A sense of anticipation filled the air, where before a battle, everyone had been filled with dread, as he’d told Alice. It was strange standing here now. Gentlemanly pursuits hadn’t changed while he’d been at war, but something fundamental had changed in Christian, something he didn’t think these men would understand. He glanced down the row at the other guests, who weren’t paying him any mind. With their excitement and jockeying for bragging rights on who would bag the most birds today, it was unlikely anyone would notice if his rifle remained at his side or that he hadn’t brought a servant with him to reload his weapon.
Memories of the war always brought his men’s faces to his mind, the ones who had lived, as well as the ones who’d died. Edward’s face was at the forefront this morning. Seeing him so affected at the ball, and knowing how easy it was to numb the memories with alcohol, Christian wanted to reach out, to help him. But how? Ever since Christian had come home and fought through the nightmares and temptation of the bottle, he’d thought about his men sharing the same experiences. Nothing was the same coming home, yet they were expected to return to their previous lives as if they hadn’t seen soul-crushing panoramas of blood and carnage as they fought for their country. But vocalizing those experiences wasn’t acceptable in polite society or at a club.
And yet, he’d spoken to Alice of the circle of brotherhood that formed on the battlefield. What if he could extend the circle of brotherhood he’d once had and bring it home to England? The thought excited him. What if he formed an exclusive gentleman’s club for returning veterans, one that encouraged support and sharing? Perhaps a physical refuge could help with the emotional scars and simply having people around who understood could start to heal them. With his new position among the peerage, he had the means to make such an endeavor happen. First, he’d need a property. He’d also need a way to spread the word to those who had served. Christian’s mind was racing with ideas.
His thoughts were interrupted with the gamekeeper’s shouts, along with the men hired to serve as beaters to force the fowl toward them. Moments later the air was filled with flapping wings as the birds flew into the air in front of him. Gunfire sounded all around him. His stomach clenched, and he looked at Pembroke, but the man was focused on the birds. Christian lifted his face to the sky, watching the fowl that escaped death flying higher as their comrades sank to the earth. The scene was awfully symbolic of Christian’s recent thoughts. There were men who were sinking into despair, desperate to escape and find the freedom they’d once fought for. And he was determined to help them.
As the gunfire died down, Christian had the groom fetch his horse. He didn’t want to wait for anyone else. Part of him wanted to return to the house right now, find Alice, and tell her all about his idea. She’d barely had a taste of what it meant to do everything you could to survive, only to then suffer repercussions for those actions. She’d understand his desire to extend the battlefield brotherhood to one close to home. But would she want to discuss something so monumental that would distract from capturing the traitor tonight?
She’d said they could have a conversation after the mission was over, and she more than likely meant to converse with him about their connection. But in the time that he’d known her, it was becoming clear that he wanted her opinions and conversation every day, about everything. She had proven intelligent and careful on a variety of subjects he’d never thought to speak of in front of a lady. Her perspective challenged and fascinated him, even when he disagreed. But what did she feel about him?
He was determined to find out. As soon as possible.
Chapter Thirteen
ALICE SAT AT HER DRESSING table and gave herself one last critical look in the glass. Her blonde hair was twisted into a fashionable chignon with a small sparkling tiara on the crown of her head. Winnie was fussing with a few curled tendrils around her ears, arranging and rearranging them so they would lie just right. Alice’s eyes went to her evening gown. The gold color was dazzling and the dress had a rose tinted underlay that gave it an extra shimmer when she walked. It was perfect.
“I think it’s fine, Winnie,” she said, watching her maid twist a curl once more. “I don’t want to be late.”
“Yes, my lady.” Winnie stepped back, biting her lip.
“You did a wonderful job,” Alice told her, patting her on the arm. “You always do.”
She stood and the gold silk rustled against her legs, light and smooth as it swirled around her. She reached for her black, jeweled demi-mask and handed it to Winnie so she could tie it on. Nerves fluttered through her middle. This was the night the Falcon Group had been preparing for, and while she was anxious for the masquerade to start, at the same time she wanted it over. Last night in the kitchen Christian, had talked of waiting for a battle to start with dread and apprehension. Alice would describe her feelings tonight more as an energy she could hardly contain, wanting to get everything settled and over with. Once Pembroke was arrested, they could all breathe a little easier.
“You look beautiful, my lady,” Winnie told her. She handed Alice a gold and black matching fan. “There won’t be a gentleman who can take his eyes off you.”
“You’re kind to say so.” Alice took the fan and turned toward the door. “Do you think anyone will recognize me?” She pointed to the demi-mask that hid half her face, but left the bottom exposed.
“Not likely, but you stand out wherever you go, my lady.” Winnie smiled and turned to begin picking up the extra hairpins from the dressing table.
Alice nodded and let herself out of the room. As she walked to the main staircase, she half hoped Christian would be at the bottom, watching for her. She turned the corner and held her breath.
No one was there.
Swallowing her disappointment, she descended and walked slowly to the ballroom. Guests had already arrived laughing and greeting each other. Some matrons were whispering behind their fans, already looking for some on dit to pass along. Alice walked down the hall, caught up in the partial anonymity the costumes provided. Though some guests had worn a simple mask that just covered the eye area and made them easily recognizable, others wore fanciful masks decorated with feathers and crystals that made it impossible to know their identity without other clues. With only a glance, she didn’t recognize anyone right away. Her father was right― this was an ideal place for secrets to be shared. Or sold.
With her hand on her middle, Alice moved into the ballroom, where the musicians were tuning their instruments. With some relief, Alice saw her parents right away. Her mother had come with her to the dress fittings, and her sea-blue gown with gold thread was easy to spot. They were near the refreshment table, and she made her way to their side.
After weaving through the small groups of people who had gathered, she finally stopped at her father’s elbow. He stood next to her mother, dressed in black, except for a simple white mask. Her mother’s demi-mask was outlined with sapphires, emphasizing the blue of her eyes.
“You’re a vision,” her mother said, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “Like a beautiful sunburst right here in our midst.”
“Only eclipsed by you, my sweet,” her father put in, raising her mother’s hand to his lips. “I am the luckiest man in the kingdom to have such a beautiful wife and daughter.”
Alice watched them with a smile on her face. A love match was a rarity among the nobility; she was lucky to have parents who truly cared for each another. Would she be able to find such a treasure for herself? Her feelings for Christian rushed to the surface and her eyes scanned for him again. Would she recognize him? Was he looking for her?
Not seeing him right away, she turned to the refreshment table and picked up a glass of ratafia. Sipping it slowly, she turned and looked over the small groups of guests clustered on the fringes of the ballroom, everyone waiting for the music to begin.
All except one man.
He was standing by a column, half hidden by a large plant, his military bearing unmistakable. And he was watching h
er. Their eyes met, and she couldn’t help the smile that crossed her face.
Christian.
He pushed off the column and started toward her. The anxious nerves that had coiled in her stomach unwound to release butterfly wings through her middle as she watched him approach. He wore a black jacket with a deep-red waistcoat and black breeches. His mask was also red, and, combined with the gleam in his eyes, it was as if the devil himself had approved the costume, marking him as a man with a wicked streak.
One that drew her like a moth to a flame.
She thought of their kiss last night and how her body had responded to his, moving closer and wanting more. Though she’d behaved as a wanton, Alice didn’t regret her actions and hoped to repeat them. She flushed at her thoughts, but as if a magnet were pulling her toward him, her feet moved in his direction until they closed the distance between them.
He bent over her hand, lifting it to his lips and letting it linger on her gloved hand. “You are stunning, my lady.”
His gaze was warm, and Alice held his words to her heart. “Thank you,” she murmured. “You look quite dashing yourself.”
Before they could say anything else, her parents moved to the middle of the room to lead out the first dance of the evening. The musicians struck up a waltz, and Christian arched a brow. “Will you do me the honor?”
She nodded and he held out his arm to her. After escorting her to the dance floor, they assumed the waltz position. Her hand slipped into his, and her other rested on his shoulder. Having him so close was heady, and the mass of butterfly wings vibrating through her middle made her breathless. They started moving around the dance floor, and Alice relaxed into his capable arms.
Christian cleared his throat. “I’ve been thinking about something all day and I wanted to speak with you, but I’m not sure it’s the right time,” he said, as they twirled around another couple.
Her heart stuttered. Did he want to talk about their connection? The kiss? “This sounds serious,” she said, looking up into his eyes.
His hand tightened on hers. “Coming home from the war was difficult for me. I was faced with the death of my elder brother and my father being nearly insensate and bedridden. I had to take over the estate affairs, as well as acclimate to no longer planning battles at night and trying to stay alive by day.” He swallowed and took a breath. “I want to help other men who might also be struggling with the adjustment. To extend the brotherhood circle, if you will. I had no one to talk to during my darkest hours, no one who understood. I want to give others the opportunity to have that someone. I think it would help.”
“What a splendid idea.” She squeezed his hand. “The bonds forged on the battlefield will be extraordinarily helpful. If the men feel safe, they may let their brothers in their circle help them. Were you thinking of a club? Or just holding a regular meeting?”
“A club was foremost in my mind. Somewhere we could relax, have conversation and refreshment, possibly billiards or other diversions, but no gambling or alcohol. A place where the men could find sympathy and solace and still have their pride.”
As they made a turn, he drew her closer than was proper, but Alice didn’t mind. If they weren’t on a ballroom floor, she might be tempted to kiss him. His desire to help his fellow veterans only made her regard for him that much more. “Would you allow all men who served to be members, regardless of rank?”
“There are so many who have served, so I would have to start small, with some sort of requirements for membership. I’m just not sure what they would be quite yet. But you think it’s a good idea?” His blue eyes searched hers behind the mask, obviously wanting her thoughts and opinions.
She leaned in, exhilarated at the thought that he cared to know her feelings, his familiar bergamot and mint scent filling her senses. He had dealt with death and anguish, had the marquess title suddenly thrust on him after the devastating loss in his family, and yet he still wanted to reach out to others. He was like no other nobleman she’d ever met.
“Yes, you would have to put some thought into that. I’d love to help you,” she said softly. He had a purpose beyond his title, beyond his service in the Falcon Group. Something she herself had been looking for. And he seemed to want her to be part of it.
The song was coming to an end, but she wished it could go on, just to be in his arms a little longer. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Pembroke watching her on the outskirts of the dance floor. The chances of her speaking privately with Christian for the rest of the evening was small, considering the mission they were trying to accomplish tonight. “I’ve only been in your circle for a short time, but I know it helped me. I am not surprised at all you would want to help others. And you’re the best of men to even attempt it.”
As the last chords of the waltz drifted away, he pulled her close to him once more. “Alice, be careful tonight,” he said, his voice low and even, sending shivers down her spine. “As soon as this is all over, and the traitor on his way to Newgate, I’d like to have that conversation you promised.”
She wanted to press herself to him, run her fingers through his hair, and feel his lips on hers. But instead, she merely smiled and curtsied, hoping he could hear the truth in her tone. “I would like that very much, my lord.”
When she rose, Christian escorted her off the dance floor, where Pembroke was waiting. He was dressed in white breeches, a white shirt, waistcoat, and cravat, the lack of color nearly blinding its glory. The only relief from the gleaming white was his robin’s egg blue jacket. His white mask was barely covering his eyes and hid nothing about his identity. Pembroke wanted to be recognized.
“May I claim the next dance, my lady?” He bent over her gloved hand and kissed her knuckles.
After being in Christian’s arms, part of her wanted to snatch her hand away and pretend she hadn’t seen Pembroke. But she was laying a trap for a traitor tonight, and he needed to take the bait. Alice glanced at Christian, who was watching her carefully. This was her role to play. By accepting Pembroke’s invitation, she would be able to keep a close eye on him and hopefully thwart the exchange. “I'd be delighted.”
The strains of a country dance were just beginning and she took Pembroke’s arm. He led her to the dance floor and they took their positions in the line, facing each other. Christian was on the edge of the room, still in her line of sight as he casually leaned against the wall, his arms folded, his eyes on her. He had a casual air, but Alice could feel the restrained power in him. He was ready for anything.
So was she.
She performed the steps of the dance, coming close to Pembroke to make a turn around another couple. “My lady, I have enjoyed furthering our acquaintance at the party this past week,” he said when she was at his elbow.
Alice cringed inwardly and thought back to the man she’d once thought he was and used that to hide her true feelings. “You do me a great honor, my lord.”
“I'd like to discuss our acquaintance further if you wouldn’t mind taking a turn about the gardens.” They parted for the dance, but when they came back together, Alice agreed.
“I’m anxious to hear what you have to say,” she told him. And she’d be right next to him in case he tried to covertly pass the list to someone.
When the dance ended, he escorted her toward the terrace doors, opening one with a flourish. Before they could cross the threshold, he turned her toward him and took both of her hands in his. “I find I cannot wait, my lady. My feelings for you are those of admiration, but in time they could develop into more and, until then, I feel we would get on well together. I’d like your permission to formally court you and in the near future, be your husband.”
He was trembling and speaking so loudly that Alice looked around to make sure no one had overheard them. Since the music and conversation were so loud, no one had paid any attention. Alice tried to move him through the door and onto the terrace for a modicum of privacy, but he wouldn’t budge. How could she answer him? Would he trust her with a
traitorous secret if she said yes and accepted his suit? It wouldn’t be long before she’d have no choice but to betray him. If she said no tonight, he might leave in a fit of temper and they would lose their chance to catch him and retrieve the list.
“You’ve caught me by surprise, my lord,” she finally said. “I must have a moment to think.”
He pulled her hands to his chest, his voice becoming urgent. “Though I’ve done some things I wish I could take back, I’ll shortly be making them right. I would always protect your reputation. You must know that. Your trust and loyalty are everything to me.”
But Alice hadn’t heard much beyond the admission of things he wished he could take back. What were they? “Can I help you make anything right?” She moved closer to him and looked up into his face, hoping he could still see her sincerity though she was wearing a demi-mask. “You know you can trust me.”
He hesitated, as if considering her request, then shook his head. “No, I will take care of this and be worthy of your loyalty. It should all be over tonight.” He kissed both her hands and leaned in, his eyes on her lips, as if considering whether to kiss them as well.
Alice pulled back, not wanting him to lose focus, especially if she could get a confession from him. “Whatever do you mean, Lord Pembroke? What exactly will be over tonight? And how can you prove your loyalty to me? Why, a test of loyalty seems straight out of a medieval fairy tale of knights and maidens.” She squeezed his hands. “Surely you can speak freely.”
Pembroke shook his head and gave her a brittle laugh as if she’d just told a great jest. “If only the complications of the day could be solved with lances and horses. No, my lady, this is not a fairy tale, but I do hope it will have a happy ending. I don’t want to say too much, but I’m sure I’ll be receiving good news tonight that will clear any doubt you have about me and my ability to support you.” He looked down at her, his eyes soft and hopeful. “Please tell me you'll consider it.”
The Marquess Meets His Match Page 11