“Six weeks,” she said. “And not a day more.” When his eyes turned hopeful she held up her hand to finish her stipulation. “In return, I want your word that you will persuade your father to do everything in his power to ensure my mother’s freedom.”
“Done.”
He’d said it so quickly and without reservation that she bit her lip in consternation.
He lifted his glass and winked at her. “To our union.”
She pursed her lips at his choice of words, but lifted her glass all the same.
“To this masquerade.”
Chapter 6
“Do stop fidgeting, my dear,” Sunny said with a worried glance in Gwen’s direction. “The bubbles in your champagne are fizzing wildly because of your magic. Take a deep breath and relax.”
Gwen looked about the crowded ballroom with its abundance of auras, and thought it was a wonder that she didn’t have an outright panic attack. She did as her cousin suggested and inhaled deeply. Then she inhaled her champagne, which drew a giggle from Sunny.
“I suppose that will work also,” she said grinning.
“I cannot seem to conquer my nerves,” Gwen confessed.
“It’s normal for any witch to have her magic flare in times of duress, but the slightest provocation causes you to lose control,” Sunny said. “I noticed this in our lesson earlier today. You are going to need to channel your energy into the stone I gave you. It will help absorb and dampen your magic.”
Gwen fingered the opal pendant, suspended on a gold chain around her neck, and felt some of the magic leave her fingertips. Now infused with power, the various colors in the precious stone sparkled brightly. She took another deep breath, but kept her hand on the necklace and was rewarded with a look of encouragement from Sunny.
“This won’t steal my magic completely or weaken me, will it?” Gwen asked.
Sunny frowned. “I would never give you something like that unless you specifically asked for it, and even then, I am not sure I have the power to take someone’s magic away completely.”
“I meant no offense,” she said, dropping her hand to place it on Sunny’s arm. “I appreciate everything you are doing for me. First the lessons, and now coming along as my chaperone. I am truly grateful.”
“The Den of the Fallen is where I sleep, but it is not my home. I only stay there because it is convenient, but mostly because of Ethan and Lucas. They are the only family I have. Well, until now,” Sunny said with a smile. “It’s nice to get away from there for a little while.”
“Why didn’t you question the legitimacy of my claim as your cousin? Being a witch doesn’t make us related.”
“I knew because I put a barrier spell on the property of the Den. I did it with the blood of Ethan, Lucas, and myself, barring any other supernaturals unless they were of the same bloodline. And I assumed you were not related to either of them,” Sunny said with a laugh.
Gwen nodded and squeezed Sunny’s arm lightly, before bringing her hand back to rest on the opal. “Do you think anyone will recognize you here?”
“Of course they will, my dear,” Sunny said, making Gwen’s gaze snap to her. “However, if they want to continue to have a membership to my establishment, and trust me, they all do, they will not breathe a word.” Sunny winked. “Desire is a powerful thing.”
“Agreed.”
Sunny gave her a sideways glance. “Oh? I thought nothing happened.”
“Nothing irreparable happened.”
“But something memorable.”
Gwen felt her cheeks heat. “Do you know the two gentlemen that Lord Greystone was talking to earlier this evening?”
“Alex Hunt, Baron of Montwood, and Kent Brooks, I believe. They were with him at the Den the other night,” Sunny said, allowing the previous conversation to close.
“How do you know everyone’s title and so much about the ton in general?” Gwen asked.
“I make it my business to know about everyone who walks into my establishment. Ethan assists me with that. He is the Marquess of Winterbourne, you know.”
“I had no idea,” Gwen said in wonder. “I do not frequent society myself, given the fact that I am a liability waiting to happen.”
“Do not be so hard on yourself, cousin.” Sunny wove her arm through Gwen’s in a show of support.
“It was my accidental display of magic that landed my mother in jail. If it’s not my fault then whose is it?”
“You just said it yourself, it was an accident.”
Gwen sighed. “It is so hard not to feel guilty when she is there and I am here.”
“By securing a marriage with Lord Greystone, you are doing everything within your power to right the wrong you’ve done,” Sunny said. “Having his family on her side is nothing short of fortuitous.”
Gwen tried not to squirm at the word “marriage”. She and Hayden had agreed to keep the terms of their engagement secret to all, and that included Sunny.
Gwen’s eyes swept the crowd.
“Agreed. Speaking of, where is he?”
Hayden was wearing a dark forest green jacket with a matching waist coat, which complimented his deep brown hair and green eyes, making him more handsome than Gwen would have liked. His somber clothing stood out from the majority of the other men who were dressed in the typical bright colors, and yet, she still could not locate him.
“He has yet to dance with me and we are nearing the end of the evening. Or at least, I have stayed as long as I am willing to,” Gwen said. “I wish the stone would dampen all of these auras.”
Sunny gave her arm a sympathetic pat, but remained quiet as Gwen finished off another glass of champagne.
“Would you like another glass?”
Gwen turned to find Hayden standing right behind her, a glass of champagne in each hand.
“Thank you,” Sunny said as she reached for one.
“Thank you,” Gwen murmured, accepting the glass.
His fingers brushed hers and her heart sped up.
“You ladies look lovely this evening,” he said, his eyes on Gwen. Anyone would say that when they looked at Sunny, but Gwen noticed his gaze did not leave hers as he said it. Her cheeks heated once more.
Sunny gave him a nod and Gwen smiled at him shyly. This arrangement between the two of them was nothing but a farce and it would be in her best interest to maintain a distance from him until it was over. That sour thought led to another sip from her glass.
“I believe they are about to play the waltz, Lady Trescott. Would you do me the honor?” he asked.
She took one last sip before setting her flute on a passing tray. “Yes, my lord.”
He held out his arm for her to take and she tried not to think about the strength of him. Or being wrapped in his embrace. Her breath caught and then expelled as a hiccup.
“Did you intoxicate yourself, Gwen?” he whispered in her ear as they walked.
Another hiccup.
“No.”
She kept her gaze forward hoping he wouldn’t be able to see the lie on her face.
“I see,” he said, mirth evident in his tone.
Another traitorous hiccup.
Gwen quietly groaned and Hayden laughed outright. Not quiet in the least. Several heads turned in their direction and she had to fight the urge to remain calm. She grasped the opal, praying that she would not end up in jail after tonight.
Hayden led her onto the dance floor before his arm circled her waist and his hand took hold of hers. The feel of him brought forth certain images that were better left alone. She was grateful this would be the only dance they shared this evening.
As the music built, he guided her across the floor, bringing her closer than necessary during the turns. She suppressed another hiccup. Maybe it had not been the best of ideas to drink that much alcohol before the dance. At the time she’d been convinced she would need it in order to get through the evening, but more importantly, the time spent in Hayden’s arms.
“Are you enjoying y
ourself, Gwen?”
She looked around to see if anyone had overheard him using her given name. Although many pairs of eyes were on them, it appeared as if no one could hear their conversation. Relaxing slightly, she looked up at him to answer. The green in his eyes matched his aura and she found it captivating.
“Actually, no I am not.”
He laughed again. “Why not?”
“I get nervous in large crowds.”
His expression sobered. “I did not realize this would be an ordeal for you.”
Embarrassment washed over her at the admitted weakness. “I can handle it.”
“I never doubted you could,” he said. Her heart fluttered in her chest with his reassuring words. “I have learned in our short time together that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.”
She beamed at him. “Is that a nice way of saying I’m stubborn?”
“Perhaps,” he said with a wink.
Her heart did a somersault. “Well, it seems as if I’ve met my match. You, sir, are no picnic in that regard.”
The smile he bestowed on her was brilliant and his aura flashed wildly. Did her words really have such a great impact on him? It was nice to know he was affected by her as much as she by him.
“I don’t think I have laughed this much since I last saw my brother,” he said. This time her chest ached before a warmth spread at the weight of his words. A very high compliment, indeed.
“I shall just have to insult you more often,” she said with a grin.
His laughter carried throughout the room and Gwen stiffened at the number of curious stares she received, along with glares from several individuals of the fairer sex. It seemed as if no one was watching Hayden, only her. Did they see through the façade? Could they sense that she didn’t belong, especially with someone like him?
“Don’t go where I can’t follow,” he said, tapping the side of his head.
“I’m sorry. I was just thinking about whether people are going to believe our engagement is real. I don’t want either of us to be faced with a scandal.”
“I’ve been the cause for gossip amongst the ton, more than my fair share. Another bout of it will not tarnish my less than stellar reputation, but I understand. I don’t want you implicated in any way,” he said.
“Do I even want to know?”
He gave a small shrug before spinning her. “It consists of the usual behavior concerning brothels, intoxication, and a healthy number of liaisons. “
She could not hide her shock. “Is that all?”
“I do believe that covers it.”
“Goodness.”
“Don’t worry,” he said with a grin. “I am a reformed man now.”
“And I am the Queen of England.”
He stopped in the middle of the dance floor and threw back his head and laughed.
“You are truly something special, Gwen,” he said, after he reigned in his amusement. Even so, there was still a twinkle in his eye.
“You needn’t say such things,” she said in a whisper, overcome with emotion. She had never been special in any area of her life. Not as a witch, but especially not as a woman.
The touch of his finger lifting her chin brought her gaze to his.
“I may have been called a cad or a reckless scoundrel in my life, but I know something unique when I see it. It makes a man want to grab it with both hands, defying anything that would get in his way.”
Her lips parted in shock and her eyes widened, but before she could truly digest his words, he escorted her from the dance floor.
“I think we have been seen sufficiently for the evening,” he said.
“We have?”
“After our afternoon lunch and now having danced with you three times, I believe no one will blink an eye at our engagement announcement in the papers tomorrow.”
“Three dances?” she almost shrieked.
He raised a finger for each word. “One, two, three. Yes, I do believe I am correct.”
“Two dances with you was enough to declare your interest in me, but three was basically announcing our intention to marry. No wonder people were staring at us.”
“The men were staring in envy and the women in jealousy,” he stated, as though it was common knowledge.
She shook her head as the cool air from the outside gardens brushed her hot cheeks. Hayden was clearly delusional in his assessment of her.
The scent of roses brushed her nose, diverting her attention. It was known that the hostess had a garden which could not be rivaled, but it was so much more astounding in person. The moonlight shone down, illuminating each petal, creating an ethereal feel.
“Is it wise for us to be out here alone?” she asked, not wanting to leave, but leaning towards propriety.
“We are just outside the doors and anyone can see us, so we don’t appear sequestered or as if we are seeking privacy.”
She gave a small nod. Had she asked to avoid a hint of scandal or was it because she was scared to be alone with him? Both. It was definitely for both reasons.
She was just about to suggest they return after a moment when two gentlemen appeared. The look on the leader’s face was enough to stiffen her spine. He looked mad enough to kill someone. She trailed her gazed to catch the focus of his and saw they were settled on Hayden. Tightening her grip on his arm, she braced herself and waited.
“Greystone,” the leader called out, breaking the stillness and tranquility of the night.
“Wells,” Hayden said.
Gwen wanted to look at him so badly to see if his face reflected the calmness of his voice, but instead she kept her gaze down. She couldn’t believe how unaffected he sounded. Almost as if he were greeting an acquaintance, instead of a threat.
The two men stopped right in front of Hayden. Even in the darkness, Gwen could see the malice shining in their eyes.
She looked up at Hayden, seeing his face was impassive, and whispered, “Should I go?”
“Stay.” The one word rang of finality, as if he would accept nothing else.
“What I have to say to you is not suitable for a lady’s hearing, even if that lady is in your company,” Wells said. “If she can even be called such.”
“Careful,” Hayden warned. “It would not do well for you to insult my future bride.”
Wells’s gaze roamed over Gwen and she looked him in the eye, wishing that she could zap him with some of her magic. She could feel it gathering, but kept her hand away from the pendant. If trouble were to arise, she wanted to be ready.
“Does your fiancé know that you slept with my wife?” Wells sneered.
It took everything in Gwen to not gasp or show any outward reaction. She wanted to adopt the same mask as Hayden, not giving anything away.
“What I tell my fiancé is none of your concern,” Hayden began, his voice hard, “but she is aware of my sordid past.”
“So you don’t deny it?” Wells asked.
“No,” Hayden said in a bored tone. “Our liaison took place over three months ago.” He shrugged. “No doubt she threw her guilt on me to avoid your wrath, now that you’ve returned from your extended travels. I assume that is where you were when your wife claimed to be a widow.”
“You lie!” Wells screeched. His partner grabbed his arms just as Wells took a threatening step forward.
“I have no need,” Hayden said. “It is over and done with. I have moved on and I suggest you do the same.”
“You slander my wife with your falsehoods, after seducing her into an affair. Her honor demands satisfaction,” Wells declared, still fighting against the hold of his cohort. “I require a duel, and nothing less.”
“You have insulted my fiancé,” Hayden said. “Should I demand satisfaction for her honor?”
“My lord, please,” Gwen whispered. “I do not give a fig about what this man thinks of me. Let us return to the ballroom.”
“The reason she does not care is because she lost her honor between your sheets,” Wells
said.
Hayden slowly removed Gwen’s hold on his arm and then stepped toward Wells. “A dawn appointment is what you want?”
“Yes,” Wells said, a smug look on his face.
“Then you shall have it,” Hayden said.
His fist cracked against Wells’s face so quickly that he was on the ground before Gwen could process what had happened.
“Have your seconds contact mine. Lord Montwood and Kent Brooks,” Hayden said as he settled Gwen’s arm back in his. “I look forward to seeing you in a few hours.”
Chapter 7
Several moments later Hayden, Sunny, and Gwen were seated in his coach, the events of the night taking a toll on all parties present. Hayden watched Gwen clasp the opal pendant she wore as if it were a lifeline. He wondered if she were truly concerned for his safety or if she was just worried because she could lose her connection to his father, if he were to perish. His brows came together as he considered the latter.
The Den of the Fallen appeared and he alighted to assist Sunny down. She mumbled under breath as he offered her his hand and when she took it, a strange sensation crawled along his arm. It did not hurt, but instinct warned him something was amiss. Her lips continued to move, but after holding his hand for longer than was necessary, she released him and looked up at him smiling as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. And maybe nothing had.
“I believe all will be well on the morrow, my lord, but do be careful,” she said to him. “Turning to Gwen she said, “All of your things are at my personal lodgings as we had discussed earlier, and I have already left instructions with the driver. See you soon cousin.”
“Good night,” Gwen called from inside the coach.
Hayden gave Sunny a nod and climbed back inside. He rubbed his hand where she’d held him, thinking on the oddity of the exchange. Gwen said nothing, but he realized he wanted to hear what she thought of it all.
“Is everything alright?” he asked.
She looked at him and blinked several times before answering him.
The Masquerade (Den of the Fallen Book 0) Page 5