Thank heavens Uncle George wasn’t here to witness this travesty. In truth, she was glad all the attention centered on Richard. Years ago, he’d dreamed of rubbing shoulders with the ton. Now that he’d won their esteem, he would likely ignore her and focus on more impressive acquaintances.
With so many eyes upon her, she must regain her composure. “Anne, I am so happy for you.”
“I knew you would be overjoyed,” Anne said.
She tried to smile, but she could not.
Richard cupped his hand and whispered to Anne. She turned to Tessa. “Richard has something he wishes to ask you.”
Pins pricked her hands again. She heard feminine sighs. No doubt the ladies all thought him handsome and heroic, his limp proof of his duty to his country. In all fairness, he had served his country. Clearly he had been injured. Guilt seized her for a moment, but sanity returned as she recalled the choice he’d made long ago.
The buzz of voices dwindled as they waited to hear his words. Richard dipped his chin in a boyish manner. She knew better than to fall for that trick. He’d used it to coax her eight years ago, but she was no longer a naïve eighteen-year-old girl.
“I hoped you would take a turn with me in the foyer,” he said.
“You are kind, Lieutenant Mortland, but I would not take you from your sister after your recent reunion.” She’d allowed her voice to carry, deliberately emphasizing the proper address, a counterpoint to his earlier indiscretion.
Anne shook her head. “You mustn’t worry on my account. How could I deny such a simple pleasure to my brother and my dearest friend?”
Panic seized her. She could not go anywhere alone with Richard. “I am obliged to assist the duke this evening.”
Anne’s brows furrowed. “Surely you can spare a few moments.”
“My duty is to His Grace.”
Her words caused a ripple of whispers among the crowd. She knew her refusal was creating a scene, but she refused to let Richard trap her.
The duchess intervened. “Gel, no one will think less of you for taking a turn with the lieutenant.” She regarded her son. “Tristan?”
Tessa poured all her entreaty into her eyes. Tristan, can you not see how much I wish to avoid this man?
“Miss Mansfield is free to do as she pleases,” he said.
Everyone stared. She wished the floor would crack open and swallow her. Richard held out his arm. “Will you take a turn with me?”
She saw Anne’s bewildered expression and knew she had no choice but to comply. Revulsion shot through her as she took his arm. The brief, triumphant look in his eyes sparked resentment inside her. He had planned to ask her in public, so she could not refuse. Furious with him for coercing her, she gave him a haughty look worthy of a queen.
As they departed, Tessa noted the censorious stares directed at her and knew she’d erred badly. No doubt they thought her behavior ill-bred. To them, Richard was a war hero, returned to the bosom of his family. He had deceived them with his charm and self-effacing manner, the same way he had deceived her eight years ago.
Chapter Ten
When Richard led her into the crowded corridor, Tessa placed a serene smile on her face because others were watching. No matter what happened, she must keep her composure. She could not afford to make another mistake.
She could endure a short walk with the man she loathed.
They descended the stairs. “You must forgive my earlier indiscretion,” he said. “I was so overwhelmed when I saw you that I completely forgot the proprieties.”
Too bad he’d not been dumbstruck. Did he actually think she would believe him? Well, why wouldn’t he? Eight years ago, she’d fallen for every honeyed word that dripped from his lips.
As they minced about the foyer, Tessa surveyed the crowd. Many had taken notice of her appearance with a stranger. She could well imagine their mocking thoughts. The spinster matchmaker has found herself a man.
After everything that had happened, why would he ask her to take a turn with him? Years ago, she’d learned the hard way he’d only wanted her fortune. Tessa doubted anything had changed.
He let out a loud sigh. “Must you treat me in this cold manner? I hoped to renew our friendship.”
Satan would ice skate in Hades before that happened. “Is that the reason you insisted upon walking with me?”
“I wished to speak to you privately because there are things I cannot say in Anne’s presence.”
“The words are better left unsaid.”
“Will you not allow me to apologize?”
“You have done so. Twice.”
“I meant for the terrible way we parted all those years ago.”
“Very well. I accept.” She inclined her head. “Now we may return.”
He regarded her with a mournful expression. “I cannot allow this to pass so easily.”
“You’re not planning to beat your breast and weep copious tears, I hope.”
“Still the little vixen, aren’t you?” he said in an exaggerated, seductive tone.
She held her tongue, hoping her silence would speak for itself.
His gaze lowered to her mouth. “You’ve no idea how often I thought of you.”
She might have fallen for such a trick eight years ago, but she wouldn’t now. “As much as you thought of your sister?”
“I missed you both.”
“Ah, I begin to comprehend. You pined so much you couldn’t bear to write Anne for two whole years.”
“My severe wounds prevented me. My recuperation took many months.” He sighed. “My recollection of that time is vague.”
How convenient. “The French family could not write for you?”
“They were illiterate peasants.”
“Naturally they could find no one in all of France to send correspondence to your family.”
“It is quite impossible for a lady to understand. The confusion and difficulties of life in a war-torn country are overwhelming. Even Wellington did not know Napoleon had abdicated when he commanded the battle at Toulouse.”
“I confess I am befuddled. Did the war not end nearly a year ago?”
He led her to the perimeter of the foyer. “You do not believe me. Even my limp is not proof enough for you.”
“I am sorry for your suffering, but you made your choice.”
“It was no choice.” His puppy eyes filled with feigned pain. “Your uncle would have told you differently, but he gave me no option.”
Richard had no idea she’d heard every word he’d spoken to her uncle.
He stopped before a painting depicting Venus and Mars in a lover’s embrace. “I still have feelings for you,” he whispered.
She inhaled sharply and tried to jerk her hand away, but he clamped his fingers over her own. For the space of a heartbeat, fear squeezed her lungs, but she would never let him see he’d discomposed her. She straightened her spine and regarded him with all the hauteur she could muster. “The air in this crowd is stifling. Please return me to the box now.”
“No, let me say these words,” he said. “I’ve kept them bottled inside for eight years. I was willing to risk everything for you because I lo—”
“Hush.” She almost left him on the spot, but she couldn’t return to the box alone without stirring up more gossip. Others had already marked her animosity toward Richard. She didn’t dare give them more ammunition.
He closed his eyes momentarily as if he were in pain. “Forgive me. I was overcome with emotion. This is neither the time nor the place.”
“Now that you are recovered, let us return to the box. I have duties.”
“Not until you allow me to reassure you.”
He obviously thought she was still the same stupid girl who had believed everything he said. “I neither want nor need reassurance from the likes of you,” she said in a warning tone.
“I was not to the manor born,” he said, “but I am a gentleman. What transpired all those years ago will never pass my lips.”
But once it had.
“You doubt me,” he said. “I am not the selfish being you suppose me, but I’m no fool either. I would never risk the condemnation of my family and all of society.”
She had multiple reasons to distrust him, but whether she trusted him or not mattered little. In truth, she had no choice but to depend upon his discretion.
“After I left home, I worried about you,” he said, “but I could not write, not without risking your uncle’s wrath.”
“I do not wish to hear another word.” He had never cared about her. She had overheard him say as much to her uncle.
His brandy-soaked breath soughed over her cheek. “I wrote a few lines to Anne before I left for the Continent. All I could do was inquire after your health. Anything else might have caused suspicion.”
Her stomach roiled. He’d referred to the letter Anne had given her only a week ago. She gazed at the painting without really seeing it.
“Can we not be friends?” he asked.
He had extended the olive branch, so she would take it for Anne’s sake, with conditions. “Out of respect for your sister, we will maintain a polite acquaintance.”
“I suppose I must accept, though I hope in time we can be friends again.”
All she would ever offer him was a truce, and that only because of Anne. Though she would never let down her guard, he had allayed her worst fears. He would not reveal their secrets because he had as much to lose as she did.
Tristan gripped the balcony rail, his back to his guests. He could not walk about, making small talk. Hot anger swirled through his veins. He still wanted to plant his fist in Mortland’s face.
How dare that upstart, that nobody, call her Tessa? The insolent cad had staked a claim on her in front of everyone. She’d only stood there, staring at him as if she’d seen a ghost. What else could she have done? While Lady Broughton had made excuses about youthful acquaintances, Tristan did not believe it was a slip of the tongue.
The lout had played the crowd like a card sharp. Tristan recognized the type. His father had manipulated his mother with lies and half truths. Tristan had learned at an early age not to fall for his promises and excuses. He certainly wasn’t falling for Mortland’s dubious tale. Unfortunately, he feared Tessa would not see through the lieutenant.
Perhaps he wasn’t giving her due credit. After all, she had refused more than once to take a turn with Mortland. But Tristan couldn’t forget the imploring look she’d given him when his mother had urged him to give permission for her to leave. Had Tessa secretly wanted to take a turn with Mortland?
Tristan clenched his teeth. The devil, couldn’t she see the man was unworthy of her? He’d called her by her Christian name, damn it all. No honorable man treated a lady with such disrespect.
He bowed his head, remembering the night he’d kissed and touched her. Who was he to point an accusing finger?
Hawk approached, standing silently for a while. “Did you eat something rotten? Your complexion is a nasty shade of green.”
“The devil take you.”
Hawk leaned his hip against the balcony rail. “Jealous?”
Tristan muttered a particularly foul curse.
Hawk’s shoulders shook with laughter.
“Damn it, I’m worried about her.”
“Did you know about Mortland?” Hawk asked.
He nodded. “Broughton told me he was investigating Mortland’s disappearance. It was clear he thought the man dead. Who would not after two years without a word?”
“No doubt the French family consisted of a lonely war widow,” Hawk said.
“Everyone else seemed taken in by his story.” Tristan’s jaw worked. “I’m worried Miss Mansfield fell for it, too.”
“I doubt it. She seemed reluctant to walk out with him.”
He wanted to believe Hawk, but he couldn’t forget her beseeching look, one he couldn’t interpret. “The way he persisted makes me think he has designs on her.” Had she wanted to go, or had she made a silent plea for him to rescue her?
“He’s probably sniffing after her fortune.”
“I’ve got to protect her,” Tristan muttered.
“You ought to protect him,” Hawk said. “She rather looked as if she wanted to murder him when they left here.”
“They’ve been gone too long. I must go to her,” Tristan said.
Hawk made a sound of disgust. “Nine of the most eligible belles in the ton are vying for your attention, and you want to chase after the only one who isn’t.”
Tristan felt as if he’d fallen off a rearing horse and knocked his brains about. He’d not even given the bridal candidates more than a cursory thought. Even during his conversation with Georgette, his mind had wandered as she’d chattered nonstop. In shock, he realized he rarely thought about any of them unless they were present. But he thought about Tessa every single day. And night. Especially at night when images of her naked in his bed stole into his head.
Hawk peered at him. “You look as if a lightning bolt just struck you. What is between you and Miss Mansfield?”
Tristan stiffened. “I’m only concerned for her welfare. She has no male relative to see to her protection.”
“Brotherly concern, is it?”
“Stubble it, I’m off to rescue her.”
“And set all the tongues wagging? Not a good idea, old boy.”
“I don’t give a rat’s arse.” Then he strode past the guests, ignoring the invitations to stop and converse. Tessa was in trouble. He must protect her.
When he reached the stairs, Tristan found himself fighting the crowd returning to their seats. He continually muttered pardon as he squeezed past the other patrons.
Once he reached the foyer, he drew in a deep breath, scanning the dwindling crowd. Where was she?
He walked a few paces and then he spotted Tessa. She and Mortland stood before a painting. Tristan slowed his pace. Perhaps he’d worried needlessly. Nothing seemed untoward.
The lieutenant glanced over his shoulder at Tristan. A predatory gleam filled Mortland’s eyes. Then he took Tessa’s gloved hand and lifted it to his lips, startling her.
A red haze clouded Tristan’s vision. He quickened his stride and halted a foot away. Tessa swerved her crimson face toward him. Then she snatched her hand back as if scalded.
Tristan braced his feet in a wide stance and stared daggers at Mortland.
An amused smile lit Mortland’s pretty-boy face. “Miss Mansfield, I’ve obviously kept you from your duties too long.”
Tristan offered his arm to Tessa. “May I escort you? The opera will resume shortly.”
“Yes, please.” Her face still red, she set her fingers on his sleeve.
Mortland bowed. “Thank you for the pleasure of your company, Miss Mansfield. I will relinquish you—for now.”
Neither she nor Tristan spoke as they climbed the steps. She dared say nothing, for she was so overset she didn’t trust herself to speak. How dare Richard kiss her hand? Oh, he would pass it off as a courtly gesture if she confronted him, but she knew he’d done it on purpose upon seeing Tristan. Richard’s timing was no coincidence. She suspected he wanted Tristan and everyone else to think there was a romance blossoming between them. If he thought she would stand for his playing the part of a lovesick beau, he was in for a rude surprise.
After she and Tristan entered the box, the girls’ mothers eyed her with suspicion. Tessa surmised they’d been gossiping about her reluctance to walk with the lieutenant. Her long absence and return with Tristan probably had inflamed their poor opinion of her. Doubtless they saw it as another character fault, along with her spinsterhood and her career.
Tristan halted and drew in his breath as if he were about to speak, but Anne appeared at her side, preventing him. He bowed, excused himself, and walked away.
Anne frowned. “Where is Richard?”
“Downstairs.” Tessa fisted her gloved hands. He’d not changed at all. Richard had coerced her tonight, but she vowed h
e never would again.
Anne drew her aside. “Why did you frown when my brother asked you to walk with him?”
“He put me on the spot.” Tessa’s chest rose and fell with her agitation. “I am disappointed you did not discourage him.”
Anne looked taken aback. “I saw no harm.”
“In front of all the duke’s guests?” Tessa said in a curt tone and winced at Anne’s stunned expression.
“But we are all old friends,” Anne said. “I never thought you would object or I would have deterred him. The duchess and Shelbourne approved.”
“They could hardly refuse with a crowd watching.”
“Their approval would not have been necessary had you accepted immediately,” Anne said. “Truly, it was intermission, so I do not understand why you tried to beg off.”
Tessa shook her head. “I am here for one purpose only—to assist with the duke’s courtship. You know I take my matchmaking career seriously. Leaving the box sent a message that I am frivolous.”
“I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.” Anne worried her hands. “I was so elated over Richard’s return I did not stop to think.”
Tessa winced. “I understand.” Richard had taken advantage of his sister’s joy. Tessa knew he would continue to do so.
Anne swallowed visibly. “Geoffrey is angry at Richard for detaining you so long. He told me to reprimand Richard or he would. It is the first time Geoffrey has ever spoken in anger.”
“Your husband is not angry with you.”
“I imagined Richard’s homecoming would be a happy occasion, but my thoughtlessness ruined everything.” She regarded Tessa with misery. “Geoffrey did not approve of bringing Richard to Shelbourne’s box, but I foolishly insisted. I let my impatience overtake my better judgment.”
“I understand. It is over now, and we will forget it.” But she never would. Despite Richard’s claim that he only wanted friendship, his actions proved he’d not changed a bit. He was as calculating as ever.
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