by Golden Angel
“I want to stay in London, though,” Mary said, looking up at him, a plea in her eyes. “Even if we are to rush the ceremony, I do not want to miss out on the rest of the Season.”
Rex only hesitated a moment before nodding. That was fair enough, and he did not mind staying in town. He wanted to keep an eye on Lucas, and Captain Jones still needed to be introduced to the Society... and it would give him time to plan a proper honeymoon for her.
“Very well, then that’s settled. I must take my leave,” Rex said, getting to his feet and giving the Viscountess a small bow. “I will have my list to you tomorrow. Perhaps Mary could see me to the door?”
“Yes, yes, of course.” The Viscountess waved her hand. Thomas stirred, but she pinned him with a look, and Arabella turned to say something to him, quietly, so he had to lean down to hear her. The Viscount smiled genially, though his eyes were sharp as he watched them go.
Getting to her feet, Mary willingly took his arm. Her very docility was suspect. After their carriage ride, she had resembled a pot about to boil over, but now an air of patient anticipation hung about her. Rex was not sure what Arabella had told her to cause such a change in temperament, but he could hazard a guess.
The discussion of their wedding continued behind them as they left the room—with no matriarch of his family left, Rex was perfectly happy to leave the planning to the Viscountess and Mary—the voices slowly fading with distance. By the time they reached the front door, Rex could not hear them at all, giving him and Mary the most privacy they were likely to have for the rest of the evening.
For discretion’s sake, Rex still bent down to put his mouth near her ear, his voice a silky whisper.
“If you pleasure yourself before our wedding day, I will spank the dickens out of you before our wedding night.” Stiffening in his arms, Mary’s reaction confirmed his guess. “And, petal, I will know.”
Enjoying the shock and sudden worry in her eyes, he could almost feel the buzzing need return to her body. She was no longer so sanguine or self-assured.
Pressing his lips to hers, he ravished her mouth, kissing her deeply and thoroughly until she was clinging to him, and he knew her senses were suitably stirred again. Suitable for his intentions, that was. Grinning, he pulled away, leaving her standing shocked and aroused.
Bounding down the front steps of the house, movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention, but when he turned to look, there was nothing there. Nothing he could see at any rate. Frowning, he studied the shadows for a long moment before shaking his head and allowing his grin to spread again. Likely, it had been an animal or even a trick of his imagination.
Mary
The next ten days were a whirlwind of plans, appointments, and dress fittings. Not only did the wedding need to be put together in a hurry, as Rex had procured a special license with startling ease, but the ton demanded their presence as much as possible. Their engagement ball was held four nights after their illicit kiss in the conservatory and was a mad crush as society jockeyed for the best view of the scandalous couple. There were so many guests, the only semi-private moment she had with him was their engagement waltz. After that, they were barely able to exchange two words to each other.
From Arabella, Josie, and Lily, Mary quickly learned Society had two views of the sudden engagement—they thought Mary had trapped Hartford, or they assumed he had seduced her into hurrying things along. With his interest in her firmly established before the interlude, speculation as to why he might have wanted to hurry her along had risen to a fever pitch. There were even rumors of a wager in White’s infamous betting book of exactly how compromised she was. Contrary to Aunt Elizabeth’s assertion that perception was all that mattered, apparently, some members of the ton wanted to know the minute details.
It was enough to drive even the most levelheaded person batty.
Aunt Elizabeth had been correct that they needed to be wed as quickly as possible, if only for Mary’s sanity. She could not imagine four weeks of this intense interest focused on her nor the intrusive comments and questions levied her way. Even her usual meeting with Evie in Hyde Park had to be abandoned. The moment she had set foot along the paths on Sunday, she had drawn the attention of the Misses Sawyer. The sisters had crowded around her, followed by several young lords, and the crowd kept growing.
Eventually, Josie had come to rescue her, but she could not break Mary free entirely. As long as she was in the park, she was going to be of interest to those also in attendance. Meeting with Evie was impossible. Everyone would wonder who Evie was, despite her dowdy attire, and Mary certainly could not introduce her to anyone.
At least she was able to walk along with Josie, their heads bent together in whispered conversation. They did not make eye contact with anyone, keeping their gazes averted, so no one could claim insult if they were ignored.
“It is going to be impossible for me to move about quietly until after the wedding,” Mary complained.
“Once you are wed, interest should die down quickly,” Josie reassured her, patting Mary’s hand. “Some new bit of gossip will come along, and everyone will forget about you again. I mean… oh, bother.”
Mary had to giggle. Hearing Josie’s usual well-meaning comments coming out all wrong was so familiar, it was almost comforting. One thing that remained the same in a world that felt as though it had shifted beneath her feet.
“I know what you meant.” She sighed. “I never realized how exhausting it is to be constantly the center of attention. How do you do it?”
Shrugging, Josie smiled wryly.
“I never minded it. Not like you.” She thought for a moment. “Perhaps I was always hoping one person, in particular, would pay attention. I never cared much who else did.”
Poor Josie. No matter how she glittered, no matter how many gentlemen she drew to her like moths to a flame, the one gentleman she had her eye on continued to elude her. If Joseph Stuart was here right now, Mary would give him a good kick in the shin.
“He is a twit,” Mary said stoutly. Josie laughed.
“He is, but I wanted him, anyway. Want him… I think.” She shook her head, blonde curls bouncing. “I do not know anymore, but let us not speak of him. There are more important things afoot. Have you been able to learn anything more about your future husband’s sinful society?” She asked the question salaciously, but Mary could see the concern on her face. Not concern whether or not Mary had been able to gather the information but concern Mary would be hurt by Rex’s involvement.
“Not yet. He is remarkably adept at punting aside any questions I ask.” She scowled. “We are not often allowed a moment alone to speak. Thomas is acting like a dog in the manger over this engagement.”
“Too late for that now.” Josie rolled her eyes, snorting indelicately. “The fox has already raided the henhouse.”
“He has not,” Mary denied hotly, then blushed. “Not all of it.”
“But you did let him in the door.” Josie was wicked, and they both ended up giggling, Mary’s laughter becoming a touch hysterical.
She wished there were time and opportunity for Rex to fully raid the henhouse. After his whispered rejoinder the night of their engagement, she had not dared to touch herself in the manner Arabella had described. Thankfully, the needy ache in her body had subsided by the next morning, although he did not have to do much more than touch her to rouse it again.
If they could sneak off during a ball or a rout, she would attempt it, but there had been no opportunity. It felt as if half the ton was watching them to see if they did just that. Even if they had not been, Thomas was certainly watching closely, practically growling whenever he felt Rex toed the line. Amused, Rex always pulled back with a smirk.
In a few days, he would no longer have to pull back. He reminded her of a big, lazy lion, watching and waiting for the right moment to pounce… a moment he knew was coming and saw no point in trying to hasten its arrival.
“Evie is sure the Earl of Devon is in tr
ouble,” Josie murmured, her voice so low, it was barely audible to Mary.
Pressing her lips together, Mary felt her heart turn over in her chest.
“Rex has not seen him in days.” Rex wanted the earl to stand up with him at their wedding, but this morning he had reported in that the Earl of Carlisle would be standing up with him instead. With Thomas standing so closely, listening to every word they exchanged, she had not been able to do more than ask if Devon was well. Rex’s lips had thinned with unhappiness, rousing her ire at his absent friend. “They had a falling out recently, but Rex still wanted Devon to stand with him on Saturday.”
“That is not good.” Josie sighed. “I will tell Evie. Perhaps she can run him to ground.” She looked at Mary apologetically.
“Perhaps.” Mary did not know whether or not to hope the earl would make an appearance before the weekend. He was Rex’s closest friend, but if he turned out to be a traitor or in some way connected to the assassination plot, the ton would not be kind to him nor any of his close associates. In many ways, his absence at the wedding would help keep all of them safer, at least when it came to Society.
“Has Evie told you where she is staying?”
“In the Dalton household as a maid.” Laughter colored Josie’s voice. “Elijah would have kittens if he knew.”
The Dalton household… oh, dear. That was the man Walter had been consorting with… Anxiety seized her, then relaxed. Even if Evie had seen something, she would never hurt someone Mary loved—unless it were absolutely necessary. Mary did not, for one moment, believe Walter could be connected to treason.
“She said there is nothing suspicious going on there,” Josie continued, relieving Mary greatly. “She plans to be fired this week and move on.”
“Well, if she comes to apply at Hartford House, tell her she shall need a reference,” Mary joked, putting her nose in the air. Both of them laughed, but there was a hollowness to it.
The Season was nearly halfway through, yet Mary felt as if they had made no headway on their mission. She had found a husband, though, so she supposed that counted as a partial success. If only she knew whether or not that success would end happily for her.
Chapter 15
Rex
Where the devil was Lucas?
Checking with Barnes every morning had done nothing but cause the poor manservant more anxiety, but not doing so would likely be even worse. This way, they both knew the other was coming up empty-handed. It also meant Rex was able to ensure Barnes was paid and had enough money to keep the household running.
Between the dizzying array of social demands for an affianced man, Rex prowled through the streets of London into all sorts of disreputable establishments, searching for his friend… but Lucas was nowhere to be found. He could not help but wonder if part of Lucas’ disappearance was due to his own upcoming nuptials. Maybe this was Lucas’ way of indicating he had no interest in standing beside Rex, despite being his oldest friend.
True, their friendship had taken some hard knocks recently, but Rex had thought Lucas would at least want to be present for his wedding. Finally, he had been reduced to asking Carlisle to stand with him. They were friends and shared many secrets, if not the long history that he had with Lucas.
Several days before his wedding, the masquerade to introduce Captain Nathan Jones to the Society was held at Carlisle’s townhome. Rex attended but focused on watching over the captain, which was not unusual when there was a new guest to the proceedings—what was unusual was his complete lack of interest in the other scenes. Unlike all the times before, he was not even tempted to join in, no matter how hot the action.
Whenever he stopped to watch a display of erotic spectacle, unless the captain was the one performing while Rex observed his techniques and preferences, he found his mind drifting inexorably, unerringly to his bride. Why a small diversion in his coach—one of the least adventurous encounters of recent years—should so consume his mind baffled him.
He could not stop thinking about her sighs, her moans, the way she squirmed so delightfully under his hands, or her inexpert but eager sucking of his cock. The memory roused his desires far more than any of the activities occurring before him.
“I must be mad,” he muttered under his breath.
“I would not argue with that.” The familiar voice of Walter Hood made Rex turn, inwardly suppressing his sigh. He had known this confrontation would eventually happen. At least Walter had waited till Captain Jones had finished with Mrs. Laurens before approaching him.
Unsurprisingly, Roger Dalton stood a mere foot behind Walter, silently adding his support to Walter’s confrontation. The two of them were well suited to each other’s company, and under other circumstances, Rex would have enjoyed seeing how they backed each other. He liked steadiness in the Society among those who partnered, just as he preferred to see a lack of jealousy among those who did not.
He had not been avoiding Walter, but until now, the opportunities for them to speak privately had been nonexistent. Hell, Rex had not even managed a moment alone to steal a kiss from Mary. The ton was watching their every move when they were out in public, and when they were not, Mary did not have time to see him as the wedding plans advanced.
“Walter, Roger.” He nodded his head in greeting, resigned to the conversation he had known was coming.
“Rex.” Crossing his arms over his chest, Walter regarded Rex with skeptical eyes. “I am surprised to see you here this evening.”
“I am always present when there is a new candidate to the Society,” Rex said, keeping his voice mild. He knew what Walter meant. Perversely, he was inclined to make the other man work for it. With his own frustrations simmering, the man’s cousin having worked her way under his skin without even trying, it was the only small satisfaction currently available to him.
“Mary is at the Carstairs tonight.” Walter’s gaze hardened.
“I am aware. I stopped in before making my way here. She is spending the evening with her friends.” That she would have clearly liked him to remain by her side was also true, but the sheer torture of constantly being in her presence without being able to do anything more than waltz with her was wearing on him, even if the masquerade had not been this evening.
The other man blinked, clearly taken aback, not realizing Rex had divided his time.
“Does she know where you are now?”
“That is between your cousin and me,” Rex said evasively. Mary knew he had another engagement, and she had not liked it, likely guessing where he would be, but he had not specifically told her. He had not wanted to risk her appearing here tonight and would not put it past her to have done so if she knew his location.
The wait for their wedding day was not only hard on him. He was fairly certain she had not attempted self-pleasure, despite her simmering desire. Their wedding night was sure to be highly enjoyable for both of them. He was looking forward to releasing the valve on her pent-up passion.
Not liking that answer, Walter’s expression turned to a scowl.
“Does she have any idea about the Society and what kind of man she is marrying?” The question came out almost like a growl, and Rex knew this was what Walter was most upset about. Unfortunately, he had a feeling his answer was going to upset Walter even more.
“Yes.”
Walter actually rocked back, glancing over his shoulder to Roger, asking his lover to confirm what he thought he heard. Roger appeared just as stunned and at a loss for words. A crooked grin reluctantly grew on Rex’s lips. He cocked his head to the side when Walter turned back to him, confusion writ over his expression.
“Your cousin overheard us talking when I visited Arabella’s at-home and invited herself to the masquerade that evening.” Remembering his own shock and outrage, Rex had ample sympathy for the emotions flitting over Walter and Roger’s faces. “I believe she received a thorough education on the activities of the Society before I caught her, which I did so by pure luck. She is petite enough to stand out wh
en I knew Lady Verner was in another room—and her reactions were all wrong.”
“I should say so,” Walter muttered, his arms dropping so he could rub his hand over his face in consternation. He looked beseechingly at Rex. “Did she see… do you know…”
“She saw enough to realize your preferences,” Rex replied soberly, knowing how much that would jar the younger man. “From what I have seen, and she and I have discussed, such things do not affect her opinion of you at all.”
Walter actually sagged with relief, Roger coming up beside him and wrapping his arm around Walter’s waist, his support becoming physical as well as emotional in the wake of the revelations. Both of them still looked conflicted, though, as was to be expected.
“I believe you can count upon her discretion.” Rex’s lips twitched, and so did Walter’s after a moment, although Roger looked as though he might still need convincing. But then, he would not have personally encountered Mary yet. Rex had noticed Roger deliberately avoided the Hood family in social settings when he ventured out in Society.
“Mary is nothing if not discreet.” Walter laughed, but there was no humor to the sound. He shook his head. “I had not realized… Well, I suppose she knows what she is marrying into.” Making a face, he shook his head again, this time more as if he was trying to shake a thought from his mind. “I am not sure I needed to know such things about my cousin.”
“Perhaps she feels the same way,” Roger teased, finally speaking up to ease the tension. It had been the right thing to say; Walter chuckled and relaxed even further.
“I suppose so.” Turning his attention back to Rex, the expression on Walter’s face had morphed into apologetic. “I am sorry… I…”
“You are protective of your cousin.” Rex smiled, holding out his hand to take Walter’s and confirm there was no harm done. “I feel the same way.”
Interest piqued, Walter studied Rex for a long moment before giving his hand a shake and pulling away.