“Lydia.”
“What.” She didn’t turn around. She couldn’t let him see her heart was breaking.
“Look at me.” His voice was low and very, very close. She could feel his warm breath, smell his intoxicating scent.
She shook her head, unable to say a word without her voice giving away her distress.
“Please.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her. She stared at his chest before he used his finger to lift her chin. “Do you want it to be over?”
She looked up at him and licked her dry lips. “The assignment?”
Slowly he shook his head, then pulled her toward him, his strong arms wrapped around her waist. “What do you think I mean?”
Was she going to have to be the first one to state feelings? So unfair. He’d tossed off enough women to fill a ballroom. Thinking he wouldn’t do the same thing to her had been the most ludicrous thought she’d ever had.
“I don’t know what to say.” She truly didn’t. Should she tell him how crushing the idea of not seeing him again was? Perhaps she should be the strong, independent woman she’d thought herself to be before encountering Dante and shrug and say, Yes, it is over. Let’s shake hands and depart. I have a life to live and so do you.
He slid his palms from her waist up her back, moving her so she leaned against him. “Maybe instead of talking, we should be doing this.” He lowered his head and took her mouth in a searing kiss. His warm hand cupped her face and held it gently, moving her head back and forth, taking the kiss deeper.
She succumbed to the forceful domination of his lips, his hands, his caresses. Yes. This was what she wanted. And, no she did not want it to end. But, alas, she was not alone in the decision.
Her thoughts spun as he continued his assault, withdrawing from her mouth and kissing her eyes, nose, chin, then his mouth moved to the sensitive skin under her ear. “I want you, Lydia. I’ve wanted you for weeks.”
His words barely penetrated the fog he’d caused. Yes, she knew he desired her as she desired him. That had been apparent for a while, but what next? An affair? As much as it would devastate her to walk away, she could not commit to a liaison. The only thing that would lead to was true heartbreak when he decided he’d had enough of her and moved on to another woman.
‘Twas better to get the heartbreak over now before things went too far. She pulled back and looked into his eyes. “What do you want from me, Dante?”
He opened his mouth to speak just as the curtain behind them parted and three women appeared.
“Ambassador, I just heard the most ridiculous thing...” Lady Barlow stared at them wide-eyed. “Well, I never. What is going on in here? Where is the Ambassador, and what are you two doing in here, alone, in that disgraceful embrace?”
Shocked gasps from Mrs. Winters and Lady Bolling followed Lady Barlow’s words. Three of the ton’s most vicious and gleeful gossips.
Lydia leaned her forehead on Dante’s chest and groaned.
Dante closed his eyes and he cursed. Bloody, bloody hell.
As most young men of the Upper Crust, he’d avoided being caught with an innocent woman all his life. True, he didn’t spend much time with those kinds of women, anyway, so the chance of him getting ‘caught’ in the parson’s noose had been slight.
Only now he realized the lights had come up in the theater. It was time for intermission and based on the ladies’ visit, he guessed word had somehow spread about the Ambassador.
He turned and faced the execution squad, keeping a shivering Lydia tucked into his side. “Can I help you ladies?”
Lady Barlow raised herself up and sniffed. “You certainly can, young man. We came here to speak with the Ambassador since we heard certain untruths about him. But, instead, we find you and Miss Sanford together, alone, in a dark theater box. Kissing!”
“Yes, my lady. You certainly did. However, you must allow us a bit of celebration since Miss Sanford has just done me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage.”
He squeezed Lydia when she opened her mouth to speak. “Quiet, my dear,” he murmured.
“Indeed?” She looked back at the other two ladies, who smirked. “I am not sure about that, Mr. Rose, but aside from your disgraceful behavior, which I am sure will reach your brother, the Earl of Huntington’s ears—”
“—I am sure.”
“—we are here to see the Ambassador.”
He ran his palm up and down Lydia’s arm, hopefully to ease her a bit. Her shaking was becoming noticeable to the ladies. “I’m afraid you will be disappointed, my lady. The Ambassador had to leave.”
He had to get them out of here before the crowd grew. He could see two men and another woman standing at the entrance to the Ambassador’s theater box. “If you will excuse me, I’m afraid my betrothed has developed a megrim and I must see her home.”
He moved them both forward, almost having to elbow Lady Barlow for her to allow them to pass.
“I assume you will be visiting with Lord Sterling in the morning, Mr. Rose?” Lady Barlow sniffed again.
“Not that it is any concern of yours, but I assure you, my lady, I am well aware of how the procedure works, having two brothers.”
“Well, I never.”
“I’m quite sure you never have. Good evening ladies, gentlemen.”
He hustled Lydia out of the box, down the stairs, through the lobby and outside. They passed clusters of people speaking in hushed tones, mostly about the Ambassador he was sure, but with a few glances cast their way, word of their situation must have leaked out. It amazed him how gossip seemed to spread so quickly without it even seeming physically possible.
Lydia continued to shake as they awaited the carriage. He removed his jacket and placed it over her shoulders, then pulled her against him. “Hold your head up, sweeting. Do not allow these harpies get the best of you. You are a viscount’s daughter.”
She merely shook her head, tears that she’d been holding sliding down her cheeks. He wanted more than anything to put her into the carriage and go back and throttle those horrible, judgmental women.
Once they were settled and he tapped on the ceiling to alert his driver to move forward, he pulled Lydia over to his side. “It will be all right.”
She moved away from him, accepting the handkerchief he handed her. “No, it won’t. What are we going to do now?”
Dante leaned back and rested his foot on his other knee. “I believe you heard the conversation between me and the ladies. I will visit with your father first thing tomorrow morning.”
Lydia wiped her nose and smirked. “Oh, surely you don’t think I believe that?”
“Why not?” Truth be known, instead of feeling ‘caught’ or angry at the judgemental women finding them in the Ambassador’s box, to his amazement, he’d actually experienced a sense of relief. He no longer had to wrestle with his feelings and decisions. The matter had been solved for him. For them.
They must marry. Despite Lydia being of an age considered on the shelf or a spinster, she was still the daughter of a viscount, an innocent, and someone whose reputation would never survive if they did not wed.
“Dante.” Her voice came out muffled, mostly from crying. “I know you have no intention of ever marrying. You’ve said it numerous times. The last thing I want to do is marry someone who was forced into it.” She shook her head. “No. I don’t care about my reputation. ‘Tis a blessing, actually. Now I can stop going to those endless balls and musicales.”
He leaned back on the seat, attempting to look indifferent. Certainly not how he felt. “I see. And if you are shunned by society and do not attend all the balls and musicales, what do you plan to do with the rest of your life?”
She raised her chin and he immediately had to quell the urge to laugh. She looked very much like the old Lydia he’d first met. “I shall work.”
“Indeed. And what will your employment endeavors encompass?” No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t hide his smile.
�
��Well. There are many things I can do.”
This was becoming more amusing. “Such as.” He waved his hand at her.
“I can teach.” She nodded. “Yes. I will seek a job as a governess or tutor.”
He shook his head. “I’m afraid not, sweeting. With disgrace in your background who do you think will employ you?”
“Oh.” She slumped and then glanced at him sideways. “I can work at the Rose Room.”
“No.” He sat up and scowled at her. “Absolutely not.”
“Why not?” She sniffed. “I’ve worked there before. I can deal cards. I can continue doing the books.”
“No. And that is final.”
She frowned. “Again, why not?”
“Because you worked there when you were not my wife. My wife will not work at the club. Or anywhere else for that matter.” He pulled her into his arms. “The matter is settled. I will visit with Viscount Sterling in the morning, obtain a special license and we shall be married.”
Strange how those words sat so well with him.
My wife.
18
“Dante, open the bloody door!”
Dante turned over in his bed and stared at the door to his bachelor flat. “What the hell is going on?”
“If I have to break this damn door down, I will.”
He threw off the blanket and stomped to the door, ready to pummel whoever it was on the other side making that racket. For an instant it sounded like his brother, Hunt.
Dante flung the door opened. “What?” He was immediately met with his brother’s fist to his face. He reeled back but caught himself from falling to the floor by grabbing the table next to him.
He swung back at his brother, but missed him, most likely because he was still half asleep and naked as the day he was born. He moved his jaw and glared at Hunt. “What the hell is this all about?”
Hunt moved into the room and looked him up and down with disgust. “Put some clothes on.”
Dante immediately reached for the top hat sitting on the table and plopped it on his head. “There, I have clothes on.”
Hunt gritted his teeth. “Don’t make me hit you again.”
“Don’t try it, big brother. You caught me unaware the first time, but if you try that again, you’ll find yourself flat on your back.” He walked away and grabbed his trousers from the chair alongside his bed and pulled them on.
“Now to what do I owe the honor of this visit?” Not trusting his brother not to try to hit him again, he stood with his fists at his side.
“Relax, Dante. I came to talk to you.”
“Really? How interesting. All I’ve witnessed so far is shouting, threatening and a cuff to my jaw.” He waved to his rumpled bed. “Won’t you have a seat?”
“No. I’m not going to be here long.”
“Thank God.”
Hunt pointed his finger at him. “Don’t bait me, brother.”
“Bloody hell man, get to it, or I’ll toss you out and go back to bed.”
Hunt drew himself up and stared at him. “You ruined an innocent woman last night.”
Dante dropped his head into his hands. How the bloody hell had Hunt learned about him and Lydia so soon? Another reminder of why and how much he hated the Beau Monde.
“I did not ruin Miss Sanford.”
“Were you caught in the dark kissing and fondling her?”
“No. We were kissing, but believe me, we didn’t get near fondling, much to my regret.”
Hunt growled, his fist drawn back.
Dante blocked him. “Don’t try that again. That’s the last time I’m saying it.”
His brother straightened his jacket and pulled on his cuffs. “You will visit with Lord Sterling this morning and make your offer.”
“Is that what you came here to do? Pretend I didn’t know the proper thing to do when caught in a compromising situation with a proper young lady?”
Hunt leaned forward. “You have denounced marriage all your adult life. This is one time you cannot get away with it.”
If the water pitcher sitting on his dresser had been full, he would have dumped the water on his pompous, arrogant brother’s head. “What makes you think I intend to get away with anything? If you were so gleeful to hear gossip about me from last night, you missed the part where I announced my betrothal to Miss Sanford loud and clear. I intend to call on her father this morning. I will secure a special license and we shall be married post haste.”
Hunt’s jaw remained slack throughout Dante’s rant. “You’re serious.”
Dante placed his hands on his hips. “Yes. I am serious.”
His brother grinned. “I never thought I would see the day.” He frowned and his face darkened. He pointed his finger at his brother. “Do not think you will continue with your conquests once you marry Miss Sanford. She is a lovely woman and deserves respect and faithfulness. Hell, she deserves more than you.”
“Do you even know her?”
“No.” Hunt waved his hand. “That is irrelevant. Any woman to whom you shackle yourself deserves better.” Hunt looked around the room. “Where do you expect to house your wife? Certainly not in this dump.”
“Your confidence in my common sense knows no bounds.” Dante crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. “I will have to find a new place. A townhouse. Something not too far from the club.”
“No. You need a better neighborhood than the club.” Hunt walked to the door. “You will reside with Diana and me until you can find a proper place.” He pointed at him as he opened the door. “I expect to receive an invitation to your wedding.”
“Why? Are you afraid you will miss me surrendering and being shackled?”
“No.” He opened the door and stepped out of the room. “I want to make sure you don’t pack your bags and flee.” The door slammed before Dante could throw a punch.
Dante dropped to the bed and rubbed his eyes with his fist. He probably shouldn’t have been angry with Hunt’s visit. His brother was correct. Dante had eschewed marriage for years. He’d had numerous mistresses and lovers.
But Lydia was different. Of course he would love taking her to bed. In her was a passionate woman waiting to be released. But it was more than that. He actually liked her, which was not something he generally felt for his conquests. He respected her intelligence and enjoyed her company.
Being older, she would not bore him to death with giggling and chattering. She knew her own mind and used it. In fact, the idea of the two of them butting heads over things in the coming years, and the making up that would follow was quite appealing.
He walked to his wardrobe and pulled out proper clothing to visit with an intended’s father. He rang to have one of his landlady’s employees bring him a bath. He looked around as he waited. Hunt was correct. This was a dump and Lydia deserved so much more.
Lydia lay flat on her back, staring at the canopy over her bed. She was to be married. To Dante Rose. Although she’d tried to talk him out of it last night, she knew in her heart it was not something she could dismiss.
She’d been a member of the ton long enough to know if she didn’t marry Dante, she would be shunned. As he so rightly pointed out, what then would she do with her life? However, knowing that her life had only been comprised of social events and shopping was even more distressing.
She’d always held herself above the others because she had her occasional assignments with the Home Office. But they were few and far between since her only skill was languages, and that was not something they needed very much. As far as doing any sort of spy work, like Dante did, she’d always been dismissed as not being safe for a lady.
She rolled over and propped her chin on her fist. When she questioned him, Dante agreed to remain faithful providing she never banned him from her bed. That sounded reasonable, mostly because she had the feeling that the marriage bed with Dante would not be something for which she would need forbearance.
Now that her life was to go in a different direction than
she’d imagined, it was time to consider what came next. Things she’d renounced years ago. A household of her own to manage, a husband in her bed, children. ‘Twas the last one that made her smile.
She imagined a little boy with Dante’s features and his charming personality. He would have all the female staff wrapped around his little finger. Perhaps they would have a daughter with the same traits. She frowned. They would have to keep an eye on that one.
Flipping over onto her back again, she smiled at the idea of this new life. The major surprise that had accompanied Dante’s announcement of their betrothal had been her acceptance of it. Even though she came up with arguments against it, she was not unhappy with the turn of events. For some reason it felt right.
Especially since she’d received Dante’s promise of fidelity. He might have been a rogue and a rake for years, but she knew him to be an honorable man. He would not promise what he had no intention of keeping.
A slight knock on her door drew her attention back to her surroundings. “Come.”
Her maid, Alice, entered the room. “Good morning, Miss Sanford. Mr. Rose has arrived and is speaking with his lordship. He has requested that you meet with him in the drawing room when he is finished.”
Lydia threw off the blanket and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. “Then I guess I better prepare for his visit.”
She and Alice chatted as she helped her dress in a pale yellow linen dress with green embroidery on the cuffs and hem. It made her feel lighthearted. Or perhaps it was seeing Dante again.
Her betrothed.
As Alice brushed her hair, Lydia thought back to before Dante had entered the theater box the night before. That was when she had convinced herself that their relationship had come to an end. The devastation she’d felt when he entered and just stood there looking at her still brought tears to her eyes.
“I’m finished, miss. What do you think?” Alice smiled at her, and Lydia looked into the mirror. Her maid had fixed her hair in a twisted arrangement with tiny yellow and green flowers woven throughout.
“It looks lovely, Alice. Thank you so much.” She stood and pulled on her white gloves and took one more look in the mirror. Yes, she looked fine enough to meet with her fiancé. She almost giggled like a young girl and immediately stopped herself.
An Inconvenient Arrangement: Rose Room Rogues ~ Book Three Page 15