All the Things You Never Knew

CHAPTER FIVE

Blaine’s Home





“Let’s see here.” Susannah bit the end of her pen and checked

through the list of names that Rose had given her along with the new ones she added a few days ago. “Okay, I got the Picketts down. There goes the Hathaways, the Smythe-Smiths, the Wilderoses, the Bridgertons…Oh, the Pratts. Can’t forget the Pratts.”

“The Pratts?” Rose got up from where she was laying on Susannah’s bed and stroll over. “Who are the Pratts? Are those from your list now?”

“Oh, please, don’t tell me you don’t know who they are.” “Never heard of them,” said Rose.

“Not even David Pratt?” Susannah put her pen down and sighed

dreamily. “David Pratt. Oh, you’ve got to meet him some day. He was a handsome gentleman. Took my breath away the last time I saw him.”

“Oh, no wonder you’re inviting him. I want to see what he looks like.”

“I assure you, he’s a hundred times better than your marquess,” Susannah said with a musing sigh. “Although he’s not as charming as your Mr. Heartily, but quite close.”

“Oh, please. Don’t mention him anymore,” Rose said, walking back to sit on the bed. “I despise him.”

“No you don’t. You loved him.”

“That was before when I was young and foolish.”

“You were not foolish. You met the perfect match.”

“I really wish…” Rose had to fight hard to not burst into tears and pull herself together. “I really wish…that was true.”

She would have given anything to have Leon back with her. It’s just…It’s just that it’s too late and she can’t…She can’t love him anymore. Their time is over. She doesn’t love him anymore!

“Rosy.” Susannah set down the list and came to her. “I know Leon hurt you before and you have every reason to be mad at him, but if you knew…”

Susannah trailed off wanting to tell Rose but can’t. She made a promise to Leon. She can’t tell Rose until he grants her permission.

“If only you knew how much he loved you,” she finishes reluctantly. “And how much he wanted–”

“You don’t have to tell me,” Rose said, smiling grimly. “I’ve made my decision. I know you adore him, but he…” Rose sighed and fell on the bed. “He just can’t be mine anymore.”

“Crazy! What do you mean? You have every opportunity ahead of you!” Susannah burst. “Lord, if I was you, I would do anything I could to have him back again.”

Rose thought the idea intriguing, but she can’t turn back now. She is getting married. She doesn’t know how many times she had told herself that.

“You’re getting married…you’re getting married…you’re getting married,” she chanted to herself all the time. Yet, it always ends with, “to Leon…to Leon….to Leon.” God, ever since that day Susannah told her of Leon’s return, he was all that fills her head. She tried so hard to wipe him out. She acted as if she doesn’t care but her heart says otherwise.

Must she still hold a torch for him after all these years?

She thought she had been cure of that foolish love. Must he still make her heart yearns so?

“Rosy, listen to me,” Susannah said, turning Rose’s shoulders to face her. “I want you to know something. I know you’ve made your decision, but there’s one more thing I hope you will do…for me…as your friend, that is.”

“I don’t know,” Rose said, looking away. “You’re not so proper.”

Susannah gave an unlady-like snort and pulls Rose’s curls playfully. “Like you was proper kissing that marquess.”

“More proper than you,” Rose shot back.

“Okay, perhaps more than me.” Susannah didn’t want to argue. “But anyhow, would you please listen and do this once for me?”

Rose didn’t know whether to answer yes or no. Susy always get the worse out of her and she doesn’t want that. But considering all the good deeds Susannah had done, Rose figure it wouldn’t hurt to listen.

“All right,” Rose said. “What is it that you want me to do?”

“Please confront Mr. Heartily before marrying Lord Lansing,” she said.

It nearly took the breath out of her.

“What! I can’t!” Rose blurted suddenly.

“Yes, you could. You just don’t want to,” Susannah countered.

“Both,” Rose retorted. “I can’t and I don’t want to!”

“Why ever not? Are you too coward to do so?”

“Whatever trick this is, it’s not working,” Rose replied. “I’m not confronting him.”

“But you have to.”

“Why ever would I do that?”

Susannah was lost in reply, but then it struck her. “Because I sent him an invitation to your wedding.”

“You…” Rose couldn’t believe it. “You…what?”

“I sent Leon an invitation to your wedding,” Susannah repeated.

“You–How could you!” Rose was suddenly filled with indignation.

“You said I could invite anyone.”

“But not him!” Rose bellowed. “Who else did you invite?”

“His whole family,” Susannah said, smiling weakly.

“What?”

This is just horrible.

“Why did you do that?”

“They’re just guests,” Susannah said with a roll of her eyes. “Don’t overreact.”

“I’m not!”

“Well, the invitations are out already.”

Anger flared in Rose’s eyes as she looks up at Susannah. “This was your plan, wasn’t it? Trying to bring Leon and I back together? Well, sweetheart, it’s not going to work.”

“Never hurt to try,” Susannah replied coolly.

“Well, if you think I’m going to trot over there and get that invitation back, then you’re dreaming. He can come if he wants. I don’t give a fit.”

“Really?” Susannah beamed suddenly, rising Rose’s suspicion.

“Really,” she said, trying hard to control her voice from shaking.

“Nice then. I hope you don’t go back on those words.”

“I won’t,” Rose answered. “I won’t.”

“All right.” Susannah went back and checks the list again. “I’ll finish this and have tea call up for us.”

“I have to go to the lady’s room,” Rose said, getting up and leaving for the door.

“All righty.”

Once outside the room Rose almost broke into a panic.

She needs to get the invitation back!

She’s not letting Leon anywhere near her wedding.

He would ruin it.

Susannah is so clever to play this game on her.

She will get that invitation back if that’s the last thing she do.

Where is that Leon now? At Hargate Inn?

She will find him.

Susannah sat and smiled joyously to herself.

“Ah, this is the best thing I’ve ever done,” she praised herself. “I know Rosy would confront Mr. Heartily. She can’t fool me. I saw the panic in her eyes. She will go to him.”

She sighed sweetly and scratched out the last of the names on the list and add in the Heartily family.

“Sorry, my lovely folks. I didn’t quite add in all of you when I gave my friend a fright.”

She tried to remember each of the Heartilys’ names. She had only met them once and couldn’t quite recall. There were many of them. Eleven, she thinks. Yes, it’s eleven. Twelve with Mr. Heartily.

“Hm, there’s that charming brother…what’s his name again?” It was hard for her to think. She had to write the numbers out from one to twelve to keep track.

“There goes a Jack…Yes, a Jack. A…hm…the third one. Oh, Edward.” She looked at her writing and chuckled.

This is going to take a whole afternoon to figure out.

Heartily Manor

“So you’re leaving now?” Jack asked as Leon climbs up onto his curricle.

All his siblings were gathered around him to bid a farewell. Who knows how long it would take him to handle the marquess and return home again.

“Yes,” Leon answered, throwing on his hat. “I’ll have to be on my way now. I had promised to meet back with Longsword and Hargate by nightfall.”

“It is going to be a good long ride,” Edward said. “You best be careful.”

“I will.”

“Don’t be having too much fun with Gareth and Laguna,” said Aidan. “There’s a duty awaiting you.”

Leon laughed and nodded. “I know. You guys better be on the lookout, too. I’m pretty sure everyone knows of our return. We best be looking out.”

“I’ll make sure to keep on alert,” Blake said. “Keep your ears open in case we send words.”

“And if you do face dangers of your own, remember my hideout is always available,” Avangelene put in. “Just don’t–and I mean it– don’t take anyone else with you, for they can’t be trusted. Plus, make sure no enemies are around. I don’t want to get my village destroyed. There’s a whole town of life in there.”

“I would most certainly be careful if I do decide to go there,” Leon answered.

“Leon, thanks for telling us that story the other day,” Namine said, taking off the amethyst flower pin in her hair. “I’ll treasure this more than before since our enemies are starting to appear now.”

Leon had told them the news from Stanford about their family jewels and had gotten them to all be on the lookout for anyone who might try to steal them.

“Good for you,” Leon said, reaching down to pat her head. “Remember all the treasure we have from mother and father is highly important. If fallen into the wrong hands, we’ll sure to be in big trouble.”

“So this opal key is worth a lot too, I figure,” said Gabriel, as he took out a key from his pocket. “I don’t usually think of it much. I only kept it since father gave it to me. He’d never really explain why.”

“It’s worth something, I assure you,” Leon replied. “I just don’t know yet, but I’m sure I could find out with that marquess.”

“You know, it’s rather interesting to see that Chance’s sunstone badge and my moonstone pendant shines when they’re together,” said Lavender. “It’s really beautiful.”

“Those two stones are something of importance, too,” Leon told her. “Keep it safe.”

“I’m sure I can keep mine intact, but Lavender is always out riding. She might lose it in the force of the wind,” Chance answered.

“I won’t,” Lavender said. “You best be the one to be careful that you won’t bid your badge away in a wager.”

Leon laughed and was suddenly reminded of what he has to say.

“Hey guys, please behave yourself while I’m away. I don’t want to be worrying about you guys back home. Also, I know you all are busy managing your own things, but please check in with Mr. Dalton on how the school is going once in a while.”

“Don’t worry, Big Brother,” said Phoenix. “We would totally make sure everything goes well.”

Leon narrowed his eyes down at her and teasingly replied, “Or so, says the most mischievous little sister in the world. You best not be taking any swords or rifles out to kill a man. You’ll be in total deep due when I return.”

“I’ll make sure to hide all the possible items she would use as weapons,” said Gabriel. “My eyes would be on her at all times.”

“That is a little overdoing, don’t you think?” Phoenix said with a flick of her hair. “What if I need them for protection?”

“I guess you could carry one of the empty cognac bottles from the cover as defense,” said Sheik. “That is usually the proper weapon for young ladies.”

Phoenix just blew Sheik an annoyed raspberry and kept quiet while the others laughed.

“All right,” said Leon as he pulled on the reign of the horse. “You all take care now. I have to go.” He looked at every one of their weary faces and gave them a nod of encouragement. “This would soon be over and we’ll have a normal life again.”

“Make sure to not forget your dagger,” Avangelene said, throwing it up at him. “You’ve told us to keep our treasures safe but yours lying around like rubbish.”

“My bad then.” Leon slid the dagger inside his boot and gave a salute. “So long, guys. I’ll be back in a week or two depending on how long this takes.”

“Send words to us if you need any aid,” said Jack. “We’ll be there.”

“I most certainly will,” Leon said.

With one final look at his siblings he smiled, and tugged at the horse to lead him on his way.

* * *

Lansing Villa

“I don’t think Heartily would approve of this, Laguna,” Gareth Coleridge said as the Duke of Hargate slightly approached the villa of the Marquess of Lansing.

“C’mon, Longsword. Heartily’s not here now. The cards are in our hands and we are to play it well and trump the enemy.”

“You know he places Rose’s feelings highly above everything.”

“Yes,” Laguna said. “But he isn’t here to consider that now. He’s back in Bridlington to deal with his family. We must go with my game to succeed.”

“Are you really sure of this?”

“Gareth, you’re rather wimpish today,” Hargate pointed out. “I know you’re rather an honorable earl but perhaps you can go to Lady Rose now and tell her that her fiancé is at the brothel tonight.”

“Why ever would I do that?”

Laguna put a hand on Longsword’s shoulder and sighed. “Gareth, Gareth. Why are you being such a half-wit? We’re doing this to help Leon gain back his love. He should have Lady Rose back by nightfall tomorrow when he returns. If not so, then before her wedding takes place–though I highly doubt it would after this.”

“You are completely daft, Hargate,” Gareth contradicted. “That is not a proper way to–”

“Trust me. We rather get her to let this marquess go than let her be engaged and suffer from his death that is about to come after everything is approved.”

Gareth still thinks it’s a sin to break an engagement in this way, but somewhat Hargate is right. Leon might not like to gain a love like this, but it seems the only way to make things run smoothly like before.

“Ready?” Hargate asked as they walk up the steps to the door of the Lansing Villa.

“If you are,” Longsword answered.

Hargate gave a knock and the door open within seconds with a maid glaring at them

“Hello, Miss,” Hargate greeted with a flash of his perfect teeth. “Don’t you look lovely today or what? I’m His Grace, the Duke of Hargate. Is his lordship home at the moment?”

The maid suddenly mused at Hargate’s response and fluttered her eyelashes swiftly. “Yes,” she answered sweetly. “His lordship’s home. Come right this way.”

Hargate flashed Longsword a grin and gestured for him to enter first and followed behind.

“I’d rather not be here,” Longsword said lowly, as they follow the maid down the hall.

“Go to Lady Rose and inform her of what I have said earlier then,” Hargate replied.

“Seriously, now?”

“Yes. I’ll get Lansing to Phillipa’s House of Pleasure by dusk,” Hargate said briskly since the maid has brought them up to a door. “You hurry and make sure to come at the right time.”

“Will do,” Longsword said, and turn back down the hall to where they’ve came from.

* * *

This is totally wrong.

The moment Rose step out of the house and decided to seek out Hargate Inn she knew she was in for ruin. But the thought of seeing, or even meeting Leon again was irresistible. She just can’t let it go. And she has to get back the invitation.

Yes, that’s the real reason she’s here.

Leon. Leon. Leon.

She just couldn’t seem to clear it out of her head.

She figured now that perhaps seeing him just once again could ease the feeling.

Yes. It certainly would.

Only one glance at that liar’s face and surely she could wipe him off clean and shine. After all, she would never forget what he’d done to her. Nor would she forget.

Never!

How she just wanted to strangle him at the thought.

Never had she ever been so…so…

Her heart seems to have stopped as she spotted a familiar face glancing her way, though not necessarily seeing her since dusk had fallen when she arrived, and bush of wild shrubs conceal her path.

“Leon,” she whispered out into the wind.

That has got to be him. She will know him anywhere, not that she wants to, mind you.

He had just jump out of a curricle–his curricle, she assumed, and was strolling towards the inn.

His hair was of a golden brown in the limited light and tousled from the riding. He was still… as charming as she had remembered, though he had aged and look more…manly. If he had not betrayed her from before she will admit that she would still fall back into his arms. Too bad she had given him the chance and he blew it away. There’s no way she will grant him the opportunity again to let history repeat itself. She would be a fool to.

Rose watches as Leon finally made his way inside the inn and sighed.

She has to get in there somehow and talk to him.

Before she could react, two heavy hands came down and grab her arms from either sides and spun her around.

“Oh ho. What have we here?”

Rose’s eyes widened in terror as she saw who it was.

A hideous man of six foot, big and broad as a giant with a heavy beard of dark curls and a wicked, wicked grin playing across his face, towered before her.

“Hello, lassie,” he said in a lazy intoxicated tone.

He was drunk and she can smell it on his breath.

Rose tries to push him off, but his hands still tighten on her and didn’t budge.

“Ah. You want to play rough tonight, don’t you? Well, darling, I can grant you that.”

Before Rose could protest, the giant threw her over his shoulder and sway heavily as he carries her…towards the inn!

Oh, God!

“Let me go!” Rose cried, punching his back with all her might.

Still, he didn’t give a damn.

“Let me go!” she cried again. “Help! Somebody help me!”

Yet, no one was around to help her no matter how much she yells.

“Shut up, you chit,” the man replied. “I’ll help you once we get to my room.”

That was the last thing on Rose’s mind. Getting carried off by a hideous man and ravish. The thought disgusted her. Someone in the inn has got to help her.

Leon?

Perhaps inside she could call out his name and get him to help her.

But no. That was also one of the last things on her mind. Someone else has got to do it.

But who?

The hideous giant pushes the door open and finally threw Rose down on the ground, closing the door behind him.

“Ow!” she cried out as she landed hard on her bottom. But despite that, she quickly stood up and back away, scanning for a person that could save her.

She lost all hopes when she saw that the inn was full of wild men and laughter of drunken arses.

One of them was swaying towards her with a bottle of cognac in his hands.

“Bruno,” he said, who Rose presumes to be the hideous giant behind her. “What have you got here for us tonight?”

He was looking at her with a hungry stare, terrorizing Rose even more.

She has got to get out of here.

“Oh no, you don’t,” said the giant Bruno man as Rose turns for the door. “I meant to pleasure you tonight as promised. Kentle, help me take her to my room,” he said to the man that had approached.

Kentle did so obediently and grabbed Rose’s arms.

“Let me go!” Rose shouted again. “Let me go!”

“Upstairs with her!” Bruno demanded.

“Would she be a share?” Kentle asked, which sickened Rose more than ever to think of the possible fate lying ahead of her.

Bruno grinned lazily. “After I’m through with her, yes.”

Ugh! Despicable!

Rose tries to free herself, but was still too weak to break the hold.

Kentle threw her over his shoulders and up the steps they went with that grotesque Bruno following after and cooing at her.

“Help me!” Rose cried over and over again, kicking and shoving.

The giant Bruno struck her across the face and snatches her over from Kentle, almost sending them backward off the steps.

But luckily for that little sway, Rose spotted him, again.

Leon.

He was passing by on the level above them across the hall.

Relief passed over her.

Should she shout? Scream? Holler?

There seems to be no other choice. It’s either him or the two despicable men.

In that case, she chooses…

Leon had never felt this tire in his life. After arriving at Hargate Inn, he came to find the fancy room of Hargate empty with only a small lighted candle burning.

Where had he gone to? They were supposed to meet by nightfall. Perhaps he arrived earlier than expected. He did force his curricle a little roughly to get to London faster. The horses must have hated him.

Leon threw down his sack and walked over to brighten up the room with more light. Something caught his eyes on the desk as he struck the matches and stop to pick it up.

~*~

The Honor of Your Presence is Requested At the Marriage of

Lady Rose Caralina Dawson, To

Marcus Lewis Dent,

The Marquess of Lansing, On Thursday,

The Thirtieth of September, 1817 At Noon

St. Gabriel Church

Upper Holloway

~*~

A wedding invitation?

Leon read it more clearly.

It was not just any old wedding invitation.

It was Rose’s wedding invitation.

Who sent it here anyway?

He turned the envelop that laid underneath it and saw his name

printed out in smooth slanted calligraphy.

Who could be so kind as to invite him to Rose’s wedding? He just thought it ridiculous. Is this some trick of Hargate’s? For

sure Rose would never invite him.

He hadn’t even seen her since the ball, nor did she see him. Whoever sent this must have known he’s here.

The marquess maybe? That’s impossible. They’ve never even

met.

Leon took the invitation and stuck it in his coat pocket. He decided that he’ll go take a drink below with the other men until Hargate returns.

Little did he expect the little surprise that was about to come as he crosses the hall to the stairs and heard that voice.

That scared familiar voice.

“Leon!” Rose screamed from the top of her lungs, waving up at him to get his attention. “Leon, help me!”

Thank God, he stopped and glanced down.

He looked confused at first, but then there was a flicker of sudden realization in his eyes and he came running down to her

“Leon!” she cried once more as he pushes down the drunken Kentle.

“Why you–” Bruno threw Rose down and started swinging at Leon.

“Move, Rose,” Leon said, pushing her back as he dodged and tackle Bruno down on top of Kentle. He ran back to grab her hand. “Come.”

Before Rose knew it, they were running up and down the hall as a group of men came running to the scene.

They flew up another flight of stairs before Leon finally push open the nearest door to a darken room and pull Rose in, shutting it behind him. They both slipped onto the floor panting in exhaustion.

Rose could hear both their hearts beating loudly as they took a moment to catch their breath. Then she remembers who she’s with and all the weariness she felt vanished.

“Rose.”

She quickly stood up and moved away as Leon said her name.

He chuckled and stood as well.

“Are you all right?” he asked, reaching over to touch her arm.

“Don’t touch me!” Rose said rather too loudly, stepping away.

“I would have expected a word of gratitude or two,” Leon replied, also taking a step back.

She’d forgotten about that. But then of course, she forgets everything when she…sees him.

“Thank you,” she said briskly.

He just stood there for a moment without a word, and then move to what seems like a desk in the moonlight and lit up a lamp.

“So–” He blew out the match and settled down on the bed next to it, examining her thoroughly. “Such a surprise to see you again.” He sounded so nonchalant and easy, bothering the nerves out of Rose. “Why are you here?”

She could have asked him the same but ceased from it.

Rose turned away from his gaze and stare at the wall. She has to think of an answer to his question. Surely she can’t do that with his eyes…burning at her.

“Why are you here?” he asked again.

To see you again.

“None of your concern,” Rose managed, though her words were shakily spoken.

“Is it not?”

She could hear him move off the bed behind her and walking back to her.

How she regretted coming here. It was the biggest mistake ever. All her senses had seemed to shut down and her sanity’s lost.

“Tell me why you’re here, Rose,” he said to her once more.

His hand was on her shoulder and slowly he step in front of her. Their eyes met for a brief second before Rose turn away again.

“I…” God help her. She can’t think of a single excuse.

“You do know that this is not a place for a proper lady like you to wander around so late at night, right?”

“Yes,” she murmured, her eyes still lowered to the ground.

She couldn’t look at him. She just can’t.

The emotion that is building up inside of her now as they stood were too strong. She can’t look at him or surely she will explode and lose all control.

“Rose.”

Now both his hands were on her shoulders and she didn’t know how much longer she can take this.

With a sigh, she finally looks up and pushes his arms away, turning her back to him once more.

“I…I came here to look for Lord Lansing,” she had to lie. It was the only thing she can think of.

“Lansing?” He sounded bewilder at the answer.

Rose turned to him and nodded.

“The marquess.”

“Yes,” Rose answered, though it wasn’t a question and thought to add, “My fiancé.”

“I know.”

Of course he does. Thanks to that Susannah.

“I came to look for him.”

Leon merely raised an eyebrow and looked at her. “You thought to find him here?”

“I was…hoping to, yes.” She was looking at him to see if there was any flicker of emotion, but he appeared indifferent.

“Well, you shouldn’t have. It’s late. You should know of the dangers,” he said, walking back to grab something out of a drawer.

It was a comb of some sort as Rose can see. He brought it back and handed it to her.

“Fix your hair,” he said. “I’m taking you back.”

“What?” He can’t be serious. It would ruin her.

He just handed her the comb and went to sit down in a chair by the table at the corner of the room with his arms folded across his chest.

He was charming as ever with his navy waistcoat over his white dress shirt and black breeches that fitted him perfectly showing all the masculine features, except for–

Rose directed her eyes away and looked around for a mirror to dress her hair.

“Have you a looking glass?” she asked when she fail to locate one.

“No,” he answered, tipping his chair back against the wall.

Great!

“Then how do you expect me to dress my hair without seeing myself?”

“I don’t know,” he shrugged. “Is there something I can do?”

“No,” she said hastily.

She couldn’t fend back the effect of his gaze on her to stay calm. “Are you sure?”

Why who does he think she is?

“I’m capable of managing it with whatever I can,” she said, feigning a pat on her hair.

She heard him sigh and stood up from his chair.

“Don’t be absurd,” he said, strolling towards her.

“I’m not,” she answered, trying to hide the fear in her voice.

He came down next to her and took the comb from her hand.

“What are you–”

“I’ll help you with it,” he answered.

He was behind her with the comb running through her hair and untangling the knots with his hand before she can protest.

Oh, how it brings back the memories. She can’t believe she’s really here with him again–the man that she would forever despise.

What the hell are you doing? A small part of his sanity spoke to him from the back of his mind.

He’d forgotten everything when he’d heard her call out his name and rushed down to rescue her from the fate of those two drunken bastards.

He’d never thought to see her, well, he did; but certainly not at Hargate Inn this late at night. Nor did he thought he’ll ever get to be alone with her like this, running his hand through her hair and being so close and at ease with her. He’d expected to feel something different from all the years that had separated them, but still it feels the same as back then.

Talking and smiling was coming all so naturally to him like nothing had happened between them. Looking at Rose, damn if she didn’t look scared to the very core of her soul. It’s as if he’s some kind of a beast waiting to devour her.

Her hands were trembling softly, though he can see she’s trying hard to clasp them together from doing so. He could hear her heart thundering uneasily as if she’s about to get ravish or something.

Of course he’ll never do such a thing, though the idea sounds tempting.

But no.

Rose has a future awaiting her. He can’t dishonor her like that. She would hate him even more. He knows she would. He could hear the anger in her voice when he had tried to touch her earlier. He would never do anything to make her feel insecure. She can be sure of that.

“Are you…d-done?’ she asked him.

“Almost,” he answered, running his fingers once again through her hair.

It was a rich golden brown of curls and soft as silk against his fingers.

“Perhaps I should pin it up to make it not seem so…so…”

“Scandalous?” Leon put in helpfully. “Perhaps I can do that for you.”

“Y-you know how to?”

He could hear the amusement in her voice, but believe it or not, he does for reasons he doesn’t want to mention.

“Pins, please?” he said, holding out a hand.

“Oh.” She managed to place a couple pins that were saved from her capture on his palm.

He looked down at the pins. “Rather limited but I’ll do what I can.”

“Do you…do this often?” Rose asked him as he pulls back a curl on her head and pin it into place.

“Rarely,” he said, though he’d done it more than a hundred times and pulls back another curl.

Leon could smell the aroma of her hair spreading over him like roses and wine, intoxicating him. He had an urge to pull her tight into his arms and drop kisses all over her.

Guess he’s not as in control of himself as he had thought.

But then he’s never in control when he’s with Rose.

How he wished he could turn back time and savior a few moments with her.

“So…I suppose Susannah has given you an invitation to my…uh…wedding,” she said nervously after a moment of silence.

Ah, so it was the witty Miss Susy that sent the invitation. He should have known.

He paused for a moment and answered, “Yes.” Then to restrain her from further comments added, “You don’t have to worry. I won’t be there.”

“I–”

“There you go,” he said, pinning up the last curl.

He smooth it down the back and spun her around to take a look, which was a mistake.

Her eyes were of a shining brown matching her hair. And her lips–her lips were that of a cupid’s bow, full and stunningly red.

Their faces were surprisingly close that if he was to tilt his head just an inch their lips would have met.

But he didn’t. He couldn’t.

“Thank you,” she murmured, turning away. She never seem to be able to hold her gaze with his. Always looking the other way.

He finally turns away too, and answered, “No need to.”

He turned on his heel and went to get something out of a bag. His garments and hat.

It’s time he takes her back; otherwise, who knows what will happen.

“What are you doing?” she asked, approaching him from behind.

“Here,” Leon placed the hat on her head and fixes an oversize coat over her.

“Why–what is this for?” she asked, taking it off.

“Don’t!” Leon said, holding up a hand to stop her. “I’m taking you back. If you don’t want to be recognized and face ruin, you might as well leave it on.”

She seemed annoyed by his response but obediently did so.

“Put this on too.” He threw over a spectacle and she caught it gracefully.

“You are still one crazy man, Leon.”

That brought a smile to his face. “Am I?”

He tossed her now a faux mustache.

“Am I really to put this on?”

“Just in case,” he answered, reaching out to aid her.

“Why do you have this mustache? I must look a fright with it.”

“Agree,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s my sister’s. You look just like her now.”

“Really?” She gave Leon the prettiest pout of disappointment and annoyances, making him just want to throw her on the bed and have his way with her.

“I say this is the most outrageous disguise I have ever had in my life.”

“We’ll take it off in the carriage,” he said–or everything, and took her hand before he even knew it. “Let’s go. There’s a back staircase that we can take.”

She nodded and he led them off through a door into another that opens up into a black case of stairs descending down an exit.

“I saw a curricle earlier. Was it yours?” she asked him, once they got outside.

“Yes,” he told her. “But we’re not going to ride it. You’ll be exposed. We’ll take my friend’s carriage.”

He pulled her around a corner and behind the inn stood a carriage with a three horses attached, their ears perching up as they approached.

“Get in,” Leon said, helping Rose inside the carriage.

“And you?” she asked.

Disappointingly, “I’ll be driving,” he said. “Get in quick before anyone sees you.”

She nodded and Leon helped her in, shutting the door and jumping up to the driver’s seat with the reign in his hands.

“Go, boy.” He tugged at the horse, getting it to straighten and galloped on down the road.