A Duchess Enraged (17 page)

"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.

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 sensible 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."

"She should,
shouldn't she?" agreed the duke. The brandy was beginning to make him feel
a certain detachment from his problems, and he began to perceive that Louisa
made excellent sense.

"Indeed. You
deserve far better than an irresponsible child who does not think of her duty
to her husband and name. Why, even if her actions are completely innocent, all
of London is snickering at you behind your back, saying you cannot keep your wife
in line. It isn't true, of course, but still, gossip can be damaging."
Lady Manning paused and gauged the duke's temper. He was listening to her
intently, his empty glass cradled in his hands. She smiled gently and filled it
again.

"And even if she
means no harm, Lord Gresham is a man of the world, and one would hardly believe
that he would spend so much time with a lady who gave him nothing in
return," she continued. "You may be sure of her, but appearances can
be so deceiving, as I know you are aware. Why all the world said that Lady
Rutledge was having an affair with Mr. Brandon only last year and the talk was
endless."

"Eliza Rutledge
was having an affair with Charles Brandon," said Adam slowly. "She
and Lord Rutledge are separated now."

"Well, that is a
poor example, of course," said Lady Manning, in pretty confusion. "I
only meant that unpleasant gossip is the natural result of these tendres which
people form for one another. I am sure that separation is out of the question
for you and your wife. It would be far better to put up with her vagaries, I am
sure, than to allow the gossips the satisfaction of knowing they were
right."

Adam swallowed his
brandy in one gulp. He gave Lady Manning a thoughtful look.

"That's all very
well for you to say, Louisa," he protested. "But I don't see why I
should be obliged to put up with her behavior. Damn it, if she cannot be a
proper wife to me, then I shall not be a husband to her. I think you are
bending over backwards in an attempt to excuse her behavior. I would rather
separate from her than be so abused."

"But Adam,"
protested Louisa, "surely you do not wish to cause her such shame as must
come from being cast off!"

"Why, if she
will shame me, then I will shame her!" declared Adam resolutely.

"Adam, you
should perhaps think on this further before you take such a step," said
Louisa. "Perhaps it is best if you consider it tomorrow."

"No, I believe
my mind is made up," declared Adam. "Allegra and I must separate.
It's obvious that she is not suitable for the position she has been elevated
to."

Louisa cast her eyes
down. "As you wish," she murmured. She laid a gentle hand on his.
"Will you be staying with me tonight, Adam?" she asked softly.

The duke looked at
her. Her great violet eyes glowed in the candlelight and her voluptuous
breasts, which almost spilled out of the low neckline of her dress, rubbed
gently against his arm.

"Of course,
Louisa. Where else should I be but with the woman I know I can trust?" His
speech was slightly slurred as he peered at her.

Louisa smiled and
moved closer, raising her hands to loosen his neckcloth. A night back in her
bed and Adam would remember what she could do for him, she thought. Perhaps she
would tie him up later with silken scarves. She remembered with a pang of
excitement how he had satisfied her again and again, his organ constantly hard
under her skillful hands, the last time they had played out that little scene.
He was drunk enough that he wouldn't protest, but not so drunk that he would be
useless to her. She licked her lips. It had been days since she had been well
satisfied. Her encounter with Tristan had been a week before, and while the
footman was good enough when nothing else was available, he lacked Adam's size
and stamina.

Adam gazed down at
her as her quick hands unbuttoned his shirt and removed it, then moved to his
breeches. Louisa led him to the bed and seated him on it, and then stripped off
her own gown, revealing her lush, quivering breasts and voluptuous thighs. He
found himself watching her dispassionately, almost as though they were actors
in a play. He felt his body responding, but his brain registered a certain
distaste. He moved slightly, wondering if he should leave, but then Louisa was
on her knees in front of him, his erection resting in her accustomed grip.

"Don't worry,
darling, just relax. I'll do all the work," she promised. He groaned as
her red lips lowered onto him and he fell passively back onto the bed. At least
he could forget his torment for a few hours, he thought grimly, and gave himself
up to Louisa's ministrations.

At Gravesmere House,
Allegra paced angrily up and down her boudoir, her dressing gown swirling
around her. She had dismissed her maid, and now had plenty of solitude in which
to worry. The drive home alone in the carriage had given her time to reflect on
her folly, and she was determined that when Adam returned she would attempt to
explain her actions to him. Perhaps she had over-reacted. Perhaps she should
not have flirted in the garden. But she was still angry over his treatment of
her. Had he not he laughed at her with the mistress he had promised to dismiss?
She felt ashamed to have received him so happily into her bed, only to have him
compare her to Louisa. She hid her flushed face in her hands. Perhaps Adam
would have some explanation that could calm her, she thought. She wanted
desperately to believe that the understanding she had thought existed between
them was real.

Allegra waited many
long hours to hear Adam's footsteps in the hall, and she finally fell into a
nervous and exhausted sleep near dawn. She slept only fitfully, and when
finally she heard a sound in the next room she awakened with a start. She
glanced at the curtained windows. It was full daylight, and her clock indicated
it was near nine-o-clock. He had not been home all night. He had been with
Louisa Manning, doubtless laughing at her distress. Allegra's fingers gripped
the coverlet. All she had feared was true. Her husband didn't care enough for
her to even speak to her of what had occurred. Louisa had his heart, and she
possessed no more than his name. If that was all she had, then she would not
allow him to see how he had hurt her. She would show Adam that she could live
quite well without his affection.

Allegra swept down to
breakfast dressed very well indeed, her hair dressed high and a smile firmly in
place. She found Adam sitting over an untouched plate of eggs. He eyed her
angrily as she swept into the room.