"I didn't know you were so fond of me, Your Grace."
Allegra laughed flirtatiously. "Why, I've been too shy to let you know, sir. But tonight I find that I am quite courageous."
"And I am pleased that you have found the courage to tell me. It is a great happiness to me to know that I bask in the sunshine of your approval."
Allegra frowned slightly. This chatter was all very well, but Sir James did not seem to realize that he might go further. She tightened her hand on his arm. "And what would you like from me to seal this pact of friendship?"
Sir James looked bewildered. "What would I want?" he repeated. "I need no more than the assurances of your kindness, madam."
Allegra moved closer to him. Really, the man was most obtuse. "Nothing else, Sir James?" she said, gazing soulfully up into his eyes.
Sir James looked down at her, and suddenly a spark of understanding came into his eyes. "By Jove," he murmured, and leaned towards her.
Allegra watched his lips descending towards hers and realized, in a sudden rush of panic, that she did not wish to kiss Sir James, after all. She took a step backwards.
"No, no," she said hastily, but at that moment a shadow fell over the pair as someone moved between them and the bright moonlight.
"Kindly unhand my wife, sir," came an angry voice.
"Adam." Allegra gasped out the word and felt her heart begin to pound.
"Your very obedient servant," said her husband in a sarcastic tone. He glared down at her, startled by the violence he felt pounding through him. He had convinced himself that his fears were groundless, that she was a gentle, faithful woman, and now he found that the flirtatious, frivolous side of her nature was the stronger. It was not him that she wanted, but any man at all. She was only too eager to share her favors now that he had introduced her to the pleasures of the flesh.
His darkest thoughts rushed back, beating through his brain like evil spirits. He wanted to shake her until she screamed, he wanted to beat Sir James to a bloody pulp, and then he wanted to carry Allegra away to someplace where she would never see another man again. "What are you doing here in the gardens alone with Sir James?"
Sir James had backed away from the angry pair and stood looking at them in dismay. He feared that Gravesmere, not known for his patience, might become violent towards him.
"Nothing that is any of your concern," said Allegra haughtily. "May I not obtain some fresh air with a friend?" She raised her chin defiantly at her husband. She felt a tiny thrill of pleasure that he had found her with Sir James and knew now that he was not the only one who could find his pleasure elsewhere. But overwhelming that sensation was an increasing dread that she had ruined everything by her rash actions. Adam seemed truly enraged, his green eyes alight with an unpleasant glow she had never seen before.
"A friend?" repeated Adam. "You and this gentleman seemed to be a great deal more than merely friendly."
"I have done nothing of which I need be ashamed," said Allegra hotly. A sense of the injustice of the situation welled up in her. He was free to seek his sensual pleasure in Lady Manning's arms, while she was to be relegated to the role of breeder, unloved and neglected. "Nor have I done anything which you would care about."
"I say, nothing has happened," offered Sir James, glancing from one to the other. "Her ladyship merely requested me to take a stroll with her in the gardens, as she was bored with dancing."
Adam rounded on him. "I believe that my wife's conduct is my affair. You have no part in this discussion."
"But, surely you do not think--" began Sir James.
"I have no quarrel with you," snapped Adam. "I'm sure that my wife did nothing that she did not wish to do. She seems to have a propensity for vice. However, I suggest that you retire now while you still can."
"No, Sir James, I beg you to stay. The company of my husband is unwelcome to me," said Allegra sharply, glaring at Adam.
Sir James gaped at the two of them. "I believe I must return to the ballroom," he stammered, and basely deserted the lady.
"That is quite a cavalier you have there," observed Adam sarcastically. "Couldn't you at least have found someone more courageous? Or don't you care who you go with, as long as he's willing to pleasure you? If I had come along a few minutes later would you already have lifted your skirts for him?” The words brought a horrible picture to his mind and he winced at the thought of Allegra, her body flushed and rosy, her head thrown back in ecstasy, being serviced by another man. Perversely, he wondered again if she was wearing drawers.
"At least he honestly cares for me," retorted Allegra. "He doesn't merely pretend to find me attractive. And he hasn't lied to me and abused my trust."
"What are you talking about?" shouted Adam. "I come to the garden and find you almost kissing another man, and you're angry with me?"
"Of course I'm angry with you," responded Allegra. She felt tears welling up in her eyes as she glared up into Adam's face. He was so utterly beautiful, and he made her feel so marvelous when he held her in his arms. Why couldn't he care for her as she realized she had come to care for him? "You have deceived me utterly, and I owe you no explanation for my behavior."
"I haven't deceived you! And, as my wife, your behavior is my concern. How dare you presume to share yourself with any man who comes your way? You're mine, and I don't plan to let you turn into another Society trollop. If I have to lock you up, you'll be faithful to me." Adam grabbed Allegra's arm, but she shook herself free.
"Don't speak to me!" she shouted, tears welling up in her eyes. "And don't touch me! I won't be treated so!" She turned and ran back into the building, leaving Adam staring after her in amazement. He rushed after her, but when he paused in the door to the room, found that she had already lost herself in the crowd.
Allegra hurried through the glittering crowd, her head down to hide her tears. She had only one thought, to find her carriage and escape from the situation in which she found herself. She was embarrassed to have almost kissed Sir James, that Adam had managed to arouse such strong emotions in her, and, most of all, for ever having believed that her husband cared for her. Too distressed to look where she was going, she gave a gasp of dismay as she ran abruptly into a gentleman clad all in grey.
"Ex..Excuse me," she stammered and prepared to hurry past, but a gentle hand on her arm stayed her.
"Your Grace?" said a familiar voice. "May I be of some service?
Allegra looked up and saw through her tears that Lord Gresham was viewing her with great concern. His dark countenance, usually full of cynicism, looked honestly concerned.
"Oh," she gasped, "It's you. I'm so sorry to have bothered you, my lord. I must go home; please let me go."
Gresham raised his eyebrows. He had heard unsettling rumors of the Gravesmere's newfound attachment to each other, but now there seemed to be trouble in paradise. "Are you unwell, my dear?" he asked. "Is your husband not here? May I accompany you home?"
Allegra cast a wild look over her shoulder, fearing that Adam might be on her heels. She felt both relieved and saddened to note that he was nowhere in sight. He cared for her so little, she reflected. He wasn't even interested in where she had gone.
"I'm quite well, my lord," she said. "I'm merely tired and need to rest."
"Come sit down with me," said Lord Gresham. "Perhaps I can relieve your distress." He drew her towards a settee.
Allegra resisted, seeming to flutter under his hands. "No, my lord, please, I must go. I would not be good company."
"You cannot go out with tear stains on your face, Your Grace," said Lord Gresham soothingly. "Come, tell me what has distressed you so."
Allegra hesitated. She realized she could not run across the ballroom in tears, and Lord Gresham seemed to be genuinely concerned with her wellbeing.
"Oh, please get me out of this ballroom," she said. "I cannot stand it."
Lord Gresham allowed himself a small smile. Tonight was turning out remarkably well. "Of course, Your Grace," he said. He drew
aside a curtain and led her into a small antechamber.
"Now, tell me what is wrong," he said. Allegra looked up at him. She saw concern in his eyes, and she began to cry again. Why did Lord Gresham care what happened to her when her own husband did not?
"I'm so unhappy," she said, her breath catching on a sob as he gently urged her down on a small couch. "I cannot tell you why, Lord Gresham. I've been such a fool."
"Why, my dear, I am sure that whatever is wrong is not your fault. Is there any way I can make it right?" Tristan seated himself next to her.
"No, there is nothing to be done. What is broken cannot be mended." She put her head in her hands and wept.
Lord Gresham put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Is this something to do with that husband of yours?" The girl must actually be in love with her husband, he thought. Nothing else would bring on such hysterics. He wondered what had happened to upset her, and if Louisa had had a hand in it. He would have to see what she was up to. No matter what it was, he could turn it to his own advantage.
"He doesn't care for me," said Allegra softly. "I thought perhaps he did, but..." her voice trailed off.
Lord Gresham managed a sorrowful sigh, while inwardly he was amazed. Gravesmere must be insane. What sort of idiot would drive a delectable creature like this away? He looked forward to the day he also could console her in a much more personal manner. "How can you be so sure?" he asked.
"I can't tell you," she faltered, "but I'm very sure." She once more burst into tears, and buried her face in Lord Gresham's shoulder. He wrapped his arm about her shoulders, hugging her tightly to him and murmuring soothing words.
The curtain covering the door to the room twitched aside. Adam stood there, mounting fury registering on his face as he took in the intimate scene. He had searched the ballroom for Allegra, hoping for some explanation of her behavior from her, some reassurance that his suspicions weren't true. He could perhaps have dismissed the scene in the garden as high spirits or Sir James's admiration carrying him away, but Lord Gresham embracing his wife was something he could not tolerate.
"Allegra," he said fiercely. "What are you doing? First I find you flirting outrageously in the garden, and now I find you in another man's arms!"
Allegra rose shakily to her feet, horror registering on her face. Why did Adam always presume the worst, when it was he who was at fault? "How dare you?" she demanded, her voice quivering with tears. "How dare you follow me about?"
Adam looked at her coldly, feeling the last of his illusions crumbling away. She was not an angel at all, but the very worst sort of demon, the kind who crushed men's hearts. "You are my wife, madam. I shall do as I please when it comes to you."
"Leave me alone," she said, her voice defeated, barely rising above a whisper. "Just go away and leave me alone."
Lord Gresham rose to his feet. "Good evening, Gravesmere," he said politely. "I found Her Grace in some distress, and was attempting to alleviate her sorrow. Your wife has done nothing which she need regret."
"You stay out of this. I'll take care of you later," snapped Adam, fighting back the urge to punch the suave nobleman. "I have seen you hanging about her, hoping for more than smiles. And it seems she has been giving you what you hoped for."
Allegra gave a strangled cry and rushed from the room. Gresham looked at Adam with a triumphant smile on his lips.
"You're a fool, Gravesmere," he said. "But if you choose to dig your own grave, I won't stop you." He bowed and left the room, satisfied with his night's work.
Chapter 16
A Brandied Blow
Adam glared after Gresham, trying to quell the murderous impulse he felt. The sight of Allegra weeping in another man's arms had left him confused and horrified. He had no idea what had happened to the warm, gentle, welcoming woman he had known at Gravesmere, but her actions that evening had only served to confirm his worst fears. He had to find her and try once more to obtain some explanation of her behavior. His faith was shaken by the events of the evening, but even now he hoped that she would have some explanation, some words that would restore the happiness they had possessed. He would find out the truth of the matter, and know once and for all if he had glimpsed the true Allegra over the past week, or if she was a sham. His thoughts were interrupted by a quiet hand laid on his arms. He looked down into the violet eyes of Louisa Manning.
"Adam," she said, feigning surprise. "I had no idea you had returned to London."
"Louisa!" Adam shuffled his feet, discomfited. "I'm sorry I haven't called on you. I meant to visit you tomorrow."
"Adam, you know you're welcome at any time. I am at your command." She smiled sweetly.
Adam gazed over her head, searching the crowd for a glimpse of Allegra. "If you will excuse me, Louisa, I must find my wife and accompany her home. She is unwell." Adam felt awkward in Louisa's presence. He was amazed that he no longer felt anything for her; as he looked at her now he could perceive that she was a lovely woman, but certainly not out of the ordinary. There was no animation to her countenance, no hidden currents of sensuality, none of the mischievous spark that animated Allegra. He frowned at the thought. Had she so bewitched him with her sensuality that he was blind to her faults? He couldn't allow her to deceive him, to make him a laughing-stock and a cuckold.
Louisa's eyes widened. "Is she, Adam? I'm very sorry. But perhaps you are misinformed? I just saw her leave a moment ago in the company of Lord Gresham."
Adam's countenance darkened ominously. Louisa blinked at him.
"Have I said something wrong? I thought surely you knew..." her voice trailed off. "I'm sure there is nothing in it, Adam."
"Doubtless not," said Adam shortly. He looked again at Louisa. If she had not a special quality to her, at least he knew he could count on her not to embarrass him in public. "If Allegra has elected to go with Lord Gresham, then I am at your disposal, Louisa. May I take you home?"
Lady Manning smiled delightfully. "I will be most pleased if you do so, Adam."
The carriage ride to Half Moon Street was undertaken in silence; Adam was too distracted to talk, and Louisa felt that if he choose to brood over his wife's iniquities, that was all for the best. Upon their arrival, Adam helped her out of the carriage and up the steps to the house, where a footman opened the door.
"Send some brandy to my boudoir, Thomas," Louisa said. "And then the servants may go to bed. We shall have no need of them tonight."
She turned to see Adam standing sulkily by the door. "Come, Adam," she said soothingly, extending one white hand. "I'll see that you are taken care of."
Adam followed her quietly up the stairs. He took no real notice of his surroundings, for his mind was angrily reliving the events of the evening. He could imagine no reason for Allegra's behavior except a coarseness of spirit that she had managed to hide while they were at Gravesmere. He was aware that she had been very angry with him, and he could not fathom why. Certainly, he had done nothing to provoke such a response. Perhaps the best way to handle this would be to ask her about it; despite his fury he realized dimly that her own anger had been as strong as his. Perhaps she had a reason for her behavior.
He came out of his trance at the sound of a voice saying his name, and he looked up to see Louisa smiling at him beguilingly and extending a glass of brandy.
"Here, Adam, this will help to settle your mind," she said softly. "I'm sad to see you so worried. Pray, tell me how I may ease your discomfort?"
Adam accepted the glass of brandy and tossed it back. Louisa made haste to refill it and sat down next to him. She laid a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Don't fret, darling," she murmured. "I'll help you to take your mind off your cares."
"I thank you for your concern, Louisa," said Adam, shifting uncomfortably. Louisa's lilac scent seemed somehow overpowering. "However, I'm worried about Allegra. I think I should perhaps speak to her this evening."
Louisa's eyebrows shot up. "You can't go home in this state of mind, Adam," she said in a sensi
ble tone. "Surely your temper is too high to speak calmly of these matters, and doubtless your wife is likewise distraught. Don't you think it is best to give her a chance to calm down before you discuss this with her? You know how volatile we women can be."
Adam gave an abrupt laugh and downed the brandy. "I don't imagine that thinking of whatever is bothering her will calm Allegra. She seems to be able to remember grievances with great clarity."
"Then you shouldn't see her tonight, when you aren't rested, Adam. A good night's sleep would be best for you,” murmured Lady Manning, pouring more brandy into his glass. "And only think how awkward it may be if you return home and find Lord Gresham there, still...comforting your bride."
Adam looked annoyed and seemed about to speak.
"Oh, I am sure that there is nothing but the most innocent friendship between them," continued Louisa airily. "But surely there is some warmth there, and he doubtless would wish to reassure himself that all is well with her. Just as I wish to know that you are comfortable, Adam."
The duke's eyebrows snapped together, and he gave her a slightly bleary look.
"I certainly hope that Gresham's concern for Allegra is not the same as yours for me," he said.
"Of course it isn't," soothed Louisa, urging the brandy glass towards his lips. "I merely wish to help you avoid what could be an awkward situation. Only think how uncomfortable it would be if you felt compelled to call Gresham out. After all, no matter how naive your wife is, still she is playing with fire in situations of this sort, is she not?"
"She is certainly not cautious," agreed Adam.
"Well, she is terribly young, and young people will do foolish and willful things," said Louisa. "May I refill your glass, my dear? After all, a child such as your wife can hardly be expected to conduct herself in a responsible manner. Perhaps in a few years she will come to understand that you, as her husband and lord, are owed respect and that she should mold herself to please you."
A Duchess Enraged: An After Dark Version Georgian Romance (The Gravesmeres Book 2) Page 17
