Until now—now he wished Miss Forrester would sneak into his rooms wearing those trews she owned that showed her shapely legs. He wanted to know what she wore under that pale yellow dressing gown of hers. He’d seen traces of white linen peeking out near her ankles. How sheer was the linen? And what did she look like all rumpled in the morning with sunlight streaming on her soft skin.
He needed to stop focusing on the temptress and refocus his thoughts back on the diamond. It wasn’t long before he was strolling past the porters and up the stairs to his set of rooms. He walked in to find Chomersley asleep on his sofa. No matter how many times he told his valet not to wait up for him, Hart always found him in his drawing room, sometimes asleep, sometimes awake.
He took a blanket from his bedchamber and covered Chomersley before going into his study to look over Lady Everill’s bracelet for the hundredth time. The existence of two different keys made no sense. What could they open? It was becoming difficult to keep his eyes open. The night had been long and more eventful than he anticipated when it began.
Crawling into his bed, his thoughts turned to Miss Forrester and her dressing gown.
* * *
Hart entered the Skeffingtons’ ballroom and wondered if Miss Forrester had found another clue that led to the location of the diamond. He had spoken to Prinny earlier in the day. The Prince Regent had no new clues to offer. The Home Office hadn’t uncovered anything as far as he knew. Even visiting the various inns in town where he would always hear rumblings about stolen property proved to be of no use.
He spotted Miss Forrester by the large wall of windows talking with Katrina. She looked quite fetching in a white gown with silver flowers embroidered near the neckline and scattered along the skirt. As she moved, the silver thread sparkled near the swell of her breasts, drawing his attention to her smooth, creamy skin. From what he could tell, she had lovely breasts. They fit her frame well. If only he could see them exposed to the evening air—preferably in his bed—preferably with her arching her back and crying out his name as he pounded into her. Over. And over.
Why couldn’t she be a married woman interested in a tumble?
To those around her, she appeared the epitome of a lady at ease in her surroundings, but he could see those sharp eyes periodically scan the room. She was looking for him. The very notion that he was the man she was searching for was unsettlingly satisfying, which was not good—for either of them.
He tossed a lock of hair out of his eyes and stared up at the massive crystal chandelier that was responsible for making her sparkle. The only way he was going to find out if she was any closer to finding the diamond was to speak with her. If he asked her to dance, he could accomplish that without compromising her reputation. And honestly, how many people would notice she was the first unmarried woman he had danced with since Caroline almost ten years ago?
Of course, he assumed she would dance with him. It would be rather humbling if she turned him down. One of the best things about Miss Forrester was that he never knew what she would do. She was an attractive woman, so it was possible all her dances were already claimed. If they were, the idea of coaxing her into the library or any of the other rooms of the house did have a certain appeal.
‘I am surprised to find you smiling after you paid so much for that horse of yours.’
Without turning, he knew his father had approached his side. There was no need to face the man as they stood shoulder to shoulder. They wouldn’t be talking for long.
Hart diverted his attention away from Miss Forrester and settled his gaze on a gown near her, trying not to give his father any indication who the minx was that put a smile on his face. Although his eyes were fixed on the emerald gown, his complete attention was on the man next to him.
‘The money I spent for that fine horse is of no concern to me. I have plenty.’
‘Some day your money may run out. Then what will you do?’
‘We both know that is not parental concern in your voice. Do not think you can convince me otherwise.’
‘I wouldn’t dream of it. You have not taken money from me since you left school, for which I should be grateful. I know you have done well with your stable of racehorses and I imagine there are other investments you have, but I am curious—should all that go away what would you do? Would you crawl back to me for help?’
If there was one thing in life Hart was certain of, it was that he would never crawl back to his father for anything. This man should have comforted him as a child when his mother died. He should have encouraged him and provided a supportive environment for him. Instead he had methodically taken away almost everything his son held dear.
Hart purposely relaxed his fingers. He was no longer a boy and he would never allow himself to get close to anyone, ensuring there would be no one in his life his father could manipulate into abandoning him.
His father took a sip from his glass. ‘You and Lyonsdale have always been close...like brothers, some would say. I suppose should you find yourself in dire straits, he would take you in.’
Julian had been the one constant in his life. They had known one another from the cradle. Hart always attributed his father’s inability to harm their friendship to Julian’s exalted title and fierce sense of loyalty. ‘He has been more like family to me than you have ever been, therefore I suppose he would. However, I am resourceful enough that such a thing would never happen. Is that what you were trying to do? You want to bankrupt me, assuming I would beg you for help? I’d rather clean chimneys for my food.’
‘I imagine you are too big for that now. Regardless of what you believe, I have no desire to provide for you financially ever again, even if the image of you on your knees would amuse me. I’ve given you enough in your life. You will not get handouts from me.’
‘There are some men who would not view it as a handout if it were helping their own flesh and blood, but we talk in circles. What is it you came here to say? I’m certain there was a purpose behind this informative discussion.’
‘I just wanted to remind you that we don’t always get what it is we want in life. This last time I relinquished the animal to you, however next time I might not be so generous.’
‘That horse cost me over seventeen hundred pounds. One would hardly call that generous of you. But rest assured, I could have outbid you even if you continued your game.’ They stared at one another finally, eye to eye, and the cold, calculating depth of his father’s brown eyes was another reminder to Hart that he would not miss the man when he perished.
His father turned and looked out across the room. ‘She’s rather enticing,’ he said through a snide smile. ‘I’d venture she would be a tasty morsel, wouldn’t you say?’
‘I have no idea to whom you are referring.’
‘You can pretend indifference all you like, but I’ve noticed your interest in her—and not just on this occasion.’
Hart wasn’t given a chance to reply before his father sauntered away.
Immediately, Hart’s gaze darted to Miss Forrester, as if by some odd occurrence his father could harm her from all the way across a room simply with some words. There she stood talking with Katrina, oblivious to the man who had sized her up a bit too intimately. He’d be damned if he let any harm come to her at the hands of his father! She would not meet the same fate as Caroline. Of that, he would make certain.
Dammit! If he danced with her now, his father would know he was correct in his assumption about who had held Hart’s interest. He would have to refocus his attention on the woman who stood behind her, to...Theodosia! He almost sighed out loud. They hadn’t spoken to one another since he slipped out of her bedroom that rainy night over a week ago. While she was a lovely woman and not the type to demand his further attention after their tryst, he really had no desire to spend time with her now, except his father had given him little choice.
Ha
rt always did what he wanted. There was no reason not to. However, tonight, for the first time, he would dance with one woman, while he really wanted to be holding another.
* * *
He was coming towards her. Sarah took a breath and tried to pretend she was not noticing every powerful step Hartwick took across the ballroom floor and all the female heads that turned to follow his progress. She tried not to notice how that lock of hair slid over his eye and how he tossed his head to move it aside. And how it slipped back down as he got closer to her. Katrina had said something, but she had no idea what it was. She hoped her smile was an appropriate response and Katrina hadn’t revealed someone was gravely ill or had suffered some horrific accident.
Her body hummed with anticipation...until he strode right past her without so much as a glance and instead approached Lady Helmford, who was standing behind her.
He was the one who had suggested they meet this evening to discuss their progress in finding the diamond! He was the one who had suggested their wager! Did that man’s passions ever stop long enough for his brain to function?
Her stomach did a queasy flip. What if he had decided he no longer needed her? What if he had found the diamond and didn’t need both keys? The blackguard didn’t even have the decency to tell her! She was breaking out into a cold sweat just thinking that he might be in possession of the stone.
She angled her ear towards him just as he asked Lady Helmford to dance. The only thing preventing her from tripping him as they walked past was the notion she might ruin her spectacular slippers embroidered with silver thread. He was fortunate she was a woman who appreciated fine footwear.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed a figure approach her little party. He was a well-made man probably in his fifties who had retained his good looks. His light brown hair was cropped very short, highlighting his strong bone structure. One thing that was impossible not to notice was the way he carried himself with confidence in his fine black evening clothes.
He gave them a deferential bow. ‘Ladies.’ His pleasant voice was deep and smooth, and Sarah tried to recall if she had ever seen him before.
She and Katrina were very close and she knew that slight squint of her friend’s eyes meant she was not fond of the man. As he stood discussing the weather with Katrina, Sarah could tell she was avoiding introducing them. When it became apparent he would not leave without making her acquaintance, Katrina somewhat reluctantly introduced her to Lord Blackwood.
‘Miss Forrester,’ he said, tipping his head in greeting, ‘I’ve wanted to make your acquaintance for some time.’
‘Why is that, my lord?’
‘Is it so unusual for a gentleman to seek out the introduction of a beautiful woman?’
Oh, lud, not another charmer!
‘And I have an interest in America. I own a very successful shipping company and have a number of trade vessels that continually travel between our countries. My pockets are heavy with the generosity of your countrymen.’
Now she understood Katrina’s reluctance to introduce them. Out of boredom she looked towards Hartwick and Lady Helmford, who were standing side by side at the edge of the dance floor. They appeared to be having an entertaining conversation. Didn’t the woman realise she was just one of many in his long line of lovers?
‘Would you care to dance, Miss Forrester?’
Her shoulders sagged. She hadn’t been looking at the dance floor as a hint to get Lord Blackwood to ask her to dance. This was all Hartwick’s fault! The last thing she wanted was to spend more time with the ridiculously rich man and his tales of how much he enjoyed fleecing her countrymen.
There was no mistaking the disapproving look Katrina gave her. But if she didn’t accept his invitation, she would not be able to dance for the remainder of the evening. Most of the men who had reserved dances with her were rather nice. And perhaps this would show Hartwick she wasn’t waiting around for him to find her.
She forced a smile on her face, ignored Katrina’s glare and allowed him to escort her to the dance floor, where he stopped not far from Hartwick and Lady Helmford. Within moments the beginning strains of the quadrille drifted down from the balcony where the musicians were sitting and they separated in the movement of the dance.
‘I understand you had not been on our shores prior to your father’s appointment here.’
‘Yes, this is my first time here.’ She gazed past Lord Blackwood’s shoulder, and her eyes met Hartwick’s piercing blue ones before they both looked away.
‘I imagine you had some trepidation, not knowing what to expect here,’ Lord Blackwood said, pulling her attention back to him.
‘My brother had travelled to England. I remembered how much he enjoyed his time here.’ If she could have banged her head on his shoulder without making a spectacle of herself, she would have. It was frustrating to have moments when your mouth and mind did not work as one. Now was not the time to talk about Alexander with anyone.
‘I see.’ His brown eyes were studying her closely. ‘I imagine London is vastly different from New York.’
‘It is, although both are stimulating in their own ways.’ There was no need to mention her family’s estate was on Long Island, away from the bustle of the city. It might only provoke him to ask her more questions.
‘And you also lived in Washington. I hope you were not there during the burning of the city. I imagine it was not a pleasant place to be.’
What a horrific thing to bring up during a dance. ‘No, but I have friends who witnessed the destruction as they fled and lost much that night. You know quite a bit about me.’
‘I told you I have been eager to make your acquaintance. I am sincere in my interest in you and when I am interested in something I give it my full attention.’
She felt as if she was being inspected like a bit of cloth, as though he couldn’t decide if he wanted to use her for a coat or curtains. They were separated by the movement of the dance, and when they came back together she pasted on a smile even though his scrutiny was making her uncomfortable.
‘You are an exceptional dancer,’ he said, giving her a charming smile.
‘And you, as well,’ she replied to be polite.
She knew she should make an attempt to think of things to converse with him about, but there was something about the man that made her uneasy and she preferred to dance in silence than encourage further conversation.
When their dance ended he returned her to Katrina’s side and bowed politely over her gloved hand. That attractive smile was on his lips once more as he bid her farewell and informed her that he would enjoy becoming better acquainted in the future.
Katrina eyed him as he retreated into the crowd. ‘I wish you could have found some excuse not to dance with the man. I do not like him.’
‘I really had no desire to sit out the remainder of my dances so I didn’t have much of a choice, now did I?’
Before Katrina could respond, Sarah’s mother and the Dowager joined them. The diamond tiara the Dowager wore in her hair sparkled like large dewdrops on a sunny day. The grey-haired woman’s lips were pursed tightly and she did not look pleased in spite of the impressive jewels that capped her petite frame.
‘Sarah,’ her mother addressed her with concern in her eyes, ‘try to avoid that man in the future. Her Grace has told me tales about him.’
‘I assure you I have no intention of seeking him out.’
‘See that you don’t,’ the Dowager stated. ‘Lord Blackwood amuses himself in inappropriate ways. He is one to stir up trouble and then step back to watch.’
‘Julian has told me things about him,’ Katrina broke in, ‘and has witnessed the man treat his son horribly.’
The Dowager looked away. ‘I don’t believe even Julian knows how horrible he has been.’
It was so frustrating to be left
out of conversations. ‘I don’t understand. What son?’
Katrina opened her mouth to reply, but the Dowager jumped in. ‘Hartwick will take Lord Blackwood’s title when the man expires.’
Sarah looked over her shoulder in search of the man she danced with. ‘Lord Blackwood is his father? But they look nothing alike.’
The Dowager’s softened expression landed on Hartwick, who was across the room bidding farewell to Lady Helmford. ‘He is the very image of his mother. She was a lovely woman. It’s a pity she died so young.’
Sarah glanced at her mother, whose attention was fixed on her glass, not meeting anyone in the eye.
‘I wasn’t aware you knew his mother,’ Katrina said, also studying Hartwick.
For all Sarah knew he could be walking around with the diamond in his pocket at that very moment, probably congratulating himself that he was smarter than she was. He would get no sympathy from her.
The Dowager let out a hacking cough, drawing the attention of those around them.
‘Would you like me to fetch you some water?’ Sarah asked with true concern.
The Dowager shook her head as the coughing began to subside. ‘There is no need to fret. You all look as if you are expecting me to expire. When I do, I assure you it will be in a spectacular fashion. My dearest friend, the Duchess of Dunbarton, expired in the middle of Almack’s ages ago after dancing with a crowned prince. People still talk about it to this day. That might be why Lord Hartwick never attends assemblies there.’ She arched her brow and waited for a reaction.
Sarah was not going to take the bait. Unfortunately, Katrina did.
‘What does that have to do with Hartwick?’
‘She was his maternal grandmother. Our estates were neighbouring properties and we were very good friends. Hartwick was very close to her as a boy after his mother died. She was the only one who showed him any affection that I witnessed. I imagine being in a place where she took her last breath would be painful for him.’
An Unexpected Countess Page 11