Andrea Pickens - [Lessons in Love 02] (26 page)

The earl abruptly changed the subject. "Are you enjoying your first ball?"

Allegra looked up into his eyes. "I would be less than truthful if I said I was not," she replied. "It is all so very overwhelming—and rather exciting. I've never seen so many candles or flowers. And the people! The gentlemen in their finery and the ladies in their silks and jewels—they are breathtaking." She didn't add that feel of his body close to hers, the pressure of his hand at the small of her back was rather affecting her breath as well. It must be that, for she was feeling a little lightheaded.

Wrexham smiled. "You are more than a match for any of them," he said.

"That... that is... most kind of you," she stuttered, her gaze falling away from his in embarrassment. "Especially since I am well aware that you don't approve—of my dress, of this plan, of... me."

His brows came together. "As to your dress, I admit to being sadly behind the fashions. It is clear that such a style is all the rage, and on reflection, I am all for it. As to the plan, no, I am not enthusiastic about it, but surely you cannot doubt that I wish to see Sandhill and son punished just as badly as you do. And as to you, I..."

Her eyes had come back up to meet his.

"...I fear you have gotten some odd notion into your head. I do not disapprove of you. Though we disagree on any number of things, you have always had my... respect, Mrs—Allegra."

Her insides gave a lurch at the sound of her name on his lips.

"Truly? I am very glad of it, sir."

His head bent close to her ear. "I have a name as well," he whispered. "I should like you to use it."

"I am very glad of it... Leo," she repeated.

As the last strains of the violin died away, Allegra was not unhappy that Lady Alston, whisked her away from the earl's side and suggested they take their leave.

"My dear, I think it best not to exhaust you on your first night out. No doubt your head is near swimming with all the new sights and sounds and people."

Allegra nodded. Oh yes, the evening had given her more than enough to occupy her thoughts.

* * *

Wrexham watched his sister usher Allegra from the ballroom as he took a glass of champagne from the tray of a passing footman and drained it in one gulp. Not approve of her? he repeated to himself. Why, it was all he could do to keep from pulling her close and covering that expressive—and opinionated—mouth with kisses every time he saw her. Tonight had been especially difficult. The sight of her in that stunning gown had nearly undone him.

His eyes pressed closed for a moment. He had avoided her presence for the past few days, hoping to put her out of his mind. He had even visited an old mistress, but other than gratifying a fleeting physical need, it did little to draw his thoughts away from the way the candlelight looked on her hair, the fire in her eye when she spoke of some radical new idea or the way she had just now whispered his name.

He looked desperately around for another glass of champagne. For one wild moment he considered asking her to return to Yorkshire when all this was done. After all, she was a widow, and if they were extremely discreet, Max need not know... But he had dismissed the thought in an instant. He knew he could never face himself or his son if he used her in such a manner, no matter if she was willing to enter into such a liaison.

There was, of course, another option, but he refused to consider it either. He had long ago promised himself he would never be such a fool as to make that mistake again, no matter what.

Chapter 12

"It's hardly fair," groused Max as he jabbed a piece of broiled kidney. "I don't know why a mere accumulation of years should entitle one to have all the fun."

"I assure you, having to dance with that man was hardly what I would consider fun."

Max colored slightly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean—"

"I know you didn't." Allegra smiled at him. "Actually you would have enjoyed your father's verbal toying with Sandhill, though the man hadn't a clue he was being told of his imminent demise." She paused. "Of course, he didn't hear your father express the wish to plant him a facer."

"I should hope not—wouldn't that would ruin all our plans?" Max took another bite of his shirred eggs and chewed them slowly. "Why did Father want to plant him a facer at a ball?"

"Because he was staring at Mrs. Proctor's dress." The earl came into the breakfast room and motioned for the footman to pour him a cup of tea.

Max eyed Allegra's plain grey merino gown, with its long sleeves and prim neckline. "Whatever for?"

"There was considerably less dress last night," replied the earl dryly as he unfolded the ironed pages of the newspaper that lay by his plate.

His son turned back to Allegra with great interest. "Really?"

She found herself blushing furiously. "That's hardly fair of you, sir. You know I had little choice in the matter."

His face was hidden by the newsprint but she thought she detected a chuckle.

"Leo, do stop teasing," ordered Lady Alston as she, too, took a seat at the table. "Allegra looked absolutely lovely last night." She regarded her nephew with a twinkle in her eye. "If you leave off sneaking into the billiards room with the boot boy and come give us a proper good night, you would see for yourself."

Max nodded thoughtfully.

Lady Alston's expression became more serious. "Things are moving at a more rapid pace than I imagined. I saw that Edmund brought you to Lord Sandhill's notice. Even at a distance, I could see he was eyeing the emeralds."

A sound something akin to a snort came from behind the paper.

Allegra nodded. "I think I managed to convey both my widowed state and the largess of my dear, departed husband. I also made it clear that I was seeking an establishment of my own, as we discussed."

Lady Alston nodded her approval. "I believe my husband's man of affairs has located just the thing for us. A charming little townhouse on Mount Street has become available as the family that had taken it for the Season was called back to East Anglia by the death of an aged aunt. As soon as he engages the requisite servants, we will see that you are moved in." Her brows came together in perfect imitation of her brother's expression. "However, we will need to offer Sandhill more enticement to ensure that he falls into our trap. I'm afraid I don't have much more to lend you that wouldn't be recognized as Alston's, and that would not do." She put down her cup. "Leo, perhaps we might borrow some of the Wrexham jewels—"

"Oh no," interrupted Allegra with a shocked gasp.

The earl lay down his paper. "I don't see why not. I had planned to visit my banker this afternoon so I shall bring a few things back from the vault."

"I cannot allow you to risk..."

"As you have told me many times, there is no risk. The necklace we will leave in the empty house will be paste, but in the meantime, Olivia is right. You must look the part of the wealthy widow."

There was little she could say in argument. With a reluctant sigh, she let the matter rest.

Max was not so willing to see the subject dropped. "I don't know why no one pays any attention to me in this affair," he said hotly, his hands balled in frustration beside his plate. "Mrs. Proctor, you cannot deny that at home I was of help. Yet here in Town, I am taken to Astley's and the Tower as if I am a mere schoolboy on holiday."

Wrexham let the paper drop. "Max," he began, but then his brow furrowed in consternation as he seemed to be searching for the right words.

Allegra had been regarding the lad with sympathy and jumped in to fill the silence. "I am well aware of how unfair it feels to be told you cannot do something simply because of who you are." She studiously avoided looking at the earl as she spoke. "But in this case, it would be rather difficult to include you in the evening activities. We can hide the fact that I don't belong here with silks and jewels and a skilled lady's maid, but I'm afraid we can't disguise your age. If you came along, it would attract undue notice which I'm sure you will agree must be avoided at all costs. So there is nothing for it, but to wait. You know you have a role to play later on. It is small but vitally important, and you must be satisfied with that."

Max swallowed hard and the resentment seemed to dissolve into grudging understanding. "I suppose I see what you mean," he said slowly.

The earl's face was inscrutable for a moment, then he pushed back his chair and rose. "Max, do you care to join me in a visit to Tattersall's? I think I may consider getting a pair for my curricle, if we are to be in Town for any length of time and I should be interested in your opinion."

His son's eyes lit up at being included in such an important decision. "I should like that very much!" He scrambled to his feet as he bolted down one last bit of scone.

"Then perhaps we will stop at Gunther's for ices so you do not starve before we return home."

Max gave an embarrassed grin. "I'm growing. Cook says I need my sustenance."

Lady Alston watched fondly as the two of them left the room, still engaged in a playful bantering. "I miss the two of them dreadfully, you know," she said softly. "I do wish Leo would not keep himself quite so locked away. It does him less good than he imagines, and soon Max will be gone...." Her voice trailed off into a sigh. "I wish there were something I could do to—but forgive me for burdening you with such thoughts. It is just that they are very dear to me."

Allegra nodded her understanding, not trusting her voice to hide her own feelings on the matter.

* * *

Lady Alston looked up from the letter she was writing. "Did you and Max have an enjoyable time?"

Wrexham stood in the doorway of his sister's sitting room. "Quite." He made a rueful grimace. "Though along with the intended pair, I found I found myself cajoled into acquiring a chestnut hunter who had better clear any fence known to man, given the price."

She laughed. "I'm sure you could well afford it."

"Well, it was worth every farthing, to see the expression Max's face, now that he can ride in Hyde Park with me on something other than—as he put it—a slug."

He strolled over to her escritoire and placed a large leather case in front of her. "I have stopped at my banker and chosen a few items I thought might suit. If there is anything else you wish to add, you may call on Hawkins at your convenience."

Curious as to what he had brought from the extensive collection of family jewels, she undid the delicate brass clasp and opened the lid. At the sight of what lay there, her breath drew in sharply.

"Is there something amiss?"

Her eyes came up to meet his. "No—that is, you... you have included the Wrexham diamonds!"

"I thought they would look well with smoky figured silk gown you mean for her to wear to the Wainwright affair." His eyebrow raised slightly at the look of surprise still evident on her face. "You did say that you trusted my taste, did you not?"

"Of course. But... but Leo, family tradition has always been that the diamonds are worn only when a countess is deemed worthy of..." She bite her lip." Why, you never allowed Suz—" She cut off her words abruptly.

Wrexham's expression remained unchanged, though his jaw noticeably tightened. "You know I pay little attention to so-called tradition. None of these baubles are likely to be worn until Max takes a bride, so they may as well be of some use. Besides, as the diamonds have not been worn in ages, there is little chance of them being recognized," he pointed out. "Isn't that what you were worried about?"

Lady Alston's lips pressed together, but she didn't attempt to argue. Her gaze went back to the magnificent pieces of jewelry that lay inside the padded satin. "Well, it seems you have considered this all in a very practical manner." After a moment's hesitation, she went on. "Allegra will look quite stunning in these. And of course, I will see they are returned to Hawkins as soon as this is over, so that they are safe for the next Wrexham countess."

* * *

Wrexham regarded Allegra with a grudging admiration. He wouldn't have thought it possible, but on listening to her silly chatter and girlish giggles he had to admit she was managing to sound even more buffleheaded than most of the ladies present.