Page 59 of The Reckless Love of an Heir
Alethea laughed, in a teasing tone, it rang with flirtation. She had always flirted with him, but there was a different edge to it today. Her sculpted pale eyebrows lifted. ‘The Earl of Stourton is escorting us there, in his carriage. He is calling any moment to take me for a drive about Hyde Park too.’
He could tell from her manner, she had been waiting ever since Henry arrived to deliver thatcoup de grâce. It was in her eyes as she lunged with the fine tip of her fencing sword, pointing at his heart. Her eyes said,it is your own fault, Henry, you were not here. She wanted him to be jealous. He was not, he was glad.
What he ought to do, though, before seeking privacy withSusan was to find a moment to tell Alethea his intent had changed.
But then… The opportunity of Alethea’s arrangement registered. ‘I have my curricle. I had intended to ask you, Alethea, but perhaps, Susan, we could make a party of four?’ He looked at her. She had been looking through the window again. She turned, the colour in her skin increasing. ‘What do you say?’ he asked her. ‘It is a lovely afternoon…’
Alethea let go of his hand and stood up, physically protesting against his lack of envy. ‘Oh, that is a wonderful idea,’ she exclaimed. ‘I may ride with the Earl and you with Henry. Susan, you must come. We may parade about the park together.’ Alethea was a master at social engagement. She knew how to turn things to her advantage. In her mind she must see him jealously trailing behind her, while she laughed and flirted with Stourton. But it was her social ease that would make her a good Countess.
Susan looked at her sister and her lips parted a little. He could see that given a choice Susan would refuse. Why? Through guilt, or anger?
Alethea crossed the room and clasped Susan’s hands, holding them together. ‘You cannot say no. It would be so unfair on Henry.’And me. Alethea’s unspoken words echoed about the room. He had never thought Alethea selfish before, but— ‘Would you go up and fetch our bonnets?’ she asked Susan.
Henry stood. ‘I will ring for a maid to fetch them.’ He did not like the way Alethea had manipulated and employed Susan. Had she always done that? Had he carelessly disregarded that too?
He walked over to the bell pull. On this occasion he would forgive Alethea, because he was glad she persuaded Susan to join him.
When the maid came, he said, ‘The ladies require their bonnets, please.’
‘And my shawl!’ Susan called before the maid could disappear.
He turned about and caught Susan’s gaze for a second. He sighed as she looked away. She would not be able to avoid talking to him when he drove; yet his head was empty of words now. What was there to say?
I love you…The words whispered through his thoughts.
He shoved the thought away – and yet emotions grasped at his heart and held firm. Was it love? To feel half alive and desperate with need for a woman.
A footman appeared at the door. ‘The Earl of Stourton has arrived, Miss Forth.’
Henry swallowed against a sudden sense of anger in his throat. But why?Jealousy.That was the emotion Alethea wanted him to feel. He had no reason to be jealous of Stourton, though, and yet… He had always thought of Alethea as his. Like a possession…
Who was he?
Who had he been?
An arrogant, self-centred, reckless fool.
Susan walked past him as a maid entered the room holding two bonnets, in the wake of an older man.
Henry’s gaze followed Susan, she had seen his emotion. Her posture had stiffened. He wanted to grasp her arm, to stop her and tell her it was no more than habit, a familiarity. It was not because he cared more for Alethea. But Susan took her bonnet and shawl and walked out into the hall.
‘Lord Stourton, this is Lord Henry Marlow.’ Henry turned as Alethea looked from the man to him. Henry had seen him before but never been introduced. ‘My lord,’ she said to Henry, ‘have you met the Earl of Stourton?’ Her voice dripped with a snide sort ofpride as she waved her trophy at him.Look what I might achieve without you, Henry, was the message in her eyes.
So what? He was not jealous. He was glad. If she had another choice it would ease the upset when he told her the truth. He looked at Stourton, held out his hand and bowed his head. Stourton shook his hand and did the same. ‘Good day, sir. It is a pleasure to meet you, and a fair day for a ride out. Myself and Susan are to follow you in my carriage.’
Stourton’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, it was barely noticeable. The muscle at the edge of his lips twitched on one side in the moment before he spoke. ‘Hello, Lord Marlow. That will make the drive more entertaining.’ Disdain hissed through his words.
Alethea may not have succeeded in making Henry jealous, but she had done a good job on Stourton.
‘I shall see if Susan is ready.’ Henry left the room.
What had Alethea said to Stourton? Did he think Henry a rival? Did he know of their supposed engagement? Or had he heard rumours of Henry’s reputation? Whatever the man knew, he did not like Henry. Well, he could not blame him, Henry was starting to dislike himself.
When Henry walked into the hall Susan was looking at the drawing room door, dressed in her bonnet and shawl. She had probably listened to their conversation.
Her head turned, hiding her face behind the broad rim of her bonnet.
Alethea followed him out, on the arm of her new beau. She smiled as she passed Henry with another look that sought to ignite his jealousy. He hoped she had not seen his first reaction. If she had, it will have misled her.
