by Gayle Eden
Alina stiffened.
He held up a hand.
“Even were he not a man I trusted, and a friend, who agreed to witness the wedding—he would have stayed to escort her about whilst we were in Paris. I did confide her experience when she was governess with him. He will make the man sorry for it whilst protecting her reputation.”
When Alina remained tense and but simply peered out the window, Rotherham said in softer tones, “Rane is no man’s fool. He has lived on his own and ran his estates since his brother left when he was but fifteen. He has built his own fortune, though a modest one. He was known amongst his comrades for his stealth and cool head—his courage on any mission. This is the first time, to my memory, that he has shown any sort of emotion—towards a particular woman— having the usual mistresses and affairs men his age will, I do not take it lightly, nor should you assume he will take advantage of her. She is twenty, nearly twenty-one. The life your mother gave her was too hard for any to dismiss. However, I would suggest you not give her that information, and allow Rane his chance to confront her abuser—and allow your sister, to decide for herself, when to trust him and why.”
Alina turned to stare at him. She nodded slowly. “I’m sorry. It is just that— it has taken her three, four, years, to regain even a semblance of her former self. I feared she would take her life. I think—perhaps had mother dragged her off, she would have.”
“She is stronger than you give her credit for.”
Alina raised her brow.
He shrugged. “She’s intelligent and mayhap it is not such a bad thing to lose one’s trust. She was barely seventeen? She will not so easily be a victim next time. Aside from that, Rane is teaching her to wield a dagger and to shoot.”
“She is learning that?”
“Not yet. He put it to her, in a casual way. It’s up to her, but I think she will feel safer afterwards.”
“I wouldn’t mind knowing how to defend myself.”
He almost smiled but Rotherham murmured, “I’ll teach you—before we leave for London.”
“Good.” She stood and smiled slightly, her gaze going over him—getting caught visually examining him.
Having watched that, caught it, Rotherham held her gaze for a heartbeat of intimacy, before excusing himself.
Drat. She winced, wondering if she had unconsciously signaled to him that she would love to have another intimate lesson? She would—love it.
Alina stripped off her travelling clothes and bathed, intending to nap but sleeping through the night—she joined Audra for breakfast the next morning.
Both in riding habits, Audra in brown and herself in green, they found the stables and they were given spirited mares to ride. They took off for a pleasant exploring of the estate, with grooms in escort, along the trails. Audra, had her hair casually tied at the nape, and was admiring the birds, the wildlife. Alina was thinking that she could see objectively why the Viscount was attracted to her sister—not just the outward woman who had tilted hazel eyes, smooth creamy skin and light pink lips—a full figure now enhanced by the right fashions. Audra had intelligence, a reserved nature, that perhaps one on one would open up. Yet she was watchful in crowds, observing and defensive.
Alina allowed that her sister had a great sense of humor when one could provoke it. Before that incident—Alina remembered her unfailing optimism. Audra’s strength in the face of ever threatening poverty, the lower their mother sank into her own selfish life. She recalled a girl who walked miles to catch fish for dinner, worked hard, no matter how dank and dreary their shelter, striving to make some kind of home—and to retain her dignity. She supposed she was too close to her sister, too protective since the incident to see her through a man like the viscount’s eyes.
“You are wool gathering.”
Alina glanced at Audra, who had pulled alongside her, after chatting with the groom about a particular wild vine growing in the trees. “Sorry. I was musing on life in general.”
Audra nodded. “I do that a lot lately.” She smiled somewhat dryly, “No reason to avoid it now, whereas before, one thought of anything else—to escape the reality.”
“True.”
After a moment, Alina told her of what Rotherham said of literary societies and the like. She added, “It’s nice of the Viscount to offer escort if you need it.”
“Yes.” Audra looked away. “He’s offered to teach me to shoot and give me a dagger. An odd thing, don’t you think, to offer a lady?”
“I don’t know. Rotherham is going to teach me. I mean, London is a dangerous city. The earl has been attacked in his coach—and his house was broken into I seem to recall. Even here, 'tis not such a bad thing, if you ramble about, to know how to defend yourself.”
“I suppose so.”
It was later, when they were walking from the stables, after their ride, that Audra steered her toward the back gardens.
Once there, she sat on a bench, idly brushing the tip of the whip on her boot toe. “I try to put it down to the fact, he reminds me much of a lion—those topaz eyes, that mane of gold and red hair, his warm skin—the way he is built and moves. The Viscount, I mean. I gather he was something of a spy once. He alluded to the fact he couldn’t speak much on his time in the navy.”
Audra raised her eyes from watching the whip, to meet Alina’s, who stood nearby, leaning against a statue. “I certainly have seen something dangerous flash in his gaze now and then—”
Alina raised her brow to encourage her to explain.
“We were in some shop. I dropped a trinket I was admiring. The shop keep appeared enraged, and Viscount Maybry had to do no more than whisper something in French before the man turned white and scurried back behind the counter. I paid for it, of course. However, another in a bookstore we went to, a man flirted rather mildly with me—nothing obscene. But you would not know it by the way the Viscount grabbed him by the throat and half flung him out the door.”
Alina, round eyed, could not help but laugh.
Audra did too, a chuckle that was joined by the shake of her head. “The thing is—I catch him, the Viscount, looking at me oddly. And, I seldom talk, but when I do, it is as if he watches everything—my eyes, my mouth.’Tis most odd. Don’t you think?”
Inwardly recalling that she had promised not to reveal the Viscount was attracted to Audra, Alina attempted to say casually, whilst studying the sky, “You are a beautiful woman. You have read much more than I. For men, likely having seen their share of giggling debs, or older, more jaded, women, I do not think his fascination is that odd. You are unique, Audra. Some men will be drawn to that.”
Audra sighed and then stood before idly walking around. She hugged her arms around herself in a protective gesture. When Alina joined her, she murmured, “I’m ruined.”
“Nonsense. Do not ever say that.”
“In a man’s eyes—”
“—I do not believe in the first place, that you should carry that stigma. And any man who believes you are, through no fault of your own—is a bloody pig!”
Audra laughed.
“I mean that. Men are not innocent. Nor are most faithful. How dare they—”
“Not that I am attracted to him….”Audra said quietly.
Alina glanced aside at her. “Of course not.”
“But I must not live off his lordship forever—”
“Audra. You will not leave me until I’m good and ready to let you go.” Alina hugged her, both of them laughing as the fuller figured and taller Audra, appeared the older, and made that act of Alina cuddling her comical.
“And,” Alina added gruffly, pulling away. “If you never fall in love, in the real love—where you know a man doesn’t care about anything, but you—then you can have any life you choose, a home, and interests.”
“Are you?”
“Am I what?”
“Are you going to fall in love—with Rotherham?”
Alina stared at her, shocked when her mind whispered, ‘tis possible.
/> She said aloud, “He’s very—detached at times, Audra. We scarcely know each other. I will be content to never make him regret marrying me. There is a certain excitement to his life, his rep, I suppose.”
Audra stared back at her. “You are attracted to that? I understand it, really. There is a certain—allure, to that darkness, the arrogance even. There is no mistaking how people view him. I myself still blink in his presence, since he can seem very harsh, even when he is not speaking in such a…hard tone.”
“It is too soon to confide anything more. I am fulfilling my role as he wished, within those limits he sets.”
They strolled back to the house and went inside, Audra to change and read, Alina to her chambers, to wash the dust and slip on a comfortable India cotton gown of mint green, and her leather slippers. She wanted to tour some of the house on her own.
Alina did so, going down halls, opening doors, admiring refurbished bedchambers, a few small sitting rooms, and bathing chambers that were new. On the lower floor was a ballroom in the west wing, with tall floor to ceiling windows and polished marble floors, and covered chandeliers hanging overhead. A door from there let into a massive library, another into the side gardens through French doors. From the library, there was a masculine sitting room, next to a garden room. Alina left that via exit doors, walking around the walkway to pass by the study.
Rotherham was not at his desk, but standing by open French doors just outside, with coffee and a cheroot when she approached.
“Enjoy your ride?”
“Yes. Very much.”
His eyes went over her, observing the summer breeze fluttering the gown against her body and stir her hair, which was not styled with the pomade.
“We’ve received an invite to Lord and Lady Walsh’s this evening.”
She raised her brow. “Shall we go?”
“Yes. Although the cards are tame, the titled will be there. Thus you will meet many before we go to London.”
“I’ll consider that when choosing my wardrobe.”
“I expected you would.” He seemed pleased. “I had one of the servants inquire if your sister wished to attend. She declined. Rane not so subtly offered to stop by here to drop off some papers—we have mutual investments.”
“She senses something in the way he watches her.”
“She’s a grown woman, Alina. Perhaps she is attracted to someone for the first time.”
“Perhaps.” She peered around the lawn and then back to him. “What time?”
“Eightish. Country hours are a bit different.”
“I’ll be ready.” She walked on, feeling his eyes on her. She walked for some time before going inside. She would worry less about Audra knowing the Viscount intended to stop in and check on her.
* * * *
After a long soak in a gloriously deep tub, Alina rubbed on her lotions and then drew on yellow silk stockings with velvet garters, before donning a white corset, made for the purpose of pushing up her breast, rather than cinching her waist.
The maid assisted her into a rich yellow sleeveless gown, doing latches on the embroidered bodice as it fit snug to the waist before flaring at the hips. It had gold embroidered flowers in panels down the sides. She added white leather pumps with faux diamonds, and then sat while the maid did her hair. Darkening her lashes once that was done, she rubbed flavored salve on her lips, shielding her eyes while the maid sprayed the perfume to fall over her head.
“Thank you.” She smiled when the girl curtsied and left—almost expecting it, when her husband came through the adjoining door.
Tonight he wore a burgundy coat, thigh length, with black collar and silk white shirt, and black trousers and burgundy boots. Rotherham paused, taking in her appearance before extracting a summer cape of deeper yellow from the wardrobe, and from her jewel case, he handed her small diamond earrings.
She affixed them and drew on gloves before he helped her into the wrap.
When they left, he wore no coat, only carrying another cane, this one with a ruby head.
In the coach, Alina regarded him, smelling his unique soap—thinking how his tall bronzed figure filled the space—even when there was only the two of them inside it.
She needed a distraction and asked, “Who are Lady and Lord Walsh?”
His sherry eyes turned to her. “He’s a minor Earl. She is the daughter of a duke. Fifitish, I would guess, something of importance in the London social world. Patrons of the arts and numerous charities, and his lordship is a sailing enthusiast.”
She nodded. “This is one of those see and be seen events, then?”
“Yes. Debs are brought before the official debut to meet them and other prominent London hosts. Men come to assess the potential brides, or escape rustication, and wives to catch the latest on-dit or predict the next scandal.”
“Does it bother you that they invite you out of politeness?”
“No. Although in this case, Walsh and I have played a few hands in various hells together. And I sold him a yacht he had envied, which I’d won.”
Alina murmured after a moment, “Are you afraid if you smile in my presence I’ll like you.”
He grunted and looked out into the night.
“I am teasing.”
He peered at her. “I know.” His smile remained only in his eyes though. “When are your menses?”
“Next week.” She felt her body stir.
“Your blood is running hot tonight, I think.”
“Are you mocking me?” She peered at him through the gloom.
“No,” his tone was deeper, slightly husky. “I’m letting you know that I’m aware of it, and will do something about it.”
She swallowed. It was her face now flushed that turned to stare out the window.
He said before they arrived and any private talk ended, “I look forward to it.”
* * * *
Two hours later, head swarming with titles, names, faces, and having downed two glasses of wine, because of that conversation in the coach—Alina was fully aware of the looks her dark lord received. She perceived that many were nervous in his presence. Many lords and ladies who engaged him briefly in pleasantries or mentioned some race or something in the papers, but others, after making her acquaintance, headed to the other side of the room.
The Walsh’s summerhouse was elegant and opulent, fully decked out for the summer ball. Lesser gentry who were present, a Vicar and squire, many young military and an retired captain, looked in awe at the long high ceiling ballroom, decorated in the Greek style—and fragranced with vase after vase of lord Walsh’s white roses.
Watching the debs, evident in their summer white and bows, hair frizzed and cheeks pinched, Alina did not envy them. They ranged from the painfully shy to the giddy and silly, those who all but chased the uniformed men for dances. The older women whispered, openly assessed them, and shot occasional glances her way, deep in their gossip.
She was aware of Rotherham standing slightly behind her, and kept her enigmatic smile pasted on, occasionally nodding.
Feeling a hand on her spine some moments later, she glanced up as Rotherham leaned down to speak low in her ear under the loud orchestra and talk, “You may accept dances, Alina.”
She turned her head as he did, to hear her reply, and said, “No. Thank you. I believe ‘tis dangerous to go anywhere near those debs.” Laughing softly she supplied, “There are two, nearly six foot tall who have managed to knock over one dowager, two portly squires and that Prinny look-alike there with gout. All in effort to snatch the most handsome of men.”
When a servant stepped up and offered her wine, she shook her head no. Rotherham said, “Had your limit?”
“Yes.” She felt him nudge her, and then steer her with that hand toward the garden doors. Once outside they were met with many people strolling, gossiping, and smoking, as they walked the courtyard.
Rotherham lit a cheroot, nodded to several men, and then watched her as she removed her gloves to relive her sweat
ing hands.
Peering down from his greater height, he stood facing her profile as she gazed over the lantern lit gardens, and then murmured in her ear, “If you walk to that spot by the gate, just there beyond the lantern, I can think of something more pleasant to do than merely peek down the bodice of your gown.”
She swerved her head to meet his lazy gaze. “I forget how tall you are.”
“Do you,” he murmured and put out the cheroot. He appeared to casually take her arm and lead her that way.
At the gate, he stopped. While there were people able to see their outlines, Rotherham leaned one arm on the gate as if they were talking, while his free hand undid two snaps of the bodice.
Breathing quick, somewhat nervous, conscious of the people beyond, Alina watched him peel the ends down and expose her breasts, pushed up by the corset. Her nipples fully hard, the brush of his finger over each brought liquid to her sex.
“Look at me. Stop thinking of who might see.”
At his smooth drawl, she glanced at Rotherham, to find his hooded gaze on her face. He cupped her breast, rolled the nipples, and tugged lightly, watching her expression and saying, “You wish my mouth was on them.”
She did. She had thought that.
He held one snug in his palm. The areola shrinking to nothing as the nipple seemed to beg for just that. His thumb brushed over it.
Her tongue came out to dampen her parted lips.
Watching that, Trevon lowered his arm and cupped both, repeatedly thumbing her nipples.
“Can we leave,” she whispered huskily, her eyes closing as arousal washed over her.
“Not yet.” He moved his hands and glanced around before ducking down, quickly laving, and suckling each. When her hands were in his hair, he arose and smoothed that raven mane before doing up her bodice. “We’ve an hour before it would be market as rude.”
“I didn’t think you cared for such things.”
“I don’t, in general.” He remarked and took her arm. “But I’m with the new Countess, and it’s more your rep that they are examining, than mine. From me, they expect little respect, much as they have showed me, I suppose. However—”