A Little Bit Wicked

by Victoria Alexander

  “No, Gideon, I…” Her voice was high-pitched and he knew what she wanted. He reached his hand between them and caressed her and almost at once she gasped. She clamped hard around him and the intensity of her release shuddered against him and radiated from her body into his.

  For a long moment, neither moved. It struck him that there might not be anything quite as satisfying as spontaneous lovemaking in completely inappropriate and slightly dangerous locations. Perhaps they could try this again.

  “Gideon?” Judith giggled.

  He felt somewhat compelled to giggle himself. “Yes, Judith?”

  “Do you have a billiards table?”

  He laughed, found his handkerchief, and used it to assist himself in withdrawing from her in as civilized a way as possible. “I do indeed.” Gideon folded the handkerchief carefully, buttoned his trousers, then pulled her petticoats up and retied them. “We should play sometime.”

  Judith snorted. “I believe we already have.”

  “I feel not unlike a ladies’ maid.” He arranged her skirts and found it was difficult to do so without thinking about what they covered. Without wanting her again. “And a damn fine job I have done too.”

  “I’m sure you have.” Judith straightened, leaned back against him. “Oh my, that was…and I feel quite, quite…” She sighed. “It’s rather difficult to stand at the moment, you know.”

  “I do know.” He wrapped his arms around her and chuckled. “I make your knees weak.”

  “That’s not all you do to me,” she said softly.

  “Oh?” His heart thudded in his chest. “What do I do to you, Judith? How do I make you feel?” He held his breath.

  She was silent for a long moment. At last he felt her draw a deep breath. “I don’t know how or maybe what to say.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure this is wise—”

  “Wisdom does not seem to be a prerequisite for us.” He turned her around and stared into her eyes. “Tell me, Judith, tell me how you feel.”

  Faint voices sounded in the corridor, and at once Judith stepped out of his arms.

  “Damnation. Not now.” Gideon strode to the door, quietly removed the chair, then stepped aside. “Bloody poor timing.”

  “It could have been worse.”

  “It could have been better,” he muttered.

  Her eyes twinkled with amusement. “It’s the price one pays for clandestine assignations.”

  He adjusted his cuffs and glanced at her. “Do you think every moment of potential embarrassment is amusing?”

  “Probably.” She smiled wickedly and patted her hair. “Now, do I look presentable?”

  “You look delicious.” He straightened his cravat.

  “Now who isn’t being serious?”

  “My apologies, although I was being serious. However.” He studied her critically. “Your hair isn’t the least bit out of place. Nor is your gown. One of the benefits, I’d say, of improvisation—”

  “Gideon!” She choked back a laugh. “It’s going to be awkward enough to be discovered in here alone without people thinking—”

  “That we’ve had a grand time in activities of an illicit nature involving you bent over the billiards—”

  The door swung open. Gideon continued without pause. “So you see, Lady Chester, billiards is a very old, distinguished game and it is indeed a shame for a table of this quality to be allowed to lie here”—his gaze caught hers—“unused.”

  Judith snorted then coughed.

  “I knew they were in here.” Violet swept into the room, followed closely by Lord Mountford.

  Gideon raised a brow. “And how did you know that?”

  “I know how much you like”—Violet’s gaze slipped to Judith, then back to Gideon—“billiards,” she said brightly.

  “I thought it was because we had looked everywhere else,” Mountford murmured.

  Gideon snorted. “You know nothing of the sort.”

  “Very well then.” Violet shrugged. “I assumed you liked billiards because men generally do.”

  “I like billiards,” Mountford offered.

  “I knew it.” Violet beamed at the man.

  Mountford smiled back, then turned to Judith. “Judith, Lady Chester, I thought you were going to wait for me.”

  “I am sorry, Harry. I’m afraid I misled you. I had no intention of waiting for you. Now.” Judith drew a deep breath. “Or ever.”

  Gideon winced. Mountford’s expression fell. “But I thought—”

  “I know what you thought and you have my sincerest apologies for that too. I believe it was a”—she slanted a quick glance at Violet—“a misunderstanding on the part of Lady Braxton.”

  “A misunderstanding?” Mountford stared at Judith for a moment, then blew a long breath. “I feel like something of an idiot.”

  “Don’t be absurd, Harry. You have no reason to feel like an idiot.” Judith laid a hand on his arm and favored him with an affectionate smile. “And I am most flattered.”

  “That’s something, I suppose,” Mountford said wryly. “Judith.” He took her hands and gazed into her eyes. “It was lovely to see you again and I very much regret…” He shook his head. “If I have caused you any discomfort whatsoever.” He released her hand and nodded at Gideon. “Good evening, Lord Warton.” Mountford turned and took his leave.

  “What extraordinarily bad manners.” Indignation sounded in Violet’s voice. “He didn’t bid me a good evening.”

  Judith’s eyes narrowed. “You’re lucky he didn’t strangle you with his bare hands.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Judith,” Gideon said slowly. “All Violet did was invite him here to night. Granted, her motives were questionable.”

  “Questionable?” Judith glared at Violet. “I don’t think there’s any question at all about her motives. And she did far more than merely invite the man.”

  “I am not to blame if he misunderstood.” Violet lifted a shoulder in a dismissive shrug. “You said it yourself that it was a misunderstanding.”

  “Lord Mountford understood exactly what you wanted him to think. Fortunately Lord Nottingdon saw through your scheme.”

  “What scheme?” Gideon asked.

  “Yes, well, I did not give Nottingdon enough credit.” Violet narrowed her eyes. “I swear that man has gone out of his way to annoy me since he was a child.”

  “With good reason, no doubt,” Judith said.

  “What scheme?” Gideon asked again.

  “Nottingdon has never liked me, which has worked out nicely as I have never liked him.” Violet’s lips quirked upward in a knowing smile. “But he likes you. Quite a lot I should say.”

  Judith’s chin rose the tiniest bit. “I like him as well. I consider him a friend. He has all the attributes one wishes for in a friend. Loyal, trustworthy—”

  Violet smirked. “And good in—”

  “Violet!” Gideon snapped.

  Judith smiled. “Are you jealous, Lady Braxton?”

  Violet’s face flushed. “Don’t be silly. I could have had him or any man I’ve wanted any time I’ve wanted. But until recent years, I have devoted my life to being a good and loyal wife. Whereas you…”

  Judith’s eyes were cold. “Whereas I what?”

  This had gone on long enough. “Would one of you please explain to me what the two of you are talking about.” He looked at Judith. “What scheme?”

  Violet rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. “It’s a trifle really.”

  “Yes, I suppose you would see it that way, but then manipulating the emotions of honorable men probably doesn’t strike you as especially significant.” Judith’s voice was cold. “Do you want to tell him or shall I?”

  “Very well.” Violet sighed in resignation. “When I invited Nottingdon and Mountford I might have implied Lady Chester was interested in renewing their…friendship.”

  “What?” Gideon stared.

  “One never knows.” Violet shrugged. �
��I thought I was doing them all a favor.”

  “A favor?” Judith’s voice rose. “A favor? You led Samuel and poor Harry to believe I still had feelings for them.”

  “You apparently did once, you might still.” Violet smirked. “And if you do, Gideon should know.”

  “I suspect Gideon can take care of himself,” Judith said sharply.

  Violet scoffed. “Gideon has always been rather trusting when it comes to women.”

  “You would know.” Judith snapped.

  “And you—”

  “That’s quite enough, Violet.” Gideon glared.

  “No, Gideon, it’s not nearly enough.” Violet turned toward him and her voice softened. “Are you aware of this woman’s reputation?”

  “Reputations, like anything based on gossip, are often exaggerated,” he said coolly and slanted a supportive glance at Judith. She stared back at him in an expressionless manner, and he realized his words now might be the most important he ever said.

  “Hers isn’t.” Violet’s eyes gleamed. “Why, at this very party there are at least three—”

  “And you went to great pains to make sure they were in attendance. Good God.” He stared in disbelief. “Did you pull the same trick with Helmsley as you did with the others?”

  “Don’t be absurd.” Violet shook her head. “He’s newly married. He probably would not have come at all, although one can never be too sure when it comes to men.”

  “So it was enough simply to have Helmsley present?” Gideon studied her. “And the others?”

  “For goodness’ sakes, Gideon, all of London is talking about you and”—Violet threw Judith a scathing glance—” this woman. It’s one thing to talk about someone’s reputation and quite another to come face to face with it.”

  “What did you expect would happen here tonight, Violet?” Gideon stared at her. “Did you think I would be shocked? Outraged? Fly into a jealous rage and berate her publicly for her past?”

  “I thought you would come to your senses,” Violet snapped. “I thought you would see how very wrong this woman is for you. How continuing this liaison is a dreadful mistake and is destroying your reputation as well. Besides, she could never make you the kind of proper wife you deserve.”

  “And if I don’t want a proper wife?” he said sharply.

  Violet gasped. “You can’t possibly be thinking of marrying this creature?”

  “My plans are no concern of yours!” He glared at her. “You forfeited that right years ago. I shall be with whomever I please and if that includes marriage, frankly, Violet, your opinion matters not at all.”

  Violet’s eyes widened. “Come now, Gideon, you can’t—”

  “I can do what ever I damn well please.” His jaw clenched. “As for Judith’s reputation, what she has or hasn’t done in the past is of no concern to me. Indeed, I have quite forgiven her her indiscretions and there’s nothing more to be said on the matter.”

  “There’s a great deal more to be said,” Violet began. “I think—”

  “I think we’ve all said far too much and I for one have had quite enough.” Judith’s voice was hard. “My dear Lady Braxton, you may talk about my reputation all you wish but I have never misused or misled a gentleman in any way. Nor have I ever exploited their affection for me to my own ends.” Judith’s smile was pleasant but the look in her blue eyes was cold. “Can you say the same?”

  Violet’s eyes widened in fury. “If you’re referring to what happened years ago—”

  “And given your recent behavior it appears nothing has changed.” Judith turned to Gideon. “I should like to leave now.”

  “As should I.” He nodded and they started toward the door.

  “Gideon, you cannot simply leave,” Violet huffed. “We still have things to discuss.”

  He stood aside and allowed Judith to pass through the door before him, then glanced back at Violet. “I thought I made myself clear, Violet, there is nothing left to say. Good evening.” He closed the door firmly in his wake, leaving Violet sputtering alone, and realized as well he might just have shut the door on his past. The realization brought a sense of elation and, yes, even freedom.

  Judith was remarkably quiet in the carriage on the return to her house and Gideon thought it wise to leave her to her thoughts. Just as he had thought, the evening had been a disaster. Still, it hadn’t been a total loss. There had been that exhilarating interlude in the billiards room. He grinned to himself. By God, he’d never done anything like that before. It was most uncivilized of him and he relished the memory. Beyond that he had defended her to Violet, and quite ably too, he thought, and had more than likely put his past firmly behind him. In addition, he had not allowed jealousy to rule his head although it had not been especially easy. But damn it all, he’d meant what he’d said to her. He was jealous of anyone she’d ever loved before him.

  Which only begged the question: did she love him now?

  Chapter 13

  I t was perhaps the longest carriage ride she had ever taken, and yet it took no time at all. Before to night Judith had started to think, even perhaps to believe, there could be a future with Gideon. It was madness of course. Her own failings made certain of that. If she’d had any hopes at all they’d been dashed this evening.

  They reached her house and he escorted her inside. She murmured something appropriate to the servants and a moment later couldn’t recall her words. She wandered into the parlor and wondered exactly what she would say to Gideon now. He followed her, closed the door behind him, and leaned against it. “I have missed you, Judith.”

  She forced a smile. “You said that earlier.”

  “It bears repeating.” He grinned, crossed the room to her, and took her hands in his. “I am sorry about to night. I should have known Violet had something unpleasant planned.”

  She pulled her hands from his. “And yet we went anyway.”

  “I thought she had a valid point in that my appearance would alleviate any gossip about ill will between us.”

  “And she made that point when you spoke with her and did not mention that to me?”

  “I explained that,” he said slowly. “It was the day I left for the country. I had no opportunity to tell you.”

  “Did you have no opportunity to tell me you and she spoke at Lady Dinsmore’s ball as well?” Her words were measured.

  “I had the opportunity, it simply slipped my mind.” He considered her carefully. “I did not consider it important.”

  She raised a brow. “Should I be jealous?”

  “No, of course not. There is nothing to be jealous about.”

  “She is a part of your past.”

  “The important word there is past,” he said firmly.

  “Isn’t it though,” she murmured and moved away from him to study a Fragonard depicting French nobility frolicking in a parklike setting, the frolicking a form of flirtation and a prelude to seduction. “Have you been with a great many women, Gideon?” She glanced at him. “In the past, that is?”

  He drew his brows together. “I was never with Violet in that sense.”

  “But you did love her.”

  “I thought so at the time. What has all this—”

  “Let’s disregard Lady Braxton then.” She shrugged in a casual manner. “What of the other women?”

  “The other women?” Caution sounded in his voice.

  “How many other women have you been with?”

  “I’m not sure—”

  She raised a brow. “That many?”

  He shook his head. “No, not that many.”

  “Well, how many?”

  “I don’t—”

  “Allow me to assist you.” She turned toward him and folded her arms over her chest. “More than a dozen? More than a hundred?” She widened her eyes. “Surely not more than a thousand?”

  He stared at her. “You’re being absurd.”

  “You’re being evasive.”

  “Very well then, more than a doze
n, less than a hundred.” He glared. “Are you happy now?”

  “Blissful.”

  He stared in confusion. “Why on earth does it matter? Why did you want to know?”

  “It really doesn’t matter, Gideon, whether it was a hundred or, oh, say, three. The fact is that you had other women, there were other women in your life before you met me. Before we became involved with one another. Before you even knew I existed.” She clasped her hands together before her in a prim manner and smiled pleasantly. “And I wanted to know so that I would know precisely what I was forgiving you for when I forgave you for all your past indiscretions.”

  “When you forgave me for my…” At once understanding dawned on his face. “Judith, I didn’t mean that the way it might have sounded.”

  “Oh dear.” She sighed. “You don’t forgive me then?”

  “Of course I do but…” He shook his head. “You’re twisting my words.”

  “My apologies. Please forgive me for that too.”

  “I don’t think so.” He stepped toward her. “You’re not being fair, Judith. You’re taking my words in a manner I did not intend.”

  “How did you intend them?” she said in a tone sharper than she had expected.

  He chose his words with care. “I intended to convey that I can overlook your past—”

  “You can overlook my past?” She fairly spit the words. “How very gracious of you.”

  “I wouldn’t call it gracious but…See here, Judith, this is not…” He huffed. “Damn it all, I was defending you.”

  “I need no defense, my lord. I have been a widow, not a wife, these past ten years. I have had no one to answer to save myself.” Anger clenched her fists. “It is exceedingly difficult to spend one’s life completely alone with no family. No one to care for, no one to care for you.”