Waltz of Seduction (Completed)

Chapter 4. 1815

Over the next several hours, James and Karina enjoyed their picnic, dining on a delicious spread of sandwiches scones desserts and tea. They enjoyed the lovely weather afterward, taking a stroll through the countryside with their horses.  The conversation didn't stop between them, their interests matching on every subject. Their fingers brushed every so often, and whenever they did, sparks ignited between them.

When sunset approached, James and Karina mounted their horses once again and rode back towards Rochester Manor. Neither one was ready to leave the others company, but they knew the next meeting was going to be even sweeter than the first. They spoke about going to the opera the following week, and dinner before that. There was going to be plenty of opportunities for the two of them to have their first kiss, which would be the next step in their bonding process.  But for the moment, they would just enjoy spending time together and let everything fall into place the way it was meant to be.

As they approached Rochester matter a few minutes later, Karina felt a wave of fear cascade through her as she noticed a carriage in front of the house. She swallowed hard, her eyes reluctantly traveling to the crest on the side of the carriage, which was a pair of daggers with a red rose sliced in between them. She knew that crest, and the owner of the carriage, all too well.

James immediately sensed the change in his companion. He took her hand, squeezing it gently. "What's the matter?"

Karina took a deep breath as she dismounted her horse. "Your grace, I had a wonderful Day with you, but I must ask you to leave. The gentleman who is in my house this very minute is a man who I don't wish for you to come across at this time. He is very dangerous and has done a great deal of damage to my family."

James stared at her, his eyes wide. "What sort of damage?"

Karina shook her head. "I'd rather not say at this time your grace, but I assure you the next time we meet I'll tell you everything."

James nodded, dismounting his horse and walking her up to the front door. "All right, I understand. I look forward to our next meeting Karina."

Karina gave him a small smile. "I do as well your grace. Have a good evening."

Still holding her hand, James brought her knuckles up to his lips and brushed them with a soft kiss. "Good night Miss Rochester."

Karina. "Good night your grace."

James softly released her hand, turned and mounted his horse, and disappeared into the darkness. He could still feel Karina's fear through his bones as he moved further and further away from her. He had no idea who the gentleman inside her home was, or what he had done to her family. But he was certain of one thing, he was going to make sure nothing happened to her.

After watching the Duke of Bedford disappear into the darkness, Karina took a deep breath and entered her home. Walking into the parlor, she froze in the doorway as she saw who was before her. Her heart sank to the floor and her blood became ice.

Standing in the middle of the parlor with a smug smile on his face, his arms crossed over his chest and his dark blue eyes fixed on her with fierce anger, was her uncle Francis.

Karina swallowed hard. "Hello uncle."

Francis glared at her. "It seems that you've been out today."

Karina gasped, her heart flying. How long had her uncle been at the house? She tried composing herself. "Who told you I was out?"

Francis rolled his eyes. "Your mother, she told me you were out with a gentleman."

Karina trembled. "I... I was."

Francis took a step towards her. "Might I ask who this gentleman was?"

Karina. "The Duke of Bedford."

Francis burst out laughing without any humor. "The Duke of Bedford? My word, you did choose very well. He would make you a fine husband, but I believe your father would have wanted you to marry someone else."

Karina glared  at him. "You mean you want me to marry someone else uncle."

Francis took  another step forward and grabbed her by her shoulders. "I've had the perfect husband for you for the last three years, and every time I've brought him to the house you've rejected him! Not anymore, because I am bringing him to the house tomorrow and you are going to meet him!"

Karina shook her head. "I'm not going to meet a stranger who I know isn't my beloved. I know I have found my beloved, and that is the Duke of Bedford!"

Francis slapped her heart across the face, sending her toppling to the floor. "You putrid bitch! The Duke of Bedford is nothing compared to Albert Whitfield! He is a gentleman of wealth and prosperity, and you can give him as many sons as he wants!"

Out of the corner of her eye, Karina noticed Arthur barreling into the room. Thank goodness her brother had heard everything, because he was wanting her to find her beloved on her own. He, like their father, wasn't going to force her into anything she wasn't ready for.

Francis. "My word, barging in here just like your father would."

Arthur growled, going over to Karina and helping her stand. "You're not invited here uncle. We weren't expecting you. Especially not after what you did last year."

Karina knew exactly what her brother was talking about. Francis had killed his wife Matilda, simply because she had given him a daughter instead of a son. A year later, no, six months after Matilda's death, he married his mistress, Charlotte, who gave him twin boys. She felt sick, knowing that her uncle was the kind of gentleman who didn't care about girls and only wanted boys.

Francis rolled  his eyes. "You know damn well Matilda was a failure Arthur. Charlotte on the other hand has given me the boys I desired. And she is with child again."

Arthur. "That did not give you the right to kill her you bastard!"

Francis growled. "When you find your beloved and she becomes with child, then you'll understand. For the moment, I would like a room." His eyes fell on Karina. "I'll be sending for Albert Whitfield tomorrow."