"Take your carriage to the park at 3:00 this afternoon," Adam instructed. He knew that was when Allegra usually drove in the park, and he was determined that she realize she had no hold over him. "I'll meet you there."
"Thank you, Adam! This will be so delightful!" Louisa clasped her hands and beamed as though she had been presented with a diamond necklace.
Adam shifted uneasily. Louisa's manner was wearing on him. "I should be on my way. I'll see you later today."
"If you would care to stay a little while, we could go to my bedroom," whispered Louisa, her voice full of promise. She brushed up against him seductively. "I can never get enough of you, Adam dear. Or we could stay here; the settee is very comfortable, as I’m sure you’ll remember.” The thought of making love to Adam while Gresham lurked behind the curtain made her damp with excitement.
"I'm sorry, but I've an appointment," said Adam uncomfortably. He felt no desire for Louisa at all, a fact that alarmed him. "We'll have time for that later."
"All night," murmured Louisa. "And many, many nights to come. I'm so happy you've come to a decision about your wife."
"As am I. Until later, Louisa." Adam raised her hand formally to his lips and left the room, wondering why he felt so miserable. His course was set, and surely it was the right one.
Chapter 21
A Most Unholy Alliance
Louisa glared at the door as it closed behind Adam, her hands on her hips. He had said all the things she wanted him to, but it was apparent that he still harbored tender feelings towards his wife. And his desire for her had clearly waned, despite her best efforts the night before. She pursed her lips, considering her next move. Tristan was right. She needed an ally.
She heard the sound of chuckling behind her, and turned to see Tristan had emerged from his hiding place. He bowed mockingly, and then strolled towards her, placing one long finger under her chin.
"Well done, my dear. How very skilled you are at playing the ingénue. I didn't suspect the depths of your acting talent. If all else fails, you can always go on the stage."
"Don't be hateful, Tristan." Louisa tossed her head and backed away from him. "I see that you are right, and that there are forces lined up against us. We had best move speedily if we want to accomplish our aims."
"And if you want to hold onto Gravesmere." Tristan grinned unpleasantly. "Your hold is slipping, my dear. Even I could sense that."
"Nonsense. It's only because he is temporarily enamored of his wife. That will pass soon enough. Believe me, I can lure him back at any time."
Tristan shrugged. "He'll come back to you because he wants to make his bride jealous. That's enough for me. I don't care what his motivations are, so long as they don't reconcile. I need Allegra to be furious with him so that she will turn to me."
"Are you admitting that your charms aren't enough to attract a woman?" taunted Louisa. "I thought you were irresistible."
"I'm nothing if not a realist, Louisa. Self-delusion makes you weak. The duchess loves her husband, whether she knows it or not. And she's a strong woman, with a sense of what is right and wrong. No, my mere charms aren't enough in this case. Believe me, that knowledge won't destroy my pleasure in the outcome."
"You're despicable."
"At least my motivations are pure. I want revenge for past wrongs, Louisa. You, on the other hand, are seeking to destroy a young couple's affection for mere gain. There is some poetry to my actions, but to yours--none at all."
Louisa snorted. "Don't try to imply that your aims are nobler than mine. You want the little duchess in your bed for your own pleasure and to humiliate Gravesmere. Hardly the actions of a gentleman."
"Ah, but I never claimed to be a gentleman. Just as you will never be a lady, no matter how high a title you might gain. We are adventurers, Louisa, and will never be respectable."
"Speak for yourself. When I am Duchess of Gravesmere my past will be forgotten."
"Not by me." Tristan's long fingers wrapped around her wrist and squeezed lightly. "Don't forget that. We might be allies now, but you must never forget that I own you, Louisa. Be very careful."
Louisa shivered. She knew she was entering into a pact with the devil. Tristan couldn't be trusted not to betray her. But as long as he needed her, she was safe. This alliance would give her time to find his weaknesses, to safeguard her gains.
"I will," she promised, her eyes downcast.
"What, so demoralized?" Tristan raised her chin with one finger. "Don't think you're fooling me, Louisa. I know how duplicitous you can be. Don't think that you'll come out ahead of me in this."
Louisa's eyes flashed angrily. "Go to hell, Tristan."
"Ah, that's the Louisa I know. You may put on an act with Gravesmere, but I know the real you. It won't be a pretty alliance, my dear, but it might be very effective. I suggest you spend as much time with your lover as possible, and make sure that Allegra knows about it. This drive in the park today will be an excellent start. I'll make sure that all the right people witness it."
Louisa nodded, her eyes alight with annoyance. "I'll rub her proud little nose in it. That little brat thinks she has me beaten, but she'll soon learn what defeat truly is. She deems me lower than the dirt beneath her slippers, but soon she'll be the scandalous woman and I'll be the duchess." A dreamy smile spread across her face.
Gresham laughed. "You're never more beautiful than when you're contemplating doing someone a bad turn, Louisa." His hand slid up her arm, stroking persuasively. "I find you quite irresistible."
Louisa tried to draw away, but Tristan's hold tightened. "What about the interfering Lady Eskmaine?" she asked, trying to ignore the seductive play of his hand across her skin.
"She doesn't know about our past, and I'd prefer that she not do so. You stay away from her, Louisa, and concentrate on causing mischief with Allegra. I'll take care of Lady Eskmaine. As a matter of fact, I'm rather looking forward to it."
"You're interested in the sister as well as the wife? Really, Tristan. How sordid."
Tristan's wicked smile widened. "Oh, I imagine the sister is rather too upright, not to mention strong minded, to be enticed, though I admit I'd enjoy the challenge. I'll save her for another day, perhaps. Think how furious Gravesmere would be. In the meantime, watch your step, Louisa. Be very careful." He raised his other hand to her face and traced the line of her jaw gently with one finger.
"And do you think this is being careful?" asked Louisa, her voice catching as his hand slid down to her neck, caressing and teasing as it moved.
"Gravesmere is gone, and he won't be back this morning. Who is there to see us, Louisa? You offered him some entertainment--what about me? Am I such a poor substitute?" Tristan's voice was soothing and seductive.
"I shouldn't," whispered Louisa. "I have to meet Adam soon."
"There's plenty of time," answered Tristan, as his hand trailed down her chest to push aside the fichu arranged across the low bodice of her gown, and dipped inside to cup a breast. "You could have me this afternoon, and then your drive with Gravesmere, and then him all night. Think how satisfied you'll be. I know about your appetites, my love. When you talk of Allegra's supposed lack of restraint, I know you speak from experience."
Louisa sighed, as he caressed her breast, and then moaned as he rolled her nipple between his fingers, pinching gently, while his other hand squeezed her behind.
He pulled his hand out of her bodice, and pushed her to her knees, then shoved her sleeves down her shoulders, untied and slightly loosened the laces in the back of her gown and sought her needy breasts in her gaping dress with both hands.
Louisa fumbled at his buttons, opening his breeches hastily and pulled out his rampant penis, grasping it in her hands and opening her mouth to circle its swollen head with her tongue. Tristan groaned, and pulled on her nipples; he could see them dark and long inside her sagging gown, and stroked her lush orbs.
Louisa sucked deeply on him, trembling from his attentions to her sensitive breasts. She
licked and sucked, first gently, then more firmly, cupping his testicles in her hands, and massaging the sensitive spot just behind with an experienced finger. She pressed her thighs together as the gathering need, which grew more and more demanding as Tristan rolled and pinched her tender nipples, swelled, seeking release. Louisa stroked him up and down with her tongue, and then opened her mouth even wider to take all of him. As she did, Tristan groaned, and pulled away from her, to spill himself on her chest.
He gasped for a second or two with the pleasure of release, then, with a casual air, he began to close and rebutton his breeches, while Louisa trembled with unfulfilled desire on her knees.
“Do you think to leave me unsatisfied, you oaf?” she snapped.
Tristan looked down into her passion-hazed eyes and chuckled. "Unfortunately, it can't be," he announced, his voice suddenly brisk. He grasped her shoulders and helped her to her feet. "We don't have time for more of this dalliance, Louisa. There's too much to be done."
"Damn you, Tristan," snapped Louisa, raising her hand to slap him. "That is cruel."
Tristan caught her arm, twisting it behind her slightly, and held it. "Just a little demonstration of who is in control here. As long as you're a slave to your passions, my dear, you'll never get the better of me."
"Get out of here," said Louisa, her voice shaking with fury.
"With pleasure. Until later, my love."
Tristan bowed mockingly and swept out of the room, leaving Louisa standing in the middle of the room, still trembling with unsatisfied arousal. She swore unpleasantly and rang the bell for the footman. She would get even, she thought as she sat down on the edge of the settee to wait for his arrival. Tristan would pay for this insult.
Three hours later Louisa left her house in the carriage Adam had so thoughtfully provided for her when he had rented the house in Half Moon Street. It was the latest fashion and very expensive, as was the elegant dress she wore. Louisa paused a moment to enjoy the luxury of her surroundings. She had been through difficult times during the years since her husband's death, but now everything she had was very fine, and her prospects were rosy. Soon, very soon, all she had ever wanted would be in her grasp. A satisfied smile decorated her face as her coachman turned the corner into the park.
She looked about as the glittering throng of the ton milled around her. Some of the bluest blood in the land was gathered in the park that afternoon, and the ladies and gentlemen, all dressed in the finest materials and the latest fashions, strolled and rode and drove about, chatting and gossiping, exchanging whispered secrets and admiring glances, visiting and plotting and flirting. It was a world closed to Louisa by the nature of her birth and scandalous past, and when an occasional glance fell on her it was always hurriedly averted. The lovely Lady Manning was not acceptable. It was said regretfully at times by the gentlemen, who found her enticing, but it was a fact. Her only entrance to this world was through Adam, and being his mistress was not enough for her. She would be the Duchess of Gravesmere, she told herself as she drove along, her chin lifted proudly, her smile hiding her seething jealousy. Then everyone would have to acknowledge her, to admit that she was their equal.
Louisa was pulled out of her reverie by the slowing of the carriage. She looked to see that Adam stood by the side of the track awaiting her. He swung easily up into the carriage as soon as it was halted, and she paused a moment to admire him. He was really very handsome, she thought as she watched him arrange his long limbs on the seat across from her. His golden hair glowed in the sunlight and even the slight look of annoyance on his face couldn't hide its breathtaking beauty. She was very lucky to have a found a man who was both rich and attractive. It was a pity that he seemed to be fighting against her hold, that he had realized that his need for her had never been more than physical, that his wife had proved to be so attractive to him. If she had known from the beginning that he liked the unpredictable type, she would have obliged him. But she only needed to keep up the illusion a little while longer. And she knew that as long as she could keep him convinced that Allegra was in the wrong, he wouldn't turn to his wife. Adam's sense of honor was strong, and his pride wouldn't allow him to go to a woman he believed to be unfaithful. In that respect she had the upper hand over her rival. Adam thought her loving and faithful, and she would make sure he never doubted it. Now that Tristan was working with her, she could feel more secure. That door to her past had been closed, as least for a time.
"Good afternoon, Adam," she said cheerfully. "Come, sit next to me. There's no need to be so distant." She pulled the delicate skirt of her pink and tan afternoon dress aside to make room for him on the seat beside her.
Adam frowned, but then obliged her. He had made certain that Allegra was driving in the park that afternoon, and if he wished to make it plain to her that she no longer had a hold over him, this was the best way to do it. She would see that he valued Louisa for her loyalty to him. Hadn't she remained true to him all these months, even when she knew he was already married?
Louisa linked her arm through his and rested her dark head briefly on his shoulder. "I'm so happy, Adam," she cooed. "It brings back such memories of our time in Paris. Soon we can be together all the time. Won't it be wonderful?"
Adam sighed. "Wonderful," he echoed. He wondered vaguely if there was a way to rid himself of Louisa as well as Allegra. After all, just because he would soon be divorced from his wife didn't mean he had to immediately saddle himself with another. He could give Louisa a large sum of money and buy her a house. She was beautiful; she would easily find herself another husband. But then he looked down into her adoring eyes and his heart sank. She loved him so very much, he thought sadly. Was it fair to break her heart after all the trust she had placed in him?
"Although I regret the pain you've suffered, I must admit that I can't feel entirely unhappy that you've determined to end your wretched marriage," continued Louisa merrily. "Although I would be glad to remain at your side as your mistress, it will be so much nicer to be your wife. Think of how happy we will be, spending all our time together, just as we did in France. And I do so look forward to giving you an heir." She dropped her eyes shyly and managed a simper.
Adam moved restlessly next to her. "Louisa--" he began, but then the carriage took a gentle turn, and he saw Allegra's carriage ahead of the on the track. His wife sat inside it, her lapis-blue dress and the paler blue upholstery outlining the gentle curves of her figure, setting off the brilliant sparkle in her eyes and the glow of her hair. Adam stiffened at the sight of her, feeling the relentless tug of his desire for her as his body responded without his permission. Louisa gave him a knowing glance.
"Goodness, it's your wife," she whispered, pretending profound shock. "How embarrassing. I do hope she doesn't create a scene. I would be so mortified." She inched closer to Adam on the seat.
Adam's lips set in a grim line when he saw that Allegra's carriage was stopped, and the elegantly dressed gentleman who leaned comfortably against the side of it, chatting cheerfully with its occupant, was Lord Gresham. Allegra didn't have the strength to stay away from him for even a few hours, he thought angrily. He wondered jealously if Gresham had already slept with her, or if that was an event that would be happening in the near future. He had spent the last several hours meeting with a man who had promised that Allegra's every move would be watched by his men, and he hoped fervently that they were already on the job.
"Isn't that Lord Gresham?" whispered Louisa, her eyes wide. Trust Tristan, she thought, to be there at just the right moment.
"It is indeed," answered Adam grimly.
The carriage drew nearer to Allegra's, and her head turned, her eyes widening momentarily as she took in the sight of its occupants. She felt a rush of surprise as she recognized that Louisa sat next to Adam, her arm linked possessively through his, then a sharp pang of pain. Finally, a great sense of anger filled her, driving away the distress and leaving her feeling cold and empty. A look of icy contempt covered her face and sh
e turned back to Lord Gresham without acknowledging Adam's presence.
"Would you care to join me, Lord Gresham?" she asked. "I would love some company."
"With pleasure." Tristan cast a mocking look in Adam's direction and stepped up into the carriage, seating himself across from Allegra with careless grace. "I was hoping you would ask."
Allegra's eyes followed Louisa's carriage as it passed hers and continued on its way, Adam's golden head shining brightly next to Louisa's raven one. She frowned.
"What a pity that you only asked in order to annoy your husband," continued Tristan smoothly.
Allegra's eyes flew to his face and she colored self-consciously. "I didn't ask you to keep me company because of that," she protested.
Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you?"
Allegra wrinkled her nose. "Perhaps...just a little. But I truly do enjoy your company, Lord Gresham. You mustn’t think ill of me. It's just so hateful of him to flaunt that woman in my face."
"Hateful indeed," Tristan agreed. "And stupid. Why anyone would prefer her company to yours, I can't imagine."
"She's much more experienced than I am," said Allegra hesitantly. "I suppose I seem a mere child to Adam in comparison."
Tristan smiled wryly. Louisa's calculated words had apparently left a deep wound. For one brief moment he felt the urge to comfort Allegra, to assure her that Adam's interest in Louisa had been on the wane since he had first re-discovered his wife. But then commonsense reasserted itself. Allegra's feelings didn't matter. What mattered was that he got his revenge.
"I find her charms overblown and obvious," countered Tristan. "And her wit is nonexistent. Believe me, Your Grace, any gentleman would prefer your company to hers."
"Then you know Lady Manning?" Allegra eyed him curiously, wondering if she dared question him about her rival.
"We've met," said Tristan coolly. "But I don't wish to discuss her. I want to know what I can do to put a smile back on your lovely face."
A Duchess Enraged Page 22
