Page 88 of The Secret Love of a Gentleman
‘You are not interested in that boy, are you? You could have me back, if you wished. I would be better in your bed than a boy.’
A gasp escaped, surprise and shock catching her out. Why would he say such a thing? He had his wife who had given him a child. He looked down at her bosom as it pressed against herbodice. When his gaze lifted it halted as he noticed the amber cross. Then he looked into her eyes. ‘You always did enjoy bed sport.’
The heat within her skin must have made her a vivid red.
‘You could be my mistress and we would be as we were?—’
‘Congratulations on the birth of your son,’ Caro said, turning her head to the side so she need not look at him. ‘Is the Marchioness here?’
He leaned to her ear, his hand pressing more strongly against her back, holding her closer. ‘She is in the card room. She does not trouble herself over my paramours.’
‘I am glad you have a wife who has given you the son you wished for.’
‘A dull wife, who provides sons but does not warm my bed. You knew how to please me there.’
Her nerves clamoured,run, Run. Run!
No. She would not.
‘No. I was never enough and you were cruel. Leave me alone. I want nothing to do with you.’
Beyond Albert’s shoulder Rob stood at the front of his family group, with his arms folded over his chest, ready to defend her if Albert hurt her. He would willingly risk everyone knowing his feelings, she could see that.
Albert spun her sharply. She looked back at the Devil. His eyes looked into hers, searching for ways to persuade her to let him into her bed.
She was not a fool; he would never succeed. The final chains fell away – she did not love him any more.
When the music ceased Albert released her and bowed formally, as though it had merely been a conciliatory dance. All eyes were on them as he walked away.
Her hands trembled as she walked to the edge of the flooralone, not fear but pride raging within her. She longed to walk to Rob, but the whole room would notice if she did, so she walked to Drew.
His hand caught hold of her elbow and steered her further into the family group, hiding her from prying eyes.
‘Do you wish to leave?’ he asked.
She leaned on his grip for a moment, drawing on his strength. ‘No, I must stay. I will not let him think he made me leave. I must dance and show him he has not upset me.’
‘Refreshment, then. May I take you to the refreshment room?’
She nodded.
They left the family group and walked about the edge of the floor, the eyes of other guests following them. She sensed Rob watching too.
They walked into an anteroom, where she accepted a tall glass of champagne from a footman, doing her utmost to make it appear as though she was merely taking a rest from the dancing.
‘I am sorry I was not watching,’ Drew said.
‘You could have done nothing. He stopped me when I returned from the withdrawing room. I should not have gone alone.’
Behind Drew, Rob walked into the room with his father and Mary, and beyond them dozens of people were walking through.
The last dance had been the supper dance.
‘May we sit?’ she whispered, terrified her legs would give way.
Drew held her arm and led the way to a table.
Mary joined them and sat beside her.
