‘Perhaps you think Major Clifton will protect you,’ he muttered. ‘Let me warn you, madam, that I shall not be caught unawares again. Any attempt by the major to interfere in this affair will have disastrous results, for you both.’ He added silkily, ‘I shall not hesitate to kill him, my lady, do not be in any doubt about that.’
‘Oh, I believe you capable of any base act,’ she retorted haughtily. She turned on her heel and walked away, head held high, yet a deadly depression was already seeping into her bones: if she was to protect everything she held most dear, she could see no alternative. She would have to marry Sir Ronald Deforge.
London was cold. Eloise ordered fires to be lit in every room of her house in Dover Street but the chill never seemed to leave her. She told herself she was anxious for news of Alex, but even when his letters arrived, and she knew he was recovering well, still something was missing. She found herself re-reading the letters, searching for any mention of Jack Clifton, but Alex told her very little, save that Jack intended to accompany him back to town, as soon as he was well enough to travel, and with that crumb she had to be satisfied.
Everyone welcomed Lady Allyngham back to town and she threw herself into the round of breakfasts, parties, routs and balls that filled the days and nights of any society lady, but although she was relieved to be away from Sir Ronald’s presence she could not relax. At one particularly tiresome party she began to think of going to Allyngham until Alex returned. She was idly making plans for this when Lord Berrow sought her out and invited her to tell him more about the foundling hospital she intended to build. He hinted that he might be persuaded to sell her the land she needed at Ainsley Wood, and it occurred to her that she should make sure that her plans for the hospital were well under way, and a trust set up for its support as soon as possible: she was all too aware that if she was forced to marry Sir Ronald she would lose all control of the Allyngham fortune.
Alex came in to London sooner than she expected. Eloise returned from the Green Park one afternoon to find a hastily scrawled note awaiting her.
‘When did this arrive, Noyes?’
‘It was delivered shortly after you left the house, my lady.’
She looked up, smiling.
‘Mr Mortimer is back in town. Since I am dressed for walking I shall go and see him immediately.’
‘I will summon your maid, madam.’
‘No, I will not wait for that.’
‘But, my lady!’
She waved an impatient hand at him.
‘It is only a few doors away and not yet dark. Open the door, Noyes. I shall not be long.’
Ignoring the butler’s tut of disapproval she hurried along the street, holding her skirts up to avoid the dirty pavement.
If Alex’s butler was shocked to find an unescorted lady at his master’s door he was too well trained to reveal it and merely ushered her to the drawing room. Alex was stretched out on a day-bed, one arm in a sling and a brightly coloured rug thrown over his legs. Eloise ran forwards and bent to hug him.
‘Oh, my dear, I am so pleased that you are back! I am sorry I did not come earlier, but I was out walking with Lord Berrow when your note arrived. How was your journey, was it terribly painful for you?’
‘Not as bad as I feared. Jack brought me in his new carriage, which is very well sprung. I scarcely noticed the bumpy road.’
‘Oh, I beg your pardon. I did not realise you had company.’
She straightened and turned to see Major Clifton standing by the window. As he walked forwards she observed the warm look in his eyes and heat seared her cheeks. He was not deceived by the cool, polite smile she was giving him, and she scolded herself for allowing that first, initial burst of irrational pleasure to show. Jack bowed to her.
‘You will want to talk alone,’ he said. ‘I shall leave you—’
‘The devil you will!’ retorted Alex. ‘You promised to keep me company at dinner, Clifton, and I will hold you to that.’
‘Then I should go,’ said Eloise quickly. ‘I wanted only to assure myself that you had survived your journey.’
Alex reached out and gripped her hand.
‘No, there is no need for you to rush off, Elle. We three know each other well enough to take a glass of wine together, do we not? My dear, ring the bell for me. Then you must sit down. A gentleman should not lounge around in a lady’s presence, but you know very well that I cannot get up.’
‘Allow me,’ said Jack, pulling up a chair for her.
She did not look at him but sank into it with a murmur of thanks.
‘Have you seen Deforge?’ Alex’s question brought her eyes to his face and he said impatiently, ‘For heaven’s sake, Elle, there’s no need to look daggers at me. It is not as though Clifton does not know what is going on.’
‘But Lady Allyngham would prefer not to discuss the matter while I am here…’
She put up her hand.
‘No,’ she said carefully. ‘I have no objection to you being here, Major. After all, you saved Alex’s life.’
Alex nodded. ‘I am glad you are being sensible at last, my dear.’
‘Sir Ronald left Renwick Hall two days before us,’ explained Jack. ‘He said he was calling upon friends, but I thought he might try to steal a march by coming straight to town.’
‘I have not seen him,’ said Eloise. ‘I have no doubt he will seek me out when he is ready.’
‘Then we must decide what is to be done,’ declared Alex.
‘You will do nothing, my dear,’ she said quickly. ‘At least, not until you are well again.’
‘Then perhaps Jack—’
‘No!’ She sat up very straight. ‘Major Clifton need not involve himself further in our affairs.’
‘But I should like to help,’ said Jack mildly.
She glanced across at him. Her heart lurched at the sight of his smiling face and she squeezed her hands together in her lap, reminding herself of her resolution.
‘That is very kind of you, Major, but there really is nothing to be done at the present time.’
She was relieved that the entry of a footman carrying the wine caused a diversion.
‘Yes, yes, that will do,’ said Alex, impatiently waving away the servant. ‘Clifton, will you pour? I am weak as a cat.’
‘Hardly surprising after a long journey,’ said Jack. ‘You will feel better when you have had a good night’s sleep.’
He held out a glass of wine to Eloise, saying with a faint smile, ‘I insisted he send for his doctor to call upon him in the morning.’
‘I am glad of it, thank you.’
She was very aware of her fingers brushing Jack’s as she took the wine. She remembered the feel of them on her skin and experienced a little frisson of pleasure at the memory. Giving herself a mental shake, Eloise put both hands around the wine glass. Heavens, she must curb such thoughts!
Jack had turned away to carry a glass of wine to Alex and she was able to watch the two men as they conversed. She remembered the icy dread she had felt when Alex had been wounded. It was nothing to the fear that now enveloped her when she thought of anything happening to Jack Clifton. She regarded his broad back. He was so strong, so assured, but even he was not proof against an assassin’s knife or bullet. Deforge had promised to kill him, and she had no doubt that he would carry out that threat, if he thought Jack was involved. She squared her shoulders: she would talk to Alex tomorrow and make him promise not to divulge anything more to Jack Clifton. She finished her wine.
‘I must go. I am promised to attend Parham House this evening.’
‘But I thought you did not like Lady Parham above half.’
Eloise gave a little shrug. ‘I do not, but I have hopes that I might be able to settle the question of Ainsley Wood this evening, so you see I must attend. I shall call upon you again tomorrow, Alex.’
Jack put down his glass.
‘It is growing dark. I will escort you to your door, my lady.’
‘Aye, please do
, Jack,’ said Alex, before Eloise could refuse. ‘I’d rather not have her walking alone. It is only a step and you can be back in ten minutes.’ He scowled. ‘Do not argue with me, madam. Bad enough that you should risk your reputation by coming here!’
Jack grinned.
‘I think we should humour him, my lady: opposition could render him feverish.’ He held out his arm. ‘Shall we go?’
Silently, Eloise allowed him to escort her out on to the street. The chill autumn night was already setting in and she was glad to push her hands deep into the large muff she was carrying.
‘You said you were walking with Lord Berrow this afternoon,’ said Jack, matching his step to hers. ‘Was Lady Berrow with you, too?’
‘No, she was not.’
‘But she knows of your outing?’
Eloise shrugged. ‘I presume so, Major. Why do you ask?’
‘I think you should have a care, that is all.’
‘Lord Berrow’s estates border my own. We are neighbours. It is only natural that we should discuss matters together.’
‘The gentleman may not see it in quite that way.’
She stiffened.
‘Do not measure all men by your own standards, sir!’
‘I do not,’ he retorted. ‘That is why I urge caution.’
She stopped and turned to face him.
‘Major Clifton, allow me to know my own business,’ she said angrily. ‘I am perfectly capable of looking after myself.’
‘I very much doubt that.’
She drew herself up.
‘In case you have forgotten, sir, my husband was a military man and often absent. I am quite capable of running my own affairs and have been doing so for years!’
‘No, I have not forgotten your husband, madam, which is why I am trying to protect you!’
She gave him an icy look and turned to walk on. He fell into step beside her, saying, ‘While Mortimer is tied to his bed I would urge you to be more careful. You cannot deny that you are inexperienced in the ways of men.’
They had reached her house and she ran quickly up the steps. As the door opened to admit her she turned towards him and said in a low, shaking voice,
‘During the past few weeks I have learned as much about men as I ever want to know!’
Chapter Thirteen
A quiet dinner alone did much to restore Eloise’s good humour and by the time she set out for Parham House she was feeling quite optimistic. Alex was safe and recovering well, and although she was angry with Jack Clifton, she had to admit that it was very pleasant to have someone so concerned for her welfare that they were prepared to argue with her. Tony had been a kind and considerate husband, and Alex was a good friend, but neither had ever shown themselves quite so fiercely protective as Jack Clifton. She could almost believe he cared for her—but that was because he did not know the truth: he was far too honest to approve of the web of deceit she had woven with Tony and Alex. She leaned her head against the luxurious padding of her carriage and allowed herself to dream of what her future could be, if she could only destroy the journal and free herself from Deforge’s clutches. Perhaps, once the secrets of her past were safely hidden she could start again; make a new life for herself that was not built on lies and deceit. And perhaps then Jack might be able to love her. It would not be easy, and escaping from Sir Ronald’s clutches would be both difficult and dangerous, especially with Alex injured and unable to help, but she decided it was a future worth fighting for.
Parham House was hot, noisy and crowded. Eloise summoned up her society smile and wondered just how soon she would be able to get away. She took a glass of wine and scanned the room for Lord Berrow. During their walk that afternoon he had asked her most specific questions about her plans for the foundling hospital, and she had been encouraged to suggest he reconsider selling her the land at Ainsley Wood. When they parted he had hinted most strongly that if she attended the rout this evening he would give her his decision, so she had changed her walking dress for an evening gown of rose-coloured silk, secured the Allyngham diamonds about her neck and sallied forth to brave Lady Parham’s barbed wit.
Despite her bold words to Jack Clifton, Eloise did not enjoy going about alone in town. She was used to turning off the gentlemen’s flirtatious banter with a laugh and a witty rejoinder, but without Alex at her side she found their attentions a little more pressing, and it was necessary to give an occasional set down in order to keep the gentlemen at a distance. She could not be said to be enjoying herself at Parham House. The time dragged while she waited for Lord Berrow to arrive. She took a second glass of wine, then a glass of champagne, anything to occupy her. At last she was relieved to see the Earl approaching her, and she held out her hand to him, smiling.
‘My lord, I am very pleased you are here! Such a squeeze. All the world and his wife must be present.’
Lord Berrow raised her fingers to his lips.
‘My dear Lady Allyngham. You are radiant, as ever!’
‘Thank you.’ She looked past him. ‘Is Lady Berrow with you?’
He chuckled.
‘My wife is indisposed this evening, but even if she were not, we would not want her here upon this occasion, now would we?’
She realised he was still holding her fingers and gently but firmly pulled them away.
‘No, I suppose not, if we are discussing business.’
‘Business! Ha ha, well, if that is what you wish to call it.’
Her eyes slid away from him and as a distraction she beckoned to a passing waiter.
‘Shall we take a glass of wine, sir?’
The room was very hot and the wine did little to cool her. Eloise wished she had sent the waiter to fetch her some lemonade instead. Lord Berrow seemed content to talk of trivial matters but she was impatient to get away.
‘My lord, you said you would give me your decision on Ainsley Wood. Will you allow me to buy the land from you?’
‘My dear ma’am, I shall be delighted to sell you anything your heart desires!’
‘That is very gracious of you, sir, but it is only a small portion of land that is required.’
‘Then it is yours.’
‘I am so pleased. I shall instruct my lawyers to—’
Lord Berrow put up a hand.
‘Yes, yes, of course, but there are a few little details I should like to talk over.’ He held out his arm. ‘Allow me to escort you out of this crush.’
She placed her fingers on his sleeve and was happy for him to precede her, his substantial bulk carving a path for her through the crowd. The double doors of the main reception rooms had been thrown open and Lord Berrow led her into the salon beyond. This room was just as crowded, but her partner carried on to a small corridor at one end.
‘You appear to know the house very well, my lord.’
Eloise gave a nervous little laugh as he ushered her into a small, book-lined study and closed the door upon the noisy throng. A single branched candlestick and the glow from the fire provided the only lighting in the room, adding to her unease.
He tapped his nose, beaming at her.
‘The advantage of spending years in town, one learns where one may be, ah, private in even the busiest houses.’
‘But is this necessary, Lord Berrow? Would it not be better to discuss these things at your house, or even with my lawyer in the City?’
‘Oh I don’t see the need to involve the lawyers for this,’ he said, drawing her down on to a sofa placed before a crackling fire. ‘At least, not yet.’
He sat down beside her. She edged away a little, suddenly suspicious.
‘My lord, I thought you had agreed to sell me Ainsley Wood.’
‘I have indeed.’ He moved closer ‘But there are a few little details we must discuss.’
‘Must we?’
‘But of course. You know that I was not at all in favour of having a foundling hospital located so near to me.’
‘So near? My dear sir, your house is quite five mil
es away from Ainsley Wood, and I have already said I would offer you a very good price to buy the land from you.’
‘I am sure you would, my dear, and I am very happy to sell you the wood, but I think we need to discuss terms.’
‘T-terms?’
‘Oh, yes.’ He was smiling at her, so close that she could see the tiny, broken veins in his cheeks. ‘We are neighbours, after all, and it would be very pleasant to know that whenever I stayed in the area I should be welcome at Allyngham.’
‘You and Lady Berrow may call at any time, my lord. Of course I did not receive visitors when I was in mourning, but—’
‘You misunderstand me,’ he murmured, his voice thickening. ‘I shall call upon you alone, to enjoy those charms that you display so lavishly. Now let us seal our little bargain with a kiss, shall we…’
His arm slid around her waist and he pulled her to him. She turned her head and felt his hot breath on her ear. She pushed ineffectually at his chest.
‘My lord, let me go! This is not what I intended!’
He chuckled, his mouth pressed against her skin. She felt his teeth nibbling at her neck. Her flesh began to crawl.
‘How dare you. Leave me alone!’
‘No need to be coy, my love, I have said you may have Ainsley Wood, and I will not object to you building your hospital, but you must give me something in return…’
He was forcing her back upon the sofa, his knee pushing between her legs and one hand firmly fixed upon her breast. She began to panic as she felt his weight pressing her down, pinning her beneath him. His hot, rasping breath was warm on her face. She closed her eyes and tried to scream, but she could not get her breath and given the noise in the main salons she doubted if anyone would hear her.
Then, miraculously, she was free. The suffocating weight was lifted from her body and she opened her eyes in time to see Jack Clifton delivering a crashing blow to Lord Berrow’s whiskery jaw. Gasping for breath, Eloise sat up and straightened her gown.
Lord Berrow spluttered and struggled to his feet.
‘Damn you, sir, how dare you assault me!’
Disgrace and Desire Page 18