Chapter Three
"Martin, she is extraordinary. I will admit I had my doubts about your matchmaking skills at first. But I cannot imagine anyone could suit me better."
Lorelei.
She had picked a most suitable name for an alias, because she was beyond tempting. His thoughts had remained on her nearly every moment since she had departed. It was merely hours ago but it felt like an eternity. Especially since he was uncertain when he would see her again.
Desmond continued the stroll with his friend through the local village. Martin had suggested the jaunt, as he needed something from the apothecary, and did not in good conscience want to send one of his servants as they were already so busy with the numerous planned holiday events.
Martin beamed. "I was certain you would be a good match." He halted so he could peer into one of the shop windows. "Shall I invite both of you to tea so you can meet without your masks?"
"Of course. Without delay. I am impatient to see her again."
"We could have both of you arrive wearing your masks, and then there could be a dramatic unveiling—"
Desmond snorted, ready to deliver a blistering retort, but a delicious laugh rang through the air—one he had thought about constantly since he had first heard it the previous evening.
He whipped his head around, his heart thundering in his chest.
It was indeed the beauty from the night before. Even without the mask covering her eyes, he recognized the intriguing smile she had bestowed on him numerous times. That distinctive laugh could belong to no one but her.
In the next instant, however, his heart fell to his toes.
She was chasing after two young children, a young boy and girl, both of whom resembled her.
"I did not anticipate you would match me with a married woman, especially one with young children."
Martin frowned. "But I did not."
It was Desmond's turn to frown. "She is the woman I met last night. She had the torn card in hand as well."
"I do not know how she came to be in possession of it. But," Martin added cheerfully, "I will be happy to make the introductions now."
Before Desmond could decline, the young woman and children were walking by. She laughed at something the little girl said, and it sent a ripple of excitement through him, despite knowing it was foolhardy to pursue this attraction. Even a scoundrel such as he had some standards when it came to affairs of the heart.
"Mrs. Collins," Martin called out. "How are you this fine day?"
She turned their direction, and Desmond saw the pink of her cheeks deepen when she set eyes on him. Would she pretend she did not recognize him?
"I am quite fine, Lord Hartstone. We all are. Though I am second-guessing our decision to walk about the village today. It is a great deal colder than I anticipated."
"I like when it is cold," the little girl piped up.
"I do, too," the little boy added.
"It is no wonder I was outvoted on this excursion. I am surrounded by contrarians."
Martin quickly made the introductions, making no mention of his secretive matchmaking attempts. When Desmond heard her name – Lorelei – he felt a rush of satisfaction. She had not hidden her name from him.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Desmond said.
He could see she was debating whether to acknowledge she was well aware who he was. Her lips tilted up into a mischievous smile. "It almost seems as though we have met previously."
His grin widened. "I am glad to hear I am not the only one. Sometimes a bond forms instantly."
She visibly caught her breath, but before she could answer, the little boy said impatiently, "Auntie, we need to visit the shops. Mama will be waiting for us."
Auntie? Never had one word brought such joyous relief.
Martin chose that moment to resume the role of matchmaker. "You must come to a musicale we are having two nights from now," he said to Lorelei. "And your sister Beatrice is invited, as well."
"I would be delighted. Though she has not completely recovered from a terrible cold, so I cannot guarantee she will be able to join us."
"We will hope for the best," Martin said. He tossed a wink towards Desmond, one that only he could see. "Children, did you see the wooden animals in the window over here?"
They scampered to where he'd pointed, and he had to trot to keep up with them. Desmond could hear Martin answering their excited questions, cautioning them to keep their noses from the window, in case they were to freeze there.
Lorelei laughed at their horrified expressions. "I shall hear about this all afternoon."
"I am sorry to hear your sister is ailing. She must be gratified you are able to assist her."
"I am happy to help, since Caroline and Henry are always a delight. I almost wonder if my sister is pretending she has a cold to increase my time with them."
He grinned. "Is deception a family trait then?"
"I hope not. I am unskilled in that area. I am often told I am much too forthright."
"A quality I always admire."
Her expression clouded over. "It is why I must tell you, about last evening—"
His heart sank. He had hoped they would have more time before she cried off, explaining she was not interested in pursuing anything further.
"I was not the original recipient of the card I carried," she continued.
His lips lifted in a satisfied smile. "I just recently discovered that. Martin had agreed to use his matchmaking skills to assist me, only it appears the Fates intervened. I am grateful they did."
She returned the smile. "I am as well. His choice for you was not at all suitable."
"Indeed?"
"Well, she hardly could have been, since she ran off with another, placing the card in my hand."
He shrugged. "Fortunately she chose wisely. If she were here, I would lavish her with praise for that decision."
She tilted her head, and Desmond wondered what she was thinking. Was she pondering when they might meet again? He nearly asked, but her attention was diverted by her nephew calling out to her, waving his arm for her to join them.
She gave Desmond a brief smile and then took a step in that direction. Her foot slipped on a patch of ice, and her arms began to flail as she sought to regain her balance.
Desmond rushed forward, grabbing her from behind and wrapping his arms tightly about her waist, preventing a disastrous fall. Her swinging reticule hit him in the side of the head, but how could he protest? His face was against Lorelei's cheek. Despite the cold, her soft skin was delectable against his.
Desmond knew he would have to release her from his arms soon, yet he relished the impromptu embrace.
"I must thank you for your quick-witted rescue," she breathed, little puffs of air accompanying her words.
"I owed you nothing less after your quick-witted rescue of me last night."
She chuckled, slowly extracting herself, though it seemed her expression was wistful when she turned to look at him. "It is not at all the same. I selfishly wanted to kiss you beneath the mistletoe."
"I would kiss you now, the lack of mistletoe be damned, if we were not standing in the middle of the village, with everyone's gaze pinned on us."
Her eyes sparkled with mischief once more. "You may kiss my hand without causing a scandal."