He turned away from the mirror, his ears picking up the sounds from below of the orchestra tuning up. The dancing would begin soon. He would have to hurry if he was not to be late. Not that it would matter very much, a smiling apology and a few words would smooth things over with Agnes, he was sure. His mind returned to Molly. It was strange how all his charm and polished address disappeared when he was in her company. She was not impressed by him and he did not wish her to be. He just wished she liked him a little more.
Like. He considered the word as he ran lightly down the stairs. She was attracted to him, but he was a rake and she strongly disapproved of rakes, even when they rescued maidens in distress. Admittedly he should not have kissed her, but she had taken that very well, and it was only when they reached the vicarage that she had become agitated, even angry with him, and since then she had shown very clearly that she wanted nothing more to do with him.
In the three weeks since he had carried her home on horseback she had studiously avoided his company, crying off from a dinner party and darting away if she spotted him in the town. If any other woman had shown such an aversion to his company, he would have laughed and put her out of his mind, but he could not do that with Molly. She filled his thoughts during the day and kept him awake at night. Confound it, he should be grateful to her for her efforts. It was best that they did not meet, but knowing she would be at the ball tonight filled him with a mix of apprehension and anticipation, the like of which he had not known since his boyhood.
* * *
The reception rooms were already crowded with chattering guests when he entered. His hostess was standing a little way from the door with Serena and Edwin Frayne and, judging by the way Agnes was blushing and the vicar’s beaming smile, it was clear that Miss Kilburn’s recent absence had in no way lessened the attraction between them. Across the room, Gerald caught his eye and winked. Russ walked over to join him.
‘I think my sister has made a conquest,’ he murmured, sweeping a glass of wine from a passing waiter and handing it to Russ. ‘I confess after the tragic loss of her fiancé, I thought she would end up an old maid, but I am very hopeful now. Frayne would be just the man for her.’ He laughed suddenly. ‘Who would have thought it? Perhaps there is something in the air of Compton Parva that makes love blossom.’
There was a glint in his friend’s eyes that made Russ think he was about to refer to Molly, so he said quickly, ‘I believe your sister invited Mrs Dellafield. Is she here?’
‘Molly convinced Agnes that there was no hope of the invitation being accepted, so she decided not to embarrass the lady by sending one.’ Gerald’s reply was offhand, and his eyes were constantly moving about the room. ‘Ah, more guests are arriving. I had best go and meet them. And talking of Mrs Morgan, I’d be obliged if you would take a glass of wine to her and make sure she is enjoying herself.’
Russ shot his friend a suspicious look, but Gerald met it with a bland smile before walking off. Surely Gerald did not suspect Russ was developing a tendress for the widow? He had been at pains not to give himself away, but then so, too, was Gerald very reticent when it came to talking about Fleur Dellafield. Russ hoped that meant his friend’s interest was waning. He recalled Molly’s foolhardy attempt to protect her friend and he could not be sure she would not try something even more rash. Russ looked around the room. Despite her diminutive figure Molly Morgan should be easy to spot, there were very few ladies wearing blacks or greys tonight. Unless, of course, she was wearing that dark red gown.
Then he saw her and he was transfixed.
* * *
Molly was enjoying herself and could only be grateful to her friends for their persistence. As she listened politely to Sir William expounding on the virtues of the new closed stove he had purchased for Currick Hall, she reflected upon everyone’s kindness to her. She had met with nothing but praise at her appearance this evening. Even one of her elderly neighbours had indulged her in a little flirtation, but in such a gentle, kindly way that she had not felt at all alarmed by it. In fact, it had, along with a second glass of champagne, given a much-needed boost to her confidence.
She had not wanted to be transformed, as Serena put it. Indeed, she had argued against it, but her friends had convinced her that a change of style was the best way to answer Russ’s snub and show him she cared not a jot for his opinion. So she had allowed Nancy to cut her hair to make the most of her natural curls and Serena, Agnes and Fleur had spent happy hours in her bedchamber, removing all but a few of her mourning clothes. She had not allowed them to throw out anything, but the alacrity with which Cissy packed the garments into a trunk for storage in the attics told Molly that her friends were not alone in their opinion that it was time for a change.
News of her transformation had quickly reached all her neighbours, and shortly after her friends’ visit, various packages had begun to arrive. A parcel of coloured ostrich feathers and assorted ribbons that Miss Hebden said had been lying unsold at the back of her store, Mrs Thomas sent over a length of emerald-green velvet and Agnes brought her a bolt of blue satin that she declared she would never use.
Marjorie had immediately fashioned the velvet into an elegant pelisse and matching bonnet and the sapphire-blue satin had been made up into the beautiful evening gown that Molly was now wearing. It was trimmed at the bodice, sleeves and hem with silver net that shimmered in the candlelight whenever she moved and a chaplet of silver foil was wound twice around her hair and glinted between her dark, glossy curls.
Molly glanced down at the blue satin slippers that peeped out from beneath her gown. Lady Currick had brought them to the vicarage earlier that day and when Molly had demurred she had pressed them upon her, saying earnestly, ‘Do please take them, Mrs Morgan. I bought them thinking they would do for Nell, but she will not be wearing such strong colours at her come-out, and she has such dainty feet. You are the only lady I know who could wear them!’
Everyone had been so kind, so generous, and to think she had been tempted to throw it all away, to sacrifice her good name and give up her place in this town, just because a man had kissed her.
‘I really do think the committee should consider a Rumford stove for Prospect House,’ Sir William declared. ‘What say you, Mrs Morgan, will you support me if I suggest it?’
His lady tapped his arm with her fan. ‘My dear man, we are at a ball! This is not the place to discuss such matters. Tell Molly instead how fine she is looking.’
Sir William looked so taken aback that Molly felt the laughter bubbling up.
‘No, no, I assure you I want no compliments, ma’am, and Sir William knows I am always delighted to talk about Prospect House.’
Someone had come up beside her and she looked up, still laughing. It was Russ, looking so handsome that her heart leapt. There was no time to pretend indifference, the laughter slid into what she hoped was a polite smile, but she could not drag her gaze from his face. He was holding out a glass to her.
‘Our host thought you might like some champagne.’
‘Why, thank you.’
She took a sip from the glass and peeped up at him. There was no doubting the admiration in his eyes and she felt a little kick of satisfaction. She wanted him to experience a moment’s regret for what he had rejected. He looked as if he would speak, but Lady Currick came in first.
‘Well, Mr Russington, what do you think of our little friend? Is she not looking very well tonight?’
‘Never better,’ he replied. ‘I hope you will be dancing this evening, Mrs Morgan.’
He had not taken his eyes off Molly, but for once she did not blush and look away. She gave him an arch smile.
‘I might be persuaded to do so.’
Sir William gave a crack of laughter. ‘There you are, Russington. Go to it and persuade the lady.’
Molly waited while Russ made her a little bow. ‘They are striking up for the first dance no
w, madam, if you would do me the honour?’
‘Ah, how unfortunate, Mr Russington,’ she said gently. ‘You see, I am already engaged.’
Only by the slightest change in his countenance did he show his surprise, but she was looking out for it.
‘Ah, I see. Perhaps later, then?’
‘Perhaps.’ She glanced past him at Mr Sykes, who had come up to them.
‘Well, Mrs Morgan, shall we take our places?’
With a wide smile Molly handed Russ her champagne glass and went off with her partner.
* * *
Molly felt the exhilaration fizzing through her blood. Perhaps it was naughty of her to tease Russ, but such an opportunity might not arise again. It was very likely that he would now shrug those broad shoulders and forget all about her. If he did, then she had lost nothing, but it had soothed her pride to be able to refuse him. She was engaged for the next three dances, the final one with Sir Gerald and as he led her off the floor he asked her if she was enjoying herself.
‘Oh, immensely,’ she told him. ‘I am very grateful to your sister. She secured partners for me even before I came into the room tonight. Everyone has been so kind, including yourself, Sir Gerald.’
‘It is no hardship to be kind to a pretty woman, ma’am, and you are looking particularly well this evening.’ He glanced across the room. ‘And if I am not mistaken Russ is waiting to pounce on us. Agnes told me you were punishing him for some slight.’
‘She did?’ Molly blushed. ‘It was not so very serious. I assure you.’
‘I am glad to hear it. She said I was not to let him near you until after supper, but he is my friend and I cannot help feeling sorry for the fellow.’ He looked down at Molly, placing his free hand over her fingers as they lay on his arm. ‘So, ma’am, shall I tell him you are engaged to me, or do you think he has waited long enough?’
Could she do this? Molly had been laughing and joking all evening, even flirting in a gentle, harmless way, but could she do the same with a man whose very nearness turned her into a trembling mass of longing? She put up her chin. That was all in the past. She had far too much to lose to let herself be seduced by any man, but a little flirtation in the safety of the ballroom, what harm could that do?
‘Oh, I think I should take pity on Mr Russington, sir, do not you?’
Chapter Eleven
Russ kept smiling as Gerald brought Molly over to him. His jaw tightened as he watched them talking together, Gerald leaning in a little closer and giving her hand a comforting pat. Something very like jealousy ripped through him. He was too experienced to let it show, however. He greeted their arrival with all his usual urbanity and this time Molly accepted his invitation to dance.
‘Here she is, then,’ declared Gerald, ‘but ’tis with reluctance that I relinquish my fair partner to you, Russ. Look after her!’
He lounged away and Russ led Molly off to take their places in the next set.
‘I feared I should not be able to dance with you tonight, madam.’
‘Then you should have come in earlier.’ She added, ‘There are any number of ladies without partners tonight, so I hope you have not been standing at the side, watching me.’
‘By no means. I have danced with Agnes and Mrs Sykes. And Lady Currick’s daughter, Helen.’
‘How delightful for them and it is especially useful for Nell,’ she told him. ‘She needs a little practice at dealing with roués before her come-out.’
She met his frowning glance with a look of pure innocence. Nettled, he changed the subject.
‘I have the strangest feeling you have been avoiding me, Mrs Morgan.’
‘Now, why should I do that, Mr Russington?’
‘Something to do with our last meeting perhaps.’
She laughed. ‘That would be a sad recompense for your rescuing me that night.’
‘But you have already rewarded me for that service,’ he reminded her. She blushed adorably at that and he glanced about to make sure they could not be overheard before he continued. ‘At the time you appeared angry that I did not want more than that one kiss.’
Her eyes widened. ‘You said you did not wish to ruin me. Why should I be angry about that?’
They were silent as they performed their part in the dance, stepping up and away, gracefully circling as they progressed through the set.
‘Perhaps you wanted me to ruin you,’ he murmured, when at last they came back together.
To his surprise, she did not react angrily to his suggestion. Perfectly calm, she appeared to consider it while they waited for their next turn.
‘I should be very foolish to want that, Mr Russington.’ They were moving again and as she put her hand into his, she added softly, ‘So much better to meet you on occasions like this, when I can enjoy your considerable charms without the least danger of yielding to them.’
By heaven, she had learned the art of dalliance very quickly! Russ was glad when the dance parted them again, relieved to have some time to think about this new Molly Morgan. It was not only her clothes that had changed, but her whole demeanour. He had seen signs of it occasionally in the past, when she had been at her most relaxed, but this evening was different. She was positively goading him.
And he was enjoying it.
Russ had to stifle a laugh. She had acknowledged the attraction between them, agreed nothing could come of it, but instead of keeping her distance she was determined to meet him head on. A dangerous policy, but he was more than willing to oblige her. After all, as she said, they were safe enough in company.
* * *
No danger?
Molly might be able to deceive everyone else this evening, but she could not lie to herself. Every smile, every word she shared with Russ was intoxicating, but all the time she had to keep reminding herself that it was not real. The banter, the coy looks, the teasing smiles were all part of a game and she was playing it with a master. He knew to a nicety how to engage with her, when to challenge, when to tease or praise her and Molly was pleased to discover that she could hold her own with him.
She allowed Russ to take her into supper, but insisted they sit with their hosts. Edwin was already at the table, deep in conversation with Agnes, and since Gerald soon went off to talk to his guests, any hope Molly had entertained of being spared the full force of Russ’s attraction was dashed.
He was the perfect companion, moving the candles so they did not glare in her eyes, selecting the choicest morsels for her plate and bringing the tray of sweetmeats within her reach. She was outwardly calm, but it was an effort with Russ sitting beside her, his sleeve brushing her arm, his thigh only inches away. When he beckoned a waiter to bring them more wine she covered her glass, knowing that she must keep her wits about her.
‘Lemonade, then,’ Russ suggested, nodding to the waiter to attend to it. ‘The evening is young yet, and you will need some refreshment.’ He leaned closer. ‘I am set upon a second dance with you tonight.’
Her hand hovered over the sweetmeat dish. ‘You may well be disappointed.’
‘Oh?’ She observed with satisfaction the way his hand tightened around his wine glass. ‘Are all the remaining dances taken?’
She picked out a small sugar bonbon. ‘And if I told you they were?’
‘I should be obliged to dispose of one of your partners.’
The quiet menace in his voice startled Molly and she dropped the sweetmeat.
‘It...it is as well then that that is not the case.’
His hold on the wine glass eased.
‘It is very well,’ he said, smiling at her. He picked up the bonbon and popped it into her mouth. ‘Very well indeed.’
* * *
Molly was aware that anyone watching them at supper could have been in no doubt that Russ was flirting with her and now they were standing up together for a boisterous count
ry dance which demanded she hold his hands as they skipped and twirled about the room. After a good supper and a generous supply of wine, everyone was much more relaxed and the ballroom was full of laughter and chatter that all but drowned out the music. It was very hot, too, even though the long windows had been thrown wide. By the time the music ended, Molly knew that this second dance with Russ was a mistake. She had enjoyed it too much, the control she had kept over herself all evening had vanished and her wayward body wanted him as much as ever.
She was fully aware of the danger when she allowed him to escort her out on to the terrace and she offered no resistance as he gently pulled her into the deep shadows and kissed her. On the contrary, she clung to him, pressing her body against his as she returned the kiss with a passion she had not known she possessed. It frightened her, a little, but by the time they broke apart she had made her decision. She put a hand up to his face.
‘Russ, I want you to take me to your bed.’
* * *
Russ closed his eyes. How many times had he dreamed she would say those words to him? If she had done so when they first met he would have complied willingly, but not now. Now he cared too much for her. It would not just be her reputation that would be destroyed if he went further. She was not some rich society widow who could retire to her country estates for a few months until the scandal had died down. If Molly lost her good name, she would lose her standing in Compton Parva. She would no longer be able to help her brother or to promote the charitable causes so close to her heart, including Prospect House.
‘Molly, do not tempt me.’ His arms tightened around her. ‘You are a widow and I have awakened feelings that you thought long dead. You need a husband, Molly, a good man who will love you as you deserve.’
The Ton's Most Notorious Rake Page 20