Beauty and the Brooding Lord

by Sarah Mallory

  His manner brooked no argument and with no more than a half-hearted pout, their hostess stood aside.

  ‘Very well, my lord, I suppose you may do so, if you wish.’

  ‘I do wish it.’ He held out his hand to Serena. ‘Come along, madam.’

  Lottie’s eyes widened at his peremptory tone and she shot one final, mischievous glance at Serena before walking away.

  ‘Was I impolite?’ he muttered, as he escorted Serena on to the dance floor.

  ‘Exceedingly,’ she responded. ‘But I am very glad you came for me. My head is spinning from so many introductions. It will be a relief to dance with you.’

  ‘You may quickly change your mind on that,’ he warned her. ‘I am sadly out of practice.’

  But when the dance started Serena discovered that her husband was an excellent dancer. For such a big man he was very light on his feet and moved through the dance with the lithe grace of a wild animal. Not a bear at all, she thought. A big cat. Powerful. Agile. Dangerous.

  As he clasped her hand for the promenade she missed her step and immediately his hold tightened, steadying her. She looked up to convey her thanks, but all thought of gratitude faded under the blaze of possession she saw in his eyes. For an instant the heaviness that constantly overlaid her spirits was pierced, like sunshine breaking through rainclouds.

  The carefree girl she had been would have revelled in that look. The old Serena would have agreed to accompany him on any adventure, stand shoulder to shoulder with him to face any danger. No. She dragged her eyes away. That wilful creature was no more. She would be a good wife who would cause him no trouble.

  * * *

  Who would have thought a dance could be so pleasurable? As Quinn turned, circled and promenaded with Serena he knew he had never enjoyed a dance more. True, his partner was extremely beautiful and at least half the men in the room envied him his place with her, but that did not matter. If they had been alone in the ballroom he would have been just as happy. He felt an overriding urge to protect her and when she stumbled he was ready, his grip sure, supporting her. Even such a small service gave him a rush of pleasure, heightened by the grateful look she threw at him. It was a fleeting glance and disappointment stabbed him when she looked away.

  The two dances were over all too soon and even as they left the floor Lottie was waiting for them, Serena’s next partner at her side. At least it was Atherton, Quinn thought grimly. Fifty, if he was a day, and happily married. Quinn made his way to the card room, knowing that if he remained in the ballroom he would be obliged to dance, and how could he give his attention to his partner while Serena was dancing with another man?

  However, he soon discovered that even cards could not hold his attention. The music was audible from the card room and when he heard a new tune he wondered who was now dancing with Serena. Was it another elderly neighbour, or some young buck intent upon flirtation?

  ‘Come along, my lord, we are waiting for you.’

  The jovial voice of a fellow player cut through Quinn’s thoughts and he selected his discard. It was quickly swept up by his neighbour, who gave a triumphant cry and displayed his winning hand. Quinn felt a touch on his shoulder and looked round to find Tony beside him.

  ‘Not like you to make such an error.’

  ‘No.’ Quinn threw in his hand and rose from the table. ‘I am playing abominably tonight. Let us return to the ballroom. I want to see how my wife does.’

  ‘Serena is doing very well, my friend, trust me.’

  ‘I should still like to see for myself.’

  ‘No doubt you intend to stand, brooding, at the side of the room and watch her like a lovesick moonling?’ Tony laughed. ‘Lottie would never allow that.’

  ‘Is it any wonder I never attend these dashed events?’ muttered Quinn, scowling.

  Tony grinned. ‘You will have to accustom yourself to this sort of thing, now you are married. Unless you are prepared to dance with one or other of the ladies present, you had best come to the library with me, out of the way.’ When Quinn hesitated he added quietly, ‘You may safely leave Lottie to look after your wife, old friend.’

  They went across the hall to the study, where a decanter and glasses stood on the desk.

  ‘This is my bolthole,’ explained Tony. ‘I always find time to slip away here for a while. Of course, I must not be absent for too long or I shall incur Lottie’s wrath, but one is rarely missed for the odd half-hour. Sit down and I will bring you a glass of wine. I had it fetched from Averys in Bristol, as you suggested. I believe it was worth the longer journey.’

  Two wing chairs flanked the empty hearth. Quinn lowered himself into one and for a while silence reigned.

  ‘So, my friend, what is your opinion of married life?’

  Quinn studied his glass. ‘It is not uncomfortable. Serena and I find we have much in common.’

  ‘I am glad to hear it. And when do you go to town?’

  ‘We do not.’

  ‘Oh? You are still recovering perhaps from your jauntering all over the country. But once you are rested you will be hiring a house in town, I am sure.’

  ‘We have no plans to visit London.’ Quinn glanced up. ‘That surprises you? I do not see why it should. Neither Serena nor I wish for society. You are aware of the circumstances of our marriage, the rumours and gossip. I would not ask my wife to face that.’

  Tony hesitated, ‘It might be better to face it now than have people say your wife is in hiding.’

  Quinn frowned. ‘They would not dare.’

  ‘Not in your presence, certainly, but there are rumours about why you married her.’ Tony coughed. ‘Some might think you are ashamed of your bride.’

  ‘Ashamed! No, indeed, quite the contrary. Serena is not only beautiful but intelligent, too, and well educated.’ He sat forward, grinning. ‘If you could have seen her at Worthing, Tony, when we were staying with the Youngs. She is well read and has an enquiring mind. She knows enough about Egyptology to put some pertinent questions to Thomas. He was most impressed and has invited us to attend his next lectures.’

  ‘That will mean going to London.’

  ‘Yes, but we will not stay more than a night or two, as I have done in the past. We need not go into society.’

  ‘You would turn Serena into a recluse like yourself.’ Tony’s countenance was unusually solemn. ‘We were not acquainted with Serena when she was Miss Russington, but one saw her everywhere and could not fail to notice her. Oh, it was nothing detrimental, my friend, so you need not show hackle! She had a reputation as a cheerful, spirited young lady who could be relied upon to bring life to the dullest party. Lottie tells me her admirers swore she could light up a room.’

  ‘Could she?’ Quinn thought of the first time he had seen Serena, fire in her eyes and an angry flush upon her cheek. Had that fire been extinguished, or was it merely damped down?

  ‘Her family kept her pretty well hedged about, of course,’ Tony continued. ‘But that is understandable, given her history.’

  ‘They stifled her,’ said Quinn. ‘If Hambridge and his wife had not tried to clip her wings she would not have felt it necessary to give them the slip.’

  ‘But that is just it, my friend. She may not have intended any harm, but there is no denying she did go off unescorted.’

  ‘Marriage should have reinstated her.’

  ‘I’m afraid not.’ Tony fixed his eyes on Quinn. ‘It has only given credence to Forsbrook’s claim that she left him when a more attractive proposition presented itself.’

  Quinn jumped to his feet, cursing roundly. He strode up and down the room, his brow furrowed.

  ‘I had hoped that particular story had been forgotten.’

  ‘It might have been, if Forsbrook wasn’t back in town and presenting himself as the injured party. The thing is,’ Tony went on slowly, ‘there are some who say
that Serena is following in her mother’s footsteps.’

  ‘The devil they are! Then I must deal with Forsbrook once and for all!’

  ‘Call him out? That would only add fuel to the fire.’

  Quinn stopped pacing and ran a hand over his face. ‘Then what do you suggest I do to protect my wife?’

  ‘It strikes me that you have two options. You could keep Serena from town and make a pleasant enough life for yourself in the provinces.’

  ‘As you said earlier, turn her into a recluse, like myself.’ Quinn met his friend’s eyes steadily. ‘And the second option?’

  ‘Take her to London, face down the gossips. Serena has been used to town life—parties, concerts, the theatre, debating societies—you, too, once enjoyed those things.’ He grinned suddenly. ‘Not so much the parties, perhaps, where you were surrounded by flatterers and matchmaking mamas, but the rest of it.’ Tony pushed himself out of his chair and stood before Quinn, one hand resting on his shoulder. ‘You have shut yourself away since Barbara died. Society is not all bad, my friend. Perhaps it is time you started living again.’ He glanced at the ormolu clock on the mantelshelf as it chimed the half-hour. ‘Our guests will be going into supper shortly. We should join our wives.’

  * * *

  Since when had dancing become a chore? Serena kept her smile in place as she went down the dance with her latest partner. Sir Grinwald was not only the local magistrate but also one of Quinn’s closest neighbours. He was a kindly gentleman and she could not blame him if she was not enjoying herself. She could not blame any of her partners. It was just that she did not feel anything tonight.

  No, she corrected herself, that was not quite true. She had felt something when she danced with Quinn. A certain frisson, a little thrill of excitement.

  The sort of thing I was seeking in a husband.

  The thought brought a little flush of remorse to her cheeks as she recalled how reckless she had been. But no more. In future she would be the very model of decorum. The music ended and Sir Grinwald led her off the floor to where his wife was waiting.

  ‘I must find Lady Beckford,’ said Serena. ‘She seems determined that I should dance all evening.’

  ‘And why not?’ declared Lady Brook, beaming at her. ‘You young things have so much energy.’

  Serena merely smiled. Such kind people would be hurt if they knew how little she wanted to be here. She turned away, her smile faltering as she found herself face to face with Miss Elizabeth Downing.

  Chapter Seven

  ‘Please, do not run away.’ Elizabeth touched her arm. ‘I was looking for you, to find out how you go on. I have been worried about you.’

  Serena hung her head. ‘How can you, after the way I tricked you and your family?’

  ‘We are friends.’ Elizabeth stepped closer, saying quietly, ‘And as a friend, tell me, if you will, and truthfully. Did you mean to elope with Sir Timothy that night?’

  ‘No.’ Serena sighed. ‘I agreed to go with him to Vauxhall, but instead—’

  ‘I thought as much,’ said Elizabeth, relief warming her voice. ‘I have heard his scandalous hints but I did not think even you would take such a step.’

  Even you!

  Serena closed her eyes as a wave of mortification washed over her. ‘Oh, Lizzie, can you ever forgive me?’

  ‘It is already done. Mama, too, is anxious to speak to you.’ Elizabeth took her arm. ‘Come along, she is waiting for us across the room.’

  ‘Oh, no, I cannot face her.’

  ‘Of course you can.’

  Elizabeth tightened her grip. Mrs Downing was standing with a group of fashionable matrons and as the girls approached she turned to greet them, holding out her hands to Serena and drawing her forward to kiss her cheek. There was no mistaking the looks of surprise that passed between the other ladies as they witnessed such obvious affection. Mrs Downing cut short Serena’s whispered apologies and drew the girls away from the interested stares of her companions.

  ‘Enough of that now, my dear,’ she said, squeezing Serena’s arm. ‘I was put out at first, but a little reflection convinced me it was a girlish prank that went horribly wrong.’

  ‘It was,’ muttered Serena, shuddering.

  ‘But it is all over now,’ Mrs Downing continued. ‘You have come out of it remarkably well, when all is said and done. I, for one, am very pleased for you.’

  ‘Thank you, ma’am.’ Serena looked about her. ‘And your son, is he here this evening?’ She swallowed. ‘Is he very angry with me?’

  ‘Oh, yes, he’s here somewhere,’ replied Elizabeth cheerfully. ‘He was outraged at first, of course, but he has got over that.’

  ‘He is far too staid for you, my dear,’ replied Jack’s fond mama. ‘I never thought it a good match.’

  Serena blinked. ‘But Dorothea said it was your dearest wish.’

  ‘It might well have been Lady Hambridge’s dearest wish,’ retorted Mrs Downing drily. ‘I am sure she was only too eager to see you settled. Well, she should be delighted that you have married so well.’

  Serena thought of the letter she had received that morning from her sister-in-law.

  ‘Dorothea is mortified by all the gossip. She and my brother have extended their stay at Worthing.’

  A shadow of annoyance crossed Mrs Downing’s kindly face. ‘She would have done better to remain in town and deny it, especially now. Running away only gives credence to the rumours. Really, the woman is most—’ Mrs Downing closed her lips firmly upon whatever utterance she had been about to make.

  Serena sighed. ‘You cannot deny I have given her a great deal of trouble, ma’am.’

  Mrs Downing patted her hands. ‘You are not the first young lady to be taken in by a rake, my dear. You acted recklessly, but that is all in the past now. You may believe that your true friends will support you.’ She looked past Serena and smiled. ‘There you are, my lord. Pray accept our felicitations upon your marriage.’

  Serena looked up to find Quinn at her side.

  ‘Thank you.’ He nodded, unsmiling, before addressing her. ‘I have come to take you to supper. Lady Beckford has reserved seats for us at her table. If you will excuse us, ma’am?’

  ‘By all means,’ replied Mrs Downing graciously. ‘And you will be very welcome in Wardour Street, when you bring your bride to town. I hope we may expect to see you there soon, my lord?’

  ‘As to that, we have not yet made any plans,’ replied Quinn, pulling Serena’s hand on to his arm. As he led her away he muttered, ‘It is very warm here tonight, even with the doors leading to the terrace opened wide, and August has only just begun. London will be white-hot, but I will take you there if you wish it.’

  The possibility of meeting Sir Timothy made her shudder, but Serena knew a good wife deferred to her husband in all things.

  She said in a colourless voice, ‘I have no preference either way, my lord. It is for you to decide.’

  * * *

  Tony’s words in the library came back to Quinn. Was this the same woman who could be relied upon to bring life to any party? Now she walked beside him, eyes lowered, a picture of meek obedience. The light had gone out of Serena.

  * * *

  Sitting between Quinn and their host at supper did much to restore Serena’s spirits and afterwards Sir Anthony demanded the honour of standing up with her when dancing recommenced. Quinn would have followed, but he was waylaid by one of his neighbours who wanted the opportunity to discuss a shared boundary. He gave Serena a brief, wry smile and turned aside, leaving Tony to escort Serena to the ballroom.

  As they emerged from the supper room a stocky, sober-looking young man stepped in front of them.

  ‘Ah, Downing,’ Tony greeted him jovially. ‘Come to beg me to give up my partner, is that it?’

  Jack Downing made a very proper bow. ‘It is indeed,
sir. If Lady Quinn will do me the honour?’

  ‘With pleasure.’ Serena smiled, glad to accept this olive branch. ‘If Sir Anthony does not object?’

  ‘Well, of course I object to giving you up, but you will be wanting to dance with your old friend, I’ve no doubt.’ Laughing, Tony strolled off, leaving Serena to take Jack’s arm.

  Throughout the dance she tried to converse, but by the time they made their bows and parted she was weary of the effort. Really, why had he asked her to dance if he was intent upon being morose and silent? She wondered if he was jealous, but she quickly dismissed the idea. Jack Downing had considered her an eligible match, but his feelings had never been engaged, she was sure of it, and from the little Elizabeth had said, the scandal had cured him of any slight fancy he might have had for her.

  Quinn watched his wife going down the dance, pleased that the rift with the Downings was mended. He had heard that Jack Downing was one of Serena’s admirers and that Lady Hambridge had been in favour of the match, but to his mind it would never have worked. The fellow looked like a dull dog, too starched up to appeal to Serena.

  And is a surly recluse any more appealing?

  Thrusting aside the unwelcome thought, Quinn turned away. He headed for Tony’s study again, but even there he could not settle and after a while he went back to watch the dancing. Serena was now partnered by another neighbour, but her pleasure seemed muted, her smile a little strained. He would not be surprised if she was fatigued by the noise and the heat. Perhaps she was ready to leave. He resolved to ask her as soon as the dance ended.

  The crowded, candlelit room was very warm and the air would be fresher out of doors. Quinn stepped outside and moved away from the house to look at the gardens, bathed in moonlight. He had spent many happy days here, as a boy and a young man, enjoying the company of Anthony and his sister. For once the memories of Barbara did not tear at him and he could face them with affection. Perhaps, at last, he could put his grief behind him and appreciate the time they had had together. Perhaps he could move on.

  A group of guests strolled out on to the terrace, their chatter preceding them. They were strangers, presumably Tony and Lottie’s acquaintances from town. No matter, there was plenty of room. The terrace ran the length of the house and it was an easy matter for Quinn to ignore them, until a voice caught his attention.