“Then by all means let us go there,” said Allegra. She accepted Tristan’s proffered arm and allowed him to lead her from the room, her head held proudly. She would show Adam that his actions made no difference to her.
Tristan led her past the bejeweled crowd and out into the coolness of the marble hallway. The footmen cast them a curious glance, but the vagaries of the nobility were none of their business. They had seen far too many men and women slip away from balls in the past to give this pair a second thought. Allegra felt a pang of guilt at the knowing look on their faces, and paused for a moment.
“Perhaps we should go back,” she murmured.
Tristan patted her hand soothingly. “There’s nothing to worry about, my dear. You simply need to rest for a few minutes in a quiet room. I have no intention of ravishing you against your will, you know.”
Allegra laughed nervously. “I know. It’s just that--” she broke off, feeling foolish.
“Your scruples do you honor, my dear, but no one is paying attention to us. Your reputation will come to no harm.”
He led her down a hallway and then eased open a carved oaken door that stood in front of them, motioning her gently through. She looked around her, enjoying the sudden quiet and coolness. They were in a beautiful, high-ceilinged sitting room, its decoration reflecting the current craze for Oriental knickknacks. Because the room was not meant to be used that night there were only a few candles flickering in the wall sconces, but she could see that it was decorated with an eye to comfort, with a broad desk, soft red velvet chairs and a brocaded silk couch. Tristan led her to it and urged her to sit.
“No one will bother us in here. I doubt anyone will have the sudden desire to sit in the dark with all the activities available in the other room.”
Allegra smiled at the joke. It was a relief to get away, she thought. She wasn’t sure if it was the champagne, the closeness of the ballroom, or her aggravation with Adam, but she felt unsettled, and this dark, quiet room had a calming effect on her mood. She took a deep breath and willed herself to relax.
“Thank you, Lord Gresham. I feel much better now.”
“I thought you might.” He seated himself on the couch next to her, but Allegra was relieved to see that he maintained a proper distance. “Tell me, my dear, how long are you prepared to put up with Gravesmere’s insults?”
Allegra stiffened slightly. She knew that she had allowed her relationship with Tristan to become closer than she should have, but she didn’t know if she was prepared to discuss Adam with him just now. She looked away.
“I don’t mean to intrude where I’m not wanted,” continued Tristan smoothly. “But your distress is obvious, and his behavior is reprehensible. It makes my blood boil to see him treating you so cruelly. Would you like me to call him out?”
“No!” The word flew out of Allegra’s mouth before she was even aware of forming it. Her heart pounded in her chest. Tristan was a famous swordsman, and it was rumored that he had killed previous opponents.
The thought of Adam dead brought her no solace at all. Instead, she felt as though she might cry as the tragic picture of him spread on the grass, blood bubbling from a mortal wound, Tristan standing victoriously over him came to her mind. She shuddered.
“Such fierceness,” said Tristan. “It seems you still care for him.”
“I don’t care for him at all,” retorted Allegra, hastening to push the vision away. “How could I, after the way he’s treated me? But that doesn’t mean I wish him dead. He means nothing at all to me, and I simply wish to forget him.”
“Ah. I could help you there, as well,” promised Tristan. He shifted so that he faced her, at the same time sliding closer along the sofa’s smooth surface. “You can’t forget him if you don’t move on, Allegra.”
“I know.” Allegra looked cross. “I just don’t want him to win, either. He means to divorce me and marry that horrible woman, you know. I refuse to provide him with evidence that would let that happen.“
“Ah. But there are ways around that. He can’t watch you every moment of the day. He’s far too busy with his pretty mistress just now, for instance. And don’t you think you deserve to have some pleasure of your own? Are you going to let all your beauty and youth waste away, simply to spite him?”
“No,” said Allegra hesitantly. Tristan’s words both shamed and excited her. She grew angry with herself for still wanting Adam, when he was totally in Louisa’s thrall. And she felt an unbidden wash of desire as she remembered how he had made her feel when he held her in his arms, of the wonderful way his hands on her body had made her feel, of the shattering pleasure when they climaxed together. Was she to go without that forever, when she had just barely learned about it?
“I would love to show you how beautiful you are,” said Tristan softly, persuasively. “If he can’t appreciate you, I would like you to know that I can.” He watched with an experienced eye as Allegra‘s breath grew a little faster, and the lace at her breast trembled gently. He felt himself begin to grow hard at the thought of having her. God, she was a delectable creature. He thought perhaps he could stay with her for months before he grew weary of her.
“That’s very kind of you, Lord Gresham. But I don’t know...I don’t know if I’m ready.”
Allegra looked into his face and saw the ardent look in his eyes. She tried to imagine kissing him, but she couldn’t. She liked Tristan, and was grateful to him for his support, but she felt none of the passion that Adam stirred in her.
“Of course you are. You’re simply shy, which I find charming. After all, sweetheart, you can’t mean to let all your sensuality wither away while your husband attends to another woman. It would be a sin.”
Very slowly and gently, so as not to alarm her, he wrapped one hand around her arm, his fingers gently caressing her white skin. A thrill shot through him as he sensed her nervousness. She was trembling on the brink. He needed only to nudge her over it, to overcome her natural reluctance and use her desire for satiation and revenge to serve his own purposes.
“But this would be wrong as well,” she protested.
“How? Has your husband been faithful to you? Does he cherish you and protect you? Of course he doesn’t. He scorns you and neglects you, and leaves you unsatisfied. Let me satisfy you, Allegra. I know that I can. You have only to give me the chance. And then you‘ll have broken his hold over you. You’ll know that it isn’t him you need, but me.”
Allegra’s brow furrowed as she pondered Tristan’s words. Was it possible that he was right? After all, Adam had been her only lover. Perhaps another man would do as well, would make her feel the same amazing things that he did. It seemed unfair that Adam should be able to do as he pleased, while she withered away in solitude.
Tristan saw that he had struck a nerve, and pressed his advantage. “You’re far too young and spirited to let him cage you so. Am I asking so much when I urge you to defy him, to allow me to love you as you deserve? It will be wonderful, my dear. I’ll make you forget him entirely, I promise.”
Allegra shivered. Tristan’s offer was so tempting, holding the shimmering promise of revenge as well as the opportunity to quench her own raging need. Despite her attempts to ignore it, her body reminded her often and forcibly that it had grown used to Adam’s loving. But wasn’t one man much like another? At least Tristan cared about her. Why did she long for what she couldn’t have?
“I don’t know,” she whispered.
“You do know,” answered Tristan. “You know that I’m right. Let me show you, sweetheart.”
His warm hand wandered up to her shoulder, caressing and soothing as it went, and his other hand wrapped around her waist, drawing her close. She felt his muscular thigh press against hers through the silk of her dress, and tried to relax. It was so strange, she thought. As fond as she was of Tristan, she didn’t feel the thrill, the need that drove her when she was this close to Adam.
Tristan looked down into her confused eyes and smiled slightly. “Ju
st relax, darling. Let me show you.”
His fingers moved up her neck to her jaw, feathering lightly over her soft skin. She was so open, so vulnerable. He recognized her need, and though he knew it wasn’t for him, he also knew he could turn it to his advantage. He could trust his skills to bring her to a fever pitch, and, after a few minutes of resistance, she would give in to her body’s demands. Then there would be no turning back.
Allegra drew in a quavering breath as she gazed up into Tristan’s intent face. His touch on her skin wasn’t unpleasant. As a matter of fact, it was quite pleasurable, soothing and at the same time exciting. She gave a tiny wriggle as her nerves responded to the stimulation. Tristan smiled.
“Just so, my dear. Let yourself feel it. It’s wonderful, isn’t it?”
He could still see the shade of doubt in her eyes, and knew that he had to banish it. Soon he would see the fire of desire instead. He sensed that under her innocent exterior, Allegra concealed a passionate nature. It would take only a few minutes to unleash it.
He pulled her closer until her breasts were pressed against his broad chest. His hand moved to cup her little chin and his lips traced a line from her eyebrow down towards her lips, nibbling and teasing, promising her greater pleasures. Allegra closed her eyes, trying to yield to the sensations that were shooting through her body. But her mind, her heart, stubbornly clung to the picture of Adam and refused to let go of it. She gave a tiny sob.
“It’s all right. You’ll be fine. Just relax,” urged Tristan. His mouth touched the corner of hers, his tongue flicking gently out, urging her to yield to him. Then he pressed his lips to hers, seizing the initiative, demanding a response. He felt her tremble on the brink of surrender and pressed forward, sensing the ultimate triumph.
But then Allegra gave a tiny cry and wrenched her head away from his grip, her bright blue eyes filling with tears that spilled over onto her pale cheeks. “I’m sorry,” she gasped. “I’m sorry, I just can‘t. I don’t know why, but I can’t do this.”
Tristan stared at her, amazed. He knew that she was ready, that her body was primed, that she felt the same powerful physical need that burned in him. Why was she resisting her obvious need? “There’s nothing to worry about,“ he said trying to draw her close again. “No one will see us. I’ll lock the door.”
“No, it’s not that,” said Allegra, shaking her head, her face full of pain. “I can’t explain it. But I can’t do this with you if I don’t mean it, if it’s just to hurt Adam, to get even. It’s not fair to you. Or to me. I have to be honest.”
Tristan blinked. No one had ever stopped him in the middle of a seduction to discuss the fairness of their actions before. She was just nervous. Another few minutes and she would forget her fears. He leaned forward, determined to erase her silly thoughts with more kisses.
She made a little sound of agony and turned her head. “No, don’t, please. I know that I will give in eventually, but I don’t want to. It’s wrong, wrong for both of us. Don’t you understand?”
Tristan raised his head and glared at her. For all his reputation as a rake and a womanizer, he had never forced himself on a woman. All his companions had been more than willing, and he had never seduced anyone, duchess or chambermaid, without her full consent. He gritted his teeth and concentrated on his need to humble his rival’s pride, but instead all he saw was Allegra’s tear-filled eyes and anguished face. Caroline was right, damn it. Allegra was a woman of honor, who wouldn’t easily give in to what she knew was wrong. And she was staring up at him, trusting him to understand, to let her go. “Damnation,” he bit out.
“I’m sorry,” said Allegra. “You must be very angry with me. I let you think that I would--that I could--well, that I meant to let you have your way with me. But it wouldn’t be fair to you. I think I must love Adam, despite everything.” Her heart twisted as she said the words. She was a pitiful thing, loving a man who felt nothing for her.
“I’m not angry with you,” said Tristan slowly. He released her, his own actions amazing him. He had only to insist, to press his advantage, and she would yield to him. She had said so herself. Sooner or later her scruples would be overcome by her body’s urges and his own skilled lovemaking. Then he would obtain everything he wanted. His revenge would be complete, and Allegra would have no choice but to become his mistress. He would provide her with a great deal of pleasure before their ways parted. What was it to him if her childish dreams were shattered? Allegra was clinging to an illusion that could never be sustained, and she would be better off if she learned that now.
“I wouldn’t blame you if you were,” she said wretchedly. “I know I’m being silly, but I can’t do this while I have any hope. And as long as I’m near him, I can’t help but think there‘s something I can do to make him want me again.” Her head drooped on her slender neck, like a flower in the rain.
Tristan swallowed and stood up, backing away from the sofa. He couldn’t believe his own actions, but he felt a sudden distaste for himself and his behavior over the past weeks. He had never thought of his seductions as anything but an exchange of pleasure, a game that both people participated in freely. But Allegra was clearly in pain, and despite his determination not to let it touch him, or interfere with his plans, he felt an unwanted sympathy with her.
“I’m sorry,” he said finally. “I didn’t realize he meant that much to you. I thought that I could make you forget him.”
“I wish you could,” said Allegra bitterly. “I tried, but it didn’t work.”
Tristan shook his head. If he left the room now he would be throwing all his plans away. He could still take her. She was distraught enough that if he pressed his suit, she would give in, if only out of loneliness and guilt. But he realized dimly that he didn’t want her in that state. It would be empty and hollow for her, and she would be destroyed. Despite all his anger with Gravesmere, he didn’t want to ruin this beautiful young woman. She had no part in what had happened in the past, and she deserved to find her own happiness.
“I should go,” he said quietly. “I imagine you want to be alone.”
“If you don’t mind. I’m surprised you still even speak to me. I treated you wrongly.” Allegra looked guilt-stricken.
“No, you mustn’t think that,” Tristan countered. “I knew what I was doing. I’ve behaved badly. Please believe me, if I can ever be of assistance to you, let me know.”
“Thank you.” Allegra looked down at her hands, which were twisted together in her lap. A sob broke from her lips. She heard Tristan’s footsteps move slowly out of the room and the door close behind him, and she was alone. She threw herself down on the crimson brocade and wept.
Chapter 24
On the Side of the Angels
In the ballroom, the dance had come to its end, and Adam led Lady Manning away from the dance floor. She beamed up at him, her eyes glowing. All was going precisely to plan.
“Thank you, Adam. That was delightful. It’s so pleasant to be by your side, where I feel I belong. I’ve loved you for so long, but never until now did I hope that I might one day be your wife. You’ve made all my dreams come true.” She smiled slyly. If it were only guilt that kept him with her, then she would make sure his load was a heavy one.
Adam managed a smile, but had no response. His eyes wandered to the door of the ballroom. He hadn’t failed to notice that Allegra had left the room with Lord Gresham, and his blood boiled at the thought of what they might be doing. He moved restlessly.
Louisa eyed him thoughtfully. She had only to give him permission to do what he wanted to do and all would be over. “Did you see what your wife did?” she whispered. “I’m shocked, Adam. To be so bold in front of all these people. How disgraceful.”
Adam looked down at her, his expression guarded. The thought occurred to him that Allegra was doing no more than he was, flaunting her relationship with Gresham as he was using Louisa. Then he pushed the notion away. Allegra had turned against him first, and she deserved what she got
. She was doubtless somewhere now, allowing Gresham free access to her body. He clenched his teeth.
Louisa watched a muscle tic in his jaw, and smiled. “Surely you don’t mean to let her get away with that? You must follow her.”
Adam shrugged. “Her behavior is no longer any concern of mine.”
Louisa reined in her annoyance at his reluctance. “But Adam, if you wish to divorce her, we need evidence. If you were to find her in Lord Gresham’s arms, no one would be able to deny you. This is your chance, my dear.”
Adam frowned. Louisa seemed almost indecently eager for him to find Allegra in a compromising situation. Her eyes glinted sharply, and he wondered if what he saw on her face was greed. But she was right; this was his best chance to secure evidence for a divorce. Allegra had apparently let her desires get the better of her, and had cast discretion to the winds. He had hired men to follow Allegra, but if he could catch her in the act himself, it would be best.
“You’re right,” he said shortly. “Wait here. I’ll see if I can find them.”
He turned on his heel and strode away. Louisa licked her lips in anticipation. In less than an hour she would be well and truly on her way to being Duchess of Gravesmere.
Adam left the ballroom, his face set in a mask of cold anger. He realized dimly that he didn’t truly wish to pursue Allegra, that the sight of her giving herself to another man would destroy the last shred of illusion that he clung to that she might actually care for him. But he had to know, to find the proof that would free him from her and allow him to get on with the rest of his life. He would have no peace, no dignity, until he had rid himself of her presence. He hesitated in the hallway. There was no one about except the servants.
“Did a man and a woman come through here?” he demanded. “She was wearing blue, he was tall and very dark.”
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