A Wager for Love Read online

  “Oh no. Stop,” she shrieked, “You don’t understand! Stop it!”

  Richard, hearing her voice, rushed forward. “Kitty. What is amiss?”

  “Oh Richard, thank God.” In her anxiety she completely forgot the purpose of the charade. “Quick, help me save James. They will surely kill him.” The two would-be white knights, more than a little high flown with wine, took great exception to Richard’s intervention. But on being assured that the lady was quite safe, they reluctantly released the battered James.

  “Oh James,” exclaimed Kitty sorrowfully.

  “It is nothing, Miss,” he muttered through broken lips. “I vow it is not the easiest ten guineas I have ever earned but …”

  “You shall have twenty,” promised Kitty recklessly.

  “Ten guineas?” enquired Richard suspiciously. “Kitty, what is going on, and where is Lavinia?”

  Kitty hung her head. Richard took her firmly by the arm. “Come with me, young lady. I want the truth.”

  “What about James?”

  “James?” Richard peered closer. “Lord, isn’t he one of Saltaire’s footmen? I thought so. Wliat is he doing here?” A dreadful thought struck him. He had heard of girls falling in love with the most impossible persons, but a footman? “Kitty,” he urged sternly, “Tell me, what is this man to you?”

  Kitty’s eyes opened to their widest extent. “‘Richard, whatever are you trying to say?” she reproached “James is betrothed to my maid.”

  “Then what is he doing here?” asked the bewildered Richard. James, seeing that his Mistress’s attention was elsewhere, deemed it a good moment to take his leave, and Richard finding himself alone with the truant marched her, firmly in the direction of the Chinese Pagoda at the bottom of the walk. “Now, Kitty, I want the truth. What were you doing out here all alone?”

  “I was not alone,” she began defensively. “James was with me.”

  “So he was, why?”

  The events of the evening were proving too much for even the staunch Kitty. Tears welled in her eyes and she searched wildly for a handkerchief. For this of all things to happen. What must Richard think? He would never see her as anything but a naughty little girl. Her lower lip trembled ominously. and Richard, his scruples overwhelmed by his emotions, leant forward placing a comforting arm round her heaving shoulders. “Oh, Kitty, what are we to do with you. Will you never grow up?”

  Kitty did not answer. She was too bedazzled by a certain look in Richard’s eyes and the yearning tone of his voice. Idly she traced a pattern on the velvet jacket she was now leaning comfortably against. “Do you want me to grow up. Richard?” she asked shyly.

  He smothered a groan, wrenching her face into the light. “Oh, Kitty, my love, of course I do. I am only human you know. I cannot wait for ever.”

  “Oh, Richard.” Kitty’s eyes were shining. “And I have been thinking you would never see me as a woman, but always a little girl.” The rest of her words were lost as Richard endeavoured to show his beloved just how foolish such a notion was. When at last she could raise her head, Kiitty gazed at him with parted rosy lips and shining eyes. “Richard, you do love me?”

  “Do you still doubt it?” he asked a little thickly. She shook her head. Richard grinned rather ruefully. “I dare swear I shall have to spend the rest of my life rescuing you from one scrape or another. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  Thoroughly delighted with these words, Kitty smiled dreamily, “Lavinia will be so pleased.”

  Richard started. “Lavinia! I had quite forgotten. I was to meet her. Where can she be?”

  Kitty flushed guiltily. “Oh, Richard, Lavinia is not coming at all. But it was her idea,” she added defiantly.

  “What was her idea?,’ questioned Richard suspiciously. He was beginning to know his Kitty.

  “Well.” Kitty kept her face down. “Lavinia thought it would be a good idea if we could make you see me in a different light. I didn’t know then that you … That is to say …”

  “Yes, yes,” broke in Richard impatiently, “You did didn’t know then that I loved you.”

  The expression of these sentiments naturally merited a further delay in Kitty’s story, but at last flushed and breathless, she started again. “Well, you see we thought up this scheme.” There was a significant pause. “Well, I thought it up,” she said in a rush. “Never fear, though, I have left a note for Lavinia.”

  Richard eyed his beloved firmly. “Kitty, exactly what was this scheme you planned?”

  “Promise you won’t be cross,” she pleaded. Richard sighed, but he could not withstand the appeal in the dark eyes raised so adoringly to his. “I promise,” he said wearily. “Well, you see it was like this…” she began confidingly.

  By the time the light chaise had been brought round, another half an hour had been lost, and by the time Lavinia was installed in it, she was almost in a panic. She did not consider her own folly in going abroad without a maid, all her concern was for Kitty. By the time the chaise had set her down at the entrance to the famous Gardens she had imagined every dire fate under the sun happening to Kitty. Indeed, had she been a few minutes later, she would have seen the unfortunate James sneaking back to Grosvenor Square, but unhappily she did not. As she hurried through the throng she had no eyes for the gaily decorated barges filled with merrymakers intent on enjoying their evening, nor for the secluded bowers and discreetly lighted footpaths. The gardens were beginning to get more crowded, and she was beginning to feel uncomfortably aware of her lack of escort. To make matters worse, there was a faint mist coming up off the river, and the walks instead of looking inviting were distinctly unappealing.

  It took Lavinia ten minutes to reach the Long Walk. It was crowded with revellers, women wearing masks and men in fancy costumes. She sighed. If only she had thought to bring a mask with her. Her heart sank, she must find Kitty soon.

  If Lavinia was having difficulty in her search, it was principally because Kitty and Richard. completely absorbed in one another, had sought the seclusion of one of the small arbours provided for just such an occasion. But if she could not find them, then her own presence had certainly not gone unnoticed. The Marquis, strolling through the gardens and glancing appreciatively at the female charms so abundantly displayed by the revellers, chanced to see her as she stood looking about herself in bewilderment. His keen eyes noticed the plain gown peeping beneath the heavy cloak and the absence of a mask, and he wondered what she could be doing. Not an assignation, that much was certain. A smile of secret amusement tinged his Face. Fate, it seemed, had decided to play straight into his hand. As he watched, Lavinia seemed to make up her mind and started to walk quickly down the Long Walk. With unhurried steps he followed her.

  Lavinia, intent upon her search For the missing Kitty, and her anxiety growing with every passing minute, had little time to notice anyone else amongst the throng. At first, when she felt the hand on her arm, she thought it merely accidental and pulled away, but the grip tightened. This part of the walk was dimly lit, and when she turned it was dif-licult to make out the man’s features. “My arm, Sir, if you please,” she said stiffly.

  The man gave a throaty laugh. “Don’t play the high and mighty with me, Missie. All alone are you? So am I. Come, let’s enjoy ourselves together.” He lunged forward, an ugly leer on his face, his breath sour and rancid in her nostrils as she fell back in alarm.

  “Please, sir, you mistake the matter. I beg you let me go.”‘

  In reply, he merely tightened his grip and pulled her closer. She was so unpleasantly close to him now that she could smell the stale sweat and spirits about his person, and see the yellow rotting stumps of his teeth. Thoroughly frightened she looked round frantically, “Please, sir, let me free, I beg you.”

  “All in good time, my pretty. A pretty piece, ain’t you?” he said admiringly, as the light fell upon her face. His lips gleamed wetly in the moonlight and Lavinia disliked the way his eyes rested on the bodice of her gown. Suddenl
y the walk seemed frighteningly empty. Couples passed arm in arm without giving her a glance. She looked round wildly. Perhaps it she screamed? He seemed to read her thoughts with uncanny perception. “I wouldn’t scream if I was you, my dear. It will only hurt your throat, no one will pay you any attention. Screams are quite common hereabouts.” He laughed coarsely.

  It was a nightmare. Lavinia could not believe it was really happening. She stifled an hysterical scream and, terrified, tried to jerk away from her aggressor. There was a sharp tearing sound as her bodice ripped beneath his fingers. For one dreadful moment his hands were on her body.

  “I believe you are inconveniencing the lady.” She sagged in relief at the well remembered voice. Never would she have thought herself so glad to hear it again.

  “What’s it to you, mate?” asked the man truculently, but nevertheless his grip slackened enough for her to move away and pull her cloak round her a little more firmly.

  Andover gripped the man, hauling him towards him. “Shall we say I have a marked dislike for men who assault ladies? Do I make myself clear?”

  “Well, she was all alone. How was I to know …?”

  “Perhaps you will know in future.”

  The man was not disposed to argue the point, and with a muffled oath he turned, and was soon swallowed up in the darkness.

  Trembling from head to foot, Lavinia turned to her rescuer. “Andover, I am truly grateful. If you had not happened along …” She shuddered, too relieved to feel any embarrassment.

  “Might I ask what you were doing here alone?”

  Oh looking for Kitty,” she replied, “She has come out quite alone. I must find her.” In her distress she forgot to be cautious. “I am afraid Saltaire will discover we are missing.”

  “Dear me,” remarked the Marquis mildly. “It seems every time I meet you, you are looking for Miss Kitty.”

  Lavinia, leaning on his arm, stumbled, and would have fallen had not his other arm gone round her. She exclaimed in a suffocated voice, “That was not kind of you. Sir, to remind me of our last meeting.”

  “Our last meeting? Ah yes.” An enigmatic expression crossed his face. “My appalling memory, you must forgive me, what happened after I left you to go and look for Richard and Kitty?”

  “You have forgotten?” An arrested expression crossed her face, followed by a rich tide of colour. “You mock me, I think, sir.” There was a tense pause, and a hideous possibility leapt to Lavinia’s mind. “You mean it was not you?” she asked breathlessly.

  “What was not me?” Seeing her embarrassment, he took pity on her. “No, Madam, it was not me.” He sighed, “to my eternal regret, I might add.”

  “Then who?” She could hardly get the words out.

  The Marquis gave her a sympathetic look. “I do not think I need to tell you, Madam, do I?” he asked gently.

  Lavinia replied painfully, “You mean it was my husband?” She felt seered with humiliation. What a fool she had been. Why had she not guessed? The strange voice. She shuddered as she recalled what she had said.

  “I believe he thought it would discourage you from meeting me again,” he offered apologetically. “But in case you still doubt my word …” Before she could guess his intentions he swung her lightly into the shade of a tree. His arms went round her, and his lips were on hers, warm and gentle. Nothing like her husband’s embrace. He released her and smiled, “Convinced?”

  She could only nod dumbly.

  “If you were my wife you would not be wandering about all alone at night.”

  There was a wealth of meaning in his voice that brought Lavinia’s head up with a start. Andover himself was surprised at his words. The girl had affected him in a way he had never intended. Indeed, if he weren’t so cynical, he would almost believe himself to be falling in love with her. “Come, you must return to Grosvenor Square.”

  “But Kitty,” she objected.

  He smiled, his teeth a white flash in the darkness. “Never fear, Kitty will come to no harm.”

  Each wrapped in their separate thoughts, they retraced their steps. Lavinia was aware only of numbing misery, sometime later she would feel pain and anger, but not now. So it had been Saltaire all the time. When she recalled what she had said, and how she had been betrayed into responding to his kiss, she shuddered afresh and caused the Marquis to eye her in concern. Saltaire had perhaps not served him the ill-turn he had intended. This time things would be different.

  Whilst the Marquis was escorting Lavinia along the Walks, Richard was assisting his Kitty from the arbour, having reassured her countless times as to his undying devotion. When he had first heard of her “plan”. ridiculous though it was, he had been flattered, and he could not bring himself to remonstrate with her.

  Lady Juliet had not taken too kindly to Saltaire’s dismissal, and his apparent disregard of her feelings for him was like salt in the wound. Love had turned to hatred, but receipt of an invitation to his ball had restored her hopes. If she could but get him in her toils again, this time it would be different. This time size would be the one to say when the parting of the ways came. When he had agreed to be one of a small party she was making up to hear the concert at Vauxhall, she had been delighted and not a little surprised. She would not have been quite so pleased had she realised his only reason for accepting her invitation was that it provided an excellent reason for not returning to his home. Juliet was far too astute to believe that his feelings were in any way engaged, but he was without a mistress, unless of course one counted the little country Miss, and men were after all creatures of habit.

  As Lavinia, resting heavily on the Marquis’ arm, came in sight of the now well filled boxes, the maliciously bright eyes of Lady Juliet alighted on the couple with delight. Andover and Saltaire’s wife. How amusing. Unfurling her fan she turned to the Earl. “Surely that is your wife over there with Andover?” She dimpled provocatively, “Lud, ‘tis a Drury Lane farce for sure. Husband and wife; mistress and a lover.” She rolled her eyes in amusement.

  Saltaire, however, was not disposed to share her amusement. He got to his feet, nearly overturning the table, and causing people to stare at him in amazement. As he bore down on the unsuspecting Lavinia, for once his habitual calm appeared to have deserted him. His face was a rigid mask of fury.

  Lady Juliet, surprised by his reaction to her words, watched open-mouthed, as she hurried after him. For Saltaire of all people to behave so. It was better than a play, and all on behalf of his dowdy little wife, for whom he didn’t even care.

  Andover’s sharp eyes saw trouble approaching. He tried to steer Lavinia out of the way, but the intervention of a portly gentleman crossing their path at the strategic moment prevented their escape. By the time they had extricated themselves, Saltaire at his most demonical, the long green eyes glinting in the lamplight, was facing them. Lavinia saw him and froze within the Marquis’s arm. Instinctively her eyes flew to her companion’s in panic, and neither man missed her involuntary action. Andover tightened her hold on her shoulder, and Saltaire moved forward, his eyes glittering strangely.

  “So, Madam wife, I trust you are enjoying yourself?” he asked bitingly, his eyes dropping to her torn bodice, as instinctively her hands rose to cover the torn garment.

  “Most affecting,” he sneered, his mouth white. “Well, Andover, if you would care to release my wife, I shall take her home so that she can change her gown.”

  “Saltaire, you don’t understand,” broke in Lavinia.

  “Oh, I think I understand all too well, Madam.”

  Lavinia could only hang her head in shame at the insinuating tone of his voice, whilst Lady Juliet tittered, “Lud, Saltaire, the girl looks as if she has had an accident with a rose bush or some such thing.”

  Covered with mortification and unwilling to explain the whole in full view of such a battery of interested eyes, Lavinia could only reply in constricted tones. “I fear there has been a slight accident, a man …”‘ She shuddered, and was unable to continu
e.

  Andover broke in crisply. Not even to gain the satisfaction of seeing Saltaire’s pride humbled could he let the girl be subjected to this treatment. “Now is neither the time nor the place to discuss what has happened. If I were you, Saltaire, I should take your wife home. I fear she has had a great shock. She was attacked on the Long Walk. Fortunately I was at hand.”

  “Fortunately indeed,” sneered the Earl. white hot temper blazing from his eyes. “Perhaps. Madam, you would care to explain just what you were doing here in the first place?”

  Now that her first relief at being rescued so quickly had died away, Lavinia was starting to suffer from shock. Her limbs trembled dreadfully. Had it not been for the Marquis supporting her, she doubted if she could have stood up at all. She was in no state to weigh her words. “I was looking for Kitty,” she began weakly, her teeth chattering.

  “I see,” said the Earl sarcastically. “You were looking for Kitty. Kitty had come out to take the air or some such thing, I take it?”

  Lavinia looked round, a hunted expression on her face, twisting her hands nervously. “I fear you don’t understand. If we might return to Grosvenor Square, I could then explain.”

  “Oh be sure you will, Madam,” he threatened darkly. “When I am good and ready.”

  Andover, prompted by a devil, interrupted. “There, Saltaire, make yourself easy, I am only too happy to escort your Countess to Grosvenor Square.”

  What might have ensued Lavinia was never to know, for at that moment Kitty and Richard, hand in hand, with dazed expressions on their faces, wandered up. Richard saw them first and hurried forward with a smile on his face, hastily wiped off as he saw his sister. “My God, Lavinia, what’s happened?”