Page 9 of Seduction of a Widow

“Lord Barnton is a prig,” the baroness said.

Mr. MacLaren’s full mouth turned up in a sardonic smile and Leslie had the sudden desire to kiss him full on the mouth right then and there.

Baroness Trent turned to her. “I had no idea you raced. So, you beat the earl last month. He will be positively livid when you beat him this time, as well.”

“He is a skilled horseman.” Leslie wished she’d brought a fan. The room had grown too warm. She finished the last of her champagne, then said, “It is just as possible he will beat me,” as she withdrew a handkerchief from her reticule.

“I should hope not,” Mr. MacLaren said.

She paused in lifting the handkerchief to her cheek and said, “I did tell you it wasn’t necessary to risk your money. I should hate to see you lose too greatly.” Something flashed in his eyes and she couldn’t miss the sudden cooling between them. She managed to conceal her disappointment and returned his look steadily. “I meant no offense. You are a third son. It would be expected that you would need to watch your wagers.”

“I can afford the loss,” he said tightly. “But I do not intend to lose.”

“Of course, you shan’t lose,” Baroness Trent said. “First thing tomorrow, you shall ride Ares, Leslie. You will love him”—she leaned close—”and he will love you.” She stood. “If you will excuse me, I must see to my guests.” She hurried away, and Mr. MacLaren took the empty seat.

Alice appeared in the doorway. She scanned the room. Her eyes met Leslie’s, then flicked to Mr. MacLaren and narrowed.

“Gird your loins, sir,” Leslie whispered.

“What?” He looked in the direction she stared, then grimaced.

Leslie bit back a laugh.

Alice reached them, and Mr. MacLaren stood.

“There you are,” Alice declared. “I have been searching for you. The card room has opened.” She looked at Mr. MacLaren. “Do you play cards, sir?”

“A bit,” he replied.

Alice slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. “Perfect.” She looked down at Leslie. “Come, Leslie, let us play cards with Mr. MacLaren.”

The young man looked down at her. “Do come, my lady. Perhaps Lord Barnton will be there and we can engage him in a game.”

“I understand he is a skilled player,” Leslie said.

“All the better.” He held his elbow out for her.

She rose. They left the refreshments room and turned left down the hall.

“The second door on the right,” Alice instructed.

They entered the room and he continued past the half dozen guests to an empty table near the French doors. Alice looked up at him through her lashes when he held her seat for her, then her eyes followed him as he took the two steps to the chair to her right and seated Leslie. When he sat to Leslie’s right—directly across from Alice—Alice pouted prettily but said nothing. He reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a pack of cards.

Leslie raised a brow. “Do you always carry cards?”

“Aye, I find it keeps the other players honest.” His smile didn’t match the fire in his eyes. “But I doubt I need worry about present company.”

Alice tittered. “Goodness, Mr. MacLaren, you certainly do not.”

It was the sort of silly, girlish response that Alice slipped into when she was being utterly charmed by a man. The surge of possessiveness that struck Leslie was so fierce, it shocked her. She wasn’t the only woman attracted to the handsome young man. If she didn’t make some kind of claim to MacLaren, at least for the duration of this house party, she might find herself watching a little drama play out between him and her own friend.

“What’s your pleasure, Lady Carr?” MacLaren’s gaze remained on her with such intensity, it made her lightheaded. He shuffled the cards. There was a sensual laziness to his movement that sent a wave of heat through her. “Whist?”

He was so young, so handsome. Did he intend to win a fortune with those attributes? Defensive now at how vulnerable she felt to those charms, she wondered just how sadly-to-let his pockets really were.

“I have been known to be quite lucky playing whist,” she said.

“You needn’t worry if I lose, my lady. My markers are good.” He dealt the cards.