A Duchess Enraged (16 page)

She soon regretted it
however, when Louisa Manning swept in. Allegra, mindful for once of the
privileges of a duchess, ignored her, tilting her chin slightly and staring
fixedly at the opposite wall. Louisa paused, startled, and stared hard at
Allegra, a sense of horror growing inside her. If the Duchess of Gravesmere was
in London, so too must be the duke, and he had yet to contact her.

"Good evening,
Your Grace," she said.

Allegra inclined her
head frostily, but didn’t answer.

Angry color rose in
Lady Manning's cheeks. How dare this interloper ignore her?

"Are you
enjoying the dancing?" inquired Louisa.

Allegra realized that
she would be forced to talk to this intrusive woman. "It's pleasant
enough," she observed coldly.

"Adam always was
a delightful dancer," continued Louisa. "Though perhaps you have not
danced with him as often as I."

"Perhaps
not," agreed Allegra. "Adam and I share a home, and do many things in
our day besides dance."

Lady Manning felt her
anger grow, and even stronger than her anger was her fear. She didn't know why
Adam hadn't been to Half Moon Street since his return, but she suspected that
this beautiful young woman had something to do with it. Louisa's heart was not
particularly engaged by Adam, but securing him as her protector had been a
feather in her cap, and she needed him to support her lifestyle. She still had
not given up hope of becoming the mistress of Gravesmere House, and would not
allow a mere child to get the better of her.

"Ah, yes,"
she said. "I believe you also shop and gallop in the Park. Not to mention
your numerous beaux. I am sure your day is far too busy to dance or do anything
at all with your husband."

Allegra rose and
faced her rival. She would not listen to such effrontery from a person of
Louisa's stature.

"What I do with
my husband is surely not your concern, ma'am. He is my husband, after
all."

"I have been his
wife in all but name for years, while he is your husband in name only,"
Louisa spit out.

"Ah yes,"
drawled Allegra, "I have heard quite a lot about your liaison with His
Grace, as vulgar as the gossip is. However, I fancy that you will find it
rather rare for members of the house of Gravesmere to actually wed their
youthful follies--or even their not so youthful ones." She stared
pointedly at Louisa's countenance.

Louisa's hand flew to
her cheeks. She admitted to twenty-seven years, but she had just passed her
thirty-first birthday and she was afraid that even the judicious use of powder
and patch would soon be unable to render invisible the tiny lines which were
beginning to emerge.

"Possession is
nine-tenths of the law, Your Grace," Louisa rejoined, regaining her
composure.

"Since the
one-tenth of Gravesmere which I possess includes his name and fortune, Lady
Manning, I believe that it is possible that I have no need of the rest of him.
After all, 'tis very unfashionable to love one's husband."

"There are
always annulments, Your Grace," remarked Louisa.

"Indeed there
are, Lady Manning. However, I believe that it is usual for annulments to be
granted for cause. And I can promise you that there is no cause." Allegra
turned her blue eyes, now with a hint of steel in them, directly at Louisa, and
there was a long pause. "I see that you understand me."

Louisa's jaw
clenched. She was beyond distressed by Allegra's words and her thoughts swarmed
chaotically. If Adam had consummated the marriage, her hopes might be in ruins.
But surely after only one short week they must still be uncertain of each
other? If Louisa could not be the Duchess of Gravesmere, she might yet retain
her hold on the duke's heart and financial resources. And if Allegra could be
led into doing something foolish, a divorce might still be a possibility.

She drew in a deep breath
and tried to appear unconcerned. "But of course, Your Grace. Adam has
indicated to me that the marriage has, er, dynastic implications. But a man
seeks pleasure in his bed too, and obviously Adam expects rather more from a
woman than a child like you can provide. He told me as much just
yesterday."

Louisa watched as
Allegra's eyes widened. The silly girl actually cares for him, she thought
triumphantly. How vulnerable that will make her. She seized on her advantage.
"You are very pretty, to be sure, but prettiness is not experience. I
provide him with so much that you cannot, he assures me."

Allegra stiffened,
and stepped back involuntarily. She fought to retain her poise as she felt her
newfound happiness shrivel inside her. Adam had discussed her with his
mistress. No doubt they had enjoyed a few minutes of laughter at her expense.
Had Adam only bedded his wife to provide an heir? He had seemed so pleased with
her, and had returned every night. But perhaps she was just a diversion while
Louisa was unavailable. Doubtless her naiveté had allowed her to read rather
more into his actions than he had intended. And he had lied yesterday, saying
he was going to his club, when he was really dallying with his mistress,
snickering at her behind her back. Allegra felt a fool.

Louisa smiled to see
the duchess clearly dismayed by her last comment. So things were perhaps not
gone so far as all that. This silly child obviously hungered for her husband's
love; if she could convince her that Adam thought of his wife solely as a
dynastic tool, then Allegra might be sufficiently hurt and embarrassed to
reject him.

"But of course
you don't expect more than that from your husband, do you?" she persisted.
"After all, it would be most unfashionable, as you say."

Allegra pulled
herself together. Whatever her feelings, she must preserve her dignity in front
of Louisa. She fluttered her fan.

"As I said, my
expectations of my husband are of no concern to you, Lady Manning. If you had
any notion at all of good taste, you would not be attempting to discuss them
with me. I bid you good evening."

Vile Suspicion

Allegra walked from
the room slowly, but once outside, she fled to the terrace, seeking solitude.
The night air felt cool on her flushed cheeks, but it did nothing for her
agitated mind or inflamed temper. Adam had deceived her, and she had been so
foolish as to give in to him. Because she had wished to believe that he cared
for her, she had misread his intentions and feelings. She was nothing more to
him than a wife he was saddled with, and his view of her was solely as a
breeder for his children. He looked elsewhere for love and for pleasure. She
put her hands to her temples. Surely at Gravesmere Adam had seemed happy enough
with her? But of course, Lady Manning had not been there. Now that they were
returned to London, Adam need no longer get companionship of that sort from his
wife. He had charmed her merely to make his life easier, to keep her quiet
while he went to his mistress for pleasure and to herself for children.

Allegra bit her lip.
Her anguish was turning to anger. It was unutterably cruel of him to use her
so, and even more unkind of him to discuss her with his mistress. She had come
to think Adam a kind and thoughtful man, but now it was obvious that he was not
merely thoughtless, but also heard-hearted, and deceptive. She would not allow
herself to be used so. Adam would learn that she was made of sterner stuff than
he had imagined.

A shaft of light fell
across the garden as the curtains behind her parted, and she felt rather than
saw that Adam had joined her on the terrace. She heard his soft footsteps
behind her, and then his hands reached out from behind, caressing her
shoulders. Her knees weakened for a moment at the memories his touch invoked,
and then she steeled herself. She would not allow him to humiliate her again.
She could control the needs of her treacherous body.

"There you are,
my dear," he said. "I've been looking for you. I'd like to dance with
my wife tonight, if your admirers can spare you."

Allegra turned in his
grip and looked up at him, and the warmth on his face made her even angrier.
How dare he, she wondered. How dare he come to her with a smile and a
compliment, pretending to be fond of her, when just short hours ago he had
spoken to Louisa of her failures as a wife? All her sorrow left her, and it was
replaced with a cold core of fury.

She disengaged her
hand from her husband's and fluttered her fan.

"Why, how
impolite of you, Adam. Would you have me break my promise to another gentleman
to dance with my husband?"

Adam laughed. "I
would indeed. I would share your beauty with no one, if the world were mind to
command."

"Indeed?"
said Allegra languidly, drawing the word out to great length. "I fear you
do not command the world, Your Grace, and you will have to share me with
Society. I believe Sir James Bathby awaits me. I must not keep him
waiting." She moved back into the ballroom rapidly, her skirts swirling
about her.

"Allegra!"
called Adam, but she was already gone. He looked after her, perplexed, and
stalked back into the ballroom, standing in the door and watching bemusedly as
his wife smiled charmingly on her dance partner. Across the room, Louisa
waited, a tight smile on her lips.

Allegra saw that Adam
was watching her, and decided it was time to teach her husband that, if he did
not find her desirable, other men would. She laid her hand on Sir James' arm.
"Sir James, I find I am quite weary. Perhaps we could abandon this dance
and obtain some fresh air? I would prefer to speak with you than dance with
you, I feel."

Sir James was
flattered. He had long been an admirer of the beautiful duchess, but had never
found her anxious to be alone with him before. He abandoned the dance floor
with alacrity, tucking her hand through his arm, and stopping only to procure
her a glass of lemonade before leading her out to the gardens.

"Why, I'm
honored that you would care to stroll with me, Your Grace," he said.

Allegra gave him an
encouraging look. "Sir James, any woman would be delighted to take a turn
in the gardens with you. You are a most elegant gentleman."

Sir James preened
under her flattery. "I'm touched that you think so. I had no notion you
had even noticed my poor affection for you, as you are always the object of so
many men's attentions."

"And how could I
not notice you?" said Allegra. She was eager to show Sir James that he
might be somewhat bolder. "You are surely one of the most charming
gentlemen in London."

"I didn't know
you were so fond of me, Your Grace."

Allegra laughed
flirtatiously. "Why, I've been too shy to let you know, sir. But tonight I
find that I am quite courageous."

"And I am
pleased that you have found the courage to tell me. It is a great happiness to
me to know that I bask in the sunshine of your approval."

Allegra frowned
slightly. This chatter was all very well, but Sir James did not seem to realize
that he might go further. She tightened her hand on his arm. "And what
would you like from me to seal this pact of friendship?"

Sir James looked
bewildered. "What would I want?" he repeated. "I need no more
than the assurances of your kindness, madam."

Allegra moved closer
to him. Really, the man was most obtuse. "Nothing else, Sir James?"
she said, gazing soulfully up into his eyes.

Sir James looked down
at her, and suddenly a spark of understanding came into his eyes. "By
Jove," he murmured, and leaned towards her.

Allegra watched his
lips descending towards hers and realized, in a sudden rush of panic, that she
did not wish to kiss Sir James, after all. She took a step backwards.

"No, no,"
she said hastily, but at that moment a shadow fell over the pair as someone
moved between them and the bright moonlight.

"Kindly unhand
my wife, sir," came an angry voice.

"Adam."
Allegra gasped out the word and felt her heart begin to pound.

"Your very
obedient servant," said her husband in a sarcastic tone. He glared down at
her, startled by the violence he felt pounding through him. He had convinced
himself that his fears were groundless, that she was a gentle, faithful woman,
and now he found that the flirtatious, frivolous side of her nature was the
stronger. It was not him that she wanted, but any man at all. She was only too
eager to share her favors now that he had introduced her to the pleasures of
the flesh.

His darkest thoughts
rushed back, beating through his brain like evil spirits. He wanted to shake
her until she screamed, he wanted to beat Sir James to a bloody pulp, and then
he wanted to carry Allegra away to someplace where she would never see another
man again. "What are you doing here in the gardens alone with Sir
James?"

Sir James had backed
away from the angry pair and stood looking at them in dismay. He feared that
Gravesmere, not known for his patience, might become violent towards him.

"Nothing that is
any of your concern," said Allegra haughtily. "May I not obtain some
fresh air with a friend?" She raised her chin defiantly at her husband.
She felt a tiny thrill of pleasure that he had found her with Sir James and knew
now that he was not the only one who could find his pleasure elsewhere. But
overwhelming that sensation was an increasing dread that she had ruined
everything by her rash actions. Adam seemed truly enraged, his green eyes
alight with an unpleasant glow she had never seen before.

"A friend?"
repeated Adam. "You and this gentleman seemed to be a great deal more than
merely friendly."

"I have done
nothing of which I need be ashamed," said Allegra hotly. A sense of the
injustice of the situation welled up in her. He was free to seek his sensual
pleasure in Lady Manning's arms, while she was to be relegated to the role of
breeder, unloved and neglected. "Nor have I done anything which you would
care about."

"I say, nothing
has happened," offered Sir James, glancing from one to the other.
"Her ladyship merely requested me to take a stroll with her in the
gardens, as she was bored with dancing."

Adam rounded on him.
"I believe that my wife's conduct is my affair. You have no part in this
discussion."

"But, surely you
do not think--" began Sir James.

"I have no
quarrel with you," snapped Adam. "I'm sure that my wife did nothing
that she did not wish to do. She seems to have a propensity for vice. However,
I suggest that you retire now while you still can."

"No, Sir James,
I beg you to stay. The company of my husband is unwelcome to me," said
Allegra sharply, glaring at Adam.

Sir James gaped at
the two of them. "I believe I must return to the ballroom," he
stammered, and basely deserted the lady.

"That is quite a
cavalier you have there," observed Adam sarcastically. "Couldn't you
at least have found someone more courageous? Or don't you care who you go with,
as long as he's willing to pleasure you? If I had come along a few minutes
later would you already have lifted your skirts for him?” The words brought a
horrible picture to his mind and he winced at the thought of Allegra, her body
flushed and rosy, her head thrown back in ecstasy, being serviced by another
man. Perversely, he wondered again if she was wearing drawers.

"At least he
honestly cares for me," retorted Allegra. "He doesn't merely pretend
to find me attractive. And he hasn't lied to me and abused my trust."

"What are you
talking about?" shouted Adam. "I come to the garden and find you
almost kissing another man, and you're angry with me?"

"Of course I'm
angry with you," responded Allegra. She felt tears welling up in her eyes
as she glared up into Adam's face. He was so utterly beautiful, and he made her
feel so marvelous when he held her in his arms. Why couldn't he care for her as
she realized she had come to care for him? "You have deceived me utterly,
and I owe you no explanation for my behavior."

"I haven't
deceived you! And, as my wife, your behavior is my concern. How dare you
presume to share yourself with any man who comes your way? You're mine, and I
don't plan to let you turn into another Society trollop. If I have to lock you
up, you'll be faithful to me." Adam grabbed Allegra's arm, but she shook
herself free.

"Don't speak to
me!" she shouted, tears welling up in her eyes. "And don't touch me!
I won't be treated so!" She turned and ran back into the building, leaving
Adam staring after her in amazement. He rushed after her, but when he paused in
the door to the room, found that she had already lost herself in the crowd.

Allegra hurried
through the glittering crowd, her head down to hide her tears. She had only one
thought, to find her carriage and escape from the situation in which she found
herself. She was embarrassed to have almost kissed Sir James, that Adam had
managed to arouse such strong emotions in her, and, most of all, for ever
having believed that her husband cared for her. Too distressed to look where
she was going, she gave a gasp of dismay as she ran abruptly into a gentleman
clad all in grey.

"Ex..Excuse
me," she stammered and prepared to hurry past, but a gentle hand on her
arm stayed her.

"Your
Grace?" said a familiar voice. "May I be of some service?

Allegra looked up and
saw through her tears that Lord Gresham was viewing her with great concern. His
dark countenance, usually full of cynicism, looked honestly concerned.

"Oh," she
gasped, "It's you. I'm so sorry to have bothered you, my lord. I must go
home; please let me go."

Gresham raised his
eyebrows. He had heard unsettling rumors of the Gravesmere's newfound
attachment to each other, but now there seemed to be trouble in paradise.
"Are you unwell, my dear?" he asked. "Is your husband not here?
May I accompany you home?"

Allegra cast a wild
look over her shoulder, fearing that Adam might be on her heels. She felt both
relieved and saddened to note that he was nowhere in sight. He cared for her so
little, she reflected. He wasn't even interested in where she had gone.

"I'm quite well,
my lord," she said. "I'm merely tired and need to rest."

"Come sit down
with me," said Lord Gresham. "Perhaps I can relieve your
distress."  He drew her towards a settee.

Allegra resisted,
seeming to flutter under his hands. "No, my lord, please, I must go. I
would not be good company."

"You cannot go
out with tear stains on your face, Your Grace," said Lord Gresham
soothingly. "Come, tell me what has distressed you so."

Allegra hesitated.
She realized she could not run across the ballroom in tears, and Lord Gresham
seemed to be genuinely concerned with her wellbeing.

"Oh, please get
me out of this ballroom," she said. "I cannot stand it."

Lord Gresham allowed
himself a small smile. Tonight was turning out remarkably well. "Of
course, Your Grace," he said. He drew aside a curtain and led her into a
small antechamber.

"Now, tell me
what is wrong," he said. Allegra looked up at him. She saw concern in his
eyes, and she began to cry again. Why did Lord Gresham care what happened to
her when her own husband did not?