“No Jack, I did not!”
“Ah, but I was not Jack tonight,” she replied, resting her head on his knee and closing her eyes. “I was Sophie.”
“A fact of which I was well aware, sprite,” said Vale, winding one of the golden curls that brushed against his hand around his finger, and in a much gentler tone “only too aware.”
But she heard him not, the evenness of her breathing betraying the fact that she had drifted into sleep, and in a selfish moment he allowed himself the indulgence of watching her in her slumber. Then deeming it prudent to rouse her, with supporting arm, he escorted her to her apartment.
When at last he sought his own repose, the thought came to him that the evening had not ended so ill after all and his mood was much appeased. He even, to a certain degree, forgave Wroxham his part in it all.
*****
However his peace with Wroxham did not last long. Shortly after noon he arrived on the doorstep of Blake House bearing flowers for Sophie, a fact which served to send Vale out of the house in a thunderous mood, intent on visiting Ridleys. Jealousy was a totally new experience for him and one that did not sit him well and he vowed that he would not succumb to it, reasoning that he had no claim on her and she could receive whomever she wished. After all, to feel jealousy one must needs be in love, and he was most definitely not in love with Sophie, or any other female for that matter. Had he not remained impervious to that emotion thus far? So why must he feel the overwhelming desire to succumb to it now? Let Wroxham pay his court, he would wish him well, as long as he did not have to witness it. To this end, despite his mother’s protestations, he arranged to return to his own apartments the next day and threw himself into a round of mindless extravagance and excess, occupying his time visiting the most notorious gaming houses and, as a matter of course, the Cyprian Hall.
Seeing his friend so determined to leave his path clear, Wroxham continued to press his suit and, though receiving no encouragement whatsoever from Sophie, felt well pleased with the situation. Believing his path to woo the young lady in question to be clear, he determined to press his cause, reasoning with himself that if Vale had had any designs in that quarter he would have most clearly made the fact known.
Chapter Nine
So successful had the earl been in fooling himself that he would, in time, be able to overcome his emotions that he had struck up a half-hearted courtship with an opera dancer named Rosamund, thinking that she may serve as a replacement for La Belle. Indeed, even though the relationship had gone no further than a mild flirtation he felt confident that, if offered, she would accept his protection without the slightest hesitation. If only he could persuade himself that that was what he truly desired. To this end he invited her to a masque at Vauxhall Gardens in the hopes that the evening would serve to strengthen his resolve and bring about the desired results.
Rosamund was a vivacious red haired beauty whose ambitions for the stage took second place only to her desire to attract the young earl, but she recognized the fact that he was no fool who could be easily attracted. She had heard rumors of his dealings with others of the demi- monde and realized that to gain his protection, she must hide her eagerness. He was reputed to be generous to his conquests but would brook no defiance of his wishes; therefore, she must appear to bend to his will. It would not do to show her claws, at least not this early in the relationship; she could perhaps attempt to manipulate him once she had secured him in her toils. Was she not hailed as a beauty and that in itself should prove irresistible to him?
*****
Vale’s coach arrived at Vauxhall Gardens just before midnight and springing down, he assisted his partner to alight. He wore no disguise, only condescending to the wearing of a loo mask. Rosamund, however, had surpassed herself by choosing a gown overlaid with brightly colored feathers and an exotic head-dress with many colored plumes proclaiming the Bird of Paradise, her eyes sparkling invitingly from her mask.
Threading their way through the merry throng, Vale led her to the supper booth he had hired for the evening and drawing aside the heavy curtains he bade her enter and ordered refreshments from the attending lackey. It was a balmy night and the lanterns which had been strung around the gardens, vied with the stars in their brilliance. In the distance an orchestra could be heard providing the music for those who wished to dance, but his lordship showed no inclination to join their numbers.
He had been drinking whilst awaiting his fair Cyprian and, although he could not be said to be in his cups, a certain recklessness existed about him and his eyes glinted through the mask. He laid his arm casually about her shoulders and she inclined her head toward him in an inviting gesture, attempting to fascinate him by the fluttering of lowered lashes. However, he saw this as artifice and turned his head away to regard the passing throng. Rosamund pouted slightly and straightened herself in her seat; she must try some other ploy to intrigue him. Perhaps reluctance would serve to inflame his passion and she leaned herself to the further side of her seat so that he was obliged to drop his arm, which, to her chagrin, he did not attempt to replace. Instead he continued with his contemplation until his attention was claimed by a party arriving in a box just a short distance away, and he sat forward in his seat the better to view the newly arrived revelers.
The tallest of the party of six dressed as a knave he recognized as Wroxham, the goddess was undoubtedly Regina. However, it was the fair butterfly that held his gaze, who despite the silver loo mask, he instantly recognized as Sophie, her bright golden curls dancing in the lantern light. Despite his resolve his heart lurched in his breast and he rose impatiently. His first impulse was to go to her, but as he would have made a movement toward the rear of the box, Rosamund, in fear of losing her quarry, took hold of his arm to forestall his departure.
“Fie on you, my lord, leaving me so soon,” she wheedled as she too rose and pressed herself sinuously to his side. “Shall we take a stroll in the gardens? I hear tell they hold many secret places ideal for a lovers’ tryst?”
He would have pushed her from him, but seeing Wroxham bending solicitously over the silver butterfly and appearing to receive a favorable response; he smiled stiffly, and drawing her hand through his arm, led the way out of the box.
The gardens were heavy with the perfume of many blooms and, as they passed through the formal walks toward the more secluded areas, Rosamund hung heavily on his arm. Laying her head against his shoulder she promised all manner of delights once they were removed from view of other like-minded souls. If she had but taken the trouble to look at his face she would have seen that he paid her no attention, his thoughts obviously being channeled in a different direction. Seeing Wroxham again in his attentions, his mind was occupied on a different course. To her error however, she did not, and she failed to see the thunderous crease that came to his brow.
Stopping abruptly, he took her completely unawares as he snatched her to him and kissed her roughly. As she would have pulled away feigning surprise, he held her even more firmly bruising her lips with his passion.
Had they but known it, a silver butterfly viewing their actions from the shadows of a eucalyptus bush, pressed her hands over her mouth and fled sobbing from the walks.
Unlike her companions, Sophie had recognized Vale when he had stood up in his box and, excusing herself from her friends on some pretext, was unable to resist the temptation to follow in his wake.
She had been devastated when he had removed himself from Blake House and was thoroughly perplexed at his absence. She wanted the chance to ask if she had been the cause of his leaving. Had she so offended him at the ball? Once having committed herself to following him she found the fascination of his actions too great to forgo, even though she knew the outcome might break her heart. She was not so naïve that she did not understand the ways of the world. Her brother had had no compunction in parading his various paramours before her, but to see Vale, whom she idolized, in that light, affected her greatly.
Oblivious of the d
evastation he had wrought, Vale raised his head from the embrace and looked at Rosamund with unseeing eyes as if he did not recognize her and dropped his hold immediately, the heavy frown still clouding his brow.
With unusual perception, Rosamund stamped her foot and snapped in a most un-lover-like fashion, “You know not whom you kiss, sir. It was certainly not me!”
“It certainly was not,” he scorned at his most devilish and turning on his heel he was gone, leaving his companion seething with indignation.
*****
Riding in Hyde Park the next afternoon, the earl espied his mother’s barouche containing his sisters and Sophie and, seeing it halt to acknowledge an acquaintance, drew alongside to make his bow.
“Ladies, allow me to join you,” he said, smiling and giving his horse into the care of one of the grooms that sat the box.
Twitching aside her skirts, Regina made room for him on the seat so that he sat facing Isabella and Sophie. “Why do you needs join us, Dominic?” she asked scowling. “Have you not friends of your own with whom you could join company?”
“None that would welcome me quite as eagerly as you, dear sister,” he said, smiling sweetly whilst attempting to read the expression on Sophie’s averted countenance, as she would not meet his gaze. “Besides, I have a desire to be seen with my siblings, it will add so much weight to my credibility should I be seen to squire you.”
“Your sarcasm does you no credit,” snapped Regina, “and whilst you may have a desire to be seen with us, I can certainly assure you that the sentiment is in no way reciprocated.”
Isabella giggled. “Getting mighty high in the instep isn’t she, Dominic, now that she is about to be betrothed. Soon she will think herself quite above us all.”
“The sooner the better,” replied his lordship ungallantly. “Change seats with me, Isabella,” he commanded and threw himself down beside Sophie.
“What, Jack, you have nothing to say?” he said in rallying tones, examining her profile. “That is quite unlike you. Am I to believe that you too have no desire to speak with me?” Dropping his voice and taking her hand he asked, “Do you wish me to leave, have I offended you?”
Unable to bear his gentle tone Sophie snatched her hand away and averted her face.
“Come Jack, what is this?” he asked. “Will even you not now look at me?”
“You have no need to worry of what I will and will not do, sir,” she replied, still not meeting his questioning gaze. “I am sure it can be of no interest to you.”
“Ho, she has thorns,” he replied, grinning. “Now I know I have done something to displease you. Come; tell me just what I have done to incur your wrath? Did we not part amicably enough when last I saw you?”
Unable to resist the temptation she replied, “I see the company you keep, sir.”
It was almost as if she smote him. “You saw me at Vauxhalls?” he asked incredulously, previously thinking that he had escaped her notice.
“I saw whom you had in your box, Dominic, and you appeared to enjoy her company to the extreme.”
Regina sat forward in her seat. “I did not see you,” she said petulantly. “Where were you, who were you with?”
“Keep out of this Regina,” he snapped, throwing her a look of dislike. “I needs not answer to you for my actions.” Then turning once more to Sophie, “I will explain all, if you would but allow it, but now is not the time, not here. I shall come to you at Blake House and we will speak.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips and for a moment her fingers clung to his before he called to the groom to halt and sprang lightly down from the carriage. He stood for a moment watching the barouche continue on its way before mounting his horse and returning to his apartments.
*****
The following morning Vale strode unceremoniously into the small salon at the rear of Blake House where Regina sat sipping her coffee.
“And to what purpose, may I ask, do we see you at these hallowed portals at such an early hour?” she asked haughtily. “We have but just risen from breakfast.”
“Be certain it is not to see you, dear sister,” assured Vale, smiling sweetly. “There is no need to put yourself into a taking; I come to speak to Sophie. Where is she bye-the-bye?”
“I thought it wouldn’t be any of us you came to see, one would have thought you to be still abed as is your usual wont after your night’s excesses.”
He frowned, finding her incivility uncommonly irritating. “Take a damper, you silly girl,” he said. “Though why it should prove a matter of comment that I choose to visit the family home I know not. Now tell me where is Sophie?”
“She has a headache and keeps to her room. She looks prodigiously pale and Mama thinks it best that she should rest. We should have ridden to Richmond this morning for nuncheon but, as Sophie is unable to go, so are we.”
“I thought something had occurred to put you out of frame,” said Vale, depositing his length in one of the plush chairs. “It is in all probability your complaining which gives her the headache.”
“To tell truth she seemed not well after we drove in the park yesterday,” replied Regina with some concern. “Is there something between the two of you? Have you been churlish?”
“Whatever gives you that idea?”
“The fact that she retired to her room immediately on our return and looked monstrous shaken. Have you behaved hatefully toward her, for I tell you if you have...?”
“Go to her and tell her I would speak with her.Alone,” he said sharply, cutting across her words. “I will wait here, and when she comes down, make sure we are not disturbed.”
“Then you have!”
“Regina...” he warned.
“I go, I go, but only because I hate to see Sophie so disconsolate. You are hateful, Dominic, do you hear me, hateful.”
“As you have so often been at pains to tell me. Now go, forswear I will box your ears if you tarry longer.”
“Very brotherly indeed!” she snapped in reply as she fled from the room at sight of his thunderous frown.
*****
The earl was left kicking his heels for what appeared an eternity and was on the point of going to Sophie’s room to retrieve her himself when the door quietly opened and she came hesitantly into the salon.
“So, you come at last,” he said, going forward to meet her and taking her cold hands in his warm clasp. “A few moments more and I would have thrown caution to the wind and fetched you myself. What, my dear, you will still not look at me? Have I given you such an aversion of me? How can I reclaim myself in your eyes?”
But she was not listening, she saw not the intensity of his gaze or heard the passion in his voice, instead she raised fearful eyes to his face and clinging to his fingers cried, “Dominic, he has returned.”
“Returned? Who?” he asked thoroughly perplexed.
She uttered but one name “Raymond,” and the tears, which had been so near the surface, came in torrents.
He swore harshly beneath his breath and placing an arm around her shoulders led her to sit beside him on the couch. “Have no fear child, you are safe here,” he whispered, stroking her curls in an attempt to soothe as she grasped his coat and cried unrestrainedly on his breast.
It affected him deeply to see her in such distress and his temper rose. “The damned cur will pay for what he has done to you,” he seethed through clenched teeth. “He cannot hurt my little one and still remain on this earth.”
In her anguish she noticed not the endearment and instead cried, “No, Dominic, no. He will kill you and I could not bear it.”
“He may try, but he will fail. Where is he?”
“I know not. He came to the side of the carriage yesterday after you had gone, whilst Regina and Isabella were engaged with a friend, so they did not see. He says he will come for me and I must be ready. If I don’t go with him he swears he will harm David and dishonor your family by saying that I was taken by force from my legal guardian and I have become your mistress. I must
go, I daren’t defy him.”
“By hell’s teeth, you will not!” he swore forcibly. “I protect my own and I will put an end to him. There are ways and means of finding him; he will not long go undiscovered. Say nothing to any other member of the family, especially my father. I will sort this matter; you need worry no more. Be assured you are safe, none shall harm you,” and he held her tightly to him, wishing only to comfort her.
After a while she seemed to calm and raising her from him he took his handkerchief and gently wiped her eyes. “Now, my Jack, let us have no more of this distress,” he chided gently. “Where is that fighting spirit for which you are famous?”
She smiled wanly. “I do believe it has deserted me, sir.”
“Never! If you would but look, I am sure you will find it hiding in some corner!”
*****
It occurred to him, when he returned to his rooms a short while later, that he had still not explained his actions at Vauxhalls, but that would come at another time. More pressing matters filled his thoughts now and to this purpose he ordered his man to find Billy Wragg for him. Wragg was well known amongst the younger gentlemen of the town; he procured information for those desirous of knowing other’s movements and collected debts from those who were reluctant to pay. If anyone should know the whereabouts of a debtor it would be he.
Wragg, when issued into Vale’s presence the next morning, proved to be a small, rotund man with heavy brows. He had several scoundrels in his pay, but to his lordship he was charm itself. Quickly evaluating the diamond pin in Dominic’s cravat, he rubbed his hands in anticipation and bowed profusely, feeling assured that he would be handsomely paid by such a well-breeched individual as the Earl of Vale.
When he eventually straightened, he smiled ingratiatingly. “I have not had the honor of serving you before, my lord,” he said in an oily tone. “But I can assure you of my complete discretion in any matter you would be so gracious as to place in my hands.”
Dominic (Books We Love historical romance) Page 8
