Page 8 of Isabel and the Rogue

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Sirius had not thought aeronautical balloons particularly interesting until he saw Isabel Luna staring up at a rainbow-patterned envelope with her mouth ajar.

The June sun beat down on the crowd gathered in Hyde Park to watch the ascent of three colorful hydrogen balloons owned by French brothers who traveled throughout Europe showcasing their engineering marvels. It was also the reason why Lieutenant Colonel Green deemed it necessary for Sirius to attend for the demonstration. And even without those express orders, Viscount Westhope had asked Sirius if he planned to attend the exhibit during their billiards game the day prior. Not one to let an opportunity slip by him, Sirius had nodded in the affirmative.

Encountering Miss Luna in attendance should not have been a surprise, considering her inquisitive nature. His lips curled up as he took in her curious expression, but Sirius did not approach her. He was here on business and had no time to exchange antagonistic volleys with her.

Linking his hands behind his back, Sirius wandered through the crowd, greeting friends and acquaintances taking in the colorful sights. Many expressed surprise to see him at such an event, and Sirius worked not to bristle. His carefree facade was of his own making and served an important purpose, but it was becoming harder not to resent his own reputation.

Sirius skirted around the perimeter of the gathering, his eyes darting about for a glimpse of Viscount Westhope. His search was halted, though, when a feminine hand grasped his arm. Even through his coat, Sirius felt nails sink into his bicep.

“Captain Dawson, what a delight it is to see you here today.”

A flirtatious smile had settled on his lips before he even pivoted about. “Lady Needham, I assure you it’s me who’s delighted to encounter you here. I had no notion you had an interest in aeronautical balloons.”

The pretty blonde dipped her head, the flowers on her fashionable hat complementing the color of her cheeks. The widowed baroness was adept at playing shy and bashful, though Sirius knew her to be anything but.

“Surely you remember how much I enjoy trying new things,” she said, her voice a breathy whisper.

Christ, that husky tone used to have a direct line to his cock. Emily, Lady Needham, knew that, if the taunting smirk on her full pink lips was any indication. But now, Sirius felt more annoyance than arousal.

Gritting his teeth, Sirius gestured to the balloon that sat in the grass several yards away. “Are you enjoying the exhibit?”

“I am now,” the baroness crooned, pressing her curvy, perfumed body into his side.

“Goodness, your ladyship, you’re much more friendly today than you were the other night at the Meadows ball.” Sirius patted her hand. “I seem to recall you being quite peeved with me.”

“Well, of course I was upset with you. You abandoned me when we were supposed to share a waltz.” She pouted, her lips twisting into a perfect moue. “You know how I hate being teased.”

Sirius scoffed, his roguish facade slipping for a moment. “You only hate teasing when it’s not you who’s doing the teasing.”

Lady Needham narrowed her eyes. “You’ve never spoken to me that way before.”

“I suppose I haven’t.” He leaned down to murmur in her ear, “But then you know you deserve it.”

Her grip on his arm tightened as she purred, “And what are you going to do to punish me?”

Despite opening his mouth to respond, the words died on his tongue, for at that moment his eyes snagged on the unlikely sight of Isabel Luna tossing her head back in laughter. A frown overtook his face, and Sirius blinked several times, uncertain if what he was seeing was real.

Had he ever seen her laugh? Surely with her sisters, at some point or another. Certainly not with him. He frowned as his mind raced through his memories of the time she spent at Dancourt Abbey. Isabel had appeared to go out of her way to avoid him, but there were occasions in which they had encountered each other in his library, and discussed the books they were reading. She had also recommended several possible additions to his collection, and he had recommended some of his own to her. But try as he might, Sirius could not remember making her laugh. Or smile. And now, as he noted the raspy quality of Isabel’s laughter, why did that seem like a great loss?

Isabel appeared to be in deep conversation with a gentleman in an ornate suit, a fancy beaver hat perched on his head. The man was standing next to one of the balloon baskets, and he used his gold-lion-topped cane to point up at the balloon canopy, Isabel enthusiastically nodding her dark head at his words. While Sirius watched, the man opened the basket door and invited Isabel aboard, where he continued to point out various components of the hydrogen release valve.

“Will you come by this evening? I should be free after eleven o’clock.”

Sirius glanced at Lady Needham with his brows raised. “I beg your pardon.”

The baroness smacked his arm with her reticule. “Sirius, darling, whatever has you so distracted?”

“The balloons.” He gestured to the various exhibits surrounding them. Sirius allowed his gaze to touch on Isabel for a passing moment. Is she going up for a ride? Surely that is unsafe.

“I would think talk of spending the evening together would be more interesting to you.”

Sirius locked his teeth to contain a sigh. At a point in the past, Lady Needham had been his mark, as her late husband had been suspected of smuggling various goods to and from his estate in Cornwall. After the baron’s death, Sirius continued to meet with Lady Needham from time to time, for her demands of him were simple and enjoyable.

But his interest and patience for her had waned.

Taking a moment to clear his throat, Sirius affixed an easy smile to his lips. “Unfortunately I have plans this evening.”