‘Thank you. I appreciate the compliment. What else should we talk about?’
‘We could engage is some mild flirtation.’
‘Why on earth would we do that? We are a married couple, Laurence. Besides, you have just told me that flirtation is for debutantes and not married ladies.’
‘I did—but it is appropriate for a lady to flirt with her husband if she so wishes. If you don’t know how, I could teach you,’ he murmured, his lips curving in a devilish smile. Staring down into her amber eyes, he momentarily lost himself in them. Desire surged through his body and he pulled her closer still. ‘I’d like to try—maybe later.’
Melissa was given no time to reply for the dance ended and when they left the floor Antony and Eliza—attired in a gorgeous lime-green creation—claimed their attention.
* * *
Eliza’s face brightened when she saw Melissa, and she immediately took her hand and drew her to the side of the ballroom.
‘Forgive our tardiness, Melissa, but we had to wait for Gerald to return from his club. We’d promised to wait for him. Of course he arrived home with no sense of having done anything wrong—which is so like him. But forget about Gerald,’ she said, looking Melissa over and obviously pleased with what she saw. ‘That dress so becomes you, Melissa. It’s a good choice.’
‘Laurence suggested I wear it.’
‘Did he? I am surprised to hear it. I never imagined he would concern himself with what you should wear. Tonight’s event must be important to him—to you both.’
‘Yes, I believe it is. He wanted to present me to society—to break me in, so to speak. It was nerve-racking at first, but I think everyone is beginning to lose interest in me.’
‘Has Laurence introduce you to anyone?’
‘A few, although we only arrived half an hour ago ourselves.’
‘Then come with me and I will introduce you to everyone who is someone and who will be just dying to meet you.’
* * *
And she did. After another half an hour and beginning to wilt, Melissa managed to escape to the ladies’ rest room. She tried to make her way back to Laurence, but several gentlemen who were eager to speak with him wedged their way in front of him, making it difficult for her to reach him. Left more or less to herself for the time being, she took the opportunity to slip through the French doors and step out on to the terrace. She was about to move down the shallow steps to the garden below when a blue-satin-clad gentleman seized her arm. Surprised, she looked around and found herself staring into Sir Gerald Mortimer’s smiling face.
‘Why, Lady Maxwell, I cannot believe my good fortune on finding you alone.’ His eyes passed over her appraisingly. ‘’Tis exceedingly good to see you again. I trust you are well.’
‘Very well, thank you.’
Sir Gerald’s eyes lingered appreciatively on her face. ‘My dear lady, you are simply ravishing.’
Melissa politely disengaged her arm and put a reasonable distance between them, knowing how Laurence would not approve of her talking to Gerald Mortimer.
‘You have no escort?’
‘Yes—my husband. He is just inside the door,’ she informed him, glancing into the room and hoping Laurence wouldn’t choose that moment to come outside. ‘I just came outside for a breath of air—in fact, I think I’d better be getting back before he comes looking for me.’
Sir Gerald pursed his lips in mild disdain. ‘I can well understand his reluctance to let you out of his sight—even more so if he found you talking to me.’
Melissa’s spine stiffened and she was rather amazed at the rush of indignation she experienced at this slur against her husband. ‘Not at all. It is simply that this being my first big event since coming to London and, since I know no one, he is anxious that it goes well and I enjoy myself.’
‘And are you? Enjoying yourself?’
‘Yes, very much. I’ve just been talking to Eliza. She’s very kindly introduced me to people of her acquaintance. She seems to know everyone present.’
He flashed her a charming grin. ‘She’s very popular, my sister, and always has a circle around her gossiping away. It always surprises me how they find so much to talk about.’
‘She is indeed friendly—as is her husband.’
‘They do make a handsome couple, don’t they?’ he remarked, catching sight of his sister and her husband accompanied by several friends as they strolled arm in arm along a garden path, happily engaged in conversation. ‘Eliza is five years younger than I. Unlike myself, she is on speaking terms with your husband—which is down to the fact that she is married to his closest friend. There is something about marriage that always enhances the beauty of a woman—and my sister has certainly blossomed since her marriage to Antony.’
Melissa sent a cool glance skimming over him. ‘You are not married, Sir Gerald?’
For the first time his cheerful demeanour disappeared and he smiled rather sadly. ‘No, I’m afraid that happy state of affairs has passed me by.’
‘That is nonsense. There are any number of young ladies I am sure would be perfectly happy for you to approach them with an eye to marriage.’
His gaze was slow and pointedly bold as he perused her exquisite radiance. ‘Sadly, all the ladies who catch my eye are already attached. I did mention that I am your nearest neighbour in Surrey, didn’t I?’
‘Yes, you did, but why do I feel that you are attempting to change the subject, sir?’
His smile turned bitter. ‘Perhaps because I am. It is painful for me to reflect on the past.’
‘Please, enlighten me? I get the distinct feeling that it somehow involves my husband.’
‘I am not the one to tell you.’
‘Which makes me suspect that it might have something to do with my husband’s first wife. Am I right?’
‘You are extremely perceptive, Lady Maxwell.’
‘You did know her?’
‘Yes, I knew her.’
‘What was she like?’
‘Very beautiful.’
‘And? There must have been more to her than that.’
‘Yes,’ he replied, his gaze drifting past her, his thoughts suddenly so far away. ‘She was so full of life, her grace and elegance unsurpassed.’
Melissa looked at him curiously. ‘Were you enamoured of her, Sir Gerald?’ she dared to ask.
He gave her a sad smile. ‘Everyone who came into contact with her was drawn to her. Her allure was like a magnet.’ His gaze focused on her once more. ‘I hope your wedded bliss to Laurence Maxwell lasts longer than Alice’s did. If your husband would permit me, I would compliment him on his excellent taste—at least in choosing a wife—although he should be chided over his neglect of you.’
A deepening, angry pink hue was creeping over Melissa’s face. ‘He doesn’t neglect me at all. Laurence takes care of me very well. I have no complaints.’
‘I am happy to hear it.’ His eyelids lowered as he savoured the beauty of her ire aroused. ‘You are a very gracious and lovely lady,’ he commented. ‘Will you walk with me a while? The gardens are by no means large, but they are quite lovely—especially in the moonlight.’
‘No, Sir Gerald,’ Melissa protested, widening the distance between them. ‘I cannot walk with you. I am not unaware that there is discord between you and my husband and he would be most put out if he cannot find me.’
‘Then perhaps you had better say nothing to him about our meeting.’
‘Are you suggesting that I deceive my husband?’
‘Not at all. I merely wish to keep from causing trouble for you. Your husband would not be at all pleased to know you had spoken to me, or met me here, even if it was a chance encounter.’
‘Melissa?’
Her name was spoken sharply. Sir Gerald’s head snapped round and his eyes widened as they came to rest on a clearly ira
te Laurence Maxwell.
‘You are bothering my wife, Mortimer.’ Laurence’s voice was low and fierce.
Sir Gerald drew himself up straight. ‘I am a gentleman, Maxwell, and I can hardly leave a beautiful young lady unattended amid strangers. I saw no help for it but to keep her company.’
‘My wife has all the company she needs. She is quite well escorted.’
Gerald smiled. ‘Your wife is very beautiful, Maxwell. She is also high-spirited.’
‘I am more aware of that than anyone else.’
‘Were she not already married to you, she would, I am sure, prove extremely entertaining in a chase.’
A corner of Laurence’s mouth lifted in a strained smile. ‘Since when has a lady’s married status ever stopped you? It never has in the past and I doubt things have changed. My advice to you is to have a care, Mortimer. I am quite adept with firearms; you might get clipped.’
‘I’m no amateur myself, Maxwell.’ Abruptly he inclined his head and strode back into the house.
Melissa watched him go, perplexed by their angry exchange. There was far more to their heated discourse than she understood, but she strongly believed that it had something to do with Laurence’s first wife.
Laurence stood watching her with his arms folded across his chest. Melissa found it hard to meet his gaze. She felt like a child caught out in some misdemeanour. For the sake of her pride she could not tell him how he disrupted her thoughts and that her emotions were stirred by the fact of his nearness. Shielding herself against the displeasure he so clearly felt because he had found her speaking to Sir Gerald and her thoughts occupied with so many disturbing questions, she chose to attack rather than reveal her weakness.
‘You’re displeased because I was talking to Gerald Mortimer,’ she said. ‘I know you don’t like him, but you treated him most rudely.’
‘Rudely?’ He laughed in sharp derision. ‘He got off lightly. The man was ready to drag you off into the garden and I assure you he had nothing honourable in mind.’
Her eyes sparking militantly, Melissa glared up at him. ‘Don’t be ridiculous, Laurence. He wouldn’t have done anything of the sort. He behaved towards me as any well-meaning gentleman would.’
‘It’s obvious to me that you need serious counselling on the definition of a gentleman. Mortimer is a rake of the first order and I don’t want you to have anything to do with him.’
‘I am sure you have your reasons, but you must believe me when I say I did not encourage him at all.’
His eyes softened and he nodded slightly. ‘I do believe you. I know Mortimer and what he is capable of. He probably sought you out simply to provoke me.’
‘Then don’t let him. Short of cutting him, which would have been noticed and remarked upon, there was nothing I could do but converse with him.’ Seeing that they were drawing attention and having no wish to continue the conversation, she spotted Eliza climbing the steps to the terrace. ‘I think it’s time for supper, Laurence,’ Melissa said over her shoulder. ‘I promised Eliza I would join her.’
‘You, too, Laurence,’ Eliza invited. ‘Find Antony and come and join us.’
* * *
As the evening wore on and everyone seemed to have lost interest in her, Melissa began to relax and, for the first time since before the birth of her daughter, she began to have fun. She was welcomed by many, particularly the gentlemen, who were effusive in their compliments. On the sidelines, Laurence watched Eliza introduce his wife to more of her friends. Now, everyone wanted to know her.
‘She seems to be doing all right,’ Antony said, coming to his side. ‘She’s a success. I knew she would be. How can anyone resist her?’
‘Indeed!’ Laurence said, frowning as he watched his wife surrounded by a coterie of admirers, so many that Laurence hardly had an opportunity to speak to her himself. It hadn’t taken her long to win them over. She was clearly enjoying herself. She seemed to light up the room with her charm and her artless sophistication. Every so often she would turn her head in his direction, her eyes alight with laughter and her mouth smiling broadly.
‘She’s an extraordinary young woman. She has a way with her. Her charm and beauty, as well as her casual unconcern about the rumours concerning her past, have gone a long way toward persuading many of the guests of her innocence. You’re a lucky man, Laurence. Who would have thought it would come to this when the two of you met in the Spring Gardens. Come tomorrow she will be proclaimed the new rage.’
‘I don’t doubt it, Antony, but not for long. I intend taking her to Winchcombe before the week is out.’
‘I’m surprised you haven’t taken her before now.’
Laurence sighed, his expression thoughtful. The truth of it was that he was in no hurry to leave for Surrey. Winchcombe was filled with everything he had lost—his marriage, his son. It was a graveyard of bad memories. Giving Antony no indication of his thoughts, he said, ‘Business has kept me in the capital until now. I think it’s time Melissa saw her new home.’ He looked at his friend. ‘Are you to remain in London?’
He shook his head. ‘We’re heading back to Hertfordshire.’
‘And Mortimer?’
‘I believe he intends staying in town—he likes the social life here. He doesn’t get down to Surrey much these days.’
Laurence was relieved to know that. ‘Thank God I won’t be encountering him for some time then.’
‘You shouldn’t—although,’ Antony said quietly, ‘it saddens me when I think what good friends the two of you used to be. I ought to tell you that he’s considering closing up the Surrey house.’
Surprised to hear this, Laurence looked at him. ‘He would do that?’
Antony nodded. ‘He says there’s nothing there for him, nothing to return to.’
‘But—it’s been home to the Mortimer family for generations.’
‘Gerald is not sentimental in that way. With no intention of marrying, he prefers to make his life in London. If it were not for Eliza and any offspring we might be blessed with to inherit it in the future, and without a son of his own to continue the line after him, I believe he would sell it. He intends to go down there to put things in order—and Eliza insists on going with him. Which means I will accompany her, of course, so we will see you there before we return to Hertfordshire.’
Laurence was relieved to know Mortimer would be far removed from Winchcombe in the future.
Continuing to watch from a distance, it was with regret that he relinquished Melissa to the gallants leading her on to the dance floor, with mingled jealousy and pleasure as one partner after another claimed the beautiful and vivacious Lady Maxwell’s hand for a dance. He shouldn’t be surprised at her success. Her victory pleased him, for her own sake, even more than his own. She didn’t deserve to be ostracised and made to suffer because of past mistakes. It was clear he had no need to be concerned. After tonight she would have acquaintances clamouring to call on her.
* * *
Melissa smiled broadly when Laurence found his way to her side between dances and before another partner could whisk her away. He smiled back, a slow, smile that melted her heart.
‘Every gentleman here tonight has danced with you. I think it’s high time you danced with your husband again. Come, dance with me, Melissa,’ he murmured his voice soft and deep. ‘The ball will soon be over and I would have one last twirl about the floor with you before we have to leave.’
Mesmerised by the seductive invitation in his voice, Melissa let him draw her on to the dance floor.
‘May I ask what your admirers talked to you about?’
‘You may, but I will not tell you,’ she teased coquettishly.
He nodded, studying her with tranquil amusement. ‘Do I have reason to call any of them out?’
She smiled, her eyes glowing with repressed laughter. ‘Several. But with so many, you would be hard pr
essed to beat them all.’
‘Don’t count on it,’ Laurence replied, spinning her round with unnecessary force.
She laughed. ‘Laurence, please slow down. You swirl me round so fast I’m beginning to feel quite dizzy.’
‘You’ve drunk too many glasses of champagne.’
She was indignant. ‘No, I have not.’
‘Yes, you have. Is it four—or five?’
His smile was amused and slightly mocking and she was stung into a response. ‘You were watching me?’
‘I had nothing better to do.’
‘You could have sought me out sooner.’
‘What? And deprive all those besotted swains of the pleasure of your company? You’ve made quite an impression and, regardless of your marital state, you must prepare yourself to be pursued,’ he teased lightly.
‘And here I was thinking I would be safe at a ball with my husband,’ she quipped.
Laurence caught her gaze, his eyes narrowing seductively. ‘Safe? Safe with me?’ he murmured, his warm breath fanning her face. ‘Of course you are.’
Melissa searched his face, feeling her heart turn over exactly the way it always did when he looked at her the way he was looking at her now. She saw the glow in his half-shuttered eyes kindle slowly into flame and, deep within her, she felt the answering stirrings of longing, a longing to feel the tormenting sweetness of his caress, the stormy passion of his kiss and the earth-shattering joy of his body possessing hers.
* * *
It was two in the morning before the ball ended and Laurence assisted his wife up the steps into the coach. Taking his seat across from her, he sought and held her gaze.
‘You have clearly enjoyed your first ball, Melissa, and I’m proud of the way you conducted yourself.’
A warm glow filled her at his praise. ‘I enjoyed it enormously. I have much to be grateful to Eliza for. She hardly left my side all night—unlike my husband, who happily abandoned me after supper.’
Wedded for His Secret Child Page 15
