Just Perfect Read online

  JUST PERFECT

  A Dashing Nobles Novella

  by

  JoMarie DeGioia

  www.lachesispublishing.com

  Published Internationally by Lachesis Publishing Inc.

  Rockland, Ontario, Canada

  Copyright © 2013 JoMarie DeGioia

  Exclusive cover © 2013 Laura Givens

  Inside artwork © 2013 Giovanna Lagana

  All rights reserved. The use of any part of this publication reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the publisher, Lachesis Publishing Inc., is an infringement of the copyright law.

  A catalogue record for the Ebook is available

  from the National Library of Canada

  Ebooks are available for purchase from

  www.lachesispublishing.com

  ISBN 978-1-927555-25-5

  Editor: Joanna D’Angelo

  Copyeditor: Giovanna Lagana

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any person or persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Acknowledgments

  As always I’m ever grateful to my family for their unending support. I also thank my agent Michelle Grajkowski for her encouragement and my editor Joanna D’Angelo for helping me bring this story to life. It was so much fun to write this addition to the Dashing Nobles!

  Also Available

  Dashing Nobles Series

  More than Passion – Book 1

  Pride and Fire – Book 2

  More than Charming – Book 3

  Just Perfect

  Chapter 1

  London, England 1825

  William Chesterton, the Earl of Chester, sat in his comfortable parlor swirling an untouched glass of brandy in his hand. Spring had come at last to London, though the April evening was still chilled and damp. His staff had seen to the modest fire burning behind the grate, and the warmth lulled him into a false sense of serenity. It did nothing to dispel the turmoil deep inside, however.

  Most of the ton, his closest friends included, believed he was a steady man with a calm demeanor. That was true, for the most part. In the whole of his life, from his privileged childhood through his early ascension to the earldom upon his dear father’s passing, he’d been as steady as the Thames. Stalwart companion, dutiful only son, closest confidant. It was all so bloody boring.

  He drank from his glass at last, his eyes on the fire. Tonight had gone just as so many nights before. The season was in its early stages and yet the parties and frivolities had already started. He’d joked with his friends, danced with their wives and sisters, and made certain not to show undue attention to marriage-minded young ladies. Their mothers would love to snare the calm and affable Earl of Chester for their daughters. That was certain.

  He’d played his part as was expected, and even managed to ignore the urge to dance with one particular young lady more than the allotted two times. It had nearly killed him. Constance Bridges, the late Earl of Bridgewater’s daughter, was the only woman he wanted for more than two dances.

  Her lithe body, her pale golden hair and sparkling gray eyes, were like no other woman’s he’d encountered. Last year, at yet another interminable house party, at one of his happily married cohorts’ estates, he’d attempted to make her see she was more than a pleasant diversion. He wasn’t merely a willing dance partner or riding companion, either. He might have acted a bit wild, however, and no doubt frightened her out of her wits.

  He lifted the glass to his lips again and smiled. Ah, but that five seconds he’d spent holding her close, her breath warm on his cheek, her pink lips so close to his … he still got hard thinking about the heat she hid beneath that alabaster skin. He’d seen burgeoning knowledge in those gray eyes of hers, too. She’d wanted him. He’d stake the considerable estate his father left him on that fact.

  She was a puzzle, to be sure. So serene and bashful on the surface, yet he knew she was more than the perfect picture she presented. He downed his brandy and let out a frustrated breath.

  He was tired of playing the nice fellow. If he risked his lauded reputation in the process, so be it. He wanted more in his life than polite dinners and mildly pleasant diversions. He wanted love and passion and everything his friends had been lucky enough to find.

  He knew Constance was the one to show him that heat. He drained the glass, letting the smooth liquor burn pleasantly down his throat.

  He couldn’t wait to find out just how hot the fire inside her burned.

  * * *

  “You can’t deny the party last night was delightful, Constance.”

  Constance read the extreme interest in her cousin Sarah’s countenance. Her eyes were almost wild.

  “I believe I told you it was so,” Constance said.

  “And what of the gentlemen there?” Sarah persisted. “Do you deny that you enjoyed dancing with them?”

  Constance took a measured breath, keeping her pique from her own features. “Why ever would I deny that? I enjoyed myself immensely and fancied each gentleman who took my hand in his. There, are you satisfied?”

  Sarah blew out a breath and leaned back. “You’re always satisfied.”

  Diane Plymouth, their close friend, let out a sigh. “I’m not.”

  Constance studied Diane, certain she had heard her incorrectly. “What do you mean, Diane?”

  She waved a hand. “I’m unable to settle on a gentleman, I’m afraid. I want to marry and settle down, like our other friends have.”

  Constance quelled her feelings. She so wanted that as well, but it wouldn’t do to appear as desperate as these two. It wasn’t in keeping with her image of the cool and perfect young society miss. This morning she was immensely chafed by that mantel.

  “It’s a pity so many eligible men have been snatched from the marriage market.” Sarah sighed, then suddenly brightened. “There are still several left for the taking, Diane. Don’t give up hope.”

  “True, but I don’t know where to set my cap,” Diane said. “I have a few men in mind, but I just can’t decide.”

  Constance didn’t want to ask, she truly didn’t. Burning interest in the social swirl of the season was expected, however.

  “Which gentlemen are you considering?” she asked Diane.

  “Well, there are several,” Diane said, her eyes bright as she warmed to her topic. “Take Lord Kanewood’s circle.”

  Sarah snorted. “Two down, two to go.”

  Diane nodded. “I chose that particular group of gentlemen to demonstrate my sad state.”

  “Really?” Constance said, curious despite herself. “Why those particular men?”

  Sarah nodded, leaning forward. “They are such diverse gentlemen, in looks and temperament.”

  “Exactly,” Diane said. “Take Lord Kanewood.”

  “Yes, please,” Sarah put in.

  Constance laughed. “He’s married, Sarah. And quite happily.”

  Sarah grinned and nodded. “Yes, yes. Go on, Diane.”

  “He’s the leader of their circle, commanding and very handsome. Yet he was caught.”

  “And gone from the market.” Sarah sighed.

  “Now, take Lord Leed,” Diane went on.

  “Yes, please,” Sarah said again.

  “Sarah,” Constance said with another laugh.

  “Lord Leed,” Diane went on, her face dreamy now. “Dark and brooding and so …” She sighed.

  “Yes,” Constance said. “Another gentleman happily married.”

  “Oh, but Lord Roberts!” Diane gushed now. “He’s still available. And
so charming and attentive toward me.”

  “As he is toward most every lady.” Sarah pouted. “A girl can’t count on his charm to land on her alone.”

  “But I’ve seen his sparkling gray eyes in my dreams,” Diane said.

  Constance silently allowed that there wasn’t a more charming man of their acquaintance than Lord Roberts, not that she’d seen his particular eyes in her dreams. No. It was one particular pair of warm, brown eyes that made her body ache, in and out of her dreams. Not to mention his thick, blond hair. It looked so soft … she shook herself back to her boring, wakeful existence.

  “Lord Roberts has gone to the country, Diane,” she said. “And will no doubt remain there for some time.”

  “Yes, his father has reportedly taken ill,” Sarah said. “Pity that, though it might lead to an elevation in his station from viscount to earl.”

  “Sarah!” Constance said. “How can you wish such sadness on Lord Roberts?”

  “Oh, I don’t, not really,” Sarah said. “I just wish he was in town this season. He’s one of the few unattached gentlemen who draws my attention.”

  “Your attention is drawn to every handsome face with a title and fortune,” Diane said. “I daresay I would take Lord Roberts with neither.”

  Sarah snorted in obvious disbelief. “Be that as it may, he’s well and gone from London and we’ll have to set our caps for different gentlemen if we have any hope of marrying before this new season ends.”

  The two other girls grew quiet, which unsettled Constance more than their chatter had. It was inevitable, the new course their conversation would take. She braced herself for the realization to strike the two of them.

  “There is at least one who is available and quite attractive,” Diane said.

  Constance’s hands fluttered in her lap and she fought to keep them still. “Which gentleman?” she asked, as if she didn’t know.

  “Hmm, yes,” Sarah mused aloud. “There is always Lord Chester.”

  And there it was. The mention of the very man Constance couldn’t get out of her mind. “L-Lord Chester?”

  “Oh, yes, Lord Chester!” Diane cried. “He’s quite handsome and most pleasant. Though I can’t quite sketch a true picture of his character.”

  Constance knew what she meant, for he was always so perfect in every social situation. Saying the right thing, dressed the right way, acting in the right manner. Aside from those blessed moments he’d held her in his arms at Leed Manor, that is.

  “He has done work for Lord Kanewood. That is certain,” Sarah said. “During that business with the earl’s brother, at least.”

  Diane shivered. “Horrid, that. Stealing funds and attempted murder?”

  Sarah nodded, her eyes bright. “It’s rumored that Lord Chester has worked with the government, but no one can say in what capacity. He’s well-respected and his opinions count in Parliament. He’s affable and most pleasant, I’ll allow. Well-connected and wealthy, and welcome wherever he goes.”

  “A perfect gentleman,” Diane concluded.

  Constance could practically see the interest sparking in the girl’s mind. She wouldn’t let it smolder into flames of desire, however. Lord Chester wasn’t for Diane, or even Sarah for that matter. He was for her.

  She alone had seen the dark glint of intent in those deep brown eyes of his as he stole glances at her from across the ballroom. She alone had encountered the tenseness of his firmly muscled body as he held her sedately during the dance. She alone had felt the impact of his intriguing smile, curved with heat instead of politeness as he’d nearly kissed her.

  Yes, she knew there was far more to the Earl of Chester than the well-connected perfect gentleman. Far more.

  And she would die before she let another lady steal him from her.

  Chapter 2

  William stood on the fringe of the dance floor, watching the entrance for one particular woman. He smiled and bowed his head to the eagle-eyed matrons stationed near the refreshments. The hair on the back of his neck stood up at the cold calculation in their gazes.

  Taking his attention from them, he scanned the dance floor once more. He saw the girls he’d met at Leed’s ancient estate over the winter, at least most of them. Diane Plymouth and Leed’s sisters. They were pretty girls, the sisters especially. A matched set of beauties, blessed with the Talbot blue eyes and thick sable hair. They didn’t draw him for long, though. He regarded them as sisters and always had. It was a shame that the eldest, Catherine, had been ill-used by that bastard Waltham last year. Thrown over for a friend of hers with a larger dowry.

  He glanced at Diane and was stunned to find her gaze almost predatory as she spied him. If he was wary before, he was definitely on guard now. Since when was that girl on the hunt?

  She narrowed her gaze, saying something to the Talbot sisters he couldn’t comprehend, then made her determined way over to him. Keeping his expression pleasant and impassive, he cast about for anything to occupy himself. Leed danced with his lovely wife, Michelle, and Kane with his Rebecca. No escape there, then. Choking back the glass of sickeningly sweet punch, he set the glass down on the nearest tray and turned.

  “Lord Chester!” he heard her call.

  Damn. Too late. Fixing a smile on his face, he turned again and faced the girl. “Good evening.”

  “Are you not dancing tonight, Lord Chester?”

  “I have danced, yes.”

  She peered up at him, waiting for something. A flash of gold caught his eye then, movement on the other side of the dance floor. A flick of his gaze showed Constance was headed his way. He barely had time to register how pretty she looked before a wave of relief crashed over him.

  “There you are, Diane,” he heard her say in that soft, husky voice of hers.

  His lungs seized, then he took in a slow breath. “Constance,” he said with a bow.

  She gazed at him for a heart-stopping moment, then she turned to face Diane. “Your father has been looking for you.”

  Diane’s eyes rounded and she bobbed a quick curtsey to him and hurried in the direction Constance indicated.

  Unable to keep a smile from his lips, he stepped back and felt satisfaction when she took a step in his direction. He didn’t think she was aware of it, but she swayed toward him as he leaned away. It was like a dance, but more intimate somehow. His blood began its slow simmer.

  “I thank you for my rescue,” he said, his voice low.

  “Rescue?” She blinked long lashes and peered up at him, her gray eyes dancing. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  He laughed softly. “Was her father even looking for her?”

  She waved a slender hand. “Oh, her father is always looking for her. I vow she’s going to give him even more gray hairs with her behavior before she finally settles down.”

  “Well, I thank you all the same.”

  She tilted her head, unconsciously allowing the candles burning above to cast her features in gold. He felt desire pound through him as his body hardened.

  “I want to dance with you, Constance,” he said.

  Her full lips parted as her silvery eyes sparkled. “A dance, Lord Chester? I believed your feet were rooted to the floor tonight.”

  “Why?”

  “You haven’t danced at all.”

  He arched a brow. “You’ve been watching me?”

  Her porcelain cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. “I’m only going on information my cousin Sarah gave me.”

  He knew she was dissembling, at least a little bit. “You’ve been watching me, Constance. Admit it.”

  Her fair brows snapped together. “Are you baiting me?”

  He laughed again. “I’m a gentleman. I would never elicit a young lady’s discomfort.”

  She blew out a breath. “What is it you would elicit, then?”

  How he longed to tell her just what he’d like to bring forth in her exquisite body. He’d love to stroke her skin, taste her flesh, feel her body grasp his shaft as he wr
ung cries of pleasure from her perfect lips.

  Her yellow gown hugged her form, modest in cut due to her status but nonetheless fetching. Her creamy skin, dewy looking and delectable, made his fingers itch to touch her.

  “Don’t tempt me, Constance.”

  Her pupils dilated. “Am I tempting you, Lord Chester?”

  She did that sway again, coming dangerously close to him. He could smell her, a scent like lilies that caused him to harden.

  He glanced up to find that no one was paying much attention to them, instead jockeying for their own positions in and out of the dance. One of the first parties of the season and already the social maneuvering had begun. He was in no humor to jump into that particular fray at the moment.

  He took her gloved hand in his, an innocent move should anyone observe, and tugged her closer. “You know full well what you’re doing,” he said.

  She gasped as he moved her swiftly out of sight, tucking the two of them into an alcove. Thick potted plants hid the way they’d come and there was no escape for her save through him. He braced his feet apart and crossed his arms. And he wasn’t moving.

  “Lord Chester!” She gasped. “What do you mean, dragging me in here?”

  He watched her eyes as emotions swirled through her, both indignation and titillation. The girl was something other than what she presented to the world. Something else entirely.

  “Constance, you’ve been begging for a kiss since that night at Leed Manor.”

  She shook her head in denial even as she licked her luscious lips. “Lord Chester …”

  He pulled her close, thinking only to make her admit her desires, but once he touched her, he couldn’t seem to stop himself.

  “Take it, love,” he rasped, his mouth so close to hers. “Take that kiss.”

  A soft intake of breath, a softening of her in his grasp, and he felt her lips on his at last. She was so sweet, so tentative, he leaned against the wall behind him and let her take the lead for a moment. He held her as she nibbled on his lips, her tongue moving hesitantly against him.