In a nearby box, Lady Manning, garbed in a remarkable dress of brilliant green, watched in alarm. "My goodness," remarked one of her companions, a sly-looking gentleman. "Our friend the Duke seems to be dancing attendance on his wife this evening. How dull of him!"
Louisa feigned disinterest. "What is that you say, Sir John? Is he indeed? I hadn't noticed their arrival. Well, Adam is always very polite. But I have no doubt he's bored to death with his child-wife; he has no patience for immaturities."
As Adam chose that moment to throw back his head and laugh at some remark of Allegra's, Sir John tittered.
"Perhaps she is not so immature as one would think," he teased. "I have heard tales of the lady's charm. Perhaps she works her spell on her husband as well."
Lady Manning's hand tightened on her fan, but she knew better than to display unease. "As I said, he has beautiful manners."
"Well, he'll doubtless be in the box attending to you during the interval," said another companion, Mrs. Crowley, comfortably. "We all know how very attached he is to you, Louisa."
"I have no need to be uneasy about his feelings for me, I believe," said Lady Manning graciously. "Nor do I need to concern myself with his dealings with his wife. Wives are so very commonplace after all."
She turned her attention back to the stage, but two spots of bright color burned on her cheeks and her eyes wandered consistently back to the Gravesmere box. She bit the inside of her cheek, almost drawing blood. How dare that wretched creature smile at Adam so charmingly? Louisa barely managed to keep herself from throwing her fan across the box when she saw Allegra lay her hand delicately on Adam's arm. It was time to strike, she thought. She had hoped that time would take care of the little Duchess, but now it seemed that she would have to take an active role in her rival's destruction.
Adam was enjoying himself, and hadn't even noticed that his mistress was present. Allegra's wit kept him far more amused than the singers, and so he told her. "I can't believe that an evening listening to caterwauling could be so entertaining, Allegra," he said. "For the most part I avoid the Opera like the plague."
"I admit I often feel the same way," said Allegra. "Still, I have respect for the singers, having been put through a dreadful series of tortures by my music master, who was convinced that a proper lady should sing like a nightingale. Unfortunately, I am a mere sparrow in the chorus."
"Perhaps your singing voice doesn't outshine others here, but your beauty certainly does. You look very fine tonight, Allegra, and it has been wrong of me not to tell you." Adam gave her a genuine smile.
"Thank you, my lord. You too look exceedingly handsome this evening," Allegra murmured, feeling a sudden shyness. She realized how seldom she was alone with her husband. He was very handsome she thought again, tempted to reach out and touch his shining hair.
"Do you care for this coat?" he asked, turning towards her. His eyes met hers, and he paused, his thought disrupted by the warmth he thought he saw glowing in their blue depths. After a long pause, he collected himself and continued. "I was unsure about it when my tailor insisted it was right for me. But if someone with taste as exquisite as yours approves, then I must be in the mode."
"I assure you, I am attended by the finest gentleman in the room," said Allegra, tapping his hand gently with her fan.
"As you know so many of the gentlemen, I must take that as high praise, indeed," said Adam. Allegra looked at him to see if he was being unkind, but saw only a questioning, almost vulnerable expression on his face.
"Surely, Adam, you know that men gather around any woman judged to be beautiful," she said quietly. "But you mustn't suppose that I do more than amuse myself with them, or that any of them view me as any more than a pleasant means of whiling away a few minutes. It's just a game we all play."
Adam smiled at her warmly, and the two joined in the applause as the act drew to a close. Soon, to Adam's dismay, the box was filled with visitors; not merely Allegra's usual gallants, but also any number of members of the ton anxious to gauge the mood between the Duke and the Duchess. Lord Gresham appeared as well, and Adam frowned when he moved immediately to Allegra's side and seated himself next to her. He folded his arms across his chest and took step in their direction, scowling. But then Freddie Brocklehurst appeared and bore down upon him, obviously intent on grilling his friend.
"Adam, have you decided to get along with that lovely wife of yours? The whole of the Opera House is buzzing at your attentions to her."
Adam scowled. "Has the world nothing better to do than to worry about my conversation with my wife?"
"Tons of better things, my boy, but nothing as amusing," said Freddie. "We are all agog to learn how the two of you go on."
Adam broke into a reluctant laugh. "Then you'll all have to wait a very long time. I'm not about to gossip about my marriage for your entertainment." He paused, his gaze wandering back to where Allegra sat. "What do you know of this Gresham fellow, Freddie?"
Freddie shrugged. "He's a bit older than us, so I don't know him well. A gamester, one hears, but well-born. And the ladies love him. They say he's dashed charming."
Adam's eyes rested on Allegra's laughing face as she leaned towards Lord Gresham, amusement lighting her blue eyes. "Damn it, I don't like it."
Freddie grinned. "Jealous, are you?"
Adam drew himself up. "Certainly not. I just don't want some old roue hanging around my wife. She deserves better."
Freddie nudged him indelicately in the ribs. "And what of the fair Lady Manning?" he asked, nodding in the direction of that lady's box. "Does she know of this new softness towards the Duchess?"
Gravesmere started inwardly. He had forgotten Louisa in the pleasure of Allegra's company. His eyes swept the boxes, coming to rest on Lady Manning's face as she exchanged pleasantries with her companions.
"Oh, lord," he said. "I forgot!"
"Forgot?" Freddie gaped at him. "How can you forget an entire woman?"
Louisa caught Adam's eye, and he bowed slightly to her. He saw that Allegra was still engaged by Lord Gresham, and he slipped reluctantly from the box, hoping that she wouldn't notice his absence. He made his way to Louisa's side, and was soon bowing over her hand.
Louisa shot a triumphant glance at Sir John, who had been tormenting her over the absence of her cavalier. "Good evening, my lord," she said sweetly. "It's delightful to see you. Are you enjoying the opera?"
"Lord, Louisa," Adam responded. "You know I can't stand this screeching."
"But it is fashionable, so one must be seen here," observed Louisa. "It seems quite foolish, does it not?"
"Fashion leads us all," observed Sir John.
"Ah yes, we all strive to be noticed," agreed Louisa.
Adam was surprised to find himself feeling a sense of impatience with Louisa. He was not quite certain exactly what his dissatisfaction with her was; never before had he questioned her beauty, wit, or charm. Now he felt restless and uncomfortable, and Lady Manning and her friends seemed somehow tawdry. Adam’s eyes wandered back to his own box, where Allegra was still chatting with Lord Gresham.
Louisa turned to him when Sir John began to talk to Mrs. Crowley. "Will I have the pleasure of your company this evening, Adam?" she asked softly, her hand resting delicately on his.
"My mother is ill," Adam surprised himself by saying. "I must return home and see to her."
"I'll miss you, your grace," said Louisa. She shifted slightly to give him a better view of her cleavage. "I fear that in your absence I am hopelessly dull."
"Perhaps you should take up stitchery to occupy your time," said Adam abstractedly. His eyes remained on his wife, who seemed to be having no trouble at all amusing herself.
"Sewing, Gravesmere?" said Louisa, a bit of temper laced with sarcasm entering her voice.
"You will have to excuse me, Louisa," said the Duke, standing up abruptly. "I see the performance is about to resume. I will call on you soon." He raised her hand to his lips and departed, leaving her dismaye
d and angry.
Adam slipped back into his box carrying a glass of negus for Allegra. She accepted it gratefully. So occupied had she been by her admirers and the congestion in her box, that she had barely noticed his absence, and the glass of negus convinced her he had left only to obtain it. Adam felt both relieved and annoyed that she had not noticed where he had gone.
"How kind of you to think of me, Adam," she said. "I'm quite parched. Making conversation can be wearing."
"That's not a very kind thing to say. Lord Gresham will think he's been boring you." Adam bowed stiffly to the other man.
Lord Gresham smiled easily and stood, extending his hand to Adam. "Nothing Lady Gravesmere says could ever upset me. I don't believe we have met before, Gravesmere, although we were both in Paris at about this time two years since."
Adam shook his hand with obvious reluctance. "Paris? I don't recall..."
Gresham grinned. "You were very much occupied at the time."
Adam flushed at the obvious reference to Lady Manning. He had met Louisa his first week in Paris, and had seldom left her side after that. He glanced at Allegra, who, he was glad to note, didn't seem to understand Gresham's insinuation.
"And when did you return to England?" asked Adam stiffly.
"Only recently. And I'm glad I did, for I would not otherwise have met your lovely wife." He bowed to Allegra, who promptly hid flirtatiously behind her fan, her eyes dancing over the rim.
Adam frowned repressively. "Thank you for your care of her in my absence. However, I've returned now and the next act appears about to begin." He laid a hand possessively on Allegra's shoulder.
Gresham shrugged. "I see I am dismissed." He raised Allegra's hand to his lips and kissed it. "Until tomorrow, my dear."
He turned and sauntered away with an easy grace, and Adam dropped into the seat next to Allegra with a frown. The box was emptying, he saw with relief.
"I can't stand that fellow. Why does he always have to be hanging around you?" he demanded of Allegra.
"Lord Gresham? What are you talking about?"
"I can't go anywhere that you are without tripping over him. You'd think he was one of your lap dogs," answered Adam peevishly.
Allegra gave him a sharp glance. He actually sounded as though he might be jealous. "There's nothing between Lord Gresham and me. I amuse him, that's all."
"Well, I don't like it." Adam crossed his ankles and stared across at the boxes that ringed the opera house.
Allegra shrugged. "I can hardly tell him to go away. He pays court to countless women, Adam. You mustn't be concerned about it." Inside her chest, her heart was beating a tiny bit faster. Maybe a touch of jealousy would be good for her husband. And if he could have a mistress, what right did he have to refuse her the company of a perfectly respectable gentleman?
Adam bit his lip. Perhaps he was overreacting. Allegra had done nothing more than be polite to Lord Gresham. Wasn't he aware of the truth of her earlier statement that it was all just a game? And he had been neglecting her shamefully. Perhaps he should try to spend a little more time with his wife. He turned to Allegra with a rueful expression.
"Forgive my bad temper," he said. "There's something about that man I don't like, but it's hardly your fault."
Allegra gave a sigh of relief. "I promise not to encourage him, Adam."
"Thank you." Adam's hand closed over hers, and he squeezed it slightly. He was amazed by the delicacy of her fingers, and the way they fluttered gently in his clasp as though she was nervous.
"We should watch the singers," said Allegra, dropping her eyes.
"I suppose so," agreed Adam. "You must wake me if I fall asleep, however."
Allegra smiled appreciatively. "I will jab you sharply in the ribs."
"I imagine you might," said Adam. "I suppose I must stay awake."
They turned their eyes to the singers, but soon their attention was flagging. Adam believed that Allegra continued to worry about his mother, and his suspicions were confirmed partway through the act when Allegra touched his arm gently.
"Adam, I simply can't concentrate," she whispered. "As I know you aren't fond of the opera, would it be possible for you to take me home? I want to check on your mother."
"Certainly," said Adam. "With the greatest of pleasure. I've absorbed all the culture I can for the evening. We were here, after all, for the most important part of the evening, the interval between acts. No one can say we have neglected our social duties."
"You are ridiculous, my lord," said Allegra. The words were accompanied by a grateful look. "Thank you for humoring my fears. You must think me very silly."
"Not at all," said Gravesmere. "I think you are a loving daughter-in-law. After you." He bowed to her with exaggerated grace, and they exited their box. The eyes of the ton followed them with curiosity, and, at least one violet pair, with anger.
Chapter 6
Renewed Acquaintances
"I see that the Gravesmere's are abandoning us," said Sir John to Louisa. "I wonder why they have chosen to leave the opera so early? But then, they are only recently reunited, are they not? It is almost as though they are newly married, I'm sure."
Louisa managed a smile. "Adam's mother is ill," she snapped. "I'm sure that's the only reason for their early departure. When Adam was here only a few moments ago he was complaining of his wife's dull conversation."
Sir John raised his brows. "He seemed highly amused to me. Perhaps he was trying to spare your feelings."
Louisa bit back a sharp retort. If she showed the slightest doubt of Adam's loyalty to her, gossip would spread like wildfire. "I'm not worried, Sir John. I know Adam's heart is mine."
Sir John opened his mouth to answer, but the door to the box swung open, revealing Lord Gresham, his tall figure dominating the opening. He grinned wickedly when Louisa jumped, a wary and almost frightened expression crossing her face. "Come take a turn in the corridor with me, Lady Manning," he said.
"L...Lord Gresham." Louisa swallowed. "You must excuse me, sir. I am watching the opera."
"Nonsense. You hate the opera. Come along. I have something I wish to tell you, away from your companions."
A hunted look appeared in the back of Louisa's eyes. "You may call on me tomorrow, sir."
"Now, Louisa." Lord Gresham folded his arms across his chest as Sir John licked his lips, his eyes flitting from one to the other. He sensed a mystery, and perhaps a scandal.
"I wasn't aware you two were acquainted," he said.
Lord Gresham shot him an impatient glance. "Come along, Louisa."
"Oh, very well." Louisa rose in a rustle of silk. "But I cannot walk for long."
"This will take only a few minutes," promised Lord Gresham, drawing her arm through his. He led her from the box under the astonished eyes of her companions, who immediately fell to talking about the mysterious scene they had just witnessed.
Out in the empty corridor Louisa snatched her hand from Gresham's. "How dare you, Tristan?" she demanded, her voice shaking. "How dare you try to embarrass me in front of the ton?"
"Those people in your box are hardly the ton, Louisa dear. Hangers-on, for the most part, I'd say. Being a great man's mistress brings its rewards, I suppose."
Louisa glared at him. "It's better than being yours, at any rate. All you ever attracted were debt collectors."
"Touché, my love." Tristan bowed. "You always were quick with your tongue. In more ways than one." His eyes lingered on her lips, and she flushed as she realized what he was thinking.
"How dare you speak to me in that way?" Louisa shook with rage, raising her hand to slap him. "I'm no longer some penniless widow for you to take advantage of, Tristan."
"No, you're a Duke's much-pampered mistress." Tristan grabbed her arm in his firm grip. "I wouldn't recommend making me angry, Louisa. Tell me, why did you sneak out of our rooms like that? The least you could have done was be honest with me. One moment you were there, wringing me dry each night, the next day you were gone and
ensconced in Gravesmere's hotel suite. It wasn't well done of you, love."
"I didn't owe you anything. It's not as though I got anything from you, Tristan. You were as penniless as I was."
"Ah, but we were fond of one another, weren't we?" Tristan put a finger under her chin and turned her head towards him. Her violet eyes remained stubbornly lowered. "I was certainly fond of you. Or at least I was fond of what you could give me."
"I don't know what you're talking about. You're fond of nothing but your own amusement, of gaming and drinking and wenching. You surely couldn't expect me to stay with you, Tristan, watching you gamble away every penny you had, when Gravesmere was importuning me every moment to join him. I could only take so much."
Tristan laughed at that. "On the contrary, Louisa, you're one of the strongest women I know. So strong, that I came back to England when I heard you were to return with Gravesmere. I wanted to see what game you were playing."
"I'm not playing a game," said Louisa fiercely.
"No, you're not. You're playing with fire. You mean to marry that young man, don't you?"
Louisa bit her lip. "He's married already."
"But you won't let that stop you, will you? I'm willing to bet you have a plan, Louisa."
"My plans are none of your concern, Tristan." Louisa glared at him and tilted her chin.
"On the contrary, your plans are very much my concern." Tristan's voice dropped, becoming menacing. "Because, Louisa dear, you made me angry when you left me. Very angry. I thought we had an understanding, but it seems you were willing to leave me for the first handsome and wealthy youth that you could seduce into your bed. I can't let you get away with that, my dear."
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