Page 28 of The Rogue’s Countess

“Lady Wrotham says she’s been of immense assistance in organizing the ball,” Constance spoke up quickly as if instinctively knowing Phoebe was struggling for an explanation.

“Indeed, then I’m envious of the amount of time her ladyship has spent in your company, my lady.”

The duke’s words sent another rush of heat into Phoebe’s cheeks just as the back of her neck began to tingle. She glanced over her shoulder to see Gideon walk into the salon. Butterflies fluttered wildly in her stomach at the sight of him, and she jerked her gaze away from him. Her reaction emphasized how dangerous the man was to her senses, and her heart as well, if she did not take care.

A small shiver streaked through her as she remembered their exchange in the entryway. Beside her, Constance touched her arm in a silent query. With a small shake of her head, Phoebe gave her friend a smile of reassurance. Constance’s brother and husband both smiled broadly at someone behind her, and Phoebe knew there was only one person it could be. The countess immediately turned to greet Gideon with a hug. As Constance released him, Gideon bowed in her direction as if nothing had passed between them in the foyer.

“Lady Helstone,” he murmured before shaking the duke’s hand. “Good evening, Your Grace.”

“Happy to see you again, Chelmsford. I understand you just returned from Amsterdam.”

“Yesterday evening, as a matter-of-fact.”

“I take it your trip was successful in terms of your interest in horticulture?” the duke asked with a look of keen interest on his face.

“Quite,” Gideon said with a look of almost childish excitement. “I met with Willem Ruigrok, who gave me insight into how to improve the cultivation of my tulip beds at Lethbridge Hall.”

“Good heavens,” Constance said with a laugh. “While I’m certain Sebastian, and possibly even Lucien, is interested in the topic, Phoebe and I shall abstain from discussing the finer points of gardening,”

“As usual, you retreat when my favorite discussion topic arises, Constance,” Gideon chuckled as he smiled at the countess.

“I have listened to you wax poetic about gardening far too many times in the past to feel remorse at leaving you now, Gideon.” Constance shook her head in amused disgust. “Come along, Phoebe. We will leave them to discuss plants to their heart’s delight.”

“Surely, you will allow Lady Helstone to have a say as to whether she goes or stays Constance,” Gideon said as his eyebrow arched upward. His gray eyes met hers with a mocking gleam that challenged Phoebe to remain behind. The cynical amusement in his expression made Phoebe glare at him, but before she could reply, the duke added his protest as well.

“I heartily agree with Chelmsford. While our topic is gardening, I am enjoying your company, Lady Helstone. There are some flowers one cannot find in a garden.” At the duke’s enthusiasm, Gideon narrowed his gaze at her. His firm mouth thinned slightly in angry disdain. All too aware of his opinion of her, Phoebe deliberately focused her attention on the duke and smiled warmly at him.

“Unfortunately, I’ve never been much of a gardener as I’m highly allergic to bees. So I’m afraid I would have little to offer to the conversation.”

The moment Gideon’s body stiffened, she smiled sweetly at him. The Earl of Chelmsford obviously didn’t like being stung. Something indefinable darkened his eyes as he bowed slightly in her direction.

“Duly noted, my lady. However, the duke is correct. Not all beautiful flowers are found in a garden.”

There was a wicked note of sin in his voice that caressed her skin until she felt almost feverish. She pulled in a ragged breath as her gaze remained fixed with Gideon’s. As if from a great distance, she heard someone speaking. Dismay spun its way through her, and she quickly jerked her gaze away from Gideon’s to focus on the duke’s words.

“Agreed, we are in the company of not just one, but two beautiful flowers,” the duke said with a cheerful grin. Beside her, Constance laughed and nodded in the direction of her husband, who was listening attentively to the banter. Although his expression was that of mild amusement, the earl’s gaze indicated a possessiveness as he stared at his wife.

“You are flirting with a happily married woman, Duke.” Constance laughed as the man grinned at her. “Come along, Phoebe. We shall leave the men to their discussion of plants.”

“I believe I will join you, my love,” the earl said as he stepped outside the small circle. “While I’m certain the conversation would be enlightening, there are some flowers one does not leave untended for too long.”

Male laughter accompanied Lord Lyndham’s statement, and Constance blushed as she shot her husband a look of exasperation. Her expression did not go unnoticed, and the men laughed harder.

“Besides, Gideon’s current flower obsession is tulips. I doubt he has any new gardening techniques that would apply to the care of my rosebuds,” Lord Lyndham said quietly. “You know I’m quite skilled when it comes to ensuring they are tended to with great care.”

Despite the innocent look on the earl’s face, Constance’s cheeks grew darker with color as she eyed him with open irritation. The moment his wife’s cheeks darkened with pink color, the earl smiled complacently. The men grinned as they watched the couple’s verbal exchange, but there was a look of confusion on their faces. Certain the earl’s remarks held a different meaning to Constance that the woman found objectionable, Phoebe quickly stepped forward to slip her arm through the countess’s.

“I believe we were going to leave the men to their gardening discussion. I’ve yet to say hello to your aunt.”

“Provided I’m able to make Lord Lyndham understand that I wish to hear nothing else about his roses.”

Her irritable tone made the earl chuckle softly as the three of them crossed the room to join Lady Stewart and the marchioness. After several minutes, Constance leaned into Phoebe’s side with a conspiratorial smile.

“I do believe you’ve captured the Duke’s interest, Phoebe. Even Gideon seems enthralled with you.”

“You exaggerate.” Phoebe released a small sound of skepticism as she shook her head. Constance glanced toward the three men across the room and shook her head.

“No, I’m not. The two of them have constantly been glancing in our direction since we left them to their conversation about gardening.” The countess smiled with cheerful delight. “Gideon, in particular, seems unable to keep his eyes off you.”