That Infamous Pearl

by Alicia Quigley

  "And," continued Malcolm, as though Alaric had not spoken, "I found out that Marguerite had been meddling and told him of our plan. So that makes your search null and void. The pearl has simply been moved."

  "Now, you see what you have done?" demanded Rowena, turning on Alaric. "I had everything under control until you ruined it all. Now I don't know how I will ever reconcile the two of you."

  Alaric raised an eyebrow. "You planned to reconcile the two of us? What a charming scheme, Rowena. But impractical, considering I would as soon rot in hell as trust an Arlingby. And now, my wife, you are returning home with me."

  "Aren't you going to turn me into the magistrates?" taunted Malcolm.

  "I see no reason to re-open a dead scandal. It would only serve to renew gossip that has been better off buried." Alaric shrugged and ran a caustic eye over his rival. "You may stay in England and wait until your own carelessness gets you into trouble, or you can return to your life as a professional gambler in Europe. It makes no difference at all to me. Come along, Rowena."

  "Rowena, don't go with him. He'll do something dreadful to you. You'll be found dead somewhere, a terrible 'accident.' I tell you, he's dangerous." Malcolm sounded genuinely concerned.

  "Alaric won't hurt me," she said, firmly. "He's very angry with me, but he won't harm me, I promise you. Malcolm, it's urgent that you take my advice and return to France. I will do my best to help you here."

  Alaric took her firmly by the arm again. "Rowena, we are leaving now. Good afternoon, Arlingby." He bowed with exaggerated politeness, and led Rowena to where his carriage awaited them, a stony-faced groom holding the horses. Alaric glanced at him, and then looked at Rowena's flushed face.

  "You had best walk home, Bartleby. I will take care of Lady Brayleigh."

  "Yes, sir," answered the groom in a wooden tone. He waited until Alaric had settled Rowena in the carriage's seat and then, handing the reins over to his master, departed hastily.

  Rowena looked over her shoulder to where Malcolm had stood, but he was gone. She watched nervously as her husband climbed into the curricle and put the horses into motion. The events of this afternoon would only have compounded his distrust of her.

  "I hope you will not make a practice of this sort of behavior, Rowena. If you do, I will send you into the country to one of my estates." Alaric spoke softly, but Rowena could hear the steel in his tone.

  "I never said I would not see Malcolm. I didn't lie to you." Rowena knew it was a weak defense, but at least it was the truth.

  "No, you didn't lie. But you knew I didn't want you to talk to him again. Your loyalty should be with me, Rowena."

  Did she hear a touch of hurt in his voice? Was it perhaps more than his pride that was wounded? A tiny ray of hope touched Rowena as she wondered if his heart had been touched by her just a tiny bit.

  "My loyalty is with you, Alaric. I admit that I have gone about this the wrong way, but you must see that I am trying to do what is best for both of us."

  Alaric gave a cold laugh. "I see nothing of the sort. And now, Rowena, I ask you not to discuss this anymore. I have only myself to blame for believing you to be something that you are not, and I will pay the price. However, if you think I plan to make it easy for you to flout my desires, think again. If I find you with your brother again you will be sent away from London immediately. Do you understand me?"

  "Yes, Alaric." Rowena folded her hands in her lap and bit her lip. She fought back the tears that rose in her throat. She had to convince Alaric somehow that she was not attempting to harm him. But looking at his inflexible profile she could tell it was going to be a difficult task.

  Chapter 27

  Rowena stood against the wall of the Bradnam ballroom, fanning herself languidly. She was exhausted. Her last partner had been particularly energetic, and she was already worn out from lack of sleep. Alaric was the cause of that. Every night he came to her room and stayed until it was almost dawn. Then he left, still without saying a thing. Rowena had pleaded with him to allow her to explain her actions, but he refused, saying only that there was no need for further discussion. Alaric would not listen to her arguments about her innocence, and they spent almost no time together except at night, when he refused to converse with her. The situation was beginning to wear on her nerves; she thought surely her emotions would overwhelm her if matters continued as they were.

  Rowena narrowed her eyes as she gazed across the room at her husband. He didn't look as though he was exhausted, though she had no idea when he might be sleeping. He stayed out of the house all day, returned home only for dinner, and then went out again, coming in after midnight and making his way to her bedroom. This was the first time since he had discovered her searching his safe that he had accompanied her anywhere, but when she had tried to thank him, he had cut her off.

  "I don't want more gossip spread about us, and that would surely happen if we were never seen together," he had said shortly. "That is the only reason I am going with you."

  They had travelled to the ball in silence, and Alaric had danced with her once when they arrived, and then left her to her own devices. She didn't lack for partners, but she couldn't prevent her gaze from following her husband as he moved about the room. She could see him smiling at other women, exerting himself to be charming. As she watched, the redheaded woman in the very low-cut dress he was speaking to leaned forward and placed her hand on his arm, giving him a seductive smile. Rowena could feel her anger rising. It wasn't fair of him to treat her this way. She had done nothing but try to help him, and now she was being punished for it.

  "Daydreaming, Rowena?"

  Rowena looked up to see Charles standing next to her. She gave him a wan smile.

  "I'm afraid I don't feel very well," she murmured. "I have a headache."

  Charles looked concerned. "I'll tell Alaric. I'm sure he would want to take you home. He's very concerned about your health."

  "No!" Rowena grabbed his arm as he turned away. "No, don't bother him. He seems to be enjoying himself."

  Charles gave her a searching glance. "Is something wrong, Rowena?"

  "No, not at all. I'll be fine. I just need to rest for a moment or two." Rowena fidgeted with her fan.

  "You aren't regretting your marriage, are you?"

  Rowena's violet eyes flashed up to Charles's face. "Why would you ask me that?"

  "I shouldn't meddle." Charles looked down at the ground. "But I know of the history between your families, and that Alaric compromised you intentionally in order to force a marriage. I know that there are gossips out there that would like to poison your mind against Alaric. I just thought perhaps you were regretting your marriage now."

  "Oh, no." Rowena shrugged helplessly as she watched Alaric lean forward and say something that brought a sensual light to the redheaded woman's eyes. Perhaps it was a good thing that he came to her every night, she thought desperately. At least she knew where he was.

  Charles followed her gaze and sighed. "Don't be concerned, Rowena. Alaric has always had that effect on women. Since he married you he has been the model of a good husband."

  "I know," said Rowena wretchedly.

  "Of course, you must not expect too much of him. He's not used to being married. But you must promise me that you will not listen to the latest gossip," said Charles.

  "What gossip?" The redhead leaned forward, almost revealing her entire bosom to Alaric's gaze.

  "They say you are pregnant, and he is now taking an interest in other woman because he has secured an heir for himself."

  Rowena's hand drifted down to her flat stomach. Her courses were late, and she had begun to wonder over the past few days if perhaps she carried Alaric's baby. But she tried not to think about it, fearing that if she had a son Alaric would completely disassociate himself from her. There must be some way to repair her relationship with her husband. She could not bear to think of him with other women.

  "That is complete nonsense," she said sharply.

  "I th
ought so," said Charles. "I knew that Alaric would tell me if you were expecting a child." His eyes followed Rowena's as she watched Alaric. "You mustn't worry, Rowena. He would never do anything to hurt you."

  "Thank you, Charles," said Rowena. Alaric was leading the woman out onto the dance floor, and she felt her temper rising. He was probably doing it only to annoy her, she thought. But what if he wasn't? What if he truly no longer harbored any affection for her at all? She couldn't stand to watch him drift away from her, back to his mistresses. If that happened, she would have to retire into the country. At least there she wouldn't have to watch him flirting with other women.

  "Lady Brayleigh? I believe this dance is mine?"

  Rowena looked up into the eager eyes of Hugh Grantly. He had been a suitor of hers prior to her marriage, and the fact that she was now a married woman seemed to have done little to dim his ardor for her. If anything, he seemed to enjoy her company more than ever. Although he was several years older than Rowena, she couldn't help thinking of him as a mere boy. Alaric, she thought bitterly, made every other man seem dull in comparison.

  "Certainly," she murmured, placing her hand in his. Hugh led her out onto the floor and swept her into the dance. Rowena looked anxiously over her shoulder until she caught sight of Alaric moving around the floor, the redhead clasped in his arms.

  "Who is that woman dancing with my husband?" she asked.

  "Eh?" Hugh's head swiveled about. "Oh, that is the infamous Mrs. Peckham. She is supposed to be very amusing."

  "Alaric looks amused," said Rowena sourly. As she spoke she saw Alaric tilt his head back and laugh at something Mrs. Peckham said.

  "Bound to be," snickered Hugh. "She's said to be a woman who knows how to entertain a man."

  Rowena tried to tear her eyes away from her husband and Mrs. Peckham, but it seemed to be an impossible task. She knew that she should act unconcerned, but it was quite impossible. What if Alaric sent her home alone tonight? What if he didn't come home at all? What if he was planning on finding a new mistress now that he felt their marriage was a failure? It was impossible to contemplate. She had to somehow convince Alaric that she had not been plotting against him.

  "Lady Brayleigh?"

  Rowena started. Hugh was talking to her, and she had no idea what he had said.

  "Yes, Mr. Grantly?"

  "Are you quite well, Lady Brayleigh? You seem distracted."

  "I...I have a headache." Rowena despised herself for repeating such a weak excuse, but she reflected that if Alaric continued to spend time with Mrs. Peckham, it would very soon be true.

  "You need some fresh air." Hugh's voice was concerned. "Allow me to assist you."

  He led her from the dance floor, over to the open doors of the ballroom, and out onto the balcony. Rowena felt a pang of unhappiness as she remembered the first night she had met Alaric, and how he had escorted her out onto the tiny balcony. She had fallen under his spell that night, she knew, and she doubted she would ever recover from it. If only she had been wise enough to avoid him she would not be suffering this agony now. She had made a very bad mistake, giving her heart to Alaric. He didn't trust her enough to believe her, and what was love without trust?

  Rowena could hear Hugh saying something to her, but it did not penetrate her consciousness. She wondered if Alaric was still with Mrs. Peckham, and if he knew how much unhappiness he was causing her. Perhaps this was another way of punishing her. Or perhaps he didn't care at all. Maybe he didn't even think of her when he was with Mrs. Peckham.

  She returned to reality with a start when she felt Hugh clasp her hand and press his lips to it in a very genuine kiss. She looked down at his head, startled.

  "What are you doing, Mr. Grantly?" she demanded.

  "Oh, Rowena, you must be aware of how I feel. I have just told you my innermost thoughts. You are so beautiful, so pure, so kind...you cannot refuse to accept my devotion."

  Rowena stepped back in horror. She had allowed her mind to wander, and now it seemed that Mr. Grantly had been declaring his affection for her. This was absolutely the last thing that she wanted.

  "Mr. Grantly, please control yourself. This is most uncomfortable. I am a married woman." She snatched her hand out of his grasp.

  "You are married to Brayleigh, who obviously has no affection for you. How else could he spend so much time with Mrs. Peckham? The man is a fool. If I had you, I would never let you out of my sight."

  "I don't remember your feelings being so strong for me a month ago," observed Rowena tartly. "It would seem that my marriage has intensified them."

  "You drive me wild," declared Hugh passionately. "I must have you, Rowena. You are far too good for him."

  "But not too good for you? I see." Rowena backed away from him. "I think you should go, Mr. Grantly."

  "I will not be denied," said Hugh thickly. He stepped forward and tried to take Rowena into his arms. "I could make you happy, Rowena."

  Rowena wriggled out of his grasp. "Please, Mr. Grantly. You are making a spectacle of yourself. I have no intention of betraying my husband."

  "Why? He is cheating on you," said Hugh bluntly. "Everyone knows about Mrs. Peckham."

  Rowena's heart gave a lurch. "Please do not speak of my husband in that manner," she said coldly.

  "Why not? He is unworthy of you. He prefers the over-ripe charms of Mrs. Peckham, but you are all I desire. I will make you happy, Rowena."

  "No, thank you." Rowena sidestepped Hugh as he reached for her again. "This is growing ridiculous. Please leave me alone."

  The curtain onto the balcony was moved aside by a large hand, and Rowena looked up to see Alaric standing in the doorway, his face as dark as a thundercloud. She felt a moment of pure joy when she saw him, and then her heart sank. He looked furious.

  "May I ask why you left the ballroom, Rowena?" Alaric's voice was calm, but Rowena could hear the undercurrent of anger running through it.

  Rowena felt a moment of panic, but then her natural anger rose. He had ignored her except in the bedroom for over a week now, and he had been flirting outrageously with Mrs. Peckham. And yet he somehow felt that he should be able to control her actions? It was ridiculous and insulting. She straightened her shoulders and directed a dazzling smile at Mr. Grantly.

  "I had a slight headache, and Mr. Grantly was kind enough to take pity on me and escort me here to get some fresh air. Was that not kind of him, Alaric?"

  Alaric's icy green eyes fixed on Hugh, who swallowed at the patent threat in his gaze.

  "Thank you, Mr. Grantly. I believe my wife can dispense with your services now."

  Mr. Grantly shifted uneasily and began to back towards the door. Rowena gave him an exasperated look.

  "There is no reason to leave simply because my husband suddenly chooses to act unreasonably, Mr. Grantly. Please remain and keep me company. I was enjoying our conversation."

  Hugh licked his lips and looked from Rowena's face to Alaric's. Rowena's eyes were sparkling with anger and challenge, while her husband simply looked ready to commit murder. He reflected briefly on the various merits of staying with the lovely Lady Brayleigh versus further angering her obviously enraged husband, who was known to be a dangerous man.

  "I...I beg your pardon. I believe I am engaged for the next dance," he stammered, and fled, leaving Rowena face to face with Alaric. Alaric gazed after him with contempt.

  "What a stalwart gentleman you found to flirt with, Rowena," he said caustically. "I hope I didn't interrupt anything important."

  "I was not flirting," said Rowena angrily. "You know quite well that I was not. If you had been standing outside that door very long you are perfectly aware of the circumstances."

  "It was highly inappropriate of you to go out onto the balcony with him," continued Alaric as though he had not heard her. "I believe I told you that I insist on proper behavior from you."

  "Proper behavior?" Rowena's voice rose precipitously. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with my behavior. I felt unwel
l and needed some air. Mr. Grantly escorted me to this balcony, which is in clear view of the ballroom."

  "Nonetheless, it was indiscreet. I will not have you giving rise to rumors with your impetuous behavior."

  "If anyone's behavior is gossiped about tonight, it will be yours," Rowena snapped out. "You practically allowed yourself to be seduced in the middle of the ballroom by Mrs. Peckham. Your behavior was disgusting. I am sure that everyone was taking careful note of it."

  Alaric folded his arms over his chest. "You must realize by now, Rowena, that a woman's behavior is judged much more harshly than a man's. I may conduct myself as I please, while you are not free to do so."

  "Until I give you a son, you mean. After that, I suppose you will allow me to carry on with as many men as I please. Perhaps I will rival Mrs. Peckham in the number of lovers I take!"

  Alaric shrugged. "I would never allow my wife to behave in such a manner. Mrs. Peckham is amusing, of course, but I expect higher standards from my wife."

  Rowena felt like screaming. Alaric's calmness was infuriating, and the superior look he bent on her made her itch to slap him.

  "I don't care what you expect, Alaric," she said sharply. "I cannot live up to the standards you set because they are unrealistic. You have a totally false vision of me. I have told you the truth again and again, and you refuse to believe me. Why should I obey your ridiculous rules now?"

  "And why should I believe your protestations of innocence? You have told me far too many lies for me to believe you."

  Alaric's eyes narrowed as he gazed at her. She was too lovely, he thought angrily. He shouldn't care with whom she strolled onto the balcony, but he did, and desperately. It had taken all of his control not to smash Grantly's frightened face with his fist.

  "I was wrong to lie to you, I have admitted that. I only wanted to wait until all was well with Malcolm. Surely you must understand that, Alaric."

  "I understand that you place your brother before your husband, and that you always have."