‘Are you going to buy it?’
Joshua Marchmain! The man seemed forever destined to disturb her peace. He had expressed a strong interest in art, but why had he chosen to visit this morning, and this gallery? The latter was soon explained.
‘You would be doing a friend of mine a favour if you did—buy it, I mean.’
His voice was light and amused. She looked at him smiling lazily down at her, a shaft of sunlight pouring through the glass atrium above and reflecting pinpoints of light in the gold of his hair. As always he was immaculately dressed: a perfectly cut coat of dark blue superfine, an embroidered waistcoat of paler blue and close-fitting cream pantaloons. Despite the fashionable dress, he was no dandy. Domino was acutely aware of his body so close, so taut and hard, a body a woman could easily melt against. A wave of desire suddenly knotted her stomach and began its destructive trail through every fibre. She was genuinely shocked at her response and there was an uncomfortable pause before she was able to gather her wits together and wish him a prim good morning.
‘I take it that your friend is the painter and this is his exhibition.’
‘It is, and he is doing the painterly thing and starving in a garret.’
‘Then, surely, you should be helping him.’
‘I am very willing, but he won’t hear of it. He maintains that he must live by his brush and his brush alone, and there are only so many paintings one individual can buy. So you see how important it is that you purchase his most treasured work. It’s a splendid scene, is it not?’
He wondered if she would listen to the alarm bells clanging in her head, murmur something innocuous and move on, but her reply was one of genuine warmth.
‘I think it wonderful—so wild and natural, so full of energy and joy.’
‘Now I wonder why those qualities should appeal to you.’
The familiar flush flamed her cheeks and, seeing it, he made a vow to tread more carefully. He was intrigued by this delightful girl and, if he wanted to know her better, he would have to be sure to confine his remarks to the unexceptional. He offered her his arm.
‘Since we are both here, Miss de Silva, do allow me to escort you around the rest of the exhibition.’
She hesitated for a fraction and he was relieved when good manners triumphed over churlishness. A lace-mittened hand was placed lightly on his arm and they began a stately progress around the gallery. He was hopeful that she would share his enthusiasm for the art and delighted when she willingly joined him in appraising the pictures they viewed, her dark eyes glowing with pleasure.
She was simply dressed in sprig muslin, but its soft folds and pleats revealed an exquisite young figure. From time to time her warm limbs touched his as they walked slowly side by side around the vast space and he felt his body stiffen in response. He wondered what those delightful curves would feel like beneath his hands and how soft that full mouth would be in meeting his.
‘How have you become so knowledgeable, Mr Marchmain?’
Her words cut through this delightful fantasy and he was forced to administer a sharp mental shake before he could reply calmly, ‘I think you might find the experts would quarrel with your use of the word knowledgeable. But I have travelled widely in Europe and have always made a point of seeking out the very best art each city could offer.’
‘And have you kept travelling?’ she asked wonderingly.
His voice when he answered was unusually sombre. ‘There were a few years when I stayed put, years when I rented rooms in a Venetian palazzo. I found that an ideal location for painting.’
‘It must have been. I’ve only ever seen pictures of Venice and I long to visit myself.’
‘Then you must and as soon as possible. I would say that you were made for that city.’
And his gaze swept lingeringly over her: creamy olive skin, upturned nose and sorrowful dark eyes did not make a classical beauty, but something infinitely more charming. She blushed again and he silently chided himself. She was bewitching, that was the problem. She was so serious and yet so full of youthful energy that he wanted to open up the world for her and watch her smile. He was surprised by the force of his feelings.
‘Do you still stay in Venice?’
‘No longer, I fear. I inherited a property in England and it became necessary to return and become a responsible proprietor.’
‘And where is your home now?’
‘I would hardly call it home, but the house is known as Castle March. It’s in Norfolk. Do you know it?’ She shook her head. ‘It is a large estate and needs managing. I ought to spend more time there, but ruralising in the depths of the English countryside is not exactly my forte.’
‘I am sure that country living must have its own attractions.’
‘Possibly—but only, I imagine, if you have someone to share them with.’ Instantly he wished he had remained silent. That was the kind of remark that sent her into retreat. ‘It can be pretty bleak in the fens for much of the year, so company is always welcome,’ he offered, trying to retrieve the situation.
But she had taken alarm and detached herself from his arm. She adjusted the ribbons of her bonnet and thanked him prettily but firmly for his escort. In a moment she had disappeared out of the door and he was left to fume at his clumsiness. For a man of his address, he was managing extremely poorly, he thought. What was it about her that made him as maladroit as some untried adolescent? It could only be the enchantment of youth. For years he had strictly confined his most intimate attentions to experienced women; he had forgotten how utterly disarming innocent beauty could be.
* * *
The minute Domino stepped through the front door she saw the letter lying menacingly on the hall table and knew immediately from whom it came. The envelope was of thick cream vellum and bore a ducal crest. Charlotte Severn’s invitation had arrived. The duchess’s words uttered in the heat of the moment had been made good, but Domino had no wish to open the letter. She had taken the woman in dislike; why exactly she was unsure, but her father’s condemnation had served only to underline the distaste she felt.
It was clear that the duchess was a close friend of Joshua Marchmain and he was certain to attend her social events. For that reason alone she would be reluctant to go. She had spent an engaging hour with him this afternoon, but he was a man she needed to avoid. He was dangerous to her peace of mind; the laughing eyes flecked with gold, the languorous gaze, had made her whole body burn in shameful response and promised the kind of pleasure she dared not think of. He was most definitely not a gentleman. He might dress as one and mix with ease in ton society, but he was rash and reckless and constantly put her out of countenance. How very unlike Richard, who was just as handsome but mindful of the proprieties and careful never to overstep the line. Joshua would not even recognise the existence of a line. He was undoubtedly a rake—a charming one, but someone with whom she should have no further commerce.
* * *
Her assumption that her father would prevent her attending the entertainment at Steine House proved false. When he walked into the dining room that evening, he was waving the duchess’s card in his hand.
‘The Duchess of Severn.’ Then, seeing his daughter’s long face, he said firmly, ‘I think we must attend, Domino.’
‘Could you not go alone, Papa?’
‘I would prefer to, certainly. I am not at all keen that you further your acquaintance with the lady. But I fear we would give grave offence if you were to refuse.’
‘But I am of no importance,’ she persuaded eagerly. ‘It is your position as ambassador that has prompted her to write.’
‘I think not. The invitation was issued directly to you at the Chapel Royal. And my position, as you put it, means that I dare not offend anyone as influential as the Severns. The duke belongs to the Regent’s inner circl
e.’
Domino made no reply, but sat erect, hands in her lap, and looked blankly ahead.
‘Will it be such a trial, querida? We will stay no more than a couple of hours, I promise. And you will have me by your side the whole time.’
‘I’m sorry, Papa, I’m being a goose.’ Domino leaned across the table and gave him a loving hug. ‘I had hoped the duchess had forgotten me.’
‘Unfortunately not. I only hope her remembrance does not signify that she wishes “to take you up”, as they say here. Your standing would not be enhanced by her favour.’ Alfredo sighed deeply. ‘Negotiating our way successfully through the English Court was never going to be easy, but I may have underestimated the difficulties.’
A thought struck him and he brightened. ‘Carmela can attend with us, then your being singled out for an invitation will not look so particular.’
Carmela, who had retired from the table and was sitting on the cushioned window seat reading an improving work, put her book down with a sharp slap. Her face glowered.
‘I mean no disrespect to you, cousin, but nothing on earth would induce me to attend that woman’s party.’
‘Carmela, how is this? She may not be precisely to our taste, but she is a great noblewoman,’ Alfredo chided her.
‘Is that what you call it? We have a different word for it in Spain.’
He looked warningly at her and then back to Domino.
‘What is that, Carmela?’ Domino asked innocently.
Her cousin compressed her lips. ‘Suffice to say that she is a married woman, but does not behave as one. She would not be welcome at any house belonging to our family.’
Domino looked shocked. ‘You mean she has lovers?’
Carmela appeared to struggle with herself for a moment, but then decided where her duty lay.
‘I do not generally indulge in idle gossip, as I hope you know,’ she said repressively, ‘but I think it right that you should be on your guard. In the few weeks we have been in Brighton I have heard disquieting things about the Duchess of Severn. I believe that her current lover has followed her here and is even now residing at the Pavilion.’
Domino glanced at her father, urgently seeking his reassurance, but no denial was forthcoming. His face was set and he refused to meet her eyes. Suddenly she understood. Joshua Marchmain was that lover. That was why he had been so irritated at the Chapel Royal. He had not wanted her to make the duchess’s acquaintance, had not wanted her to know the truth of their supposed friendship. She felt herself flushing hotly, embarrassed at having been so naïve. Flushing, too, with a kind of pain. But why on earth did she feel that? Had she been stupid enough to think there was any kind of connection between them?
It was true that he had singled her out at her father’s reception and engaged her in lengthy conversation. He had even talked sensibly and interestingly about art. But that was misleading. She should remember her first encounter with him as she walked by the sea; his conduct had been predatory, light-hearted and amusing, it was true, but nevertheless predatory. Even outside the church on Sunday he had not been able to resist throwing out lures to her. He was a womaniser for whom every female was fair game, even as his mistress was living a mere stone’s throw away. The thought of visiting Steine House was loathsome.
* * *
A few days later, an unwelcome message arrived at Marine Parade. Señor de Silva was required to return to London immediately. News had arrived from Spain too confidential to be entrusted to a messenger and it was necessary for the ambassador to post up to Manchester House. He would spend only one night away, but it looked unlikely that he would return to Brighton in time for Charlotte Severn’s soirée.
Alfredo was faced with a quandary. He had no wish to expose his daughter to the malign influence of Steine House without his protection but, at the same time, he knew that it was essential he was represented at what would be a prestigious affair. He would let Domino herself decide.
‘I hardly like to ask this of you, my dear,’ he began tentatively, ‘but would you be willing to go to the duchess’s concert by yourself for a short while? I could no doubt arrange for an older lady to take you under her wing until I return. Once I am back in Brighton, I will make haste to join you at Steine House. Or perhaps Carmela could swallow her misgivings? If she would agree to attend, it would make things a great deal more comfortable.’
The women’s despondent expressions hardly promised comfort. Attending the event without the support of Señor de Silva was the last thing either of them wished to contemplate. But they both found themselves agreeing to his suggestion, Domino because she loved her father dearly and knew that he would not ask this of her unless it was necessary and Carmela because the family’s honour was at stake and that was sufficient to call forth her loyalty.
* * *
So it was that at six o’clock on a balmy Friday evening the two of them set off in a hired carriage for Steine House. It had an infamous reputation, for it was the home the Regent had purchased for his long-standing mistress and unofficial wife, Maria Fitzherbert. She still resided there and was hardly ever seen beyond its walls, though the Prince was said even now to visit her frequently, despite a legal marriage and many subsequent lovers. Rumour insisted that a tunnel ran via the adjoining Marlborough House to the basement of the royal palace. The Duke of Severn was an old friend of Mrs Fitzherbert and he and his wife were always made welcome in her home when they visited the town. The duke in particular could not bear to live permanently in the overheated Pavilion and always availed himself of this hospitality.
The whispers that swirled around Steine House could only sharpen the aversion both Domino and her cousin felt at having to enter its portals. But when their carriage stopped outside, they saw only a graceful white stucco building with an Italian-style façade and a trellised verandah and balcony. A balustrade of carved ironwork led up a single flight of steps to a heavily ornamented glass door. Domino pinned on what she hoped was a polite smile and made ready to greet her hosts. She received a courteous welcome, the duke seeming to her young eyes horribly withered and old. No wonder the duchess looked elsewhere, she found herself musing, then promptly castigated herself for such an appalling thought. Steine House was already having a noxious effect. Once inside the main door, they were directed up a bamboo and iron staircase to a salon from which the strains of music could already be heard.
‘This is the staircase Lord Barrymore once rode his horse up for a bet,’ Carmela hissed in her ear.
Domino paused on the staircase, startled for a moment by her staid cousin’s incongruous knowledge of ton gossip. Where on earth did she hear such stories? As she stood balanced on one foot, she caught sight of her reflection in the long pier glass at the top of the stairs. She was pleased with what she saw. The apricot silk she had chosen, trimmed with gold edging and worn with an overdress of cream-coloured gauze, set off the creamy olive of her complexion perfectly. Her glossy ebony curls hung naturally to her neck in ringlets this evening and her eyes were sparkling, if only in apprehension. Carmela leaned forwards and tapped her wrist sharply with her fan, a painful reminder that in her cousin’s book any sign of vanity was sinful.
In a few moments they were in the large salon, a huge scarlet cavern of a room hung with red satin curtains and upholstered in red plush velvet. A uniformed footman ushered them to one of the rows of little gold chairs that had been arranged in the shape of a wide semi-circle. Domino sat down gingerly on one of the tiny chairs.
‘Be careful, Carmela,’ she warned, ‘these chair legs are so thin that one false fidget and the sound of matchwood will drown out the string quartet.’
Carmela permitted herself a slight smile and looked searchingly around the room. ‘I see nobody who came to our reception,’ she remarked disappointedly. ‘How strange when a most famous soprano is to sing.’
‘Evidently they have decided to miss the delights on offer.’ Including Joshua Marchmain, she noted wryly.
She told herself she was glad that at least this evening she would not have to face him. Yet, unaccountably, she felt a pang of disappointment. She had enjoyed her tour of the Grove Gallery. True, she had been put out of countenance once or twice by his infelicitous remarks, but she had spent nigh on an hour in his company discussing nothing more incendiary than art and European travel. He was interesting and intelligent, and though he had visited places she could only dream of, he had not made her feel the gauche girl she knew herself to be.
But rumour had named him the lover of any number of married women, including Charlotte Severn. Could rumour have possibly lied? In her heart she knew it could not. Mr Marchmain was a thorough-going rake and, if the sensations of her own unruly body were anything to judge by, he did not have to work too hard for his success. The shaft of intense desire that had pierced her so suddenly and so unexpectedly signalled clearly that she was in danger of being drawn into a whirlpool of feeling, with him at its centre. It was well for her that he was not here this evening.
‘My lords, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the illustrious soprano, Bianca Bonelli.’
The duke led the famous singer, who had journeyed from Milan at his request, to a raised platform, kissing her hand enthusiastically while the string quartet began to play the opening piece of music. Domino set herself to listen with what she hoped was a thoughtful expression.
Society's Most Scandalous Rake Page 4
