A Wager for Love Read online

  She chattered on the whole while as they climbed the stairs, pausing for a second outside the large double doors leading to the ballroom to catch her breath. “There, My Lady. Now if you will allow me. It will be plaguey dusty in there. Not but that we keep it well aired and as clean as possible,” she assured Lavinia. “But the furniture is all under hollands, and has been these ten years past.”

  The housekeeper opened the doors, and for a moment all three women contemplated the room in silence. Once it would have been exceedingly fine. The delicate plasterwork of the ceiling and fine moulded wall panels proclaimed that. But it was distinctly shabby now. The ceiling was festooned with cobwebs; whatever colour the room had been painted in its prime, it had faded to a dingy grey. The curtainless windows yawned emptily onto the square.

  “To be sure, it isn’t what it should be. But what with such a small household, and as I say the old Earl didn’t …”

  “I’m sure you have done your best, Mrs. Johnson,” said Lavinia gently. This was dreadful, so much worse than she had ever imagined. How dare Saltaire even think of giving a ball. She ground her teeth. He must have known of the room’s state when he told her of his intentions. Well, if he thought she was going to give in and admit she was bested, he would have to think again, for she wouldn’t. She had said she would manage and manage she would.

  Kitty advanced carefully into the room, her slippered feet leaving small prints on the dusty floor. Gingerly she pulled back one of the covers, dislodging a shower of dust. “Oh. Lavinia, look at this furniture. It is so old fashioned.”

  Squaring her shoulders, Lavinia pulled the doors to, “Well, Mrs. Johnson, there is a great deal to be done, but between us I am sure it can be accomplished.”

  The woman smiled in relief’. “Yes indeed, My Lady, perhaps we will need more servants?”

  “Certainly. Take on as many as you think fit,” said Lavinia, smiling grimly at the look of surprised pleasure on the housekeeper’s face. Doubtless she would think her generous with Saltaire’s money-if only she knew. But then, reflected Lavinia hollowly, the entire servants, hall was probably abuzz with the news that the Earl had married an heiress for a wager. Quickly pushing this unwelcome thought to the back of her mind, Lavinia outlined her plans. “You will engage painters, I dare swear you know of reputable ones.”

  Lavinia was thinking of her bedroom, someone must have arranged for that to be refurbished. The housekeeper nodded. “Good. I want the room painted.” She thought for a second, and then, a small smile playing round her mouth, said, “I have a colour in mind-golden lemon. And the plasterwork is to be picked out in white.”

  Kitty clapped her hands. “Why. Lavinia, how clever-to match your dress. Lud, I’m glad I shall be wearing white, for anything else would clash hideously with the room.”

  Lavinia smiled in agreement. Indeed it would. “The furniture needs to be regilded,” she continued, “and the chairs recovered, in blonde satin I think, but no doubt you can procure some patterns for me.”

  “But what about the decorations for the ball?,’ queried Kitty. “Last night the rooms were hung with painted silk. I thought it vastly becoming.”

  “Well. we shall not be having painted silk,” said Lavinia determinedly.

  “What then?”

  “Flowers, fresh flowers, masses and masses of them. The entire room will be arranged like a garden, with coloured lights, and perhaps even a waterfall.”

  Kitty and the housekeeper exchanged doubtful looks. “Fresh flowers? But …”

  “Yes, I have seen it done in Rome. I assure you it will be very attractive. Wait and see,” she promised.

  Her confidence returning with every minute, Lavinia started to enlarge upon her plans, and continued to do so, until the dinner gong put an end to their discussions. “Is that the time? Come, Kitty, we shall be late. Thank you, Mrs. Johnson. If there are any difficulties at all, please let me know.”

  When Lavinia entered the dining room, Saltaire was already there. Deliberately she had not put on any of the new dresses she had purchased, despite the fact that her closet was now overflowing with them, and there were still a good many to come. As her husband’s eyes flickered over her, she derived a certain grim pleasure in contemplating his surprise when he did see her in her finery.

  Fortunately Kitty was too full of their doings to notice this strange omission, and, carefully avoiding the Earl’s eyes, Lavinia found herself glad of Kitty’s bright chatter. Her thoughts on their ball and the problems it was causing, she paid scant heed to what Kitty was saying until she caught her own name. Glancing up quickly, she found Saltaire’s eyes resting on her in a distinctly unpleasant manner.

  “Perhaps you would care to tell me how it comes about that you made the acquaintance of these gentlemen?”

  “‘What gentlemen?” asked Lavinia nervously, noting with dismay Kitty’s flushed cheeks. What on earth had Kitty been saying?

  “My cousin Ordley, and the er, who was it now, ah yes, the Marquis of Andover.”

  “They called this afternoon, ” she replied calmly, continuing to eat her dinner.

  “Yes indeed, nothing could have been more convenable,” added Kitty gaily.

  “l see, my cousin, you say?”

  “Only think, Saltaire, they proposed the most delightful scheme-a party for Lady Harrington’s ridotto.”

  For a second the green eyes rested on Lavinia’s face. The Earl seemed a little less than enchanted with the invitation; that much was obvious. “I hope I may take it that you refused?”

  “What?” Kitty was outraged. “Oh, but there, your cousin said you would forbid it, didn’t he, Lavinia?’I vow ‘tis most disagreeable of you, especially when …” Kitty faltered and fell silent as she saw the look on the Earl’s face.

  Carefully he refilled his wine glass. “Yes, you were saying Kitty?”

  “Oh it is nothing. Merely that Viscount Ordley remarked that you had become extraordinarily convenable of late. But I still don’t see why we should not go.” She appealed to Lavinia. “You want to go, don’t you?” She giggled a little. “You should have been there, Saltaire. Why I declare the Marquis was quite bowled over by Lavinia. He held her hand for a full minute.”

  Lavinia was conscious of a dreadful sinking feeling in the region of her stomach. The delicious piece of chicken she had just been eating suddenly resembled sawdust.

  “Did he indeed? How very odd of him to he sure. A full minute you say?”

  Seeing that she was making no headway, Kitty tried again. “Besides, I don’t see why we should not go. After all you yourself…” Too late she saw she had gone too far.

  “You will not go, because I do not want my wife jaunting about the town in the company of my cousin and a man who is known the length and breadth of England and France as a notorious rake. Do I make myself clear?” he demanded.

  Lavinia’s face darkened, and Saltaire glanced across at her just in time to catch her disdainful look. For a second his eyes held hers, and it was she who looked away first.

  Kittyls voice broke the uncomfortable silence. “You are most unfair, Saltaire, and the Marquis was so charming. He may well be a rake. But the way he looks at one, I declare it quite gives me the shivers. What think you, Lavinia?” she asked, quite oblivious to Saltaire’s anger.

  “Yes, my wife, what think you of our friend the Marquis?” taunted the Earl.

  Getting to her feet, Lavinia replied with just a hint of defiance in her voice, “I thought him a most gentlemanly person, and now if you will excuse me, Saltaire, we shall leave you to your port. Come, Kitty.”

  Chapter Nine

  Summoned by Lavinia to call and give her the benefit of her advice, Lady Elizabeth lost no time in hurrying round to the Grosvenor Square house. If there was one thing she enjoyed more than parties and gaiety. it was giving advice. She had quite accustomed herself to her cousin’s marriage now, and it occasionally she felt a twinge of disquiet when she recalled the Earl, she swittly banished it.
What was done could not be undone, and after all the girl was a Countess.

  Lavinia greeted her warmly. admiring her new head with the enthusiasm she knew her cousin expected, kissed her painted cheek and ushered her into the small salon put aside for her own personal use. Quickly she outlined her plans for the ball, and then waited anxiously. Lady Elizabeth pursed her lips. “Fresh flowers, you say. Nothing could be better.”

  Laviniays brow cleared. “It is all such a rush. You should see the guest list Saltaire has given me. lf they all come there won’t be room to breathe in the ballroom.”

  “If they all come? My dear Lavinia, you need not fear about that. lt will be the highlight of the whole season.”

  Lavinia looked a little doubtful. “Oh, Elizabeth, I’m not sure.”

  “Not sure about what?” asked her cousin. “Come, you can never be imagining that people will stay away? Why, your marriage is the talk of the town already, and you can be sure everyone will be only too ready to flock to see the new bride.”

  Lavinia smiled bitterly. “In spite of Saltaire’s reputation?”

  Lady Elizabeth shook her head with authority. “Good Heavens, Lavinia, don’t be a fool. Who cares a rap tor Saltaire’s reputation now? No. It is you they will come to see. The whole town is agog. You can be sure of a good attendance. That should be the least of your worries. Now about these flowers.” They discussed the details and Lady Elizabeth recommended a market garden in Kensington, where Lavinia might obtain her flowers. “By the way, Lavinia, do you go to Lady Harrington’s ridotto tonight?”

  Lavinia sighed. An invitation card had arrived that very morning, and she wondered if Ordley had had anything to do with it, “Well, we do have an invitation but …”

  Lady Elizabeth watched her cousin shrewdly. She had already heard the rumours that Saltaire, far from being the rake reformed, was, it anything, worse, and apparently cared nought for his new wife, even flirting outrageously with her companion, and openly flaunting his mistress.

  “Nothing will be gained by staying at home, my love …”

  “Gained! Wliatever can you mean?” asked the indignant Lavinia, “What should I want to gain? Besides, it you really want to know, I have already received a most unexceptional invitation to join a party for the ridotto.”

  “Oh?” Lady Elizabeth was curious.

  “Yes, from Viscount Ordley and the Marquis of Andover,” boasted Kitty, entering the room in time to catch Lavinia’s remark.

  “Andover, my dear.” Lady Elizabeth was all agog. “You refused it, of course?”

  “‘Why should we?” asked the unrepentant Kitty.

  Lady Elizabeth shook her head. “It would not be proper.

  Andover’s reputation, though perhaps not quite as bad as Saltaire’s, is certainly not good. Ofcourse, he is quite the most charming of men. Such an air…” She rolled her eyes melodramatically making Kitty giggle.

  Lavinia thought briefly on Saltaire’s command, and resolutely decided to ignore it. She would not be dictated to. Why should she sit at home? Besides, it would bejust a quiet family party. Nothing could be more convenable, and if she should happen to meet the Marquis … Her lips twitched a little. “Well, if you are going, Elizabeth,” she said slowly.

  Kitty clapped her hands in delight. “Oh, Lavinia. And Richard can join us. Nothing could be more delightful.”

  Lady Elizabeth was not quite so sure. A quick glance at her cousin’s face had confirmed her fears. Lavinia was wearing what her afflicted relative privately thought of as her “Davenham” look. Perhaps she needed a word of warning in her ear? After all, Andover was well known for his flirtations. She thought of the Earl’s reaction should he learn that his wife was openly meeting Andover. A shudder wracked her.

  “My dear, what about Saltaire?” she enquired delicately.

  Her worst fears were confirmed. Lavinia suddenly became strangely interested in the floral arrangement on the console table, and refused to meet her cousin’s eyes. “l believe Saltaire is dining at his club. Doubtless if he returns we shall have already left.”

  Kitty was not quite so nice minded. “Oh Lavinia,” she crowed. “He’ll be as mad as fire.”

  Whilst Lady Elizabeth reached frantically for her smelling salts, Lavinia tossed her head and remarked, “Good Lord, Kitty, and why should he be so indeed?” There was nothing more to be said.

  Her mind made up, Lavinia flung herselfinto the preparations for the evening with some of her old enthusiasm. However, try as she might, she could not quite rid herself of a slight feeling of guilt. Every time she heard a footstep in the hall or outside. she started, fearing it might be the Earl. Was it because she was attracted to the Marquis that she was so intent upon the ridotto, or was it because she knew her husband would disapprove? She shrugged mentally. “Why should I care, he cares nought for me.”

  It was half past ten when Lavinia and Kitty finally descended into the hall. Kitty was dressed in demure palest pink trimmed with bunches of artificial flowers of a slightly deeper hue, and wore an opera cloak of deep rose velvet over the whole. Her mask dangled from her fingers. But pleased as she was with her own appearance, her mouth fell open in envy when she saw Lavinia. “Oh, Lavinia, that gown. It is marvellous.”

  Lavinia laughed in pleasure, looking down at her dress. It was deep blue silk, opening over an embroidered petticoat of cream and silver. Seeing Kitty’s face, she smiled. “Time enough for such gowns when you are married, child. Now come.” She tapped her lightly on the cheek with her fan. “We shall be late.”

  “Where is your mask?” asked Kitty.

  “Here.” Lavinia produced it for inspection. lt was dark blue velvet trimmed with the same silver as her gown. Kitty looked a little disconsolately at her own plain black velvet mask. “Come, we must hurry.”

  “What about Richard and Lady Elizabeth?”

  “Oh don’t worry about them, Kitty, we are meeting them there. Now let us be on our way.”

  Lavinia lay back thankfully against the cushions as the coach drew away from Grosvenor Square. All the time she had been preparing for the ball, she had been on the alert for Saltaire’s voice or his footsteps in the hall. She bit her lip indignantly. Why should she not enjoy herself? Let him discover that she was no milk and water Miss. But, despite these brave thoughts, she had quailed a little at the thought of facing him. However, now they were on their way and would soon be meeting Lady Elizabeth and Richard. lf Saltaire should arrive home and find them gone, he would scarcely storm Lady Harrington is riddotto and carry off his errant bride. A small smile tinged her mouth at such a thought and then a small doubt clouded her mind. She had the most uncomfortable suspicion that should Saltaire feel so inclined, no considerations of appearance or good manners would prevent him. She wondered in a melancholy fashion what it would be like to have him so madly in love with her, that he could not bear her out of his sight, but swiftly banished such traitorous thoughts.

  Indeed, by the time the coach set them down outside Lady Harrington’s smart new town house, there was nothing in her manner to suggest that she had even the very smallest disquieting thought. The informed observer might have considered her apparent good spirits a trifle forced, more in the nature of someone taking a last gulp of heady freedom and at the same time envisaging the price yet to be paid, but certainly her companions found nothing to quibble about in her behaviour. When Lady Elizabeth found time to draw her eyes away from Lady Harrington’s fine new salons, with their french windows flung open to the warmth of the evening, the scent of the roses drawing romantically inclined couples into the shadowy walks, enticing grottoes, and charming pagodas adorning the garden, she professed herself enchanted with her cousin’s gown. Even Richard commented on her somewhat excessive good spirits.

  “Yes indeed, Richard,” teased Kitty. “It is the effect of spending Saltaire’s money. It’s marvellous how the purchase of a new gown can raise the most miserable of spirits.”

  Whilst Lavinia frowned warningly, Lady
Elizabeth could not help but agree feelingly with these sentiments. How often had she herself, on feeling particularly low, experienced just such an uplift of spirits? It was indeed quite accountable.

  As Lavinia was making up a set for the third country dance. Saltaire was entering the hall of his home.

  “My wife. Thompson. where is she?”

  Thompson coughed depreciatingly. “I believe, My Lord, there was some talk of a masked ridotto at Lady Harrington’s. I understood it was My Lady’s intention to make up a party.”

  The Earl’s face darkened. How dare she? After he had expressly forbidden it. Without allowing the butler to finish he mounted the stairs two at a time. No woman, least of all his wife, would flout his authority in this way. He entered his bedchamber. calling impatiently for his valet.

  Breathless from the dance and the warmth of the rooms. Lavinia turned to take her glass from Richard. For the first half hour she had scarcely taken her eyes from the door, half expecting a furious Saltaire to erupt into the room. Chiding herself for her fears, she had just started to relax, when amongst the throng she saw one familiar face, and her heart gave a startled bound. Almost as if he felt her regard, the man turned and looked directly at her, his eyes warm. Kitty, who was standing at her side and had missed nothing of this exchange, nudged Richard. “See, there is Lavinia’s beau. It is not fair.”

  Richard looked across the room puzzled. “How do you know? What with these masks, I swear I cannot tell one person from another.”

  Kitty sighed scornfully. How like a man. A woman could tell a certain man anywhere, even if she herself was blindfolded. She, for instance, would have not the slightest difficulty in picking out Richard’s tall figure anywhere.

  Lavinia fiddled with the strings of her mask nervously. Kitty’s whispered comments had done nothing to restore her equilibrium. “Here comes your cavalier, Lavinia. Come Richard,” she commanded, “Take me into the gardens…”

  “Why?” asked the protesting Richard, as Kitty determinedly bore him away.

  Lavinia had scarcely time to feel the discomfort of her position when there was a hand on her shoulder. “So, you came after all?” He made no pretence of not recognising her and Lavinia was thankful for the scant protection afforded by her mask as she felt the colour flood her face.