Page 14 of The Devil's Bargain
Before she could respond, Hampton appeared, her canary yellow dress drawing disapproving looks from several observers. Few mistresses would dare attend such a public event, especially during a mourning period and never so boldly dressed, but Hampton had never shown much concern for social protocol.
“Mr Elmstone!” Her voice carried, making several nearby gentlemen turn. “How fortunate to find you here. I’ve been longing to discuss the latest performances at Vauxhall Gardens.”
Caroline noticed how several people withdrew slightly, creating a bubble of social isolation around them. The notorious widow, the brazen mistress, and the ruthless businessman—they made quite the scandalous trio.
“Miss Hampton.” Devlin’s tone was cordial but cool. “I was just discussing the new pressure regulation system with Mrs Thurlow. I find her technical insights invaluable.”
Hampton’s smile tightened. “Indeed? How fascinating. Though surely such dry topics can wait. I heard there are refreshments and music in the east wing. Perhaps you’d escort me?”
“Another time, perhaps.” His eyes stayed on Caroline. “Mrs Thurlow and I have some unfinished business to discuss.”
A group of merchants approached the display, then hesitated upon seeing them. Caroline heard their whispered comments. “Thurlow’s widow” and “living in sin” among them. Her chin lifted slightly despite her burning cheeks.
Intentional or not, Elmstone sheltered Caroline from their view, creating a cocoon. Although reluctant to be under his protection, she was grateful.
Noticing Hampton still eyeing Elmstone hopefully, Caroline decided she ought to return the favour.
“I believe I shall attend the hydraulic press demonstration,” Caroline said smoothly. “Shall we talk more on our way there, Mr Elmstone?”
“Must you always be so tediously controlling to men, Caroline?” Hampton’s voice dripped honey-coated venom. “Surely you have no right to dictate Mr Elmstone’s activities?”
“We have a business matter to discuss,” Devlin interjected, cognisant of people’s stares and eavesdropping. “I have those contracts we discussed ready for your review, Mrs Thurlow. Perhaps we could go over the terms before the demonstration?”
“Contracts?” Hampton’s eyes narrowed. “What contracts?”
“Merely some routine business matters,” Caroline said quickly as she took Devlin’s proffered arm. His dark chuckle as they made their way down the corridor made her pulse quicken.
“I must thank you for the timely intervention.” His baritone was warm and soothing.
“I merely wished to prevent any schemes you might devise in my absence.”
His answering smile made her heart flutter traitorously. He patted her gloved hand wrapped around his arm. “One can hardly plot effectively with Miss Hampton’s endless chatter, as you well know.”
“Surely her beauty compensates for any deficiency of intellect?”
“If one were so inclined. I find myself rather more discriminating.”
“Indeed?” Caroline’s tone dripped scepticism. “London society would beg to differ regarding your... discriminating tastes.”
“Mrs Thurlow,” he chided, eyes dancing with amusement, “jealousy ill suits you.”
She stared at him, momentarily struck speechless by his audacity.
“Honour me with your company. Dinner, perhaps? Or a turnabout the gardens?” She turned away, but his hand caught hers, placing it properly on his arm. “Do I truly offend you so deeply?”
“Your relentless pursuit despite my wishes offends me.”
“Ah. So you find me handsome, at least.”
She whirled to face him. “I beg your pardon?”
His rich laughter sent an unwelcome shiver down her spine. “I find you utterly captivating, Mrs Thurlow.”
Heat bloomed across Caroline’s cheeks as Elmstone guided her through the exhibition hall, his strong arm beneath her gloved hand a constant distraction. How long had it been since someone had truly seen her as a woman rather than merely Edward’s wife or a scientific curiosity? She’d convinced herself that intellectual respect was all she craved, that feminine allure held no value compared to her innovations. Yet his simple compliment had awakened something long dormant, sending sparks of awareness dancing through her veins.Howmortifying, she chided herself, though the warmth in her chest refused to subside.
The real danger, she realised with growing unease, was that she no longer needed to maintain this elaborate pretence. He knew her true nature now… had seen beneath her carefully constructed mask of vapid femininity. Yet instead of retreating to safer ground, she found herself drawn into continued conversations with him, savouring the way his keen mind matched hers, how his eyes sparked with genuine appreciation when she revealed her knowledge. It was a heady feeling, being truly seen and understood so completely, and that made him far more dangerous than his schemes. A man who could appreciate both her mind and her feminine allure was a threat to more than just her business. He was a threat to her heart.
“Your flattery, however skilfully deployed, will not persuade me to part with my shares, Mr Elmstone,” she managed, struggling to steady her voice.
