Free Velvet Chains (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Page A

face of the disturbing stranger. "I…no, nothing."
    Lucas sat down beside her, still gazing into her teary green eyes. He thought nothing could be so lovely and so unsettling as misty green eyes. This woman's unhappiness tugged at his heart. She seemed so young and innocent that he had to remind himself for the second time that night that Lady Chatsworth was not what she seemed.
    "I think differently, my lady. Something has caused your tears—or should I say someone?"
    "It is nothing for you to be concerned over," she told him, wishing he would go away. "I am but homesick."
    "Ah, perhaps there is a young gentleman in England that you pine for," Lucas suggested.
    "You have no right to ask that of me," she said, thinking he too had heard the vicious rumors about her. "You are far too bold, sir. I wish you would just go away and leave me to myself."
    "I think perhaps you need a friend, just now," he said, showing no indication that he would honor her wish for him to leave.
    "I just need some time alone," she said, swallowing hard. In truth she didn't really want to be alone. She desperately needed to talk to someone and Lucas Carrington seemed willing to listen.
    "So you miss your home," he stated, dipping his head so he could catch her eye. When she looked at him and nodded, he smiled crookedly. "I know everything is different to you here. You are not accustomed to our ways."
    "It's not just that. I don't like being in the city. I was raised in the country where I was allowed to feel free. I feel that I will suffocate with so many people about."
    Lucas' smile deepened. "Yes, I suppose one can have more freedom in the country away from prying eyes."
    Season looked at Lucas. Did his statement have a double meaning? she wondered. Was he aware of her tarnished reputation? "Do you perhaps live in the country, Mr. Carrington?"
    "Yes, as a matter of fact I do. I have a plantation in Virginia."
    "I have read about Virginia. It is lovely, is it not?"
    "I think so, my lady. I would compare it to your English countryside."
    "You have been to England?"
    "Yes, on several occasions. My mother was from England, and I attended Eton with Edmund."
    Suddenly Season realized that it was improper for her to be alone with Lucas Carrington. She remembered Edmund's warning and knew she was committing a serious breach of etiquette. She did not want to start tongues wagging about her here in the Colonies.
    "I must go," she said, rising to her feet.
    "Must you leave?" Lucas asked, standing up and towering above her.
    "Yes, I'm sure it isn't proper for us to be seen together. It wouldn't be wise to start tongues to wagging. Gossip can be very cruel." Season lowered her head so she wouldn't have to look into those disturbing, golden eyes. When she looked up, she saw amusement behind his lowered lashes.
    "Have you found that to be so, my lady?"
    "Yes, of course ... I mean I have seldom been alone with a man. ... I didn't have too many gentlemen callers since I lived in the country."
    Season was startled when Lucas Carrington took her hand, and she could feel her face flush. The strong charge of electricity that flowed between them upset Season.
    "Maidenly blushes become you, my lady," he said in a deep voice.
    "Insolence doesn't become you, sir," she chided, jerking her hand from his grip.
    Deep laughter filled the room. "Tell me, underneath all that powder on your head, is your hair perchance red as your temper would indicate, or is it a brilliant golden color?"
    "You go too far, sir! If you are representative of the men from the Colonies, then I can well do without your acquaintance. I can tell you didn't benefit by your education at Eton." Season's temper was rising by degrees.
    Still he seemed amused by her. "It's true, I have not the pretty manners of your English-bred gentlemen, but take heart; you will find I am not the rule, but the exception. My fellow countrymen would be able to hold their own with a beautiful lady, such as yourself." A smile