In an instant, Ian was by her side. "Are you all right, Alyssa?"
"Help me up," she said, holding out her hand.
The moment he curled his fingers around hers, Alyssa yanked hard, pulling Ian onto the ground next to her. Dissolving into giggles, she tried to lever herself up, but Ian tugged her back down. Alyssa twisted within his grasp, trying half-heartedly to break free, but Ian held her firm. Rolling on top of her, Ian straddled her hips and held her hands above her head, effectively caging her attempts at freedom.
"I've got you now."
Laughing, Alyssa arched upward, trying to knock Ian off, but he had her pinned.
"You are at my mercy," he announced with a grin.
At his mercy. Suddenly, she grew aware of their intimate position. The laughter faded away as she watched Ian's expression shift from gleeful triumph into sensual awareness.
No longer did his hands hold hers down. Instead, his fingers entwined with hers, creating an intimate touching of fingertips to palms. The heat from his body radiated into her, making her burn to experience the passion she'd found in his embrace. Her gaze dropped to his mouth as Ian slowly began to lower his head.
19
Alyssa angled her head to receive Ian's kiss. Oh, how she wanted to get lost within his embrace once more, to taste—
"Quack!"
Alyssa jumped at the sound as a nearby duck broke the spell. Straightening as if he'd been poked with a hot iron, Ian shifted off Alyssa. "Please forgive me..."he said stiffly.
Trying to ignore the embers of desire still flickering within her, Alyssa sat up as well. "It would appear, sir, that we were both carried away."
"Indeed." Rising to his feet, Ian held out his hand to help her up.
"Isn't this where we started?" she asked, unable to hold back a small laugh.
"I believe it is. Perhaps this time you can refrain from pulling me onto the ground."
"No promises," she replied. "It is such a tempting possibility."
"Come on, Alyssa." With one pull, Ian helped Alyssa to her feet. "We'd best get these mangy beasts into my house before dawn. I wouldn't be surprised if some nosy old gossip scops by on her way home from a party."
"Nor would I," Alyssa agreed, looking at the crate. "We only have one problem, Ian. Two geese hardly make a gaggle."
"I don't care. For Heaven's sake, I don't even want these two damn birds in my home. The thought of a whole flock of the creatures makes me cringe."
Tilting her head back so she could look into Ian's smiling face, Alyssa warmed at the realization that for tonight at least they were acting like... a couple-without hints of animosity or anger between them.
Unfortunately, it wasn't real.
"I'll grab this end of the crate and you..."
"... will carry it all by myself," Ian finished, altering her suggestion without pause. Hefting up the crate, Ian glared at the squawking birds. "If one of you beasts pecks at me, I'll hand you off to my cook and serve you for dinner."
* * *
The morning sun was beginning to peek over the horizon when Ian and Alyssa walked up his front steps. "Just in time," he remarked as he heard a few carriages rumbling down the lane. "It sounds as if everyone is beginning to head for home."
"I can hear them as well," Alyssa agreed, listening to the noise from the street.
Frowning, Ian tried to pinpoint the sounds. "No, that racket isn't coming from the street. It's coming from..." Dread filled him as he turned toward his door."... inside my house."
Setting down the crate of protesting geese, Ian pushed open his front door to discover bedlam... again. Stunned, Ian stepped into the foyer to find his servants chasing a flock of geese. Even his normally staid butler ran after a bellowing goose. With a final lunge, Manning grabbed the bird by the neck, cutting off the bird's protests in mid-squawk. "Got you," he crowed proudly as he secured the bird against his thor-oughly rumpled jacket.
"What the devil is going on here?" Ian demanded, unable to believe his eyes.
Handing off the goose to a nearby servant, Manning brushed at his stained vest. "It happened again, sir," he said with as much dignity as he could muster. "I was in the kitchen having a spot of tea when I heard this horrible racket out in the foyer. When I came to investigate the sound, this is what I found."
Staring at the goose droppings now staining his floor, Ian shook his head in disbelief. "How did this happen?"
Beside him, Alyssa shook her head and pressed the tips of her fingers to her lips, but he could see from the sparkle in her gaze that she was having trouble holding in her laughter.
"So happy we can provide adequate entertainment for you," he murmured under his breath.
She burst out laughing.
A smile played upon his lips as he watched her dissolve into mirth. Lord, how had this happened? Before Madam Zora, his life had been organized and well-managed, but each day had blended into the other. Yet whenever he was around this woman, he never knew what would happen, so he eagerly anticipated each day, every moment.
But could a man live in bedlam without eventually going completely insane?
Taking a deep breath, Ian pushed aside the disturbing question and concentrated on the situation at hand. "Manning, wake up more servants and have them help you round up these birds."
An hour later, Ian and Alyssa stood in the middle of a now empty foyer. Looking down at her skirt, Alyssa smiled ruefully. "I'm fortunate Lady Eleanor enjoys to shop, for I've completely ruined this gown."
"I'm looking a bit rumpled myself," Ian said, brushing a feather off his jacket. "But at least we have this situation under control."
"Hallo! Is anyone home?"
Ian groaned softly as he turned to face Lady Cov-ington and her two friends who, with an amazing sense of timing, stood on his doorstep.
"What were you saying about having things under control, Ian?" Alyssa murmured softly.
"I do hope you don't mind that we stopped in, but as we passed by your lovely home on our way home from Pettibone's ball we couldn't help but notice that the door was wide open." Fluttering her hand against her chest, Lady Covington smiled at Ian. "Naturally we simpfy had to stop in to see if something was amiss."
"Naturally." Forcing a polite smile onto his face, Ian began to make his excuses. "As you can see, I just returned from Lady Smythe's soiree." He glanced at Alyssa. "My great-aunt asked me to escort Lady Alyssa home this evening and..." He trailed off, uncertain of what excuse would justify Alyssa standing alone with him in the foyer of his home without an escort.
"... we needed to stop here before Mr. Fortune brought me home so that he could retrieve some papers that Lady Eleanor asked him to review," Alyssa finished with a smile.
"Perfectly understandable." Lady Heath sent a knowing look to her companions. "And most... convenient."
Tapping her fan against her cheek, Lady Weather-stone murmured, "And yet there is a peculiar crate with two geese in it on your front steps."
"Geese ... just like the curse called for," Lady Cov-ington pointed out.
"Of course it's not because of the curse," scoffed Lady Heath. "Lady Alyssa specifically called for a gaggle of geese to invade Lord Dorset's abode. Two measly fowl in a crate hardly fulfills the curse." Turning back towafd Ian, she smiled at him. "Though I admit to being curious as to why these birds are here. Perhaps you might indulge my curiosity, Lord Dorset?"
All three ladies leaned forward, eagerly awaiting his response. Struggling to come up with an explanation that sounded reasonable, he hesitated for a moment before offering a reason. "I'm not certain why that crate is there," Ian said smoothly. "Perhaps my cook ordered the geese for dinner this evening and the birds were mistakenly left by the front door instead of the rear entrance."
Disappointment dimmed Lady Covington's expression. "That does sound logical," she agreed.
"Though I can't help but wonder why there are ... droppings on the floor." Peering closer, Lady Weatherstone nodded firmly. "In fact, they look
like goose droppings."
Clicking his tongue, Ian looked around the foyer. "I see I shall have to get after my servants. While I have no idea what those spots are, I can assure you they are not—"
At that moment, a loud squawking echoed down the long corridor leading toward the kitchens. Flapping its wings furiously and bellowing indignantly, a lone goose burst into the foyer, fluttering past in a hurry to escape its captor. An instant later, a harried servant with marks covering his race, marks that looked suspiciously like goose pecks, followed behind the bird.
Glancing at the three ladies, Ian saw them taking in the ridiculous scene with avid gazes. "I believe that goose must be for tonight's dinner as well," Ian said firmly, hoping the ladies would let it go at that.
He should have known better.
"Perhaps it is the curse after all!" exclaimed Lady Covington, her excitement apparent.
And with that, all three women began to chatter about Alyssa's power. Leaning closer to Alyssa, Ian murmured, "Wonder what they would have said if they'd wandered by an hour ago?"
The brilliant smile she gave him made Ian's chest tighten, making Ian wonder if perhaps Alyssa didn't possess a little bit of gypsy magic after all for she'd certainly entranced him.
* * *
"Lady Covington's sense of timing amazes me," Ian admitted as his carriage headed toward Lady Eleanor's town house. "I only hope that she believed the story about us needing to stop off at my home."
"If you're concerned about my reputation, don't be," Alyssa assured him with a smile. "As Madam Zora, I am forgiven indiscretions that would ruin another."
"But you're not Madam Zora any longer," he pointed out "And as Lady Alyssa Porter, I'm quite certain your reputation can be damaged."
His concern touched her even if it was unnecessary. "I'm positive I shall go unscathed by this evening's events." She thought back on all that had happened. "Speaking of this evening's events, who do you think put all of those geese in your house?"
Ian shook his head. "I don't know."
"Obviously it was someone who wanted to ensure that my curse came true," Alyssa said, "but I don't know who would benefit from that fact."
"Nor do I."
"Then perhaps I should curse you again and we'll see who comes to complete it," Alyssa said with a laugh.
Ian's expression grew contemplative.
"I was only jesting," she told him.
"Of course, but what you said has a certain logic to it." Ian leaned forward, placing his elbows upon his knees. "It would help us uncover who wishes to see the legend of Madam Zora live." And who was pursuing her through the dark of night, Ian thought.
"Perhaps you're right." Alyssa nodded firmly. "Very well, I shall curse you again tomorrow."
Eyeing her, Ian straightened. "Precisely what are you planning to do?"
"Don't worry, Ian," Alyssa said with a wave of her hand. "I shall think of something."
"That's what worries me," Ian muttered.
20
"Boils, Alyssa! Did you have to pick boils?"
Shrugging lightly, Alyssa sat down in a chair opposite Ian and watched his Aunt Eleanor apply a glob of red paint to Ian's forehead. "I thought it was an original curse. After all, I'd already called enough plagues into your home. I had to come up with something different" "True enough," Ian agreed, lifting a mirror to gaze at the blotches now covering his face. "I still have frogs hopping about. But you should have thought of another curse, Alyssa, one that required someone other than me to make it come true." Squinting into the reflective glass, Ian groaned. "I know you're trying, Aunt Eleanor, but I look like I have blobs of paint stuck on my face. Those marks look nothing like boils."
"I think they look fine," Alyssa offered, even though she thought the splotches looked nothing like boils.
"Maybe if I keep the curtains drawn and my face partially hidden." Warming to the idea, Ian expanded upon it. "I could tell everyone I'm too self-conscious and have no wish to be stared at."
"Good luck with your curse," Alyssa said, rising to her feet.
"You're not staying to help me convince the old gossips that these boils pain me?"
"I'm afraid I can't, Ian," she said cheerfully. "I have other obligations this evening."
"How convenient."
Ian's dry tone made her laugh. "Yes, I rather thought it was." Walking over to Ian, she patted him on the shoulder. "Sorry about the boils, Ian, but I suppose this is what happens when you spend time with a Gypsy."
* * *
Finding an empty chair near the hallway, Alyssa sat down to enjoy her punch. All evening she'd had the feeling that everyone was looking at her... yet she didn't know why. Perhaps she simply needed a moment to collect herself.
Sipping on the punch, Alyssa heard light footsteps echoing down the hall.
"... I tell you, Melisante, Lord Dorset looked positively dreadful today. There wasn't an inch of his face that wasn't covered in boils."
"Boils? Oh, the poor man. Whatever happened?" asked Melisante.
"Madam Zora is what happened."
Peering around the corner, Alyssa saw Lady Elder-bury and Lady Hockle pause in front of a mirror. Lady Elderbury patted her hair. "Did she curse him yet again?'
"Indeed, she did!" Lady Hockle confirmed. "Yesterday at Lady Winterbury's musicale."
"What did he do to offend her this time?"
"Who knowsr Lady Hockle said with a wave of her hand. "It seems as if he merely has to look at her and she curses him."
Smoothing her bodice, Lady Elderbury said, "I suppose we should be thankful that she hasn't turned her evil eye upon us."
"Indeed." Stepping away from the mirror, Lady Hockle nodded at her reflection, "Shall we rejoin the party?"
"Let's do... before we miss something interesting," Lady Elderbury agreed with a laugh.
Setting down her punch, Alyssa rose and hurried into a nearby alcove, feeling like a pariah. All evening people had been avoiding her company or giving her wary looks, but now at least she understood why. Everyone feared she would curse them with dreadful boils or slimy frogs if they annoyed her.
Just lovely.
"Excuse the interruption, my lady, but I was wondering if I might speak with you for a moment?"
Glancing to her left, Alyssa smiled at Lord Wirth. "Of course, my lord," she replied easily. At least here was one person who didn't seem afraid of her.
"I needed to ask your advice on a very important financial matter," Lord Wirth whispered, looking around him.
"Then you'd be far better suited to speak with your man-of-business," she replied as gently as she could. Still, her days of dispensing advice were over. "I'm certain he's far better suited to advise you on financial matters."
Lord Wirth rubbed at his forehead. "But I've al-ready spoken to him and he believes the company I wish to invest in is a sound investment."
"Then I'm afraid I don't see the problem," Alyssa murmured. "Surely you trust your own agent."
"Yes... but I also implicitly trust the gentleman who advised me against investing."
Lord Wirth's glum tone touched Alyssa. Reaching out, she laid a hand upon his arm. "I believe you should follow your heart's desire, not allowing anything or anyone to sway your opinion. As long as you stay true to yourself, everything will work out for the best."
Relief sent Lord Wirth's shoulders sagging forward. "Thank you, Madam," he whispered, bending down to press a kiss upon her hand. "I appreciate all your advice."
"You're quite welcome, my lord." Alyssa's smile re' mained firmly in place as Lord Wirth walked away.
Behind her, Alyssa heard a soft rustling behind a large floral arrangement. Peering through the flowers, Alyssa tried to see who was hiding there. Suddenly, a glove-encased hand shot out and grabbed hold of her wrist.
Yelping in alarm, Alyssa jerked her arm back, breaking off the contact. Immediately, the hand withdrew behind the blooms. "Who's there?" she demanded.
"My lady?"
Gasp
ing in surprise, Atyssa whirled around. "Lord Wirth," she murmured, relief softening her voice. "Thank Heaven it is you."
"I heard you cry out and came to make certain you are well."
"There is someone in the corner... and he tried to grab me," Alyssa stammered as she stepped closer to Lord Wirth.
"I say, come out of there now!" Moving closer, Lord Wirth bent down and shifted the huge floral piece aside. Alyssa held her breath as he stuck his head around the arrangement. After a moment, he turned to face Alyssa once more. "Whoever was there must have slipped out the door into the garden," he replied briskly. "I shall gather up a group of gentlemen to aid me in finding—"
"That won't be necessary, my lord," Alyssa said hastily, not wishing to cause a scene. "I was simply startled, but I'm certain the man didn't mean me any harm. Perhaps he overheard me speaking to you and decided he wished to ask me a question as well."
A skeptical expression shifted upon Lord Wirth's face. "If that were the case, the chap could have ap-proached you like a true gentleman."
"Very true," Alyssa conceded, "but the fact remains that he didn't. Regardless, I would greatly appreciate.it if you would keep this incident between us."
"It would be an honor to hold your confidence." Bowing to her, Lord Wirth pressed a kiss upon the back of her hand.
"Thank you, my lord," she returned, dipping into a small curtsey.
"Might I be of further assistancer
Pushing the upsetting incident from her mind, she forced herself to dismiss her concerns. "I would greatly enjoy a dance."
With a laugh, Lord Wirth offered her his arm and escorted her back into the main ballroom.
* * *
"No, Ian, I won't do it."
Tea sloshed over the rim of his cup as he set it down abruptly. "What do you mean you won't do it?"
Pouring herself a cup, Alyssa leaned back in her chair. "I won't curse you again," she asserted firmly. "Ever since you came down with the boils a few evenings ago, people have begun to avoid me as if they're afraid that if they displease me in any fashion, I'll curse them." Setting her cup down, Alyssa leaned forward. "Please understand, Ian. I'm trying to build a life for myself and Calla. If the ton grows to fear me, some of their apprehension might spill onto my sister as well."
Fortune's Bride Page 18