September 1811

Royston sensed impending trouble, no matter how captivating the rest of the assembly proved to be. The moment he espied Mina engaged in conversation with Eleanor and Evie, he knew his fate was sealed, and the subsequent prickly glare he received from Mina merely served as a solemn confirmation.

Maintaining her composure during the carriage ride home, Mina adeptly preserved her façade for an entire day. However, on the second day, the simmering tension finally erupted like an overboiling cauldron.

Without the courtesy of a knock or forewarning, Mina barged into Royston's study, where he was deeply engrossed in discourse with a tradesman. Roy regarded her with a quizzical gaze, immediately discerning from her forced smile and the ruthless glint in her eyes that she was heralding a tempest of formidable force. A tempest destined to leave him utterly and thoroughly undone.

"Miss Haswell, if you may—" he began but was promptly interrupted as she positioned herself before his table, right next to the seated tradesman, who observed the unfolding drama with heightened interest.

"You damn well know I may not," she retorted with a fiery tone, her gaze unwavering.

"Now," Roy interjected calmly, "there's no need to cause a scene in front of a guest."

She scoffed, tilting her head in astonishment. "Am I causing a scene?"

In one bold motion, she swiped her hands across his table, clearing it of papers and whatever else lay there. Documents were scattered in various directions, the inkwell thudded onto the floor, and the charcoals, once carefully set aside, shattered into several pieces.

"Now I am causing a scene," she declared firmly.

The tradesman took the hint and excused himself, promising to return at a more convenient time. As the door closed behind him, Royston rose slowly from his chair, his eyes clouded with simmering anger.

"Causing a scene is one thing, but ruining my personal belongings is a transgression I find difficult to forgive," he warned Mina, his voice low and intense.

The heated exchange that ensued reached Lady Langdon's ears as she hosted a refined tea party with two esteemed neighbours.

"What is all that commotion?" inquired one of the ladies, casting a curious glance towards the closed door.

Polly, with a mischievous smirk gracing her features, replied, "Oh, I suppose the courting has commenced."

Mina, not one to be outdone, raised her voice in retort, "You know what else is ruined, Langdon? Your wretched character and that is certainly not my doing!"

Royston scoffed and a hint of arrogance appeared in his demeanour. "Pray, is this about the remark I made to Miss Whitcombe?"

Mina's piercing gaze pricked him further. "If only! How is it that every time I extend an amiable disposition, you uncover yet another barb to sting me with!"

"You will have to be more specific, I'm afraid," he retorted, his voice rising in indignation.

"Westhaven!" Mina exclaimed, her voice carrying across the room. "I am aware that he has graced this house, perhaps on more than one occasion. Pray, what efforts are you expending in my favour, apart from tarnishing my reputation in front of my dear friend? Could it be that you are deliberately undermining both my standing and your prospects with Eleanor for your own perverse amusement?"

Her accusation caused a crimson hue to spread across his cheeks. "You are woefully out of touch with reality, madam!"

Roy circled his desk, positioning himself squarely in front of Mina. The intensity in his eyes hinted at a smouldering fire of indignation. She realized her disadvantageous position, torn between the choice of either pushing him aside or delicately manoeuvring through the narrow passage on either side.

"I must confess that Westhaven made an appearance, and amid discussions of his plan, your name surfaced," he disclosed in a hushed tone. A realization dawned on her that her position, physically and figuratively, had become precarious. "He wasn't meant to grace the assembly at all, you know. He arrived solely because I regaled him with tales of your spectacular presence."

The admission stole Mina's breath, casting a subtle ease upon Roy's countenance while maintaining the simmering fire within. "So," he continued, "before you level accusations of sabotage, consider that you may not be privy to the full extent of the situation."

"I see. Nevertheless, I shan't be offering an apology," Mina replied, her gaze lowered with a quiet resolve.

She resolved to depart immediately, the sudden tension from their close proximity becoming unbearable. Yet, with a firm grip on her arms, he guided her back, compelling her to sit on the table. She regarded him with wide, astonished eyes, swallowing hard as the atmosphere shifted from anger and disdain to something entirely different.

A subtle smirk graced his countenance as he spoke in a husky tone, "I wouldn't expect you to offer any apology. However, I shan't apologize for this."

Mina observed, captivated, as he raised his hand to her face, his thumb delicately tracing her lower lip which prompted her to part her lips slightly. A soft gasp escaped her body.

"You cannot fathom the depth of my desire when I contemplate tasting those lips of yours."

Roy then traced the line of her chin down her neck, his gaze lingering on the gentle curve of her bosom.

"The mere thought of kissing your delicate skin makes the reality a torture," he confessed.

Then, with audacious boldness, he gently cupped her breast, sending an unfamiliar ache coursing through Mina. "Exercise caution, my dear Mina. Find yourself alone with me in my study, and I might be tempted to take advantage," he warned, increasing the pressure just enough to elicit a sigh from her. "And if you decide to abandon all caution, rest assured, you'll always find a welcome embrace awaiting you."

Mina closed her eyes briefly, her throat tightening. "Why—why are you doing this?" she stammered, seeking an explanation for the conflicting emotions that stirred within her.

He let out a soft chuckle.

"Because you're quite right, my dear Mina, I am a scoundrel, a rascal, and all the synonyms you could find in those lexicons of yours. And I certainly have no intention of being the sole tormented soul in this little wager of ours."

Her eyes widened at his admission. "You-you insufferable rogue!" she exclaimed, pushing her way out of his study.

Royston took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as he shook his head and sighed. Hopefully, she will steer clear of any further encounters like this, he mused. It wouldn't do for me to harbour any... affection for her. I can't care for her. I don't... I don't want to feel for her. Goodness, gracious...

He wiped his face with his palms, resolving to tidy up the chaos she left behind. As he did so, he couldn't ignore the lingering tension in his private parts that once again required some calming.

Meanwhile, Mina hurriedly made her way outside, her steps guided by an innate need to escape the confining walls of the house. The propriety of the moment dictated a retreat, a distance that would allow her thoughts to regain their composure and navigate the intricacies of the situation.

Unbelievable... Unthinkable! Who does he think I am, a woman of easy virtue? To be desired by him so shamelessly, as he does Eleanor! What a scoundrel! she mused fervently. Should I warn her... or perhaps not? How would I feel if pursued by such an unworthy suitor?

A renewed surge of anger pulsed through her veins, compelling her to take action. She returned to his study, finding Royston just finishing the arrangement of his belongings, his eyes catching a movement in his peripheral vision.

"I thought I made myself clear, Miss Haswell," he said, his tone stern.

"Take it back," she implored hastily, "retract every word about desiring me. It is not right concerning my friend and the sentiments she may or may not harbour for you."

Royston clicked his tongue, a subtle disapproval colouring the air. "Why would I?! You see, one can desire another without a drop of love, or love someone without a hint of desire."

She shook her head vehemently.

"The former is mere lust, and the latter is nothing but friendship. In my world, love and desire are inseparable companions, Lord Langdon," Mina retorted fiercely, her gaze unwavering.

He replied with a smirk, his tone carrying a hint of mockery. "What can I say, Miss Haswell, your world is traditional and... narrow."

A heavy silence settled between them, and Royston, breaking the quietude, asked, "Is that all that occupies your thoughts, Miss Haswell? Because, if so, I could propose some activities that don't necessitate conversation at all."

His devilish smile served as a signal for her to gracefully exit his study. However, as Mina left, Royston's earlier amusement faded, replaced by a sense of unease. Vexing her about sentiments and love brought him no satisfaction; instead, he found himself feeling like a profound arse.

In the interim, Mina made her way to her chamber, seeking solace and avoiding the company of Polly's boisterous guests. The lively chatter served as a warning, enabling her to slip away undetected. Nestled in the cocoon of her room, she reclined on the bed, attempting to compose herself. Her thoughts, however, were consumed by Royston—his taunts and the lingering warmth of his touch.

As she replayed the sensation of his fingers tracing her face and his hand cupping her breast, a strange mixture of tension, nervousness, and an unfamiliar warmth enveloped her. Yet, amidst this tumultuous sea of emotions, she scolded herself inwardly. I am a modest and god-fearing woman. It ill befits me to entertain thoughts of such sin, to dwell on the treacherous allure that scoundrel presents.

With determination, she vowed, I shall not succumb to forbidden sentiments, nor shall I willingly place myself in such a dreadful situation again.

Royston had made it abundantly clear that his heart harboured no affection for her, and truth be told, Mina hadn't allowed any sentiments for him to blossom within her own bosom. Yet, an indescribable unease crept over Mina, a prickling sensation that bordered on offence. She couldn't quite pinpoint it, but it felt disrespectful, particularly toward the unsuspecting Eleanor. Alas, what recourse did Mina have? Eleanor was young and might not take such revelations about Roy's true character gracefully. And then, of course, there was that accursed wager looming over them.

Sighing, Mina readied herself for the evening, dreading the scrutinizing gaze of Lady Langdon, a woman astute in the art of deciphering people's secrets. As expected, she couldn't escape Polly's watchful gaze, a woman skilled in observing the unspoken. True to her intuition, she scrutinized both Mina and Royston thoroughly before the first course was served.

"Pray, what was the agreement based on your earlier... discussion, if I may use the term, that carried into the drawing room?" the elder lady inquired, her tone betraying a shrewd awareness.

"You jest, mother," Royston retorted, moving swiftly to defend himself. "We certainly weren't arguing."

"Then you must've elevated it to a sport of shouting," she needled him with raised eyebrows, then turned her attention to Mina. "Perhaps you, my dear, would be more inclined to enlighten us on the matter?"

"We merely found ourselves at odds over certain... matters," Mina replied just as the first servings were presented, the timing almost conspiratorial.

Polly delicately sampled a bite of the roasted duck, but her curiosity bubbled over, and she couldn't resist addressing the subject at hand. "About what matters? I wager it concerns that peculiar bet of yours. Is it still a lingering affair?"

Roy stole a fleeting glance at Mina and responded with unwavering resolve, "Indeed, it persists and shall continue until either union is formed."

A sudden, prickly pang resonated within Mina's heart at his words.

Polly, with an air of mystery, mused, "Perhaps the one wedded in the end shall be none other than myself."

The statement caused Royston to choke on his bite, his eyes widening in surprise, while Mina's gaze held a mixture of shock and curiosity.

"Mother," Roy managed to say between chokes, "your jests today are remarkably generous. But, hypothetically speaking, if you were serious, who might be the fortunate gentleman to win your favour?"

Lady Langdon nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders and bestowed a mischievous smile upon the room. "You two seem so absorbed in your pursuits that my conversations go unnoticed. I've made the acquaintance of a few gentlemen, and some show promise. Don't scowl at me, my dear son. You will marry one day, and I, too, deserve a companion."

Her son recognized the truth in her words but couldn't fathom his mother contemplating a second marriage after the deep love she once professed in her first. A love that, by her own account, she would never forget.

Seizing the opportunity to tease Roy for his earlier remark, Mina inquired, "Pray, Polly, what motivates your quest for a new husband? Is it a desire, or perchance, love?"

"An intriguing question, Mina." She paused momentarily to carefully choose her words. "Mayhap the most fitting description is a desire for love, to be loved, cherished, and respected. It may sound idealistic, and let's be frank — the folk are always pleased to have at least one or the other. However, it should always come hand in hand."

Mina regarded Royston with a triumphant gaze, realizing that she shared her confined world with a woman of formidable strength—his own mother, Polly. Mina was certain that he would never dare utter such an offence to Lady Langdon.

"I find myself of the same mind, and yet I was informed that my world is deemed traditional and narrow," Mina remarked to Lady Langdon.

Polly scoffed in disbelief. "Pray, who filled your ears with such folly?" she inquired, though Mina's gaze locked with Royston's, revealing the unspoken truth. Polly's blue eyes darkened. "He did? How intriguing... I distinctly recall the young lord insisting that he must be enamoured with his potential bride. Of course, that was before his father's demise, and the young man resolved not to expose his vulnerability any longer. I had hoped the air in Southampton would have some healing effect on his sensibilities," Polly added with a touch of sarcasm.

"Mother, that is enough," Royston warned, his tone stern.

The remainder of the dinner proceeded without incident. It was only when Polly retired to her chamber and Mina sought another book from the library that the door closed behind her with a thud. The subtle shiver down her spine served as a clear indication of the presence standing right behind her.

"What possessed you to approach my mother with such a question and then tarnish my character before her?" he inquired in a hushed tone, though they were safely distanced from Polly's sensitive ears.

Mina turned to Roy, her expression a mix of confusion and defiance. "Well, well, you take offence at your own words? I thought it required more to ruffle your lordship's feathers."

His response was swift, his index finger pricking the air as it pointed at her. "You have no right to wield my own words against me."

Undeterred, she mirrored the gesture back at Royston. "I merely aimed to illustrate the folly of those very words."

"You do not comprehend the gravity of your actions," he cautioned, a note of warning in his voice.

"Oh, I am well aware of my actions," she declared in a sardonic tone, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "It is always rather enjoyable to delve into the intricacies of one's adversary, don't you agree? Such knowledge can be wielded for your benefit or wielded against you."

"Think you are without flaw?" he retorted, his gaze an intense blaze that could easily set Mina aflame.

She inclined her head in disagreement but countered, "Well, at least I did not make the imprudent decision to renounce love entirely after my father's demise."

"Oh, and how could you not? He never truly..."

Royston halted the torrent of words just in time, preventing them from escaping and causing irreparable damage.