The Debutante's Wager (The Curse of True Love Book 4)

by Donna Cummings

  "That is no surprise," Tess said with a snort. She led him to the sofa and, once he was seated, poured them both a glass of spirits. She handed him one as she settled next to him on the sofa.

  "Tell me your tale of this evening, so that I can be surprised. After all, you have provided very few of them." He began to scowl. "Unlike that scoundrel brother of yours—"

  Before he could get himself into a state, Tess blurted, "I wagered Lord Travender that he would lose his heart to me."

  Her grandfather's white-as-snow eyebrows shot straight up into his hairline. Fortunately, he had not taken a sip of the spirits yet, or she would have been helping him recover from a coughing spell.

  "That is indeed a surprise, with you not being the gambling sort. How did that come about?"

  There was no approbation in her grandfather's expression, just genuine curiosity. After all, Tess had always been the most steadfast and deliberate of the Arrington family. Clearly she had been awaiting the perfect opportunity to outshine her madcap relatives.

  "I had not intended it. I had actually planned a heartfelt appeal to Lord Travender, telling him how important the painting was to you—"

  Her grandfather sighed, his lips lifting in another smile. "That was the best portrait I ever did of your grandmother. Although there was another she would never let me display…" He cleared his throat and pretended to study the marble fire surround for a few moments. "So his lordship would only agree to return the painting with a wager?"

  It was Tess's turn to study the carved details of the fire surround. She did not wish to reveal how Lord Travender had incited a riot of sensations, a combination of heat and chills that continued to race through every part of her being. His deliberately provocative banter, his appreciative gaze…

  She fought off a shiver. No wonder her wits had fled just when she had needed them the most.

  "I confess I was rather dazzled by him, unexpectedly so. The next thing I knew, he was warning me that he would break my heart. As though I were some simpering debutante who had chosen someone above her touch."

  Her grandfather's chuckle confirmed that she was frowning at the memory of Lord Travender's initial remarks, the ones that had sparked the imprudent wager.

  "For someone who is not inclined to gambling, you definitely chose a grand one for your first venture."

  She joined in his laughter. "I did, didn't I? Hopefully I will prove successful, or…" She nibbled at her lip. "Or Henri will become Lord Travender's chef."

  "But he is like a member of this family!" Her grandfather's shock quickly turned to amusement once more. "We shall have to ensure you meet with success or we are like to starve."

  Tess chuckled. "I doubt we need to fear that. It is quite the challenge, though, since I have little experience in how to make a man lose his heart."

  The truth was she had no experience, and no previous suitors, having spent her days happily ensconced at their home in the countryside, helping her grandfather in his studio despite her demonstrated lack of artistic talent.

  "I have complete faith in you, my dearest. No man could resist such a sweet beauty as you."

  He beamed, and Tess knew he was about to start reminiscing about her grandmother, one of his favorite pastimes.

  "Start with when you first saw Grandmama," she suggested, snuggling closer.

  "When she would have nothing to do with me, Connor Arrington, a lowly painter?"

  "She was merely teasing you." Tess knew every word of the story, yet she loved to hear her grandfather relive those moments when he had fallen headlong into love. "You know she could not let her family know of her interest in you."

  "True." He kissed her forehead. "Fortunately she was a strong-willed lass, just like her granddaughter. There is not many who can prevent you from doing what you wish to do."

  "I am keeping Grandmama's legacy alive."

  "Indeed. She would be proud of you."

  Tess had her doubts about that, but pushed them aside. "Fortunately, you finally won over her family—"

  He cackled, as Tess knew he would. "I did not win them over so much as wear down their resistance. Or she did, since she refused offers from everyone, driving her parents mad with her obstinacy."

  Tess laughed. "I am definitely keeping that portion of her legacy alive."

  He grew solemn for a moment. "I know you will do as you wish—"

  "Of course!"

  "But I will still ask that you consider your own happiness in this venture."

  "If I do, it could mean I lose the painting for good."

  He shrugged, but his eyes were twinkling once more. "It would also mean you have your own romantic tale to tell your grandchildren one day."

  Tess had to admit she liked that notion. But at the expense of her grandfather's happiness?

  He did not say anything for a while, and Tess began to prompt him for the next part of the tale, until she heard the soft snore. She grinned and took the glass from his hand, setting it on the nearby table.

  "Come, sleepy one. Let us take you upstairs to bed."

  He grumbled and woke up enough that she could lead him to the stairs. On the way, they passed the spot where her grandmother's portrait used to reside, and his wistful sigh made Tess's heart falter. It was not only her grandfather's most celebrated work, it was visible evidence of his love for the woman who had inspired him for decades.

  She felt a sharp pang of envy. Her grandparents had loved each other deeply. How could she ever consider anything less for herself? Yet tonight she had gambled with the possibility that she might fall in love with someone who would never return such feelings.

  Tess shook her head at what she had set in motion. Her very first wager, and it could end up causing more heartache than her brother's had done.

  Chapter 3

  Tony grinned at Felicia across the dining table. Before her marriage, he had breakfasted at his cousin Julian's home, but now he split the mornings between there and Felicia's new household. It was only fair to give each of them equal time—at least until he won the wager, and Miss Arrington's excellent chef.

  "I saw you speaking with a rare beauty last evening, Tony." Felicia raised her eyebrows, clearly expecting him to spill every detail about the encounter.

  "You saw me speaking with several young ladies. That does seem to be the reason for every event you host lately." He gave her a mock sympathetic look. "Don't tell me you were hoping to see me dashing off with the lovely miss, eloping as you used to love doing."

  "Of course not. Although I am glad to hear you consider her lovely. That is very promising."

  Tony would not admit it, but Miss Arrington's loveliness had proved so distracting, he had been unable to concentrate on cards the entire rest of the evening. He had attempted to, but then his mind would stray to their wicked banter, and how much he had enjoyed her lively and daring responses.

  When he had finally realized he was contemplating their next encounter rather than trying to outwit his fellow gamblers, he had left, carelessly throwing away what might have been a winning hand.

  He would have to do a better job of keeping his wits about him if he truly wanted to prevail in this wager with Miss Arrington.

  Felicia must have seen the pleased expression on his face because she was smiling broadly.

  "Oh no," he said. "Do not fool yourself into believing you are some sort of matchmaker here."

  "Honestly, Tony, I cannot imagine what you are ranting about. A matchmaker." She gave an elegant snort. "Next you will label my invitation to her for tea as some sort of underhanded trick."

  Her words surprised him, but he managed to keep his voice level. "When have you invited her?"

  "It does not matter." She waved her hand airily. "As you are not included in the invitation."

  "Fine. I shall sit on your doorstep each day until I see her arrive."

  Felicia's husband, Hugh, entered the breakfast parlor just then. "Felicia, what have you done to make Tony vow to haunt our door?
" He leaned down and gave her a tender kiss. "He is quite overset, by the looks of it. So it must have something to do with matrimonial matters."

  "Since I have not devoted myself to the task of finding my one true love, she is constantly presenting debutantes for my perusal."

  Hugh sat down at the head of the table, near his bride. "Any good prospects?"

  "It has not been easy," Felicia said with a laugh, "since you have wed the best of the lot. Still, I have worked tirelessly—"

  "It is called meddling," Tony said. "And interfering."

  Her frown was rather fierce, making Tony grateful the width of the table separated them. She was notorious for her pinches.

  "When you have finally settled down," she continued, "you will thank me for taking such an interest in your marital bliss."

  "And when I have set sail for the Caribbean, never to return, you will wish you had not taken such an unholy interest in my personal affairs."

  Hugh grinned. "She is quite relentless, you know. It was why I finally conceded defeat." At Felicia's ahem, he clasped her hand in his before adding mischievously, "And I am glad I did."

  It was easy to see how besotted they were with each other, and Tony did not begrudge them their happiness, not for a moment. He was slightly envious, though, almost wishing he had been cursed as both his cousins had been, for he could not imagine how he was ever going to find true love.

  Was such a thing possible for him? He always dismissed it as being much too fanciful, yet how different was it than a winning streak that appeared out of nowhere? Love might prove just as serendipitous, if he permitted himself to consider it.

  Yet those were the exact reasons why he continued to avoid it. While he enjoyed the inherent risk in gaming and wagers, when it came to his future, and his heart, he preferred a bit more predictability.

  "Speaking of marital bliss," Hugh said. "How are the wedding plans for Great-Aunt Uproar and Frederick proceeding?"

  "Not as well as I had hoped," Felicia confessed. "We seem to have reached a bit of an impasse."

  "Because of Frederick?" Tony grinned. "This family is indeed scandalous if our own coachman is resistant to becoming a member."

  "No, that is not the problem. He is just not persuaded it is proper to have a lavish event. Yet, after waiting for five decades, Great-Aunt has her heart set on something memorable."

  "An elopement would fit the bill," Tony said. "It would also make use of your extensive experience. Which reminds me. Weren't you planning on opening some sort of elopement academy?"

  Hugh choked on his coffee. "Please. Do not provoke her into entertaining this topic again."

  "Of course. Though for all you know, Felicia has already selected a site and is right now consulting with a builder to construct it."

  Felicia patted Hugh's hand while tossing a warning look in Tony's direction. "I have no plans to run such an academy," she assured her husband. "Though I would be completely amenable to serving as the patroness."

  Tony laughed once more. "Hugh, your frown has no effect on my cousin, so you may as well save yourself the effort."

  "It has little effect on Lucinda either," Hugh added with a theatrical sigh. "I have somehow ceded any power I might have possessed to both of them."

  Before Tony could tease the man further, a footman appeared, extending a salver. "Lord Travender, this missive was delivered to your house, but your butler deemed it worthy of an immediate response."

  Tony nodded and took the parchment, opening the seal quickly. A bit of newsprint fluttered onto the table. He picked it up and held it in one hand while reading the letter first. His heart jumped once he realized it was from Miss Arrington.

  My dearest Lord Travender,

  While perusing the papers this morning, I came across this notice extolling the praises of a music tutor, one who specializes in training singers of all skill levels. You might wish to engage this man—a genuine Italian opera star!—for private lessons. I would not hesitate, if I were you, as you will want to be prepared for the day you sing my praises to all of London.

  Tony glanced at the advertisement she had included with her letter, and then tucked both of them inside his coat, unable to stop his grin. The minx. A clever one, too. Last night he was eagerly anticipating their next encounter. Now, he was impatient for it, as Miss Arrington had no doubt intended.

  "Tony, is that a lovesick grin on your face?" Felicia could not hide the triumph in her expression. "Hugh, just look at him. I have never seen him like this before."

  "I have not either," Hugh mused, his eyes twinkling. "Perhaps you will have two weddings to prepare for now."

  "Do not publish the banns just yet. I have barely met the woman, and had but one brief conversation with her."

  He could scarce wait until their next one, however. Perhaps he could invite her to an outing? He had little idea of how to go about these things since he had never pursued a debutante before.

  He needed to engage the services of an expert, and quickly. He grinned broadly. Who better than the one who would be poking her nose into his affairs anyway?

  "Felicia, perhaps I could call upon your vast experience after all…"

  Chapter 4

  Tony extended his hand and assisted Miss Arrington from his carriage. He felt a moment's nervousness, hoping she would find the Royal Academy's annual exhibition an enjoyable one. To his delight, her eyes widened once she saw the grandeur of Somerset House displayed before her.

  "You promised a surprise, Lord Travender. But I had not expected you would choose this particular setting to return the painting. How diabolically clever you are."

  "I am gratified at your praise, though it is quite unearned." He grinned. "I am even more bowled over that you believed I would cry defeat so easily."

  She gave him a mock frown. "I labored over that missive for quite some time, certain of its success. Still, you did warn me of your remarkable staying power."

  Tony choked back a laugh. He placed her gloved hand on his arm and began walking to the entryway, joining numerous other couples strolling the same direction.

  "We are not the only ones who have chosen this particular destination today," Tony commented.

  "There must have been a rumor you would be debuting your upcoming musical selection. The one titled I Sing My Praise to She Who Has Won My Heart."

  "The crowds would flee once the first notes left my lips. Just think of all the valuable artwork that could be destroyed in the process."

  "So you continue to practice in private. An admirable plan." Her lips twitched. "Have you engaged the services of Signor Baratelli?"

  "I thought to wait a bit longer. After all, I am quite confident in the outcome of this bet."

  She smoothed her hand over his arm, making Tony wish his superfine coat would melt away, permitting her skin to caress his. It did not seem a calculated movement on her part, yet what did that matter? His heart still raced like a thoroughbred nearing the finish line.

  "Is it possible we can both be victorious?" she asked.

  "I had not considered that intriguing notion. Perhaps I should have."

  Before she could tease him further, they entered the main exhibition room. Each wall was filled from floor to ceiling with paintings of all sizes, the ones at the top tilted slightly outwards or they would have been impossible to view. Light poured in through the arched windows, reflecting off the numerous gilded frames.

  Tony heard a soft gasp and turned to see the most delightful expression of uninhibited joy on Miss Arrington's face. She clearly tried to take it all in at once, her eyes flicking from one wall to the next, unsure where to focus her attention.

  "There is so much to see," she breathed. "And there is also the Antiquities Room…"

  "I am yours for the entire day." When she turned her head sharply towards him, Tony added, "If you need more time, we can return on the morrow."

  She blinked, as if his response had surprised her. "That is quite generous of you, my lord. But I cou
ld not impose on you in such a fashion."

  "I cannot consider it an imposition." He winked. "I would do anything to ensure your happiness."

  "Of course! You are certain it will make me fall instantly at your feet, declaring you the victor." She clucked her tongue. "I had not expected you to reveal your strategy so quickly."

  "Perhaps it is merely misdirection on my part, so you are unable to detect my actual methods."

  She put the back of her hand to her forehead and gave a theatrical sigh. "You are giving this poor debutante a megrim."

  He laughed. "Fortunately, there are several benches strewn about. Shall I find one for you?"

  She dropped her hand, as well as the pretense of being overwhelmed. "No need to fear for my stamina after all. I am quite recovered."

  Tony grinned and led her towards the nearest wall. It was difficult to choose where to look since the ornate frames were crowded together, nearly overlapping, all of them vying for attention.

  "I shall have to bring my grandfather here one day," Tess said. "He has told me of the time he was permitted to exhibit, and he was grateful not to be placed toward the ceiling. It is nearly impossible for anyone to see those paintings in any sort of detail."

  "Your grandfather is an artist?"

  Tess threw him a surprised look. "The painting you—

  "Won."

  "My grandfather painted it."

  "I had no idea." He felt a bit of irritation that James had never revealed the painting's significance. Yet when had he and James spoken of anything other than gaming? That added to his guilt, but he managed to set it aside for the moment. "Who is the beauty he painted?"

  "His favorite model. My grandmother." She beamed. "They were quite the scandalous pair in their youth. She was also a painter, though not as well known. There is a matching portrait of him, done at the same time he did hers, and normally they are displayed together."

  Tony's guilt grew to an almost unbearable level. The honorable thing to do was relinquish the painting immediately. It was disgraceful that James had gambled away something with such obvious value to his family. Had Tony known of it…