Tempting Bella (Entangled Scandalous) (12 page)

“That perhaps he was just a boy when you married. He could have gone out and made his fortune.”

“If he was inclined to make his own way, he wouldn’t have agreed to marry me.”

He put a hand flat against his chest. “I know better than to cross you on any subject related to your husband. He doesn’t seem a bad sort, if you ask me.”

“I didn’t.” Her sharp retort ended with a wry smile. “But I accept that you might have the truth of it. His personal bank account could be the key to finding out. Now I just have to figure out how to gain access to it.”

“What difference will it make if you do prove he is taking extra money?” Leaning one shoulder against the door frame, Monty crossed his arms over his lean chest. “He assumes all control once His Grace passes.”

“I’ve been thinking about that.” She stretched her stiff neck from side to side. “If I can show my father that Sebastian is stealing from him, then perhaps he’ll put estate interests into the hands of someone more trustworthy, for at least as long as he lives.”

“Someone like you? That is the reason you’ve spent these last two years learning about farming and estate matters, is it not?”

She shook her head. “I know better than to expect His Grace to allow a female to run things. However”— she gave him an assessing look— “it would be almost as ideal if he chose someone who is honest, has a background in estate management, and wouldn’t mind a little interference from me.”

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Monty straightened, his neutral expression twisting into one of surprised disbelief. “You mean me? Surely, you aren’t serious.”

“Why not? You are someone I know and trust. Whatever your background, it’s clear you know how to handle the running of an estate.”

“Not one the size of Traherne, I can assure you of that.”

“What does it matter?” Her enthusiasm grew as she warmed to the idea. “You and I can muddle through it out together. Plus, there are solicitors and estate stewards to help us find our way.”

Beyond the study, the front door closed and the muted sounds of Davison greeting Sebastian in the foyer drifted toward them. Alarm registered on Monty’s face. “Come away from there before he discovers you rifling through the books.”

She was already up and halfway across the room. “Think upon what I’ve proposed,” she said gliding out the door. “We would make a formidable team.”

“You don’t need me.” He closed the door gently behind them and followed her down the hall. “You are formidable enough all on your own.”

Chapter Nine

Sebastian quit his weekly card game far earlier than usual. Exiting his club, he motioned for his coachman to continue onward, deciding the walk home would do him good. While he still fought the overwhelming temptation to visit his wife’s bed, he knew she needed time to adjust to her new situation and he intended to give it to her. Maintaining control with Bella so close, and knowing he had rights, was almost unbearable.

He’d stepped up his early morning runs and late-night rides, but that did little to ease those persistent carnal urges. His body seemed to have a mind of its own. Constantly on edge, it remained urgently aware of Bella’s proximity.

He arrived home and bounded up the outside steps, anxious to see his wife, wondering how she’d passed the evening in his absence. Davison met him at the entrance to take his cloak. Sounds of laughter and conversation trailed down the hallway. He turned to the butler with a questioning look.

A shadow of disapproval crossed Davison’s face. “Her ladyship is entertaining, sir.”

His curiosity piqued, Sebastian followed the sounds and pushed open the door to the blue parlor, a smaller public chamber. Darkness cloaked the room save a lone candle near the wall where everyone gathered. They didn’t appear to notice his entrance at first. Sebastian recognized Josette, the French woman, reclining on a chaise watching the proceedings. Bella stood close to the wall in profile, with a pleasant-faced, flaxen-haired young woman standing beside her holding the candle. A tall man with a high forehead and thinning, dark hair stood against the wall near the young woman, his arms crossed watching the proceedings.

The candlelight cast the shadowed profile of Bella’s body against the large piece of foolscap attached to the wall. Surveying the scene, his glance ran over Bella and bounced right back, all reason deserting him.

She wore a flesh-colored gown that, at first glance, gave the illusion of sheerness, clinging adoringly to every curve, creating an image of feminine perfection he’d thought only an artist could conjure. The delicate fabric whispered over plump, upturned breasts, stroking over the soft inward turn of her belly and around full hips. Riveted by the vision of womanly bounty, all thought cascaded downward, centering on his rapidly swelling vitals. Then he realized how close Orford stood to his wife. His desire ebbed. Just behind her by the wall, Orford traced the outline of her shadow on the foolscap, standing so close his arm casually brushed against her as he worked. Sebastian tensed when Orford drew the outline of his wife’s breasts, greatly exaggerating their size.

Covering her mouth, she laughed and shoved Orford with her elbow. “You rogue, that is not how I appear.” She exuded vitality and playfulness. How relaxed she was with these people. Would she ever be like that with him?

Orford continued working. “As an artist, I must draw my subject as I see her. Besides, I must do something to compete with Tabby if I am to win.”

The tall man leaning up against the wall cast a warm look at the pleasant-faced woman holding the candle. “Tabby is a true artist. You could not compete with her.”

The woman they called Tabby blushed. “I had a good subject.”

Bella planted her fists on her hips. “Are you suggesting I am not a good subject?”

Tabby shook her head. “Of course not. You are incredibly beautiful.” She had a lovely. lilting voice and exuded a natural sweetness. Tabby cast a shy look in the tall man’s direction. “It’s just that Monty’s physique makes him an excellent subject for a silhouette.”

The French woman noticed Sebastian first. “
Monsieur
,” she said, calling everyone’s attention to his presence. “How delightful you have joined us.”

He closed the door behind him. “A pleasure to see you again,
Madame
—” He paused, not knowing her last name.

“Laroux. But surely we should not stand on formality. Just Josette, if you please.”

He turned to Bella. “I did not know you were entertaining, my dear.”

“It’s an informal gathering,” she said coolly. “My dearest friends have come to keep me company.”

“Still, had I known, I would have gladly stayed to greet them. After all, your friends are mine as well.” He ignored the way Bella’s skeptical brow arched in response. Looking to the young woman they’d called Tabby and the tall man, he said, “Won’t you introduce us?”

“Monty and Lady Tabitha Quartermain, Tabby.”

Monty nodded in greeting while Tabby gave a timid smile. “Forgive us for intruding upon your home, sir.”

He bowed, taking an instant liking to the young woman. She was not a beauty. Her face was thin with delicate brows and expressive hazel eyes, yet she had a pleasing way about her that spoke of serenity. “It is no intrusion. My wife’s friends are most welcome here.”

Bella gestured toward Orford. “And Orford of course.”

“Orford.”

“Stanhope. Care to join us?”

Breaking her pose, Bella shook the stiffness out of her shoulders. “I’m certain Sebastian finds Silhouettes to be a silly game.”

Her subtle movements prompted Bella’s soft mounds to quiver. Good Lord, the impact of that gown hit him again. He tore his eyes away from his wife’s assets to settle a hard stare on Orford. “I hardly need to be invited to partake in entertainment in my own home.”

Orford shrugged his lanky shoulders. “Your home. Of course, beg pardon.” He gestured toward his drawing. “What do you think of my rendition of Bella?”

It was indecent and the bastard knew it. “I think you need to be taught some manners.”

Orford’s fine brows shot up in amusement. “By you, I presume.” He laughed. “That’s rich.”

Monty coughed and stepped forward, putting a hand on the oaf’s arm. “Orford, perhaps we should take our leave.”

Keeping his stare level with Sebastian’s, Orford shook off Monty’s arm. “Nonsense. Stanhope here feels someone needs to learn a lesson. And I quite agree.”

Tension throbbed between the two men. Orford’s cheeks were flushed and his fists clenched tightly at his sides. Sebastian kept his expression even, revealing no outward sign of his inner agitation. He would teach the buffoon a lesson to be sure, one Orford would never forget.

Bella stepped between them. “That is enough.” Her brows knit. “Sebastian, Orford is our guest. They all are. I’ve invited them to spend the little season with us.”

The thought of spending the next several weeks with this questionable group under his roof made his head throb. “I see.”

Tabby hurried forward, her eyes wide with alarm. “Perhaps it is a bad idea. We should remove ourselves.”

Bella uttered a sound of protest, but Sebastian interrupted her. “Nonsense, Lady Tabitha, you and your friends are most welcome here.” He forced relaxation into his stance. “I’m merely suggesting a friendly bout of boxing. What say you, Orford, are you up to it?”

All eyes swung in Orford’s direction.

“I’m more than happy to oblige.”

“Shall we say Gentleman Jack’s on the morrow?”

“It will have to be in a sennight, I’m afraid. I’m to Kent on the morrow to visit my mother.”

At least he’d be rid of the smug whoreson for a few days. “Then we are agreed. We’ll meet at Jack’s upon your return.”

“You should know Orford is something of a pugilist,” said Bella.

His own wife was wagering against him. “Then I shall endeavor to acquit myself favorably in the face of Orford’s considerable skills.”

Josette came to her feet. “Well, now that that is settled, I, for one, am ready to retire.”

Murmurs of agreement sounded all around. They exchanged good nights and Bella saw to her guests as they headed up the stairs; the sounds of closing chamber doors soon resonated down the stairway. Trailing behind them into the front hallway, Sebastian dismissed the butler and footman with a glance.

As the servants slipped away, Bella started to follow her friends up the stairs. “Well, I’m for bed.”

“Is that one of your new gowns?”

Pausing on the stairs, she turned to face him. “As it happens, yes, it is.” The movement pulled the delicate fabric across the soft mounds of her breasts, their shadowed peaks straining. “It’s one of my favorites. What do you think?”

Sebastian’s mouth went dry. “I think it leaves little to the imagination.”

“It’s quite the thing in Paris.”

“I can see why.”

“I trust you don’t object.”

Damn right he objected. Perhaps it wasn’t outwardly indecent, but something about the sensuousness of the cut made it appear so. However, to admit it would likely provoke her into wearing something even more indecorous the next time. He raked his eyes over her form in a slow and intimate perusal. “Why would I object? I’m enjoying the view. You have such a lovely…form.”

She inhaled sharply, a furious blush raced across her cheeks. “That is disgusting.” She clamped her arms over her chest. “Stop regarding me in that manner.”

“What manner is that?”

“Like I am a tasty morsel you want to consume.”

He gave her a dark smile. “Why? Those are the kinds of thoughts that gown provokes.” He moved up the stairs toward her and brushed a kiss on her forehead, desire flaring in his loins. “It entices a man to want to claim his marital rights.”

She stepped back, teetering on the stair, shock and alarm stamping her face. “You wouldn’t dare.”

He gripped her elbow to steady her, glad for the chance to relish the soft warmth of her skin. “A man can only resist so much temptation. And in that gown—”

She turned away from him and took a step upward. “That is quite enough. I am going to bed.”

He followed, keeping pace one step below her as they progressed up the stairs, which gave him a perfect view of the intimate swing of her lush hips. “An excellent idea.”

“Alone,” she said archly over her shoulder.

“I am crestfallen, but I suppose it is just as well. I should save my strength for my bout with Orford.”

She paused at the top of the stairs and faced him. “You were wrong to challenge him. He is very good with his fists.”

“Is that concern I hear in your voice?”

She put her nose in the air as though she’d sniffed something unpleasant. “Not at all. It is an observation.”

He leaned close. “Will you favor me with a boon if I best him?” His lips brushed her ear. “A kiss perhaps?”

“Why ever not.” She gave a bored shrug. “Given Orford’s skill, it won’t come to that.” He might have believed her show of indifference, but for the tide of color sweeping her cheeks.

His lips moved from that delectable little slice of skin at her earlobe and feathered across her heated cheek, tantalizingly close to her plump mouth. Her scent entangled him, the deep richness of cloves this time instead of orange blossom, jasmine, or lavender. Intoxicating.