Living London - By Kristin Vayden Page 0,41

say. But I did know that time would give us our answer. "Well, we wait, we watch and we hope for the best." I spoke with conviction as I grasped her gloved hand.

With a nod, she gave me a rueful smile. We both wanted more than a wait-and-see answer.

As we left the balcony I glanced around, absorbing my surroundings. Gilded layers of molding surrounded everything, with a generous layer of crown molding finishing the grand height of the room. The polished floor reflected the candlelight, the rich fabrics, and the extravagantly-dressed ton. Even with my diamond-and-sapphire necklace and tiara, I didn't feel overdressed. Amelia and I walked into the main ballroom and went to get some of the notoriously sour, watered-down lemonade. It was worse than I had imagined. Reg walked up with a scowl as he eyed our cups dubiously.

"I see you've experienced the lemon water. I refuse to call that—" He pointed to my small cup. "—lemonade. It's more of a form of torture. But the orgeat is even worse, so stay with the lemon water." Reg cringed then returned his gaze to the sea of people. He'd dressed outlandishly again, and I suppressed a smile at his sense of style, or lack thereof. The bright cravat was turquoise this time, and he wore a silk coat in a bright blue with gold buttons. His oversized monocle only added to the absurdity of his dress. He still wore the ridiculous high heels that made him stand at an odd angle, and I wondered how he had waltzed in those the other night.

I turned away so he wouldn't notice my amusement and searched for Morgan. I had been at the party for over an hour and hadn't noticed him enter — and I had definitely been looking. Feeling bored just standing by the refreshment table, I asked Amelia to walk with me.

As we went around the room, I saw Arynna beaming at someone and flirting shamelessly. A large potted plant blocked her target's face. She laughed at something the gentleman said and swatted at him artfully with her fan. Leaning forward, she gave him a view of her low-cut bodice. I resisted the temptation to shake my head in disbelief. Some girls never changed — they would do anything and use anyone to get what they wanted. Based on the way she was batting her eyelashes and pouting her lips, it seemed she wanted whoever stood behind the plant.

The poor guy. She was beautiful, no doubt, but she'd be a pain to deal with day in and out. I turned away, no longer wanting to watch Arynna be a wanton flirt. When I glanced to Amelia, I halted my steps upon seeing her hurt expression. Her eyes widened, and she let out a small gasp. Following her gaze I noticed the plant no longer blocked the gentleman's face.

Lord Rake! Rather than looking politely interested in Arynna, he was grinning, seeming to enjoy himself. I squeezed Amelia's hand as she glanced away, spinning on her heel and taking me with her. We weren't quick enough. I glanced back and saw Lord Rake notice our abrupt change in direction and an aggravating smirk mar Arynna's features.

"I'm leaving. I've had enough for tonight. I guess I have my answer, hmm?" She spoke steadily, but I could see her eyes shining as she held the tears at bay.

Jerk, sleezeball, player. None of these would have made sense to her, so I searched for the word that could fit all those horrible traits. "Cad." I seethed.

Amelia looked into my eyes with a steely resolve. "No… rake." She cursed the word and bid me goodnight as she left, leaving me with the itching desire to dismember Lord Heath.

As I debated whether or not to stay, a warm hand caressed my back for an achingly short moment. "Miss me?" Morgan asked as he took my hand and kissed it; his gaze never left mine.

"Always."

"Good." His blue eyes twinkled with mirth and desire that made my skin tingle.

"You clean up nicely," I commented as my gaze took in how the cut of his coat accented his broad shoulders.

"I could say the same about you, but I must confess to having a certain fondness for rain-soaked ladies, above all else."

"Do you now?" I raised my eyebrow, knowing he had other things on his mind besides my state of dress at that point.

"Absolutely." His voice was deep and alluring creating a now familiar flutter in my chest that happened