge stood and abruptly left in the same direction, Hudson’s curiosity was piqued. He hoped Lord Longton was honorable in his intentions, perhaps he would ask the man later. But that would all depend on how tonight went… and on Emma’s answer.

  Just the thought brought all the insecurity of his youth flooding back. Of all the women he had flirted or dallied with, none had held the power that Emma wielded. Indeed, with one well-placed word, she could cause more harm that she knew. It was a strange place to find oneself, out of control. Yet she was worth it. She had always been worth it. He had just never thought he’d get the chance. Tonight he would declare himself. He had decided that there was no grander overture then promising his life to another, no greater risk to take or way to display his unchanging loyalty. His hands began to sweat as he thought of it, yet the prize would be worth it.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen! By now I’m sure you’ve heard that I’ve arranged a scavenger hunt for this evening’s activity.” Lady Linden nodded at the gracious applause. “It will be held in the gardens, and even now my servants are illuminating the various paths so you won’t get lost in the dark… unless you wish to.” At her scandalous words, she winked, causing her audience to chuckle awkwardly. “The winning couple will be awarded a kiss from one guest or their choice of dessert for the rest of the weekend. Here are the couples!”

  Lady Linden began to list the couples, but when Hudson heard his name, he discovered he was not paired with Emma! Shooting a questioning glare to Hewett, he raised his eyebrows.

  Hewett simply shrugged his shoulders and turned to his wife, but Lady Hewett was shaking her head as well.

  Hudson was paired with Lady Hodge and Emma was paired with Lord Longton. Perhaps was there some confusion? Regardless, he wasn’t able to change the arrangement so with determination he sought out Lady Hodge. Thankfully she had re-entered the room sometime during Lady Linden’s instructions. He strode towards her.

  “My lady, are you ready to win?” he asked as he extended his arm.

  “Indeed, I am,” she quipped then turned and winked boldly at Lord Longton, who was standing beside her.

  “Then allow me to escort you to the gardens. Do you have the parchment with our instructions?”

  “Yes.” She lifted it up.

  Emma was making her way over to Lord Longton. When she arrived Hudson took a step towards her.

  “I’ll be back in a while to claim my prize, Miss Kingsly.” Hudson said as he leaned forward to speak only to Emma.

  “Of course I could always win as well… I cannot tell you how I’ve ached for chocolate. Dessert would be lovely, don’t you think?” Emma quirked her lips in a saucy smile and turned away, leaving Hudson hungering for more than chocolate.

  “We’d best be off if you wish to win, Lord Daventry.” Lady Hodge’s amused voice broke through his passionate gaze at Emma’s back.

  “Indeed.” He spoke softly and grinned, leading the way out.

  ****

  “Are you certain that the clue is about the maze?” Emma asked politely as Lord Longton led her to the darkest part of the garden.

  “Indeed.”

  He had been watching Sadie for the past twenty minutes and now Emma was certain they were far behind the other couples. Though they had collected over half the clues, Lord Longton was absurdly distracted. Emma’s patience was wearing thin. She couldn’t lose to Hudson, again.

  “May I see?” Emma asked.

  “Of course.” He handed over the parchment and Emma wandered over to a lantern to read it clearer.

  “Lord Longton? I believe we are to go to the orangery, not the maze. It’s also full of greenery.”

  “Very well.”

  They walked over to the orangery. When she found the clue, she glanced to Lord Longton, but upon seeing his gaze wandering, she took it upon herself to discern the meaning of the clue.

  As Emma worked quickly collecting clues, leaving Lord Longton more interested in watching her sister than in winning, they began to make up for lost time. Soon they came to the last clue.

  Emma searched with urgency. Even now she kept glancing back at Hudson, just to make sure he wasn’t rushing to Lady Linden with his final clue.

  A piece of paper caught her eye and she reached for it. Upon breaking the seal, she jumped with excitement and pulled Lord
Longton’s arm. Abruptly, he turned and flashed her an amused expression as she waved her prize in the air. Quickly they found Lady Linden and presented her with the last clue.

  “I believe we have a winner.” Lady Linden’s eyes danced with merriment. “Aren’t parlor games the most wonderful diversion?” She leaned forward and whispered the words as if betraying a great secret.

  “Indeed.” She had beaten Hudson!

  “You are declared the winners!” Lady Linden’s voice carried through the garden and a chorus of grumbles and half-hearted claps echoed. “Claim your prizes!”

  Lord Longton turned and searched the crowd until his gaze found Sadie. Emma held her breath as he strode purposefully towards her. Sadie’s lips were tilted in a slight smile but Emma could tell she was nervous. As Lord Longton drew nearer, Sadie’s face flushed a bright red and a few people clapped.

  “May I collect my prize from you, Lady Hodge?” Lord Longton’s voice was like a caress as he spoke her name.

  Emma found herself holding her breath as Sadie nodded.

  Slowly Lord Longton leaned forward and reached out. Tenderly, he took her sister’s hand. Without breaking eye contact he gave a gentle kiss to Sadie’s gloved fingers. He lingered just for a moment before breaking the contact. Sadie’s face broke into a beaming smile and her gaze was locked intently with Lord Longton’s. The intimacy of their gaze sent a flush to Emma’s face. She averted her eyes, yet her heart thrilled for her sister. Glancing back, she saw that the noise from the clapping and cheering crowd had broken through the humming tension between Lord Longton and her sister.

  Emma sighed at her sister’s contented expression. If there was anyone who deserved romance, it was Sadie.

  “Miss Kingsly, what will your prize be?” Lady Linden’s voice called, shaking Emma from her absorption in the ardor unfolding before her eyes.

  As Emma turned her gaze to find Hudson, her body began to tremble with desire. Indeed, his kisses were far more delicious than the sweetest, most decadent chocolate. Yet did she dare declare herself in front of all these people? For how many years had she been untouchable and on the shelf by choice? Was she ready show that her frozen resolutions had long ago melted in the heat of Hudson’s love and pursuit? To do so in front of people, no less! Already she had taken such a large step and asked him to kiss her, assuming he’d understand the implication. Surely that had been enough. Yet if Hudson had won, certainly he would have not hesitated but demanded a kiss. Surely, she could do no less.