Disgrace and Desire (22 page)

‘Oh.’ She digested this in silence for a few moments.

‘I shall write to Sir Ronald immediately,’ she said, ‘to terminate our engagement.’

‘No, do not write to him just yet. I was careful to close the window when we left so I hope our visit to Sir Ronald’s house will not be noticed, and if that is the case I do not believe he will discover the loss of the journal immediately. I understand
he is attending the Keworths’ party tomorrow, that is, tonight. Do you go with him?’

‘Yes, I am engaged to join him there, but now—’

‘I want you to go, Eloise. Act as if nothing has changed. I have a plan to rid the town of Sir Ronald Deforge for good, but it will work best if he does not suspect anything.’

When they turned into Dover Street, Eloise noticed that the lights were still burning in Kitty Williams’s house.

‘I have not thanked you for securing Ainsley Wood for me,’ she said. ‘For making Lord Berrow agree to sell it.’

‘I want no thanks for that.’

‘You have been very good to me. It is more than I deserve, after I was so impolite in sending you away.’

‘Hush, now. We will talk later.’ They were opposite her house and Jack stopped. ‘When you get inside, make sure you burn that damned book.’

‘I will.’

He led her across the road and followed her down the area steps to the basement door. The scrape of the bolt told Eloise that her maid had been looking out for her. She looked back at Jack.

‘Will you not come in?’

‘No, dawn is breaking and I must get back. I would have no one guess just what we have been doing this night.’

She was disappointed, and her hand fluttered as if to detain him. He caught it and held it for a moment.

‘You have the journal now. Destroy it before it can cause any more harm.’ He raised her fingers to his lips. ‘And no sooner have we secured the good name of Allyngham than I shall be asking you to change it!’

Eloise sat before the kitchen fire, tearing sheets from the leather-bound book on her lap and feeding them into the flames.

‘Never seen anything like it, in all my born days,’ muttered Alice, bustling around behind her. ‘Running about the town dressed as a boy and breaking into houses! Why, miss, I’ve never heard of such a thing. Even Master Tony’s most outlandish tricks never included thievery!’

‘Enough, Alice,’ said Eloise, frowning. ‘I told you I was merely recovering my property, it was not stealing.’

‘And heaven knows what would have become of you if Major Clifton hadn’t been there to protect you. Still, all’s well that ends well, as they say, and now that you have burned that book you have no need to marry nasty Sir Ronald Deforge. I must say I was never in favour of that, even when you explained to me why it must be so. And unless my ears was deceiving me, it’s Mrs Clifton you’ll be before the year’s out. You couldn’t wish for more, could you, my lady?’

Eloise did not reply. She pushed the last of the pages into the fire and sat back. The euphoria of the last few hours had melted away, replaced by a heavy depression.

There was no mistaking Jack’s last words; he meant to marry her, but even if his plan worked and Deforge was no longer a threat, she must still tell him the truth about her marriage. He had not asked to read the journal: he was willing to forget her past but she could not. He had said he wanted no secrets. Well, there would be none.

An inner demon whispered that it was not necessary: Jack need never know. She clasped her hands together so tightly the knuckles showed white in the firelight. No. He had to know. If he loved her then perhaps it would not matter, but she was not sure how deeply he cared for her. He desired her, she knew that, but love—she dared not believe it. She was an obligation, the widow of a comrade, left to his care. And perhaps part of her attraction was the fact that in marrying her, Jack could thwart Sir Ronald. But could Jack really love her
for herself? She found it hard to accept. She was so different from his first love, the incomparable Clara. She trusted him not to expose her, but once he had taken his revenge upon Sir Ronald, once he no longer needed her help, she must tell him the truth about herself, and give him the chance to walk away.

So you would throw away your chance of happiness.
The demon in her head would not be silenced.
Do you think he can love you, once you have shattered his opinion of Tony and destroyed his friendship with Alex? You have only to keep quiet and you can all be happy.

‘No. I will not lie to him.’

‘I beg your pardon, my lady?’

Eloise started, blushing as she realised she had spoken aloud.

‘Nothing, Alice.’ She pushed herself out of the chair. Suddenly she felt desperately tired. ‘It is time for bed, I think.’

A
sleepless night did nothing to relieve Eloise’s depression, but neither did it shake her resolve to tell Jack everything. And once the truth was out, she doubted very much if he would want her for his wife.

She dressed quickly and dashed off a note to Alex, telling him that the diary had been destroyed and asking him to call. She sent her groom to deliver the message and remained at the window, watching, until his return.

‘Well,’ she demanded, ‘did he send me an answer?’

Perkins tugged his forelock.

‘Mr Alex says to give you his regards, m’lady, but I’m to tell you that he is gone out with Major Clifton and he will see you at Keworth House tonight.’ The groom nodded, smiling. ‘I must say it is good to see Master Alex looking so well, ma’am. Left off his sling, he has, but he is still using a cane.’ He winked at her. ‘He’ll do his best to put that aside before he has to walk you to the altar and give you away, I’ll be bound!’

‘That is enough of your insolence, Perkins, you may go now!’

Eloise hunched her shoulder and turned away from the groom’s knowing grin. That was the problem with having retainers one had known since childhood, they were more like family than servants. Her irritation died away: at least she would still have Perkins and Alice to keep her company in her lonely future. She put a hand up to her cheek, her dilemma growing greater the more she considered it. By confessing everything to Jack she could lose Alex’s friendship, too, once he realised she had divulged the truth.

These depressing thoughts combined with her fears that Deforge might discover the theft and call upon her. She tried to stay calm, telling herself that there was no longer any danger, but she knew that Deforge was capable of revenging himself upon those who moved against him. Jack might have removed some of Sir Ronald’s henchmen, but there would be others. Her anxiety made the day one of the longest Eloise had ever spent and it was with some relief when the time came to change her dress and order her carriage to take her to the Keworths’ card party.

‘Shall I be coming with you, m’lady?’ asked Perkins, when she descended the stairs, the candles glinting from the diamond cluster at her neck and the tiny diamond drops hanging from her ears.

Eloise looked at the groom as he stood before her, twisting his cap in his hands. She had received no word from Jack or Alex all day, and at that moment Perkins seemed to be her only friend in the world.

‘Yes, if you please,’ she nodded. ‘Jump up on the back and stay with the carriage.’

Keworth House was ablaze with light when the Allyngham town coach rumbled up to the door. Reluctantly she prepared to alight. She had no idea what Jack was planning. He had
asked her to trust him and she would do so, but once this was over she knew he would ask her to marry him, and she would have to tell him the truth. In her imagination she saw the blaze of desire die from his eyes, to be replaced by a look of revulsion. It could not be avoided. Better now than in the future.

A light drizzle was falling. She put up her hood and grasped her cloak about her, glad that the chill night air gave her some excuse for her trembling. However, once she was inside the house there was no escape: she was obliged to straighten her shoulders and make her way to the main salon, no sign of her inner anxiety showing in her face.

The news of her betrothal was still the talk of the town and there were more congratulations to be endured as she made her way up the grand staircase. She was relieved to move into the candle-lit salon where dozens of little tables had been set up and nothing more than a gentle murmur disturbed the players who were intently studying their cards. Lord and Lady Keworth were renowned for their card parties. In the past Eloise had always declined their invitations because she found nothing to amuse her in games of chance, but looking around the room she realised how few of her acquaintance shared her view, for the cream of society was seated around the room.

‘We are delighted to have you join us tonight, Lady Allyng-ham,’ her hostess beamed. ‘We are very fortunate to have so many friends here tonight.’ Lady Keworth bent an arch smile towards Lord Berrow, who was passing at that moment. ‘You, too, are a veritable stranger to our little parties, my lord.’

Unable to ignore his hostess, the Earl stopped and gave a little bow.

‘It is unfortunate that I am so often otherwise engaged…’

Lady Keworth laughed and tapped his arm.

‘Well, I am very glad that you are not engaged elsewhere this evening, sir, especially when we have such delightful company.’ She glanced towards Eloise, gave her an encouraging smile then turned away to greet another guest.

Lord Berrow looked around him, clearly uncomfortable to be left in Lady Allyngham’s company. She held out her hand to him.

‘My lord, I am glad we have met: I wanted to thank you personally for allowing me to buy Ainsley Wood. It was very generous of you.’

His lordship flushed.

‘Oh, yes, well,’ he muttered, ‘it is in a good cause, after all.’

‘Indeed it is, sir,’ she replied warmly. ‘When the trustees are drawing up their records I shall make sure your generosity is recognised.’

With an inward smile she watched him puff out his chest.

‘Oh, no need for that, dear lady,’ he said, looking considerably more cheerful. ‘We must all do a little something for those less fortunate, eh?’

He gave a fat chuckle and looked as if he would say more but Sir Ronald’s voice cut across the room.

‘Ah, and here is my lovely bride. Come along over here, my dear, and join us.’

Play was suspended as everyone’s eyes were fixed upon Eloise. Not by a flicker did she betray her nerves. She nodded to Lord Berrow and moved across to Sir Ronald. He was sitting at a table with several other gentlemen, including his host and Mr Edward Graham. Lord Keworth rose and began to offer Eloise his chair but Sir Ronald waved at him.

‘Sit ye down, sir. Lady Allyngham ain’t one for cards, are
you, my dear?’ He reached out and caught her wrist, pulling her closer. ‘She will stand beside me, my lucky charm.’

‘Damme, sir, I think you may need it,’ laughed Mr Graham, giving Eloise a good-natured bow. ‘There are a number of gamesters here tonight, ma’am, some of ’em quite reckless. The game is bassett, you know: I fear the play will be very deep.’

She glanced around at them all and managed a smile.

‘Then pray be seated, gentlemen and go on with your game. Sir Ronald is quite correct, I am more than happy to observe the play, if you will let me.’

‘Bless you, my lady, of course you may watch,’ declared Lord Keworth, picking up his cards. ‘Though tedious work you may find it. Once Deforge has his mind on the cards, nothing will sway him!’

Lord Keworth was right; Eloise found it very dull standing at Sir Ronald’s shoulder while he played. Cards were taken and discarded, wagers were made and she found herself surprised at the high stakes. Glancing around the room, she realised that although the players at every table were doing their best to win, none had the intensity of those pitting their skill against Sir Ronald.

A light-hearted game of quadrille was just breaking up and she used the diversion to move away. As she did so Lady Parham beckoned to her.

‘My dear Lady Allyngham, I was so sorry to miss Sir Ronald’s little soirée.’ She glanced at the diamond winking on Eloise’s finger. ‘It was such a surprise to hear that you are to be married, and to Sir Ronald, too.’ She hesitated before giving another of her thin smiles. ‘I had not thought him one of your
particular
favourites.’

Silently Eloise inclined her head and moved to pass on but Lady Parham stepped in front of her.

‘I had thought Mr Mortimer had the advantage, especially since you have known him for so long. He is your neighbour at Allyngham, is he not? It must have been
such
a comfort to have him so close while your husband was away.’

The implication was plain. Eloise realised she had played her part as the wanton widow far too well. She replied evenly, ‘Mr Mortimer has always been a very good friend, Lady Parham.’

‘And what does he think of your betrothal to Sir Ronald?’ The sly look that accompanied these words angered Eloise, but at that moment there was a distraction at the door. She looked up.

‘You had best ask him that yourself, ma’am,’ she said, smiling in relief and surprise as she watched Alex limp into the room with Jack close behind him. Until that moment it seemed to Eloise that she had hardly been breathing. Now her heart swelled with pride and pleasure as the two gentlemen greeted their hostess. Alex was looking a little pale and leaning heavily upon a cane. Jack, standing tall and dark beside him, looked at the peak of fitness. Surely there was nothing to fear while she had two such champions.

‘Lady Allyngham, I fear you have forgotten your role this evening.’

Sir Ronald’s voice boomed out once again. Her eyes narrowed angrily. She wanted to tear the ring off her finger and throw it in his grinning face. She looked across the room at Jack, who gave the tiniest shake of his head. Putting up her chin, Eloise fixed her smile and walked back to Sir Ronald.

‘Stand close, my dear, you are here to bring me luck.’

He reached out and put one arm possessively about her hips. She forced herself to stand passively until Sir Ronald released her and returned his full attention to the cards. Jack was watching them, but his countenance was inscrutable. She
must play her part until he gave her a sign. She watched the game progress, alarmed at the large amounts the gentlemen were prepared to wager on a single card. As banker, Sir Ronald had the advantage, controlling the cards and dealing them with practised ease. Across the room Jack and Alex were talking to Mr Renwick. They were moving closer, but so slowly that the tension made her want to scream. No one at the table had eyes for anything other than the play. Mr Graham had thrown in his hand and now sat with his head bowed, rubbing his eyes. Another gentleman pulled off a ruby ring and placed it on his card, only to see it join the growing pile of notes and coins in front of Sir Ronald.

‘Hell’s teeth, Deforge, you win again!’ With a laugh Lord Keworth stared at the cards Sir Ronald turned up on the table. ‘What luck!’

‘And skill, Keworth,’ murmured Sir Ronald, smiling. ‘Although having my future bride at my side is undoubtedly an advantage.’ He glanced up at that moment and saw Jack standing nearby. His smile grew more unpleasant. ‘It is a case of winner takes all, I think. What say you, Major Clifton?’

‘Oh, undoubtedly,’ replied Jack, ‘Only tonight I do not think the winner will be you.’

His words were quiet but uttered with such cool conviction that a sudden hush fell over the table. The players were very still, while other guests drew closer, drawn by the sudden tension in the air. Sir Ronald raised his quizzing glass and stared at Jack, his smile turning into a sneer.

‘Oh, I think you are wrong there, Clifton. You only have to look at the fortune on the table to see how successful I have been. And tomorrow, you may come to the church to watch me claim this beautiful woman as my bride.’

Jack’s slow smile was even more menacing than Sir Ronald’s.

‘I think not.’

Eloise eased away. All eyes were upon Jack and Sir Ronald: there was violence in the air, she could almost taste it. She wondered what had become of Alex. She could not see him, but there were so many people standing around the table now that her view of the room was quite limited. Lord Keworth gave an uncertain laugh.

‘Gentlemen,’ he said, ‘There are tables and cards enough for everyone. Perhaps, Major Clifton, you and Deforge would like to settle your differences with a game of picquet.’

‘My dear Keworth, we have no differences to settle,’ said Sir Ronald, rising to his feet, his cold eyes fixed upon Jack. ‘The major does not like to lose.’ His lip curled in an ugly smile. ‘Losing to me seems to be your lot in life, does it not, Major? First your childhood sweetheart and now Lady Allyngham. But you must resign yourself to it. You have no choice because, you see, I hold the winning hand.’

‘Aye,’ said Jack steadily, ‘you hold all the aces.’

Deforge gave a soft laugh.

‘I am glad you realise that, Clifton. Now if you do not mind—’

‘Not only aces,’ stated Jack, raising his voice a little, ‘but kings and queens, too.’

There was a movement in the crowd. Alex stepped up behind Sir Ronald and pulled his coat off his shoulders.

‘What the—!’ Deforge gave a snarl of rage, but the coat was already halfway down his arms and he could only struggle against Alex’s hold.

Lord Keworth sprang to his feet. ‘Good God, Mortimer, what do you mean by this?’

‘I think it is quite clear,’ said Jack.

Alex yanked the coat even further, revealing a web of leather straps around Deforge’s left forearm. Sir Ronald stood
before them, his fists clenched as he glared at the horrified faces around him. Jack stepped around the table and pulled a card from beneath one of the straps.

‘I was right, you see. A king.’ He withdrew a second. ‘And a queen. You have already played the knave, have you not, Deforge?’

With a roar Sir Ronald turned on Jack but immediately Alex grabbed him and held him fast. A low murmur broke out and rippled around the room.

‘By God,’ muttered Mr Graham, ‘the man’s nothing but a cheat!’

Lord Keworth stared across the table, shaking his head in disgust.

‘And to think I called you friend,’ he muttered. ‘I think you can release him now, Mortimer. I will have the servants escort Sir Ronald from my house.’

Alex stepped away and Deforge angrily shrugged himself back into his coat, his heavy pock-marked face almost purple with rage and humiliation. He looked at Eloise.

‘Come, madam. We are leaving.’

‘I will not.’

His eyes narrowed and he said menacingly, ‘You are promised to marry me, my lady. You know the consequences of denying me.’

Slowly she withdrew the diamond ring from her hand and placed it on the table.

‘You coerced me, but that is all at an end now.’

Jack stepped up beside her.