The Bewitching Hour (17 page)

      He laughed softly. “No longer than fifteen minutes. I wanted you so desperately I wasn’t able to hold back for very long. I wish we had all night. Good Lord, I could make love to you for hours on end.”
      Surely she hadn’t heard him right. “Hours? Heavens, what more could we do?”
      “There are many surprises in store for you; different ways to enjoy one another.” He eased out of her and put himself to rights. “Don’t get up just yet. Making love is somewhat messy and we need to be careful of your gown.”
      She was aware of a wet stickiness between her legs. He pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped away what he could. She felt her cheeks flush. Why would this intimate gesture embarrass her after what they had just shared? He had touched her intimately with his bare hands, been inside her. It made little sense for her to feel this way. Nevertheless, she was once again grateful for the darkness.
      “Don’t be alarmed if you see a little blood. I understand it’s normal to bleed a little the first time.”
      She thought that an odd choice of words for an experienced lover. “You understand?”
      He smiled. “I haven’t any firsthand experience to rely on. I’m not in the habit of seducing innocent young women. Though in this case, I’m not sure who seduced who.”
      “Your reputation says otherwise.”
      “My reputation is greatly exaggerated. I haven’t lived the life of a monk, but my exploits were nowhere what they were reported to be.”
      “And Mr. Danfield’s?”
      “His reputation is only slightly exaggerated, I’m afraid.” Putting his hands around her waist he swung her down from the table.
      She smoothed down her skirts. “Well, I suppose I’m glad you have some experience. I’m not sure how we would have muddled through, if you didn’t.”
      He laughed. “We would have managed, but I doubt it would have been quite as enjoyable. There is something to be said for experience. Now are you ready to face the world again? Or should we wait a little longer before going back?”
      She sighed reluctantly. “I suppose we should go.”
      “I’ll take you to the retiring room first.” He tilted her face up. “If there are any left, I expect a waltz before the evening is over.”
      “I’ll manage to squeeze you in among all my other suitors.”
      “I don’t like seeing you waltz with other men, Priscilla.”
      She felt the tension in his body. “I can’t refuse to waltz with other men.”
      “I don’t see why not. I don’t like seeing them hanging about you, either.”
      “You have your share of women batting their eyes at you as well,” she pointed out. “And it’s even worse, because their mothers are in tow as well.” Good Lord, she was just as jealous as he was.
      “It’s brutal,” he admitted. “A mama determined to marry off her daughter can be a formidable foe. Would you believe Lady Farrington gave me the run down on all three of her daughters? Dowry, schooling, physical attributes. She even assured my aunt within my hearing that all the women in the family were good breeders.”
      Priscilla clapped her hand over her mouth to cover an inelegant snort of laughter. “No! What did you say?”
      “I said ‘How fortunate. That almost makes up for their shrewish personalities.’”
      “You didn’t.”
      “No, but I wanted to.”
      Though his face was partially obscured in the shadows she looked closely at him. He was utterly handsome, easy going and relaxed as if a life altering event had not just taken place. Except that it wasn’t life altering. Not for him anyway. But she wouldn’t think about that tonight. It was a glorious moment and dwelling on any repercussions would only spoil everything. Instead she took his arm and simply said, “It’s time to go.”

After turning Priscilla over to one of the young men on her dance card, an infatuated young man who was far too gangly and awkward to prove any kind of rival, Stratton made his way toward the red salon, hoping he might be able to win back some of the money he’d lost the past few weeks. Not that it really mattered. At present, he was jubilant, thrilled with his good fortune and nothing short of disaster would dampen his mood. He was about to round the corner when an angry male voice brought him to an abrupt halt.
      “Don’t be foolish. Whatever you believe me guilty of, I’m not willing to allow you to find your own way home.”
      
Blast.
The last thing he wanted to do was walk into the middle of a quarrel.
      “It’s a little late to pretend to be a gentleman.” The woman’s tone was scornful.
      “You’ve laid insults at my feet all evening.”
      “Well deserved insults.”
      Stratton prepared to slip away before they realized he was there, but changed his mind when he heard the man say roughly, “Don’t walk away from me, my lady. We haven’t finished here.”
      “Don’t you dare lay a hand on me.”
      
Bloody hell.
It sounded as if she was being threatened. He’d have to intervene. Stratton rounded the corner to see Lady Williams backed up against the wall with Lord Bennett a few feet in front of her. Her dark eyes were narrowed and two bright spots of color stood out on her cheeks. She appeared more angry than frightened. Lord Bennett’s hands were at his side; he didn’t appear to be a threat.
      “Is there a problem?” Stratton asked evenly.
      Lady Williams looked up at him and the gratitude on her face was visible. “Lord Stratton,” she said faintly. “There’s nothing to be concerned about. It seems an urgent matter has arisen and Lord Bennett is unable to see me home this evening. We were just discussing the problem.”
      Lord Bennett turned and nodded his acknowledgement. His normally smooth countenance was tight with anger.
      There seemed no way out of it. Stratton often wished his mother had been less diligent in teaching him to be a well mannered gentleman. It had proved to be a great inconvenience on more than one occasion. He stifled a sigh. “My lady, if you’ve no objection, I’ll be more than happy to escort you home. We will be taking our leave around one. I know most of the ton does not hold with early hours, but we’ve not yet adjusted to town schedules. I trust the time will not be of inconvenience to you this evening.”
      She gazed at him through lowered lashes. “If you’re certain this will not put you out, my lord. One o’clock is quite agreeable.”
      “It is no inconvenience at all.”
      Lord Bennett cleared his throat. “I’m most grateful for your offer,” he said stiffly. “Now, I must speak with our hostess and be on my way.” He offered a curt nod, turned on his heel and walked away.
      
Damn.
Stratton had the feeling he had just been manipulated.
      Lady Williams moved away from the wall, her burgundy gown shimmering with every step. “You heard our conversation?” she asked quietly as she came up beside him.
      He nodded. “Some of it.”
    “I’m indebted to you, my lord. It was a most difficult situation.” She shivered slightly. “I don’t believe he would have hurt me, but I was frightened. You won’t mention this to anyone, will you? It could be somewhat embarrassing.”
      “It will go no further than the two of us.” He tapped his finger against his lips and frowned thoughtfully. “I must say it seems oddly out of character for Lord Bennett.” He shrugged it off. “Well, that’s neither here nor there, at this point. Would you like to return to the ballroom?”
      “Yes, thank you.” She smiled gratefully and took his arm.

It was well after midnight before Priscilla was in his arms again.
    Continuously aware of his presence for most of the evening she had observed with interest that he had been very much the gentleman, dancing with debutants and matrons, bluestockings and ape leaders, paying no more attention to the season’s diamond of the first water than to the season’s projected failures. He was gracious and charming to all, even sharing a dance with his Aunt Mirabella. She wished he weren’t so devastatingly handsome, wished he didn’t fill her with need every time he touched her, but most of all she wished she hadn’t fallen in love with him. But she wouldn’t think about that tonight.
      He led her onto the dance floor and murmured smoothly, “I missed you.”
      “You’ve been quite busy, I don’t see how you’ve had time to miss me,” she commented trying to deny the desire that was building up inside her again.
      “I was only appeasing Aunt Mirabella. She becomes quite cross if I don’t dance with enough ladies. You’ve been busy yourself. You have quite a number of admirers.”
      “I suppose.”
      “I was sorely tempted to punch out one in particular.”
      She laughed. “Who?”
      “Lord Mallory. I would have cut in if I hadn’t been dancing with some young debutant at the time. He does seem to have some sort of proprietary interest in you.”
      "I assure you, it is in his mind only." He smiled and pulled her closer. It felt nice just waltzing, not talking or laughing, but simply enjoying the sensation of being in his arms. But the music eventually ended and he led her to the edge of the dance floor.
      His eyes searched her face and then he said, “We’ll be leaving soon, but I will be by to see you tomorrow afternoon. Around two, if you’ve no other plans.”
      She nodded slowly.
      He turned her hand over slowly and brought it to his lips. Somehow it seemed as intimate as anything they had shared that evening. She shivered and attempted to withdraw her hand.
      He held her hand firmly in his grasp. “Priscilla,” he said sharply. “Don’t.”
      She moistened her lips. “Don’t what?”
      “Don’t deny what you feel.” Then, his tone softened. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Why can’t the stupid cow just shut up?
Lady Williams’ hands clenched beneath the folds of her cape as she refrained from clapping her hands over Mirabella’s mouth to stop the relentless stream of chatter pouring from her lips.
      “And don’t you think Lord and Lady Edgerton seemed blissfully happy?” Lady Fitzberry continued. “I for one never thought they would suit even though there were many gains to be made from their marriage. I heard her dowry included estates in East Retford and Mansfield. Can you imagine it? Why one could travel for days and never leave Edgerton land. And I heard there was a pot full of money, as well. But if a couple doesn’t suit, then all the land and all the money in the world won’t make them happy. And I do think it’s important to be happy, don’t you? Lord Fitzberry and I were immensely happy. Immensely happy. And my dear sister and the earl are very content with one another. I do hope Eugie and Cecelia will find the same contentment in their matches.”
      
Good God!
Her ears were ringing from the high pitched drivel and every time the wretched woman nodded her head that ridiculous pink feather hat slapped her in the face. Something would have to be done. Why did he allow her to prattle on so? She coughed delicately to catch Stratton’s attention then pressed her fingertips against her temples as if she had a headache.
      He glanced at her, then careful not to disturb Cecelia who had fallen asleep and was resting her head on his shoulder, he reached over and nudged his aunt. “Aunt Mirabella,” he said quietly. “It’s late and I believe you’re talking Lady Williams’ ear off. I’m sure she could do with a few minutes of quiet, as could I.”
      “Oh.” Lady Fitzberry sounded nonplussed. She turned her head and looked at Lady Williams. “I do apologize, my dear. It’s only that I enjoy these evenings immensely and so, of course, I like to talk about them. It’s only natural don’t you agree? I suppose I could wait until morning, but by then I would forget half of what I wanted to say.”
      “We should be so lucky,” Stratton muttered beneath his breath.
      “Don’t mutter,” she scolded. “If you have something to say, Eugie, say it out loud.”
      “I asked if you could please grace us with a few minutes of silence.” His voice was laced with warning.
      “Very well,” she responded in a hurt tone. “I will endeavor to remain silent.”
      “Thank you, Aunt Mirabella. I appreciate that very much.”
      Lady Williams watched as he adjusted his position to better accommodate his sleeping sister. He seemed to care a great deal about Cecelia and was far gentler with his aunt than the loathsome creature deserved. He was more of a family man than she had realized and that could be problematic. Particularly with an aunt like Lady Fitzberry who noticed everything and couldn’t keep her mouth shut. Cecelia wasn’t too worrisome. The chit would soon be married off and breeding. But what she needed to do now was gain Cecelia’s and Lady’s Fitzberry’s friendship and support.
      “I’m afraid I am a bit weary,” she said graciously to Lady Fitzberry. “But I would very much enjoy talking to you at another time when the hour is not so late.”
      “Lovely,” the older woman said happily. “Would you care to come for tea. Perhaps next week?”
      “Thank you,” she replied demurely. “That would please me very much.”
      “Cook makes delicious almond cake. And her lemon tarts are heavenly.”
      Stratton cleared his throat and his meaning was not wasted on his aunt. She harrumphed and turned her face to the window as the streets of London rolled by. They soon came to a halt in front of Lady Williams' house. Stratton gently shrugged his sister awake, goodbyes were said, and then he jumped down to the walkway and helped Lady Williams descend the steps.
      She placed her hand on his arm and said, “You have a delightful family, Lord Stratton. I’ve not had the opportunity to get to know them before now.”
      “You’re very kind to say so, but I suspect you would not find a steady diet of Aunt Mirabella all that delightful. I love my aunt dearly, but she can be exasperating at times.”
      She produced a rich throaty laugh. “That may be true, but she has a good heart and that’s what matters most.” They stopped on her front step and as Stratton rapped on the door she held her breath hoping that Newman hadn’t fallen into too deep a sleep. Moments later the door was opened by a sleepy looking young man in black and gold livery.
      She turned to Stratton. “Thank you, my lord, for coming to my rescue. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t.”
      “I’m happy to have been of service.” She held out her hand and Stratton took it and bowed, but did not bring it to his lips. “I bid you good night.”
      She inclined her head slightly and murmured, “Good night, my lord.”
      She narrowed her eyes and watched as he strolled down the short walk and leapt back into the carriage. He was powerfully built, with heavily muscled thighs and broad shoulders and, she remembered, possessed of a great deal of stamina. What he could see in a little mouse like Priscilla Hawthorn was beyond her. The evening had not ended on the note she had strived for and, in truth, she was quite bewildered. Was he that taken with the chit? With an imperceptible shake of her head she pushed past Newton and headed for the stairs.
      “Send Jill to me,” she snapped. “Tell her to bring up a pot of tea.” Anger churned inside her. A short time later, she was sitting at her dressing table yanking hairpins from her coiffure.
      “You seem a little agitated, Melissa.”
      Startled, her hands fell to her sides and she turned in her chair. “Damn you, Philip. What are you doing here?”
      Philip sauntered out from behind her changing screen. “Such language. And from a lady of gentle breeding. Whatever is the matter, my dear?”
      “Did Newton let you in here?”
      “Don’t blame the servants. I let myself in. The lock on your back door is frightfully easy to pick. You might want to have that looked at.”
      Pins clattered to the floor as she abruptly rose from her chair. “You had the audacity to break into my home? I’ll have you thrown out of here, if I have to search out a Bow Street runner, myself.”
      He didn’t appear the slightest bit worried. “Where’s your hospitality? Is this any way to treat a guest? Particularly, one who bears good tidings?”
      “You’re not a guest. You’re a despicable cretin who stays so deep in his cups that he has to…” His last words reached her conscious mind. “What do you mean by good tidings?”
      Before he could answer, a knock came at the door.
      
Blasted servants!
She frantically waved him toward the three paneled screen.
      “What do you want?” she called out.
      The door creaked open a few inches and a small, timid face peeked around the edge. “I was told you sent for me, milady.”
      “I’ve changed my mind. Go back to bed.”
      “But, milady, I ‘ave your tea and the buttons on the back of your dress are too ‘ard for you to reach.”
      Melissa’s jaw tightened. “Bring me the tea and go.”
      “But, milady, your buttons.”
      She rushed to the door and snatched the tray from the girl’s hands. “Just go! I'll send for you when I need you.”
      Once the maid had left and the door closed, Philip stepped out from his hiding place and offered a graceful bow. “Allow me to help you with your buttons, my lady.”
      “In your dreams, Philip.” She placed the teapot and cup on her dresser, sat back down and picked up her hairbrush. “Now, what good tidings have you brought me?”
      “Sometimes, my dear, you’re no fun at all.” Sighing audibly, he settled into an upholstered chair and stretched out his legs.
      “Just tell me what you came to tell me.”
      He pressed the tips of his fingertips together and smiled. “Our lovely Miss Hawthorn has a rather shocking secret regarding the young man she was once engaged to marry. One that will suit our purposes nicely.”