Historical Romance – The Best Of The Year. Кэрол Мортимер

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       Chapter Fourteen

      The Alburys set out in good time for Lady Grayson’s soirée, their carriage bowling swiftly through the darkness.

      ‘If you had known how long your business would take, you could have dined in town and met me there,’ remarked Dominique.

      Gideon pressed a kiss upon her fingers.

      ‘But I prefer to dine at home with my wife.’

      A little bolt of pleasure drove its way through Dominique and she leaned closer, hoping for a more intimate embrace. When it did not come she stifled her sigh and asked him in cheerful tones, ‘And was your business in town successful?’

      ‘I believe so. I delivered Father’s letters and every one of the fellows declared they would do their best to help.’ He squeezed her hand, adding gently, ‘That is not to say it will be good news, Dominique.’

      ‘No, Mama and I are both aware that Papa could be—that he might not be alive, but just to know the truth would help. We are very grateful, Gideon, to you and Lord Rotham.’

      ‘Yes, well...’ He cleared his throat and after an awkward pause he continued in a matter-of-fact tone, ‘Rogers and I had a good meeting, too. We decided that the town house should be shut up for the present. I think if Father ever came to town he would prefer to stay with us. What do you think?’

      ‘Lord Rotham would be very welcome at Chalcots, so I agree we do not need the Brook Street house,’ she replied, gratified that he should ask her opinion. ‘Perhaps it might be let out and the staff retained?’

      ‘Yes, that is an idea. And a good one, too. I shall suggest it to Father when I write next.’ He glanced out of the window. ‘Ah, we are here. Come along, my dear.’

      * * *

      Grayson House was packed that evening. The hall and stairs were crowded with guests, the ladies’ pale gowns a vivid contrast to the gentlemen’s dark coats. Dominique took off her fur-lined cloak to display her own low-cut, high-waisted gown of ruby satin, the hem fringed with gold and worn over a white satin petticoat with tiny puff sleeves and a quantity of fine lace covering the low neckline. Now, as she prepared to accompany Gideon up the sweeping staircase, Dominique wondered if such a strong colour was a mistake, but at that moment Gwendoline appeared and put all her doubts to flight.

      ‘My dear, you look positively dazzling in that gown! I knew we were right to put you in bold colours.’ Regardless of the watching crowd, Gwen enveloped her in a scented hug, murmuring wickedly, ‘And your figure is so much better since having little James. You are positively voluptuous, my dear!’

      Dominique laughed and blushed at the same time, and when she emerged from Gwen’s embrace she found Gideon smiling and holding out his arm to her.

      ‘Time we met our hostess, don’t you think?’

      Happily she accompanied him up the sweeping staircase.

      ‘I did not see the man escorting Gwen—’ She looked back. ‘Ah, there he is with her now...Mr Hatfield. Do you know him, Gideon?’

      He glanced briefly down into the hall.

      ‘Hatfield? Yes, I know him.’

      She was quick to detect the note of reserve in his voice.

      ‘You do not like him?’

      ‘Not particularly. He is a crony of Martlesham’s and a womaniser.’

      ‘Oh. Then should Gwen—perhaps we should warn her.’

      ‘My sister knows what she is about and is using Hatfield for her own purposes—I think she is trying to make Ribblestone jealous.’

      Dominique looked again into the hall, where Gwendoline was now hanging on the arm of the rather louche figure that was Mr Cecil Hatfield.

      ‘Will it work, do you think?’

      Gideon shrugged. ‘I have no idea. I have warned Gwen against pushing Anthony too far. He is an easy-going fellow, but he has his limits. As have I. Let me warn you, madam, that I should not tolerate you flirting with such a man.’

      ‘Would you not?’ She saw the dangerous gleam in his eyes and suddenly found it difficult to breathe. ‘What—what would you do, Gideon?’

      She waited, eyes wide with expectation. Would he knock him down? Challenge him to a duel? The intense look faded and Gideon laughed.

      ‘I should lock you up,’ he declared, pulling her up the last few stairs to meet their hostess. ‘Ah, Lady Grayson, good evening, ma’am...’

      * * *

      Dominique did not know whether to be flattered or outraged by his comment, but she put it behind her and set about enjoying herself. She was happy for Gideon to go off to the card room and leave her to join her many acquaintances.

      * * *

      It was some time later that she was momentarily alone and heard an unmistakable voice in her ear.

      ‘So, Cousin, you have provided Albury with an heir. I congratulate you.’

      She swung around to find the Earl of Martlesham at her shoulder. His insolent gaze swept over her.

      ‘Marriage suits you, Cousin. You have blossomed. But then it is surprising what marriage to a wealthy man can do.’

      ‘We are very happy, I assure you.’

      ‘And how is my dear aunt?’

      ‘Much СКАЧАТЬ