"What are you talking about?" asked Louisa irritably, a crease marring her perfect forehead. "I've always hated the way you talk in riddles, Tristan."
"You have no imagination," mourned Tristan. "Very well, I'll be plain. I had no need previously of your feeble attempts to ruin the Gravesmere's marriage because I had matters very well in hand. But now I think we need to join forces. Lady Eskmaine has taken an interest in the matter, and it seems she will prove to be a formidable opponent."
Louisa stared at him as though he had suddenly gone mad. "Lady Eskmaine? Adam's sister? What does she have to do with this?"
"I see that you have never met the lady in question. If you had, you would know exactly what I'm talking about. Lady Eskmaine is determined to preserve her brother's marriage, and since she is clearly both a managing and intelligent woman, I doubt she has met with many defeats. I suggest you take her seriously."
Louisa snorted. "Have you gone soft in the head, Tristan? Lady Eskmaine may be a busybody, but she has no control over Adam's actions--or his wife's for that matter. The trap is set and will be sprung very soon. There is nothing she can do about it."
"On the contrary, Lady Eskmaine is no mere busybody, and I’m certain she has any number of excellent ideas about how to disarm your little trap. Listen to me carefully, Louisa. She's dangerous and could easily overset all of our plans. I suggest we begin to work together rather than at cross-purposes."
Louisa dropped her eyes. While she saw no reason for Tristan's fear of Lady Eskmaine, this was the opportunity she had been seeking. "Why should I work with you? You have told me quite clearly that you mean to have your revenge on me as well as Adam."
Tristan smiled at her unpleasantly. "If you help me to help you--in other words, if we work together to get Allegra into my bed--then perhaps, just perhaps, I'll let you have your Gravesmere. Seeing the two of you stuck with each other for the rest of your lives would provide me with a certain degree of amusement. What do you think, Louisa?"
Louisa stood and walked to the window, staring out unseeingly into the London street. She must be very careful, she knew. She’d shared Tristan’s bed long enough to know he was a dangerous man who couldn't be trusted. "That's not much reassurance," she said slowly. "I would like more of a promise than that."
"I'm sure you would. But that's the best I can do. Your betrayal of me still rankles, Louisa. However, if you are very helpful, and very good to me, perhaps we can work something out. After all, having the Duchess of Gravesmere as my very good friend in the future might be quite useful. And entertaining."
Louisa shivered, whether from fear or excitement she wasn't sure. She longed to throw his offer back in his face, to tell him that she despised him, but he was too real of a threat to her. He knew all the sordid details of her past and was quite capable of destroying her. Putting up with his attentions after she was a Duchess wouldn't be so dreadful. After all, he was an inventive lover who knew from long experience just exactly what pleased her. Still, it wouldn't do to give in too easily.
"Let me think about it for a day or two," she murmured.
Tristan stood and crossed the room, coming up behind her quite suddenly. His strong fingers curled around her shoulders, squeezing tightly. "You'll answer me now. I don't give second chances."
Louisa felt a tremor shoot through her at his touch and she remembered with a pang their encounter the week before. Adam, for all his prowess, was never quite rough enough for her. She leaned back against him, her curls tickling her chin. She heard him laugh deep in his throat. Suddenly she stood upright, her body tightening in shock.
"Good lord, it's Adam," she snapped, looking down in horror to the street where the Duke of Gravesmere was alighting from his carriage, tossing the reins to the waiting groom. "Tristan, you have to get out of here right away. He can't see you." She turned and bustled her guest towards the door, her heart pounding.
Tristan dug in his heels and stood in the center of the room, one eyebrow raised. "And why not? We're both fully clothed this time."
Louisa stamped her foot. "Don't you think he might be just a bit suspicious if he found you here? It's hardly likely you would be visiting both his wife and mistress in the same day, is it? And how would I explain your presence? Should I tell him I used to be your lover?"
"It would be amusing if you did." Tristan watched as Louisa flushed in anger and tried again to push him towards the door again. "Oh very well, I'll leave. But I'll be back to discuss this with you."
"Thank heavens." Louisa flung open the door to the sitting room, but then hastily pulled it shut again as the sound of footsteps on the stairs floated up to her. She gave Tristan a panic-stricken look.
"It's too late. He's already inside. What shall we do?"
"I suppose I'll have to hide," said Tristan wearily. "It's not as though I don't have practice concealing myself from jealous husbands. Not that Gravesmere is your husband." He moved back to the window where heavy pink velvet curtains hung, their edges lavishly trimmed in gold. "This will do very well. I have to admit I'll find this amusing. I'm looking forward to witnessing the finesse with which you handle Gravesmere."
"Damn you!" Louisa pushed him behind the curtain and arranged the folds with hasty fingers. "Don't move. Don't even breathe."
She heard a malevolent chuckle from behind the curtain as the door opened and Adam entered. Louisa took a deep breath, attempting to still the hammering of her heart. She arranged a welcoming smile on her face and stepped forward, holding out her hands prettily.
"Adam! How delightful to see you. I didn't expect you today. I thought perhaps you'd have other matters to attend to."
Adam took her hands in his and kissed her absently on the cheek, avoiding her lips when she tried to turn her face towards his. He immediately began to regret the impulse that had sent him to Louisa's house after his quarrel with Allegra. He had wanted to show his wife that he could do just as well without her, but she had no idea where he had gone, and now he had to face Louisa, a woman he was increasingly begin to realize was no more than commonplace. He looked at her closely, trying again to see the qualities he had found so attractive just a few weeks before.
"You're terribly flushed, Louisa. Are you ill?"
Louisa shook her head quickly. "I'm merely excited to see you, Adam. You know you have all my devotion."
Adam stirred uneasily. He was uncomfortably aware of the way she had built her life around him, depending on him for everything from entertainment to money. Once that had seemed charming, but now it seemed cloying. Had she no interests of her own, no pursuits that amused her in his absence? He realized that he had no idea of what she thought of or did when she wasn't with him. Louisa wrinkled her nose as she watched the far-away look in Adam's eyes. It was time to bring her lover to his senses. He had done enough brooding over his silly wife. She sat down on the settee and patted the place next to her.
"Come sit down, darling, and tell me what's bothering you. You didn't find your wife in another compromising situation, did you?"
Adam grimaced and sat down next to her, though he immediately regretted it when her delicate hands wrapped around his arm. Her lilac scent seemed overwhelming, and when he gazed down into her violet eyes an unbidden wish that they were a clear cornflower blue shot through his mind. Allegra was like a poison that had no antidote, he thought bitterly. He had to exorcise her from his system if he wished to live his life comfortably.
"No, I didn't. As a matter of fact, she swears she went home alone last night, and it is I who betrayed her. The woman is insane!"
Louisa sighed. "She's merely attempting to keep her position," she murmured soothingly as she peered over Adam's shoulder at the curtains. "After all, being the Duchess of Gravesmere is no mean thing."
Adam surprised her by laughing. "Allegra is many things, some of them very unpleasant, but she doesn't give a fig about being a duchess," he said. "Her own name is as respectable as my own. Why she'd want to sully both of them, I'll never k
now."
"Doubtless she thinks that her family and your pride will protect her. No man wants to admit his wife is a wanton. But some women, you know, are so enamored of...of carnal delights that they have no control. Perhaps your poor bride is that sort of woman, and unable to restrain her desires. 'Tis a pity that you slept with her at Gravesmere. Perhaps this whole unpleasant sequence of events would never have happened if she hadn't learned of the delights of the flesh."
Adam turned his head and looked down at her, his attention suddenly caught. A flicker of suspicion flared deep in his eyes. "I never told you that I slept with Allegra. How did you know that?"
Louisa gaped up at him, her mind racing. She had learned that piece of information from Allegra, but Adam must never know that she had spoken to his wife. She gathered herself together quickly.
"To be sure, you told me last night, darling. Don't you remember? I knew you were a trifle drunk, but you were more than capable of entertaining me and I hadn't thought you would become forgetful. You told me that I was much more enjoyable in bed, as I've so much experience in pleasuring you." She smiled up at him limpidly, hoping that he had consumed enough brandy the night before that his memory was indeed cloudy.
Adam considered her thoughtfully. He remembered no such comment, and he couldn't imagine saying such a thing, for it would be a lie. The thought of Allegra's openness and ecstatic enjoyment when he made love to her made him immediately ache for her. Louisa's practiced responses seemed dull in comparison now. But he had consumed far too much liquor the night before, and Louisa had been tiresomely talkative during their love making bouts. Perhaps he had said something simply to make her content. He shrugged.
"It doesn't matter. Unfortunately, you're probably right. Allegra seems to have taken to the joys of the marital bed like a duck to water. She appears to have no restraint whatsoever."
Louisa made a sympathetic sound. "Some women simply have no control, which is a terrible thing. I don't understand how they can spread their favors about so generously. We women should show respect to men, for they are surely our masters. Especially a woman who has you for a lover, Adam. I can't imagine needing anyone but you." She looked up at him wistfully, her lips curving into a sweet smile. She looked nervously again over his shoulder at the alcove where Tristan hid and was appalled to see the curtains were swaying gently, as though her unwelcome visitor had been seized by a fit of laughter.
"Indeed." Adam frowned. Louisa's words, while unpleasant, struck a nerve. Allegra, despite her beauty and devastating sensuality, clearly had a desperate flaw in her character, one he couldn't accept without losing his dignity. It was imperative that he put her out of his mind and his life. And what better way to show Allegra that he didn't need her than to make it plain that Louisa had all his trust and affection? Perhaps his indifference would lead her to become careless, and then he would have the evidence he needed to divorce her and rid himself forever of her tantalizing, torturing presence.
"I must end this farce of a marriage as soon as possible," he announced. "The situation is intolerable. I will make sure that my wife is watched every minute, and that her indiscretions are noted. I'm sure that she will provide me with ample evidence for divorce."
"Will you separate then?" asked Louisa. "You said something about going to your hunting box. I'd be glad to accompany you." The thought of the country in the spring, when London was bustling with parties and entertainments, made her cringe, but if the duchess knew she was with her husband, it would doubtless make her even more likely to commit some folly.
Adam shook his head. "My sister pointed out that such an action would only cause further talk, something we can surely do without. I'll continue to share a house with her, as much as I dislike the idea."
Louisa raised her eyebrows. Perhaps Tristan was right and Lady Eskmaine had more influence than she had believed possible. If so, it was time to press forward and try to conclude this matter as speedily as possible. "How clever of you, Adam. I will keep my eyes and ears open as well and will tell you if I hear of any information that might be useful. I believe your wife favors Lord Gresham, does she not?"
Louisa was startled by the icy mask of anger that descended over Adam's face. She had always thought of him as a boy who could be bent to her wishes, but now she could sense the steel in him, and it alarmed her. He had changed since they had returned to England from an irresponsible youth to a man who showed signs of alarming independence. She had best get him safely divorced and remarried before much more time passed.
"I believe that she has some fondness for him, though I confess I cannot see why," answered Adam. "He's a rake and a scoundrel."
"Two things that are very attractive to a young woman," purred Louisa. "But your wife must be very blind, to prefer him to you."
Adam snorted. The mention of Gresham's name had aroused a white-hot fury in him, conjuring the sight of Allegra cradled in his rival's arms the evening before. If Allegra could be seen publicly with her paramour, then so could he.
"Would you care to go riding in the park this afternoon, Louisa?"
Louisa's long eyelashes fluttered, and her cherry-red lips parted in delighted surprise. "Surely you don't mean that we...that you will go with me in public?"
"Of course. The world must get used to the idea of you being at my side. It is where you belong." Adam stood up and looked down at Louisa. She was very beautiful, he told himself, and had his best interests at heart. Hadn't she stood by him, returning with him to England when all he could offer her was a life as his mistress? He was far better off with her than with Allegra, who had no moral compass at all. He could trust Louisa not to betray him. He would rekindle his feelings for Louisa, and forget Allegra and her devastating charm.
"Thank you, Adam! You are too wonderful! You've made me so happy!" Louisa leapt to her feet and threw herself into his arms, raising her lips for a kiss. Adam, alarmed rather than aroused by her excitement, pressed his to them perfunctorily, and then held her at arm's length.
"Take your carriage to the park at 3:00 this afternoon," Adam instructed. He knew that was when Allegra usually drove in the park, and he was determined that she realize she had no hold over him. "I'll meet you there."
"Thank you, Adam! This will be so delightful!" Louisa clasped her hands and beamed as though she had been presented with a diamond necklace.
Adam shifted uneasily. Louisa's manner was wearing on him. "I should be on my way. I'll see you later today."
"If you would care to stay a little while, we could go to my bedroom," whispered Louisa, her voice full of promise.
"I'm sorry, but I've an appointment," said Adam uncomfortably. He felt no desire for Louisa at all, a fact that alarmed him. "We'll have time for that later."
"All night," murmured Louisa. "And many, many nights to come. I'm so happy you've come to a decision about your wife."
"As am I. Until later, Louisa." Adam raised her hand formally to his lips and left the room, wondering why he felt so miserable. His course was set, and surely it was the right one.
Chapter 20
Plans for the Park
Louisa glared at the door as it closed behind Adam, her hands on her hips. He had said all the things she wanted him to, but it was apparent that he still harbored tender feelings towards his wife. And his desire for her had clearly waned, despite her best efforts the night before. She pursed her lips, considering her next move. Tristan was right. She needed an ally.
She heard the sound of chuckling behind her, and turned to see Tristan had emerged from his hiding place. He bowed mockingly, and then strolled towards her, placing one long finger under her chin.
"Well done, my dear. How very skilled you are at playing the ingénue. I didn't suspect the depths of your acting talent. If all else fails, you can always go on the stage."
"Don't be hateful, Tristan." Louisa tossed her head and backed away from him. "I see that you are right, and that there are forces lined up against us. We had best move speedily
if we want to accomplish our aims."
"And if you want to hold onto Gravesmere." Tristan grinned unpleasantly. "Your hold is slipping, my dear. Even I could sense that."
"Nonsense. It's only because he is temporarily enamored of his wife. That will pass soon enough. Believe me, I can lure him back at any time."
Tristan shrugged. "He'll come back to you because he wants to make his bride jealous. That's enough for me. I don't care what his motivations are, so long as they don't reconcile. I need Allegra to be furious with him so that she will turn to me."
"Are you admitting that your charms aren't enough to attract a woman?" taunted Louisa. "I thought you were irresistible."
"I'm nothing if not a realist, Louisa. Self-delusion makes you weak. The duchess loves her husband, whether she knows it or not. And she's a strong woman, with a sense of what is right and wrong. No, my mere charms aren't enough in this case. Believe me, that knowledge won't destroy my pleasure in the outcome."
"You're despicable."
"At least my motivations are pure. I want revenge for past wrongs, Louisa. You, on the other hand, are seeking to destroy a young couple's affection for mere gain. There is some poetry to my actions, but to yours--none at all."
Louisa snorted. "Don't try to imply that your aims are more noble than mine. You want the little duchess in your bed for your own pleasure and to humiliate Gravesmere. Hardly the actions of a gentleman."
"Ah, but I never claimed to be a gentleman. Just as you will never be a lady, no matter how high a title you might gain. We are adventurers, Louisa, and will never be respectable."
"Speak for yourself. When I am Duchess of Gravesmere my past will be forgotten."
"Not by me." Tristan's long fingers wrapped around her wrist and squeezed lightly. "Don't forget that. We might be allies now, but you must never forget that I own you, Louisa. Be very careful."
A Most Unusual Situation: A Traditional Version Georgian Romance (The Gravesmeres Book 1) Page 18
