Nicola Cornick

by The Dukes Mistress

  ‘Such as yourself?’

  Ralston frowned. ‘I would consider that more acceptable, yes.’

  ‘Do you wish to stand up with Lord Ralston?’ Justin asked Belle who still held Lady Ralston’s arm.

  ‘No, I do not!’ she snapped. ‘I do not want to stand up with anyone, if you must know!’

  Lady Ralston gasped and Ralston’s mouth opened and closed like a landed trout. Belle coloured fiercely when she seemed to realise how much she had shocked her family. ‘That is, I do not dance, your Grace.’

  A cool smile curved his mouth. ‘There is the contract.’ He spoke softly enough that he doubted Ralston could hear him over the music and chatter.

  She frowned and then her gaze went to something over his shoulder. He half-turned and saw young Roland Hurst escorting Lady Chloe towards them. Belle looked back at him. ‘Very well, your Grace, I will stand up with you.’

  Lady Ralston gasped. ‘You cannot!’

  ‘Belle!’ Ralston exclaimed. ‘I forbid you to make a spectacle of yourself.’

  Justin was rapidly developing a desire to mow Ralston down. He eyed the man with a look that made him pale. ‘I assure you she will not.’ He turned to Belle and held out his arm. ‘Shall we, Lady Milborne?’

  She nodded and, after a brief hesitation, took his arm. He led her to one of the sets that was forming and released her. ‘Does Ralston always attempt to dictate to you like that?’ he demanded.

  ‘He always dictates to everyone.’

  He scowled. ‘But why the devil do you allow him to ride roughshod over you like that?’

  ‘Because if I do not, he will forbid me to see Chloe.’

  ‘The devil take him,’ he said softly. She merely looked at him without speaking but she did not need to. He was using her affection for Chloe to dictate to her in an even more despicable fashion than Ralston.

  He looked down at her lovely face and reminded himself that she deserved no sympathy. She had used him in a way that had nearly killed him, but even worse had destroyed his parents. Her actions were every bit as despicable as his.

  The music started. It did not take him long to realise that if his intentions were to shake her composure by dancing with her, he had sadly miscalculated. She was polite but she had put up that impenetrable barrier that made him want to grit his teeth. Or kiss her until she surrendered to him.

  Then he wanted to curse because he did not want her to affect him in any way. He wanted no emotion involved where she was concerned because he intended to use her as heartlessly as she had used him.

  By the time the dance had finished, he was in a foul mood. He led Belle from the set and to the side of the ballroom and there he looked down at her. ‘I would like your company tomorrow night. You will attend the theatre with me and after that you will come to my house.’

  ‘Tomorrow night is not convenient for me.’

  ‘You had best make it convenient then. May I remind you that until you start to fulfil your terms of the contract, my side is not enforceable.’

  She lifted her chin. ‘If you recall, you said you would require my company on two other occasions each week. I would consider last night one occasion and tonight another unless you wanted last night to count towards the other part of my terms.’

  The fact she could continue to look so composed and sound so damn reasonable annoyed him even more. ‘Hardly, my dear. Since very little happened.’

  ‘That was not my doing. I was willing but you were not.’

  He stepped towards her. ‘Oh, I was very willing, but I was not about to take advantage of you.’

  ‘How odd since that was what I thought our entire contract was about.’ A little smile touched her mouth.

  Which had the unfortunate effect of drawing his attention there. He could almost taste her lips. The urge to take her into his arms and kiss her until she was breathless was nearly overwhelming. He took another step towards her and her eyes widened.

  ‘Westmore!’

  His aunt’s sharp voice suddenly recalled him to his senses. He was in the middle of a ballroom. He spun around to find Lady Georgina behind him. With her was her latest protégée, Lady Clarissa Blackwood, an icy beauty of eighteen, whose conversations seemed to consist solely of monosyllables. Lady Georgina’s sharp gaze went from his face to Belle’s. Without acknowledging Belle, she turned back to him. ‘I have promised Lady Clarissa that you would stand up with her for the next dance.’

  Hell. He wanted to strangle his aunt, first for cutting Belle and then for putting him in a position where he was obligated to dance with the girl. He could hardly refuse with Lady Clarissa standing in front of him. “Very well,’ he said coolly.

  He turned to find Belle. But she had vanished. Had his aunt’s snub distressed her so much that she had left? But why should he care if it had if he wanted to punish her in any way possible?

  He had no answer.

  Chapter Five

  Belle stared down at the note she held in her hand with a great deal of dismay. It had arrived just as she sat down for breakfast and had had the immediate effect of ruining her appetite. The note was very curt and to the point.

  —As one of your contractual obligations you will do me the honour of accompanying me to the Theatre Royal tonight. We will return to my house after the performance.

  Westmore.

  She crumpled it and resisted the urge to tear the page into small pieces and forget she had ever made such a bargain. But that would never do. Then he would distress Chloe with his attentions and poor Maria would probably go into a severe decline. Arthur would do everything in his power to make certain Chloe became a Duchess while Lady Georgina would do everything in her power to make certain Chloe did not. She shuddered just thinking about it.

  Oh, dear. She took a sip from her coffee, which was now cold, and then shoved the cup aside. Agitated, she rose and went to stand near the window. Everything was about to become very complicated. She must cry off from attending the theatre with Maria, Chloe and Arthur and then they would see her there with Justin. She could hardly keep it a secret from them.

  She really had no choice but to tell Maria the truth. She was going to the theatre with Justin.

  Her mother-in-law stared at her, her face incredulous. Two spots of red colour appeared in her cheeks and then she fell back against the sofa with a little shriek. ‘No! It was bad enough you stood up with him last night. But to attend the theatre with him?’ Her voice rose. ‘How can you? Are you so unfeeling that you would consort with the man who…who killed my son? You have always been a daughter to me and now you are betraying me!’

  Belle tried to take Maria’s hand but the older woman snatched it away. ‘Please do not touch me! I do not know why you are doing this? Is it possible you are in love with him?’

  Belle flinched and a wave of anger hit her with stunning force. She spoke before she could think. ‘No! How can you say such a thing? How can you even think such a thing? The only reason I am doing this is to protect Chloe. He will leave Chloe alone in exchange for my company. Otherwise he will continue to pursue her.’

  Maria’s mouth fell open. ‘You are protecting Chloe from his attentions?’ She stared at Belle, her eyes growing wider. ‘Oh, how can he be so wicked as to pursue her when he must know we revile him? But if you go to the theatre with him he will stop? Why?’

  Belle suddenly regretted she had spoken. She said tiredly, ‘I do not know. It is what he has agreed to.’

  She had no idea what Maria would say but she was hardly prepared for Maria’s next words. ‘Oh, my dear! I quite see how it is. You are sacrificing yourself for Chloe. How could I doubt you! You must be the best of daughters-in-law!’ She enfolded Belle in a swooping embrace that smelled of cloying perfume. She released her then sat back and sniffed. ‘How brave you are! I do not care what anyone will think or say when they see you with him.’

  ‘I pray you will not say a thing to anyone about this. Particularly not to Chloe.’

  ‘Of co
urse I will not,’ she said indignantly. A little frown creased her brow. ‘So you are only going to the theatre with him?’

  ‘No, he wishes me to spend more time in his company.’

  Maria stared at her. ‘More time? Does he wish you to…to become his mistress?’

  ‘I…’ She looked at Maria, feeling helpless. Her cheeks heated. ‘No, of course not.’

  Maria’s eyes widened. ‘I am certain he does. I see everything now! He was in love with you and wished to provoke a quarrel with Lucien so he might have you. But you refused him and now he means to have you any way he can!’

  ‘No, it is not that at all.’

  Maria paid no heed. ‘Oh, my love, you must be careful. You will have no reputation and then Chloe’s will be quite ruined! The Duke of Westmore’s mistress! I quite see, he means to ruin all of us!’ She closed her eyes and emitted a wail.

  ‘No, he will not. I will see to it he does not.’

  Maria’s eyes opened. ‘No, I know you will not let anything happen to us. Or to harm Chloe. Which is why I must ask that you do not see Chloe for the rest of the Season.’

  Belle stared at her. ‘Not see Chloe?’

  ‘You do understand why, do you not?’ Maria asked. Her eyes were fixed on Belle. ‘I perfectly understand the sacrifice you are making, but others will not and if it appears we condone your association…my dear, you must see that it will not do Chloe any good at all!’

  ‘No, it would not,’ she said slowly. She rose, her legs unsteady. ‘I must go. Please give Chloe my love and tell her…tell her…’ but she could not finish. She picked up her reticule and bonnet and nearly ran from the room. She heard Maria’s surprised protest but she had no desire to burst into tears in front of her. She climbed into her carriage and sat down, clutching her reticule and praying she would not weep. But she could not so easily stop the wretchedness in her heart that made her feel as if she had just cut herself off from all that was good.

  Justin glanced at his companion who was seated next to him in the box. She had been quiet and obviously distracted ever since he had called for her three-quarters of an hour ago. She had politely answered his questions, but she might as well be on another continent as far as he was concerned.

  She suddenly stiffened, her attention caught by something. He looked over and saw Lady Ralston and Lady Chloe being escorted into a box by Lord Ralston. ‘Do not worry, I have given you my promise that I will not pursue your sister-in-law,’ he told her.

  She turned and looked at him. Her fine eyes were full of such misery that he was taken aback. Then her expression veiled. ‘I am not worried,’ she said politely.

  ‘Then what is it?’

  ‘Nothing at all.’ She folded her hands back in her lap. ‘I have not been in the Theatre Royal before.’

  ‘Your husband did not bring you here?’

  ‘No, he did not.’ She made an obvious effort to look at him. ‘I have heard this is an excellent play.’

  ‘Yes. There is no need to force yourself to make conversation,’ he said drily.

  ‘I beg your pardon. I fear I cannot think of much to say tonight.’

  ‘Apparently not. You might, however, look as if you take some pleasure in my company.’

  For the first time her eyes flashed anger. ‘Why? Is that part of our contract? That I must enjoy this?’

  At least she showed him something besides indifference. He folded his arms. ‘I would like that, yes.’

  ‘Very well.’ She gave him a tight smile. But then her gaze went in the direction of Ralston’s box. She looked quickly away. Her cheeks heated with colour. The curtain went up, but not before Justin caught a glimpse of Ralston’s outraged face.

  Brandt was the first person to join them at the interval. With him was Henry Aubrey. Justin stood, and Belle did as well. He glanced at her. ‘You know my cousin. Have you met Aubrey?’

  ‘Yes,’ Belle said. Her smile was strained. ‘Good evening, Lord Salcombe, Mr Aubrey.’

  Brandt inclined his head. ‘Lady Milborne.’ His expression was cool. ‘You are enjoying the performance?’

  ‘Very much.’ She was still polite, nothing in her expression revealing how she felt at Brandt’s icy manner.

  For some reason Justin wanted to box his cousin’s ears.

  Aubrey’s face held curiosity, but his manner was more open. ‘Are you? Will own I could not understand the actress who played Perdita or Prudence or whatever the d…she was called.’

  Belle’s face relaxed a little. ‘Her diction was not the best.’

  Brandt had turned to Justin. ‘So you purchased Chiswick’s colt today.’

  His preoccupation with Belle had almost made him forget about the animal. ‘I signed the papers this morning. I’ll leave for Surrey tomorrow to fetch him.’

  ‘Chiswick’s bay devil?’ Aubrey said. ‘Good God! His bloodlines are impeccable, but he’s a nasty temper from what I’ve been told. Bit a groom. Bolted with Chiswick and dumped him in a heap of…’ he glanced at Belle ‘…er mud.’

  ‘Which is precisely what I’d do if someone as heavy-handed as Chiswick was on my back,’ Brandt said.

  By this time Lord Henly had joined them. He was stout with a face that resembled a pig’s and a roving eye. He ran his gaze over Belle in a brazen fashion that made Justin want to hit him and then positioned himself far too close to her. When he launched into a discussion of the various attributes of the actresses, Justin decided it was time to leave.

  He turned to Belle, who stood quietly listening. ‘Come and take a turn around the lobby with me.’

  She hesitated and then followed him from the box. ‘Do you not wish to stay with your friends?’

  ‘No. Henly will undoubtedly regale us with his comments on certain parts of the female anatomy. They are not fit for your ears.’

  ‘I can assure you that after marriage to Lucien I am not easily shocked. Besides, Lord Henly visited Lucien more than once.’ She spoke calmly but colour touched her cheek.

  ‘Of course. I had nearly forgotten you were married to one of the most notorious rakes in England.’ As well as that beneath her quiet façade was an adventuress, and the slight flush staining her cheeks had nothing to do with modesty.

  She looked at him. ‘Had you? I fear that is something I have never been allowed to forget.’ She glanced over his shoulder. ‘Good evening, Lady Burlington.’

  He started, having nearly forgotten where they were. In the middle of a London theatre where he had intended to parade to the ton that she was his. Certainly he had accomplished his objective if the number of curious stares they received were any indication. Only Belle did not seem to notice. She stood a little aloof and he wanted more and more to shake her out of it. He did not want to return to their box. He wanted to be alone with her. To feel her mouth beneath his and her soft curves pressed against him. He scowled. ‘We are leaving,’ he said abruptly.

  Surprise showed in her face. ‘But the next act is about to begin.’

  ‘The prospect of missing it hardly pains me. I came to be seen with you, not because I wished to watch the play.’

  ‘Indeed. I do not suppose it might occur to you that I might actually want to watch the play?’

  ‘No.’ He frowned at her, wanting to tell her that it did not matter what she wished, but her expression gave him pause. ‘Do you?’

  She lifted her chin and looked at him. ‘No, for it is really not a very good play, but I might have wanted to.’

  His brow shot up. ‘I fail to see the point of this conversation. I wish to leave and you wish to leave.’

  ‘The point is that I am not your lap dog. I will not allow you to dictate to me.’

  He bit back his impatience. ‘I was not attempting to dictate to you. I’ve no idea why you decided to disagree with me when there was no need to. Shall we go since we are both in agreement?’

  Belle opened her mouth as if she wished to say something else and then closed it. She turned and started towards the steps. He fe
lt his temper rise but, before he caught up with her, she stopped.

  Her mother-in-law was coming towards her with Lady Chloe and he watched as Lady Ralston drifted past Belle without the least acknowledgement that she was there. Lady Chloe sent her a brief stricken glance before continuing on. Belle lifted her head and then continued walking as if nothing had happened.

  He reached her side and caught her arm. ‘What the devil was that all about?’

  She barely looked at him. ‘I have no idea what you are talking about.’

  ‘Lady Ralston just gave you the cut direct. As did your sister-in-law.’

  ‘Did she?’ She looked straight ahead.

  He realised several people watched them. His desire to be on display had been abating rapidly and now it died. ‘We will discuss this later. We are leaving now.’ He took her to the entrance hall and then sent for her shawl, and his hat and gloves. He did not speak again until they were in his carriage and it had started to move through the London streets.

  ‘Do you know why your in-laws just cut you?’ he demanded.

  She tore her gaze from the window. ‘I rather expect it was because I was with you. I would rather not discuss it, if you please.’

  She sniffed as if she were fighting back tears. If she had actually cried or raged at him or raged at her in-laws, he might have remained unmoved or perhaps been even contemptuous, but that little sound took him aback. The next thing he knew he was sitting next to her. His arms went around her and he pulled her against him. ‘Don’t,’ he said roughly.

  ‘Don’t what?’

  ‘Cry.’ Her scent filled his nostrils. A soft blend of rose and femininity. He suddenly thought of his mother, for she too had smelled of roses. But Belle’s warm frame was hardly maternal. His arms tightened.

  ‘I am not crying.’ She lifted her head and looked at him. She sniffed again.

  ‘You are.’ Her lips were too invitingly close. With a groan he covered them with his. A little gasp escaped her and her hands clutched at his coat as the carriage hit a bump. His arms tightened, pulling her closer and his mouth moved roughly over hers, demanding her response.