Butterflies spread their wings and took flight in her belly.
He stood and walked over, slowly, predatorily, as though giving her a chance to run. “You play the harp, Lady Selena?”
She wet her lips quickly. “I do…” Her voice faded away as she noticed his eyes on her mouth. He’d caught her action. His gaze flicked back to her eyes, and it was like being struck by a bolt of lightning.
Selena’s skin drew in tight.
“The harp is in the music room,” Lady Dorshea said. “The song sounds lovely on both instruments, but there’s an intimate quality about the harp, I must say.”
The women around her quickly agreed.
Marley approached and held out his hand. “Shall we go to the music room?”
* * *
Marley was almost surprised when Lady Selena stood to accept his escort. She kept her chin tilted high, but it could do nothing to hide her obvious apprehension. Her expression was nearly coy, yet she was doing what she could to hide it. To appear brave, as though he, a duke, offering to escort her to another room was something she encountered every day.
And maybe she did.
She was lovely.
Her hair was the shade of thick honey with a hint of fire. Her lips were a natural crimson. Her cheeks had grown a rosy shade at his approach. She had many lovely shades of red, like a fine berry he wished to nibble on.
She had to be young, no more than nineteen to his twenty-five.
She was pretty. Her features were soft. Feminine.
But there was something else about her that Marley liked, an honesty in her expression. It lacked the calculation of other women and girls.
Any other lady would have played demure or blasé in his presence, since women were usually taught to do so by their mothers. But there was a freshness to Selena. She was a surprise, like a sweet one enjoyed after dinner.
And those eyes….
He’d never seen such a true blue before. Usually, a color this bold could make one look frosty, yet with her, he felt far from cold.
Marley was heating by the minute.
Finally, finally, she took his hand. Their fingertips touched and then she slipped her hand more fully into his palm.
The feeling of holding simply that small part of her was invigorating.
Immediately, he wished they were alone, but he knew that would not be possible. Which meant he had to find another way to see her. He had to see her. He needed to know her.
Marley had never felt this way about any woman before.
Caution whispered its way through his mind, but he brushed it aside. He did not have his heart set on love, only fun.
The twelve members of the Ladies of Theatre led the way, their destination only the next room over and divided by a wall that could be folded back to accommodate larger parties. The women chatted with his mother about their excitement. Marley purposefully slowed his steps so he could have a moment alone with Selena. He was thinking of something to say when he looked over and saw her smiling, yet its boldness told him it wasn’t about him or the fact that he held her arm.
“Do you find something amusing?” he asked.
She looked at him and then away, her lips still turned up. “My mother, not that she’s amusing. She’s quite delighted that your mother managed to convince you to come. I don’t know if you actually like their play, but it’s wonderful that you would take the time to entertain them at least. They’ve worked so very hard on it.”
There had been a compliment hidden in her words, yet it hadn’t been said to flatter him. She was simply happy that her mother was happy.
And so was he. Lady Judith hadn’t had to work very hard to get him to come over. He’d known his mother had been a part of a lady’s theatre group for some time. Whenever she’d spoken of the ladies who had become her friends, her face would glow, and he’d been pleased.
He enjoyed seeing his mother happy.
However, the play was only part of the reason he’d shown up today. Marley thought it time he met his mother’s friends to see if they were truly her friends of if they were only using her.
So far, the women seemed genuine. Lady Dorshea was a true gem. Her house was warm, and, like her daughter, her presence didn’t seem cultivated from the drive to conquer and win the Season.
They were wealthy. Marley saw that from the decor and the details in the fine muslin of their dresses, but everything was done tastefully and without boast.
They entered the music room.
Marley looked around as Selena let him go. It was a small pale green room with gold and white accents and fixtures. There was plenty of seating, and Marley took the chair closest to the harp.
She settled in her chair.
“Do you need the music?” Marley asked.
She shook her head as she removed her gloves. “I have it memorized.” The embarrassment from earlier had left her. She flexed her pale fingers and then moved to position herself closer. The gleaming mahogany instrument was twice her size, yet Marley had no doubt she’d learned to master it.
She moved and positioned herself close, settling down with the instrument at her knees, and Marley knew he’d never seen anything more erotic. But then she positioned her head close to the strings, as though she would cradle and whisper it into submission.
Marley moved to try and hide the growing heat between his legs then stilled as the first notes began. He recognized the melody. He’d had a friend of his play it on the piano when he’d gone over the play.
“Do you sing?” Lady Dorshea was over his shoulder, smiling.
Marley frowned and was ready to tell the woman he did not, but then his mother cut in.
“He does,” his mother said. “Sing. Please, Marley.” She had her hands pressed to her chest, her gaze filled with hope.
Marley sighed as Lady Dorshea handed him the music, as though knowing he’d not tell his mother no.
He stared at the lyrics as his heart picked up its pace slightly. He’d not sung in front of people in years.
Selena’s voice caught his attention as she began to sing.
∫ ∫ ∫
CHAPTER 02
The song was about a man and woman who were deeply in love, but neither was willing to say it, even though there was a chance they’d never see one another again. The man was driving the woman home.
This would be goodbye.
It was sad and moving.
Selena’s eyes urged him to take the second part.
Marley cleared his throat, trying to ignore just what else those eyes had made him feel, and sang the next part. The melody was a simple one, but its combination with the lyrics made it one of those tunes that could easily become the anthem of the Season, being played in every music hall for every party.
Selena’s voice followed his. She was the best singer. She wasn’t trying to be, but the song suited her voice easily. They finished the rest of the song in the same manner, even blending on a few parts. The song had not been written to be a duet and wouldn’t be but singing with her had been fun.
“That was wonderful,” Lady Dorshea cried.
The other ladies agreed. Many praised Marley on his voice. He had a pretty good baritone. A few told Selena how well she played, but she waved it away, likely used to their kind words. Then she turned her bright eyes to him. “Do you sing often?”
“Never,” Marley said.
“Only when I beg him,” his mother said. “So, what do you think?”
* * *
Like the rest of the party, Selena waited for Marley’s judgment. She held her breath even while telling herself she was being silly. She hadn’t written the play. She wasn’t a member of the Ladies of Theatre. She simply happened to be home when the group met most days… and it was the only time her mother allowed her to have a real glass of wine, unlike the watered-down version at dinner. Lady Norris, one of the ladies of the group, had a son who owned vineyards in France and Spain and always sent her the best of his selection.
Yet even not being a member, she could feel the tension surrounding them. It was so great that not even the wind from the open window could calm it. The entire house seemed too quiet, as though even the servants waited with bated breath.
Marley drew his lips down… but they didn’t stay down for long. He grinned a moment later and then nodded. “It’s fascinating and beautiful. Well done, ladies. This play will see the stage, but it will need a name.”
The room went up with cheers, applause, and hugs as excitement bubbled over and filled nearly every corner.
“We need wine! This is a celebration.” Lady Norris was an enchanting older lady who had an extensive knowledge about wine.
A few approached Marley and began to thank him. There were three women in the group who were about Selena’s age. Lady Ebba Blanc was twenty-two and though she had two suitors who were currently fighting for her hand, Selena was sure she’d forget they ever existed if Marley even gave her a hint that he was interested.
Selena was still amazed that he was there. She’d seen him at a distance before, in large assemblies like her presentation to the queen. His sister, Lady Emily, had also been presented that same night and like a great escort, he’d remained at her side. Therefore, Selena was not surprised they hadn’t been introduced.
Aside from the fact that Selena didn’t make a habit of going to parties, their families were part of different circles and Selena was sure the people Marley kept company with were more… unprincipled. She’d heard the rumors about him and the women who surrounded him. Theatre actors, musicians, and an avaricious group of ladies and lords. They were thought of as being wild but great fun.
Marley was a part of the inner circle. There was gossip about the many women he entertained at one point or another, yet since he was not one to boast, no one was truly sure. That was what made him so charming. He was a man of secrets.
When the discussion became about who should play which part, his gaze turned to her and Selena stiffened. Her breath hitched. She was resting her head slightly against the harp and more than anything, she wanted to duck away.
But she didn’t.
Instead, she smiled and swallowed down her fears of this cultured man.
Once again, his eyes grazed over her and then his smile grew, forcing hers to grow as well. Then she let out a soft laugh. She didn’t know what was going on between them, but her nervous waned until there was nothing but calming warmth.
“We must have a real celebration,” her mother said. “Perhaps a party?”
Selena pulled her eyes from the duke as the entire room agreed. Lady Judith begged her son to invite his colleagues from the theatre, and he conceded that he would.
When the wine came out, Selena moved away from her harp and took a glass.
“You don’t mind if a bunch of women have a glass of wine, do you, Your Grace?” Lady Dorshea asked. When ladies got together, they usually drank sherry, but not the Ladies of Theatre.
Marley lifted his own glass in answer. “To a successful play.”
The women cheered and Selena sipped, enjoying the fruity bold flavor.
Her mother called for the servants. The dividing wall was split and Simon, their footman, struck up a lively tune on the piano. Simon had been with the house since he was a young boy and when he showed an interest in playing the piano, her parents had paid Selena’s tutor for his instruction as well, knowing it would be a benefit to the home.
“Your footman is very good,” Marley said as he moved to stand by her.
She met his eyes and, this time, only felt a brush of butterflies before they settled. “He was trained by the best, Mr. Robert Clare.”
Marley seemed surprised. “Then that footman is a valuable addition in your household.”
“He is.”
He grinned. “And naturally, I imagine many have tried to persuade him to join another household.”
“Naturally,” Selena said with a laugh.
His eyes were like chocolate, warm and rich. “And indeed, he made it clear that he had no intention of leaving your service.”
“Indeed,” she said, before taking a sip of her wine. If her smile grew any brighter she was certain she’d look the fool.
Marley lifted a brow. “Ah, but has he ever been impelled by a duke?”
Selena blinked and her smile fell. “Why, no, he hasn’t.” But then her smile returned. “But I know what his answer would be. He’d give you his most gracious of rejections and then go on to tell every ear that would listen about the day the Duke of Astlen asked him to join his household.”
“You’re confident in that?” the duke asked with challenge swirling in his eyes.
“I am. Simon knows he is family here.”
“Hm, well, one can’t beat family, can they?”
Selena saw his mind was still at work. “He won’t leave us,” she said, more for him than herself.
“Have you ever been impelled by a duke, my lady?” Marley asked.
Selena nearly dropped her glass. She tightened her fingers around the stem and stared into his eyes. Was it just her imagining that his question had two meanings?
He lifted a brow, waiting for her reply. And somehow, he’d moved closer without moving his feet. They still stood a polite distance away from one another, but his face was closer. She could see just how beautiful his tanned skin was and the way God had strategically laid it over well-defined muscle and bone.
She blinked rapidly and said, “No, I can’t say I’ve ever been…” She couldn’t even say the word ‘impelled’ anymore. Somehow, Marley had said it and changed it to mean something more. Something… sensual. Her cheeks heated. “I’ve never been lured by a duke, Your Grace.”
“Then you cannot know just how very persuasive we can be, can you?” he asked.
She took shallow breaths and felt slightly dizzy. Then she looked at her glass of wine and realized it was nearly gone.
It was one thing to drink with only the ladies and a very different thing to drink in the presence of the Duke of Astlen.
“Excuse me,” she said. Then she turned and fled the room before she made a fool of herself.
∫ ∫ ∫
CHAPTER 03
“Thank you for today,” Marley’s mother said as he assisted her into the carriage. “This truly meant the world to me.”
He sat across from her and took in her enjoyment. “You’re welcome. You should have invited me earlier. I’m glad you’ve found friends.”
She smiled. “As am I. I do enjoy the theatre. I didn’t know how much I could until a few years ago.”
Marley didn’t bother to mention that his mother hadn’t known she would enjoy the theatre, because his father had never given her the choice. Victor Bing had not only controlled what his wife could or couldn’t do but had told her how to think as well.
He’d said the theatre was for fools, and his mother had simply agreed without putting much thought into the matter. She’d been a very obedient wife. His father had never lifted a hand to her, but he’d controlled her in other ways, controlled them all. He had been very good with his words.
“I’m glad you’re happy,” Marley said.
She sighed as she played with the ruffles of her dress. “I wish Derrick could see the play. Do you think that could be arranged?” Marley’s brother Derrick was a patient at Bedlam. He was insane, his mind unhinged. Marley blamed his father for that as well.
He stared at his mother. “You remember what happened the last time we let Derrick out.” He’d nearly burned the house down. He loved starting fires. He liked the flames. Marley didn’t even know how he’d managed it. They’d released him for the month of August a few years ago, a time when the fireplaces were rarely in use. They’d hidden the flint and kindling, had even kept the lamp oils limited, yet somehow, Derrick had found a way.
Marley had caught him lighting a fire in the drawing room. The portrait of their father that hung over the mantle had been engulfed in flames.
Derrick had been forced to return to Bedlam.
Marley missed him as much as anyone else. He’d released Derrick the same year of his father’s death. Manly, because he wanted his brother close but also in rebellion to everything his father had stood for.
Unfortunately, his father had not been wrong to lock his brother away.
“We can put two footmen on him at all times,” his mother said. “Three.” Her eyes showed desperation. “Just think about it. Don’t say no so quickly.”
Marley didn’t like telling his mother no. It seemed only discussions of Derrick forced the word out. “I’m sorry, but that isn’t possible.”
The sadness that filled his mother’s eyes was like an iron poker tearing into his chest. He hated to be the one who broke her heart. It was one of the few things he detested about being a duke. Everyone in the whole country looked upon men of his rank as if waiting for their command.
While he enjoyed certain aspects of his power, other times he wondered what it would be like to be someone who the public didn’t simply admire because of his wealth and rank. For once, he wanted someone to look at him and actually see him.
Selena’s eyes came to mind. From her coy behavior in the beginning, he was sure she’d looked upon him and seen his rank, but then something had changed during the moment their eyes had caught after they’d sang for the others.
They’d shared a moment of complete harmony. Everything in Marley’s mind had trailed away, his thoughts becoming focused on the slight tilt of her head and blue eyes that spoke of neither past nor future but simply the present. At that moment, everything had been perfect.
But once he’d begun to tease her, she ran away.
If Marley wished to get close to her, he would have to be less aggressive and more… what was the word? Gentle? He couldn’t remember the last woman he’d wooed with gentleness.
And was that what he wished to do anyway? Woo her?
For what purpose?
The apprehension that had whispered to him before returned with more force.
He shoved it aside. “Did Emily not wish to join your lady’s group? There are young women there, likely some her own age. Exactly how old is Lady Selena?” He’d been sure his true intentions had not been obvious to his mother.
Wounds of A Viscount: (The Valiant Love Regency Romance) (A Historical Romance Book) Page 30
