Page 50 of Taming Ivy
“What might that type be?” While noting Christopher’s slight stutter was absent, Sebastian took inventory of the group assembled, measuring each man. Seeing the Viscount of Basford, his rage spiked to even further heights. The man deliberately disregarded the warning to keep his distance.
“Well, my sort, actually. You do not fit in, precisely. I wonder why you are even here. You see, I don’t expect Lady Kinley to accept my proposal, but I never miss the chance to ask her. None of us do,” Christopher admitted with great candor. “But, why should you allow her the opportunity to refuse you?”
“Are you so sure Ivy will refuse me? And, if you know she will reject you, why subject yourself to the humiliation?” His bluntness was offensive, but he didn’t care.
After a moment, Christopher answered, and Sebastian had the distinct impression this young man pitied him. “Surely you know the answer to that, Ravenswood.”
Sebastian knew...he knew exactly why every man was here. The same reason he was here. The chance to possess lightning, to win the game.
To capture and tame a butterfly.
“Rejection is not as crushing as you might believe,” Christopher finally said with a smile. “Lady Kinley is always kind in her refusals. Even I, with my clumsiness and my cursed shyness, am the bigger man for having asked her. She accepts me as she does the others, no more, no less. As an equal. She never fails to treat me as such.” The younger man leaned forward, an eager glint in his brown eyes. “You might not understand, but my status as one of her suitors has greatly impressed a young lady my family has deemed acceptable. There are hopes of making a successful match in the very near future, which my mother believes is due to Lady Kinley. Having been allowed to practice courtship, Mother says we owe Lady Kinley an enormous debt.”
“Practice?” Sebastian scowled. “What the devil are you babbling about, Andry?”
Christopher waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “Ah, come now, Ravenswood. We both know Lady Kinley would never wed a man like me. Her advice has been most helpful on how to best to present myself. My father has remarked on more than one occasion that if I possess the courage to pursue the countess, then I should have little trouble courting a mortal woman. And he was quite right.”
Good God. Were other men using Ivy in the same manner? For even worse reasons? Damn. He should have instructed Gabriel to investigate every member of the Pack rather than focusing solely on evidence of her affairs. He had no idea what manner of men pursued Ivy, let alone their secret agendas. Was she even aware of being used?
Sebastian thought of Lord Kessler and Ivy’s assistance to the earnest young lord with hidden archery skills. One of the ladies from Bentley’s country party was now thoroughly enamored of Kessler. They were quite the item, thanks to Lady Ivy Kinley and her subterfuge.
Acquiring another brandy, he nodded toward an older man. “What of Viscount Batten? Does he require the countess’s assistance in courting women?”
Relaxing at Sebastian’s more amiable tone, Christopher shook his head. “Batten courts Lady Kinley out of loneliness. He lost his dear wife and their infant during childbirth two years ago. Perhaps heartache led him here, an opportunity for companionship with no attachment.”
Sebastian mulled this over then pointed out Count Monvair.
“Impoverished royalty.” Christopher’s brow furrowed with quick disapproval. “As part of the Pack, he enjoys greater accessibility to other heiresses. Of course, if she accepted his proposal, he would be overjoyed to spend her fortune. She is far too intelligent for that old trick, but he is witty and charming and amuses her.”
“Viscount Basford?”
“Thus far, he is the only one capable of winning her hand. Excluding you, of course.” Christopher amended with an apologetic smile. “Basford has convinced himself, and others, Lady Kinley will marry him. I admit I suspect him responsible for keeping that terrible rumor circulating, the one regarding your cousin and, forgive me for repeating it... Poison Ivy.”
Sebastian grimaced at the reminder of Ivy’s notorious nickname. “Is there evidence to back your allegations?”
“No,” Christopher sighed. “Only a feeling. But, oddly enough, every time the rumors reach a peak, the viscount becomes the favorite. At least until you entered the race. I cannot discount the happenstance of it all. Such a shame. I never believed Lady Kinley to be the catalyst for….” his words trailed off, unsure how to speak his opinion on the matter.
“Pray, continue,” Sebastian drawled, taking a sip from his glass.
Christopher took his own healthy gulp of brandy. “She is always thoughtful. Even when angry or ignoring us, she remainskind. I cannot believe she would intentionally harm someone.” Giving Basford a disapproving glare, he murmured, “I pray the viscount will not ever win her hand. He would not be good to her. There are rumors of his cruelty, of certain unsavory interests, despite his excellent name and courteous nature. He would not have her best interests at heart. No…he would not be good for her.”
Ivy entered the room, eliciting a flurry of activity. Men rose like a flock of multicolored ravens but she seemed not to notice, staring through them, searching the conservatory until she located Sebastian leaning against the far wall. He could not bring himself to return her warm smile.
Tomorrow it would be all over London he had attended one of these notorious dinners, presumably to ask for her hand. Beside him, Christopher smoothed his black evening coat with a nervous hand, standing straighter, narrow shoulders squaring as Ivy glided toward them.
What a piece of work Countess Ivy Kinley was. No one could be that kind and good. So innocent and sweet of nature. There wasn’t a woman alive capable of being the angel Andry depicted. Yes, she might help the Pack find wives, but only so a new victim could fill the vacant spot left behind. Her deeds came from boredom, not benevolence. It was an opportunity to play men so she possessed a never-ending supply of fools, lined up in worship for as long she liked.
They all deserved each other, Sebastian thought. Fury rose in a choking wave until he had to swallow past it.
Every man present had his own ulterior motive, but no one was there to destroy her as he intended.
“Lord Andry,” Ivy addressed Christopher first and he lit up with adoration. “Is it true you’ve discovered a new species of butterfly? How fascinating. I’m looking forward to a discussion on the subject.”
His chest puffed with pride. “I’ve recently had that specimen mounted and readied for viewing, should you care to see it. But tell me. Is it your opinion I should share it with Lady Lindsey?”
Ivy reached to squeeze his forearm. “You must! She’ll be astounded you found such a remarkable creature. And you must tell me her thoughts on the subject.”
“It will be my pleasure.” Christopher turned to Sebastian with an explanation, “Lady Anne Lindsey and I have much in common, for which I can thank the countess.”
