The Second Lady Southvale (4 page)

‘Damn you, Rosalind.’

‘You owe it to me,’ she said again, holding his gaze. Slowly he released the horse. ‘If this was any man but Philip de Grey….’

‘Because he’s British?’

‘Because he means nothing but heartbreak for you, Sis. You’ve called in my debt, and I’m paying it, but I hope with all my heart that this is the first and last time you have anything to do with him.’ He gathered his reins. ‘Shall we ride on?’

‘I’d rather you waited here for me.’

‘It will do no harm for him to know that I’m now party to what’s going on.’ He kicked his heels, urging his horse on up the hillside.

Rosalind hesitated for a moment, and then rode after him.

To her relief, Philip was waiting by the fallen tree as he’d promised. He’d dismounted from his large and rather restive black horse, and was leaning back against the tree trunk, the reins swinging idly in his gloved hand as he gazed at the
magnificent
view toward Washington. He wore an indigo riding coat and cream kerseymere breeches that fitted him like a second skin. There was no starch in his full muslin neckcloth, so that the folds moved slightly as a stray breeze stirred lazily through the hitherto still air. He’d hung his top hat on a branch, and the sunlight fell fully on his coal-black hair as he straightened on seeing their approach.

He tethered his horse and then came toward them. The smile on his lips faded perceptibly as he saw John’s anger, and after giving Rosalind the briefest but warmest of glances, it was to John that he gave his full attention.

Rosalind reined in unhappily, for she knew that John intended to confront Philip on her account and there was nothing she could do to prevent him.

Philip surveyed him, his blue eyes cool and guarded. ‘It’s evident that you have something disagreeable to say.’

‘Are you surprised?’

‘No. In your place I’d feel as you do.’

‘Would you treat a London lady of quality in this way? Would you compromise her without a second thought?’

‘I do not seek to compromise Rosalind.’

‘Then what do you seek?’

‘My intentions are honorable, and that, I think, is all you need to know.’

‘Don’t adopt that lofty English tone with me, damn you,’ snapped John, his green eyes bright with affront. ‘You’ve known my sister for less than a day, and you’ve somehow persuaded her to keep this unbelievably rash tryst with you. Don’t preach to me about honorable intentions, for we both know that that simply isn’t so.’

‘Do we indeed?’ Philip murmured softly. ‘You seem to be very sure about “our” thoughts.’

‘Perhaps because you and I nearly met the day before
yesterday
.’

Rosalind looked quickly at her brother, wondering what he was leading up to.

Philip’s gaze remained steady. ‘And what has that got to do with it? We didn’t meet until yesterday, and I know full well that I haven’t shared any thoughts concerning Rosalind with you.’

‘I’ll tell you what it’s got to do with it, Southvale. I overheard you in a very interesting conversation with your envoy. Do you perhaps recall the conversation I’m referring to?’

‘No, I’m afraid I don’t.’

‘It was at the Hardiston house. You and he were in the billiard room.’

A light passed through Philip’s eyes, and he nodded. ‘Yes, I recall the occasion.’

‘Not being a war hawk by inclination, I intended to make myself agreeable to you both, but as I was about to go into the room, I realized that your conversation was of a rather private nature.’

Philip drew a long breath, glancing at Rosalind. ‘Yes, it was,’ he admitted.

John leaned forward on the pommel of his saddle in a
challenging
manner. ‘Shall I repeat what I heard, or would you
prefer to say it yourself?’

‘I’m quite prepared to speak for myself, although I cannot promise to use the exact words.’ Philip looked steadily at him for a moment and then turned to Rosalind. ‘What John
overheard
, I believe, was my somewhat emotional declaration that I still loved my wife, that there wasn’t a moment of any day when I didn’t think of her, and that I wished with all my heart that she was still with me. I meant every word.’

Her heart tightened within her, and she remembered George’s parting words of warning at the ball, when he’d said that there were many obstacles between her and a man like Philip, not the least of those obstacles being Philip’s enduring love for his wife.

John gave a savage half-laugh. ‘There speaks the man of honorable intentions! I said he’d mean nothing but heartbreak for you, Sis, and now perhaps you understand why. You’re
nothing
more than a fleeting diversion for him, and your seduction is just a pleasant way for him to idle away his time.’

Philip rounded on him, his lips thin and cold. ‘Take those words back, Carberry, or so help me, I’ll call you out!’

Rosalind’s breath caught in alarm. ‘Please, Philip….’

His attention was still upon John. ‘I asked you to take those words back, Carberry, and I’m still waiting for you to do it.’

‘I have nothing to take back, Southvale.’

Rosalind dismounted, hurrying to stand between them. ‘Please stop this right now,’ she cried, snatching John’s horse’s bridle and making it back away slightly.

Philip’s eyes were still steel-bright, but then he looked at her and his gaze softened a little. ‘Forgive me, Rosalind, for the last thing I wish to do is upset you. He may be your brother, but that doesn’t give him the right to say what he did. I don’t deny what he overheard at the Hardiston house, and as I’ve
admitted
, I meant every word. But that was then, before I met you. I wouldn’t say those words now, because they’ve ceased to be true. You’re all that matters to me now, and you have been from
the very first moment I saw you.’

She wanted to believe him, but was it possible for a beloved wife to fade so suddenly from her husband’s heart?

He read her thoughts. ‘Only this time yesterday you were still inclined to marry George Whitby, were you not?’

‘Yes.’

‘But all that changed quite suddenly, didn’t it?’

‘Yes.’

‘Because of me?’

‘Yes,’ she whispered.

‘Then is it so beyond belief that I, too, could undergo such a change of heart?’

Slowly she shook her head, returning the smile. ‘No, it isn’t.’

John looked urgently at her. ‘Use your head, Rosalind! Don’t let him—’

Philip stepped over to him, snatching his reins. ‘Your concern for your sister does you immense credit, Carberry, but quite frankly, I’m astonished by your total lack of understanding.’

‘Oh, I understand only too well!’

‘No, sir, you don’t. I’m not attempting to seduce Rosalind, and she’s certainly far more to me than a passing fancy. I would expect you, of all men, to understand how I feel right now.’

‘Why me?’

‘Because from what I’ve heard about you, you’re a man much governed by his heart.’

John met his eyes, but said nothing.

Philip still held the reins. ‘Washington chitter-chatter has much to say about you, Carberry. It seems that your conduct in recent months has been less than dignified.’

‘Have a care, Southvale….’

‘I intend to say my piece, just as you took it upon yourself to say yours. You loved and lost, and now you’re consumed with grief. I sympathize, believe me, for I’ve been where you are now, but there is one signal difference between you and me, and that is that I would never
ever
brush aside as meaningless the
feelings of others, least of all my own sister.’

‘Do you have a sister?’

‘Yes, and I love her very much. I would never belittle her as you’re belittling Rosalind.’

John stiffened. ‘I’m not belittling—’

‘That’s exactly what you’re doing. Does Rosalind make a habit of inviting the attentions of the opposite sex? Does she have a reputation here in Washington?’

‘No, damn it!’

‘Is this the first time she’s done anything like this?’

‘Yes.’

‘Then surely it stands to reason that she must have good reason for behaving in a way that’s so out of character?’

John exhaled slowly, his eyes moving to Rosalind as he nodded. ‘Yes, I suppose she must have,’ he conceded unwillingly.

‘My intentions are honorable – indeed, they couldn’t be more honorable – and all I ask is that you allow us a little time together now. You have my word that she will come to no harm at my hands.’

For a long moment John hesitated, but then he nodded again. ‘Very well.’

‘Thank you.’

‘But if you cause her a moment’s hurt, you’ll have me to deal with.’

‘And I will deserve it.’

John looked at Rosalind, then turned his horse. ‘I’ll wait at the edge of the woods.’ He kicked his heels and rode away.

Philip turned to Rosalind, gently taking her hands. ‘Do you regret coming here today?’ he asked softly.

‘No,’ she whispered.

He smiled, pulling her closer. His arm slipped around her waist, and she moved into his embrace as if she’d done so a thousand times before. He held her for a long moment and then tilted her face toward his, kissing her slowly and luxuriously on the lips.

A rich and heady desire stirred through her, and she felt as if she were awakening from a long and deep slumber. The desire increased, becoming an exhilarating passion, and a soft moan escaped her as she linked her arms around his neck to return the kiss. Her body ached for him, and her skin tingled at his touch; she felt warm and weightless, alive only for him, and she knew that a craving had been aroused that would only be slaked by complete submission to this one man. There was nothing
hesitant
or uncertain about her feelings, they were vibrant and clear. She loved him, in less than a day she loved him, and it was a love that would never falter.

He drew away, cupping her face in his hands. His blue eyes were dark and his voice low with feeling. ‘You know that I love you, don’t you?’

A wild joy swept through her and tears filled her eyes. ‘Yes, I know, because I love you too.’

‘I meant what I said when John was here. I did say those things he overheard, but Celia truly became the past for me when I saw you. I removed my wedding ring before I left for the ball, and I know that I will never wear it again.’

‘Did you love her very much?’

‘Yes.’

‘What was she like?’ she asked suddenly.

‘Do you really want to know about her?’

‘Yes, Philip, because she possessed you first. She shared your life, your love, and your bed, and I want desperately to know about her.’

‘You have no need to fear her, for it’s you I love now.’

‘Please tell me.’

He exhaled slowly and nodded. ‘Very well. She was very beautiful indeed, with dark curls, lilac eyes, and a heart-shaped face. She was petite, witty, vivacious, and totally fascinating. Men were drawn to her like moths to a flame, she was the belle of London society, and of all the many suitors who sought her hand, I was the one upon whom she bestowed her favor. We
were married for only two years before she died, and to my eternal regret we parted that last time on a sour note.’

‘You’d quarreled?’

‘Not quarreled, exactly, but we’d certainly disagreed. As you now know, I have a sister. Her name is Katherine, she lives with me, and she and I are very close. At about the time Celia decided to go on yet another of her many trips to visit her family in Ireland, Katherine’s hopes of marrying the man she loved came to an abrupt and cruel end when he deserted her to marry someone else. Katherine was distraught, and although I tried my best to offer her comfort and sympathy, it was the understanding of another woman she really needed. My great-aunt, Lady Eleanor Laird, who also resides with us, happened to be away in Scotland at the time, and so there was only Celia for Katherine to turn to. But Celia refused to even delay her visit to Ireland, even though I specifically asked her to, for Katherine’s sake. We therefore parted a little
acrimoniously
, and word reached me a week later that her ship had foundered on rocks off the Irish coast.’ He looked away, falling silent.

Rosalind slipped her hand into his.

His fingers closed over hers. ‘I was in despair, distraught with grief, and I didn’t think I’d ever get over it. Ironically, it was Katherine, so unhappy herself, who gave me the comfort and understanding I needed. She knew I needed something to take my mind off my loss, and she urged me to return to my diplomatic interests. It was because of her that I roused myself to take the assignment in St Petersburg, and because of her that my name was put forward at the last moment to come here.’

‘Then I have much to thank her for,’ Rosalind said softly.

He smiled. ‘We both have much to thank her for.’

‘What is your life like in London?’

‘Privileged, in a word.’

‘Tell me about it.’

‘At the risk of boring you?’

‘I want to know all about you.’

He raised her hand to his lips. ‘Then I’ll tell you whatever you wish to know. My title and family go back into the mists of time, and I have many responsibilities as landlord of a great estate five miles outside London, owner of woolen mills in the Cotswolds, tin mines in the north of Cornwall, shipping
interests
in Falmouth, in the south of the same county, and various other commercial dealings in the City of London. I have a town residence in St James’s, overlooking Green Park, and I keep saddle horses that are the envy of many a sporting gentleman. My racehorses have managed to win me the Derby on two
occasions
, and the Ascot Gold Cup once, and I have a cutter, the
Lady Eleanor
, that I race on the Thames estuary. I’m usually to be found on the best guest lists – at least I was until a year ago – and I am known in royal circles. I am a friend of the Prince of Wales, or rather the Prince Regent, as he’s been for the past few months, and I have often stayed with him at Carlton House. I ride in Hyde Park, have private boxes at both the Theatre Royal and the Italian Opera House, belong to several of the more exclusive clubs, and can always gain entry to Almack’s.’ He smiled into her eyes. ‘Will that do? Or do you wish to know still more?’

‘I think that will do. You’re right, your life is indeed
privileged
.’

‘Yours is hardly deprived.’

‘That’s true. Is there anything you wish to know about me?’

His eyes moved tenderly over her face. ‘I found out all I needed to before I met you yesterday. Rosalind….’

‘Yes?’

‘Last night I told you that I might be sent back to London at any time.’

Dismay leapt through her. ‘Have you heard something? Is there going to be war?’

His fingers tightened reassuringly over hers. ‘No, I haven’t
heard anything. As to whether there will be war, I have to say that I fear there will be.’