He entered his wife's boudoir without knocking, to find Allegra standing in the middle of a pool of candlelight in her white lace underdress. Her hair was powdered and curled over her ears and fell in ringlets to her shoulders. The room smelled of perfume and powder and was littered with gloves, reticules and plumes. Her maid hovered nearby, holding the elegant golden overdress that was to surmount the petticoat. It made a lovely picture. Unfortunately, at least to Adam's eye, two gallants hovered nearby as well.
"’Pon my soul," said one delicately "you are too lovely, my lady. The eye is positively dazzled by your brilliance."
The other gentleman nodded in agreement. "You cast all others in the shade."
Adam stiffened when he recognized the pleasant voice as Gresham's. Would he never be rid of the man? Allegra smiled on both gentlemen charmingly. "If you think all is well now, you will be positively in awe of me after I am dressed," she said. She beckoned to her maid, who deftly tossed the dress over her mistress' head, careful not to touch a single hair. She arranged it with quick hands and Allegra emerged, as bright as candle glow herself. The men applauded.
Adam stepped further into the room and made his presence known. Although he was perfectly aware that it was the mode for gentlemen to watch a lady dress after the underdress had been put on, and had been present at more than one dressing himself, he was somehow unsettled by the sight of these two men in Allegra's boudoir.
"Adam!" said Allegra with a smile. "How kind of you to come. And how unfashionable. You see, gentlemen, how hedged about I am by my husband!" She looked up at him with a laughing glance.
Adam glared down at her. He could not help the feeling of disappointment that rose in his breast. Gone was the woman who had been so concerned about his mother on the previous evening. She seemed to have been replaced by the Toast of London he had come to know before. She was still beautiful, and still desirable, but her gentle side was gone. "I am sorry if my presence offends you," he said stiffly.
"On the contrary," said Allegra, giving him a curious glance. Adam seemed different tonight. He was no longer relaxed and charming, but distant and cold instead. How dare he judge her when he had visited Lady Manning's box at the opera only the night before? "You provide an appropriate note of sobriety to our gathering. Please come in." Adam came into the room and seated himself gingerly on a spindle-legged chair.
"You know Viscount Havermoor, I believe," said Allegra, indicating the exquisite gallant who was now circling her, conducting a minute inspection with his quizzing glass. "And of course you have met Lord Gresham."
Gresham bowed graciously to Adam. A mocking smile lit his face, and there was a lazily amused expression in his eyes. Adam stiffened. Of all the people he might find in his wife's room, Gresham was the one he least wished to see. "Your Grace," said Tristan. "Allow me to compliment you upon your wife's exquisite beauty."
"It isn't my doing," replied Adam grimly. "Perhaps I would choose a wife who was less of a flower, and then there would be fewer bees buzzing about the house."
Tristan raised one eyebrow, but then apparently decided to interpret the remark as a jest rather than an insult. He laughed. "It's true. Great beauty can be a burden as well as a gift."
"My wife appears to be able to shoulder that burden," said Adam coldly.
Lord Gresham bowed and turned towards Allegra, who was listening to them with an alarmed expression. "Your husband finds you too beautiful, madam," he said cheerfully. "But I believe that there is no such thing as too much beauty. I feel I am capable of basking in your glow eternally."
"My lord, you shall make my head turn," said Allegra. "And that would not be attractive. Come gentlemen, you are here to provide me with advice. What jewels shall I wear? Do you prefer the diamonds or the emeralds?"
Adam watched as the jewels, which had been in his family for generations, were produced. The last time he had seen them, four years before, they had graced his mother. His lips tightened as he thought of his mother's devotion to his father. The jewels were, of course, the property of the current Duchess, but it seemed to him that Allegra did not deserve to wear the stones that generations of loving and loyal wives had worn.
Viscount Havermoor argued most volubly in favor of the diamonds, while Lord Gresham felt that the emeralds would be more striking against the gold of Allegra's dress. As they discussed the point, Adam watched silently.
Eventually Allegra turned to him with a laugh. "Adam, I think perhaps you must break this tie. Which do you prefer, the green or the white?"
"It can hardly make any difference," said the Duke. "If you went to this ball wearing glass chips you would doubtless still be admired." The words were flattering, but his tone was not. He stood, obviously angry, and bowed. "I will await you downstairs, ma'am. When you and your company are prepared we shall depart."
Allegra flushed under her powder and turned away with a brittle laugh. The Duke walked grimly from the room and closed the door.
"It seems my husband grows impatient," said Allegra. "I fear he may have to wait some time; we are hardly begun here."
Viscount Havermoor looked aghast. "How churlish of him. If I did not know it was dreadfully unfashionable I would think he was jealous!"
"I doubt it is jealousy," said Allegra, a small catch in her voice. "Adam and I do not have a romantic marriage."
"And a good thing, too," the Viscount assured her. "There is nothing more uncomfortable than love in a marriage. Perhaps Gravesmere has eaten something that does not agree with him."
"If you will forgive me, I am weary of the subject." Allegra turned away to hide her burning cheeks.
Tristan gave her a shrewd look. So the girl cared for her husband, did she? That would make his task harder, but not impossible. She was clearly jealous and headstrong, a volatile combination. "We will attempt to make up for your husband's slights," he said in a gentle tone. "There are many who find you not only beautiful and witty, but kind and generous as well, my lady."
She looked at him gratefully. "Thank you, my lord. And now, gentlemen, we must proceed. We have still to settle the issue of the jewelry." The debate proceeded. But Allegra seemed distracted, and when she emerged from her boudoir with her admirers in attendance she was not entirely sure how she was dressed. She came down the stairs to find Adam waiting in the hallway. He looked up as she descended the stairs, and even through the haze of his anger he perceived her beauty. Agitation had brought a delicate flush to her cheeks and her blue eyes sparkled in the candlelight. Emeralds glowed from her golden gown, and her skin was as fair as the lace that foamed about her shoulders, and once again he felt a surge of lust.
"My lady," he said coldly. "Your chair awaits."
Allegra lifted her chin and walked past him and out the door. If he could treat her as a troublesome child, then he would feel the sting of her disapproval as well. The Viscount and Lord Gresham followed, exchanging glances, Havermoor's amused and Gresham's satisfied. All was clearly not well in Gravesmere House.
The return home that evening was not propitious either. The Dowager Duchess had been at the ball, but had returned home early, tired of watching Allegra flirt desperately and her son ostentatiously ignore his wife. The newlyweds themselves returned home very late, their anger an almost physical presence between them. They were greeted at the door by a footman, who told them that the Dowager Duchess demanded their immediate presence in her sitting room.
"See what you have done!" exclaimed Adam as they walked up the stairs. "Now your behavior is depriving my mother of her sleep! She isn't a young woman, and you are undermining her health."
"I'm doing nothing of the sort!" retorted Allegra. "Your mother slept quite well until your return, with your sulks and fits."
They entered the room cloaked once more in stony silence and stood facing the Dowager with sullen faces. She took one look at them and sighed heavily. "I see you're still quarreling," she said. "You're like two mutinous children."
"I expect more from my wif
e than--" said Adam
"If he cannot understand that I have the right to do as I choose--" burst out Allegra at the same moment. They glared at each other and lapsed into silence.
"Obviously you two are unable to settle your differences. I had hopes of you coming to care for each other quickly, but I see that this marriage shall be a struggle. But perhaps I'm foolish to expect you to attend to one another when all the distractions of London are at your feet. I wish you both to cancel your engagements for the week and we will go to Gravesmere tomorrow. We will see if you like one another better in the country than in the City." Emily nodded severely.
"Cancel my engagements!" cried Allegra. "I can't do that. The Avon's rout is this week, and I am engaged to attend the Opera with the Overton's!"
Adam's mind flew to Louisa. Not only would she not take kindly to a long separation, but he couldn't imagine an entire week of Allegra's frivolity without being able to escape to his mistress's consoling arms.
"Mother, it is the height of the Season. People would be amazed if we suddenly fled town," he protested.
"I don't care what Society thinks. I will not have my son and his wife at loggerheads. Tonight I heard the most foolish gossip, Adam, about your jealousy towards Allegra's beaux. I do not know what gave rise to this, but I will not have you talked about in this low manner. You two will come to an accommodation. I must confess I had hoped you might love one another; but if you cannot love, at least you can be polite. We go to Gravesmere in the morning."
"Tomorrow morning!" said Adam. It was already long past midnight, and he could not imagine breaking this news to Louisa in a note.
"Tomorrow morning," said the Dowager. "I already have had your maid, Allegra, and your valet, Adam, pack your belongings. The carriage is ordered. We leave at ten-o-clock."
Allegra looked at Emily's stern face and then Adam's rigid spine. She realized that there was no way out of this without being rude to her mother-in-law, of whom she was very fond. It seemed that the best route would be to succumb with good grace. She doubted a week away from the city would improve her relationship with her husband, but she allowed that she could use the rest. And it would keep Adam away from that hussy he kept. She almost had to smile when she thought of his discomfiture.
"If that is what you wish, Mama dear," she said demurely, "then I shall go. But," she added with a flash at Adam, "don't expect miracles. I doubt Adam in the country will be much more fun than Adam in London."
Adam gave her an angry look. She was not only making him look bad by agreeing to this farcical trip to the country, but she was insulting him as well. But he knew there was no way out of the journey now. He would have to fix his thoughts on breaking the news to Louisa, and then live out the week as best he could.
He stepped forward and kissed Emily's hand. "As you wish, Mother. I will endeavor to make our stay at Gravesmere a pleasant one." He turned and left the room without a glance at Allegra. She followed him, and watched as he turned his back on her and went down the stairs. She heard the front door open and shut. An angry look crossed her face; she could guess where he was going.
Louisa relaxed in her boudoir, clad in her negligee. She held in her fingers a note from Adam that had been delivered that morning, after he had left London. It had been followed shortly after by a delivery from a jeweler of an exquisite sapphire bracelet. Nonetheless, a small frown marred her lovely features. She had been kind and understanding when Adam had come to her the night before and explained that he must go to Gravesmere for a week. He had assured her that the visit involved urgent business, but knowing that his wife and mother accompanied him made Louisa doubt his words. Still, she had made very sure he wouldn't forget her while he was gone, and she rather thought he would be missing her talents very soon.
And yet, she was concerned. His marriage to Allegra was not a success, but he spoke no word of separation. Indeed, at times she feared he admired his troublesome wife in some way. This would have to be stopped. Adam must be made to see that Allegra was an unsuitable wife. If he had to be helped to that knowledge, then Lady Manning would be glad to be of assistance.
The note she held assured her of Adam's undying love and his distress at leaving her. Louisa was also distressed, but for other reasons. As long as she had access to Adam's bank account, his actual presence was of little importance, although she would miss him in her bed at night. Still there would be other men about, and no chance of Adam discovering any indiscretions. But she had heard not a word from Gresham since their encounter at the Opera, and it was imperative that she know what he was up to. She would be perfectly happy if he seduced Allegra, but she couldn't let him ruin her life as well. There was a delicate path to follow here, if she could only discern it.
She folded Adam's letter impatiently and picked up the bracelet, holding it up to the light. The dark stones sparkled with a deep inner glow, and she gave a tiny laugh of delight. Her jewelry collection had certainly expanded since she had met Adam. She laid the stones against the top of her nearly-exposed breast, enjoying their coolness against her heated skin. There was a quiet knock at the door, and she looked up, annoyed. "What is it?" she snapped.
The door opened and Thomas, her footman appeared. Louisa looked at him hungrily, her senses inflamed by the jewels and the footman's wide shoulders. She had hired him for his looks and athleticism, and he hadn't disappointed her.
"There's a gentleman to see you, ma'am," he said as his eyes raked over her.
Louisa smiled lasciviously. "Tell him to go away. I'm not in the mood for visitors."
"I don't think that's a very good idea, Louisa. I suggest you see me." Tristan appeared behind Thomas, his face reflecting amusement as he regarded the two of them.
"Damn you, Tristan!" Louisa sat up, attempting to draw her flimsy robe around her. "Who said you could come upstairs?"
"I gave myself permission. I didn't think that such old friends as ourselves should stand on ceremony." He cocked an eyebrow at the footman. "Do you require an audience?"
Louisa glared at him. "You can go, Thomas," she snarled. The footman bowed and disappeared down the hallway, leaving Louisa to glower at Tristan. He walked into the room and looked around appreciatively.
"What a handsome house. It's amazing what you've done with Gravesmere's money." He picked up a jeweled comb from the dressing table and inspected it closely. "Lovely. And very valuable."
"At least I have something worth owning," sneered Louisa. "I suppose you're still barely scraping by."
"Oddly enough, I'm doing quite well. I won a fortune off a young man in Munich, and I haven't managed to lose it yet. I have all the money I can use." Tristan leaned against the dressing table, his arms folded, and watched her intently.
"Behold my amazement. But I don't suppose you came here to tell me about your good fortune. Would you mind telling me why I'm blessed with this visit?"
Tristan shrugged. "Why would I possibly be here except to worship at your feet? And very pretty ones they are, too."
Louisa frowned. "Stop being ridiculous. Tell me what you want and then get out of here."
"How rude you are." Tristan shook his head. "Very well, I've heard rumors that Gravesmere and his pretty little wife are off to the country for a stay. I thought you could perhaps enlighten me further.”
"Why would I want to do that?"
"Because of your affection for me, of course." Tristan stood up and stepped closer. "And because you think that my plans might help your own."
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Louisa felt a tiny thrill of fear. Tristan was clearly furious about Allegra slipping from his grasp. She remembered his moods well, and she could sense the frustration and anger simmering under his calm surface.
"Don't try to play me for a fool, Louisa. I always win eventually." Tristan sat down on the chaise next to her, and she flushed slightly, his nearness reminding her of their shared past. He laughed.
"Just tell me what Gravesmere told you about the intent o
f this little trip, and when they'll be back. That's all I want from you."
"I know little more than you do. Adam claims that business calls and his mother wants to get away from the city. They'll be back in a week." Louisa waved her hand dismissively.
"And you believe him? Business? In the middle of the Season?" Tristan shook his head. "No doubt his mother is hatching a plot to bring them together. I wish I had known. I would have found a way to stop it."
Louisa laughed mockingly. "As though you could have prevented them from going. I tried my best, you fool, and nothing would keep him here."
Tristan smiled lazily. "And I know how good your best is, my dear. Still, there are other ways of convincing people. You lack my subtlety, I fear."
"Your plotting will get you nowhere, Tristan. Why don't you go back to the Continent and leave me in peace?"
"But then who will seduce the little Duchess for you?" Tristan chuckled at the look on her face. "You need me, Louisa. I know you think you can out maneuver me, but I wouldn't recommend trying it. I'll beat you in the end as well."
A Most Unusual Situation: A Traditional Version Georgian Romance (The Gravesmeres Book 1) Page 8