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

by Donna Cummings

"But you are the one bringing it to me, not Tess. Why is that?"

  Tony might have felt uncomfortable by the question if the man's eyes weren't twinkling. Clearly he knew why Tony was there, but was going to insist on Tony laying his soul bare.

  "I have two reasons," Tony replied. "It will bring joy to Tess, knowing that her grandmother's portrait is next to yours once again. I am not above doing whatever she wishes."

  "Very laudable. Your marriage is guaranteed to be a long and happy one if that continues to be your goal. And what is your second reason?"

  "I am hoping you can tell me more about Tess. I will do anything to ensure her happiness. Unfortunately, I know little of her likes and dislikes. I would be grateful for whatever you can share. James never spoke much of her—"

  "Bah! That scoundrel. I will wring his neck if he ever decides to return to London. He deserves the most severe punishment—"

  "I would think being depicted as Tess's favorite lamb would suffice."

  Mr. Arrington choked on his laughter. "I can still remember the outrage on James's face, and Tess looking as innocent as an angel. I did not have the heart to admonish her."

  Tony leaned forward and whispered, "You know she deliberately did a second one."

  "I always suspected she did. What she lacks in artistic skills she makes up for with mischief."

  It was one of the things Tony adored about her. He missed that, and wanted desperately for it to return.

  "Could you tell me some of the stories from when she was younger?"

  "I could. But perhaps you should hear them directly from your bride."

  "I plan to, and will thoroughly enjoy the experience. For now, I would like to learn more about her from someone she loves dearly."

  The man's eyes twinkled again. "I cannot do it without a wee sip of brandy. My throat has become a bit dry." He added a cough for good measure.

  Tony grinned. "I see a brandy bottle across the room that appears rather lonely. Shall I fetch it?"

  "Of course. Every story is better when accompanied by brandy."

  Tony brought the bottle and a pair of glasses and set them on a nearby table. "My great-aunt said she knew Mrs. Arrington, and that she was a beauty they all envied."

  The man smiled, clearly enjoying the mention of his wife. "I still count myself a lucky man. There was no reason she should have given me a second glance. Yet she spent her life with me, short as it was." He sighed and took a long draw from his glass. "Tess loves when I tell the tale of how we met and fell in love. She thinks she is indulging me when she prompts me to tell it once more. I know better though."

  Tony felt a rather sharp pang of regret. His wife possessed a romantic streak, yet instead of being wooed and wed, as she had expected after hearing her grandparents' love story over the years, she had simply been wed. Even worse, forced to wed. No wonder she had retreated once their vows had been spoken.

  Yet the thought of falling in love…Tony did not need to consider that option, at least not for himself. It would be a delight to woo his wife, as he had done when they were not yet wed.

  Why could they not continue their wager? Surely Tess would find it enjoyable. He knew he would. They would have to agree to slightly different terms, though he could still use the praise-singing in Hyde Park, since it would likely never happen.

  Tony grinned. The weight of the past few days lifted from his shoulders. He could not wait to return to Tess and persuade her this was the perfect thing to do. He was also not above learning some inside information that might benefit him in this undertaking.

  He leaned over and refilled Mr. Arrington's empty glass. "What other tales do you have of this lovely woman I wed?"

  Chapter 7

  Tess watched as Felicia poured tea for the women in attendance. She had been looking forward to this afternoon, partly because she was at complete sixes and sevens and needed a distraction. She was married now, but she had no idea what to do with a husband who had wed her, not because he loved her, but because society had insisted on it.

  The banter she and Tony previously engaged in had been replaced with coolly polite conversations about the weather. Before Tess could fully appreciate the passionate kiss they had shared, anticipating it might lead him to lose his heart…Tony had lost his bachelorhood, as well as his interest in her.

  She had yet to discover what a wedding night with her husband might entail. She began to wonder if she ever would.

  Tess pasted a smile on her face. Perhaps she could learn more about Tony from Felicia, the only one who caused him to lose his aplomb. At one time, Tess might have been able to use such information to her advantage in their wager. But that too had fallen by the wayside once their vows had been spoken.

  Tess found herself diverted from her woes by the other guests—Felicia's friend Georgiana, and Rosalinde, who had recently wed Felicia's brother. They were not at all stuffy, nor did they stand on ceremony. Tess fought off a grin when Felicia blithely began to talk about the most scandalous topics, and everyone jumped right in with their contributions.

  "Hugh must be having fits," Georgiana said, laughing. "Now that he knows how much we discuss when we're together."

  Felicia grinned. "I should not be surprised to find him listening at the keyhole, ready to burst in whenever we discuss things of a more intimate nature."

  "We could lower our voices," Rosalinde suggested.

  "Or move to the farthest corner of the room," Tess added with a smile.

  "All are excellent suggestions," Felicia said, "but I prefer to let him determine how to handle all of the information we divulge."

  "He will say it is so he can understand his daughter," Georgiana said, "but I am convinced Lucinda will always lead him a merry dance. If not, Felicia will do so."

  "It is my fondest wish," Felicia said cheerfully. "So what shall we discuss next?"

  "I should like to make a request," Tess said. "Though it may seem too personal a topic."

  "You have ensured they will not leave you alone until you reveal it," Rosalinde informed her. "If there are any secrets here, I would be entirely surprised."

  "Yes! You must ask us," Felicia insisted.

  Tess hesitated another moment, but knew in her heart she could not pass up this opportunity, not when she had three experts at hand.

  "How did you know you were in love?"

  None of the women answered for a moment. They were too busy smiling, lost in moments that clearly meant so much to them, based on the beatific expressions on each of their faces.

  "If your husband is attempting to eavesdrop now," Tess said in a teasing voice, "he will go mad at the silence that has fallen here."

  The women started to laugh, slightly self-consciously, but still, clearly enamored of the memories of falling in love.

  "I did things quite backwards," Georgiana confessed. "One moment I was mocking Simon's flirting skills, then the next I had fallen instantly in love with him. Of course, then he was late to our wedding…"

  Tess raised her eyebrows. "And you did not fall out of love?"

  Georgiana shook her head. "It was quite impossible once I realized I loved him. Granted, I did make him suffer a bit, wondering if I would ever forgive him for his egregious behavior."

  "Yes, he suffered all the way to Gretna," Felicia teased.

  "I was not about to let him leave me at the altar twice," Georgiana said, her eyes twinkling.

  The ladies laughed uproariously, and Tess joined in the merriment.

  "I suppose I did things slightly backwards as well," Felicia said, "since I fell instantly in love with Hugh, and asked him to wed me, but he thought it was a jest."

  Tess frowned. "But why?"

  "It was at his betrothal ball." Felicia laughed. "I remember him asking if Tony had sent me over as part of a wager. It took a while before I could convince him I was quite serious about being in love with him."

  Tess pondered the mention of Tony and a wager. It seemed he was even more notorious a gambler than she
had realized.

  "I fell in love a bit differently, too," Rosalinde began. "I resisted it assiduously, since Julian seemed like quite the madman. He declared that he had fallen in love instantly, at our first meeting, and I did not believe it was possible, since it was mere moments after I had been jilted. And then later, when I discovered he was not simply Mr. Selby, but a duke…"

  "What made you stop resisting?"

  Rosalinde smiled at Tess's question. "I did not realize I had stopped. In truth, I found myself contemplating him at all hours of the day, wondering what he was doing, or thinking. I wanted to share something interesting with him, or hear him laugh when I chided him for being outrageous, and then I realized I wanted to do those things every day. For the rest of my days. With him."

  Tess gave a heartfelt sigh at her words, as did Georgiana and Felicia.

  Felicia studied Tess for a moment. "It is easy to see that Tony is quite captivated by you, which is such a rarity for him."

  That information briefly warmed Tess's heart, but she knew the reason behind it. "He might have been once. Before our wedding. Yet his interest was most likely due to our wager."

  "This sounds intriguing," Georgiana said.

  "I agree," Rosalinde said. "I hate to admit this, but Julian has quite corrupted me. If not for him, I would never have learned how to play games of chance. The mere mention of the word 'wager' made me sit up and take notice."

  Felicia was clearly impatient to hear more, but Tess found herself hesitating. Yet her madcap actions, and being compromised into marriage, were quite tame compared to their romantic tales.

  "I, well, we both wagered that we could make the other fall in love first."

  "Oh, that is delightful!"

  "How wickedly exciting!"

  "It is too devilishly wonderful!"

  Tess heaved a sigh of relief at their reactions.

  Georgiana took a sip of tea. "Well, I for one am desperate to know what the terms of this bet are."

  "While I was wondering if we might be able to place a small sum on the outcome," Rosalinde said with a wink.

  Felicia clapped her hands with delight. "Oh, I am already putting all my money on Tony falling first. He's halfway there already, and with good reason. You are just what he needs, Lady Travender."

  "Please, call me Tess." She grinned. "I have just confessed to wagering with your cousin over a matter of love. We have also been compromised into marriage. Surely formalities are no longer necessary."

  Tess regaled her rapt audience with the details, although when she told them of Tony being required to sing her praises in Hyde Park, all three of the ladies winced.

  "Can you imagine Tony singing off-key in front of multitudes of people?" Felicia crowed.

  "You are an admirable foe," Georgiana said, grinning. "I am excited to see how this wager progresses."

  Rosalinde nodded. "If there is anything we can do to assist in this endeavor—"

  "But there is no longer any point," Tess protested. "I have regained my grandfather's painting, and Tony shares our chef."

  "But your hearts are still at stake." Felicia raised her eyebrows. "I cannot see why you should let your marriage vows stand in the way of true love."

  What a shocking notion. Even more surprising, Georgiana and Rosalinde solemnly nodded their agreement.

  A glimmer of hopefulness found its way into Tess's heart. Why should their wager be over? It had never included marriage, and while that had seemed like an obstacle at first, in truth the current situation provided her with many more opportunities to woo her husband. She fought off a shiver of excitement at the possibilities.

  "I believe you might have persuaded me," Tess said. "Though I am at a loss as to how I should proceed."

  "We all stand at the ready to assist you," Felicia said. "I am certain we can use Great-Aunt Uproar to your advantage as well. She has a great deal of historical knowledge that could prove useful, from when Tony was a child."

  "That doesn't seem quite fair," Rosalinde said with a chuckle. "But I like it. Oh, and speaking of Great-Aunt Uproar, perhaps Tess should hear that story, since it is a wonderful depiction of how long love can last."

  Georgiana's lips twitched. "Yes, but the poor thing wants to win this wager. She does not want to wait decades for that to happen."

  Felicia groaned. "Do not mention waiting. I thought I might die a spinster before convincing Hugh to marry me."

  "Julian was the most patient of men, even after I declined his offer of marriage. His devotion to what seemed like a hopeless cause finally won me over." Rosaline grinned. "Though I always tell him it was his other fine qualities that I could not resist."

  "Simon was absolutely incorrigible," Georgiana said with a great deal of indulgence in her voice. "I should have given him the cut direct, but what woman can resist a rogue as persistent as he was?"

  Tess watched them laugh and chatter about their husbands. It was easy to envy their happiness, for she could not help but wish her husband might feel the same one day. If that never happened, at least she could be content knowing she had brought happiness to her grandfather, making things right for him when her brother had let him down so irresponsibly.

  She had even managed to add her own scandal to the family lore.

  "We must put our heads together and determine how to ensure Tess wins this wager." Felicia was brimming with enthusiasm, banishing Tess's doubts for the moment. "I could host another ball—"

  "Are you certain he will attend?" Rosalinde asked. "After all, he was always so suspicious of your previous matchmaking endeavors."

  "But surely he cannot be wary now, since he is wed," Felicia said. "A ball would provide numerous opportunities for them to dance together."

  "Yes," Georgiana said, gazing off in a starry-eyed fashion. "That is always a good choice for a budding romance."

  "Perhaps I should host it," Rosalinde said. "He will not have his guard up, especially if I insist he oversee the card room."

  "That is an excellent suggestion." Felicia grinned. "Though I am certain Tess will distract him from any thoughts of games of chance, or wagers—"

  "Until he loses this one," Georgiana added. "Along with his heart."

  They all began to laugh with utter delight. Tess joined in, happy to have such wonderful conspirators, and excited for her next encounter with her husband, a man who might just steal her heart.

  Chapter 8

  Tony entered the breakfast parlor and Tess's heart soared at the smile he gave her. If she had her way, she would be seeing this particular expression on his face for a good long while into the future.

  "Good morning," he said, seating himself near her.

  "It is indeed," she replied.

  He tilted his head. "It does my heart good to see you so cheerful. What might be the reason for it?"

  She wanted to present her idea in a calm fashion, to ensure he agreed. But just as the first time she had presented it, the words were gone before she could rein them in.

  "I want to continue our wager."

  He nodded, as if contemplating the notion. Before he could protest, she added, "We are wed, but I have not seen anyone succumbing to love."

  It made her think how she was doing things backwards, quite like her newfound friends had done. Previously this was just a lighthearted wager, a way to make the Season a bit more bearable while retrieving her grandfather's painting.

  But now that she was wed, and to a man who clearly felt constrained by marriage…she had to prove to herself that their attraction could indeed become something more.

  "You believe you can still win the wager?" he asked.

  Tony's eyes gleamed with the challenge, which was heartening. In truth, she liked the thought of him doing his utmost to make her fall in love. Tess was equally intent. After all, she had his name. Now she wanted his love.

  "I am more determined than ever," she said. "The circumstances have changed, but the wager has not. I believe it will make it even more entertaini
ng for the both of us. There are distinct advantages to being wed."

  His lips twitched with amusement. "So I shall sing your praises if you win my heart. What shall you do when I win yours? Paint my portrait for display at Somerset House?"

  "I had considered it." She grinned. "But I cannot be certain the Royal Academy would permit a painting of a lamb-faced gentleman."

  Tony bit back a laugh. "You have chosen something else then."

  "Indeed. If you win my heart, I shall compose an ode and read it aloud in Hyde Park, detailing the reasons I could not resist your charms."

  "I would be happy to assist with composing the numerous stanzas it will require."

  Tess waved her hand dismissively. "I am certain I can dash off a few lines between the fish course and dessert one evening. And I have always wanted to try my hand at fiction."

  He laughed, and her heart did the most joyous dance at hearing that delightful sound again. She meant to ensure she heard it constantly in the days ahead.

  He stood and lifted her hand to his lips. His mouth against her skin was almost too much to bear. It reminded her of the one kiss they had shared, the one that had seemed to be the start of a passionate interlude. The very kiss that had called a halt to it instead.

  "Go," she insisted, before she was forced to start scribbling an ode to his ability to stir her merely from kissing the back of her hand. "I have much to do before we meet again at dinner."

  "I shall await it eagerly."

  Tess nodded, unable to speak. Once he left the room, she grabbed the linen napkin and fanned her face.

  ***

  Tony fidgeted with his cravat, checking his appearance in the mirror once more. He laughed at his reflection. He was acting like a swain at his first social outing. Yet could he be blamed? After what had been an interminably long day, he was finally dining with his bride—his very happy bride. Being a husband would still take some getting used to, but it could prove quite enjoyable now that they had returned to their previous circumstances.

  He had been prepared to suggest recommencing their wager, but Tess had surprised him by doing so first. Of course he had agreed. It had brought back Tess and her teasing banter, something he feared would be lost forever. Now he was filled with anticipation at what Tess might do to garner his attentions this evening. Perhaps it would lead to some kisses, similar to the one that had led to their hasty wedding.