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UnmaskingaWickedMarquess
AREGENCYROMANCENOVEL
HENRIETTAHARDING
Thisbookmaynotbereproducedortransmittedinanyformwithoutthewrittenpermissionofthepublisher.
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TableofContents
FreeExclusiveGift
UnmaskingaWickedMarquess
Introduction
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Epilogue
AnEarl'sChristmasSeduction
Introduction
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
TableofContents
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UnmaskingaWickedMarquess
Introduction
Juliethas liveda life accordingtothe rules,obeyingher mother andfather's expectations,until a meetingwitha scandalous strangerataballchangesherlifeforever.Hisillicitkisssetsheronapathofrebellionleavingheryearningformore.Little did she know, he is the wicked Marquess ofAshton, the sonofher family's long-swornenemy As fate brings themtogether onceagain,amongAscot’sfever,theoldrivalrywillstartburningashotasheruntamedpassionfortheMarquess.
CanthefieryJulietbackawayfromtheonemanwhohasevertemptedher?
Edward,MarquessofAshtonfreshly,hasjustreturnedfromhistravelsinIndia.Havingsecuredmorehorsesforthekingand his father's races at Ascot, Edward feels alive with life and adventure His frequent rule-bending during travels contrasts sharplywiththe rigid world ofthe ton, leavinghimrestless and uneasy. Yet, his encounter witha masked beautykindles a desire for seduction Whenhe discovers Juliet's identitythough,his sparkonlyintensifies,defyingthe bitter historybetween theirfamilies.
Willhesuccumbtotheruleshehasalwaysresisted?
AsAscotapproaches,JulietandEdwardnavigateaworldofsecrettrystsandhiddenlove.Withfalseaccusations,antagonists andschemesbehindcloseddoors,theirflamingromanceseemsunattainable Facedwithaccusationsandtheirfamilies’feud, theystrive to defysocietal expectations. Will Julietand Edward defythe odds, or will the conspirators atAscotsucceed in drivingthemapart?
Royal Ascot, England, 1798
Prologue
“Robert?Philip?Areyoutwonotwatching?Theraceisabouttobegin”
Robertpulled his attentionawayfromwhere he was toastingwithhis friend, Philip Welton, the Duke ofLantham. Theyhad beenlaughingfor so longthatRobertcouldn’tevenremember how their discussionhad begun, yetPhilip was wipingtears awayfromhiseyesasRoberttriedtostophimselffromchokingonhiswine.
“Youknowthepairofthem,dear,”Philip’swife,Amelia,wassayingwithalaughofherown.“Leavethemtoit.They’llwatch theracewhenthey’regoodandready.”
“Ithinkourwivesdespairofus,”Robertsaidwithaheartychuckle,takinghisfriend’sshoulderandsteeringhimawayfrom thecarafesofwinetowardstheboxthatoverlookedtheracingfield
“You don’t say?” Philip laughed, shaking his head. “Amelia predicted it well enough. Whenever we’re together, we’re incorrigible”
“Soonenough,wewon’tbeabletogetyouapart,”Cecily,Robert’swife,appearedathisside.Hesmiledwhenhelookedat hereyes–violetincolour.Theywerestrikingandsouniquethathehadneverseenanotherwomanwiththoseeyesbefore.It was oneofthethings hehadfirstnoticedabouther,andsincethedaytheyhadmet,hehadfoundhimselfgrowingmoreand moreinlovewithher
Justayearago,shehadgivenbirthtotheirfirstchild,Juliet,andRobertwasdelightedthathisgoodfriend,Philip,hadagreed tobegodfather.
“Withyour sister, Rob,and your brother,Philip, gettingmarried,you’ll be ineachother’s companyconstantly!” Cecilysaid withalaugh.“Onsecondthoughts,Amelia,Iwilltakethatdrink.”
Amelialaughedandfilleduptheglassastheymovedtothewindowofthebox,laughingtogether
“They’reright,youknow,”Philipsaid,elbowingRobert “We’llbefamilysoon”
“Hmm.Ifyoulookatthepairofthem,you’dthinktheywereimpatientforthewedding.”Robertpointedoverhisshoulderinto thefarcornerofthebox,gesturingpastotherswhowereguestsofthekingintheroyalcorneroftheracecourse Throughheads dressedinfinehatsandbodiesclothedinsmartsuits,inthecorneroftheroom,theycouldseeEmilyandHughtogether.
Theysatcalmly,talkingtooneanother,perhapsevenhavingforgottenthattheywereonaraceday Emily’slight-brownhair, whichwasmuchlikeRobert’sown,wastuckedupatthebackofherhead,curlingsoftly.HerhandheldHugh’stightly,andthe poormanseemedincapableoflookingatanyonebutEmily
“Impatient?Whatgaveyouthatidea?”PhilipsaidwithawrytoneasHughliftedEmily’shandtohislipsandkissedtheback.
“Iwonder.” Robertshookhis head and turned backto face the window. “Cecilyis right. The race is starting.” He gestured forwardbeyondtheopenwindowdownatthecourse.
Thegreatlawnstretchedoutinfrontofthem,dryandaridintheheatofthehotsummertheyhadbeenenduring.Manyofthe gentlemengathered inthe sunbythe fences had shed their jackets inthatheat, and the ladies had broughtfans withthemto flutter infrontoftheir faces. Above the manyheads, withcheeks flushed red inthe heat, people wavedbettingcards, either eagertomaketheirbetsorwantingtoclaimtheirwinnings.
Atonesideofthecourse,thehorseswerelinedup,readytostart.
“Yours looks tobe infine condition,” Philipsaidwitha begrudgingpatonRobert’s shoulder.“Nohardfeelings ifyouwin, eh?”
“Sameforyou.”Robertnoddedatthehorses.“Neitherofuscaresaboutthatcommissiontobreedhorsesfortheking,dowe?”
“Notatall Thoughtitmightbeuseful,”Philipconfessedwithasmallsmileandawink,themovementofhisheadmakinghis darkhairdanceabouthisforehead.“Suchachartercouldbeprofitableindeed.Sowhicheverofuswinsit,orifindeedanother winsit,letustoasttheirsuccess Agreed?”
“Agreed.” Robertwas all too happyto make this arrangement. He could notdenythe royal charter would be useful for his familyaswell Itwouldbeagoodadvancement,andwhenhisdaughterwasgrown,maybehecouldevenintroduceheratthe royalcourtifhecouldonlymoveintheroyalcirclesfirst.
“They’restarting,”Cecilysaidwithexcitement,clutchingRobert’sarm.Itwasalwaysthesame;withanyracetheywatched, sheheldontohimtightly.Helookedather,feelingthewarmthandlovehehadforhergrowing.“Oh,Idohopetheanimalswill bewell Itpainsmewhentheyarehurt”
“The horses are well trained, and the jockeys, too. They’ll be quietsafe,” Robertassured her, threadinganarmaround her waistasthehorsestrottedintothestartingblocks.
Ageneralhushfelloverthewholeracecourseasamanstoodatthesideofthetrack,holdingapistolintotheair
Robertcould hear his heartbeatinhis ears as he stared athis horse. Install number three, his horse, MidnightDancer, was raringtogo Withadeepblackcoat,alongnose,andthick,stronglegs,hewasnoticeablefromagreatdistanceaway Overthe last two years, Robert’s horses had been winning many races, and no other horse had won more than his prize stallion, MidnightDancer
Come on. You can do it. Win me that commission.
Thenthepistolfired,andthehorsesboltedoutofthestalls.
“Look,lookatthemgo,”Ameliacalledexcitedly Herhair,asdarkasherhusband’s,wasbraidedatthebackofherheadand nowswungaroundasshejumpedaboutwithherexcitement.“Oh,ourtwohorsesareahead!”
RobertheldhisbreathasCecilybesidehimsentprayerstoGodtokeepthetwohorsessafe.ItwastruethatMidnightDancer andPhilip’shorse,Shadow,wereneckandneck,stridingoutfaraheadoftheothers.
“Idon’tthinkIcanwatchthis.”Philipturnedawayfromthewindow.
“Areyoumad?”Ameliacriedandturnedtoherhusband,takinghisshouldersandforcinghimbackaroundtowatchtherace again.“Thishasbeentheculminationofmonthsofwork.”
“Tryyears,”Robertmuttered.
“Exactly”Philipagreedwithhim “It’ssoclose,Icannotwatch”
Suddenly,MidnightDancerstartedtoedgeinfront.Itwasbythesmallestamount,hisnosejuststretchinginfrontoftheothers. The jockey rode him harder, raising himself with his knees, taking the brunt of the force of riding so fast The stallion respondedandstartedtoreachoutinfrontofShadow.
“Ah,it’sover.”Philipsuddenlylaughed.“Givemyfriendhismoneyandhiscommission.Hedeservesit.”
“Theraceisn’toveryet,”Cecilyremindedhim
Justasshesaidthewords,theyseemedtobeanomen.Thejockeyshiftedinthesaddleasifhehadnearlybeenthrownoff,and thenMidnightDancerbucked
“Woah,whatwasthat?”Robertmuttered,startingtobreatheagaininshort,shallowbreaths
Abruptly, the horse pulled up. Shadow struckoutinfront, ridingahead, and MidnightDancer bucked and danced aboutthe coursesomuchthatthosewatchingatthesidesofthefencesscurriedback,takingrefugebehindthebettingstalls
“He’sneverdonethisbefore,”Cecilymurmured.“Whatiswrongwithhim?Helooksalmost…possessed.”
Robertwasnotasuperstitiousfellow,butonthisoccasion,hewastemptedtoagreewithhiswife.
“What ”Hedidn’tfinishthequestion Thehorserosebackonitshindhoovesandtippedthejockeycleanoutofhissaddle “Thompson!”Robertcriedinasuddenpanicaboutthejockey’ssafety.
ThompsonwaswiseenoughtorollawayunderthecoverofthebannerasMidnightDancerstruckoutwildlyintheairwithhis fronthooves.Theotherhorsesflew pasthim,gallopingawayafterShadow,andthenthehorsedroppeddownitshoovesand didaslowlopebackinthewrongdirectiontowardsthestalls Helopedaway,almostasifhewasinjured
“Oh”AbreathescapedCecily
Heknewwhatshewassuffering.Itwasspeechlessness,forhesufferedthesamething.
Asaroarwentupfromthecrowd,RobertturnedtoseePhilipandAmeliaathisside.Neitheroneofthemwascelebrating,but bothwerelookingatRobertandCecily.
“I’msosorry,”Philipsaid,frowning.“Idonotunderstand.Helookedgreataroundtheparaderingjustnow.”
“Donotworryaboutit,myfriend.”Robertclearedhisthroatandpushedawayanygrumblingshehadaboutwhathadjusttaken place.“Youwontherace,fairandsquare,andrememberwhatweagreed.”HeofferedhishandtoPhilip.“Ishallbedelighted foryou Youwillhavetheroyalcommission,anditwillbegoingtonobetterman”
“Thankyou,Robert Thatisverygraciousofyouindeed,”Philipsaidasheshookhishand
Robertcontinuedtosmile,quitedeterminedtobehappyforhisfriend,evenifthestrangebehaviourofhishorsestillniggledat thebackofhismind
Themomenttheywere done withthe congratulations andPhiliphadtogoandcollectthe prize for his horse,Robertleftthe box,withCecilyhurryingbehindhim.
“Whereareyougoing?”shecried,strugglingtokeepupwithherhandsreachingforthebackofhiswaistcoat
He ranto the stables as quicklyas he could, where he found poor Thompsonsittingagainstthe wall ofthe stable yard. He lookedwindedandrepeatedlyrubbedhisbackashekickedoffhisridingboots
“Areyouallright?ShallIsendforaphysician?”Robertasked,hurryingtohisjockey’sside.
“Itis notme youshould be concerned for, MyLord,” Thompsonsaid witha heavysigh. “Iamquite well, butthat…” He jerked a thumb, pointing back into the stable “I have never seen anything like it in all these years Lady Clarence,” he addressedCecilydirectly.“Iknowyourloveforanimals.Ipleadwithyounottogointherenow.Itwillonlyupsetyou.”
YetRobertknewhiswife Herloveforanimalswasonlyoutweighedbyawishtodowhatwasright Sheranintothestable evenbeforeRobertcould,andthegaspthatescapedhermadehishearttrembleinhischest.
Asheroundedthecornertohishorse’sstalls,hesawMidnightDanceronthefloor,strugglingonhisside.He’dbeentiedwith hisreinstoapost,forahorseattendantwastryingtostillhimtoexaminewhatappearedtobebloodiedspotsacrosshisback.
“Wh-whatis this?” Robertmanagedtostammer,his hands startingtoshake withanger whenhe saw the painhis poor horse wasin
Thestablehandlookedup,agrimaceonhisfaceashewipedthesweatfromhischeeks.
“Itissabotage,MyLord,”hesaidsimply.“Someonefastenedthesepinstotheseatofthesaddle.”Hetookthesaddlefromits discarded positionatthe side ofthe stable and turned itup. “He bore the painfor so long, butwhenthe jockeydrove him harder,itwastoomuch SomeonewantedtomakesureMidnightDancercouldnotwinthatrace”
“LordClarence?MayIspeakwithyou?”
Robert struggled to clear his mind. It was the morning after the foul race, and he was standing outside of Philip’s stable, waitingforPhiliptoarrivesotheycouldgoridingtogether.RobertandhisfamilywerestayingwithPhilipforafew nights, andtheyhadspentlastnight’sdinnergoingovereverythingthathadhappenedtoMidnightDancer
PhiliphadbeenhorrifiedandurgedRoberttoengagealocalconstabletolookintowhomighthavecommittedthesabotage.
“MyLord?”thevoicecalledtohimagain
“Myapologies, mymind was elsewhere.” Robertlooked awayfromthe cloudyskythatspelled imminentrainand turned to facePhilip’sstablehand,Wally.TheyoungmanwassomeoneRoberthadseeninpassingafewtimes.Arathereagerlad,he wasstrugglingtostandstillnowasheapproachedRobertrathernervouslywithhiscapinhishand.“Whatisit?”Robertasked him
“Iheardofwhathappenedtoyour horse.I’msosorry,MyLord,butIfear Ihavemorebadnews.”Helookedattheground betweenthemasifsayingitwashardenough,buthecouldnotlookatRobertatthesametime.
“Ihavetotellyousomething IhavetotellyouthatIsawamangoingtoyourhorse’sstallsandwheretheequipmentwaskept Iknow theman,andIknow theDukeofLanthampayshimtodothings.Ifearhepaidthemantosabotageyourhorse,sohis wouldwin.So…sohecouldgetthecommissionfromtheking.”
“Youaremistaken,”Robertrespondedongutinstinctandshookhishead.
Philip? No. Philip would never do this to me. He is a true friend.
“Iamnoliar,MyLord”Wallylookedup ThesuddenpowerofthoseeyesboringintoRobert’smadehimpause “Isawhim, asdidothersthatIcanbringtoyoutoproveittoyou.”
He believes it to be true and others saw it too
“Iknowhefearedyourhorsewouldwinagain Ioverheardhimtalkingtotheduchessaboutsuchathing,too”Wallystepped back.“I’msosorry,MyLord.Ithoughtitwasrightyouknew.”Withthesewords,hehurriedaway.
No, no It’s not possible
Robertstood for some time until the rainbegan, thinkingaboutwhathe had heard. He didn’twantto believe itand refused flatly,yethismindkeptworkingoverit HethoughtofthedelightonPhilip’sfacewhenhecamebacktoRobert,talkingofhow hehadspokenwiththekingabouttheroyalcommission.
Robert walked awayfromthe stables. He went to the house and strode inside, where he found Philip inthe entrance hall, strugglingtopullonhisridingboots.FarbehindhimonthestairswasAmeliawithhersonbesideher,holdinghishandtightly. Edwardwasthepictureofhisfather,dark-hairedandblue-eyed
He watched his father, laughing at his ridiculous attempt to get the boots on Behind Amelia was Cecily, with their baby daughterinherarms.JulietwasjustoldenoughtowavemanicallyatRobert.Anothertime,hewouldhavewavedbackathis daughter,buthecouldn’t.
“Ah,Robert.I’msosorryI’mrunninglate.Ican’tgetthese damnthings on,” Philipcalled,sinkingontothe bottomstepand pullingthebootuptohisknee
“Don’tworry,it’sraining.”Robert’scoldtonealertedPhiliptothefactsomethingwaswrongwithouthimhavingtosayany more.
“Whatisit?”Philipasked,lookingupfromhisboots.“Robert,whatiswrong?”
“Ijustheardsomething.SomethingIdonotwanttobelieve.”Heshookhishead,hiswordscreatinganatmospherearoundthe room.Theyallwaitedwithbatedbreath,hangingontohiswords.“Someoneonthisestatebelievesyou,yesyou,Philip,paid anothertobindthatsaddletohisbackwithpins”
“Robert!”Cecilywasoutragedandcoveredtheirdaughter’sears,eventhoughshecouldn’tunderstandathertenderage.
“Iamjustrepeatingwhathas beensaid.” Robertstepped forward, needingto lookhis friend inthe eye, needingto read the truth
Philip said nothing for a minute. A strange, eerie silence fell in the room, and then he stood slowly. Taller than Robert, suddenly, Robert felt very small indeed He could understand why Philip was so terrifying in business meetings when the businesspartnerhadthemisfortunetogetonthewrongsideofthem.Thatexpressionwasquiteharrowing.
“Youwoulddaretoaccuseme?”
“Iamnotaccusing Iamrepeating Tellmeitisnottrue,Philip”
“Ishouldnothavetotellyouitisn’ttrue.Youaremyfriend,Robert.DoyouhonestlythinkIwoulddothistoyou?”
“Idonotknowwhattothink.”Robertfeltsick.Whywouldn’tPhilipjustdenyit?Whywouldn’thejustsay,ofcoursehehad notdoneit?TheevasiveanswermadeRobertbegintodoubthisownknowledge
Do I know my friend at all?
“Youshouldknowwhattothink!”Philipseethedandsteppedtowardshim.
“Robert,please,”Cecilycalledfromherpositionpartwayupthestairs “Theseareourfriends Wearestayingintheirhouse”
“And myhorse was sabotaged whenwe were racingfor a royal commission,” Robertinsisted, meetinghis wife’s panicked gaze
“Ifthisisjealousyatplay,Iwillunderstanditandforgiveit,”Philipsaid,histonesocalmthatitinfuriatedRobertevenmore “Buttakebackthataccusationthismoment.”
He still hasn’t said he did not do it
Robertglaredathisfriendandblinked.ItwasasifhesawPhilipinanewlight,thathardfrownunshakeable.
“Cecily,we’releaving.”
“What?”shespluttered,steppingaroundAmeliaandEdwardandcomingdownthestairs.“Robert,pray,thinkaboutthis.”
“No, no, byall means, go” Philip waved a hand at the door “I will not have someone inmyhouse accusingme of doing something…sofoul.Getout,Robert.”
“Philip?”Ameliawasthenextonetocryout.“Calmyourself.”
“Iwillnotbecalmed Didyouhearwhathesaid?”
Robertstrodetothedoorandpracticallyjumpedoffthestepsinhiseagernesstogetoutofthathouse.
“Robert?Whatareyouthinking?”Cecilycried,runningafterhimwithJulietinherarmswhowasnowcryinginalarmatthe loudnoises.Roberttookhisdaughterinhisarms,soothingherwithsofttones.
“Idon’tknowwhattothink,”Robertmuttered.“ButifIfindnothingtodisputewhatIhavejustheard,thenIhavenochoicebut tobelieveit,doI?It’spossible,Cecily,thatPhilipwasnevermyfriendatall”
Nineteen Years Later, 1817
Chapter1
“Careful withthose horses Icannottell youofwhatvalue theyare,” Edwardcalledtothe stable hands as he jumpeddown fromhisownhorse.Helandedwitheaseonthecobbledgroundofthestableyardandshruggedoffhistailcoat,heatedonthe brightsunnyday
The stable hands looked abruptlymore nervous about their charges, eyingthe Marwari horses withwariness. The animals wererarefromhistravelstoIndia Sleekinbuild,lithe,athletic,andwithuniquelypointinginwardears,Edwardknewwhata finegiftoneoftheseanimalswouldmaketotheking.Theotherwasforhisfamilytokeep.
“Here,theyare soft-naturedifyouknow how totreatthemright.” Edwardstrode towards the nearesthorse andstrokedhim downthe nose, hummingsoftlyinhis ear. At once, the horse that had appeared to have a wild temper before softened and nuzzledhishand “Goodboy,”hewhisperedforonlythehorsetohear
“We’ll look after them, My Lord,” called the familiar voice of the stable manager. A larger and burly bloke, he stepped forward withhis wizened face beamingina smile and bowed to Edward. “It is good to see youhave returned fromyour travels.”
“Thankyou,Bernard.Itisgoodtoseeyoutoo.IshallhavetotellyouallaboutwhatIsawsometime.”
“Ilookforwardtoit”BernardwavedhishatinfarewellandwenttohelpwiththehorsesasEdwardleftthestableyardwitha springinhisstep.
Fortoolong,hehadbeengone.First,therewastheuniversityinOxford,thenhistravels,focusingmostparticularlyonIndia andthecontinent.Nowhewasbackandhadsenthisluggageahead,hewasimpatienttoseehisfamilyagain.
Hestrodeupthefrontporchstepstowardsthewide,red-brickedbuilding,butbeforehecouldtakeholdofthedoorhandle,the dooritselfwasflungopeninward,andashockofdarkhairflewatEdward.
He yelpedandjumpedbackinsurprise,for one minute thinkinghis father hadboughta tall greyhoundinhis absence.There wasraucouslaughterfrominsidethehouseasEdwardcaughttheunmistakablefigureofhissister
“Jane!”heshouted,catchinghersafelybeforetheycouldtumbledownthefrontstepstogether.“Oomph,youcouldhavekilled usthen”
“You’rehome,you’rehome,”Janecriedrepeatedly,jumpingupanddownasshereleasedhim Justreachinghisshoulders,he couldseeshewasmuchtallerthanwhenhehadlastseenher.Herdarkhairwasunmistakable,foritwasthesameblacksheen theyall possessed,him,hisfather,andhismother.Ashepeeredpasthissister andintotheentrancehall,hesaw bothofhis parentslookedalittlegrayerthanlasttime
“There you are” Philip opened his arms out wide, and Edward gladly walked towards his father, embracing him tightly “Bewareofyourmother,”hewhisperedinEdward’sear.
“Idonotthinksheintendstoreleaseyouagain”
Edward discovered how right his father was. Embraced by Amelia, he was quickly told off for not writing more and for sendinghisluggageaheadasshehadbeensoexcitedthatmorningwhenshehadmistakenhisluggageforhisreturn.Shekept holdingontohiswaist,clingingtohim,asPhilipandJaneledtheirwayintothedrawingroom.
“Come,we’llstartthetea,”Janesaidtotheirfather.“TheycanhavesomewhenMadarestoreleasehim.”
“Youshouldhavecomehomesooner,”Ameliawhispered,showingnosignofreleasinghim
“Missedyoutoo,Mother.”Heheldherbackandpattedherontheshoulder,thenurgedhertoreleasehimabitsohecouldlook at her face. There were a few more grays in her hair, and her face bore a few more wrinkles than before, but the most noticeablethingwastheunshedtearsinhereyesthatshewasholdingback.“Whatisit?”
“Happy tears.” She waved a hand at her face dismissively. “Someday, you will have a child of your own, and you will understand how hard itis notto see one ofthemfor so long.” She embraced himagain, and he chuckled, holdingher back beforetheywalkedtogetherintothedrawingroom.
“Hurrah!” Philip declared and clapped his hands together “Youhave released him Quick, get a drink, myboy, before she embracesyouagain.”
Edwardusedthebackofthesetteetoshifthimselfoverandsitbesidehisfather Theathletic,ifinformal,movementmadehis mothertutashisfatherchuckled,passinghimateacup.
TheystartedwithEdward’snews,andhetoldthemofthenewrarehorseshehadbroughtbackandsomeofhistravels,though hepromisedmoretalesintime.
“I’mtoo tired for more stories.” He slumped into his seatrather dramatically, earninganother reproachful tutfromAmelia. “Jane,youtellstoriesforawhilesoIcantakeabreakanddrinkmytea”
“Verywell.”Sheputherteacupinhersaucerandsattallsothefadinglightofthedaythroughthewindowsshimmeredoffher darkhair,andthensheabruptlysmiledbroadly “Ihavenewsforyou,brother Newsthatwedidnotputinourlastletters”
“Oh?Whatisthat?”Edwardtookamouthfuloftea.
“Iamtobemarried.”
Edwardchokedontheteasoaggressivelythathisfatheractuallyslappedhimacrosstheback
“Oomph!DearGod,yourstrengthisn’tfailingyou,isit?”Edwardjested,rubbinghissorebackinsurprise
“I’mnotthatoldyet.”Philipelbowedhim.
“Whysoshocked?”Janewasnowonherfeet,herhandsonherhips.“AmIsodisgustingIcouldnotfindsomeonetomarry?”
“Forgivememysurprise,sister,”Edwardexplained,nowwipinghismouthwithahandkerchiefthathismotherproducedfrom whereithadbeenneatlytuckedunderthesleeveofhergown.“WhenIleft,yousaidyouwouldnevermarry.Youwerequite intentonthat”
“Oh,well.”Shesatdown,nowallsmileyonceagain,herspinesoftening.“ThatwasbeforeImetFred.”
“Fred?Hehasaname,then.AnythingelseIshouldknowabouthim?”
“Lord Frederik Winter, a baron,” Amelia explained with something of a sigh of wistfulness “Oh, he’s a handsome fellow indeed.Hesuitsherverywell.”
“He’llpayforherverywell,too,”Philipmuttered,pullingalaughfromEdward.
“Youchecked,didyou?”Edwardaskedhisfather
“Iwasn’tgoingtoletyour sister gotoanymanthatdidn’thaveagoodestate.”Philipshookhis headas helaidbackonthe settee, restingas he sipped his tea “It’s importantto me to see youbothsettled Speakingofwhich ” He trailed offand curvedasingleeyebrowatEdward.
“What?No.No.”Edwardshookhishead,awareoutofthecornerofhiseyethatJanewasstrugglingtoholdbackhergiggle behindcuppedhands.“You’renothelping,”headdedinherdirection.
“Cake?”sheaskedsweetly,offeringupthespongecakefromtheteatraythatsmelleddistinctlysugaryandfullofstrawberries.
“Youknowwhat’scomingaswellasI,”Edwardobserved
AmeliasuddenlyreachedforwardfromherarmchairandtookholdofEdward’sshoulder
“Ouch,”Edwardwincedforthesecondtimeinasmanyminutes.“Sincewhendidyourhandsgetlikebirds’claws,Mother?”
“Itistimeyoumarried,”shesaidwithfullheart.“Chooseagoodwoman,someonewhowillmakeyouhappy,”sheaddedwith thatwistfultoneonceagain.
“Someonewithagooddowry,”Philipaddedmatter-of-factly.
“Soromantic,”Janetuttedattheirfather.
“Oneofushastobepractical”
“Thenletitbeme,”Edwardpipedup.“Idonothavetogetmarriedyet.Thereisplentyoftimeforallofthat.”
Edward’smindwassuddenlyfullofpicturesandmemoriesofladiesshiftinggownsfromtheirshouldersandofbedswiththe sheetsruffledanddroppedtothefloor.Onthecontinent,hehadnotbeenaswell-behavedasperhapshisparentsthought.When attendingpartiesandmaskedballsinItalyandIndia,therehadbeenageneralairoftemptationandscandal
At some of the darker, more mysterious parties, it had not been unusual to see an unwed couple kissing in plain sight in corridors.WhatEdwardhadgotuptoatnighttogainhisfirstfewexperiencesoflovemakingwasforhismindonlytoknow.
Whathedidknowwasthatafterenjoyinghimselfforthelastfewyears,hewasinnohurrytochoosejustonewomanyet
“Yetyoustandabetterchanceofhavingmanybabiesifyougetmarriedwhenyou’reyoungandifyouhaveayoungbridetoo. You’llhavetheenergyforthenecessitiesthen.”
“Mother!”Edwardcriedinoutrage,nearlydroppingwhatwasleftofhisteainhisteacup
“What?”AmelialookedaroundininnocenceasPhilipandJanestartedlaughingoncemore.
“Thishasescalatedfast,”Edwardobserved.“Thisconversationwentfromyoutellingmetoproduceanheirtohavingmany children. Many?” herepeatedinanincreduloustone.
“Itisnecessary,”Ameliaexplainedwithashrug,reachingcalmlyforoneofthepiecesofcakeJanewasnowofferingup.
“Necessary?”Edwardwasstuckjustrepeatingotherwordsnow,unabletoformhisownthoughts.
“Yes,necessary,”Ameliasaidsimplywithanod
Edwardlookedathissister,tongue-tied.
“Iblameyouforthis,”hemanagedafteraminuteofsilence,pointingather.
“Me?”Sheofferedtheperfectinnocentlook
“Ifyouweren’tgettingmarried,thisconversationwouldn’tbehappening”
“The time has come, Edward.” Philip clapped himonthe backagain, softer this time as he did itonlyto have his attention. “Nowyouareback,haveseentheworld,andaredoingsowellinyourbusinessaffairs,nottomentionthehorses,”headded withasmile,makingthewrinklesaroundhislipsdeepen,“itistimetoturnyour attentiontotheother partofyour life.This season,youshouldlookforawife”
“God’swounds.”Edwardfellbackontherococosettee.“IshouldhavestayedinIndia.”
“Iamgladyoudidnot.”Amelialookedathimandflickedherfingers.“Andsitup.Youwon’tcatchawifeslouchinglikethat.”
“I’mnothopingto catchone” He slouched downpurposefullya little further “Youspeakas ifyougo fishingfor a lady I hardlyimaginethatishow youtwocourted.”Edwardglancedbetweenhismotherandfather.Thetwoofthemsharedalittle
smile,andwhenPhilipwinkedathiswife,Edwardlookedaway,groaningloudlyasJanegiggled.
“Ismarriagesoquicklyreallysoimportant?Onmytravels,eventswerenotsostrictandformal Theyweremorefun,much morerelaxed.Iconfess,Ilovedit.Verymuch.”
“Thenfindsomeonewhodoesn’tmindamanslouchingonhissettee,”Ameliasaidwithherlipscurvingupintoasmile.“Yet youmuststillfindsomeone.”
“But–”Edwarddidn’tgetachancetosayanymore.
“Thereisaballintwodays’time,”shecontinued “Youshallattend,andthereyoucanmeettheladiesoftheton Youcansee whichonetakesyourfancy.”
“Iamnotpickingahorse,Mother,”Edwardsaidcalmly,atwhichpointhisfatherlaughedbroadlyoncemore.
“Youwillbethere,”Ameliasaidsimply,holdinghisgaze “Besides,itisrightweintroduceyoutosocietyagainnowthatyou havereturned.”
“YoucanalsomeetFred”Janesatforward,offeringupthecakeoncemore Rathereagertosayorthinkofanythingelseother than a hurried marriage, Edward snatched up the cake and took a rather large bite. Jane giggled as if she could sense his thoughts,buthismotherjustcontinuedtotalk
“Yes,itwillbelovely,”shesaid,sighingwithcontentment.“Bothofmychildrenmarriedbytheendofthesummer.”
That fast?
“Summer!?”WhenEdwardchokedforthesecondtime,hisfatherwasevenquickerwiththeslaptohisback
“Whatdoyouthink?”Violetgushedandpushedopenthedoubledoors.
ToJuliet’smind,itwasasifsomeonehadsprinkledtheentiremansioninglitterorsomemagicaldust.Withthestrongsunlight ofthemorninggleamingthroughthewindows,everysurfaceshoneandglowed.Julietturnedherheadbackandforth,looking aroundtheentrancehallinpurebemusement
Atopamyriadofwhitealabaster plinths,thereweremarblebusts ofgreatphilosophers andthinkers,someevenpoliticians Behindtheseplinthsweregreatswathesofredcloth,hidingtheentrancestoothercorridors.Thefloorwasmadeofarichpink marble,andthegreatstaircasethatstoodatthefarendoftheroom,fourtimesaswideasmoststaircases,waslinedwithared carpet,thebalustradegildedingold
“Onlyyou,Violet,”Julietsaid,releasingabreathwithagiggle
“Onlyme,what?”Hersisterturnedwithanapparentlookofinnocence,thoughherhandsreachedforherhipswarily.
“Onlyyouwouldendupwithahousesoelaborateasthis.Youhavealwaysbeenfondofanythingornamental,haveyounot?” Julietsaidwithhumourandtookhersister’shandsfromherhips,usingthemtoturnVioletaroundinahappycircle.“Lookat younow”
ShenoddedatthevastivorygownVioletworeandthemanyjewelsthatglitteredatherthroatandhungliketeardropsfromher ears.“IdonotthinkIhaveeverseenyousohappy.Marriedlifeplainlysuitsyou.”
“Oh,itdoes”Violetfinishedherspinonherownandgiggledbehindacuppedhand “Myhusbandisverysweetindeed,and heisalwaysbuyingmethings.Thoughbetweenyouandme,”shecaughtJuliet’shandandpulledhersoclosethattheybumped shoulders,clearlyintheeffortnottobeoverheardbyanystaffthatmightbepassing,“hegivesmeotherthings,too Thingsthat makemeblushandoh…”Shereleasedapleasantshudder.
“GoodGod,Vi,”Julietmurmuredinamazement “Youwouldthinkthemarriagebedawondrousthing”
“Waituntilyouseewhatitislike.”Violetwinked.“Believeme,itis.”
Julietbitherlip.Neverhadshebeencuriousaboutwhatsharingherbedwithamanwouldbelikeuntilthismoment.Seeing Violet practicallyshudderingwithexcitement and a blushcreepingup her cheeks so that she was the colour of a beetroot betrayedmuch.
“Wemustsimplygetyoumarriednext”Violettookherhandandpulledherthroughthehousetowardsthestaircase
“Me?Iamnotinahurrytobemarried.Believeme,ifitisgoingtomakemeblushlikethatandofferwistfulsighstoeveryone whopassesmeby,I’mquitehappywithoutit.”
“ThatisnotwhatIamlike!”Violetprotestedhalfwayupthestairs
“Youare,”Julietmurmured.“I’mquitecontentonmyownfornow.”Yet,therewasapartofJulietthatsimplydidnotwantto talkaboutthis Shewastheeldersisterand,technically,shouldhavebeentheonetomarryfirst,butlifehadn’tworkedoutthat way.
Violethadmetherhusband,LordBrandonBoulder,aviscount,andshehadfallenmadlyinlove.Withinafewmonths,itwas obviousthefeelingwasmutualasthetwoscarcelyspentaminuteapartfromoneanotheratanyeventintheton.
Juliet had been dragged to every part of London, to the races, sailing regattas, the theatre, Somerset House, even concerts whereshethoughttheviolinmusicsoundedmorelikecatsscreechingthananytrueinstrument,forVioletandhersuitorhadn’t beentotheseeventsforwhattheywere,buttoseeeachother.Juliethadbeentheirchaperone.
“Whereareyoutakingme?”Julietsaid,tryingtoresisthersister,whodraggedherupthestairs
“To talk of the masquerade ball,” Violet declared with eagerness. They reached a bedchamber on the top floor, and Juliet giggledwhenshesawthesight Justlikeanyotherroominthishouse,itsparkledandwasfullofornaments
Thebedframehadbeenpaintedabrilliantwhite,thevanitytableglitteredwithjewels,andtherewasarathervastsetteewhere thecushions lookedsuspiciouslymussed.As Violetwalkedin,shereplacedthecushions onthesettee,blushingpurpleonce again.
Julietbitherlip,tryingnottolaughwhenshesawhersister’sactions.
“Youreallyareenjoyingyournewhusband’scompanyifyoucannotevenmakeittothebed,”Julietsaidwithalaugh
“Youandthatwittytongueofyours.”Violetwavedamadhandintheair.“Youknowwhatmotherwouldsayofyoutalkingof suchthings.”
“Shethinksthemtoo,evenifshedoesnotsaythem Iknowthat”Julietknewdeepdownshehadgotherloosetonguefromher mother,forCecilywouldfrequentlysmileasshereprimandedJulietforspeakingsoopenly.
“Now,hereiswhatIwishedtoshowyou”Violetreachedforthevanitytableandpushedasidethejewels,openingarichnavy velvetboxfromwhichshepulledoutaglitteringivorymask.“Here.Foryoutowearatthenextball.”
“Forme?”Julietsteppedforwardinsurprise.“Isthisnotyourstowear?”
“Idonotneedit Ishallbewearingsomethingelse,andifyouintendtowearthatbeautifulwhitegownofyours,theonewith the sage greenhem, then this shall be perfect.” She placed the maskonto Juliet’s face before she could object anyfurther. “There,youshallbethebelleoftheball.”
“Ihavenodesiretobethebelleofanyball.”Julietscoffedattheidea.“Isimplywishtoenjoymyself.”Shepulledthemask downfromherface
“Oh.”Violetlookedquiteupsetattheidea.“Buthowelseareyousupposedtogetmarried?”
“Vi!”Julietlaughedloudly.“IdonotremembersayingIintendedtogetmarried.”
YetVioletcockedasingleeyebrow Plainly,shedidnotbelieveawordJuliethadsaid
Chapter2
“Areyousureyouwillnotcome?”Julietaskedasshestoodfidgetinginthedoorwayofherhouse.Thewhitemaskhadbeen tiedneatlyatthebackofherhead,herwhiteandgreengowncoveredbyaslim-fittingpelisse.Asshelookedinthemirror,she chewedherlip,notconvincedbyherappearance
Tohermind,Violethadalwaysbeenthemostbeautifulofthetwoofthem WhereJuliethadauburnhair,tosuchadegreethat theredtingewassomethingshedislikedintently,Violethadfairblondehair.Theyhadasimilarfacialstructure,withthesame heart-shapedfacesandcurvedcheeks,butJuliethadalwayspreferredViolet’seyes.
She bore the richbrowneyes oftheir father, softand almostpuppy-like intheir sweetness. Incontrast, Juliet’s eyes were a strange violethue Sometimes one had to strainto see it, squintingto lookather, butother times theyglowed this unnatural colourinthecandlelight,andpeoplewouldcommentontheoddityofit.
Julietadjustedthemaskonherface,hopingitwouldhelptohidethatcolourtonight
“No,no.Gonearethedayswhenthepairofuswenttosuchballs.”Cecilyappearedbehindher,lovinglyplacingherhandson Juliet’sshoulders.“Wewereyoungonceanddancedhappilyatsuchevents.TherewerenightswhereyourfatherandIwere scarcelyeveroffthedancefloor.”Shegiggledwarmly.“Yetnotanymore.”
“Mykneescouldn’ttakeit!”Robertcalledhumorouslyfromtheotherendoftheroom.“EspeciallythewayyouandIusedto dance.”
“He’s quite right.” Cecilycontinued to pat Juliet’s shoulder. “Youare not worried, are you? Brandonwill be a verygood escorttoyouandyoursister Heissoprotectiveofher;hewouldn’tdarebeanythingelse”
“Iknow.” Julietsighed deeply. “Youmustknow as well as I, Ma, theyare so recentlymarried theyshall spend all evening talkingtooneanother”
“Good,”Robertcalledoncemorefromtheotherendoftheroom.“Thatleavesyoutodoyourownthingtonight.Findasuitor ofyourown.Dancewithwhoyouwishto,withinreason,ofcourse.”
“Pa!”Julietcomplainedandturnedawayfromthemirror Hermotherfussedwithherpelisseforafewminutes,adjustingiton hershoulderswitheagerness.
“AllI’msayingisdonotdancewitheverymanthatasksyou”Robertwassittingnearthefrontdoor,rubbingoneofhissore knees.He’dinjuredtheminaridingaccidentmanyyearsago,andhesometimeswalkedwithacanetoassisthimthesedays, thoughtoJuliet’smind,hestilllookedtooyoungtowalkwithastick “Noteverymanisworthyofyou”
“He’syourfather,”Cecilyremindedher.“It’shisplacetoworryforyou.”
“HowamItoknowwhoIshoulddancewith?”Julietasked.“ShouldIaskfortheman’scredentialsandadetaileddescription ofhisreputationbeforeIconsenttodancewithhim?”
“It’shardlytheworstideaintheworld.”
“Robert,”Cecilyhissedandwalkedovertohim “Donotberidiculous WewantJuliettoenjoyherselftonight”
“Yes, yes, indeed we do.” Robert stood, reachingfor the cane beside himand usingit to walknearer to Juliet. “Do enjoy yourself,andasfor your sister’spreoccupationwithher new husband,donotworryaboutthat.”Hesmiledindulgently.“We canteaseyoutoowhenallyoucanthinkaboutisthemanyouwillsomedaymarry.”
“Whyiseveryonepreoccupiedwithmemarryingallofasudden?”Julietasked,hervoicealittlesharperthanshemeantitto be.Hermotherandfatherexchangedalook,butneitherofthemsaidanything.
Therewasaknockonthefrontdoor,andallthreeofthemturnedtolookatit.
“Youweresavedfromanswering,”Julietmurmuredasshewalkedtothedoorandopeneditwide.
OnthedoorstepstoodVioletandBrandontogether Theywerelookingatoneanotherwithsuchfixedstaresthatittookthem bothafewsecondstorealizeJuliethadansweredthedooratall.
“Goodevening,”Julietsaidpointedlytogettheirattention,evengoingsofarastowaveherhandmadlyintheair
“Goodevening”Brandonturnedtofaceher Hisfairhair,onlyafewshadesdarkerthanViolet’s,flickedaroundhisforehead asheturnedtolookather.“Well,thecarriageisreadyifyouarepreparedtodepart,Juliet.”
“Iamindeed,”Julietmurmured “Asreadyasabeeistosting”
“Juliet,”Cecilyhissedinreprimand,though,asusual,shewasdoingherbesttohidehersmile.“Behavetonight.”
“Whendo Ido anythingbut?” Julietasked withinnocence. “Youmustallow me a few jokes attheir expense.” She gestured between Brandon and Violet, who were already walking back to their carriage, armin arm, and laughing about something together.“Ifeel likeathirdhorseattachedtoacarriagewhenthereshouldbejusttwo,outofplaceandunlikelytoupsetthe cartaltogether.”
“Nonsense.”Cecilywavedahandintheair.“Nowgo,go.”Julietsteppedoutside,hurriedbyhermother’squickflicksofher hands “Andremembertohaveagoodtime!”
“Ohyes,Imayhaveforgottenotherwise,”Julietwhispered,thoughshewastheonlyonewhoheardthisparticularjestasshe followedhersisterintothecarriage
Sittingonthe benchopposite Violetand Brandon, theywaved ather parents throughthe window as the carriage setoffand joltedfromsidetoside,rollingcalmlyawaydowntheroad Thisearlyinspring,theeveningswerestillnotbright,sotheyleft indarknesswithasinglelanternoverhead,swingingfromsidetosidewiththeflamecastingorangestreaksacrosstheirfaces.
“Well,areyoulookingforwardtotheballtonight,Juliet?”Brandonasked,clearlyattemptingtoshifthisfocusawayfromhis newwife.
“Icanbarelycontainmyexcitement.”HersarcasmseemedlostonBrandon,thoughViolettuttedather.
“Itshallbeagoodevening,”Violetinsisted “Youshallsee”
“Iwonder ifyouare right about that. Yousee, Ihave always wondered about the nature ofa masked ball.” She untied the ribbonfromthebackofherheadandloweredthemaskinhergraspsoshecouldtakeabetterlookatit.“Iwonderwhatthe truepurposeofsuchaneventreallyis.”
“How do youmean?” Violetasked thoughshe was alreadyleaningonher husband, their hands clasped tightlytogether, her attentionslippingaway.
“Well,tochoosetoholdamasqueradeball,youmusthaveoneoftwointentions.Eitheryouhavesomemisdeedyouwishto hideinplainsightbyconcealingyourownidentity,oryouarequitebored,andyouenjoytheideaofeveryoneelse’sconfusion andtheirownmisdeedsdoneunderamask.”
“Ha!Youaresuchacynic,Juliet,”Violetsaidwitharichlaugh “Perhapsourhostsweresimplyhopingtohaveagoodtime”
“Perhaps,” Juliet murmured, but she was not so convinced. As she tied her maskto the backof her head again, she saw a problemwith the request her father had made of her. In his wish for her to dance with only reputable men, he had quite forgottenthefacteverymantheretonightwouldbewearingamask.
Plainly, I shall have to ask any dance partner to remove his mask first if I am to please my father!
“Dear God, is this what classes as fun in the ton now?” Edward muttered in his sister’s ear as he escorted her into the masqueradeball.Everywherehelookedinthegreathall,hewasremindedofaperformance.Itwasasifeveryguestworea personaintheirdisguiseandhadnotbotheredtocomeastheirtrueself.
Someladiesworethatmuchjewellery,itwasimpossibletoseetheir trueskin,andother ladieshadsuchfeathersthrustinto their hair thattheir hair was impossibletodiscern Evensomeofthegentlemenlookedjustas ridiculous toEdward’s mind, with dandies bearing ostentatiously laced cuffs and collars and some even wearing the thick white wigs that had been consideredfashionableinthelastcentury.
Edward’s mouth hung open in wonder as he and Jane walked further into the ballroom. The more he looked, the more he observedpeople’sbehaviour
Gentlemen stood rigidly as if pokers had been shoved up their backs, and ladies fluttered fans in most particular places, perhapsmakingspecificgesturestomeancertainthings,asper thelanguageoffans,andother timesjusttryingtodraw their suitors’attentiontothecurvesoftheirbreastsortheflatteringlineoftheirgowns.Notoneladyflutteredherfacewithafanas ifsheweretrulysufferinginthehumidityoftheroom
“Calmyourself.Youpromisedourmotheryouwouldbehave,”Janewhispered.
“DidI?”AtEdward’stoneofdefiance,shestoodsubtlyonhistoe.“Ouch,whatwasthatfor?”
“Youareheretonighttomeetmybetrothedandtofindoneofyourown.”
“Don’tyoustartsoundinglikeourmother”
“Youmustbehavetonight,”shewhisperedandliftedherownfan,openingitwidetoflutteritintheairquicklylikethewings ofabutterfly.Fortunately,sheraisedittocoverherlipssoshecouldwhispertohimconspiratorially,“Alljestsaside,andour parents’wishesasidetoo,youcannotbecompletelyagainsttheideaofmarriage,surely?Afemalecompanion,soyouarenot lonelyanymore?”
“IdonotremembersayingIwaslonely.I’mquitecomfortableinmyowncompany.”Hisshrugmadehercloseupthefanand taphimaroundthearmwithitinreprimand.“Ow.”Hepretendedtobehurt,wincingandrubbingthetopofhisarm.“JustsoI know,howmanymoreinjuriesshouldIexpecttonight?”
“Surelytonight,brotherisachanceforyoutomeetladieswithoutourparentsbreathingdownyourneck.”
Shenoddedatthegreatroomandthenumberofladieswanderingbackandforth Edwardhadtoadmittherewasasignificant number,somanyinfactthatthegownsandheaddressesstartedtoblurtogether.Hesawsomeladiessmileinhisdirection,and othersstartedwavingatgentlemenwiththeirfans,pointingatthedancefloormosteagerlyinthehopeofgettinganinvitationto dance.
“Howcanonetrulygettoknowaladywhenyoucannotevenseeherface?”Edwardpointedout,hiseyesrestingonthemasks ontheirfaces.Somemaskswereslimthingsthatbarelyhidanidentityatall,butotherladieshadgonetomoreeffort.They’d hiddentheirhairunderturbansandworemasksthatcoveredthree-quartersoftheirfacesotheywouldnotberecognized
“Edward.”Janeroundedonhim.
“WhatdidIsaywrong?”
“Doyoumeantotellmethatyouaretrulysoshallowyoumustseealady’sfacebeforeyoudecidewhetheryoulikeherornot? Isbeautyallyouthinkof?Thereismoretofindingacompanioninlife.”
“Calmyourblood,Jane.”Edwardlaughedathissister’sreactionandthegrowingpinknessupherneck,asignofheroutrage. Fortunately, the maskcovered so muchofher face itwasn’teasyto see the blushonher cheeks. “Come offit. Iamnotso shallowastothinkbeautyisallthatmatters,butIamalsoamanoftheworld Tofindapartner,toconsidermarryingthem,one mustatleastbealittleattracted,musttheynot?”
“Whetherornotyourspousehasafairfaceshouldnotbeimportant.It’swhat’sinherethatcounts.”Shetappedherownheart withherclosed-upfan.“Oh,oh.Herehecomes!”Shesteppedexcitedlytothesideasayoungmanwashurryingtowardsthem.
Hehadamaskinhis handandwas evidentlyfumblingwiththedifficultyoftyingthemaskaroundthebackofhis head.His face,fullyvisible,revealedstronglineswithahandsomejaw
“It’sFreddie,”JanewhisperedtoEdwardinarushedtone.Theloosedarkbrownlockshungaroundtheman’sears,andthecut ofhissuitsatneatlyuponhisshoulders Janebobbedonhertoes,wavingathim Whenhesawher,heclearlyrecognizedherat onceandhurriedover.
“Whatwas thatyousaidaboutafair facenotbeingimportantinaspouse?”Edwardaskedpointedly.“Doyounottakeyour ownadvice,sister?”
“Doyouwanthittingagain?”Shethreatenedhimwiththefan,buthewasfortunatelysavedbyFreddieappearingattheirside. “Ah,Freddie”
He greeted her hurriedly, fumbling so much that he dropped the mask. He revealed himself to be a clumsy fellow, though Edwardcouldn’tknocktheman’seagernesstoseeJane
“Iamgladtofindyou,”hesaidinahushedtone,kissingthebackofJane’shandandofferingakindsmile.“You’regoingto havetohelpme,Jane.Iammakinganexhibitionofmyselfasusual.”
Edwardbentdownandpickedupthemaskforhim “Ah,thankyou,”hesaid,takingthemaskback “Freddie,meetmybrother.”Janegesturedbetweenthem.“HehasjustreturnedfromhistravelstoIndia.”
“Itisapleasuretomeetyou,MyLord.”Freddiebowedingreeting.“Ihaveheardsomuchaboutyoufromthefamily.”
“Itis goodtomeetyou,too” Edwardcouldsee,though,thatFreddie’s attentionwas alreadyslippingbacktoJane Edward wasactuallyrelievedbythiseventuality.Foronething,hedidn’thavetostandherestifflyandmakeanawkwardconversation withamanhedidn’tknow,andthefactFreddiewassokeenontalkingtoJanewasatestamenttohisaffectionforher “Wecan talkanothertime,butIcanseeyoutwoarelongingtodancetonight.”
“Adance?Ohyes,let’sFreddie”
“Ofcourse,though,as usual,youwill have toforgive mytwoleftfeet” Freddie triedtoputonhis maskbutstruggledonce more.Fortunately,Janetookitoutofhishandanddiditforhim.
Edwardwavedthemoffandleftthepair ofthemtodance For afew seconds,hewatchedthemwalkacrosstheroominthe directionofthedancefloor.FreddiestaredatJanewithsuchintensitythatEdwardwasstrugglingnottolaugh.
You would think the man had been put under some spell or trance I cannot imagine ever looking at a woman in that way!
Edward walked awayand headed towards the refreshments table Over his shoulder, he could now see people glancinghis way,clearlycuriousabouthisidentityashehadbeenseenstandingbesideFreddie,whohadn’thadhismaskonatthetime. Naturally,thenormalrumourmillofthetonwasinplace,andtheywereallspeculatingastowhowaskeepingLordFrederick Wintercompany
Edward glanced atsome ofthe ladies who were now whisperingbehind fans He feltrather like a tiger beinghunted inthe depthsoftheIndianforests,notlookedatsomuchforwhoitwasbutwhatitwas.Someladiesinfrontofhimsteppedinhis way.
Theyflutteredtheirfansinfrontoftheirdeepnecklines,plainlyhopingforanintroduction,butEdwardwasfortunatelysaved fromsuchanopportunityastheirhuntdrewintwoothermenwhoapproachedthegroup
Edwardchuckledunderhisbreathashereachedtherefreshmentstable.Beforehecouldreachforaglassofclarettoquench histhirst,someonebumpedintohisarm.Asplashofcoldliquidtippeddownhistailcoatarm,andhelookeddown,seeingthe bubblingliquidspilleverywhere Itmayhavebeenlemonadeorchampagne;hewasn’tsure
“Whatthe ”hemurmuredandlookedup,readytoaccostwhohadeverbumpedintohim Wasthissomeoneelse’sattemptto getanintroductionfromhim?
“Iamsosorry”Theladybeforehimimmediatelyputdownher glassandofferedupahandkerchief “Iwastryingtoescape someone.” She waved a hand madly over her shoulder, and Edward saw a rather eager-looking gentleman standing at a distancewhohadevidentlywantedherattention “ServesmerightfornotlookingwhereIamgoing”
“Itisnothing,”Edwardsaid,awarethatshedidn’tseemtopayattentiontohiswords.Shemoppedupthespillshehadmade onhisjacket,herslimhandsworkingquicklydownhisarm,touchinghimasiftheyknewoneanother
Forthefirsttime,Edwardlookedatthelady.Herelegantfingers,coveredinwhitegloves,leduptoslendershoulderswithan openneckline,revealingthedelicatecollarbone.Shedidnotwearexcessivejewellerybutasinglesilverstoneatherthroat. Herwhiteandgreengownflatteredtheslimcurvesofherfigure,andtohisdismay,Edwardfoundhiseyestarryinglongerthan theyshouldhavedoneonthecurveofherwaist
“Ithinkyouhavegotitall,”hesaidwithasoftlaughasshefinishedmoppinghimupandliftedherhead.
Edwardfelthisbreathhaltinhisthroat.Shehadtippedbackherhead,thecurlsofherauburnhairfallingbehindherearsto reveal her face Mostofitwas coveredbyanextensive white mask,butwhathadcapturedhimwas the colour ofher eyes, unmistakableinthiscandlelight.Theywereanunusualalmostgray,butmorepurplehue.Quitestunning,Edwardcouldn’tstop staringatthem.
“Lostforwords,sir?”sheasked,herlipsturningupintothesmallestofsmiles.
Itwasasifthegentlemanbeforeherhadbeenstruck.
Chapter3
Julietsmiledasthegentlemenlaughedatherwordsandshookhishead
“Forgiveme,”hemuttered.Yethiseyesdidn’tstrayfaraway.Ifanything,theylookeddownathergownagain,thenbackather eyes.
Oh
Julietgaspedatthatlook.Nevercouldsherememberbeinglookedatinsuchawaybefore.Onceagain,itwasasifhewere tongue-tied,unabletosayawordashestaredather
“Permitmetohazardaguess,”shewhispered.“Isittheoddeyesthathaveperformedthismagic?”Shegesturedtohimwith theclothshehadjustusedtomopupherspiltdrink.
“Odd? Well, Iwould nothave called themthat There are a number ofthings thathave now rendered me speechless, butit seemsasifeverysingleoneofthemhardlyflatterme;letusstartagain.”Heturnedtofaceherfullyandofferedhishand.“Itis apleasuretomeetyou.”
Hedidn’tsayhisname.CuriosityburnedwithinJuliettoknowwhothismaskedmanwas.Hisdarkhair,wildandveryshort, withjusta few loose curls abouthis ears was tempting She had anerrantdaydreamaboutrunningher hands throughthose curls,wonderingwhatitwouldbelike.Hiseyes,beyondamaskasblackashissuit,wereanalmostshockingblue,sobrightit wasasifshestaredatamorningsky.
“And you,” she whispered, givinghimher hand. As was customary, he bowed to her, bendingover their hands, whichwere now softlyclaspedtogether Hisfingers,curlingsoftlyaroundherown,didn’treleaseheratonce,andneitherdidJulietpull backfromhim.Shewasalltooawareashebowedtoherthatheheldhergaze,neveroncelookingaway.
Shetookinasmuchofhis faceasshecouldjudgebeyondthatmask Therewasastrongjawlineandthetiniestbitofblack stubble. Most men in the room were clean-shaven, but the rather more rugged appearance beneath that black mask, the informalityofit,hadhermouthdry
Hestoodstraight,andtheycontinuedtostareatoneanother,neitherofthemsayinganythingforaminuteorso.
“Well,doyouthinkwehavecompletedour impressionofsoundlessstatues for thenight?”heaskedher,his words breaking herinabilitytospeak Shelaughedandshookherhead
“Ithinkso.Shallweputitdowntotheeffectofthemasks,doyouthink?”
“We could saythator somethingelse entirely.” He still hadn’treleased her hand, and theyjuststood there together, holding handsinthemostuncustomaryway,thoughstill,shedidn’tpullback.Therewasawarmthinthattouch,asoftnessthatseemed tocontrastthekeennessofhisstaresomuchthatshedidn’tknowwhattomakeofhim “Yousaidyouwereescapingsomeone
whenyoubumpedintome?”
“Iwas” She glanced over her shoulder again, rather glad to see thatthe manwho had beenpersistentlytryingto askher to dancehadatlastgivenup.“IamafraidIwasquitedesperateforanescape.”
“Thenallow me tooffer youanother.” He shiftedhis handfromhers andtravelleditupher wrist.The delicate brushofhis fingersonherglovedwristmadehertremblewithasortofthrillshehadnotknownbefore.Heopenedthedancecard,slung looselyaroundherhand,andangledhishead,lookingatthelineswrittenwithin
“Nopartner for the nextdance?” he asked,his voice soft.“Care toallow me tofill thatspace?” He movedhis handtohers again,soft,givinghereverychancetoescapeifshewishedto.
Wordlessly,shenoddedandallowedhimtoescortheraway
Theymovedfromthedrinkstablethroughthecrowdsandtowardsthemaindancefloor,wheretheywaitedforthelastdancers tofinishtheircotillion Allleftthefloor,andnewpeopletooktheirplaces,withthepairofthemincluded Theymovedtothe verymiddle,wherethemaskedgentlemanturnedtofaceherwithasmallsmileliftinghisfeatures.
“Ishouldmention,”hewhispered,bendingsoclosetoherthatshecouldpracticallyfeelhislipsbrushingherear.
What is happening?
Sheswallowed,strugglingtogetpasttheperpetualdrynessinherthroat.
“IthasbeensomeyearssinceIhavedancedintheton,forIhavebeentravelling.Imaynotrememberallthesteps.”
“ThenIamprivileged indeed,” she whispered playfully “Your firstdance onyour return? And Itreated youso awfullyby throwingadrinkatyou.”
Helaughedwarmly.Beforetheycouldsayanymoretooneanother,themusicbegan.
He stepped back, the distance betweenthemincreasingenoughto allow themto bow and curtsyto one another The whole time,Julietfelthiseyesuponher asifhecouldn’tbear tolookaway.Whenshestoodstraightfromher curtsy,sheheardthe openingnotes of a quadrille The music consisted of deep low notes, the violins and bass struckwithgreat fervour as the dramaticpiecefilledtheballroomair.
Walkingtowardsoneanother,thepaircircledeachother,notatouchbetweenthem,thoughstrangely,Julietitchedtoholdhis hand,fortheretobesomeconnectionbetweenthem.Theyhalted,havingnowswitchedplaces,andlookedoneanotherinthe eyeasthecoupletoherleftnowwalkedaroundthem
“Weshouldprobablyhavesomeconversationbetweenus,shouldwenot?”hewhisperedtoher.“Otherwise,itseemsyouand Iarelikelytocontinuetostareatoneanotherinsuchawayforthiswholedance”
Shesmiledindulgently,amusedbyhiswords.
“Yes,let’stalk,”shemurmuredashetookher handandledher aroundthecoupletoher right.Theychangedplaceswiththe pair,hishandgentleonhers.“Icouldaskyouaboutyourtravels,andwecouldhavearealconversation,orperhapsyouprefer thenormalplatitudesofaball?”
“Goon,”heurged,hissmilegrowingoncemore
“Well,Ibelieveit’scustomaryforoneofustotalkoftheweather.I’llthencommentonhowhotitisinheretonight,andyou shall saysomethingaboutthere beingtoo manycouples Indeed, we could spend anentire dance withsuch uninteresting conversation,”shesaidashetookbothherhands.Heledheraroundhim,andtheychangedplacesonemorebeforetheycame together,standingsoclosethatJuliet’sbreathfeltstolenfromherbody “Or…”hewhispered,encouragingheron.
“Orwecouldtalkofsomethingreal.”Shewatchedashisblueeyeslitupbeyondthedarkcoveringofhismask.“Wheredid youtravelto,sir?Areyougladtobeback?Ordoyouwishatthismomentyouwerebacksomewherefarfromhere?”
“IcannotdenyImissit,”hewhispered,shiftinghistouchtojustonehand.Theysteppedtowardsoneanother andthenapart again,performingadeepandslowstepperfectlymatchedtothedramatictune “Yetatthismoment?Well,wecouldsayIam glad to be where Iam.” He raised his hand, and she turned underneathit, flickingher head around so she returned her eyes quicklytomeethisown.
“IspentmanyanightwakingupinthehotroomsofIndia,steppingoutontobalconiesandadmiringthestars,withthescentsof turmericandincenseintheair Thatisabeautythatishardtocompetewith,butIamstillverygladtobeherenow”
“Oh,acomplimentindeed.”Shegiggledandturnedherheadawayfromhim,preparingtopartforthenextpartofthedance. “Butperhaps yougivesuchcompliments toall ladies,eh?Silver-tonguedgentlemenaregoodatmakingladies hangontheir words.”
Thensheparted,followingtheother ladiesastheycreatedtwogreatcirclesinthemiddleofthefloor.Asshedancedaway, shefeltthegentleman’sgazeuponher.Sheglancedback,morethanonce,catchinghiseyebeforeshereturnedtohim.
Theycametogether,takingeachother’shandandcirclingoneanotheroncemore.
“Nosilver tongue here,”he whisperedinher ear “You’ll findIdidnotwanttocome atall tonight Iconfess I’mrelievedI camenow.”
“Whydidyounotwanttocome?”sheaskedastheyturnedtofaceoneanother.Theyhadtowaitforanothercoupletocircle themoncemore,sojuststaredateachother,handinhand,neithermoving.
Julietfeltsuchtensionasshestaredathimthatherchestflutteredupanddownwithquickmovements.Sheprayednooneinthe roomwaswatchingthepairofthem,ortheywouldundoubtedlynotethatshelookedatthismanasshedidnotthinkshehad lookedatanyother.
Hedidn’tanswerherrightawaybutgrimaced
“Comenow,”shesaid,continuingherplayfultone.“Didwenotagreetosharearealconversationwithnoplatitudes?”