Page 49 of The Captain Claims His Temptress

Saxton watched the tableau through squinted eyes.

Dupont grinned. “You are a lucky man,CapitaineEaton.”

“Indeed, I am,” Stephen said.

Let the battle commence. By the time Stephen was finished with Pierre Dupont, the man would crawl back to France with a shattered ego—unless he ended up locked in a British prison.

Either way, he would be missing his arrogant smirk.

Chapter eighteen

October 5th, 1817

Despiteheruncle’sinsipidafter-dinner speech in which he gushed over his newest investors, Madalene’s excitement bubbled. Stephen required her assistance! She knew not what it entailed, but it hardly mattered. He was so heroic that she might save mankind. Meanwhile, her body tingled at the captain’s nearness.

Good heavens. The things he had done to her in his chamber. She heated.

Her uncle prattled on. “Tomorrow’s entertainment will be late morning boat rides across the lake, followed by an archery tournament. May you all have a peaceful night’s sleep.”

Even though Maddie’s mind was elsewhere, she joined the applause. She’d always wanted to learn to shoot a bow and arrow, and a boat ride with the captain would be romantic. But, first, to obtain a key from a man who rarely let down his guard.

Perhaps she’d hug Uncle Elias while reaching into his pocket.

Madalene, what are you doing rooting through my pockets?he’d ask.

She sighed. That simply wouldn’t do.

Uncle Elias, you look so handsome without your waistcoat. Why don’t you take it off?

Another poor idea. But what if she told him there was a stain on it? She could blame Hugo and his potato struggles during dinner. The solicitor had been a bumbling disaster and Uncle Elias could not stand messes. She would offer to take the garment to the water closet and scrub it.I shall have it back to you in a moment. Waiting on the valet might take forever, she’d insist. Thereupon, she would pilfer the key.

Brilliant! She rubbed her hands together.

She didn’t have time to stand in line and wait her turn, so she hurried to her uncle before his guests converged upon him. Unfortunately, she was not fast enough and ended up tapping her foot. It seemed like forever before she garnered his attention to ask, “Sir Saxton, may we speak in your study? It is most important.”

“Meet me there in fifteen minutes.” He turned his focus back to the men surrounding him.

Her aunt lifted a questioning eyebrow. “You have an impish twinkle in your eye.”

“Do not worry, Aunt Henrietta.” Maddie patted her on the forearm and winked. “I am reporting my findings from my mission.”

“Do I have time to retrieve my shawl before our stroll?” Aunt Henrietta shivered. “’Tis quite chilly this eve.”

Before Maddie could explain that there was no stroll, Lady Beaumont commandeered Aunt Henrietta, leaving her free to tackle her endeavor. She searched for Stephen to no avail. Bypassing the swarm of guests, she headed toward the stairwell.

A blonde devil stood beneath a pastoral painting on the first-floor landing. If Maddie avoided eye contact, perhaps the creature might not bite. She focused her gaze straight ahead.

“Mrs. Spencer,” Arabella Beaumont said.

Horse feathers. Now she would have to engage.

“I hope you enjoyed dinner, Arabella.”

“Miss Beaumont,” Arabella corrected her. “My father is a viscount. You must learn proper etiquette if you plan to stay in my country.”

What an unpleasant woman.

“Forgive me, Miss Beaumont.”