Louisa shivered. She knew she was entering into a pact with the devil. Tristan couldn't be trusted not to betray her. But as long as he needed her, she was safe. This alliance would give her time to find his weaknesses, to safeguard her gains.
"I will," she promised, her eyes downcast.
"What, so demoralized?" Tristan raised her chin with one finger. "Don't think you're fooling me, Louisa. I know how duplicitous you can be. Don't think that you'll come out ahead of me in this."
Louisa's eyes flashed angrily. "Go to hell, Tristan."
"Ah, that's the Louisa I know. You may put on an act with Gravesmere, but I know the real you. It won't be a pretty alliance, my dear, but it might be very effective. I suggest you spend as much time with your lover as possible, and make sure that Allegra knows about it. This drive in the park today will be an excellent start. I'll make sure that all the right people witness it."
Louisa nodded, her eyes alight with annoyance. "I'll rub her proud little nose in it. That little brat thinks she has me beaten, but she'll soon learn what defeat truly is. She deems me lower than the dirt beneath her slippers, but soon she'll be the scandalous woman and I'll be the duchess." A dreamy smile spread across her face.
Gresham laughed. "You're never more beautiful than when you're contemplating doing someone a bad turn, Louisa." His hand slid up her arm, stroking persuasively. "I find you quite irresistible."
Louisa tried to draw away, but Tristan's hold tightened. "What about the interfering Lady Eskmaine?" she asked, trying to ignore the seductive play of his hand across her skin.
"She doesn't know about our past, and I'd prefer that she not do so. You stay away from her, Louisa, and concentrate on causing mischief with Allegra. I'll take care of Lady Eskmaine. As a matter of fact, I'm rather looking forward to it."
"You're interested in the sister as well as the wife? Really, Tristan. How sordid."
Tristan's wicked smile widened. "Oh, I imagine the sister is rather too upright, not to mention strong minded, to be enticed, though I admit I'd enjoy the challenge. I'll save her for another day, perhaps. Think how furious Gravesmere would be. In the meantime, watch your step, Louisa. Be very careful." He raised his other hand to her face and traced the line of her jaw gently with one finger.
"And do you think this is being careful?" asked Louisa, her voice catching as his hand slid down to her neck, caressing and teasing as it moved.
"Gravesmere is gone, and he won't be back this morning. Who is there to see us, Louisa? You offered him some entertainment--what about me? Am I such a poor substitute?" Tristan's voice was soothing and seductive.
"I shouldn't," whispered Louisa. "I have to meet Adam soon."
"There's plenty of time," answered Tristan. "I know about your appetites, my love. When you talk of Allegra's supposed lack of restraint, I know you speak from experience."
Louisa sighed as she felt her knees trembling under his gentle assault. She despised Tristan for his manipulative ways and the power he held over her, but Adam's rejection had stung. She leaned into him, raising her lips for a kiss.
Tristan looked down into her passion-hazed eyes and chuckled. "Unfortunately, it can't be," he announced, his voice suddenly brisk. He grasped her shoulders and steadied her. "We don't have time for this sort of dalliance, Louisa. There's too much to be done."
"Damn you, Tristan," snapped Louisa, raising her hand to slap him. "That was cruel."
Tristan caught her arm and held it. "Just a little demonstration of who is in control here. As long as you're a slave to your passions, my dear, you'll never get the better of me."
"Get out of here," said Louisa, her voice shaking with fury.
"With pleasure. Until later, my love."
Tristan bowed mockingly and swept out of the room, leaving Louisa standing in the middle of the room, still trembling on the edge of arousal. She swore unpleasantly and rang the bell for the footman. She would get even, she thought as she sat down on the edge of the settee to wait for his arrival. Tristan would pay for this insult.
Three hours later Louisa left her house in the carriage Adam had so thoughtfully provided for her when he had rented the house in Half Moon Street. It was the latest fashion and very expensive, as was the elegant dress she wore. Louisa paused a moment to enjoy the luxury of her surroundings. She had been through difficult times during the years since her husband's death, but now everything she had was very fine, and her prospects were rosy. Soon, very soon, all she had ever wanted would be in her grasp. A satisfied smile decorated her face as her coachman turned the corner into the park.
She looked about as the glittering throng of the ton milled around her. Some of the bluest blood in the land was gathered in the park that afternoon, and the ladies and gentlemen, all dressed in the finest materials and the latest fashions, strolled and rode and drove about, chatting and gossiping, exchanging whispered secrets and admiring glances, visiting and plotting and flirting. It was a world closed to Louisa by the nature of her birth and scandalous past, and when an occasional glance fell on her it was always hurriedly averted. The lovely Lady Manning was not acceptable. It was said regretfully at times by the gentlemen, who found her enticing, but it was a fact. Her only entrance to this world was through Adam, and being his mistress was not enough for her. She would be the Duchess of Gravesmere, she told herself as she drove along, her chin lifted proudly, her smile hiding her seething jealousy. Then everyone would have to acknowledge her, to admit that she was their equal.
Louisa was pulled out of her reverie by the slowing of the carriage. She looked to see that Adam stood by the side of the track awaiting her. He swung easily up into the carriage as soon as it was halted, and she paused a moment to admire him. He was really very handsome, she thought as she watched him arrange his long limbs on the seat across from her. His golden hair glowed in the sunlight and even the slight look of annoyance on his face couldn't hide its breathtaking beauty. She was very lucky to have a found a man who was both rich and attractive. It was a pity that he seemed to be fighting against her hold, that he had realized that his need for her had never been more than physical, that his wife had proved to be so attractive to him. If she had known from the beginning that he liked the unpredictable type, she would have obliged him. But she only needed to keep up the illusion a little while longer. And she knew that as long as she could keep him convinced that Allegra was in the wrong, he wouldn't turn to his wife. Adam's sense of honor was strong, and his pride wouldn't allow him to go to a woman he believed to be unfaithful. In that respect she had the upper hand over her rival. Adam thought her loving and faithful, and she would make sure he never doubted it. Now that Tristan was working with her, she could feel more secure. That door to her past had been closed, as least for a time.
"Good afternoon, Adam," she said cheerfully. "Come, sit next to me. There's no need to be so distant." She pulled the delicate skirt of her pink and tan afternoon dress aside to make room for him on the seat beside her.
Adam frowned, but then obliged her. He had made certain that Allegra was driving in the park that afternoon, and if he wished to make it plain to her that she no longer had a hold over him, this was the best way to do it. She would see that he valued Louisa for her loyalty to him. Hadn't she remained true to him all these months, even when she knew he was already married?
Louisa linked her arm through his and rested her dark head briefly on his shoulder. "I'm so happy, Adam," she cooed. "It brings back such memories of our time in Paris. Soon we can be together all the time. Won't it be wonderful?"
Adam sighed. "Wonderful," he echoed. He wondered vaguely if there was a way to rid himself of Louisa as well as Allegra. After all, just because he would soon be divorced from his wife didn't mean he had to immediately saddle himself with another. He could give Louisa a large sum of money and buy her a house. She was beautiful; she would easily find herself another husband. But then he looked down into her adoring eyes and his heart sank. She loved him so very much, he thoug
ht sadly. Was it fair to break her heart after all the trust she had placed in him?
"Although I regret the pain you've suffered, I must admit that I can't feel entirely unhappy that you've determined to end your wretched marriage," continued Louisa merrily. "Although I would be glad to remain at your side as your mistress, it will be so much nicer to be your wife. Think of how happy we will be, spending all our time together, just as we did in France. And I do so look forward to giving you an heir." She dropped her eyes shyly and managed a simper.
Adam moved restlessly next to her. "Louisa--" he began, but then the carriage took a gentle turn, and he saw Allegra's carriage ahead of the on the track. His wife sat inside it, her lapis-blue dress and the paler blue upholstery outlining the gentle curves of her figure, setting off the brilliant sparkle in her eyes and the glow of her hair. Adam stiffened at the sight of her. Louisa gave him a knowing glance.
"Goodness, it's your wife," she whispered, pretending profound shock. "How embarrassing. I do hope she doesn't create a scene. I would be so mortified." She inched closer to Adam on the seat.
Adam's lips set in a grim line when he saw that Allegra's carriage was stopped, and the elegantly dressed gentleman who leaned comfortably against the side of it, chatting cheerfully with its occupant, was Lord Gresham. Allegra didn't have the strength to stay away from him for even a few hours, he thought angrily. He had spent the last several hours meeting with a man who had promised that Allegra's every move would be watched by his men, and he hoped fervently that they were already on the job.
"Isn't that Lord Gresham?" whispered Louisa, her eyes wide. Trust Tristan, she thought, to be there at just the right moment.
"It is indeed," answered Adam grimly.
The carriage drew nearer to Allegra's, and her head turned, her eyes widening momentarily as she took in the sight of its occupants. She felt a rush of surprise as she recognized that Louisa sat next to Adam, her arm linked possessively through his, then a sharp pang of pain. Finally, a great sense of anger filled her, driving away the distress and leaving her feeling cold and empty. A look of icy contempt covered her face and she turned back to Lord Gresham without acknowledging Adam's presence.
"Would you care to join me, Lord Gresham?" she asked. "I would love some company."
"With pleasure." Tristan cast a mocking look in Adam's direction and stepped up into the carriage, seating himself across from Allegra with careless grace. "I was hoping you would ask."
Allegra's eyes followed Louisa's carriage as it passed hers and continued on its way, Adam's golden head shining brightly next to Louisa's raven one. She frowned.
"What a pity that you only asked in order to annoy your husband," continued Tristan smoothly.
Allegra's eyes flew to his face and she colored self-consciously. "I didn't ask you to keep me company because of that," she protested.
Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you?"
Allegra wrinkled her nose. "Perhaps...just a little. But I truly do enjoy your company, Lord Gresham. You mustn’t think ill of me. It's just so hateful of him to flaunt that woman in my face."
"Hateful indeed," Tristan agreed. "And stupid. Why anyone would prefer her company to yours, I can't imagine."
"She's much more experienced than I am," said Allegra hesitantly. "I suppose I seem a mere child to Adam in comparison."
Tristan smiled wryly. Louisa's calculated words had apparently left a deep wound. For one brief moment he felt the urge to comfort Allegra, to assure her that Adam's interest in Louisa had been on the wane since he had first re-discovered his wife. But then commonsense reasserted itself. Allegra's feelings didn't matter. What mattered was that he got his revenge.
"I find her charms overblown and obvious," countered Tristan. "And her wit is nonexistent. Believe me, Your Grace, any gentleman would prefer your company to hers."
"Then you know Lady Manning?" Allegra eyed him curiously, wondering if she dared question him about her rival.
"We've met," said Tristan coolly. "But I don't wish to discuss her. I want to know what I can do to put a smile back on your lovely face."
Allegra fingers played listlessly with the strings of her reticule. "I suppose I should just get on with my life. It's just that I thought...that it seemed--" she broke off, unwilling to expose her folly.
"You thought that perhaps Gravesmere was coming to care for you?"
Allegra nodded. "You probably think I'm very foolish."
"Not foolish, no. Romantic, perhaps, and too sensitive for your own good, but not foolish. I only wish that you had such tender feelings for me."
Allegra turned pink under his direct gaze. Lord Gresham's admiration soothed her shattered pride. Here was a man who found her interesting and charming and desirable. She smiled at him tentatively. "It seems our parents were wrong when they thought Adam and I would make a match of it. I wish now that they had never brought us together."
"You know that you have only to speak one word and I'll take you away from here," said Tristan. "I would do anything for you, Your Grace."
"That isn't possible. I've done nothing wrong, and I won't allow Lady Manning to drive me away. But I thank you for thinking kindly of me."
Tristan leaned forward and gazed directly into her eyes. "He isn't worth a single one of your tears. I hope to convince you that I am the one who can truly make you happy."
Allegra sat back against the silken seat cushions, startled. "Lord Gresham, I appreciate your concern for me, but now is hardly the time to...to--"
"To declare myself to you?" Tristan took her hand in his. "Your Grace, my heart will always be yours. I know it is scandalous of me, but I wish to bring you happiness, to show you all the joys that you can know as a woman. Believe me, I won't rest until you are mine."
Allegra's eyes grew very wide. Previously Lord Gresham had spoken in general terms, of protecting her and comforting her, and she could put his words down to simple gallantry. But now he was making it plain that his interest went far deeper than mere flirtation.
"My lord, this conversation is becoming vastly improper," she protested.
"I know I should regret that, but I don't. It pains me to see you suffering so at the hands of your loutish husband. Please allow me to prove to you that not all men are so unappreciative. If you were mine I would stop at nothing to make you happy."
Allegra felt a moment of panic at Tristan's words. While she found him agreeable and amusing, her affections were in no way captured by the roguish baron. Indeed, she acknowledged miserably, her every thought was of Adam. It also worried her that Lord Gresham was no boy who could be easily used to make Adam jealous and then brushed off. She could tell by the look in his eye that he wanted far more from her than a pleasant flirtation. But then her sense of pride reasserted itself. If she involved herself with Tristan, Adam would be furious, far angrier than if he saw her with a callow youth. She could handle the baron, she told herself firmly. He was a gentleman, after all, and wouldn't push her too hard.
Calming herself with a deep breath, she summoned a bright smile. "You're very kind, Lord Gresham. I'm touched by your concern."
"I feel a great deal more than just concern for you, Your Grace." Tristan watched her knowingly. He guessed at her thoughts quite accurately. She meant to use him to make her husband jealous, and then retreat again. For a moment he felt an unbidden pang of pity for her innocent assumption. All too soon she would be far too entangled with him to break away. He had no doubts as to his own powers of seduction and the inevitability of Allegra succumbing to him, whether from true desire or to hurt her husband, it mattered not at all. A predatory glint came into his eyes.
"My lord?" Allegra looked puzzled. "Is something wrong?"
Tristan gathered himself together. "Not at all. I was merely thinking of the future that we will share. I look forward to it."
Allegra flushed. "I've made you no promises, my lord."
"I don't need you to." Tristan's dark eyes gazed into her blue ones, and he saw
far more there than she suspected. "I'm quite confident that we will eventually be together. It was meant to be, I'm sure."
Chapter 21
The Field Marshall Makes a Move
Caroline tapped her fingers impatiently on her knee as she scanned the park. No one observing the serene expression on her face would guess that she had a purpose for being in the Park today, and that her impatience was growing. As a wealthy and beautiful young widow, she had a court of not inconsiderable proportions, despite the general belief that all the gentlemen of London were at the feet of the Duchess of Gravesmere. She proceeded through the park, greeting acquaintances with a nod and a smile, stopping for a comfortable chat with good friends, taking the occasional strolling gentleman into her carriage for a brief period. She spent half-an-hour quite enjoyably in this way, but always she was intent on her eventual goal. Eventually, the object of her interest appeared.
Lady Manning's carriage, carrying that lady and her friend, the Duke of Gravesmere, approached Caroline's on the track. The couple was deep in conversation, Louisa's eyes gazing up adoringly into his face, and Adam didn't notice his sister until the carriages were nearly abreast of one another. Caroline gave the pair a cold stare.
"Gravesmere," she said, quite loudly enough to be heard by anyone who cared to listen. "Whatever are you doing?"
Adam jumped perceptibly and turned quickly to see his sister, her posture alarmingly upright, gazing at him with raised eyebrows. He felt an instant pang of embarrassment that she should see him with Louisa.
"Caroline! What are you doing here?"
"I am driving in the park, Adam, as any fool can see. It's quite a habit of mine. I was unaware that it was a habit of yours, however."
"Dash it, Caroline, what are you about?" asked Adam testily. "I went for a stroll and came upon Lady Manning out for a drive. We were acquainted on the Continent and quite naturally she invited me to join her."
A Most Unusual Situation: A Traditional Version Georgian Romance (The Gravesmeres Book 1) Page 19
