A Most Dangerous Profession(51)

Ross’s eyes gleamed. “It’s refreshing to see a man who appreciates his wife’s beauty.”

“She is my newest acquisition. We’ve been married less than a month. She’s almost virginal.”

The man’s nostrils flared at that tidbit. Moira’s information was correct; Robert could almost feel Ross’s interest churn. “It has been a most enjoyable few weeks. In fact—Ah, thank you, my dear.” Robert took the glass that Moira handed him.

Moira turned and held a glass to Ross, bending just a bit so that her breasts pressed against the thin material of her gown, the thin ruffle of her chemise clearly visible.

Ross’s gaze locked on her bosom as he took the drink.

Moira straightened, meeting Robert’s gaze over Ross’s head, and Robert held up his glass in a silent toast. She was quite subtle. Later, Ross would wonder if she’d been flirting or not and, in not knowing, would be even more intrigued.

Her eyes twinkled as she took her seat beside Robert and asked Ross about the horses in his stables. Ross enthusiastically embarked on a detailed listing of every horse he owned, had owned, and wished to own. Moira listened with a great air of interest, asking questions that showed her own knowledge, while Robert pretended utter boredom. It wasn’t much of a stretch to do so, either.

Robert was actually delighted when, through the wide window, he saw Stewart leading the coach back into the inn yard. “Ah, the coach!” Robert stood, Moira following. “Ross, while I hesitate to break up such a delightful conversation, we should be on our way.”

Ross reluctantly climbed to his feet. “Och, we should at that. I lost track of the time, talking about my horses.”

“I quite understand,” Moira said fervently.

Ross looked pleased as he bowed. He made several more unctuous statements while Robert led them all out into the hallway. He sent the innkeeper to fetch Moira’s pelisse and, with a deft hand here, a smooth comment there, herded everyone into place and had them on the road in less than five minutes.

As soon as they were under way, Sir Lachlan leading the way on his large bay, Moira relaxed against the squabs. “That was a good beginning.”

Robert set his cane against the far seat. “Indeed it was. I must admit that I underestimated your skills.”

“You always did, my love.” She slipped off her wedding ring and flipped it across the coach at Robert.

He caught it with one hand and examined it. “This was a nice touch. I fear I hadn’t thought of it.”

“Details are important.”

He tossed the ring back. “Where did you get it?”

“I wore it when I was home, with Rowena. It was a good way to keep the gossips at bay.”

“Since no husband was visible, I take it that the good people of Craigentinny believe you’re a widow.”

“Indeed they do.” She replaced the ring on her finger. “So, have we hooked Ross well and good?”

“I believe so. By the way, we’re newly married. I wanted him to think he would steal my bride fresh from the altar. I thought it would appeal to his prurient interest.”

“And did it?”

“He was almost panting. I made him think you were only a few days shy of being a virgin.”

“So he likes an innocent, does he?”

“I think the earl’s about the challenge, seducing a man’s beloved wife under his very nose—ordinarily a difficult thing to accomplish. And a newly married woman would be the most difficult to seduce of all.”

“Very true.” Moira pulled her gloves from her pocket and tugged them on. “I was surprised you were so obnoxious to our host.” Robert’s easy slip into the character of a spoiled man of the world had been done to perfection. “I wanted to slap you, even though I knew you were acting.”

“It will sweeten the pot. If Ross enjoys seducing the wife of a man whose company he enjoys, imagine his joy at seducing the wife of a man he cannot stand. I wish to inspire the desire to humiliate me. The combination of desires should have him well primed to make a royal fool of himself.”

“So I’m to charm and you’re to disarm?”

“Well said, ma chère.”

“I like how you think, Mr. Hurst.”

“And I like how you played our host, Mrs. Hurst. He will rue the day he invited us to visit him.”

Her heart warmed. It had been so very long since she’d had someone to work with, someone with whom to talk through her ideas and problems.