Her Devious Scoundrel

Chapter

Johnathan stared out at the darkness surrounding the carriage, the extra passenger had changed his traveling plans, from a leisurely trek to his country home to a rushed escape from the city. He signed, shifting uncomfortably as the carriage rattled along the moonlit road. He had tried to sleep, but he had always had trouble doing so while traveling, even as a child. Despite his growing exhaustion, every time Johnathan closed he eyes, he found himself opening them again to stare at his lovely traveling companion. He looked at her again now, his eyes swept over the shadowed figure stretched on the bench across from him. His gaze roamed over her hair, loose tendrils falling softly over her cheeks, traveling down to the steadily rising crest of her breasts, the soft candle light creating shadows between the white creamy slopes. She had a small waist that gave way to lush curving hips. Her figure was enough to make a man’s palms sweat clothed, and Jonathan wondered what secrets would be revealed once that dress was removed.

He had waited for her quite awhile in the square, long enough to send a few notes, giving explanation for his early departure from London, wondering if Penelope had changed her mind about running away with him. He had informed her parents of their departure, advising her father that they would be married before the month's end. He did not want to be charged with k********g so he felt it best to inform her parents of her where and his intentions. He also sent a missive to his mother, advising her he would be visiting and that he had a wonderful surprise for her. Lastly, he sent a few notes to his solicitors, tying up some loose ends with his most recent investments so that he could clear a few weeks before he needed to return, giving him time to woo his future bride.

When she had finally appeared in the square, she was pale, breathless and he almost urged her to return to her parents, but one look at her wide amber eyes, made all coherent and rational thought fly out the window and he quickly ushered her into the carriage, before common sense changed his mind.

Johnathan knew he was taking a risk, the talk would ruin her, but they were betrothed after all, they would hopefully be married before anyone had the chance to gossip. Besides, he was never one to worry about what the masses thought of him and the things that he did in his life. He smiled to himself, laughing at his deception. When he had first learned who this little lady was, it had startled him, he had been curious, wanted to learn more about his future wife, who he had not expected to find such a strong attraction to. That is why he had whisked her out to the gardens, hoping to talk and allow her to come to know him. While it had not been his intention to meet her until their wedding, fate had intervened, so why not take the opportunity? He had been surprised when she showed no hint of recognition at his name, and even more so with her obvious disgust at the thought of marrying him.

While Johnathan wasn’t exactly excited to be married, when he had first glimpsed Penelope, he knew he wanted to share her bed. As luck would have it, they would be sharing a bed for the rest of their lives, but not if everything about him disgusted her before they even met! Then he had an idea, whisk her away on pretense of helping her escape an unwanted wedding, giving him a chance to get to know her, seduce her perhaps. By the time they reached his country home, she would be begging for him to marry her. This also gave him a chance to introduce her to his mother. Johnathan chuckled to himself, satisfied with his plan.

The only part that had been a disappointment, was that he had not had a chance to pay Felicity a proper visit to give her his news of departure. She was tied up at the theatre this evening and when he had stopped to say his goodbyes, she had not returned to her West End home. Instead he had left her a hastily written note, bidding her farewell as well as promising to visit her upon his return to London. He had known Felicity for a long while and while many frowned upon their relationship, he was unwilling to give it up. He glanced again at the woman sleeping across from him, wondering if he how he would handle her objections once they came out as well.