A Most Unusual Situation: A Traditional Version Georgian Romance (The Gravesmeres Book 1)

by Alicia Quigley

  Tristan smiled, his darkly handsome face reflecting sardonic amusement. "I rather thought it was in the nature of a command, my lady. I was far too frightened not to comply."

  "Nonsense. Men like you are frightened of nothing, or at least so you believe." Caroline came out from behind her desk and gracefully indicated a chair. "Please be seated, my lord."

  Tristan bowed and sat down, watching as Caroline settled gracefully into a chair across from him. The room and its furnishings were very like their mistress, he thought; beautiful and tasteful, yet lacking the frivolity that would make them highly fashionable. He had encountered Lady Eskmaine in the past, before he had left for his sojourn on the Continent, but they were not well acquainted. When Caroline had been introduced to society Tristan had been sowing his wild oats, his interest occupied not by the genteel assemblies and entertainments enjoyed by a young lady, but rather with the gambling dens and other amusements afforded by London's less discreet establishments. She had married Lord Eskmaine while still very young, and joined the world of titled matrons whose paths seldom crossed with the notorious rake Tristan had become.

  But Gresham remembered her well for her beauty and composure. When she had first come out she had been much remarked upon for her appearance. She was tall for a woman, but very graceful, her golden hair and green eyes offset by high cheekbones. The intervening years had not marred her loveliness, and she was, to Tristan's practiced eye, even more attractive than she had been as a girl, the slight fullness that the years had added to her figure only making her more enticing.

  "I'm sure you're wondering why I wished to speak to you," she said, her gaze resting on him coolly. If she guessed at his thoughts, she gave no sign of it.

  "When a lady as lovely as you calls, Lady Eskmaine, a gentleman does not question his luck," responded Tristan gallantly.

  Caroline raised her eyebrows as she suppressed a smile. "What a pretty compliment. But if you are going to continue to speak in that ridiculous manner, we shall get nowhere."

  An answering smile sprang to Tristan's lips. "Where do you wish to go, my lady?"

  Caroline refused to take the bait. "I wish to get to the bottom of a matter that has been troubling me. To be precise, I want to know what your interest is in my sister-in-law, the Duchess of Gravesmere." Caroline looked directly at him, her eyes steady.

  "That is plain speaking indeed. But why would you think I have any interest at all in the Duchess of Gravesmere?" Tristan leaned back casually against the gray silk of the chair. "I pay court to countless women; it is the way of the world. Your brother's wife is one among many."

  "So I would have thought. Your proclivities are too well known, Lord Gresham, for me to pretend to be unaware of them. But your attentions to Allegra seem to be quite particular and are causing considerable comment."

  Tristan shrugged. "She's very lovely. Half the men in London think themselves in love with her and sing her praises. I fail to see why you have singled me out."

  "I have singled you out because you have made yourself singular, my lord. The affecting scene I witnessed earlier today in the morning room at Gravesmere House was hardly the behavior of a man who is paying fashionable court to a woman. And so, I must repeat, what is your interest in Allegra?"

  "And why would the Countess of Eskmaine care? Your questions, it seems to me, would be better coming from the lady's husband."

  "Oh, my brother is quite certain as to what your intentions are, my lord," Caroline assured him. "And they annoy him considerably. I am giving you the chance to tell me that your attentions to Allegra are innocent, and that you are prepared to leave her in peace."

  "The duchess doesn't seem to object to my presence," countered Tristan. "I can think of no reason why I should give you such a promise."

  Caroline sighed. "I see you are determined to be obstructive, which only strengthens my belief that you are up to something. Tell me, Lord Gresham, why is Allegra important to you? Your taste doesn't usually run to young women barely out of the schoolroom, nor to new brides. Why make an exception now?"

  "What if I told you I was in love with your sister-in-law?" Tristan watched her intently, looking for some hint of emotion other than detached amusement. But her beautiful face gave nothing away.

  "Then I would laugh at you, my lord." Caroline folded her hands in her lap. "The idea is patently ridiculous. You love no one but yourself."

  A surge of annoyance washed through Tristan at the thought that she felt free to judge him in this way, but further aggravated by an internal sense that she was quite correct in her assessment, he hastily squashed it. If he allowed Caroline to irritate him, he might easily say something he would later regret. "That is a rather strong opinion, considering the few times we have encountered one another. Although I've spent little time considering the matter, I believe I'm quite capable of loving another."

  Caroline waved his words away with a quick gesture. "That has nothing to do with this matter. Neither your emotions, nor your capacity to experience them, are of interest to me, Lord Gresham. As I'm sure you're aware of the difficult state of my brother's marriage, and as you are unwilling to be truthful with me about your motivations, I will simply ask you to please stay away from Allegra. You will bring her nothing but misery, and if you do care for her, you won't wish that."

  "On the contrary, I believe I could broaden her horizons considerably. Her husband hardly seems to make her happy." Tristan had recovered his sense of balance, and watched with a hint of admiration as only the tiniest glimpse of annoyance appeared on Caroline's face at his words.

  "Certainly you could bring her pleasure for a day, or a week, or a month," agreed Caroline promptly. "But my brother could make her happy for her entire life. Why shatter her future in the way you seem to have planned?"

  "I've found that nothing lasts forever, dear Countess." Tristan's heavy eyelids shielded his thoughts from her searching gaze. "The women I've known in the past have little to complain about. Whatever comes of my friendship with the Duchess of Gravesmere, she will be well-satisfied."

  Caroline gave an unladylike snort. "How very pleased you are with yourself. I suppose that Mrs. Blackburn and Lady Musgrove have nothing but praise for you? Don't be ridiculous. I have no wish to see Allegra relegated to your pile of cast-offs."

  Tristan's face darkened at her mention of two of his former mistresses. Both were now separated from their husbands, one exiled to the Continent, the other living in seclusion in the country. "You seem to know a great deal about me, Lady Eskmaine."

  "You've hardly been circumspect in your proceedings," Caroline pointed out. "Don't flatter yourself by thinking I've made inquiries. All the world knows what you do."

  "Then you hardly need to bring me here to find out what I'm up to. Surely anyone on the street could tell you?" Tristan sneered slightly.

  Caroline shook her head. "I see you're unwilling to help me. I'm sorry for that. Thank you for coming, Lord Gresham. Good day." She stood and extended her hand in a friendly fashion, and Tristan came to his feet, momentarily startled.

  "What, giving up so easily?" he taunted her, taking her hand in his warm grasp.

  Caroline blinked innocently. "Certainly not. But I'll obviously obtain no information from you. Luckily, there are other ways to sort these things out." She removed her hand delicately from his clasp and walked to her desk, picking up the sheaf of correspondence that lay there. "And you are perhaps not as hard to interpret as you seem to think, Lord Gresham. Since poor Allegra cannot possibly have done anything to offend you, and while she is lovely I don't believe for a moment that you honestly care for her, then the object of your scheme must be to hurt my brother."

  "Why would I wish to do that?"

  "I have no idea. But I believe I can find out. As I said before, your past is an open book. It won't be hard to discover what motivates you." Caroline tapped the letters on the desk, lining them up neatly.

  "What makes you think anything but my desire for a beaut
iful woman inspires me?"

  Caroline laughed. "There are dozens of beautiful women you could have for the asking. Despite her youth and inexperience, Allegra is a woman of honor. Coaxing her into your snare will take a considerable amount of patience and ingenuity. You wouldn't waste your time without reason."

  Tristan smiled politely. Under his annoyance he felt a rising respect for Caroline. She was acute and guessed his motivations far better than he would have thought she could. "I'm afraid you are searching for something that isn't there, my lady. Perhaps I'm merely stirred by a challenge."

  "Perhaps. I can imagine your pride would be involved by now as well as whatever perverse desire for revenge motivates you." Caroline placed both hands on the desk and looked him directly in the eye. Green clashed with gray as Tristan glared back at her. "I suggest you retire from the lists now, my lord. You don't wish to tangle with the Gravesmeres."

  Tristan felt a spark of something besides anger as he looked into Caroline's serious face. It was a charming contrast, he thought momentarily, her directness and intelligence combined with her beauty. He allowed his eyes to slide from her face to her slender neck and the white skin above the modest neckline of her dress. A wicked and entirely charming smile suddenly lit his face, driving away his usual look of cynicism.

  "I think perhaps I'd like very much to tangle with at least one, my lady. I had no idea all the women of your family were so fascinating."

  "Don't try to flatter me, Lord Gresham," answered Caroline coolly. "It won't do you any good."

  "But I wasn't flattering you. I was speaking the truth." Tristan took a step closer to the desk and raised her hand, carrying it to his lips with a graceful gesture. "If you think to discourage me, ma'am, I must tell you that I'm only more intrigued. Perhaps you're right and Allegra is not the woman I should be pursuing."

  Caroline snatched her hand away. "If you mean to imply that you now mean to pursue me, I beg of you not to waste your time. I'm not at all the sort of woman to take your fancy."

  "On the contrary, I find you both lovely and intriguing," said Lord Gresham.

  "Well, unfortunately for you, I have all my wits about me and am not easily charmed by handsome rakes. I beg of you, Lord Gresham, don't make a fool of yourself. Thank you again for coming to see me. I'm sure we shall meet again from time to time."

  Lord Gresham bowed. "It was fascinating crossing swords with you, my lady. I hope that our next encounter will be as enjoyable."

  He turned and left the room. Caroline gazed after him, the worry she had not allowed Tristan to see now reflected in her eyes. A worthy adversary, she thought. What a pity that a man so obviously intelligent had chosen to waste his life. Then she shook her head and turned back to her desk. If Lord Gresham was not going to cooperate, she had a considerable amount of work to do.

  Tristan paused outside Caroline's house for a moment, reflecting on their conversation. Until this moment he had thought that his conquest of Allegra would be a simple matter. But now it was clear that Lady Eskmaine had more than an inkling of what he was up to, and she was plainly not the sort of woman to be easily dissuaded once she had made a decision. He frowned. A pity that her reputation was so impeccable; he would like very much to have the opportunity to discover more about her. But she was not only a pillar of rectitude, she was clearly wary of him and far too intelligent to succumb to his charm. And if that was the case, he would need help with his plans. He turned his steps towards Half Moon Street, his mind working as he went.

  Chapter 19

  An Unholy Alliance

  Louisa Manning lounged idly in her sitting room, an unattended novel in her lap. From her spot on the settee she could view herself in the gilded mirror opposite, and she found the sight entirely pleasing. A cherry-striped dress admirably set off her dark eyes and hair, and the pink shades on the windows gave her skin a girlish glow. She reached up one hand to minutely adjust a delicate raven curl, and then lapsed back against the velvet settee. She was bored. She could not expect Adam to visit her this morning, as she knew he must be exhausted from the night before, and he had returned home to confront his wife. Visitors were infrequent, as the haut ton did not call on Lady Manning, and her less particular acquaintances knew better than to visit when Adam might be present. She could not go shopping, as she had disastrously over-spent her allowance at the gaming table some evenings before, and while Adam was generous, she did not want to tax his patience just now, when her plans seemed about to come to fruition.

  Her lips curled into a smile at the thought. Just when it had seemed to her that all had failed, a few well-placed words in the little duchess' ear had managed to turn everything around. What a naive fool the girl was, to believe her husband's mistress. And how easy it had been to convince Adam of his wife's duplicity. It was evident to Louisa that they must be fond of each other, and yet insecure in the other's affection, or else they would not have been so easily upset with one another. It was a weakness she would be only too glad to exploit.

  Although she found it mildly distressing that Adam's affections had been so lightly transferred from her to his wife, she had to admit that her rival was very lovely, and her constant presence had probably made an impression on Adam. Well, Adam could love anyone he wished, she reflected, just as soon as she was safely the Duchess of Gravesmere. She had every intention of being a good wife to Adam, but who wanted a husband about all the time? It made it very difficult to enjoy oneself.

  Her reflections were interrupted by the entry of a footman. "Lord Gresham," he announced, and Lady Manning looked up with a start. It was indeed that gentleman, and he entered the room as though he owned it, a mocking smile on his face as he bowed over the hand she reluctantly extended.

  'Good morning, Louisa. How dashing you look today. Were you expecting company?"

  Louisa shot him an angry glance and waited for the footman to leave the room. As soon as the door closed she snatched her hand away with a snort.

  "What are you doing here, Tristan? I thought I told you that you are unwelcome."

  "I am?" Tristan's eyebrows shot up. "Somehow I didn't get that impression during my last visit. You seemed quite...enthusiastic at the time."

  "You're despicable," snapped Louisa. "What do you want now? Speak your piece and then get out."

  Tristan sighed and seated himself in a chair across from her. "You really should try to curb your temper, Louisa. Or does Gravesmere like being abused? I hadn't suspected it of him, but anything is possible."

  "My relations with Adam are none of your business."

  Tristan shrugged. "What you do with the duke is of no concern to me. But your other plans, Louisa, those involving his wife, matter to me very much. Tell me, what did you say to her last night?"

  Louisa flushed slightly and a triumphant glint appeared in her eyes. She shook her head. "What makes you think I said anything at all to her?"

  "It seems fairly obvious to me, my dear, because I'm neither obtuse not blinded by my passions, as Gravesmere and his wife are. Now, will you tell me what you said or must I force it out of you?"

  Louisa shrugged. "I simply told her that Adam had shared his opinion of her performance in bed with me, and felt it lacked my sophistication. The stupid girl thought she could send me packing by informing me that she'd slept with her husband." She laughed harshly, her annoyance obvious. "As though I would be driven away that easily."

  "So they did achieve some sort of rapprochement while they were in the country. I had suspected as much, for Allegra was quite distraught last night. It must rankle, Louisa, that your hold over Gravesmere was so tenuous."

  Louisa waved one hand dismissively. "They became quite sickeningly fond of each other, if I'm not mistaken. But that's nothing that can't be overcome, and indeed it makes them easier to tear apart. People in love can be so blind. And so jealous."

  "Which is why love is an emotion you've never indulged in, I suppose."

  Louisa looked surprised. "I can't afford to love anyone
. I have to take care of myself. And I doubt you've ever felt any particularly strong emotions towards anyone. Unless you've suddenly become foolish over the little duchess. What a pity she's no longer a virgin, Tristan. I know you were so looking forward to deflowering her."

  Tristan's expression darkened. "Experienced women have their charms as well, as you very well know, Louisa."

  "Some men like simpering innocents. I had never thought you were one of them, but perhaps you've changed." Louisa sneered delicately. "You see, Tristan, I can manage quite well for myself. Adam is furious with his wife and she's ripe for any mischief now, I'd guess. It won't be difficult to deal the death blow to that marriage."

  Tristan saluted her mockingly. "I congratulate you. But you will never be Duchess of Gravesmere until the current holder of that title is divorced from her husband. Annoyance is not legal cause to dissolve a marriage."

  "It won't be long before she'll be provoked into doing something improper. Did you know that Adam found her in the arms of another man besides you last night, Tristan?" Louisa cast him a sly glance from under her long lashes. "Sir John Bathby was the recipient of her attentions as well. I have no need of you after all. It seems another man will serve my purpose just as well as you."

  Tristan shook his head. "You have no understanding of human nature, Louisa. Allegra would no more betray her husband with Bathby than she will willingly leave the field open to you. She was very angry and sought to teach her husband a lesson, perhaps going further than she should. But she has far too much integrity to tumble into bed with the first man she encounters. Of course, that's something you probably wouldn't understand."

  Louisa's eyes narrowed. "Insulting me will do you no good, Tristan. I imagine you're here because you think your plans are jeopardized and you need my help. But since you've threatened me, I see no reason why I should aid you."

  Tristan laughed and snapped his fingers. "That for your help, Louisa dear. I can manage very well on my own. And despite your confidence, I'm quite certain that Allegra won't betray her husband unless she is carefully lured into it. She has a great deal of spirit, and I doubt she wishes to help you accomplish your goals. I'm here not because you have beaten me, but because another player has entered the game--one who threatens us both."