Everything I Do, I Do For You

Chapter 8

The rest of the day Kellan planned his next few moves. They would lunch tomorrow, then he would accompany her to the next few dances. And in between he would pay her a visit or two, of course not on Tuesdays. Not until he was formally invited at least. "This will work perfectly," he said out loud.

"What will, if you don't mind me asking, sir?" Edwin came in with a tray of scones.

"A wager I made with Lord Fairfield." Kellan took a scone and took a most satisfied bite. He brushed the crumbs that fell on him to the floor. "A wager of emotions"

"Sounds complicated," Edwin answered.

"Not in the slightest." He took one last triumphant bite of his scone, and stood upward. "Now if you'll excuse me Edwin, I have an appointment"

He stopped and picked up a bouquet of flowers for an extra touch. When he stopped to buy them he tried to pick something that would pair well with her eyes. Women liked that, didn't they. He closed his eyes and tried to picture them. They were a dark brown, like mud. Mud, damn no flowers looked like mud. "Those," he pointed out to a small bouquet of blue flowers. "Blue looks nice with brown,"

"Sir, these are simple cornflowers. Only slightly better than weeds, we sell them mainly for tea. Are you sure you want these." The florist asked.

"No they'll do fine. I believe she'll admire my ignorance."

"Wooing a lady, I see" the florist replied, wrapping up the stems in a white paper. "Well best of luck to you."

It took him only five minutes more to make it to the Hastings Manor. Putting on an extra thick layer of charm, Kellan pulled his hair back then knocked on the front door. "I am here to see..." Kellan couldn't believe his eyes

"Oh, darling!" Belinda was standing at the door smiling widely, "Are these for me?" she took the flowers from his hand, "How beautiful. They're the prettiest flowers I have ever seen!"

Kellan was taken back by her actions, "Belinda, are you alright?"

"Oh just splendid, I hope you are splendid as well," she extended her hand to him, "Shall we?"

As he took her hand, he pulled her close, "What is going on with you?'

Belinda batted her eyes, "Why I do not know what you are talking about!" He noticed her voice seemed much higher than it did the afternoon before.

"I'll repeat the question, what is going on with you?"

Belinda's voice lowered to it's usual tone, "I'm just having a bit of fun. If you are going to subject me to such torment, I might as well have fun, isn't that right?"

He hadn't expected her to be accepting of his proposition, "You are mad,"

"I am," she said in a rather satisfied matter, "I would say I am. And I really would understand if you would be alright being rid of me at this moment."

Kellan laughed, "You are not going to get away from me this easily."

Belinda grabbed his arm tightly, returning to her false cheerful voice, "Oh I would never, good sir."

"Well then, why don't you tell me about yourself?' He asked her. Kellan figured if this ruse were to continue he must at least get to know a little bit more about her. They had been walking for nearly ten minutes at this point, and she had done nothing but fake fawn over him. She was going to be tough to break down, and he knew it. But he also knew he could do it.

"Well" she tapped her index finger on her cheek, "I'm the daughter of a duke and duchess, but you already know that. I play the piano... Oh well you know that too. And I do not wish to marry. But oh! You knew that too. I guess you know everything you need to know about me."

"Really? You can define yourself to just three things? I knew women were rather simplistic, but not this easy." He watched her take in his remark, her face contorting to one of anger, then melting more into a smile.

"I suppose if you must know more, I can share it with you. I have been writing in journals my entire life. It's my own personal gossip about the ton, I suppose. I have something in there about everyone."

That piqued his curiosity, "And what do you have about me?"

Belinda seemed quick with a response. "I have that you are a pushy ass."

"Is that all?" he was surprised she had so little to say.

"Some of my other comments may not be shared with such high society people around."

Kellan laughed, admiring her sharp spirit. "And what else can you tell me about yourself?"

Belinda looked beyond shocked, "Really? Was that not enough to get you to stop bothering me?"

"No. I think it's quite admirable for a woman to have a hobby, even if its of the sinful nature."

Belinda sighed, "I enjoy wearing breeches when no one is around"

Kellan stopped in his place and tried to picture the young woman in his pants. He had seen women in breeches before, during some of his more wild pursuits, but that was usually due to necessity. "I'd like to see you in my breeches. Maybe even less than that"

Kellan watched Belinda turn red, raise her hand up, then slowly pull it down. "How dare you! Trying, and so far failing, to woo me is one thing. But to imply such physical remarks is uncalled for."

He hadn't meant to hurt her so, "I'm sorry. I thought that it was just a joke."

"My virtue is not the butt of your joke." Rage burned across her eyes. They didn't look like mud. If anything in this moment they looked like the kindling of a fire. Gold flecks sparkled in the light. He never knew one's eyes could be so pretty in an act of rage.