quick greeting before leaving the room as if the sight of him irritated her.
After making his way toward the refreshments, he caught a glimpse of pale pink and golden hair. He turned to see Emma slip out the terrace door. Was she meeting Simpson?
Simon scanned the room for Louisa or Harry, or even Tessa or her husband. Not seeing of her Emma’s sisters, he took the matter into his own hands. In an odd, distant way, Emma could be considered family. Therefore, it was his duty to protect her.
He strode out to the terrace, ready to break up the amorous couple, only to find the dim terrace deserted. A light sneeze from the dark corner forced his attention there.
“Leave me alone, Kingsley.”
Slowly, he moved to the area from where her voice emanated. “You truly are out to ruin yourself tonight, are you not, Miss Drake?”
Chapter 3
“And if I am?” Emma replied, walking out of the shadows of the house with her hands on her hips. “It is truly no business of yours, Mr. Kingsley.”
He gave her a devilish smile. “I suppose it’s not. Unless you want me to do the job.”
Could he mean what she thought? She frowned in frustration. She was too innocent for trading barbs with him. “Whatever are you talking about?”
“Do not fret. I don’t involve myself with virtuous girls like you.”
Emma wanted to be insulted, but this man frightened her with their every encounter. Tonight was the first time she’d said more than a quick good day to him. But it was time to start facing him and speaking her mind...to him and everyone.
“Good, then stay out of my affairs.” She moved to return inside but stopped with his words.
“Of course, if you are truly attempting to ruin yourself, Simpson will do it with no remorse at all, and speak of the affair to everyone.”
He couldn’t possibly know that. Mr. Simpson acted like a perfect gentleman while they danced. They had discussed all things proper, the weather, the Season, and the possibility that the King might make an appearance at a ball next week. Absolutely nothing unsuitable had passed from Mr. Simpson’s lips.
She took another step toward the door and her security. “Mr. Simpson was a gentleman the entire time we danced.”
“Do you know he loves nothing more than to take an innocent lady’s virtue? And then speak of it to anyone who will consent to listen.” He strode to her and then turned her to face him. “Is that what you desire, angel? Do you want to know that your virtue means nothing to the man to whom you give it?”
Emma trembled from the shock of his words and his hot breath on her cheek. “How could you know what manner of man Simpson is?”
“Because he would boast without hesitation about his conquests in my gaming hell to anyone within hearing,” he whispered harshly. “He is only invited to these balls because he is the heir apparent to his uncle’s title and wealth. And some father will be so careless as to let his daughter marry the vile man for that title.”
She glanced down at his large hand, still clasped on her forearm. Her insides quaked, but she refused to let him see that his strength scared her. He caused her stomach to feel as if butterflies had taken up residence, and she didn’t like it or him. The only way to escape him seemed to be to agree with him.
“Very well, I shall take your words under consideration.” She broke free of his grip and raced back into the ballroom. Glancing around, she wondered where all the footmen with wine happened to go. Right now, she would love to start number three of her list.
“Emma, might I have a word?” Louisa asked.
She looked back to see both her sisters behind her with scowls lining their faces. She hadn’t counted on this consequence of her actions. Then again, had she taken her own advice and introduced herself to a man she knew more about, her sisters might not look as if they were ready to fight the devil to protect her virtue. “Of course,” she replied lightly.
They dragged her into a corner, and Tessa started, “Why did you dance with both Mr. Simpson and Mr. Kingsley?”
“And who introduced you to Mr. Simpson?” Louisa added. “I know it is my fault you know Kingsley, but you shouldn’t dance with him. He is a rake and scoundrel.”
“He is your brother-in-law, Louisa,” Emma exclaimed. “I thought you liked