Page 34 of Surrender

“It sounds wonderful,” Genevieve’s reply was sincere, startled by Ansbach’s display of passion for his home.

For the first time since their introduction, the man had dropped his obsequious, pompous manner as he described his home. If he loved his home so much, why did he remain in England? The only reason she could think of was that Ansbach was spying for the Kaizer as C and her cousins suspected.

“I do, but I am trying to keep the peace between my cousin and the Kaiser. They are both stubborn men, and I fear the impact of political strife between Prussia and England will prove most destructive,” the count said with a sigh. “But I would be failing in my duty to both empires if I did not at least try to help keep the peace.”

“It must be difficult though, to be gone from the home you love so much,” Genevieve pressed a little harder.

“Until I met you, Miss Rockwood, it was more difficult than you could imagine, but you make me forget to be homesick.”

“That’s a lovely thing to say, but I hardly think—”

“Have you not realized by now that I am captivated by you, meine schatz?” The count said with a fervency that caught Genevieve off-guard as he stepped closer. Fear and panic slid through her. Not even when she’d danced with him had the count been so close to her.

“You fill my thoughts constantly, and you are driving me mad with desire.”

The count suddenly reached for her, sweeping her up into his arms and bending his head to kiss her. Horrified, Genevieve arched backward as she turned her face away from him to avoid his mouth.

Revulsion made her stomach churn as she suddenly froze, unable to push him away. Her brain screamed a command for her to fight the man off, but horror held her motionless. A low rumble that reminded her of a snarling animal filled the air, and in the next breath, Ansbach was yanked away from her. The Prussian stumbled backward and landed on his backside with Theo towering over him.

Genevieve gasped as she saw Theo reaching down to grab the man by the lapel of his jacket, his other fist ready to hit the count. Dear God, he looked ready to kill Ansbach. Rushing forward, she wrapped her fingers around Theo’s arm and tugged hard to stop him from hitting the man lying at his feet.

“Stop this,” she snapped. “Stop this right now, Lord Selbourne.”

When he resisted her command, she tugged even harder against the arm drawn back, ready to hit the fallen Prussian. The muscles beneath her fingers were hard and taut as Genevieve stared up at him, and she flinched the instant he jerked his head in her direction. Cold fury darkened Theo’s features, making her mouth go dry.

Never had Genevieve ever seen Theo so angry. Not even that day at the croft when he’d berated her for taking chances while working in the East End. It didn’t surprise her he was angry. All of the Rockwood men would have been outraged by Ansbach’s behavior, but at the moment, there was no doubt in her mind that Theo wanted to kill the man.

He was an excellent pugilist, and from Theo’s expression, if she allowed him to hit Count Ansbach, he would beat the man senseless—or something far worse. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought. On the ground, Ansbach was glaring up at Theo, and as Genevieve managed to pull Theo away from the Prussian, the count scrambled to his feet.

“You are to stay away from her, Ansbach.” Ice layering the pond at Callendar Abbey could not have been frozen any more solid than Theo’s voice.

“I believe that is up to the lady, Selbourne,” Ansbach said in a voice almost as cold as Theo’s.

“Genevieve is far too sensible to encourage you, especially given your attempt to seduce her.”

“I agree, Miss Rockwood is a sensible young woman.” Ansbach turned toward Genevieve and bowed. “Forgive me, Miss Rockwood. I lost my head, and I regret my behavior. I hope you will not think too badly of me.”

“An apology won’t erase your behavior in forcing yourself on Miss Rockwood,” Theo growled. “From now on, you will stay away from her or suffer the consequences.”

At Theo’s cutting reply, Ansbach took a small step forward. Genevieve immediately flinched, retreating a step before she collected her wits. Furious with herself for showing any sign of panic, she uttered a sound of disgust.

“I think I’ve heard enough from both of you, and I intend to return to the ballroom. Unaccompanied I might add,” Genevieve snapped as the two men jerked their heads to look at her.

Angered by her failure to anticipate the count’s attempt to kiss her, and the fear that had immobilized her, Genevieve glared at both men. As grateful as she was for Theo’s rescue, he’d been out of control, which could have led to something deadly. At her sharp words, Theo narrowed his gaze at her, which made her freeze where she stood. Good Lord, the man acted as if she’d welcomed Ansbach’s attention. Not about to wait and find out, she took a step around him, but Theo caught her by the arm to keep her from leaving.

“Leave us, Ansbach,” Theo snarled, and with a nod of agreement, Genevieve met the count’s gaze. Although his expression was one of regret, there was something in his eyes that made Genevieve suppress a tremor of trepidation.

“I trust you will understand that I am unable to go riding in the morning, my lord.”

“I completely understand, Miss Rockwood. Perhaps in the future, with others present, you might agree to ride with me in Hyde Park.”

“Perhaps,” Genevieve said in a noncommittal voice.

The moment she spoke, Theo’s grip on her arm tightened, and she darted a glance in his direction. His expression said he would have something to say about any future interactions she had with the count. Genevieve suppressed an acerbic comment to counter his look.

She knew Theo would order her not to go anywhere near the man, but she had a job to do. Although she’d never been all that comfortable around the obsequious man, she’d done what was necessary. Now, after what had just transpired, she knew it would be even more difficult to go anywhere near the man. But she had no choice if she were to learn anything of real value about Ansbach or his activities.

The count, clearly believing retreat was his best option, offered her an abrupt bow. Relieved the man didn’t try to kiss her hand, Genevieve’s nod was just as abrupt. With one last scowl in Theo’s direction, the count turned about and walked back into the ballroom.