“Are you certain of that?”
Was she? Aidan wondered, especially when she’d noticed a marked change in him over the past few weeks. “You’ll have to ask him. I cannot answer in his place.”
“But you can answer for yourself,” Aunt Patti stated, a censuring frown on her brow. “Do you wish to dissolve this marriage?”
“I can’t say anymore. Sometimes I think it’s best we do. Then at other times I’m not so certain. In truth, I no longer know what I want.”
“Well, then, I shall tell you what you want. Should the two of you persist in attempting to terminate this marriage, you shall both suffer for it. Allow my nephew to divorce you, and Victoria will strip him of his title, his lands, and whatever else he has. You, dear girl, will be scourged at every turn. Since it was your father who caused this loathsome mess in the first place, I’d hope that you would have the decency to save my nephew any further pain and embarrassment. It’s time you cease this ridiculous ploy—divorce, indeed!—and start working toward getting yourself into your husband’s bed!”
Instantly Aidan shot red; her mouth worked several times, but her words of protest refused to exit.
“Stop blushing like a schoolgirl,” Aunt Patti admonished. “You’re a woman now, and if there is any man in this town who can make you feel like one, it is Westover. Take my advice and stop playing these childish games. It is about time you set your mind to seducing your own husband, for it is unlikely that you’ll ever have another!”
With her mouth agape, Aidan watched as the dowager marchioness ambled up the remaining stairs, all the while wondering what had precipitated the woman’s sudden tirade. She’d simply answered Lady Falvey’s question, but Justin’s aunt had acted as though Aidan had committed an act of treason!
“Well, are you coming?” Aunt Patti called; Aidan looked up to see the dowager standing regally at the top of the stairs, gazing down on her. “You asked for my help, now let’s be about whatever it is that needs to be done.”
Not wishing to be the recipient of another one of the dowager’s scoldings, Aidan lifted her skirts and scurried up the stairs. Once they were settled in the study, where Aidan thought they might begin their discussion of the ball and what still needed to be done, she ordered up some tea and cakes. Within moments Justin strode into the room, greeting his aunt warmly.
As Aidan watched aunt and nephew bantering back and forth, her gaze finally settled on Justin’s handsome profile. His throaty laughter filled the air, and a warm feeling of excitement rioted through her, which was abruptly replaced by guilt. Was she indeed acting the child, like Aunt Patti had said? Admittedly, all that had happened was her fault, and to allow him to set a course toward ruin would be exceedingly callous of her. The notion of a divorce had suddenly become very distasteful. But it was not the thought of the resulting scandal which upset her. No, it was the fierce realization that she would never find a finer husband than the one she already had. And never one who was as attractive!
Instantly Aidan realized the truth. She was falling in love with Justin! The revelation nearly knocked her from her chair. But to hope he might feel the same way toward her would be a wasted effort.
The thought struck her that perhaps he truly was willing to lose all he had, simply to be rid of her! Surely he knew what the Queen’s reaction would be—he’d be stripped of everything! But his kindness, his thoughtfulness, his teasing displays of affection—were they merely an optimistic response, knowing he’d soon have her out of his way? Bewildered by it all, Aidan conceded she was caught in an extremely perplexing dilemma—one, she feared, that was bound to break her heart.
12
Luminous violet eyes gazed into the mirror, and Aidan wondered if the woman she saw there was indeed herself.
“Oooh,” Penny gushed, looking over her mistress’s shoulder and into the silver glass. “I’ve never seen you look so lovely.” She pulled the puffy satin sleeves upward, covering ther crests of Aidan’s shoulders; instantly they were pulled down.
“Madame Bouchard said it is to be worn thus,” Aidan stated, fluffing the sleeves, which now lay below the crowns of her shoulders.
Penny frowned at her mistress. “A mite daring, to be sure. Since you already got yourself a husband, whose attention are you tryin’ to catch?”
Aidan noted her maid’s censuring look, and her laughter bubbled forth. Although most would say, as a servant, the girl was far too outspoken, Aidan thought Penny’s honesty refreshing. “I’m hoping to capture the eye of the most handsome man at the ball, Penny. You don’t approve?”
The young maid sniffed disdainfully. “With the duke bein’ the best-lookin’ man for a long ways around, I’d think you’d … Oh! You mean it’s his eye you’re hopin’ to snare.”
“Yes, it’s his eye, Penny, and his alone. Do you think I shall succeed?”
“Unless he’s suddenly gone blind, you’ve nothin’ to fear.”
Panic surged upward in Aidan. What if Penny were wrong? What if Justin thought her the ugliest creature he’d ever seen? Then all would be lost!
Over the past week, Aidan had found herself in a constant battle. Her head kept denying that she loved Justin, while at the same time, her heart protested just the opposite. Yet how could she explain the wild excitement she felt whenever he was near, or the monumental emptiness which seemed to overtake her whenever he was away. The thought occurred to Aidan that what she felt was simply physical attraction, a magnetic pull, drawing her body to his. But the explanation left her unconvinced. There was more to it; something that ran much, much deeper. To her it felt like a joining of the souls, for she knew if she were never to lie with him, she would still desire his company, wanting always to be near him.
Once she’d finally admitted her true feelings for Justin, and had considered Aunt Patti’s words, forcefully suggesting she seduce her own husband, Aidan planned to do just that. And tonight was the night! She no longer wanted a divorce. On the contrary, she wished to become his wife in every way possible. Yet she realized Justin might feel otherwise. Sadly, she knew she could offer herself and he’d take her willingly, then still seek the divorce. Virginity was not a prerequisite in obtaining a legal dissolution of one’s marriage. Ultimately, she could end up making a fool of herself, and Aidan feared it was precisely what she was about to do.
“Is there a special necklace or brooch you want to wear?” Penny asked, examining Aidan’s jewel case. “The gown is beautiful, but it needs—I don’t know—an added somethin’.”
“I’ve tried everything … nothing seems to look right. Perhaps it’s best we leave it plain. Understating the gown may be far better than my looking like a peacock.”
After inspecting her coppery hair, a sprig of violets woven into the intricate style, Aidan smoothed the skirt of the shimmering orchid gown, drew a deep breath, released it, and smiled weakly at her maid. “Wish me good fortune, Penny.”
“You shall have it, Your Grace.”
Noting the time, Aidan turned to leave the room. She glimpsed the open jewel case on the table beside her. An empty space caught her eye. Strangely, the missing ring haunted her, and she suddenly wished that the heavy gold circlet, its large ruby always mocking her, was still nestled atop the velvet where it once sat. Why, she was unable to say, for she knew that she would never wear it—not unless her husband vowed his love to her. In itself, the probability of his doing so seemed extremely remote. Yet, from experience, Aidan knew all things were possible. Justin’s love as well? she wondered.
Sighing, she closed the lid to her jewel case. Her first payment was due in a little over a week, and Aidan decided to take several expensive pieces of her own, thus trading the jeweler outright. Her loan paid, Justin’s ring would soon be back where it belonged. Or almost, she thought, gazing at her unadorned finger. Realizing she might never wear it again, she left the room and headed toward the stairs.
Two red-coated servants, looking dashing in their new livery, climbed the steps toward
Aidan. One suddenly stopped his ascent to elbow the other. Awestruck, they stared at her. Then, remembering their social stations, they quickly moved to the rail, lowered their eyes, and bowed. “Your Grace,” they said in unison.
Realizing the two young men at first had viewed her strictly as a woman, Aidan smiled, inclined her head, then moved past them and down the stairs, anxious to discover what Justin’s reaction would be.
The Duke of Westover stood just outside the ballroom, growing impatient. With a quick flick of his wrist, he adjusted his cuff, then smoothed his hand along his taut stomach, over the white satin waistcoat he wore. His emotions in a turmoil, he wondered where Aidan could be, then scoffed at himself, for he realized he was acting like an untried schoolboy. Since the day he’d taken her to Madame Bouchard’s, he’d been avidly awaiting the sight of her in her new gown. Hearing the rustle of skirts, She turned toward the sound. An electrical charge shot through him as his hungry eyes settled on his wife.
Aidan felt her husband’s burning gaze sweep the length of her. Excitement riddled through her, and her breath caught as her heart skipped erratically. Their eyes locked, Justin’s silvery gaze drawing her like a magnet, and she continued toward him, her step never faltering. Then she stopped before him.
“The anticipation of seeing you has been most taxing, madam,” he said huskily, his heavy-lidded gaze sweeping over her once more; Aidan nearly swooned from the effects of it. “I was certain my heart could not take another moment of waiting.” He smiled down at her lazily. “But you were wrong, love. The actual event has almost been more than I can endure. You are even more beautiful than I had ever imagined.”
“And you, sir, are more handsome than I had envisioned,” she countered, flirtatiously tapping his arm with her fan. “As you have said, the actual event is almost beyond endurance. I must admit, I feel overwhelmed.”
No more had the words left Aidan’s mouth than she realized how utterly ridiculous she’d sounded. Never had she been so bold with a man, and she wondered if she were being overly coy.
“You are tempting fate, sweet,” he said, chuckling. “Perhaps our guests will not miss us if we were to sneak off and discuss this more thoroughly.”
“They haven’t even arrived as yet,” she blurted.
“All the better for us,” Justin countered, his tone teasing.
Confused, Aidan frowned. “How so?”
“Because they couldn’t possibly forget such a stunning image as you are tonight.” Then he took her arm and propelled her toward the alcove several yards down the corridor. Once inside, he withdrew a velvet-covered box from his inside coat pocket. “This is for you.”
Her questioning eyes measured his as Aidan took the box; its top crested to reveal a necklace. Wide violet eyes gazed at the three large teardrop amethysts set in gold and surrounded by diamonds. They were suspended on a narrow collar of gold studded with amethysts and diamonds as well. “Oh, Justin, it’s beautiful! Is it really mine?” she asked, not understanding why he’d given her such a lovely gift.
Moist eyes climbed to his face; seeing their soft luminescence, Justin felt a sudden jolt near his heart. “It was my grandmother’s, and now it is yours. I thought it would go nicely with your gown.” And your alluring eyes, he thought, feeling as though he were drowning in them. He plucked the necklace from its satin bed. “Turn around, love,” he said, then fastened the necklace after she’d done so. “It’s beautiful on you.”
Aidan saw hers and Justin’s reflection in the alcove’s darkened windowpanes. After a long moment, her gaze finally dropped to the necklace. Penny had said the gown needed an added touch; the effect was now complete. “Thank you,” she said, turning, and Justin captured her hands.
Silver eyes delved deeply into violet ones, and for an endless moment they gazed at one another. Aidan saw Justin’s head move. Fear mingled with excitement as she waited in breathless anticipation. Her lips parted ever so slightly as his face slowly lowered toward hers. Then, just when she thought she could not bear the expectancy a second longer, Justin suddenly lifted her hand; his lips touched her fingers.
“You’re welcome, sweet,” he said huskily, lowering her hand; still dizzy with want, Aidan thought she would drop to her knees. He smiled gently. “I believe I hear our guests arriving.”
Suddenly Aidan realized the buzzing sound, which seemed to fill her entire head, was that of voices. Disappointed, she smiled weakly. “I suppose we must go.”
Justin’s hand climbed to her face. “Yes, we must.” His thumb brushed lightly over her soft lips; the urgent need to master them with his own was overwhelming, but he quickly tamed his cravings. “When we have a quiet moment, we shall sneak away. Then you can thank me properly.”
His hand fell away, and he guided her from the security of the alcove, along the corridor, and into the receiving line, where Aunt Patti was greeting the first of the arrivals.
Unknown to Aidan, high color marked her cheeks; her eyes retained a look of womanly fascination about them. As she greeted Justin’s aunt, the dowager marchioness’s small but regal frame draped in black satin, Aidan espied Aunt Patti’s knowing smile. “We could always chase the lot off,” Lady Falvey whispered to her, and Aidan’s face seemed to flame a brighter red.
A light chortle trickled through the older woman’s lips; then she turned her attention to a stately-looking earl, a widower, a half-dozen years younger than herself, and commenced to bedazzle him. Within moments, she excused herself and strolled off, her hand on the man’s arm.
“She’s right, you know,” Justin whispered close to Aidan’s ear, drawing her immediate attention. “We could try yelling fire. I’d estimate thirty seconds and they’d all be gone.”
“Or we could be trampled in the rush.” Aidan gestured to their position in the doorway. “I would say it might be safer to wait it out.”
As he took in her lovely face, his gaze slowly descending to the exposed tops of her full breasts, lingering pleasurably, an audible groan escaped Justin’s throat. “And I say to hell with them all!”
A guest appeared before them, and Aidan quickly masked her startled look, then smiled, greeting the person warmly. Despite his agitation, Justin did the same. The crush became nearly unbearable, voices rising loudly in the great hall outside the ballroom. Several times the Duke of Westover thought to escape the press by sweeping his lovely duchess into his arms and striding up the stairs to his room. But he tamped down the erratic feelings and pretended to play the perfect host. Later! he told himself, convinced that if all went well, she’d soon be lying next to him in his bed, her silken skin replacing her satin gown.
Lord and Lady Manley suddenly appeared.
“Oh, Aidan,” Eugenia bubbled excitedly, “you’re simply stunning in that gown. And your necklace, is it new?”
“It was my husband’s grandmother’s,” Aidan rejoined, gentle fingers lightly caressing the amethysts lying at the base of her throat. “Justin gave it to me tonight—I shall treasure it always.”
Eugenia looked from Aidan to the duke; a knowing light entered her eyes as she smiled inwardly. “Well, David, the duchess has outdone herself, don’t you agree?”
“I do,” her husband replied, his eyes examining the perfection they beheld. “My compliments to the hostess.”
Aidan’s gaze had followed the sweep of Eugenia’s arm, indicating the sparkling ballroom. Giltwood chairs, their gold-and-white-striped silk covers newly refurbished, lined the freshly cleaned walls. A light breeze flowed from the balcony to brush the three enormous chandeliers, hundreds of candles lit and glowing. Teardrop prisms chimed musically while they shimmered with a profusion of color, reflecting the beauty of the ballroom and the gaily dressed people within. Huge baskets of blood-red roses stood on marble pedestals near the open French doors, as well as in every corner, while a matching centerpiece, of enormous proportions, graced the lengthy serving table along the far wall, its pristine white tablecloth touching the highly polished floor. The
Westover china and gleaming crystal goblets stood ready for the large quantity of food and champagne that would be served later. Roasted ducklings, capons, and pheasant, and boiled lobster and baked salmon were being heaped onto huge silver platters this very moment in the kitchen. Fruits and vegetables were being arranged in the most intricate of designs, while French pastries waited on the sideboards for their grand entrance. Still Aidan worried that there would not be enough to satisfy their guests’ appetites.
“Thank you, Eugenia, David,” she said, smiling. She turned her attention to Justin. “But none of this would have been possible without His Grace’s help. He’s been most cooperative—in every way possible.”
“And I shall remain so,” Justin replied, keeping his wife under his rapt regard. “I want nothing more, Aidan, than to please you—in every way.”
Aidan understood his meaning all too clearly. Blushing, she quickly renewed her conversation with Eugenia and David. While Aidan spoke with them, Justin’s eyes lingered on his wife. She excited him as no woman ever had, for she possessed the power to rouse not only his body but also his inner passions. His jealousy would flame inside him unexpectedly; his laughter would burst forth with ease. His tenderness would well up, filling every space within him, while just as quickly his temper would rise to its limits.
At first, he’d thought to seduce her in order to control her. But now he realized the feelings that had evolved within him were far more than physical. On no account was he willing to call it love, for he still thought the emotion for fools—his parents’ marriage had proved that—yet he recognized the quickening sensation as something very much akin to the feeling which he’d always scoffed at so cynically. Dammit all! Like it or not, he was trapped. And he had no desire to be freed.
Aidan felt Justin’s eyes upon her; she smiled up at him. “I think we are a success,” she said of the party.
A Heart So Innocent Page 24