A Persistant Attraction

by Silvia Violet

  However, you would do well not to underestimate me.” He couldn’t help but smile. “There is no danger of that. What is it you want from me?”

  “I want your promise that you will be a faithful husband to Amanda and that you will do everything in your power to make my stubborn niece admit she’s in love with you.” Rhys nearly choked on his tea. Where had Lady Morgan gotten the idea that Amanda cared for him? She might think she knew her niece well, but the idea was laughable.

  Amanda wouldn’t admit to liking anything about him except the pleasure he could offer her. Of course, he had every intention of changing that.

  In truth, he opposed none of Lady Morgan’s suggestions. While no one acquainted with his reputation would ever believe it, the thought of taking only Amanda to his bed

  for the rest of his life pleased him. What worried him far more was the vulnerability he felt around her. He wasn’t sure he could hide his inner scars from her night after night.

  She would want to know all of him, even the parts he was frightened of.

  “Faithfulness is hardly the standard in ton marriages.” Willing as he was, he knew Lady Morgan was unlikely to believe an easy acceptance of her terms, and he wanted to probe further to see how far she would take her demands.

  Her eyes narrowed, and she leaned forward. “I will not have my niece humiliated by your supposed privilege to gratify your every desire. Such behavior would hurt her far more than any scandal.” Lady Morgan took a long, deep breath. “But I’m not thinking only of Amanda. If you cross her, I promise she will make your life hell. She may also decide that what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.” Rhys scowled. “No other man will ever touch her.” Lady Morgan stared at him, waiting for him to say more.

  “If I must learn to live with only one woman, then so be it. I will not hurt her. No matter what you think you know of me. I will not be unfaithful to Amanda, and I will do my best to make her happy.”

  “It will not be easy. She doesn’t want to admit that she cares for anyone other than her sisters.”

  “And you.”

  “She may no longer care for me so much. She believes I am siding against her.”

  “She knows you want to protect her.”

  “Yes, and she resents it.”

  “She loves you. Keeping her from a humiliating scandal will not change that, especially if she were to admit…” He let his words trail off. He could not bring himself to mention the possibility that Amanda loved him.

  “Perhaps. But no matter the outcome, I must do what is best for her.”

  “I will apply for a special license first thing tomorrow.”

  Lady Morgan smiled. “Good. We must give the impression the two of you are wildly in love and can’t wait to marry. The sooner you marry, the sooner everyone will forget your indiscretion and move on to a new scandal.”

  “I had the same thought, but I cannot pretend you are unaware of my reputation. Will the ton truly believe I’ve fallen in love?” Lady Morgan smiled. “The men won’t, but that is inconsequential. The women will believe it, because they want to. Every woman dreams of taming a man like you. They might be jealous of Amanda, but they will believe the fairy tale.” Rhys rose to his feet, suddenly desperate to escape before he had to confront any more uncomfortable emotions.

  Lady Morgan waved him back toward his chair. “I have one more thing to ask you.” As he lowered himself into his seat, his stomach tightened into a knot. What would she demand of him now?

  “There is something other than this affair going on between you and Amanda. I’ve known for some time that she was attracted to you, but that doesn’t explain why she was in my room going through my things. And unless your disgraceful behavior has gone further than even I surmise, it does not explain her nighttime disappearances.” Rhys winced at the last comment. He and Amanda had come far closer to the sort of disgraceful behavior Lady Morgan alluded to than she needed to know. At least now he would be able to touch Amanda all he wanted, assuming she would consent to a marriage in truth.

  How much of her secret could he betray to her aunt? He believed Lady Morgan should know about the threatening letters and the attempts on Amanda’s life, but Amanda had been adamant that she would not confess them to her. As much as he wanted to tell Lady Morgan the truth, he could not afford to begin their marriage with Amanda questioning whether she could trust him.

  “I cannot imagine why she would be in your room.”

  Lady Morgan scowled. “I am not nearly as fragile as Amanda thinks. If I am to help her regain her reputation, I deserve to know what you are hiding.” Her eyes narrowed.

  “This has something to do with the incident at the Leightons’ ball, doesn’t it?” Rhys froze. He should have suspected Lady Morgan knew more than she’d let on.

  She was quick-witted and good at reading people. “I’m not at liberty to say more. You’ll have to ask Amanda.”

  “She refuses to share anything useful. I’d hoped you would be more sensible.”

  “I will encourage her to be more forthcoming.” Lady Morgan sighed. “I suppose I should admire your loyalty to her. I trust you to see that she does nothing foolish.”

  Rhys snorted. “If I were capable of that, we would not be having this conversation.

  “Amanda is used to doing as she wishes, but she is not as invincible as she thinks, neither physically nor emotionally. She learned to take care of herself growing up, but she never learned to trust anyone. I’m counting on you to teach her.” Rhys’s head throbbed. Lady Morgan certainly knew how to pile pressure on a man.

  The most patient of saints might fail at the tasks she’d set before him. “I will try. But you cannot expect miracles.”

  “I can, and I do. Go home and get what sleep you can. I would not like you to scare Bishop Atkins in the morning.”

  “Bishop Atkins?”

  “He was a friend of my late husband. Mention my name, and he will produce your license posthaste.”

  Rhys stood, praying his legs would support him and that Lady Morgan wouldn’t notice how shaky he was. The promises he had made weighed heavy on him. His whole life, he’d failed to meet the expectations of others. Why should that change now?

  Everyone thought he’d shunned marriage because a man like him could never tie himself to one woman, but that wasn’t the truth. He doubted his ability to make one woman happy year after year.

  *

  The next day Rhys arrived at Amanda’s house at an unfashionably early hour.

  Fortunately, Lady Morgan was wide awake and ready to receive visitors just as he’d suspected. He seemed to be making rather an unfortunate habit of rising early, but the faster he acquired the license and made arrangements for the wedding, the faster the date could be set and Amanda’s reputation repaired.

  He had to admit he was more than a little concerned she might panic and try to run.

  She was used to controlling her own destiny, and this would not be the first marriage she had run from. He hoped to God she thought him a better prospect than the appalling man her father chose for her.

  “The license should be delivered this afternoon.” Lady Morgan beamed. “Delightful. I would like to set the date for one week hence.

  Arranging the wedding breakfast so quickly will be a challenge, but it can be done. A week will not give Mark and Cassandra time to travel to London, but I fear we cannot wait.”

  “Surely Cassandra would not attempt to travel such a distance in her condition.”

  “I would not advise it, but she’s as stubborn as her sister.” Rhys shook his head. “I suppose she is. Amanda and I can visit Devon after we’ve proven our devotion to one another at enough ton gatherings.” And after I’ve killed Mouton and d’Eglantine and diverted a French plot against the crown.

  “That will be perfect.”

  Rhys smiled, though he dreaded facing Mark and Cassandra himself. He only hoped they’d be more understanding than he expected. He and Mark had been friends for yea
rs, but they’d had their share of disagreements. He knew from experience that Mark could land a hell of a punch. Rhys was a better-than-average fighter himself. He wouldn’t have survived his years in France if he wasn’t, but he had no right to defend himself against anything Mark wanted to deliver. He had acted the part of the rake, and he deserved to suffer the consequences.

  “Now we must discuss the financial settlement.”

  “I have no interest in Amanda’s money.”

  “Thanks to her scoundrel of a father, she has precious little to tempt you with, but I insist we strike a fair agreement.”

  “I have more than enough to support the two of us and—” he paused and swallowed hard, “any children we might have. Draw up the necessary papers, and I will grant Amanda continued control of any money she has.”

  “That is more than generous.” Lady Morgan gave him an assessing stare. “Am I to assume the rumors I’ve heard are true and you have amassed a fortune from investments, despite your appearance as a man who’d rather gamble away money than do anything to earn it?”

  “You may assume anything you wish.”

  “You are certain you wish no settlement for yourself?” He nodded. “Yes.”

  “Then I will do as you have asked. I think it would be best if you and Amanda saw little of each other before the wedding. Perhaps a well-timed very public ride in the park and attendance at a small dinner would be enough to show your regard for each other while keeping you out of trouble. I’ll make the arrangements and let you know when to call on her.”

  Rhys simply nodded. Normally, he would have protested such high-handed treatment, but he trusted Lady Morgan to know what must be done to salvage Amanda’s reputation. He’d spent his life creating scandals, not cleaning them up.

  “I trust I will find no evidence that you or Amanda have made use of her balcony as an escape or an entrance. There is only so much damage I can correct.”

  “I swear to use only the front door when I come to call. But I cannot speak for Amanda. She rarely listens to my attempts to caution her.” Lady Morgan shook her head. “She rarely listens to anyone.”

  *

  Hours later, Rhys leaned back in his desk chair and reread the note he’d written to d’Eglantine. He needed to be certain he conveyed the perfect tone, but he couldn’t concentrate. Somehow, he had to put his guilt for trapping Amanda, their pending marriage and the prospect of a dismal future with a reluctant bride out of his mind so he could stop Les Centimes and capture d’Eglantine, Mouton and their associates. He wouldn’t make much of a husband if he got himself killed.

  To complicate matters, he needed to convince the ton that his and Amanda’s marriage was a love match while making d’Eglantine believe he’d been forced into it. If d’Eglantine suspected he loved Amanda, the man would use her to get to Rhys. He had to keep Amanda safe, even if he did die in the process.

  Chapter Eleven

  The subsequent days flew by in a whirlwind of fittings for her wedding dress, preparations for the ceremony and calls to spread the news of her upcoming nuptials to the ladies of the ton. Aunt Claire wanted her to visit all the ladies who could help diminish the scandal.

  Amanda saw Rhys briefly on two occasions. At her aunt’s insistence, he took her riding in the park. They had little opportunity to converse. Curious onlookers kept stopping to speak to them in the hopes of having some gossip to carry back to their homes. When they returned to her aunt’s house, Amanda thought she would be able to speak to him in private. Instead, he left quickly, informing her he had to work to do but refusing to elaborate.

  Quick to capitalize on the fame the scandal had given her, and contrary to her statement that they would not be allowed back in her house, Lady Winston hosted a dinner party in their honor. Throughout the evening, Rhys was annoyingly aloof, and Amanda couldn’t question him about his investigations in the midst of a crowded drawing room.

  The morning of their wedding was damp and gray, a perfect accompaniment to Amanda’s foul mood. Caitlin awakened her at an absurdly early hour so she could be poked and prodded by a bevy of maids who did their best to transform her into a blushing bride. But she had little interest in her appearance. All she could think of was the freedom she had lost and the lonely years she would face once Rhys grew tired of her.

  If only she could believe that Rhys loved her or that he would at least grant her the freedom she needed. She assumed he would continue his high-handed ways, expecting her to follow his dictates while he did as he pleased, even if he unknowingly broke her heart. She cursed herself for being unable to remain aloof to his charms. She should never have asked for his help.

  When the maids were done with her, she studied her reflection in the mirror. The pale blue dress her aunt’s modiste had insisted she purchase brought out the violet tones in her eyes, and she had to admit her hair looked lovely in the artful pile of curls Caitlin had arranged.

  Surely, it was shameful to feel depressed when she was meant to be happy and beautiful. Many women faced far worse than she did when they married. Rhys would provide for her and she could not imagine him being intentionally cruel. For as long as their passion burned, he would bring her pleasure. But neither these thoughts nor the realization that she looked stunning improved her mood.

  The ceremony would intentionally be small and quiet. Only her aunt and Elise would attend with her. She missed Cassandra dearly, but her aunt had convinced her that Cassandra should not travel nor should they delay the marriage any more than necessary.

  Rhys would be accompanied by his aunt and uncle, and any other members of his family who chose to attend. But he had warned Amanda and Lady Morgan that he hadn’t spoken to his father or brothers in years, and his mother and sister were on a tour of the continent.

  When her aunt’s carriage stopped at the door of the church, Amanda took a deep breath. This was it. Any scheme she might devise to escape from the marriage would cease to be a possibility once she crossed the threshold. Even she was not so bold as to cause a scene once the ceremony began.

  She sat still for a few seconds after the footman opened the door. But ultimately, she took the offered arm and stepped down to meet her fate.

  Elise exited behind her and took hold of her hand as they approached the door. “Try not to look so sad. I still think you’re underestimating Mr. Stanton’s attraction to you.”

  “He’s attracted, but that is not the same as being in love.”

  “Give it time. Rumor is he’s not so much as looked at another woman since he was first seen dancing with you.”

  Amanda wanted to believe Elise’s words, but even if Rhys was temporarily faithful, she could not believe such devotion would last. It was not in his nature. He’d lost the one

  woman he’d loved, and he blamed himself for it. He’d never allow himself to fall in love again.

  A footman opened the door to the church, and the sisters entered. They had been in the vestibule only a few moments when their aunt appeared to let them know that all was in order. Amanda’s breath caught as the door to the nave opened. She and Elise proceeded toward the altar where Rhys stood waiting for her.

  In his wedding finery, he looked even more handsome than usual. The warm, damp air caused his hair to curl against his forehead. As she drew close, the deep blue of his eyes drew her. Nothing could have made her look away from him.

  She’d been certain he viewed their marriage as a penalty for playing too fast with her, but he did not look the least put out. He smiled at her with joy, not sarcasm. Her anxiety melted away.

  “You’re beautiful,” he said when she reached him, his voice low and seductive. She took his hand and turned to face the priest.

  “Shall we begin?” the man asked, looking at Rhys. Rhys looked at her, one of his brows raised slightly in question. Her heart accelerated. This was the moment of truth.

  She nodded her consent, and the ceremony began.

  Later she realized she’d heard little of the priest’s words
. Rhys’s intoxicating presence had filled her thoughts. As she stood beside him, holding his hand, he showered her with uncharacteristically happy smiles. She could not deny how very much she wanted him.

  Making idle conversation with her aunt’s friends and the glittering members of the ton she’d become acquainted with during her two Seasons was almost more than she could bear. Every time she thought of the pleasures Rhys had brought her the night they had nearly become lovers in his study, she trembled. She could not wait for them to be alone. She might have dreaded giving herself up to marriage, but at least she could look forward to what would happen between them in private.

  Conversing with various guests, she received the full gamut of reactions to her marriage. Simpering young ladies could not get over her good fortune in having landed

  one of London’s most notorious rakes. Older married women’s congratulations were tinged with sarcasm, indicating they had the same expectations of Rhys’s fidelity that Amanda did. Their cattiness did not surprise her. She was certain much of it was motivated by jealousy. Several of the women’s names had been linked with Rhys’s the previous year. What did shock her were the propositions she received from several men who had the audacity to let her know of their availability whenever she might tire of her new husband.

  Afternoon blurred into evening and she feared she would never be free from conversing with the endless line of people wanting to wish her well. Just when she might have gotten a moment to herself, she was cornered by the husband of one of her aunt’s dearest friends. He was easygoing and congenial, and normally she would not have minded his presence in the least. But she felt as if an electric current were running through her body as she anticipated what was to come. She could not focus on a single word he was saying.