‘You cannot live without means, Claudia.’
‘I have means. I was my father’s sole heir; he willed everything to me.’
‘I see.’ The piercing gaze never left her face. ‘You are aware that, in law, a woman’s property belongs to her husband.’
Claudia kept her voice level. ‘In law, yes, but you have more than enough now. We could both go our separate ways and live comfortably too.’
‘Live comfortably? I doubt that.’
‘I had not written you down as avaricious, Anthony. I thought that description applied only to our respective fathers.’
He winced inwardly. ‘You misinterpret me. I was referring to the likely social consequences. I don’t want your inheritance, Claudia. It’s yours with my blessing.’
It hadn’t been what she was expecting at all, and the words took the wind out of her sails. ‘Thank you.’ She took a deep breath. ‘But it’s still not enough. I want my independence too.’
‘You already have that, do you not?’
‘Up to a point.’
‘A point that far exceeds what is afforded most other women.’
‘What satisfies them does not satisfy me.’
‘You have more courage than most,’ he said, ‘but it has brought you close to disaster.’
‘I knew the risks and was prepared to accept them.’
‘But I am not.’ He paused. ‘I am responsible for your safety now, Claudia, and I will not permit you to put yourself into any more perilous situations.’
The inflection in his voice was all too familiar and her hackles rose immediately. ‘You will not permit?’ With an effort she held on to her temper. ‘Since when were you concerned for my safety?’
‘Since Alain Poiret was arrested.’
‘I told you, I am grateful for what you did. However, now that Napoleon is free there will be greater need for experienced operatives.’ Seeing his expression, she added, ‘All right. Next time I’ll ask for a less dangerous posting.’
‘There will be no more postings.’
‘That is not for you to say.’
‘It is very much for me to say.’ The blue gaze locked with hers. ‘Your involvement in espionage is at an end.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I had a long talk with Monsieur Genet in which I made my views very clear. His department is not to approach you again for any reason.’
Claudia came to her feet at once. ‘How dare you go behind my back like that?’
‘Dare didn’t come into it, only the intention to put you beyond the reach of danger.’
‘I make the decisions about what I do or don’t do, not you.’
‘As I said before, circumstances have changed.’
She glared at him. ‘Who do you think you are?’
‘I am your husband, inconvenient as that fact may be.’
‘Inconvenient doesn’t begin to describe it. Say rather, intrusive, interfering, dictatorial, devious, arrogant...’
Far from rising to the bait he remained infuriatingly calm. ‘My faults are many indeed, but in this instance my motives at least are good.’
‘Your motives are doubtless as selfish as they have ever been.’
‘Is it selfish to want to keep my wife out of danger? Out of brothels?’
Hot colour dyed her neck and face. ‘I went there only because it was necessary. Genet knew my feelings on the subject.’
‘And yet you went back, not only putting yourself in danger but your reputation too.’
‘Mine or yours, Anthony?’ She laughed softly. ‘That’s the real reason for this belatedly possessive outburst, isn’t it?’
His expression hardened. ‘Is that what you think it is?’
‘Isn’t it?’
‘Does your reputation matter so little to you then?’
‘Of course it matters.’
‘I’m glad to hear it,’ he said, ‘because I can assure you it matters to me.’
She knew it was dangerous ground, knew it was unwise to push this any further, but Claudia’s inner demon was now thoroughly roused. ‘I suppose there’s a first time for everything.’
That brought him out of the chair. Strong hands closed round her arms and drew her much closer. His expression sent a shiver the length of her spine. However, it was only partly fear. Underneath it was something much harder to define. Heart pounding, she continued to hold his gaze.
‘Yes, there is,’ he replied.
His face was very near to hers now. If he bent his head their lips would touch...The recollection sent a pulse of treacherous warmth to the core of her body. She fought it. She couldn’t afford to hand him such an advantage. In the name of self-preservation she turned her face away.
Misinterpreting the movement he drew back a little. He wanted to shake her soundly for impudence; he wanted to kiss her until she begged for mercy. However, the idea was clearly repugnant to her, in daylight at least. A kiss with a stranger in the dark, however...
Claudia could feel the anger flowing through him, hot and dangerous. It wouldn’t take much to ignite it and then...She licked dry lips.
‘What happened in Paris was...unfortunate.’
‘Unfortunate? You were in bed with another man!’
It brought her gaze straight back to his. ‘What are you talking about? I was in bed with you.’
‘You didn’t know my identity at the time. I was a total stranger as far as you were concerned.’
Claudia glared at him. ‘It wasn’t my idea, remember?’
‘You shouldn’t have been there in the first place.’
‘Take it up with Genet.’
‘I already have.’
‘Did you buy his silence?’
‘I didn’t need to buy his silence. He knows it’s more than his life is worth to breathe a word.’
‘Oh, good. Think of the scandal otherwise.’
The Earl gritted his teeth, torn between several courses of action, all of them unwise and all of them deliciously tempting. With a serious effort he controlled himself. Claudia was confoundedly successful at provoking his wrath.
‘I have neglected my responsibilities for far too long, but I mean to make amends.’
‘And what exactly does that mean?’ she demanded.
‘It means that things are going to be different from now on.’
Hope leapt. ‘Then you will permit the annulment to go ahead?’
‘No.’
As quickly as they risen her spirits sank again, only to be replaced with an uncomfortable suspicion. ‘Then what exactly do you intend?’
‘To be a husband,’ he replied.
‘You can’t be serious.’
‘I was never more serious in my life.’
Her heartbeat accelerated dangerously as the recollection of the Parisian bedroom scene returned in vivid detail. ‘It isn’t going to happen.’
‘I can assure you it is.’
‘Do you really imagine that I’ll allow you to walk back into my life as though nothing had happened?’
‘Unfortunately, you have no choice about that, my dear. I am back and I intend to remain.’
Chapter Seven
Claudia lay awake, her mind in turmoil as it replayed all the details of that heated interview with Anthony. Turmoil was accompanied by impotent anger. He had no intention of letting her go, and it was quite clear that he intended to curb her independence as well. The knowledge that, in law, he was fully entitled to do it only added oil to flames. As to the rest of what he intended...The thought made her feel hot all over. It also revived shameful curiosity. She had often wondered how it might have been with them if he had remained at Ulverdale. The original contract stipulated that the marriage would not be
consummated until she was sixteen, so they would have had time to get to know each other, become friends, maybe even fall in love. Her imagination had supplied a limited picture of what would happen after that. Certainly she had never envisaged anything like the sensations she had experienced that night in Paris; sensations that were impossible to forget. The fact that the incident meant nothing to him made everything so much worse.
* * *
Like Claudia, the Earl slept little that night but, as was his wont, rose early the next morning. A glance from the window revealed the start of a fine day; it provided a good opportunity to take a closer look around. No doubt in his lengthy absence there had been changes at Oakley Court. He turned from the window and glanced across the room to where Matthew was pouring hot water into a basin. The valet completed his task and turned round.
‘Shall I shave you now, my lord?’
He assented. It was the part of the day he enjoyed least. The scarring on his face made shaving a lengthy and delicate operation. However, Matthew had a blessedly light touch which did much to alleviate discomfort. As the valet went about his task it left the Earl at leisure to reflect. His return was always going to be fraught with difficulty, but after the previous evening those had increased tenfold. The announcement of his intention to stay had resulted in his wife’s stormy exit from the room. It had been tempting to go after her, but a moment’s reflection showed him the folly of doing so. Claudia had been in no mood to listen to anything he might have to say. Knowing something of her fiery nature already, her reaction hadn’t come as a complete surprise. It was also understandable. After having enjoyed her independence it had doubtless been a disagreeable shock to discover that she was subject to a husband’s control. Given the choice he would have used a much lighter touch, but her involvement with Genet and his ilk was too pressing to ignore.
As to the rest, he was quite serious about that too—in spite of Claudia’s outraged disbelief. His beautiful wife was going to have to accustom herself to his presence in her life.
* * *
By the time he got downstairs she had already breakfasted and gone. However, by dint of leaving the study door open, he was able to see who passed through the hall and thus, eventually, to intercept her.
‘I must beg a few minutes of your time, Claudia.’
She stopped in her tracks, her attention fully arrested by the tall figure in the doorway. However, conversation with him was the last thing she wanted just then. ‘Can it wait a little? I have rather a lot to do this morning.’
‘I regret that it cannot.’
She bit her lip. It was tempting to walk away but a moment’s reflection revealed that it might be unwise. He might have let her get away with it last night; he wouldn’t do so a second time. The probable consequences for herself were disturbing. Accordingly she turned and bent her footsteps toward the study. He stood back to let her pass and then closed the door.
Aware of him to her fingertips, Claudia stood by the desk, surveying him with what she hoped looked like nonchalant ease. ‘What is it, Anthony?’
He halted a few feet away. ‘There are things I didn’t get a chance to say last night.’
‘Really? I rather thought we’d covered the essentials.’
‘By no means.’
‘What did we leave out?’
‘It concerns my conversation with Genet.’
‘Genet?’ It wasn’t what she had been expecting at all. ‘What about him?’
‘As yet he doesn’t know how far the service has been compromised, but it is just possible that, although you escaped Paris in time, your identity is known anyway.’
Her brows drew together. ‘How is that possible?’
‘You have allowed use of the coastal access here in the past. This house is prominent in the neighbourhood. It would be child’s play to discover the name of the owner.’
As she assimilated this the implications became more disturbing. ‘Then the traitor may be English.’
‘It’s a possibility, and one that cannot be ignored.’
‘I can see that, but not how it concerns me now. We’re no longer in France.’
‘No, but that only means you’re further away from possible danger, not out of reach.’ He paused. ‘While I don’t want to cause undue alarm, you need to be aware of it, Claudia.’
She nodded. ‘All right.’
‘You also need to be careful.’
‘Very well.’ She regarded him quizzically. ‘The same must also hold good for you.’
‘It does, but I am better able to defend myself.’
‘I can shoot straight.’
His lips quirked. ‘I’m sure you can. Whether you will always have a pistol to hand is another matter.’
‘Point taken. I’ll be sure to carry it with me when I go out.’
‘I’d be glad to know you did.’ He paused. ‘I’d hate to see you come to harm, my sweet.’
Something in his tone and the accompanying expression caused her pulse to quicken. Moreover, it lent a different dimension to their conversation last night. It seemed his apparent interference had a different motive from the one she had imagined. She had been so angry, that such a possibility had never occurred to her.
‘Did Genet say any more about Paris?’
‘Only that five people were arrested. Apart from ourselves, only Lebrun and Saunière managed to get away in time. To Antwerp apparently.’
‘And those who were arrested?’
‘Presumed dead.’
She shivered inwardly, knowing it might so easily have been her. He squeezed her shoulder gently.
‘It does no good to dwell on it, Claudia.’
‘I know, but I can’t seem to help it.’ The warmth of his hand was both reassuring and disturbing in equal measure, evoking memories of much closer intimacy. It would be all too easy to surrender to a momentary weakness and end up in his arms. The recognition that part of her wanted to was mortifying. She forced a smile and detached herself from his hold. ‘The sooner I occupy myself again the better.’
His hand fell to his side. ‘I’m sure you’re right.’
‘Please excuse me.’ Claudia made for the door, needing to be gone now, every part of her aware of the gaze that followed her.
‘Until later, then.’
She paused briefly on the threshold and nodded. With that she was gone. She did not hear the sigh that accompanied her departure.
The Earl watched her retreating figure until it was out of sight and then turned away. On one level it was a relief that they had been able to talk calmly this time; that he had told her the facts. On another, the little interview had underlined the distance between them. While she was prepared to engage with him to a degree, it was evident that she did not welcome physical intimacy, even when it had only been intended to comfort.
That thought engendered others; had his lovely wife found solace elsewhere during his absence? She had denied taking a lover, or even wanting to, but having glimpsed the passion beneath that cool exterior, he wondered. She must have had numerous admirers. She had a degree of freedom denied other women, and a thirst for adventure. It had taken her into many questionable places, including Madame Renaud’s establishment. Had it also taken her into clandestine affairs, seeking the love she had been denied in her marriage? It wouldn’t be the first time such a thing had happened. Once the first male heir had been born many married couples turned a blind eye to each other’s infidelities. Had Claudia been unfaithful? He grimaced, knowing he had no right to criticise. People who lived in glass houses...
On the surface of things, dinner that evening seemed a little more relaxed. By dint of asking questions about the estate and its environs, the Earl encouraged Claudia to talk. She seemed willing enough to oblige him, glad to keep to neutral ground. After the meal they lingered
over the remains of the wine.
‘Do you never find yourself lonely here?’ he asked then.
‘No. I am used to my own company.’
The words carried no intended edge but they cut all the same. ‘How do you entertain yourself?’
‘I like to read and play the pianoforte. If the mood takes me I might sew, though it is not my favourite occupation. In the summer it is pleasant to walk or sit in the garden.’
‘Do you invite friends to stay?’
‘There is plenty of company to be had in London during the Season. This house is a welcome refuge after that. And, of course, I have various acquaintances in the neighbourhood who come to visit.’
‘Do you not spend time at Ulverdale?’
‘No.’
‘I shall have to visit at some point,’ he continued. ‘I hoped you might accompany me.’
‘I regret that I cannot.’
‘Cannot?’
The apparent mildness of the enquiry did not deceive her for an instant. If she did not qualify the remark he might insist, and then they would quarrel.
‘When, finally, I escaped from Ulverdale I vowed never to go back there.’
‘I see.’
‘Do you?’ She set her glass on the table. ‘I doubt that.’
Suddenly the tension was palpable again.
‘Will you not tell me?’ he asked.
‘What can I tell you about your father that you do not already know?’
His brow creased. ‘He did not hurt you, Claudia?’
‘He did not physically raise a hand to me, though he left me in no doubt of my place in the scheme of things. Your mother was not always so fortunate.’
He stared at her, appalled. ‘Good God! If I had thought...I never once suspected that he would descend so far.’ He paused. ‘I had always been his whipping boy, you see.’
‘You?’
‘Yes. We were never close, but as I grew older and realised what his addiction to gaming was doing to our family, I came to despise him.’ He smiled mirthlessly. ‘I tried to talk to him about it, even remonstrated with him to make him see sense...’
‘What happened?’
The Caged Countess Page 8
