Ryker’s eyebrows rose. He’d met Coventry on several occasions and he’d always gotten the sense that the man was as shrewd as they came, but to think that he used that sharpness to help his peers and right wrongs among the elite, well, it went beyond anything Ryker could have imagined. “Glad I can help.”
Coventry did not reply as a lit room at the end of the hall came into view. Ryker adjusted his mask to better hide his face and Coventry donned a mask and hat to hide his.
At least thirty men stood silently about the room, peering at tables with blankets spread atop them. All were clearly curious to know what delights lay underneath.
A few more men entered the room and then the door to the hall was closed. Uneasiness broiled in the pit of Ryker’s stomach.
Even more unsettling were the two men who came around, holding out a basket for any weapons. One collected them while the other eyed each man suspiciously. If he found a fellow lacking, he patted him down to check for additional knives or pistols.
Once done, a door in the back of the room opened and three men stepped in. Ryker recognized the marquess but not the other two. Both Luke and Coventry shifted as their eyes met the man to the marquess’s right. Ryker could only assume that was Addington.
What was more, Addington seemed to recognize them too. His step stuttered as he looked over to them and the piercing gaze of the marquess bore into Addington as he followed his gaze right to Ryker, Luke, and Coventry.
Bloody bullocks. Ryker gritted his teeth, preparing for the fight, which was sure to be near impossible without his pistols, but it didn’t come.
Instead, the marquess gave a nod to the group, and without a word, pulled a blanket off one of the tables. Jewels even a duke would find lavish met his gaze.
Blanket after blanket was removed and Ryker sucked in his breath as his missing ruby collection, minus the necklace, of course, came into view. Worth an earldom, the jewels sparkled even in the low light and his fist clenched before he forced it to relax.
Imperial jade figurines, intricately carved wooden statues, and several other delights came into view.
On each table sat, in addition to the items, a nearly burned-out candle. As the blanket was removed, the candle was lit. Next to it was a quill, ink, and parchment.
As the last blanket was removed and the candle lit, the crowd began to move about the room, visiting various tables and writing on the paper.
“When the candle goes out, no more bids will be accepted.” Coventry muttered so low, it could barely be heard. Then he moved away to mingle with the crowd.
Ryker and Luke did the same, making sure to place bids on a few of the items. Not so high he might win, but just enough to not arouse suspicion.
Every time he passed by the rubies, he had to keep his eyes trained on the far wall. A part of him wanted to snatch it up and run for the door.
But finally, after what felt like hours, the candles began to extinguish. As the marquess looked at the sheets, he approached the winner and shook his hand. Silently they exchanged goods for coin.
Ryker watched his rubies being handed off and took a deep breath to steady himself. He’d get it back.
Weapons were redistributed and the doors opened. Ryker kept his eye on the winner of the rubies. A servant met him outside the auction room, where the man handed off his prize and then proceeded back to the party. For a wild second, Ryker thought to follow the precious stone but instead, he shadowed the man who purchased it. He need only discover his identity and then he’d get it back. Besides, Tricia was in that ballroom and he was desperate to see her again. This entire auction had filled him with an unease. He wanted to feel her pressed up against him to know that she was safe.
It occurred to him that he was once again giving up his pursuit of the crime in favor of her safety, but it only made him smile. She was far more precious to him than any stone. Even if those stones belonged to the Prince Regent.
Swallowing a lump in his throat, he tried to discern when this had happened. She was a bride that filled a list of requirements.
But even has he thought it, he realized it was so much more.
He loved her.
How it had happened, he couldn’t be certain, but after tonight he couldn’t deny it.
“I recognize the man who bought your stones.” Luke spoke from next to him and Ryker started. He’d forgotten the man was there.
“I’ll get them back.” Ryker rumbled low and deep as they entered the ballroom.
Luke gave a nod but his response was cut short by a group of women who tittered with laughter as they passed, their fans hiding their grins. “What the bloody hell was that?”
Ryker shook his head. “I was sure women always giggled so in your presence.” Even Ryker could tell that Luke must have been very popular among the ladies. While Ryker himself was considered handsome, Luke had an easy charm about him.
“Not like that,” Luke winked. “Well, sometimes, but…” His words tapered off as another group of ladies whispered furiously as they passed. He leaned over. “Do you think they’ve discovered who you really are?”
Ryker shrugged but an uneasiness filled his stomach. Something was wrong. “I don’t think so. Their glances are more smug and less coy.”
Luke glanced around. “Where are Tabbie and Tricia?”
Ryker didn’t see them.
* * *
Tricia sat next to Tabbie watching the next set. She liked the party far better from this view but she missed Ryker.
He had said he would return as soon as he was able, which was likely not soon enough. She was eager to leave this mayhem and return to her quiet home. “I can see why you hated these things,” Tricia murmured to her sister. Tabbie had made it her mission, despite her feisty nature, to be a wallflower. Come to think of it, Tricia was doing the same in her own way. She’d rather assumed that men would not find her attractive and had wished to skip of this entirely.
“I can show you some of the best hiding places at a ball if you’d like.” Tabbie gave her wink. “Potted ferns do wonderfully.”
Tricia giggled, relaxing a little. At least she was in good company while she waited. “I shall have to remember that if mother insists I participate in a season next year.”
“Oh, I doubt very much that will happen,” Tabbie returned reaching for her sister’s hand.
“Really,” Tricia blinked. “You think she’ll be amenable to me becoming a spinster? To dedicating myself to charity?”
Tabbie gave her a long look before she answered. “You don’t have to be a spinster to make a difference, Tricia.”
“True,” Tricia replied slowly. “But not every lady meets a man as openminded as Luke. I fully expect I won’t.”
Tabbie pressed her lips together, looking as though she were hiding a grin. “And what kind of husband do you expect Ryker to be?”
Tricia let out a huff of breath. “What does that matter?” While a little piece of her heart had latched onto that dream, she knew he would never want her. Hadn’t he said that very thing the first night he’d met her?
Tabbie’s eyebrows rose. “He escorted you to a public event.”
“In disguise,” she returned.
“He’s been alone with you—”
Tricia cut her off. “When he made me swear to keep his identity secret.”
“Hasn’t he said anything that made you think he might be considering you?” Tabbie’s eyebrows were raised near to her hairline and she looked as though Tricia were being silly.
“Of course not.” But then their earlier conversation began playing back in her mind. Details she skipped over because he’d been wreaking havoc on her senses. “Except that he wanted me to see his country estate and…” She gasped. “You don’t think he’ll propose?”
“Don’t be thick. Of course he will.” Tabbie leaned over, her eyes sparkling. “But darling, make him work for it.”
Happiness filled her, making her feel warm and light. A future she’d never let herse
lf want played out in her mind. Ryker holding her close, a baby in her arms. Her baby. She still wanted to help people, of course. But Ryker might understand that. Hadn’t he mentioned her starting an orphanage?
Tricia was about to respond when a shadow cast over her. She looked up suddenly expecting to see Ryker, but it was Lord Longly who gazed down at her.
Drat. She hadn’t spoken to him since that night outside of Almacks. She’d led him to believe she’d consider his suit, which was not the truth. She swallowed a lump as she stood to greet him.
“Lord Longly.” A forced smile pried her lips open as he bowed to her.
“Lady Tricia.” His eyes were intent upon her, as they normally were, but there was something different about him tonight. It was the hint of disapproval in his tone, the downturned lips, the tension in his stance. “I’d hoped to ask for the next set.”
Tricia took a breath. “I must confess to being a bit overset this evening.”
“You did not look overset when you were dancing earlier. Nor did you look overset when you allowed whomever that man was to lead you outside.” Herman’s voice rose with each word.
Tricia blinked several times, recognizing that he was jealous. Several sets of eyes had turned toward them. “I didn’t feel well, which is why we stepped onto the veranda for air. I had a bout of dizziness.” She stepped closer hoping to draw him into a more private conversation then the one they were currently having.
“Is that why he escorted you here?” Herman’s arm reached out then, grasping hers just above the elbow.
“Herman,” she hissed. “He is the guest of my brother-in-law.”
He gave a rough tug to her arm, oblivious to the crowd of onlookers he was attracting. “Was he who were you meeting when you were outside Almacks unattended?” Everyone around them had ceased talking, but all at once whispers began swirling around them. Her heart stopped beating for a moment. She’d known she faced being ruined but somehow she hadn’t pictured it exactly like this. Turning to the side, she saw the stares of twenty people. Some were filled with disgust, others a sick delight, still others just curiosity.
A hand at her back made her jerk away from Herman, but it was only Tabbie.
“I don’t know what you are referring to, Lord Longly,” Tricia said as loudly as she could muster while still sounding natural.
He snorted but his gaze never left hers, and his eyes were filled with hurt. “I wanted to marry you.”
A stab of guilt rent her chest. She blinked several times, pushing that feeling away. Was this how a man who wanted her to be his wife should act? Calling her out in front of a crowd of people? No matter what Ryker thought of her actions he would never treat her this way. “Lord Longly,” she stood straighter. “I would never marry a man who would sully my reputation in such a way as you have done tonight.”
He leaned down until his nose was nearly touching hers but Tabbie stepped next to her pushing her own face into his. “I think you’ve said enough,” Tabbie wrapped an arm around Tricia.
“She made promises to me,” Herman spit as he spoke. “Now you’re making me out as though I’ve done something wrong. She’s the one who went out unattended—”
Tabbie stepped so close to him she bumped into him, pushing him back. “My sister would never marry a man like you. Goodnight, Lord Longly.”
Then she grabbed Tricia’s arm and began making her way to the door. They couldn’t stay now it would be too painful. The crowd parted for them as they went but all eyes were on them and the whispers followed close behind. Tricia knew that it had finally happened.
Just when she’d met a man she wanted to marry—who unbelievably, wanted her in return—she was well and thoroughly ruined.
Chapter Seven
Climbing into the waiting carriage, Tabbie and Tricia rode back to Tabbie’s townhome in silence. Tabbie informed the driver to return as quickly as possible for Luke and Ryker. Tricia didn’t cry, though part of her wanted to. She had told herself it was to be expected. She’d made her choices and she wouldn’t regret them. But their looks had been terrible and, if she were honest, she’d expected to be ruined more quietly. With a gossip column or, perhaps, a ladies’ tea. But to be called out at a crowded ball was so much worse than she’d ever imagined.
At least she’d made arrangements to stay at Tabbie’s so that she wouldn’t have to tell her mother for another day. Her father’s condition had stabilized at least, the only reason she’d been comfortable enough to agree to this entire ordeal.
She wished Ryker had been there. He would have known how to help her.
Ryker.
Tabbie had thought he might ask her to marry him. That was out of the question now. A duke did not marry a fallen woman.
She tried to tell herself that this was what she had wanted before him. At the very least expected. But somehow she hadn’t realized how much Ryker meant to her until she knew she couldn’t have him. A future that allowed her both a family and a meaningful life of charity work. She should have known better. Those futures were only for women who sparkled the way her sister did.
She climbed the stairs with a mumbled goodnight to Tabbie.
“Tricia,” her sister called. “Try not to worry. We’ll have this all sorted by the morning.”
She gave a silent nod as she turned and finished climbing the stairs. Dismissing her maid, she undressed herself, and then looked in the mirror. This was the face of a spinster. A ruined spinster.
But then a new thought occurred to her. If she were to live the life of a ruined woman, shouldn’t she actually be thoroughly and completely ruined? A little thrill raced up her spine. She wanted all of him but she’d settle for his touch, a few stolen moments to last a lifetime.
Why not experience passion once before she dedicated herself to charity? She climbed into bed but her mind simply wouldn’t quiet, thoughts swirling at a frantic pace.
Memories of Herman’s words and the looks and snickers of the crowd filled her with shame. While thoughts of Ryker and the comfort his touch would provide heated her skin.
Slipping back out of bed, she began pulling on more serviceable clothing. Sneaking down the hall, she used the servants’ stairs. Silently, she crept past the kitchen and then slipped out the back door. With any luck, Ryker had yet to arrive home.
She moved in the shadows down the dark streets, the night air filling her lungs and calming her soul.
She knew where Ryker lived, it wasn’t far from Tabbie’s home. The night was quiet and not too cold so she hid herself away near his front door. Saying a silent prayer he hadn’t already arrived home and was safely tucked inside, she settled in to wait.
It was nearly an hour later when the rumbling of wagon wheels caught her notice. She craned her neck up over the shrub she hid behind to see the outline of Luke’s carriage rumbling toward them.
It stopped by the door and Ryker’s voice reverberated through her chest. “Send me word, if you wouldn’t mind, to let me know that they’ve made it safely home.”
“Of course,” Luke’s words more muffled in the carriage but she could still make them out. “The driver said he delivered them, so I am sure they are fine.”
The door snapped closed again as the wheels began to move. She could hear Ryker’s feet on the cobblestones as he made his way up the steps. “Ryker,” she whispered, standing up.
He startled and his hand reached into his coat before his eyes registered her. “Bloody hell, Tricia. What are you doing?”
Skirting around the bush, she made her way up the steps to join him. “Coming to see you, of course.”
His arm reached out to wrap around her waist and then he pulled her tight against him. “I was worried when you left the ball.”
“Oh…that…it couldn’t be helped.” She swallowed a lump in her throat, not wanting to discuss it. It was the very thing she came here to forget. He’d find out eventually, she was sure, but tonight was just about the two of them. She didn’t want Herman ruining that
too.
His lips grazed her forehead. “Are you going to tell me what happened?”
“I’d rather not,” she leaned back to look up at him then.
His eyebrows shot up. “You are never dull, I’ll say that.” He paused searching her face. “If not to tell me what happened, why did you come?”
Nibbling on her lip, she searched for the words that might tell him, she wanted him to ruin her without actually saying it out loud. Drat, why hadn’t she practiced this beforehand? “Perhaps we could discuss it inside?”
He paused for a long moment before finally answering. “You’re just going to enter my house in the middle of the night, through the front door?”
Shrugging, she looked away then. “I no longer need to preserve my reputation.”
“I see,” he answered evenly before he guided her to the entrance with an arm around her waist.
Stepping inside, he waved away the staff that made to greet him. With his arm still around her waist, he turned to the right and entered what appeared to be a sitting room.
He lit a candle, sitting it on the nearest table, and led her to a settee. “What happened, Tricia?” he asked as he sat down, pulling her with him.
“I don’t…that is to say…that’s not what I came for.” She turned toward him then.
She heard him give a short sigh. “Well, it’s what I want to know.”
Swallowing, she shook her head. She didn’t want to talk. Summoning her courage, her tongue darted out to wet her lips. His gaze fell to her lips, his eyes following the trail of her tongue. Pushing all thought aside, she leaned in and placed her lips on his. He didn’t move and for a moment she wondered what to do but then her body took over. Remembering his kiss in the garden, she pulled back slightly and then kissed him again and again, until his lips responded. She barely had time to register his response when he’d pulled her into his lap, her body pressed to his, his hand in her hair as his tongue ravaged her mouth in the most delightful way.
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