Treacherous Temptations(19)

“Where are you going?” she demanded.

“To find some diversion—mayhap with a rustic wench in a flower garden, for the monotony of our conversation has grown beyond tedious.”

He left Barbara gaping after him. After closing the door, he counted slowly to ten, knowing well what would follow. He chuckled aloud at the explosive thud and sound of shattering glass against the wooden panel at his back.





Chapter Nine


Mary was in the midst of her new toilette when a footman came to the door with a note on a silver salver. Failing to recognize the writing, she broke the seal with a furrowed brow and stared at the missive in disbelief. The script was an elegant copperplate in bold slashing strokes.

My dear Miss Edwardes,

I have procured an open carriage for our proposed outing and only await your pleasure. Your humble servant—H

When Lord Hadley had invited her to view the gardens with him, he had not said precisely when. She had never imagined it would be so soon. She lowered the foolscap, trembling with anticipation. What could it mean?

“The footman says he was to await your answer, miss.” Jenny interrupted her private thoughts.

“Of course,” Mary replied, hoping her response was suitably dignified. “Pray have him convey to his lordship that I shall be ready within the half hour.”

…

“How do I look, Jenny?” Mary nervously smoothed the skirts of her floral chintz gown.

Jenny grinned. “Pretty as a picture, miss. The colors suit you.”

Jenny had swept up the crown of Mary’s hair, allowing a number of soft natural ringlets to frame her face with a longer fall of curls cascading down her back. Her maid pinned on her broad chip bonnet trimmed to match her gown.

“Truly? Will Lord Hadley think so?” Mary bit her lip and then wished she had bit her tongue instead.

Jenny’s eyes grew large as saucers. “Why, Miss Molly! Have you set your cap for his lordship?”

“N-no,” she failed miserably in her attempt to dissemble.

Jenny wasn’t fooled. “But why shouldn’t ye? If ye must take a noble gent for a husband, I think ‘twould be much more pleasant to have one so easy on the eyes, than some toothless old demon of beastliness.”

“Jenny!” Mary gave a protesting laugh.

“It’s only the bare truth, miss. Do you deny he’s handsome as Lucifer himself?”

“Yes…I mean no. He’s exceedingly so, but it’s more than that.”

“Aye?”

“Yes. It’s his manner. How he treats me, Jenny. He’s so kind and gallant and not the least arrogant. He’s the only one I’ve met here that treats me without contempt or disdain.” It was sadly true for even Lady Blanchard’s supercilious servants appeared to snicker behind her back and roll their eyes at her frequent blunders and her every gaffe.

“And that’s a problem, miss?” Jenny regarded her quizzically.

“Yes,” Mary declared. “That’s precisely the problem, for I become a complete hen-wit every time I see him. I either yammer on like an idiot, or my tongue becomes so tied I can barely speak at all!”

“You’re just not used to the fine gentlemen is all,” Jenny explained. “Don’t ye think that will improve upon further acquaintance?”

“But why would someone like him ever want to know someone like me? What do we even have in common?”

“It seems ye had enough in common to spend nigh on an hour together in the garden.” Jenny grinned. “Still, if ye be worried about your conversation, male and female relations don’t always have to be about talking.” She gave Mary a sly wink.

Mary blushed. “Was it really that long?”

“Aye. Her ladyship was beside herself when she saw the two of ye out the window.”

“She was spying on us?”

“Aye, miss. I don’t trust that one. She might be a grand lady and all—”

“I won’t hear a word against her, Jenny! I would be lost here in London without her guidance.”

“Lost, eh? But you have hardly left this house and garden since you got here, except to be measured for gowns. Seems to me you was almost a prisoner.”

“Nonsense! This very afternoon I am going on an outing and you will accompany me.” Mary cast an eager glance to the clock. “Pray look out the window and tell me if the carriage is here. I can’t do it, for I would be mortified if he looked up and saw me.”

“Aye, Miss.” The maid eagerly complied. “And a fine coach it be.” Jenny grabbed her own hat and shawl and followed her mistress out the door.

Mary was half-way down the staircase when she glanced to the bottom to find not Lord Hadley Blanchard with whom she had playfully tarried in the garden, but in his place, the elegant and urbane Conte Vittorio Amedeo di Caserta.

He was attired in the same splendiferous manner as when they had first met, complete with powder and mouche. His frock coat was fine damask silk in a shade of sky blue with a waistcoat rich in elaborate embroidery in tones of silver and midnight. His breeches were satin, frothy white lace fell from his neck and cuffs, and diamond buckles adorned his shoes.

He swept an elaborate bow and Mary’s step faltered. Though she had taken great pains with her appearance, she felt plain, dowdy, deflated, and once more completely out of her element. He advanced up the stairs with a questioning look. “Is something wrong, Miss Edwardes?”