Seduced By A Devil

by Vella, Wendy

  “I think we should ask them to stay with us permanently,” Zach added. “It’s the right thing to do.”

  “And Ella has nothing to do with that?” Gabe teased.

  He and his brothers had come to adore the little girl, and even with all the turmoil in his life, he knew that she’d made the household a much happier place to live. Which it had not been since Abby left.

  “Of course not. It is just the right thing to do,” Zach insisted.

  “I believe you are right, brother, and I will speak with Forrest tomorrow,” Gabe said.

  The doors to the mansion were thrown open, and the guests were led through the house and outside to where others milled about drinking champagne and gossiping in large numbers.

  “Raine.”

  “Duke.” Gabe and his brothers bowed before their host. It was as he rose that he saw the ring. The band was twisted, the stone beneath, but there was little doubting the engraving on the gold, just like the one Gabe and wore.

  “I serve bene tibi erit,” the duke said softly, turning the ring so only the stone was seen once more. “Stay safe, Raine.”

  “I serve bene tibi erit,” he repeated softly. “You also, Rossetter.”

  “Should you require it, I am at your service.”

  “My thanks.” He nodded. He knew his brothers had heard what passed between them.

  “My wife assures me there is plenty to drink and eat and other entertainments, so go forth,” the duke said in a louder voice.

  “Thank you, we will.” Gabe bowed, then led his brothers away.

  “I had not expected that,” Nathan whispered.

  “And yet we had to know that some of the noblemen we meet were part of Alexius,” Gabe said.

  “He showed his hand as he is aware of the danger to you and wants you to know you have his support,” Michael added.

  “Yes. Now go forth and enjoy, but behave yourselves,” he said to his brothers, as he did at every social event they attended.

  “As we always do,” Zach said. “But we will be near if you need us,” he said before taking the stairs outside to the right, while Gabe, Nathan, and Michael went left.

  “I don’t need you to watch over me.”

  “But you are such wonderful company. How could we not wish to stay at your side?” Michael mused, making Nathan snort. Gabe swallowed a sigh.

  “Forgive me, I have much on my mind.”

  “We know.” Nathan gripped Gabe’s shoulder.

  The paths had been raked and the beds weeded. The place was alive with color and servants were dotted about the place offering refreshments. Shade had been erected under colored tents. Some guests played croquet, and in the distance, archery targets had been erected. The entire vista had a carnival feeling that if his mood had been better, he would have enjoyed.

  Gabe wondered if Ombrage had entry to such things, then put it from his head. Today he would not think about that or her. Today he’d talk with friends and his brothers and forget that the only woman he’d ever wanted, he could not have.

  “Is that Dimity standing beside the Duchess of Yardly?” Nathan asked.

  He turned so fast, his neck cracked. Gabe scanned the guests, searching for her.

  “It is. I think that painter fellow is at her side,” Michael added. “Apparently, he’s painted many famous people, both in France and here. Has quite the reputation with women also.”

  “And you know this how?” Gabe’s eyes went from left to right, taking in the people milling about all dressed in their finery until he found her.

  She wore a soft shade of peach. Her hair was pinned at the back of her head, and she wore a matching peach silk band tied in a bow to one side. Sun glinted off her locks, the color a mix of deep brown, almost black, and a touch of copper in this light.

  His heart started that slow thud it always did when she was near.

  “I asked, and people tell me things. That assistant is with him too. Can’t remember his name. Innocuous sort of fellow.”

  “What things?” She didn’t know he was here, and it was perhaps the first time he could observe her without her knowledge. She stood straight, shoulders back, surrounded by people. Uncomfortable, he thought, and had no notion as to why he thought that.

  The pale skin of her neck drew his eyes. He’d kissed that silken expanse, and he wanted to do so again. That French poseur was at her side dressed in a bronze jacket, his lace cuffs falling over his hands.

  Effeminate fool.

  “She really is a beautiful woman,” Nathan said. “I can understand why he is completely enamored with her.”

  “Who?” He dragged his eyes from her to his brothers.

  Michael rolled his eyes.

  “She will never be your mistress. Her pride will not allow it,” Nathan said softly so only they could hear his words.

  “I know,” Gabe said without thought, then cursed softly.

  “So it’s already come to that, has it?” Michael smiled.

  “This conversation is over.”

  “Oh, but it’s just getting interesting,” Nathan said. “How did a conversation between you and the indomitable Miss Brown about being your mistress come about?”

  “I said it was over,” Gabe growled.

  “If you do not decide she is yours, Gabe, Diard will,” Nathan said, serious now. “One of us will produce an heir of noble blood to satisfy the requirements for the next earl. Take a chance with that woman if she is the one for you.”

  “It does not work that way as you very well know, and I am not at liberty to do such a thing, even it was my wish,” he snapped in a cold voice. “I cannot believe you would suggest it.” Anger made him growl. Anger and frustration, if he was being honest, if only with himself. He did want Dimity in his life; he’d just never fully admitted it till right at that moment.

  His brother gave him a pitying look.

  “Then you are a fool to risk it all for your title,” Michael said, looking disgusted. “Is society so important to you that you’d forfeit your happiness when so many around you live with a partner they loathe?”

  “It is the way. I was born to this title, as our father was. It comes with responsibilities.”

  Michael shrugged, and Gabe felt a bitter taste in his mouth. It was so easy for them. Society would care, of course, should they take a companion as a wife, but more so if an earl married a woman of no social standing. His wife and children would be ridiculed.

  “Then be prepared to lose her, because Diard will not be bound by his morality or society. Now, come, Nathan, I have need of a drink and intelligent conversation.”

  “Amen,” Nathan muttered.

  Gabe watched his brothers walk away from him, feeling alone for perhaps the first time in his life. Alone and raw.

  How could they think he could wed someone like Dimity? Gabe fought the rush of exhilaration that she could actually be his.

  What the hell was happening to him?

  Did his feelings run deep for Dimity Brown? Was this pain in his chest because of them? Did he love her?

  He stood still, watching her smile at Diard while he thought about that.

  Could he love her? She challenged him, made him laugh, and, yes, angered him. Dimity had never taken a step back when he was near; if anything, she took one forward. But was it love?

  “Hell,” he muttered, jamming his hands in his pockets. How was he supposed to know?

  “Lord Raine, how wonderful that you have arrived.”

  A woman stepped into his path, blocking his view of Dimity, which should have pleased him. It didn’t. In fact, he wanted to step to the side, but manners dictated he couldn’t.

  “Lady Bayswater.” He bowed.

  “You know my daughters, of course.” She smiled.

  “Indeed.” He bowed again to the two ladies at her side. The woman had been firing them into his and other eligible men’s paths for two seasons.

  “My Eleanora was quite overcome when she heard you were coming. She is hopin
g to secure a dance, Lord Raine.”

  Her Eleanora had never been overcome a day in her life. The woman was a product of her mother’s determination to wed the most suitable and well-ranked man in the London season. As the available dukes and marquesses were light on the ground this year, he was next.

  “Of course. I would be delighted. Excuse me, my sister is signaling me,” he lied. In fact, Abby was still at home but feeling better. Gabe had visited her yesterday.

  Lady Bayswater sniffed.

  “Is there a problem, my lady?”

  “Not at all. I would just have hoped for more for your sister,” the woman unwisely said.

  This was what he would face if he pursued Dimity. Suddenly he didn’t care. In fact, Lady Bayswater had shown him just how much he did not care.

  “More?” he asked softly. She didn’t see the fire in his eyes and carried on.

  “Well,” she tittered. “Mr. Dillinger and his brother are hardly one of us.”

  “His brother is married to a duke’s daughter, Lady Bayswater, but even if he wasn’t, let me make something perfectly clear. Mr. Dillinger is a man I am now proud to call brother. His lack of title in no way suggests he is without honor or good character. He and his family I now call friends, and as such they are under my protection.”

  Her mouth fell open. Beside her, her daughters looked horrified.

  “As they are under the protection of your host today, my lady. I would suggest you not speak again in such an insulting manner, or you will find yourself with some powerful enemies. Namely a duke and an earl!” He’d not mean to roar the last word, but it had come out that way.

  He didn’t excuse himself, just stormed away, furious.

  “Damn it to hell,” he muttered, heading in Dimity’s direction. He noted the exact moment she saw him, because she shook her head at him. Did she really think that would stop him from reaching her?

  “I give up,” Gabe said to himself. He headed to her side, as if in some silent way she’d lured him… like a bloody temptress.

  “Duchess.” He bowed to the elderly woman who wore the most hideous shade of pink he’d had the bad luck to ever see. “Miss Brown, Mr. Diard.”

  “My portrait is coming along well, Raine. You need to visit again to see it. Then you can read for me.”

  “Of course. I live to serve you, Duchess. Congratulations, Diard, on working miracles and making her look anything but sour. One hopes she is not in that particular dress.”

  The duchess cackled. Dimity giggled. Diard looked horrified.

  “I assure you the likeness will be exact, and every bit as beautiful as the Duchess of Yardly, Lord Raine.”

  “It seems you left your monocle in France, Diard,” Gabe continued, enjoying seeing the laughter in Dimity’s eyes.

  The duchess stomped on his boot with her cane, still cackling. “I like you, Raine. Now you and Dimity fetch us refreshments. I want a glass of champagne and some candied fruit. Leave us while I discuss the background of my painting with Mr. Diard.”

  “Your wish is our command.” Gabe bowed, then led Dimity away, very happy with the turn of events.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Dimity had no wish to spend time in the earl’s company and said as much when they were alone.

  “I am here as a companion to the duchess, Lord Raine. Please excuse me while I do my job.” She pulled her arm free of his grip.

  “You are a very tiring woman, Miss Brown. I never know which woman I am getting when I meet you. The cool, scrupulously polite companion. The mouthy, opinionated shrew, or my particular favorite, the siren.”

  “Lord Raine!” She looked around her, horrified. “You cannot speak that way.”

  “I just did. Now please walk with me, Dimity. I promise not to kiss you.”

  “Stop it,” she hissed at him. “I am a companion, you are an earl,” she pointed out in case he’d forgotten. “People are looking at us.”

  “As if you would ever let me forget that.”

  His jacket was deep blue today, and his waistcoat dark gray. No one wore clothes quite like this man. Her traitorous heart sighed.

  “Why are you behaving this way? Is it because I will not be your mistress? Are you punishing me?”

  He turned his head, their eyes connected, and she felt heat spike through her.

  “I retract that offer,” he said softly. “My plans have changed.”

  He didn’t want her as his mistress anymore. The thought should elate her but did the opposite. Her spirits sank; such was her fickle nature.

  Had he had met another woman? A mistress or wife he could find passion, and, yes, love with?

  “Do my words not please you, Dimity? You’re frowning.”

  “Oh no, they do please me,” she rushed to say, even forcing her lips into a smile. “I was thinking about Walter.”

  “Am I such a bore then?”

  “No indeed. I fear, however, that he will eat some valuable piece of furniture or artwork while I am gone.”

  “Let me know if it’s a painting. I have one in my front entrance my brothers have recently told me they loathe; you can have it.”

  The man was far too appealing when he was attempting to make her laugh.

  “Thank you for your kind gesture, my lord.”

  “Anytime, Miss Brown.”

  “Has there… have you been safe, my lord?” Excellent; she sounded like a simpleton. “I mean, have there been any more situations like the one with Henry?”

  The thought that someone had tried to kill this vibrant man terrified her.

  “No more situations. All is well, Dimity.”

  His arm brushed hers, and Dimity fought the shiver.

  “Have you seen Abby?”

  “Pardon?”

  “My sister. Have you seen her, Dimity?”

  “I have not since the day you fell from the chair,” Dimity said, pleased he’d changed the subject and equally pleased she sounded her usual self. She had always been good at hiding her thoughts. But in her bed late at night, she worried about him. Why had someone tried to poison him?

  “Thank you for reminding me.”

  “You are most welcome.”

  “Callous woman.” He smiled down at her. A gentle smile that made his eyes crease and her heart flutter, pathetic fool that she was.

  For so long she’d thought she disliked this man; it seemed she’d been wrong.

  “I have no doubt your brother has ensured you do not forget, or indeed suffer, my lord.”

  His sigh was loud. “Michael speaks of it endlessly. He says it is not often I humiliate myself, so he must make the most of it.”

  She swallowed the laugh.

  “I worry for her,” Lord Raine said.

  They were back to Abby again, and she could hear the genuine concern in his voice.

  “She is strong; something you and your brothers never realized.”

  “I may not have shown it, but I know my sister has strength. I ensured it,” he said with the arrogance she’d heard many times before. “But I also know that women often die in childbirth, Dimity.”

  “Not Abby. She will have the best care, and I have no doubt she will deliver a healthy babe. In fact, I know she will.” Please let that be the case. She would not allow herself to contemplate any other scenario.

  “Do you really believe that?”

  She saw the worry in his face. Understood then just how much he loved his sister and brothers. She’d always thought him overprotective, and he was, but it was love that had him behaving that way.

  Dimity’s father had loved her, but no one had wanted to protect her like this man did his family. Fiercely, and with every part of him.

  “I do.”

  “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”

  “Mr. Dillinger will have the best physician at her side as soon as she needs it.”

  He nodded, and she watched the bunched muscles in his jaw relax.

  When they reached the refreshments, Dimity collecte
d the champagne and a small plate, which she loaded with candied fruit from a platter.

  “Surely you should also put an eclair on there?” Lord Raine said.

  “Oh, definitely an eclair.” Mr. Nathaniel Deville wandered over to where they stood. “You look lovely today, Miss Brown.”

  “Thank you.” She shot Lord Raine a look when a sound like a growl came from him.

  “And I see you are accompanied by Mr. Diard. How is the portrait coming along?”

  “Very well. It will be finished soon.”

  There was a tension suddenly between the brothers. Dimity wondered why.

  “A very accomplished man is Mr. Diard,” Nathanial added. “And a good man.”

  She wasn’t sure what was going on, but something had Lord Raine shooting his brother foul looks.

  “He seems quite enamored with you, Dimity.”

  Mr. Diard had told her just yesterday that the thought of leaving London without her at his side was devastating. She’d had to tell him gently that her feelings for him were not the same. He’d told her he would not be deterred, as her love for him would grow. But she knew better.

  He would have made her an excellent husband, she knew that also, but Dimity would not have made him an excellent wife. How could she, when her heart was Lord Raine’s? It would be wrong of her to do that to Mr. Diard. He was a good man who deserved more.

  No, she needed to wait for that love to die before even thinking about marrying anyone.

  “He is a nice man,” she said when nothing else came to mind. “And now I must return to the duchess.”

  “I will walk with you,” the brothers said at the same time.

  They walked on either side of her, one chatting about the guests they passed, the other silent.

  “Miss Brown.” Mr. Diard came forward as she arrived, taking the glass and plate. “We missed you.”

  “Such a nice man,” Nathanial said. Lord Raine’s teeth snapped together with an audible click.

  …

  “A note has been delivered for you, Miss Brown,” Chibbers said, handing it to her.

  She and the duchess had returned from the event at the Duke of Stratton’s house early, much to Dimity’s relief, as the elderly woman was tired. They now sat in a parlor, drinking tea.