Bow Street Runner - Worth Any Price Part 8

Lottie left the room, her gown swis.h.i.+ng and rustling as she moved. As she descended the grand staircase, she saw Nick waiting in the entrance hall, his body as tense as that of a panther about to strike. His broad-shouldered form was dressed to perfection in the formal scheme of a dark coat, silver waistcoat, and a charcoal silk necktie. With his dark brown hair neatly brushed and his face gleaming from a close shave, he was both virile and elegant. His head turned toward her, and suddenly his narrow-eyed impatience was replaced by an arrested expression.

Lottie felt a rush of elation at the look in his eyes. She deliberately took her time about reaching him. aDo I look like a viscountess?a she asked.

His lips quirked wryly. aNo viscountess Iave ever seen looks like you, Lottie.a She smiled. aIs that a compliment?a aOh, yes. In factaa Nick took her gloved hand and a.s.sisted her down the last step. He held her gaze compulsively, his fingers tightening around hers, and he answered her light question with a gravity that stunned her. aYou are the most beautiful woman in the world,a he said huskily.

aTheworld ?a she repeated with a laugh.

aWhen I say youare beautiful,a he murmured, aI refuse to qualify the statement in any way. Except to add that the only way you could be more so is if you were naked.a She laughed at his audacity. aI am afraid that you will have to reconcile yourself to the fact that Iam going to remain fully clothed tonight.a aUntil after the ball,a he countered. He tugged at the fingertips of her left glove, loosening them one by one.

aWhat are you doing?a Lottie asked, suddenly breathless.

His blue eyes taunted her. aRemoving your glove.a aFor what purpose?a aTo admire your hand.a Drawing the glove completely away, he draped it over the nearby banister of the stairs and lifted her tapered fingers to his mouth. Lottie watched as he kissed them each in turn, his lips warm on her skin. By the time he finished with a soft kiss in the center of her palm, her entire arm was tingling. Lowering her hand, Nick regarded it thoughtfully. aIt lacks something.a Reaching into his pocket, he murmured, aClose your eyes.a Lottie obeyed with a slight smile. She felt something cool and heavy slide over her fourth finger, fitting snugly at the base. Realizing what it was, she opened her eyes and caught her breath.

The ring was a huge, dome-shaped sapphire, a blue that nearly approached the dark, sparkling depth of her husbandas eyes. The gem was set in gold, with a ring of smaller diamonds surrounding it. What made the sapphire so remarkable, however, was the star that danced on the silky surface of the gem, appearing to slide across it with the light. Awestruck, Lottie looked up into Nickas dark face.

aDoes it please you?a he asked.

Words eluded her. She tightened her fingers on his, her mouth opening and closing before she could manage to speak. aIave never seen anything so lovely. I didnat expect anything like this. Oh, how generous of you!a Impulsively she threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

Nickas arms closed around her. She felt his hot breath on the side of her neck, while his hand drew gently over her lace-covered back. aDonat you know that I would give you anything you wanted?a he said softly. aAnything at all.a Afraid to let him see her expression, Lottie remained close against him, her face averted. He had spoken without thinking. Either that, or the words could not possibly reveal what she thought they did. Nick stiffened, as if realizing what he had just said, and he stepped back from her quickly. Risking a glance at him, Lottie saw the careful blankness of his face, and she remained silent, giving him control of the moment.

Nick shook his head as he painstakingly rea.s.sembled his self-possession. When his gaze returned to hers, his eyes were bright with self-mockery. aShall we depart, Lady Sydney?a aYes, Nick,a she whispered, and reached for his proffered arm.

Sir Ross had prevailed on a friend in the first tier of society, the duke of Newcastle himself, to host the ball at which the long-lost Lord Sydney would be introduced. The duke and d.u.c.h.ess were a distinguished pair, a well-respected couple who had been married for forty years. Their unimpeachable reputations would be quite useful in this situation, for a man as infamous as Nick would certainly need sponsors who were above reproach.

The dukeas London estate featured what was tactfully referred to as an aimportanta house, one so mammoth in scale that visitors frequently lost their way from one circuit of rooms to another. There were innumerable parlors, rooms for breakfasting, supping, or taking coffee, a library, dining hall, and a hunting hall, rooms for studying, smoking, and music. The drawing room was floored with what seemed to be acres of highly polished parquet-work, reflecting light from a half-dozen celestial chandeliers hung two stories above. Lined with balconied galleries above and below, the room provided many pockets of privacy for gossip and intrigue.

The ball was attended by at least five hundred guests, many of them chosen for their glittering social status. As Sophia had remarked dryly to Nick, the invitations to this particular event had become such a mark of distinction that no one darednot to attend, in case it was perceived that they had not been asked.

Nick a.s.sumed a properly grateful expression as he was introduced to the duke and d.u.c.h.ess, both of whom had known his parents. aYou bear a striking resemblance to your late father,a the d.u.c.h.ess remarked as Nick bent over her gloved hand. She was a small but elegant woman, her silver head adorned with a diamond tiara, her neck weighted with ropes of pearls so ma.s.sive that they threatened to topple her off-balance. aHad I not been told of your parentage,a the d.u.c.h.ess continued, aI would have known it at once, just by looking at you. Those eyesayes, you are indeed a Sydney. Such a tragedy for you to lose both parents at once. A boating accident, was it not?a aYes, Your Grace.a As Nick had been told, his mother had drowned when a boat had overturned at a water party. His father had died trying to save her.

aA great pity,a the d.u.c.h.ess said. aAnd such a devoted couple, as I recall. But perhaps in that light, it may have been a blessing for them to be taken together.a aIndeed,a Nick said blandly, concealing a flare of annoyance. In the days just after his parentsa death, the same sentiment had been voiced countless timesa"how kind fate had been in that regard, to let them die together. Unfortunately neither of the Sydneysa children had shared that romantic sentiment, wis.h.i.+ng instead that at least one of their parents had survived. Nickas gaze shot to his sister, who stood nearby with Sir Ross. Overhearing the d.u.c.h.essas comment, Sophiaas eyes narrowed slightly, and she exchanged a subtle, grim smile with Nick.

aYour Grace,a Lottie murmured, smoothing over the moment, ahow very kind it is of you to extend your hospitality to us. Lord Sydney and I will always attach the memory of your generosity to this special occasion.a Obviously flattered, the d.u.c.h.ess paused to speak with Lottie for a few moments, while the duke favored Nick with a congratulatory smile. aAn exceptional choice for a wife, Sydney,a the elderly man remarked. aPoised, unaffected, and quite lovely. You are quite fortunate.a No one would have disagreed with that, least of all Nick. Lottie was a revelation this evening, her gown stylish but not too sophisticated, her smile easy, her posture as regal as that of a young queen. Neither the grandeur of their surroundings nor the hundreds of curious gazes seemed to disturb her composure. She was so polished and immaculately pretty that no one suspected the layer of steel beneath her exterior. No one would ever guess that she was the kind of young woman who would have defied her parents and lived by her own wits for two yearsathe kind of woman who could hold her own against a hardened Bow Street runner.

As the duke continued to receive guests, the d.u.c.h.ess continued to speak with Lottie, the gray head inclined toward the pale golden one.

Sophia drifted closer to Nick, employing her fan to mask the movement of her lips as she murmured to him, aI told you so.a Nick smiled wryly, recalling his sisteras claim that Lottie would prove to be a great a.s.set to him. aThose are without doubt the four most irritating words in the English language, Sophia.a aShe is a dear creature, and far too good for you,a his sister informed him with amus.e.m.e.nt dancing in her eyes.

aIave never claimed otherwise.a aAnd she seems rather fond of you,a Sophia continued, aso if I were you, I would not take my good fortune for granted.a aFond,a Nick repeated warily, aware of a sudden increase of his pulse. aWhy do you say that?a aWell, the other day shea"a Sophia broke off as she caught sight of a newly arrived couple. aOh, there is Lord Farrington! Excuse me, dear, as Lady Farrington has been ailing for the past month, and I want to ask after her health.a aWait,a Nick demanded. aFinish what you were going to say!a But Sophia had already glided away with Sir Ross in tow, leaving Nick to seethe in frustration.

When Lottie was released from the d.u.c.h.essas attentions, she took Nickas arm and accompanied him as they mingled with various groups. She was adept at light social conversation, talking amiably without becoming drawn into a lengthy discussion, moving gracefully among the guests and remembering people they had met on previous occasions. It was clear that had Nick wished to leave her while he joined his friends in the smoking and billiards rooms, Lottie would have been perfectly comfortable. However, as Nick saw the number of covetous gazes following his wifeas every movement, he remained close beside her, occasionally resting his hand at the small of her back in a territorial gesture that was well understood by every man who saw it.

An ebullient melody filled the air, provided by an orchestra that was carefully concealed by a forest of potted plants in one of the upper balconies. As they made their way through the crowded ballroom, Lottie flirted with Nick discreetly, laying her hand on his chest in provocative little touches, rising to whisper in his ear until her lips brushed his skin. Semi-aroused and thoroughly fascinated, Nick breathed in the scent of white roses from her hair and stood close enough to see the faint dusting of perfumed powder that had collected in the gentle valley between her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

Suddenly Lottieas attention was caught by a small group of women, two of whom were staring at her with obvious excitement. aNick, I see some friends that I havenat set eyes on since I was at Maidstoneas. I must speak with thema"why donat you join your gentlemen friends? You certainly donat want to listen to us gossip about our school days.a Nick was disgruntled by his wifeas clear desire to be rid of him. aFine,a he said curtly. aIall go to the billiards room.a Lottie shot him a provocative glance from beneath her lashes. aPromise you will come find me for the first waltz?a Realizing that he was being adeptly managed, Nick grumbled an a.s.sent and watched Lottie glide toward the group of waiting women. To his astonishment, he stood there feeling completely bereft. He was so mesmerized by one small woman that he could scarcely think straight. He, who was so eternally self-a.s.sured, was in danger of being led around by the nose by his own wife.

Brooding over the alarming discovery, Nick heard his brother-in-lawas deep voice beside him.

aIt happens to the best of us, Sydney.a Nick turned to face Sir Ross. Uncannily, Sir Ross seemed to understand exactly what he was feeling. His gray eyes gleamed with amus.e.m.e.nt as he continued in a tone that was not unsympathetic. aNo matter how strong our resolve, we eventually find ourselves enslaved by the compulsive preference for one particular woman. Youave been caught, my friend. You may as well reconcile yourself to it.a Nick did not bother trying to deny it. aI was going to be so much smarter than you,a he muttered.

Sir Ross grinned. aI prefer to think that intelligence has nothing to do with it. For if a manas intellect is measured by his ability to remain untouched by love, I would be the greatest idiot alive.a The wordlove made Nick flinch. aWhat would it take to make you shut your gob, Cannon?a aA gla.s.s of 1805 Cossart-Gordon would probably do it,a came the amiable reply. aAnd if Iam not mistaken, theyave just brought out a case in the billiards room.a aLetas go, then,a Nick said, and they strode from the ballroom together.

aLottie Howard!a Two young women rushed over to her, and they clasped hands tightly, sharing grins of barely suppressed glee. Were it not for their strict training at Maidstoneas, the three of them would have squealed in a most unladylike manner.

aSamantha,a Lottie said warmly, gazing at the tall, attractive brunette who had always been like a kind older sister to her. aAnd Arabella!a Arabella Markenfield looked exactly the same as she had at schoolapretty and a bit plump, with strawberry blond ringlets that were perfectly arranged on her porcelain forehead.

aIam Lady Lexington now,a Samantha informed her with considerable pride. aI caught an earl, no less, with a good, sound fortune.a Slipping an arm around Lottieas waist, she turned her slightly. aHeas standing right there, close to the conservatory doors. The tall, balding one. Do you see him?a Lottie nodded as she caught sight of a somber-looking gentleman who appeared to be in his early forties, with large eyes that seemed slightly out of proportion to his long, narrow face. aHe looks to be a very pleasant gentleman,a Lottie remarked, and Samantha laughed.

aVery tactful, dear. Iall be the first to admit that the earl is not much to look at, and he has no sense of humor. However, men with a sense of humor often tend to grate on oneas nerves. And he is an impeccable gentleman.a aIam so glad,a Lottie said sincerely, knowing from past conversations with Samantha that such a marriage was very much what she had desired. aAnd you, Arabella?a aI married into the Seaforths last year,a Arabella confided with a giggle. aYouave heard of them, Iam sureado you remember, one of the daughters was in the cla.s.s ahead of usaa aYes,a Lottie said, recalling that the Seaforths were a great unt.i.tled family with a considerable quant.i.ty of rich farming land. aDonat say you married her brother Harry?a aJust so!a The girlas ringlets danced merrily on her forehead as she continued with great animation. aHarry is quite fine-looking, though heas grown as round as a bait-pot since our wedding. And he is ever so charming. Of course Iall never have a t.i.tle, but there are compensationsamy own carriageaa real French ladyas maid, not one of those c.o.c.kney maids who throw out a see-voo-play or a bon-joor every once in a while!a She giggled at her own wit, and sobered enough to regard Lottie with round, curious eyes. aDear Lottie, is it true that you are Lady Sydney now?a aYes.a Lottie glanced in the direction of her husband, who was walking from the ballroom in the company of Sir Ross, their long legs matched at an equal pace. She felt an unexpected rush of pride at the sight of him, so virile and graceful, his bold good looks displayed to their best advantage in the elegant evening clothes.

aHandsome as the devil,a Samantha commented, following her gaze. aIs he as wicked as they say, Lottie?a aNot in the least,a Lottie lied. aLord Sydney is as mild-tempered and obliging a gentleman as could be found anywhere.a It was a case of unfortunate timing that at that moment, Nick happened to glance in her direction. His gaze encompa.s.sed her in a smoldering sweep that threatened to singe her clothing to ashes. Knowing what that look meant, and what would happen in the evening hours after the ball, Lottie felt a thrill deep inside, and she struggled to maintain her composure.

Samantha and Arabella, meanwhile, had snapped open their fans and were employing them vigorously. aGood heavens,a Samantha exclaimed in a low voice, athe way he looks at you is positively indecent, Lottie.a aI donat know what you mean,a Lottie said demurely, though she felt her own cheeks heating.

Arabella giggled behind her own painted silk fan. aThe only time Iave ever seen that expression on my Harryas face is when a plate of Yorks.h.i.+re pudding is set before him.a Samanthaas dark eyes were keen with interest. aI was under the impression that Lord Radnor owned you part and parcel, Lottie. How did you escape him? And where have you been these past two years? And most of all, how in heavenas name did you manage to catch a man like Nick Gentrya"and is this long-lost-lord business some bit of trickery?a aNo,a Lottie said instantly, ahe truly is Lord Sydney.a aDid you know that he was a viscount when you married?a aWell, no.a Lottie strove to offer the simplest explanation possible. aTo start with, you know that I left school to avoid marrying Lord Radnora"a aThe definitive scandal of Maidstoneas,a Arabella interrupted. aThey still talk of it, Iam told. None of the teachers or staff could conceive that sweet, obedient Charlotte Howard would simply disappear like that.a Lottie paused in momentary embarra.s.sment. She was far from proud of her actionsa"it was simply that shead had no other choice. aTo avoid being found, I changed my name and went to work as a companion to Lady Westcliff in Hamps.h.i.+rea"a aYouworked ?a Arabella repeated in awe. aMy word, how you must have suffered.a aNot unduly,a Lottie replied with a wry smile. aThe Westcliffs were kind, and I liked the dowager countess quite well. It was while I was in her employ that I made the acquaintance of Mr. Gentrya"er, Lord Sydney. He proposed quite soon after we met, andaa She paused, an image flas.h.i.+ng in her mind of that evening in Lord Westcliffas library, the firelight playing over Nickas face as he bent to her breasta aAnd I accepted,a she said hastily, feeling her face turn fiery red.

aHmmm.a Samantha smiled at Lottieas discomfiture, seeming to guess the reason behind it. aApparently it was a memorable proposal.a aWere your parents terribly put out with you?a Arabella asked.

Lottie nodded, reflecting with sad irony that aput outa was singularly inadequate to describe her familyas reaction.

Samanthaas face was grave with understanding. aThey wonat be angry forever, dear,a she said with a pragmatism that was far more comforting than sympathy would have been. aIf your husband is half as wealthy as the rumors indicate, the Howards will eventually prove more than happy to claim him as a son-in-law.a The three of them conversed for a while, eagerly becoming reacquainted and making plans to call on each other soon. Lottie was unaware of time pa.s.sing until she heard the orchestra begin to play a newly popular waltz called aBlossoms in the Spring,a a melody that immediately inspired a host of eager couples to begin whirling through the room. Wondering if Nick would remember to dance the first waltz with her, Lottie decided to look for him at the side of the room. Excusing herself from the company of her friends, she walked along one of the first-floor galleries, which was separated from the dance floor by carved wooden railings and bowers of greenery and pink roses. A few couples were absorbed in private conversations, half-concealed by the ma.s.sive flower arrangements, and Lottie averted her gaze with a slight smile as she pa.s.sed them.

She was startled by a sudden touch on her arm, and she stopped with a jolt of antic.i.p.ation, expecting that Nick had found her. But as she glanced down at the growing pressure on her gloved wrist, she did not see Nickas large, square hand. A set of long, almost skeletal fingers had wrapped around her wrist, and with a shock of cold horror, she heard the voice that had haunted her nightmares for years.

aDid you think you could avoid me forever, Charlotte?a

Chapter Twelve.

Bracing herself, Lottie looked up into the face of Arthur, Lord Radnor. Time had wrought an astonis.h.i.+ng difference in him, as if ten years had pa.s.sed rather than two. He was unnaturally pale, his skin the color of sun-bleached bone, his dark brows and eyes standing out in jarring contrast. Harsh grooves of bitterness divided his face into angular sections.

Lottie had known the inevitability of seeing Lord Radnor someday. In the back of her mind, she had a.s.sumed that he would regard her with hatred. But what she saw in his eyes was far more alarming. Hunger. A voracity that had nothing to do with s.e.xual desire but something far more consuming. Instinctively she understood that his longing to own her had only intensified during her absence, and that her betrayal of him had given him the deadly resolve of an executioner.

aMy lord,a she acknowledged, her voice steady even though her lips were trembling. aYou are importunate. Release my arm, please.a Ignoring her request, Radnor pulled her into the concealment of a greenery-laded column, his fingers tightening into a bruising vise. Lottie went with him easily, determined that this ugliness from her past would not result in a scene that would mar an evening so important for her husband. Ridiculous, that she should be so afraid in a room filled with people. Radnor certainly could not, would not, harm her here. If they were alone, however, she believed that he would feel absolutely justified in wrapping those long fingers around her throat and choking the last breath from her.

His gaze sliced over her. aMy G.o.d, what has he turned you into? I can smell the l.u.s.t on you. Only the thinnest veneer separated you from the ill-bred provincials you came from, and now it has vanished completely.a aIn that case,a Lottie replied, her imprisoned hand balling into a numb fist, ayou will disa.s.sociate yourself from me at once, as Iam certain you will not wish to be contaminated by my presence.a aStupid girl,a Radnor whispered, his black eyes lit with cold fire, ayou cannot begin to understand what youave lost. Do you know what you would be without me?Nothing . Imade you. I lifted you from the bowels of society. I was going to turn you into a creature of grace and perfection. And instead you betrayed me and turned your back on your family.a aI did not ask for your patronage.a aAll the more reason you should have knelt to me in grat.i.tude. You owe me everything, Charlotte. Your very life.a Lottie saw that it would be pointless to debate his insane certainty. aBe that as it may,a she said softly, aI belong to Lord Sydney now. You have no claim on me.a His mouth twisted in a malevolent sneer. aMy claim on you goes far beyond some piddling marriage vows.a aHave you deluded yourself into thinking that you could purchase me like some bit of goods in a shop window?a she asked scornfully.

aI own your very soul,a Radnor whispered, clenching her wrist until she felt the delicate bones flex, and tears of pain came to her eyes. aI purchased it at the expense of my own. Iave invested more than ten years of my life in you, and I will be repaid.a aHow? I am another manas wife. And I feel nothing for you nowa"not fear, not hatreda"only indifference. What can you possibly think you will recoup from me?a Just as Lottie thought her arm would break, she heard a quiet snarl from behind her. It was Nick, moving swiftly between them. His arm descended in a blur, and whatever he did, it caused Lord Radnor to let go of her with a grunt of pain. The abrupt release sent Lottie stumbling backward, and Nick caught her hard against his chest. Automatically she turned into the crook of his arm, and she heard the deep rumble of his voice as he spoke to Lord Radnor.

aDonat come near her again, or Iall kill you.a It was a quiet statement of fact.

aInsolent swine,a Radnor said hoa.r.s.ely.

Risking a glance at Radnor from the safety of her husbandas arms, Lottie saw a grayish-purple tide sweep over his pallid face. It was clear that the sight of Nickas hands on her was more than he could bear. Nick touched the back of her neck and slid his fingers along the top of her spine, taunting the earl deliberately.

aVery well,a Radnor whispered. aI leave you to your debas.e.m.e.nt, Charlotte.a aLeave,a Nick said.aNow.a Radnor walked away, his frame stiff with the righteous fury of a deposed monarch.

Cradling her throbbing wrist with her free hand, Lottie saw that they had drawn more than a few curious stares from people pa.s.sing through the gallery. In fact, some guests in the ballroom were becoming keenly aware of the scene. aNicka"a she whispered, but he went into action before she needed to say another word.

Keeping a supportive arm around her, Nick motioned to a servant who was pa.s.sing with a tray of empty gla.s.ses. aYou,a he said tersely. aCome here.a The dark-haired footman obeyed with haste. aYes, my lord?a aTell me where I can find a private room.a The footman thought rapidly. aIf you proceed along that hallway, my lord, you will come to a music room that I believe is unoccupied at present.a aFine. Bring some brandy there. Quickly.a aYes, my lord!a Dazedly Lottie went with Nick as he guided her through the hallway. Chaotic thoughts filled her mind, while the elegant din of the ballroom receded behind them. Her body was charged with peculiar battle-readiness. The long-dreaded confrontation with Lord Radnor had left her ill, elated, furious, and relieved. How was it possible to feel so many things at once?

The music room was quietly lit, the outlines of a piano, harp, and several a.s.sorted music stands casting deep shadows on the wall. Nick closed the door and turned to Lottie, his broad shoulders looming over her. She had never seen his face so hard.

aIam all right,a Lottie said, and the unusually high pitch of her own voice actually drew a giggle from her throat. aReally, thereas no need to look soa"a She paused with another uncontainable laugh, seeing that Nick clearly thought she had taken leave of her senses. She would never be able to explain the wild sense of freedom that flooded her, after having faced her greatest fear.

aIam sorry,a she said giddily, even as tears of relief dampened her eyes. aItas justa. Iave been so afraid of Lord Radnor for my entire lifeabut as I saw him just now, I realized that his power over me is gone. He can do nothing to me. I donat feel any obligation to him wh-whatsoeveraand I donat even feel guilty about it. The burden of it is gone, as well as the fear, and it feels so strangeaa As she trembled and laughed and blotted her eyes with her gloved fingers, Nick took her into his arms and tried to soothe her. aEasyaEasya,a he whispered, while his hands moved gently over her shoulders and back. aTake a deep breath. Hush, everythingas all right.a The warm brand of his mouth pressed against her forehead, her wet lashes, her cheeks. aYouare safe, Lottie. Youare mine, my wife, and Iall take care of you. Youare safe.a As Lottie tried to explain that she wasnat afraid, he murmured for her to be quiet, to rest against him. She began to breathe deeply, as if she had just run for miles without stopping, and lay her head on the center of his chest. Nick tore off his gloves and placed his warm hands on her chilled skin, his strong fingers kneading the rigid muscles of her neck and upper shoulders.

Someone knocked at the door.

aThe brandy,a Nick said quietly and guided Lottie to an armchair.

Lottie sank into the chair, listening to the footmanas appreciative exclamation as Nick gave him a coin in return for his trouble. Returning with a tray bearing a bottle and a snifter, Nick set it on a nearby table.

aI donat need that,a Lottie said with a wan smile.

Ignoring her, Nick poured a finger of brandy into the snifter and held the bowl of the gla.s.s between his palms. After warming the spirits with his hands, he gave it to her. aDrink.a Obediently Lottie took the snifter. To her surprise, her hands trembled so badly that she could barely hold it. Nickas face darkened as he saw her difficulty. He sank to his knees before her, his muscular thighs spread on either side of her legs. Covering her fingers with his own, Nick steadied her hands and helped guide the rim of the snifter to her lips. She took a sip, grimacing as the brandy scalded her throat.

aMore,a Nick murmured, forcing her to take another swallow, and another, until her eyes watered from the velvet fire.

aI think itas a bit off,a she said scratchily.

Nickas eyes flickered with sudden amus.e.m.e.nt. aItas not off. Itas a Fin Bois a98.a aIt must have been a bad year.a He grinned at that, his thumbs caressing the backs of her hands. aSomeone should tell the wine merchants, then, as it usually goes for fifty pounds a bottle.a aFifty pounds?a Lottie echoed, aghast. Closing her eyes, she finished the brandy in a few determined gulps and coughed as she gave him the empty gla.s.s.

aGood girl,a Nick murmured, sliding a hand around the back of her neck and squeezing gently. She could not help reflecting that although Nickas hand was much larger and infinitely more powerful than Radnoras, he had never caused her a single moment of pain. Nickas touch had given her only pleasure.

She winced as she rested her sore wrist on the arm of the chair. Subtle as the movement was, Nick detected it immediately. He swore beneath his breath as he took her arm and began to peel away the long glove.

aItas nothing,a Lottie said. aReally, I would prefer to leave the glove onaLord Radnor did take hold of my arm, but it wasnat all thata"a She broke off with a gasp of discomfort as Nick eased the glove from her hand.

Nick froze as he saw the black finger marks that had been left by Lord Radnoras vicious grip. The murderous fury that suffused his face caused Lottie to start in alarm. aI bruise quite easily,a she said. aYou mustnat look like that. The marks will be gone in a day or two, and thena"a aIam going to kill him.a Nick bared his teeth in feral rage. aWhen I get through with him, all that will be left is a stain on the ground, d.a.m.n him to everlasting h.e.l.la"a aPlease.a Lottie laid a soft hand on his stiff cheek. aLord Radnor intended to ruin this evening for both of us, and I refuse to let him succeed. I want you to bind my wrist with a handkerchief, and help me to put my glove back on. We must hurry back before weare missed. Sir Ross will be making his speech, and wea"a aI donat give a d.a.m.n about that.a aI do.a Regaining her composure, Lottie stroked his cheek with soft fingertips. aI want to go out there and waltz with you. And then stand by your side while Sir Ross tells everyone who you really are.a Her lashes lowered as she glanced at his mouth. aAnd then I want you to take me home and carry me to bed.a As Lottie had intended, Nick was momentarily distracted. His savage gaze began to soften. aAnd then what?a Before she could answer, the door vibrated with a demanding thump. aSydney,a came a m.u.f.fled voice from the other side.

aYes,a Nick said, rising to his feet.

Sir Rossas tall form filled the doorway. His face was expressionless as he looked at the two of them. aI was just told of Lord Radnoras presence.a He went directly to Lottie, crouching before her much as Nick had. Seeing her bruised arm, Sir Ross gestured toward it carefully. aMay I?a His voice was more gentle than she had ever heard it.

aYes,a Lottie murmured, allowing him to take her hand in his. Sir Ross examined the darkened wrist with a gathering frown. His face was very close, and his gray eyes were so kind and concerned that Lottie wondered how she could have ever thought him aloof. She recalled his reputed compa.s.sion for women and childrena"a focal point of his magisterial career, Sophia had told her.

Sir Rossas mouth flexed in a faint, rea.s.suring smile as he released her hand. aThis wonat happen againa"I can promise you that.a aWonderful party,a Nick said sarcastically. aPerhaps you can tell us who the h.e.l.l included Lord Radnor on the guest list?a aNick,a Lottie interceded, aitas all right, I am certain that Sir Ross did nota"a aIt is not all right,a Sir Ross countered quietly. aI hold myself responsible for this, and I humbly beg your forgiveness, Charlotte. Lord Radnor was most certainlynot included on the guest list that I approved, but I will find out how he managed to obtain an invitation.a His brow creased as he continued. aLord Radnoras behavior tonight was irrational as well as reprehensibleait bespeaks an obsession with Charlotte that will likely not end with this incident.a aOh, itas going to end,a Nick said darkly. aI have several methods in mind that will cure Radnoras obsession. To start with, if he hasnat left the premises by the time I go back out therea"a aHeas gone,a Sir Ross interrupted. aTwo of the runners are herea"I bid them to remove him in as discreet a manner as possible. Calm yourself, Sydneya"it will do no good for you to rampage like a maddened bull.a Nickas eyes narrowed. aTell me how calmyou would be if someone had left those bruises on Sophia.a Sir Ross nodded with a short sigh. aPoint taken.a His dark brows drew together as he continued. aObviously it is your right to deal with Radnor as you will, Sydney, and I would not presume to stop you, or to interfere. But you should be aware that I intend to approach him myself and make it clear that Charlotte is under my protection as well as yours. The fact that Radnor would dare accost a member of my family is an untenable outrage.a Lottie was touched by his concern. She had never imagined that she would have two such powerful men to defend her from Lord Radnora"not only her husband but her brother-in-law as well. aThank you, Sir Ross.a aNo one would blame you if you wished to go home now,a he told her. aAs for the speech I had planned to give this evening, other arrangements can be madea"a aIam not going anywhere,a Lottie said steadily. aAnd if you do not give your speech tonight, Sir Ross, I vow I will do it in your stead.a He smiled suddenly. aAll right, then. I would hate to gainsay your wishes.a He sent Nick a questioning look. aWill you return to the ballroom soon?a Nickas mouth twisted. aIf Lottie wishes it.a aYes,a she said decisively. Despite the pain in her wrist, she felt ready to confront the devil himself, if need be. She saw the glances the two men exchanged as they silently agreed to discuss the problem of Radnor at a more appropriate time.

Sir Ross left them in private once more, and Lottie stood resolutely. Nick was at her side immediately, his hands framing her waist as if he feared she would topple over. Lottie smiled at his overprotectiveness. aI am fine now,a she told him. aTruly.a She waited for the familiar glimmer of wry humor to appear in Nickas eyes, for him to return to his usual insouciant self, but he remained tense, his gaze searching her face with strange gravity. He looked as though he wanted to wrap her in cotton wool and carry her far away from here.

aYouare staying by my side for the rest of the evening,a he told her.

Lottie tilted her head back to smile at him. aThat might be wise, as the brandy seems to have gone to my head.a Warmth kindled in his eyes, and one of his hands slipped upward to cradle the shape of her breast. aDo you feel dizzy?a She relaxed into the cupping pressure of his fingers, his touch releasing a glow of sensuality from her susceptible flesh. The pain in her wrist was nearly forgotten, her nerves tingling wildly as his thumb teased her nipple into a thrusting point. aOnly when you touch me like that.a Finis.h.i.+ng the tantalizing caress with a gentle rotation of his palm, Nick returned his hand to safer territory. aI want this d.a.m.ned evening to be done with,a he said. aComeathe sooner we go out there, the sooner Cannon can make his b.l.o.o.d.y speech.a Extending her bare hand, Lottie steeled herself not to flinch as he eased the tight-fitting glove over her swollen wrist. By the time he was finished, Lottie was white-faced, and Nick was sweating profusely, as if the pain had been his rather than hers. ad.a.m.n Radnor,a he said raspily, going to pour her another brandy. aIam going to tear his throat out.a aI know something that would hurt him far more than that.a Carefully Lottie raised a folded handkerchief to blot his damp brow.

aOh?a His brows arched in sardonic inquiry.

Her fingers closed around the handkerchief, compressing it into a ball. She paused for a long moment before replying, while a wave of hope rose in her throat and nearly threatened to choke her. Taking the brandy from him, she took a bracing swallow. aWe could try to be happy together,a she said. aThat is something he could never understandasomething heall never have.a She could not bring herself to look at him, afraid that she might see mockery or rejection in his eyes. But her heart slammed heavily in her chest as she felt his mouth drift along the top of her head, his lips playing with white rose petals as they fluttered against the pinned-up silk of her braid.

aWe could try,a he agreed softly.

After the two gla.s.ses of brandy, Lottieas head was swimming pleasantly, and she was grateful for Nickas steady guidance as they returned to the ballroom. The hardness and strength of his arm fascinated her. No matter how heavily she leaned on him, he took her weight easily. He was a strong manabut until tonight, she had not suspected that he was capable of offering her such tender comfort. Somehow she did not think that he had suspected it of himself, either. Their reactions had been unthinkinga"hers, to turn to him, and his, to engulf her in rea.s.surance.

They walked into the ballroom and approached Sir Ross. Ascending a moveable step to become easily visible to the huge crowd in the ballroom, Sir Ross signaled the musicians to stop playing, and asked for the guestsa collective attention. He possessed the kind of elegant, innately authoritative voice that any politician would have envied. An expectant hush fell over the ballroom, while more guests poured in from the outside circuits, and a virtual army of servants moved rapidly through the a.s.semblage with trays of champagne.

Sir Ross began the speech with a reference to his magisterial career and the satisfaction it had always given him to see that certain wrongs were put right. He followed with a string of approving remarks about the inviolable traditions and obligations of hereditary peerage. The remarks obviously gratified the gathering, which was liberally salted with viscounts, earls, marquesses, and dukes.

aI was under the impression that Sir Ross was not a great supporter of hereditary principle,a Lottie whispered to Nick.

He smiled grimly. aMy brother-in-law can be quite a showman when he wishes. And he knows that reminding them of their strict adherence to tradition will help them to swallow the idea of accepting me as a peer.a Sir Ross went on to describe an unnamed gentleman who had been deprived for far too long of a t.i.tle that was rightfully his. A man who was in the direct line of descent of a distinguished family, and who in the past few years had devoted himself entirely to public service.

aTherefore,a Sir Ross concluded, aI am grateful for the rare privilege of announcing Lord Sydneyas long overdue reclamation of his t.i.tle, and the seat in the Lords that accompanies it. And I have every expectation that he will continue to serve the country and queen in the role that is his by birth.a Raising a gla.s.s in the air, he said, aLet us toast Mr. Nick Gentrya"the man who shall be known to us from now on as John, Viscount Sydney.a A ripple of amazement went through the crowd. Although most of them had already known what Sir Ross would announce, it was startling to hear the words spoken aloud.

aTo Lord Sydney,a came hundreds of obedient echoes, followed by as many cheers.

aAnd to Lady Sydney,a Sir Ross prompted, drawing another enthusiastic response to which Lottie curtsied in gracious recognition.

Rising, Lottie touched Nickas arm. aPerhaps you should offer a toast to Sir Ross,a she suggested.

He gave her a speaking glance but complied, lifting his gla.s.s toward his brother-in-law. aTo Sir Ross,a he said in a resonant voice, awithout whose efforts I would not be here tonight.a The crowd responded with a round of hurrahs, while Sir Ross grinned suddenly, aware that Nickas carefully worded toast did not include the barest hint of grat.i.tude.

Toasts to the queen, the country, and the peerage itself ensued, and then the orchestra filled the room with buoyant melody. Sir Ross came to claim Lottie for a waltz, while Nick went to dance with Sophia, who wore an irrepressible smile as she sailed into his arms.

Beholding the pair, one so fair, one so dark, and yet both so similar in their striking attractiveness, Lottie smiled. She turned to Sir Ross and carefully rested her sore hand on his shoulder as they began to waltz. As might have been expected, he was an excellent dancer, self-a.s.sured and easy to follow.

Feeling a mixture of liking and grat.i.tude, Lottie studied his severely handsome face. aYouave done this to save him, havenat you?a she asked.

aI donat know that it will,a Sir Ross said quietly.

The words sent a fearful pang through her. Did he mean that he still believed Nick was in some kind of peril? But Nick was no longer a Bow Street runnera"he had been removed from the hazards that his profession had entailed. He was safe nowaunless Sir Ross was implying that the greatest danger to Nick came from somewhere inside himself.

In the days following the public revelation of Nickas ident.i.ty, the house on Betterton was under siege from callers. Mrs. Trench spoke to everyone from Nickas old underworld cohorts to representatives of the queen. Cards and invitations were brought to the front door until the silver tray on the entrance hall table was laden with a mountain of paper. Periodicals dubbed him athe reluctant viscount,a recounting his heroism as a former Bow Street runner. As reporters followed the lead that Sir Ross had established, Nick was generally depicted as a selfless champion of the public who would have modestly preferred to serve his common man rather than accept his long-dormant t.i.tle. To Lottieas amus.e.m.e.nt, Nick was outraged by his new public image, for no one seemed to regard him as dangerous any longer. Strangers approached him eagerly, no longer intimidated by his air of subtle menace. For a man who was so intensely private, it was nearly intolerable.

aBefore long, their interest in you will fade,a Lottie said in consolation after Nick had to push through an admiring throng to reach his own front door.

Harried and scowling, Nick shed his coat and flopped onto the parlor settee, his long legs spread carelessly. aIt wonat be soon enough.a He glared at the ceiling. aThis place is too d.a.m.ned accessible. We need a house with a private drive and a tall fence.a aWe have received more than a few invitations to visit friends in the country.a Lottie came beside him and sank to the carpeted floor, the skirts of her printed muslin skirts billowing around her. Their faces were nearly level as Nick reclined on the arm of the low-backed settee. aEven one from Westcliff, asking if we would stay a fortnight or so at Stony Cross Park.a Nickas face darkened. aNo doubt the earl wants to a.s.sure himself that youare not being maltreated by your husband from h.e.l.l.a Lottie couldnat help laughing. aYou must admit that you were not at your most charming then.a Nick caught at her fingers as she reached over to loosen his necktie. aI wanted you too badly to bother with charm.a The pad of his thumb stroked over the smooth tips of her fingernails.

aYou implied that I was interchangeable with any other woman,a she chided.

aIn the past I learned that the best way to get something I wanted was to pretend that I didnat want it.a Lottie shook her head, perplexed. aThat makes no sense at all.a Smiling, Nick released her hand and toyed with the lace edge of her scooped neckline. aIt worked,a he pointed out.