“Your delay gave me a nasty fright,” Angelica admitted. “By the way, I want to invest some of our winnings in leeks and salt.”
Robert laughed. “Angel, do you actually believe investing in leeks and salt could be profitable?”
Angelica smiled with understanding. “How fortuitous that your father asked about commodities.”
“Fortuitous my arse,” Robert replied. “Father and I planned that whole scenario.”
“I couldn’t have done a better acting job,” Angelica said. With a worried expression, she turned to him and asked, “Will Trimble’s family suffer in poverty now? I wouldn’t want any innocents to suffer as I did.”
“I knew you would feel that way,” Robert said, dropping his hand to her shoulder. “I have friends in banking who investigated what Trimble was worth ten years ago. He will retain what he had then. With interest, of course. Does that make you feel better?”
Angelica nodded. “If I stole everything, I would be as evil as he.”
“What do you want me to do with the money I’ve won?” Robert asked, his hand on her shoulder beginning a slow caress.
“Keep it,” Angelica said absently, her mind focused on his hand. She knew she should leave, but—
“Keep it?” he echoed.
Angelica smiled at his surprised expression. “My revenge has never been for profit but rather justice for the wrong done to my parents.”
“How noble of you,” Robert replied, “but I insist the money go to your family.”
“Very well,” Angelica agreed. “Invest half in your companies. Then divide the remainder into four equal shares and bank it for my aunt, my sisters, and me. By the end of a year, our investments with the Campbells should be showing us a profit.”
Robert smiled. “Why do you want to invest in my companies?”
“Everyone in Scotland knows the Campbells are always on the winning side,” Angelica answered.
She arched a blond brow at him. “I trust that extends to financial enterprises.”
“Thank you for the praise,” he said.
“I meant to insult you,” she said. “The Campbells aren’t the most despised family in Scotland for no good reason.”
Robert burst out laughing. “As you can see, angel, I’ve been trying to make amends for my ancestors’ misdeeds. What are you planning to do with your share?”
“I’ll set half aside for gambling and give the other half to the poor,” Angelica told him.
Again, surprise registered on his face. “You’ll give it away?”
“Is there anything wrong with helping the poor?” Angelica asked, a note of challenge in her voice.
“My lady, your generosity is commendable,” Robert said, leaning closer. “You are an Original.”
Angelica placed the palm of her hand against his cheek. “Thank you,” she said in a voice barely louder than a whisper.
Turning his head, Robert planted a kiss on her palm. Angelica leaned temptingly close.
“Kiss me,” she said on a sigh, yearning to feel his warm lips pressed to hers.
Her invitation was irresistible. Robert inched closer, his mouth capturing hers in a smoldering kiss. He slipped his tongue past her lips, tasting the sweetness beyond them.
Entwining her arms around his neck, Angelica caught fire and surrendered to him. She returned his kiss with equal ardor, and together, they lay on the settee.
Robert slid his lips to the delicate column of her throat, leaving a fiery trail of kisses. He slipped his thumb inside the top of her low-cut gown and pulled it down, baring her breasts to his gaze.
Angelica moaned throatily. She arched her breasts forward, offering herself to him.
“Your breasts are beautiful,” Robert whispered thickly, his fingers caressing her aroused nipples. “I can make you wet merely by suckling upon them.”
Robert dropped his mouth to her breasts and drew enticingly upon her nipples. Angelica moaned and squirmed as a throbbing heat ignited between her thighs, and she arched herself toward him.
Without taking his mouth from her nipples, Robert lifted the skirt of her gown and caressed the inside of her thigh. His fingers slid to the juncture between her legs, and he stroked the jewel of her womanhood, wet and swollen beneath his touch.
Angelica moved her hips and felt her tension building to unendurable heights. With a soft cry, she melted against his gently tormenting fingers and then floated back to reality.
Opening her eyes, Angelica saw Robert watching her. She blushed with embarrassment and nearly swooned when she heard someone opening the study door.
“Lord Robert, are you in there?” The voice belonged to Tinker.
Ignoring her pleading expression, Robert looked over the back of the settee and called, “I’m here, Tinker.”
“Your guests are leaving,” the majordomo told him. “I believe Lady Angelica has already retired.”
Robert grinned at the man. “Lady Angelica is here, too.”
Only silence met Robert’s announcement. Too mortified to show herself, Angelica yanked up the top of her gown but refused to move. How could she ever face the duke’s retainer again?
“His Grace thought you and Lady Angelica would like to bid your guests a good night,” Tinker said.
“I’ll be down directly,” Robert told the man. “I’m unsure about the lady, whose complexion is crimson with embarrassment.”
Angelica had a sudden wish for death, either hers or his. And then she heard the majordomo say, “She could do a lot worse.”
“Thank you for the compliment,” Robert replied.
“Don’t let it go to your head.”
Robert grinned and then looked down at her, saying, “He’s gone now.”
“How dare you?” Angelica said. “I hope you haven’t ruined my reputation.” She sat up and adjusted the skirt of her gown.
“You’re wearing a dagger,” Robert remarked.
“I felt vulnerable without it,” Angelica said, standing. She gestured to the settee and added, “This will never happen again.”
Robert grinned. “You said that the last time.”
“Sacred sevens, you are incorrigible.” At that, Angelica marched out of the duke’s study, feeling Robert’s gaze on her as she walked the length of the corridor to the stairs.
When she reached the foyer, Angelica refused to look at the majordomo. Duke Magnus and Aunt Roxie stood with James Armstrong and Adam St. Aubyn. The others had already taken their leave, and Venetia had followed the Douglas sisters upstairs.
“One victim down and three to go,” James said to Angelica, who managed a smile for him.
“I wish you would allow us to help,” Adam said. “Robert is having all the fun.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” Angelica replied.
“What will you do with your winnings?” Duke Magnus asked.
“Lady Angelica is investing most of it in Campbell companies.” Robert spoke up before she could answer.
“Angelica, darling, why are you flushed?” Aunt Roxie asked, her voice filled with concern. “You aren’t becoming ill, are you?”
“I’m a little warm,” Angelica told her aunt, glancing at the majordomo, who avoided looking at her. “The excitement, you know.”
“Adam and I are going to White’s for a nightcap,” James said.
“I’ll join you,” Robert said. He grabbed Angelica’s hand before she could step back and lifted it to his lips, saying, “Until tomorrow, my lady.”
“Good night, my lord.” Intending to go to her chamber, Angelica headed for the stairs as Tinker closed the door behind the three friends.
A loud boom sounded outside the mansion.
Angelica paused, thinking it sounded like a gunshot, and then heard a second noise from outside. She whirled around and ran across the foyer.
Tinker had already opened the door. Duke Magnus and Aunt Roxie had rushed outside.
“He’s been shot,” James shouted.
Robert lay on
the stairs. Adam was pulling Robert’s jacket off to reveal his white shirt its left sleeve slowly turning red from his blood.
“Sacred sevens,” Angelica cried, pushing past the duke and her aunt. She knelt beside him.
“It looks worse than it is,” Robert told her. Then he looked at his friends, asking, “Help me up?”
“Let’s get him inside,” Duke Magnus ordered. “Tinker, send for my physician.”
“There’s no need for a physician,” Robert said.
“You’ve been shot,” Angelica screamed in a panic.
Robert grinned at her as his two friends sat him down on a chair in the foyer. “The bullet grazed my upper arm,” he said as they removed his shirt. “Tinker, fetch warm water, bandages, and whiskey.”
The majordomo returned in a very few minutes, and Angelica knelt beside the chair to wash the bloody wound. Taking the bandages from the majordomo, she began to wrap his arm.
“This is the second attempt on his life,” James told the duke.
“Second?”
“The first was a couple of weeks ago,” Adam said.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Duke Magnus asked, clearly displeased with his son.
Robert took a swig of whiskey and answered, “I knew you would hire half of London to guard me.”
“You’re damned right about that,” his father replied.
“Magnus, darling, becoming upset will not help,” Aunt Roxie said. “You will hire those bodyguards in the morning.”
“I do not need bodyguards,” Robert insisted.
Angelica reached up to touch his cheek. When he looked at her, she stared into his dark eyes and said, “Someone wants you dead.”
Chapter 10
Who wants Robert dead? Angelica wondered, alone in her chamber the next afternoon. Worrying about Robert had stolen her sleep for most of the night, and she’d awakened later than usual. What should have been her first night of triumph had become a nightmare of dread.
Who hated Robert enough to kill him? For some unknown reason, Alexander Emerson despised him. Alasdair Trimble would probably love to see him dead but, in all likelihood, hadn’t had the time to hire an assassin. Robert must have other enemies, but she knew so little about him and his businesses. Sacred sevens, the whole of Scotland would love to see the Campbells extinct.
What Robert needed was an amulet to protect him against unseen forces, Angelica decided. She would speak to her aunt at the first opportunity.
The door swung open suddenly, and Aunt Roxie appeared as if conjured by her thoughts. “Good afternoon, darling,” her aunt called, crossing the chamber. “You slept late.”
“Good day to you,” Angelica said. “Do you know where Jasper is?”
“He’s visiting His Grace in the study,” Aunt Roxie answered. She sat down beside her on the chaise. “Darling, I need a tiny favor.”
“It’s yours if possible,” Angelica said. She smiled when she added, “After all, you are my favorite aunt.”
“I’m your only aunt,” Roxie drawled. “I want you to deliver an amulet and a salve to Robert.”
Angelica lost her smile as thoughts of their intimate encounter surfaced in her mind. “Can’t a servant do that?”
“I’ve passed the entire morning shopping for the proper amulet, consecrating it with my special magic and then preparing the salve,” Aunt Roxie told her. “I’m certain poor Robert would prefer you to tend his wound.”
“Won’t my reputation suffer if anyone sees me calling upon him?” Angelica asked.
“Nobody knows you, darling.” Aunt Roxie chuckled throatily. “Besides, an army of bodyguards in his father’s employ surround the poor boy.”
Angelica fell silent with indecision. She wanted to see him but felt reluctant to be alone with him because of their encounter the previous evening.
“A countess enjoys more freedom of movement than an untitled miss,” her aunt was saying.
Angelica found that difficult to believe. Society’s rules applied to everyone, didn’t they? “Are you sure about that?” she asked.
“Have I ever given you poor advice?” her aunt countered.
Aunt Roxie had spent her entire fortune keeping her and her sisters alive. Even though they’d fallen upon hard times, her aunt had insisted that she and her sisters learn the essentials of being a lady. Hence, the sisters had no fear of embarrassing themselves with any faux pas.
“I’m sorry for doubting you,” Angelica said, rising from the chaise. “Shall I leave now?”
Aunt Roxie gave her a dimpled smile. “Change your gown, darling, and I’ll meet you in the foyer.”
Dressed in a high-waisted peach gown, Angelica walked downstairs fifteen minutes later. Her aunt was already waiting for her.
“I adore that color on you,” Aunt Roxie said, handing her a package.
“Which house is Robert’s?” Angelica asked.
“Two doors down on the left,” her aunt told her, brushing a strand of hair off her forehead. “You are my golden girl, with beauty, intelligence, skill, and, most importantly, a generous heart.”
“I love you, too, Aunt Roxie.”
Angelica walked down the stairs, turned left, and paused. A small group of men loitered in front of the marquess’s mansion. She realized the men were the bodyguards hired by Duke Magnus.
“Good day,” Angelica greeted them. The men made a path for her, but when she started up the stairs, one of them touched her arm to stop her.
Angelica halted. She looked from his eyes to his hand and then cocked a blond brow at him.
“I’m sorry, miss,” the man said, his hand dropping away. “You must state your business here.”
Angelica blushed when one of the men said with a chuckle, “You know His Lordship’s vices. Why do you think the doxy is here?”
“Why don’t you search her for weapons?” another added.
Angelica wished she’d worn her last-resort dagger. Before speaking, she gave each of the men a withering look. Finally, she turned to the man who’d dared to touch her, saying “I am the Countess of Melrose and have come at the Duke of Inverary’s request. If you don’t believe me, walk two doors down and ask him.”
The man had the good grace to flush; the others laughed at his expense. “I’m sorry, my lady,” the man apologized. “His Grace instructed us to be thorough in protecting the marquess.”
“Apology accepted, sir,” Angelica replied. “However, thoroughness does not imply lewdness.”
Angelica turned her back on them and walked up the stairs. She reached out and banged the knocker against the door.
A tall, dignified-looking man with graying hair opened the door. He looked her up and down and, apparently, decided her business was legitimate. “Please, come inside,” he said, and stepped back to let her pass.
Shrugging off the feeling that she’d seen this man before, Angelica walked inside and heard the door close behind her. The marquess’s foyer was less imposing than his father’s. Along with marble statuary, carved cornices, and rococco ornamentation were several pieces of potted greenery that softened the overall atmosphere of the reception hall. There were a synonium plant with heart-shaped leaves, a double ivy topiary, and a six-foot dracaena plant.
“Whom may I say is calling, my lady?” the majordomo asked with a polite smile.
“The Countess of Melrose,” she answered.
The man lost his smile. “The Countess of Melrose is deceased,” he informed her. “You are an imposter.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I was previously in the Earl of Melrose’s employ and know his wife is deceased,” the majordomo told her. “I don’t know what you want, but you must leave at once.”
Angelica said nothing but stared at him for several long moments. “Webster?” she said finally. “Is it you?”
The man seemed taken aback. “How do you know my name?” he demanded.
“Don’t you remember Angelica?” she asked. “Is Mrs. Sweeting here, too
?”
“Lady Angelica, is it really you?” he asked with a surprised smile.
Angelica hugged her father’s former majordomo. Then she asked, “Mrs. Sweeting?”
Webster shook his head. “The Duke of Inverary purchased her a cottage on the outskirts of London and pensioned her off. Later, the marquess persuaded her to leave retirement to assume a position with one of his acquaintances. Your father-—?”
“—passed away recently,” she told him.
“I am truly sorry,” Webster said. “His Lordship was a kind and decent man. You wish to see the marquess?”
“I’ve brought him a couple of items from Aunt Roxie,” she answered.
Webster grinned broadly. “How is Lady Roxanne?”
“My aunt enjoys the best of health and is still as beautiful as ever,” Angelica answered. “We are guests of the Duke of Inverary.”
“Come with me,” Webster said. “The marquess is working in his study.”
Angelica followed the majordomo up the stairs. The balustrade was a dark mahogany, and a round-headed window graced the landing, along with a potted wisteria tree.
“How does the marquess manage to keep these plants alive inside the house?” she asked.
Webster paused. “His Lordship requisitioned several dozen pieces of greenery created with bark and silk.”
Angelica reached out and touched a lavender wisteria flower. “Sacred sevens, it is silk,” she said with a smile.
“His Lordship says a man should be well-planted,” Webster told her. “He enjoys gardening and wanted to bring the outdoors inside his home.”
His revealing statement about the marquess heartened Angelica. A man who cared for plants wasn’t beyond redemption.
Reaching the study, Webster knocked on the door and, hearing the marquess call out, entered the room. “The Countess of Melrose has arrived for a visit.”
“Send her in,” she heard him say.
Robert stood when she walked into the study and gave her his devastatingly charming smile. He seemed sincerely happy to see her.
“Welcome to my home,” Robert greeted her. “If I had known being injured would bring you here, I would have hired the assassin myself.”
To Tempt An Angel (Book 1 Douglas series) Page 14