Page 58 of In a Rake's Embrace
“I was … young,” he said. “At the time, I wasn’t indifferent to the idea of marriage and was even eager to find my countess, which delighted my mother. I enjoyed Lady Eva’s company and the dances we shared.”
“How do you feel when you see her now?”
Thomas frowned. “I’m not certain I have. If I have, I looked past her without realizing it. I cut her from my thoughts completely.”
Agatha pressed her hands against his chest, leaning closer to search his gaze. “You simply excised her from your awareness?”
“Yes.”
She reached up and traced a finger along the scar on his cheek. “How … how did you get this scar?”
A humorless smile touched his lips. “I fought a duel.”
Her eyes widened. “Why?”
“We anticipated our vows,” he said with dry amusement.
“Is that your delicate way of saying you tupped her before marriage?”
Thomas chuckled. “Yes. When I ended the engagement, her brother threatened a suit and then challenged me to a duel. I suspect she shared just how … intimate we were.”
“And you still wouldn’t marry her?”
“No.”
“That is … rather ruthless,” she murmured.
“Those who harm my loved ones are not forgiven. They taunted and tormented my brother at her urging, and she found it entertaining. That woman would never be a part of my family.”
Her eyes softened, a glimmer of understanding there that struck him. “What happened in the duel?”
“I knew refusing would be dishonorable,” he said, his tone edged with irony, “given that I knew what I was risking by having her in my bed before marriage. I accepted and won. But as I lowered my rapier, her brother lunged at me. It was a cheap attack, and he sliced my cheek.”
“That wretch,” she snapped, her gaze fierce. “What did you do to him?”
He lifted a brow. “I let him off. I told him that the loss of my beauty would settle the loss of his sister’s chastity.”
Agatha reached upand kissed the corner of his scar. “Only a vain scoundrel would believe this scratch could mar his handsomeness,” she whispered, her lips lingering close to his.
Thomas wrapped his arms around her, kissing her mouth for endless moments. And as he closed his eyesand she placed her face on his chest, he couldn’t bring himself to suggest she return to her own room.
The crowdoutside the theatre buzzed with anticipation, a vibrant mix of laughter, chatter, and the occasional shout fromvendors hawking their wares. Agatha, dressed in a stunning rose-colored gown, glanced about, her excitement palpable. She looked radiant, her hair swept elegantly into a chignon, with delicate tendrils framing her face and catching the soft glow of the gas lamps. Her gaze sparkled as it drifted over London’s finest, who milled around the entrance in exquisite attire, the air alive with sophistication and spectacle.
Just ahead, Thomas noticed a familiar face in the crowd. “Basil,” he murmured, steering Agatha towards the Duke of Basil and his wife Elizabeth.
The duke spotted Thomas, his eyes lighting up in recognition.
“Radbourne,” he greeted. “I have not seen you at the theatre in ages.”
The duke’s gaze shifted to Agatha, a hint of surprise flickering before a look of recognition softened his expression. “And you, my lady. I believe we’ve met before.”
Agatha’s face softened. “Indeed, Your Grace,” she replied, lowering into a curtsy. “I cannot thank you enough for last year … your kindness to my family has not been forgotten.”
Basil inclined his head. “Allow me to introduce you to Elizabeth, my duchess,” he said, gesturing to his wife with a proud smile. “Elizabeth, this is Miss Woodville, a … friend of Radbourne.”
The duchess extended her hand with warmth, her smile teasing as she looked toward Thomas. “A pleasure to meet you, Agatha. I’ve heard much of Lord Radbourne’s elusive nature at social events, and I can see why he might make an exception this evening. My brother has mentioned Radbourne’s fascination.”
Agatha’s wrinkled her nose. “Your brother mentioned it, Your Grace?”
