Of course, shed been rather distracted by that cursed magician, but that shouldnt be a factor. He might be a devastatingly handsome villain, with a quick wit and a way of making her insides flutter, but that only put her more on her guard.
Im sorry, Mrs. Harris said. I had no idea Louisa intended to invite them, or I would have cautioned her against it.
Nonsense. Let them come. Their money is as good as anyones. And thankfully she had dressed with particular care today, in a gown of ivory silk and gauze that showed her figure quite well. Besides, it will give me the chance to prove I care nothing about Lord Hunforth anymore.
I hope thats true, dear. Because hes headed this way.
That was all the warning she got before a familiar voice sounded at her elbow. Good afternoon, Miss Seton.
She faced Peter with a forced smile, not surprised to find him dressed in an exquisite blue coat so adorned with gold braiding and gilt buttons that he outshone the sun. Predictably, his female companion wore a gown of pink satin and lace that had clearly cost three times what Lucys had. They made a striking pair.
Lord Hunforth, how nice to see you. Taking some satisfaction from how he winced at her formal tone, Lucy cast his female companion a cool nod. And you, too, Lady Juliana. So lovely of you both to support our cause.
As someone called Mrs. Harris away, Lady Juliana drew her shawl more closely about her and sniffed. Its rather chilly today for an outdoor party, dont you think, Miss Seton?
You must understand, my dear, Peter said to Lady Juliana before Lucy could answer. Miss Seton is a sturdy sort of female. She does not feel the cold the way someone as delicate as you probably does. He gently patted Lady Julianas hand, which gripped his arm rather sturdily for a delicate females.
I feel the cold well enough, Lucy said meaningfully. I just choose to ignore it.
Lady Juliana glanced around with the pinched expression of a supercilious grande dame twice her age. Well, it
is
very pretty out here, I suppose. The duchess does have lovely gardens, and Venetian breakfasts can be enjoyable under the right circumstances. She performed an elegant motion with her head and neck that Lucy couldnt begin to master. Though we cant stay long, can we, Petey?
Lucy had barely smothered her smile at Peters horrified reaction to being called Petey when Lady Juliana added, Im sure you know, Miss Seton, how hectic everything is when one is planning a wedding. So much to do.
A wedding?
Lucy had expected them to marry eventually, but the tiny part of her that still clung to her girlish dream screamed in outrage. How could he countenance taking this
this patently false female to wife?
Worse yet, Lady Julianas expression made it clear shed mentioned the wedding intentionally. She must have learned of Lucys hopes for a future with Peter, but how? No one knew except her family and Mrs. Harris.
Had
Peter
told her? Had that miserable worm laughed at her behind her back with this witch?
Apparently so, for he avoided her gaze. I thought we were going to wait until our betrothal party to announce it, he muttered to Lady Juliana.
The woman tittered, covering her mouth oh so elegantly with one delicate hand. Im sorry, my love, I quite forgot. Im afraid our secret is out now.
Yes, it seems so. Still avoiding Lucys eyes, he added, I suppose you have surmised that Lady Juliana has kindly consented to be my wife.
Lady Juliana cast him an adoring smile, then cast Lucy a gloating one.
Lucy forced down the bile rising in her throat and somehow wished them joy, though she wanted nothing more than to wipe the gloating smile off Lady Julianas face with a
sturdy
kick to her rump.
Fortunately, a reprieve came in the form of the duchess herself, who beckoned to her from a small knot of footmen. I beg your pardon, my dear Miss Seton, but Im afraid I need you.
Certainly, Your Grace, Lucy said, profoundly grateful for the interruption before she did something awful, such as bursting into tears. Or stabbing Peter through the chest with her parasol.
Giving Peter and Lady Juliana a superior smile that she carried off much better than the younger woman, the duchess added, Please forgive me for dragging Miss Seton
away. We find ourselves in a difficult situation, and I require her advice on how to handle it.
Peter stood slack-jawed at the idea of a duchess needing Lucys help, and Lady Julianas smile vanished. Pray excuse me, Lucy murmured to them before hurrying off.
When she neared the knot of people, she found Mrs. Harris wearing a smug smile that made it clear exactly who had prompted the duchesss effusive comments. As it turned out, though, there
was
a difficult situation.
Your magician has shown up, Mrs. Harris told her.
Diego was here?
Her pulse gave a sudden leap, and a silly fluttering in her belly followed.
Idiot. Fool.
The duchess arched one eyebrow. He got in without anyone knowing. Apparently, he acquired an invitation somewhere.
By sleight of hand, no doubt, Lucy said. Though how he found out about it, Ill never know. The man has eyes in the back of his head.
I can have him tossed out, if you wish. Her Grace wore a smile that reminded Lucy of a cat eyeing a plump carp. Or we can make good use of him.
When Lucy blinked, Mrs. Harris added, He has offered to perform.
What? Lucy exclaimed. Why?
He thinks were raising money for the Ladies Association, since that is whats on the invitation, the duchess said. He doesnt know that we changed it to a fund for purchasing Rockhurst out from under him.
Are you sure he doesnt know? Lucy had an uneasy feeling about this. We sent notes to all of the guests so they wouldnt be taken by surprise.
He told me that he wished to help us with our Ladies Association, the duchess replied. And if he didnt receive an invitation by legitimate means, how could he know? I say we let him perform. Hell look the fool, once everyone realizes hes raising money to ruin his own plans.
Lucy sighed. He never looks the fool, trust me.
We did a good job of taking him down a peg at the tea, Mrs. Harris put in.
But this is his livelihood. Within minutes of beginning his act, hell have everyone eating out of his hand and thinking that a pleasure garden in Richmond is a jolly fine idea.
I still say we let him perform, the duchess retorted. Half the people here never remember what were raising money for, anyway. They just come to enjoy themselves. And if they have a chance to see the great Diego Montalvo? Theyll be
pouring
money into our donation bowls. Did you know hes never performed in England? Why, I could have half the press over here in a trice just to see that. Their attention alone will raise funds for our cause, no matter what he says or does.
Im sure youre right, Lucy said. Who was she to question the woman who brought more money to their various causes than all the other ladies put together?
Then were agreed. Well use the ballroomapparently, some of his tricks must be done indoors. He told me he would need an hour to prepare, so Ill send a footman to the papers to coax them here. Once the press has arrived, well begin.
Very well, Lucy said.
Meanwhile, she meant to find out just what he was up to. She didnt trust Diego, and she wasnt about to let him
make fools of them in front of the press. Were men good for anything but making trouble?
It took her a while to slip away. By the time she entered the ballroom, shed worked herself into such a state that she didnt even care he was alone.
Bolstering her righteous indignation, she marched up to where he stood with his back to her on a small stage that the Foxmoors sometimes used for theatricals. Before she could reach him, he said in a husky voice, Good afternoon, Lucy.
Her heart fluttered insanely before she beat it down. She wouldnt let him affect her! Absolutely
not.
How did you know it was me? she asked, hurrying up the stage steps.
A low chuckle escaped him as he worked with something on the table, not even sparing her a glance. I read minds, remember?
Hah! I am not as credulous as you think.
Trust me,
carińo,
I do not think you credulous in the least.
Another thrill chased down her spine. He hadnt called her
carińo
since the day hed kissed her. Trying not to think of that, she went to stand across the table from him.
He was cleaning a pistol, which explained why he was in shirtsleeves again and why his attire was not of the best quality.
What are you up to, Diego?
He finished his work with neat, efficient motions. I am preparing for my performance.
You know perfectly well thats not what I mean, she said irritably. What are you doing
here?
I was he began as he glanced up for the first time since shed entered. Then he just stood there speechless. Staring.
Unlike Peters cursory assessment or other gentlemens sly glances, his gaze took bold liberties, eating her alive, rousing heat in every part: her mouth, her half-bare shoulders
her bosom. His gaze flared hot as it ran along her low neckline. Oh, dear, hed never seen her in a ball gown, had he?
As if realizing where he was staring, he snapped his gaze back to her face. Then he set down the pistol, gathered up his cleaning materials, and headed into the wings.
She followed him on shaky legs, still determined to gain answers to her questions. Diego, I demand to know why you came here and offered to perform.
To help your cause, of course.
And what cause is that?
Some Ladies Association, I believe. Setting the rags and chemicals into an open trunk, he walked over to a washbasin, rolled up his sleeves, and began scrubbing his hands and forearms. Now, let me ask
you
a question. Why did you lie to me about your plans for today?
I didnt lie, she shot back.
You told me you would be going over accounts with Mrs. Harris.
We went over them in the carriage. They had, but only to assuage her guilt over her evasion. Which was absurd, given his devious purpose.
In the carriage. His voice dripped sarcasm. Of course. Drying his hands on a towel, he strolled back toward her. That does not explain why you felt the need to conceal your outing.
I wasnt trying to conceal it. She tipped up her chin as he neared her. I simply didnt think you would be interested.
Why would I not be interested in a gathering designed to ruin my plans?
At the sight of his smug smile, her temper flared. Oh, I
knew
you had found out what we were about. I just knew it!
I am no fool,
carińo.
His gaze bored into her. Not to mention that you lie badly. And the only time you lie is when you are plotting against me. He tossed the damp towel onto a chair. Like today, when you and your friends are amassing money to buy the property out from under me.
Her stomach sank. How did you hear about that?
His face grew shuttered. I have my sources.
So what do you mean to do about it? Denounce everyone from the stage? Make us all look like fools?
Pure temper shone in his black eyes. What I do is up to you. I can tailor my performance however I wish. I can indeed make all of you look like fools, or
Or what?
I can raise a great deal of money for your cause.
She eyed him suspiciously. Even though that cause involves our trying to ruin your plans for Rockhurst.
He shrugged. As I said, it is up to you.
Im almost afraid to ask what compensation youll require of me for
that.
Fine. Do not ask. I shall simply return to preparing for my performance. A taunting smile curved his lips. It will be one to remember, I promise.
Oh, stop being the Master of Mystery, and just tell me what you want.
He cast her a searching glance. There will be dancing later, will there not?
Not sure what that had to do with anything, she nodded.
I want one waltz with you. His expression had turned quite serious. And a little conversation about anything other than your precious school.
A frisson of purely feminine gratification shook her. Coming on the heels of Peters cruel betrayal, his asking such a thing was balm to her wounded heart.
If
she could trust his motives. Thats all? Why?
For the same reason I have spent two days enduring countless tales of your school and subjecting myself to stray arrows and bad poetry and painful posing for your students. To have the pleasure of your company.
As much as she wanted to bask in that answer, she didnt quite believe it. Just the pleasure of my company. Nothing more
wicked than that.
His face darkened. Not once in the past two days have I overstepped the bounds of your propriety. That should speak for my character.
Guilt brought hot color to her cheeks. He
had
shown impeccable manners during their tours of the school. Even when shed been awful to him.
But I see that means nothing, he clipped out. Since I am not quite the devil you think and have no desire to make fools of your friends, as you put it, I will leave. That seems the only thing that will satisfy you.
He turned, but she caught his arm. Im sorry. You
have
been a gentleman these past two days. Id be honored to waltz with you. When his stormy gaze shot to her, she managed a smile. And I would love to see your act.
