A Wager for Love Read online

  “Well, we came with . . “

  “… With your brother and Lady Elizabeth. Forgive me if I sound abrupt. I did not mean to; it is just that I am so pleased to see you.”

  “Oh … But… How did you know…?” she managed to get out at last, quite overwhelmed by his compliments.

  He took her hand in his, leading her unresistingly into the dance. Beneath the mask he smiled. “I made it my business I to know.”

  Lady Harrington, congratulating herself on the success of her ball, swept down the stairs just in time to receive a very late arrival. Recognising the newcomer she bustled forward, only to fall back a little in dismay as she saw the tightly-drawn face.

  “Why, Saltaire,” she faltered. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  “Your invitation proved irresistible,” he replied grimly.

  Flustered by his sudden appearance and the wild look in his eyes, she murmured disjointedly. “To be sure, your charming wife was here earlier, with her brother.” She searched the room anxiously, sighing with relief as she caught sight of Lavinia. “Ah, yes, there she is-over there-dancing with the man in the blue satin. Do you see them?”

  lf anything, Saltaire’s face took on an even more saturnine look. There was an air of controlled fury about him. Indeed he did see them, and he recognised his wife’s companion.

  Lavinia, unconscious of the presence of her husband, turned a little anxiously to the Marquis. “l fear I must seek out Kitty. It is growing late, and …”

  “… And you would prefer to return to Grosvenor Square, before your husband discovers you are missing,” supplied Andover softly.

  Stung, Lavinia replied. “Nothing of the sort. Kitty is young and a little foolish. I feel responsible for her.”

  Andover said nothing, merely smiling a little mockingly.

  “Come then, I saw her not half an hour ago in the gardens with your brother. By all means let us go and find them.”

  “Oh, thank goodness.”

  Andover’s eyebrows arched in amusement. “Tiens, how galling. Here I am doing my level best to keep you entertained, and all you can think about is your brother.”

  Lavinia blushed a little self-consciously. The Marquis leaned forward, his breath the veriest whisper against her curls. “Tell me, do you never think of yourself, or of your own pleasures?” By this time he was guiding her along one of the dimly lit paths, and Lavinia suddenly became aware of the impropriety of her actions in allowing him to bring her into the gardens.

  “Pray where did you see Kitty?” she asked in confusion. “l cannot think that they would have come this far.” She shivered a little in the light breeze. Her companion, who had been smiling a little sardonically, was instantly all concern, and Lavinia would not have been a woman had she not felt a small tremor of delight as he placed a guiding arm round her shoulders to prevent her stumbling on the path.

  “See, there is a small pagoda here. You wait, and I shall find the miscreants.”

  He had barely been gone five minutes when Lavinia heard footsteps outside the pagoda on the gravel. She got to her feet, but alas her hopes were raised only to be dashed. She could only hear one set of footsteps. Whoever it was, was alone. Her heart sank. The possibilities of returning to Grosvenor Square before the Earl were becoming extremely slender, and try as she might to convince herself that she had every right to behave as she wished-and she was not doing anything wrong-she could not quite control a quiver of dread as she thought of Saltaire’s anger. All her earlier defiance had quite deserted her. If only Kitty had not gone wandering off with Richard. The gardens were so large, and the rooms so thronged that they could search for an hour or more and miss one another.

  A shadow loomed in the doorway and her mouth went dry, before she recognised the blue satin cloak Andover had been wearing. “Could you not find them?” In her anxiety her voice trembled a little. In the poor light of the room all she could see of Andover’s face was the gleam of his eyes through the slits in his mask. His appearance was somehow unnerving and, almost without being aware of it, she took a step backwards.

  “Is anything wrong?”

  Surely his voice was more husky than it had been before?

  She frowned a little. “No, it is nothing, merely that I am anxious, but your voice sounds different somehow.”

  He shrugged laconically. “It is probably just the night air. It grows chill.” He came towards her in easy strides. “Your brother and Kitty will turn up, never fear.”

  “Yes, I know, but I wish they had not strayed so far. Lady Elizabeth will be anxious.”

  She looked towards the figure blocking the door, realising for the first time just how alone they were. A panicky feeling seized her, and she took a step backwards. Instead of increasing the distance between them, it seemed to have the opposite effect. Her companion moved so swiftly she scarcely had time to notice, but he was in front of her, his hand possessing hers. “Saltaire is a very trusting husband. Tell me, does he never escort you?”

  Lavinia was having trouble with her breathing. “He is engaged elsewhere this evening,” she eventually managed to reply.

  The eyes behind the mask regarded her closely. “So. It is quite a Marriage a la Mode?”

  Something in his voice put Lavinia on her guard, bringing her head up sharply. “My marriage can scarcely be any concern of yours, Sir. Now, if you will forgive me, I believe we ought to be joining the others.” How could she have been so foolish as to come out here with this man, who was alter all an extremely accomplished rake? What must he think of her? Doubtless he had not the slightest intention of seeking out Kitty, and he had probably thought… A wave of shame swept over her.

  However, she was not left long in doubt as to his thoughts. Instead of being properly chastened at her tone, he laughed deep in his throat. “I/lost proper sentiments, my dear. But scarcely truthful, as we both know.”

  Her colour high and her concern growing, Lavinia tried for a dignified withdrawal. “I think you mistake the matter; my sole purpose in coming here with you was to discover the whereabouts of my brother and Kitty. ” She faltered a little and then faced him bravely. “Indeed, if I have given you any other impression, I must ask your forgiveness. I fear I am not quite used to …”

  He cut her short, his fingers gripping her wrist in a most unpleasant manner. “Oh, come, my dear, credit me with some intelligence. Is it not a fine night? The perfume of the roses on the air,” he breathed deeply, a thread of laughter in the husky drawl, “is most romantic. It seems a pity to waste it, and besides who would know?”

  Outraged and not a little frightened, Lavinia tried to step past him and found to her horror that she was trapped against the back of the pagoda. “Pray allow me to leave, Sir?” she asked. Firm fingers grasped her chin and tilted it upwards, so that the light from the lanterns in the garden fell sharply on her face. Agile fingers untied the strings of her mask, letting it fall unheeded to the floor. “Do not, Sir, you are too free,” she cried.

  “Madam, I fear I must,” he murmured, as his lips met hers, his iron grip preventing her escape. When at last he raised his head his eyes rested for a second on her panic-filled face. He waited, half expecting cajolery, tears and threats, but they were not forthcoming. Lavinia remained frozen in his grasp, her muscles bunched and tense.

  “Dear me, your husband has been neglecting you. Either that or his reputation is vastly overrated. I confess know not which.”

  Lavinia, all too conscious of her invidious position and shaking limbs, found herself released and took a step back. “How dare you,” she gasped, “How dare you treat me so.”

  “Oh, I dare, my dear, and what’s more I dare to repeat the offence. Does Saltaire kiss you like this?” he murmured, his mouth lingering on hers. “Or is it true that he does not kiss you at all?”

  Thoroughly enraged by his questions, Lavinia forgot to be frightened, and taking advantage of his relaxed grip she pulled away furiously. “You overstep the mark, Sir.” Her
mouth curled scornfully, “I had thought you a gentleman, but I see I was mistaken. Tell me, do you usually behave so?”

  “Only when I think it is expected of me,” came the rejoinder. “But come, you still have not answered my question.”

  Furiously, she flung at him, “lf you must know, though it can scarcely be of any interest to you, Saltaire has kissed me more times than I can remember, and each time it was far more enjoyable than your kiss.”

  There was a smothered sound from behind the mask. “Such vehemence. I own I begin to think I misjudged you, Madam.”

  “If you expected me to behave like a trollop, then you are in the right of the matter,” she returned, recovering a little now that she found herself free of his embrace.

  “But then. you did come here, directly against Saltaire’s wishes, knowing I would be here, didn’t you,” he taunted.

  “That was because …” Her lips snapped shut on the words. She had no intention of telling Andover or anyone else just why she had disobeyed Saltaire. She was beginning to think she had been exceedingly foolish, and all she longed for now was to return to Grosveror Square and put the whole unhappy incident behind her.

  Her companion bent down and retrieved her mask, handing it to her. Her fingers trembled so much with the strings that she found herself completely unable to fasten them. “Here, let me do it.”

  Before she could stop him, his arms went round her to tie the mask, and despite herself she could not repress a slight shudder. Instantly his hands dropped to her shoulders, awareness gleaming in his eyes. “Were my kisses so distasteful?” She saw the trace of mockery on his face. “I cannot have that. I have my reputation to think of.” The words were accompanied by a fugitive smile.

  Her breath caught in her throat as he bent over her. A small strangled protest broke from her lips but it was too late; his lips were on hers, the merest butterfly touch yet somehow stirring her as his previous embrace had not done. Her hands beat ineffectually against his chest and then grew still as the tumult inside her grew. He was kissing her face now, his lips lingering for a second on the pulse beating in her throat, before returning to claim her mouth with a mastery that she was powerless to resist. All Lavinia’s previously held convictions about her reactions to such an embrace were dashed to pieces, as she felt her senses flare into new and eager life. For a long breathless minute she swung helplessly between heaven and earth and then it was over, and she was free. Yet somehow she knew she would never be quite free ever again. The blood drummed in her ears. For one mad second she felt an urge to fling herself back into his arms, and then the enormity of her behaviour struck her. Blindly, she turned away from him.

  There was a scrunching on the gravel outside, and taking advantage of his momentary loss of attention, Lavinia darted through the door, hurrying anxiously along the walk. When she realised that he was making no attempt to follow her, she slowed her steps a little, putting her hands to her flushed cheeks. Had it really happened? She only needed to feel her throbbing lips to know it had. How could she have been so lost to all sense of decency as to allow such an embrace-never mind enjoy it? She shivered in the night air, knowing that if he were to come after her and take her back in his arms, she would not be wholly sorry.

  The man she had left behind her heard the footsteps approaching and slid into the darkness of the small room.

  Outside someone called. “Lavinia. Lavinia, are you there? I’m sorry I have been so long. I fear I could not find your brother anywhere. Lavinia …” The voice trailed off uncertainly. and the sound of footsteps on the gravel grew steadily quieter.

  The man concealed inside the pagoda smiled grimly.

  Lavinia entered the ballroom and looked round in agitation. “Lavinia, whatever is the matter?” asked Lady Elizabeth, glancing at her cousin’s flushed countenance. A sudden thought struck her. “Never say you have bumped into Saltaire already …?”

  Lavinia’s heart started to beat wildly. “Saltaire,” she echoed. “He is not here, is he?”

  Lady Elizabeth nodded her head. “Yes, I saw him with my own eyes not twenty minutes since. Lord, but you should have seen his scowl. I dare swear it frightened me to death. I recall it particularly because Kitty was dancing with Richard, and a vastly pretty pair they made too,” she added fondly.

  Lavinia cut in impatiently. “Where did Saltaire go, cousin?”

  Lady Elizabeth pondered for a moment. “Let me see. Ah yes, I have it, it was out into the gardens. No, no, I recall someone stopped him. Ordley, I believe it was.”

  Lavinia was able to breathe again. If Saltaire had chanced to walk into the gardens and discover her with Andover… She must lose no time in finding Richard and Kitty. They must depart with all haste.

  By the time the Marquis of Andover sauntered into the ballroom in search of the missing Lavinia, she had gathered up her relatives and was on the point of leaving. Only the chatter of her hostess kept her in the hallway, her eyes drawn time and again to the door in the main salon, as she prayed they could get away before Saltaire appeared.

  Andover, despite his diligence, looked in vain amongst the crowd for the lady, and was halted by Qrdley. “So, my friend, you make good progress with SaItaire’s wife.”

  Andover became interested in the lace adorning his ruffles. “Oh, indeed, why should you think so?” he asked casually.

  “Oh come,” enjoined the other. “Don’t play the innocent with me. I saw the two of you with my own eyes in that Chinese affair in the garden. You bending over her and the girl all big-eyed.”

  “Did you so?” murmured the Marquis. “How very clever of you to be sure. But naturally, you will keep this information to yourself?” There was a steely glint in his eyes.

  Ordley swallowed. He had been looking forward to imparting this information to Saltaire and seeing his chagrin. Saltaire might not want the chit himself, but Ordley knew him far too well to believe that he would look lightly upon anyone else stealing her affections.

  “I am waiting, Ordley.”

  “My word on it,” murmured the Viscount reluctantly. “Although I cannot for the life of me see why. I thought the whole point of the exercise was that everyone should know?”

  “Not yet.” An enigmatic expression crossed Andover’s face fleetingly, “The time is not right yet.”

  Shrugging, Ordley walked off, and Andover watched him go, his own face thoughtful.

  Lavinia was becoming more desperate with every passing minute. Lady Harrington, oblivious to her guest’s wish to be gone, continued to chatter on gaily. “My dear, you have no notion. When we first heard Saltaire was wed, I declare the whole town thought it a hum.”

  “Yes indeed, My Lady. It must have been a shock,” broke in Lavinia, “But I fear we really must be leaving.” At her side she heard Richard groan, and looking up saw Saltaire bearing down upon them. She paled a little, and Lady Harrington, following her eyes, beamed. “Ah, speak of the devil. Here comes your husband.”

  Controlling a slightly hysterical desire to giggle at her hostess’s somewhat unfortunate choice of words, Lavinia tried to compose herself.

  “Ah, there you are, my dear. Quite a family gathering.”

  She swallowed hard, meeting his eyes without a quiver. “Yes indeed, My Lord. I own we had not looked to see you here,” she challenged, eyeing him bravely.

  “No, so I believe.” There was an ominous silence whilst Lady Harrington looked worriedly from husband to wife.

  Lady Elizabeth stepped in firmly. “We are on the point of leaving, Saltaire, do you accompany us?”

  The appearance of Lord Ware at the Earl ‘s side brought a relieved smile to Lavinia’s face. “Ah, Saltaire,” he said. “There you are. I’m off to White’s, will you join me?”

  Saltaire’s eyes rested thoughtfully on Lavinials defiant face for a few seconds before he replied. “No, I think not. I fear I am quite done up. A night at home with my family would be most beneficial.” Before Ware could express his surprise at hearing the
se sentiments, the Earl was turning to Lavinia. “lf you are ready, my dear?”

  Inwardly quaking, Lavinia took the proferred arm, trying not to show her agitation. If she had hoped that the presence of Kitty, Lady Elizabeth and Richard might prove a safeguard, she was due for a disappointment. No sooner had they seated themselves in the coach than the Earl withdrew his snuff box. Lavinia watched from beneath lowered lids as he opened it with great deliberation, took a small pinch and then sat back.

  “WeIl, perhaps you will now afford me with an explanation of your behaviour?”

  Lavinia flushed. “What do you mean?”

  The bored voice sharpened a little. “Do not fence with me, Madam, you know exactly what I mean. I believe you were forbidden to attend Lady Harrington’s ridotto?”

  Lavinia bridled at the word “forbidden”. “Indeed, Sir, I was not.”

  The green eyes sharpened and when he spoke his voice was dangerously low. “No-one, and I mean no-one, calls me a liar, Madam. Do not test my endurance too far. You have already put me to the trouble of coming to remove you.”

  Kitty, instantly on the alert, pounced, “Coming to remove her? Saltaire, I believe you are becoming quite the jealous husband.”

  There was a long silence. No-one spoke.

  Lavinia made an attempt to steer the conversation back into more safe channels. Saltaire jealous? Ridiculous, he didn’t even know she existed as a woman. She offered palliatively, “It was the party of your cousin’s making which you forbade, My Lord, not the ridotto itself. Indeed, when my cousin asked me to accompany her, I naturally would have consulted you, but you were from home.”

  “Most fortuitously,” he responded drily. “So you anticipated my acceptance of’ the scheme.”

  Lavinia shrugged, conscious other heightened colour and the nervous beating of her heart. “A mere family party, Sir. I could not see anything for you to look askance at in it. And as for the ridotto itself-surely the most innocuous of things.”