“She’s hardly in want,” Will observed.
Barrows shrugged. “Not by worldly standards, perhaps. But I recommend you watch and see.”
“Thank you, Sir Philosopher. ’Tis what I’d just concluded. By the way,” Will added with a chuckle, “she’s taken it into her head that we’re here because I lost what little fortune I possessed gaming and was forced to flee to the Continent. I suppose I ought to be insulted.”
Barrows laughed. “You might, if the observation weren’t so dangerously close to the mark! Knowing you’d pledged to marry and restore Brookwillow, ’tis not an unreasonable conclusion after our precipitous arrival.”
“The misconception isn’t that important. I can correct it whenever I wish.”
“Indeed. First you must run the gauntlet of sufficiently impressing her grandfather and cousin so you may remain here long enough to discover if she loves you.”
“I might succeed in getting invited to stay, but I’m not lovesick enough to imagine that, even apprised of my actual situation, the family that can provide so lavishly for her would ever countenance my suit.”
“Don’t bother about that yet. Keep your wits about you, observe keenly and await the right moment. I’ll apply my perspicacity and acumen, too, of course.”
Though Barrows had always shown himself to be innovative and resourceful, Will doubted his valet’s skills extended to magically altering his circumstances enough to win the approval of Allegra’s grandfather. But no sense giving up before he even began. “You do that.”
THAT EVENING, to escape the press of guests and the stifling atmosphere of heat, smoke, candle wax and perfume, Will strolled out to the grand terrace. Watching the stars in the clear sky, he breathed deeply and flexed his shoulders, loosening the tension.
At dinner he’d finally met Allegra’s grandfather, who had greeted him cordially and listened with what appeared to be genuine interest as Will described the concert by Emilio Antinori he’d once attended. After dinner, the duke had shown him a mark of favor by seeking him out when the gentlemen enjoyed their brandy and cigars, asking Will questions about his estate back in England.
From his conversation, the duke appeared to be a keen-witted, formidable man who earned Will’s immediate respect. He liked Allegra’s cousin, the young duke Alessandro, as well. Listening to the discussion among the guests this evening, he’d gleaned some insight into the tangled nature of local politics and sympathized with the difficulties that lay ahead for the young man, trying to preserve his heritage through what promised to be a turbulent future. Not envying him the task, Will offered the Almighty a silent thanks that Brookwillow was located in the relative peace and prosperity of England.
And as for Allegra—his heart expanded with love and longing just remembering her. She’d sat at the head of the table beside her grandfather, radiantly beautiful in an elaborate gown of pure white, the gracious hostess ever attentive to the duke’s guests. She looked like an angel.
Would that she might be his!
So full of guests was the drawing room tonight, he’d not yet had a chance to speak with her. So when he spied her ahead of him on the terrace, trailed once again by her dour duenna, he went in pursuit.
“Good evening, Duchessa,” he called to her. To his delight she turned and, recognizing him, stopped to wait for him. “’Tis a beautiful night, the stars gleaming like diamonds on velvet. May I walk with you?”
“I should be delighted, Lord Tavener,” she replied.
She took his arm, capturing him in a haze of warmth and lavender scent. His body stirring, he nearly groaned at the pleasure of it. For several minutes they strolled in silence, wrapped in the magical mantle of night and starlight. Will could not help but remember the starry night she’d said goodbye to him…that unforgettable kiss that had shaken him to the core. Did she remember it, too?
He wanted nothing more than to kiss her again.
As if on cue, Barrows emerged from the shadows and approached the duenna, one hand grasping his other wrist as he held it up and out. From what he pantomimed to the duenna, he had cut himself and needed her assistance
Not easily distracted from her charge, the duenna seemed to be telling him where in the house to return for assistance, instructions Barrows apparently did not understand in the slightest. While he gestured to the agitated duenna, Will rounded the corner with Allegra.
For several precious seconds, they would be alone, hidden from view by the dark bulk of the sculpted yew.
As if by unspoken agreement, they both halted. Allegra looked up at him, a tremulous smile on her lips. Will took her chin in his hand and tipped it up so he could read her eyes. The yearning he saw there sent a thrill of anticipation and desire through him. Then she stepped closer and closed her eyes, apparently eager for the kiss he was more than ready to give her.
The first brush of his lips against hers was gentle, reverent. Then need and longing merged in an explosive imperative that compelled him to tighten his embrace while his lips on hers turned hard and urgent.
Instead of struggling or protesting, she leaned into him, a little moan escaping her lips.
Lost then, Will bound her to him, devouring her lips, invading her mouth, pursuing the tongue that fenced eagerly with his. There was a roaring in his ears and blood thundered through his veins in a fierce, primitive rhythm that said mine, mine.
She was his; she must be. One way or another, he was going to win her and bring her home.
Barrows’s loud, theatrical cry of warning dragged him back to the present. Reluctantly, he broke the kiss.
Allegra stepped away from him as well, smoothing her gown before placing a trembling hand on his arm. Before he could decide whether or not to apologize, she nudged him into motion. “Your valet is a most valuable employee. I hope you pay him well.”
“For allowing me moments like the one just past, I don’t pay him nearly enough.”
“Ah, for more such moments.” Allegra sighed.
Hardly daring to hope, he said, “You would have more?”
“A lifetime,” she murmured. “And you?”
“A lifetime is not long enough,” he said with feeling.
Before Will could press her further, see if by her reply she meant what he hoped she did, footsteps approached from behind them. He turned to see Allegra’s grandfather walking with a tall older man in evening dress, the jeweled medallion of some legion of merit hung on a ribbon about his neck.
“Ah, here you are, Allegra, Lord Tavener,” the duke said. “Count von Strossen, allow me to present Lord Tavener, a friend of my granddaughter who is visiting us from England. Count von Strossen is the…local representative for the Austrian government, Lord Tavener.”
It required only the moment it took Will to read the proprietary gaze the Austrian had fixed on Allegra for him to take a dislike to the man. Though the count gave Will a slight bow, his eyes remained on Allegra.
“My dear,” her grandfather continued, “Alessandro needs your assistance in the ballroom.”
“Then I shall go at once, nonno. Lord Tavener…” She pressed Will’s hand before releasing it with obvious reluctance. “Thank you again for visiting, my lord. I hope to see much of you in the coming days.”
“Let me walk you in,” the count said.
“’Tis kind of you to offer, but I wouldn’t dream of interrupting your conversation with Grandfather.”
Will wondered if the coolness in her tone was as obvious to the Austrian as it was to him. Ebullient with relief, he relaxed. Covetous Von Strossen might be, but it was clear to Will that Allegra had no interest in him.
The count stood silently watching Allegra walk into the house before turning back to his host. “’Tis the loveliest bloom in your garden, my good sir. Enjoy it, for you shall not keep it long.”
“Having just discovered so rare and lovely a blossom, I have no desire to lose it just yet,” the duke replied.
“Ah, but a rose should be picked at its peak.”<
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“’Tis well known that Antinori roses are always at their peak,” the duke countered.
“You are correct, I am sure.” The count gave the duke a thin smile. “However, its most ardent admirer is quite impatient to sample its fragrance.”
“Patience and self-discipline will make the prize all the sweeter,” the duke advised.
“But if the admirer becomes too impatient, he may feel compelled to pluck the rose whether the gardener is ready to relinquish it or not.”
“Pluck the rose” indeed! Anger burned in Will as he listened, wishing he had the right to confront the count. But this was the duke’s domain. He had no choice but to allow Allegra’s grandfather to handle the man—with honeyed innuendo rather than the fists Will would have preferred.
“Such an admirer would do well not to provoke the wrath of the gardener, who guards his rose well,” the duke was saying.
“A gardener who wished to prosper would be prudent not to foil the desires of one who has the power to strip from him both rose and garden,” the count replied, his tone silky.
“A man who would yield his prize and his garden so meekly does not deserve either,” the duke riposted.
“Indeed.” The count’s lips twitched as if he were suppressing a smile. “Let us hope this gardener has the wisdom to manage his garden prudently.”
“Let us indeed,” the duke agreed. He turned away from the count as a footman approached.
“Il Duce, some of the guests would like to pay their respects before returning home,” the servant said.
The duke turned to Will and the count. “Excuse me, please, but I must go in. Do linger and enjoy the night air.” With a bow to them both, the duke walked off.
Covertly Will inspected Von Strossen. He thought it unlikely that the count, who’d subjected Allegra to intense scrutiny, could have failed to notice that her treatment of Will was far warmer than the chilly indifference she offered him. So Will was not surprised when the count turned his penetrating gaze in Will’s direction.
The man actually looked down his aquiline nose at Will, his expression haughtier and more disdainful than Lynton at his most imperious. Will curled his hands into fists, his fingers itching inside his gloves.
“Lord—Tavener, is it? You are English, no? I was at the Congress of Vienna and I do not recall hearing such a name. You must be a person of no great importance. Nonetheless, let me offer you a bit of friendly advice.”
Will wished he might reply with the insult trembling on his tongue, but he didn’t want to create an incident at the court of Allegra’s grandfather. So instead he said, “And what would that be?”
“Do not turn your eyes to the Duchessa. She will be mine, and I do not suffer other men to approach her.”
“How can you be so sure? She does not appear to hold you in much affection,” Will pointed out.
The count shrugged. “Her opinion is of little importance. An alliance with the Antinoris would help solidify the position of my administration in this country, quiet some of the clamor of the lackwits who think Italy should be independent—as if this weak, puling mass of petty principalities could ever manage to shape itself into a nation! So for the advantage of us both, I have determined to take the Duchessa as my bride.”
“Whether she wishes to be or not?”
“As I said,” the count repeated a bit impatiently, “her wishes are of little importance. If her grandfather the duke knows what is good for him, he will see that she does her duty. And I must confess, a little resistance in a bride makes the game more satisfying. Ah, how I shall enjoy taming that one! She so whets my appetite with her constant temptation, I’m not sure how much longer I can wait to claim her. And so I warn you—set your eyes on another, or go back to your little island.”
Ignoring with some difficulty the insults that speech had contained, Will said, “What if the lady has already made her choice—and acted upon it?”
Once more the count studied Will, as if he were an insect under glass. “Is this so, or do you say it to incite me? No matter. If she should come to me not entirely pure, that would be an…irritation. But it would not stay my purpose. Indeed, the prospect of punishing her for her indiscretion is quite…arousing. A punishment that would be severe enough to insure she does not stray again. There must be no question that the von Strossen sons she bears me are truly mine.”
Just then, a man in a military uniform approached the count. Holding up a finger to halt the man, the Austrian bowed to Will. “A most illuminating conversation, Lord Tavener. I trust nothing more needs to be said.”
“Of that you can be sure, Count von Strossen,” Will replied, seething as he returned the count’s bow.
Will had half a mind to follow the count into the ballroom and slap a glove in his arrogant face in front of all the assembled guests. But doing so would create the incident Will still wished to avoid.
But his threat—and his menace—were clear.
If the arrogant count ever got within a finger’s reach of Allegra, it would be over Will’s bloodless corpse.
Suddenly all the small details he’d overheard about the current political situation in this region coalesced. Rather than protecting Allegra, her grandfather might be compelled to give her to this man if he wanted to preserve his birthright intact. Though looking well for his years, the duke was aging. The young grandson who would inherit the Antinori holdings would be no match for the count if, after the current duke’s death, the ruthless von Strossen decided to strip the Antinoris of their lands.
Becoming the beloved wife of an obscure baron of a family of “no importance” would be far preferable to being forced to wed the repellant count.
If she were intent upon doing her duty to her new family, he might have to convince Allegra of that. He’d already hinted to her that he loved her and on the terrace tonight, she seemed to indicate she returned his affection.
There was but one certain way to insure she wed him and no one else. Allegra would never willingly give herself to another man once Will had made her his.
Desire long denied boiled up in him at the thought.
Nodding good-night to the guests he encountered, Will made his way to his room. He found Barrows on the balcony smoking a cheroot, gazing out at the night garden.
“Many thanks for your assistance,” Will said.
Barrows bowed. “Thought a bit of obfuscation might do the trick. Devilish protective of their young maidens, these Italians.”
“Indeed. Which is why I must once again call upon your expertise. I need to plan a seduction.”
Tossing away the cheroot, Barrows grinned. “Pleased to be of service, my lord. When and where?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
MUCH LATER THAT NIGHT, Allegra returned to her chamber, the melody of the waltz she’d danced with Will still playing in her head. With his intelligent conversation and engaging wit, Will had impressed her grandfather and charmed the guests just as she’d expected he would. As she’d left to come upstairs, Alessandro had taken her aside to tell her he heartily approved of her cultured English lord.
And that kiss! ’Twas even more thrilling than the one in Hyde Park, for this time she was determined it should be but prelude and promise of the delights to come. She couldn’t wait to kiss him again, to invite his caresses, to pledge her love before God and witnesses, so they might be bound together and never part again.
Her euphoria dimmed a little. Though Will seemed as avid for her company as she was for his, when she’d subtly pressed him, though he’d given her pretty words, he’d stopped short of a full declaration.
Might he be holding back because he now thought the disparity in their stations made a match between them impossible?
If so, then why had he told her “a lifetime would not be enough”? Too little time to love and protect her, she’d thought he meant. Could she be mistaken in thinking this? Did he want only a rogue’s pleasure from her?
But when she thought of his kiss—
tender, reverent and cherishing before passion ignited between them—she could not believe he’d simply been toying with her. With a certainty that went soul-deep, she knew he loved her.
So why hadn’t he made a declaration? Might he have been about to speak when her grandfather and the count interrupted them on the terrace?
’Twas not the only time the count had interrupted her this evening, she recalled with a moue of distaste. He’d used his intimidating presence and slightly menacing gaze to chase every other eligible gentleman from her side—except, of course, for Will, who remained calmly impervious to both hints and threats.
Indeed, Allegra had the strong impression Will would welcome provoking the count into a round of fisticuffs so he might do some intimidating of his own. Of course, her grandfather would never tolerate such a quarrel among his guests, but how she would love to watch Will pummel some of the arrogance from the count’s self-satisfied face!
Von Strossen was a troublesome presence she’d do well not to underestimate. Little as she liked him, he possessed the title, wealth and position to make him, in worldly terms, perhaps the most eligible of her suitors.
Suddenly she recalled Alessandro’s comment that she would be expected to marry well, just as he was, to advance the family’s interests. An alliance with the new Austrian governor could be of great benefit to the Antinoris.
When the count made her an offer, which she was nearly certain he soon meant to do, would Grandfather expect her to accept it? Require her to accept it?
An unpleasant shiver rippled through her at the idea of being forced to marry the count. Allegra had come to love her grandfather and appreciated once again being part of a family, but she was not prepared to sacrifice herself to advance their political goals.
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