He closed his eyes and imagined Flora as she had been scant hours ago. Men waxed poetic about beauty such as hers, and she had gifted him, of all men, with her innocence. He"d never encountered a married virgin before and he had to admit it had stunned him. As jaded as he was, he found Lady Flora"s innocence incredibly arousing.
He frowned when he remembered exactly what it was she wanted from him, but he shoved the thought aside. Why should he let his conscience bother him when it never had before? If her husband was willing to pa.s.s his child off as a Randall, should she conceive, so be it. If last night was any indication, his a.s.sociation with the lady was going to be immensely satisfying for both of them.
With delightful thoughts of his new mistress dancing in his head, Sinjun fell soundly asleep. Hours later he was rudely awakened when someone barged into his room without knocking and shook him awake. Sinjun reared up, disoriented, searching for his pistol to dispatch this unseen enemy.
"d.a.m.n it, Sinjun, wake up!"
Sinjun shook his head to clear away the last dregs of sleep and frowned at the man looming over him.
"b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l, Julian, what"s wrong with you? It"s not polite to burst into a man"s bedroom and scare the living h.e.l.l out of him."
"As long as I"m the head of the family I have the right to do as I please. Besides, it"s the middle of the day." Concern worried his brow. "Are you ill? Why are you still abed?"
Julian Thornton, Sinjun"s older brother and fifth earl of Mansfield, was every bit as handsome as Sinjun. Whereas Sinjun rarely met a man he didn"t like or a woman he couldn"t love, Julian was more reserved, more discerning in his tastes. He took his duties as head of the family-namely, Sinjun and his younger sister Emma-seriously, and his duties to his country even more so.
Julian was a mystery to his peers. He disappeared for long periods of time and told no one where or why he went. Since Sinjun"s own life was full and rewarding, he rarely questioned his older brother about his mysterious comings and goings. He merely accepted it as part of his brother"s private life, though he did worry about Julian. Despite Julian"s gruff manner, there was a closeness between the siblings others admired.
"I"m in perfect health, thank you," Sinjun said as he leaped naked from bed and threw on his dressing gown. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? Not going off on one of your jaunts again, are you? I don"t imagine Emma is going to like that. She"s too much alone these days."
"I"m not going anywhere for the time being," Julian said. "It wouldn"t hurt if you paid Emma more attention yourself. Only the good Lord knows the kind of trouble she gets herself into when I"m away. She"s too old for a governess and too young to go about without a proper chaperone. I"ve hired a maid to accompany Emma about, but she flouts my authority at every turn. I"m at my wit"s end with her."
"Is that why you"re here? You"re the head of the family. You have more authority over Emma than I do."
"No, Emma isn"t the reason I"m here, though we should discuss her. Emma is going to need your guidance when I"m called away again."
Sinjun laughed. "Are you sure I"m the one to see to our sister"s welfare? As I recall, you don"t approve of my lifestyle."
Hands clasped behind his back, Julian started pacing. A scowl darkened his brow, and he appeared upset as he stopped abruptly and whirled to glare at Sinjun. "Your excesses are the talk of the town, Sinjun. No woman is safe around you. Fetch your wife from Scotland. Tis time you settled down."
Sinjun sighed. "Who complained this time? How much will it cost me? I swear, Julian, I don"t dally with innocents, and to my knowledge I"ve left no b.a.s.t.a.r.ds with any of my mistresses."
He thought of Lady Flora and flushed. She wanted to conceive his child and return to her husband. For the first time that thought made him uncomfortable. He"d always been careful not to release his seed inside his lovers. But if Flora did conceive, the child wouldn"t be a b.a.s.t.a.r.d. It would become heir to a t.i.tle and be much loved. Did that make everything all right? Why in the h.e.l.l did his conscience have to kick in now?
"Thank G.o.d for that," Julian said, raising his riveting dark eyes heavenward. "The reason for my visit is important, Sinjun, but this time it has nothing to do with your dissolute lifestyle. This morning I received a missive from your bailiff at Glenmoor, along with his quarterly report. There is unrest among the clans loyal to The Macdonald. They have refused to pay the quarterly taxes and rents. Sir Oswald says he"s afraid to approach them about payment, for they have threatened his life."
"b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l! What am I supposed to do about it?"
""Tis your land, your wife, your people. You"ve enjoyed the profits all these years, go up there and see what"s going on. I"ve always considered the rents and taxes quite reasonable."
Sinjun thought of Lady Flora and felt disinclined to leave her so soon after finding her. He was too blissfully happy with her to abandon her to another.
"Perhaps I will, Julian, but not now. I ... d.a.m.n it! If you must know, I"ve taken a new mistress and simply don"t want to leave her just yet. She"s ... I can"t explain it, but Lady Flora is ... special. There"s never been another like her."
Julian gave an exasperated snort. "You said that about your last three mistresses. I tell you true, Sinjun, if you don"t see to your holdings you"re going to be sorry. Soldiers have been keeping the Highlands under severe military rule for seventeen years and resentment runs high. Tis time you claimed your wife and consummated your marriage. You should have done it years ago."
"You want me to bed that redheaded, freckle-faced h.e.l.lion!" Sinjun exclaimed. "Surely you remember what a rude little baggage she was. I want nothing to do with her, Julian. Let King George"s army handle her rebellious clansmen. That"s what his army is for."
"They wouldn"t be rebellious if you"d put in an appearance from time to time to collect your own rents and remind them that you"re their laird"s husband."
"You"re probably right, Julian, but I can"t tear myself away just yet. You"ll understand once you meet my new mistress. Maybe after a few months I"ll feel differently."
Julian c.o.c.ked a dark eyebrow. "Given your history with women, I predict you"ll tire of her within a fortnight."
"Don"t act the prude with me, Julian. You"re no angel. After your betrothed died you showed no interest in settling down to marriage with another woman. Your name has been linked with at least a dozen women, from innocent maidens to lonely widows. You just don"t stay in one place long enough to settle down with one of them. What dangerous games are you playing, Julian? Your mysterious comings and goings worry me. And I know Emma is concerned. I don"t wish to become an earl, you know, so take care of yourself."
Julian gripped Sinjun"s shoulder. "Don"t worry about me, Sinjun. "Tis you I"m concerned about. I care what happens to you. Will you at least promise to go to Scotland when you and your latest lightskirt part?"
Sinjun stiffened. "Flora is no lightskirt. She"s a lady, a virgin, until she gave herself to me. And, aye, I promise to see to my affairs after Lady Flora returns to her elderly husband."
Julian looked astounded. "A married virgin? I"ll bet that"s a story worth hearing. If that"s the best I can expect from you, then so be it."
"Will you be attending the Ravensdale ball tonight? Everyone who"s anyone will be there."
"Aye, I"m escorting Emma. You can introduce me to your new lover."
"Very well, if you promise not to charm her away from me."
Julian laughed. ""Tis unlikely any woman would prefer me over you. I"m far too uninteresting." He went to the sideboard and helped himself to the brandy.
Sinjun sent him an a.s.sessing look. "If you weren"t so b.l.o.o.d.y somber you"d have women falling at your feet."
Julian raised his gla.s.s to Sinjun. "One rake in the family is all the ton can handle." He tipped the gla.s.s to his lips and drained it. "Well, I must be off. I"m to meet Lord Finchley at the Stock Exchange. I"ll see you tonight."
Sinjun stared after his brother, wondering why Julian didn"t marry and settle down. He certainly wasn"t lacking in the looks department. There was something dark and dangerous about Julian that attracted women. Needless to say, Julian wasn"t a man Sinjun would like to have as an enemy. But as a brother there was none better.
The rest of the day progressed far too slowly for Sinjun"s liking. He couldn"t wait to see Flora again, nor could he recall when he"d been this excited about a woman. Something he couldn"t quite put his finger on set her apart from other women of his acquaintance.
That evening Sinjun ordered the coach bearing the Derby coat of arms to be brought around. He wanted everything to be perfect for his first public appearance with his new mistress. As the coachman drove him to Belgrave Square, Sinjun was already wishing the evening over. He couldn"t wait to have Flora"s sweet body all to himself.
For tonight"s outing Christy chose a gown fashioned of gold tissue, deliberately shunning dampened gauze, which many of the other ladies would be wearing. The gown, fitted at the waist, had drop sleeves that bared her shoulders and allowed a tempting peek at the creamy tops of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. A hooped petticoat worn beneath her gown added fullness to the skirt. Christy had never worn anything so fine and thought the coin well spent. At home her usual attire consisted of the Macdonald plaid and homespun.
"Yer a vision," Margot sighed, putting the final touches on Christy"s hair. "Yer sure to dazzle that scoundrel ye married. Make him fall in love with ye, Christy. "Twould serve the devil right."
"I don"t want Sinjun"s love," Christy argued. "Just his bairn."
Margot sent her a sharp look. "Just make sure ye dinna fall in love with him, la.s.s."
"Fear not, Margot. My heart is well guarded against the likes of men like Lord Sin."
Margot left shortly afterward to await Sinjun"s arrival. When Christy heard the rumble of Sinjun"s voice below stairs a short time later, her heart did a curious flip-flop. She had antic.i.p.ated his arrival all day, and now that the moment had come she felt all aflutter with excitement. She wasn"t supposed to feel anything for Sinjun, she berated herself. The rake had tupped half the women in London without a thought for the wife he had deserted.
Then the door opened and Margot stepped inside the room. "He"s here, Christy. Are ye ready?"
Christy dragged in a sustaining breath and nodded as she moved past Margot into the hall. She saw Sinjun waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, looking so breathtakingly handsome she forgot to breathe. She saw the swift appraisal and fierce look of desire that hardened his face and knew she pleased him. When his sensual mouth curved into a smile, she renewed her vow to harden her heart against him lest she lose it.
Apparently not content to wait for her at the bottom of the stairs, Sinjun sprinted halfway up to meet her. He offered his arm, and they descended together. When they reached the bottom, Christy gave a squeal of surprise when he pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. After thoroughly exploring her mouth, he set her away from him and gave her a cheeky grin.
"Sorry, sweetheart, I couldn"t wait. I"ve been thinking about kissing you all day." He threaded her arm in his. "Do you have a wrap?"
Margot appeared from the dark reaches of the house with a fringed shawl and half mask. Sinjun draped the shawl over her shoulders and handed her the mask. Then he ushered her to his carriage and handed her inside. He sat beside her, so close that his masculine scent enveloped her in a sensual haze. She sniffed appreciatively of his cologne and that underlying musky odor she remembered so well from the previous night, and knew it would linger in her memory long after they parted.
"You look good enough to eat," Sinjun whispered, pulling her into the curve of his body. "Tonight I"m going to taste you all over. You"re the most tempting morsel I"ve ever had the privilege to meet, sweet Flora. I predict a long and mutually satisfying a.s.sociation."
"Until I return to Cornwall," Christy reminded him. "I cannot stay in town forever. My ... husband expects me back home."
"Aye, with a babe in your belly. We"ll cross that bridge when we come to it," he murmured, brushing his lips against her cheek.
Christy offered no response. Fortunately there was no need, for the coach had pulled up in line to let them out at the Ravensdales" s.p.a.cious town-house. Christy put on her mask and waited for the coachman to lower the stairs. Sinjun exited first and helped her down.
"I can"t wait to show you off," he murmured as they entered the commodious hall and ascended the stairs to the ballroom. "I"ll be the envy of the ton tonight."
They paused in the doorway. Christy felt like a fish out of water as everyone stopped what they were doing to stare at her. Discreet, and some not so discreet, whispers followed them as Sinjun introduced her to their host and hostess. Christy had attended several public dances since arriving in town, but this was her first event given by members of the ton. Just being in the same room with so many English swine stuck in her craw. How she wished she were back home at Glenmoor, roaming the hills and glens and riding free and wild into the wind on her favorite mare.
Unfortunately she couldn"t conceive an heir for Glenmoor in Scotland. And in order to meet and seduce Sinjun, she had to travel in the same circles.
Sinjun led her out onto the dance floor, and afterward they joined the throng of people at the buffet table.
"There"s Julian," Sinjun said, waving to a tall, handsome man who had just entered the room. "Lord Mansfield is my older brother. He"s rather dour but a likeable sort." Christy stared at the man rapidly approaching them and felt a moment of panic. She would have fled had she not been so conspicuous. If he recognized her, all was lost.
"Sinjun, I feared I wouldn"t find you in this crush of people."
"Where"s Emma?"
"She and Amelia Ravensdale went off together to exchange gossip. Will you introduce me to your ... friend?"
"Of course. Julian, meet Lady Flora Randall. Flora, this is my brother, Lord Mansfield. Don"t mind his scowl, he always looks like that."
Head bowed, Christy dropped a curtsey. She remembered Sinjun"s brother very well. She prayed he wouldn"t recognize her with her mask on. "My lord."
Julian"s scowl deepened. "Do I know you, my lady? Something about you is vaguely familiar."
"I"m sure we"ve never met, my lord."
"Odd that you should say that, Julian. I had the same feeling the first time I saw Lady Flora."
"Please excuse me, my lords," Christy said, anxious to escape Julian"s intense scrutiny. She touched Sinjun"s arm. "I wish to repair my hair." She hurried off toward the powder room.
"She certainly is a beauty," Julian said, staring after her. "There"s something about her-"
"I thought the same thing, Julian, but I would have remembered had I met her before. Besides, this is her first visit to town."
"Don"t introduce her to Emma," Julian warned. "It wouldn"t be proper."
"Don"t worry, Julian. I know what"s proper and what isn"t. I wouldn"t dream of introducing Emma to my mistress."
Christy entered the powder room, relieved to find it empty. Appearing in public as Sinjun"s mistress was devastating to her ego. He should be introducing her as his countess, not his lover. But she had made her choice and must now accept the consequences.
Chapter 4.
Christy removed her mask and rubbed her temples. Meeting Sinjun"s brother had been nerve-wracking. She"d wanted the evening to end so she could go home. Heaving a sigh, she realized she couldn"t hide in the powder room forever. But as she settled her mask in place, the door opened, admitting two young women, one blond, one brunette. They were laughing and giggling like schoolgirls, loudly lamenting the lack of attractive, mature men and commenting on the Season"s offering of young suitors who had little to commend them.
Suddenly the brunette spied Christy and sent her a brilliant smile. Christy sucked in a startled breath, for the lovely young woman had the most remarkable violet eyes she had ever seen.
"I don"t believe we"ve met," the brunette said, offering Christy her hand. "I"m Emma Thornton, and this is my friend, Amelia Ravensdale."
Sinjun"s sister! Though Christy realized she was treading in dangerous waters, she couldn"t help responding to the young woman"s friendly overture.
"I"m Chris, er, Flora Randall."
Emma"s eyes widened. "Lady Flora Randall! I"ve heard of you but never had the pleasure to meet you. You"re very beautiful. Amelia and I came out last year," she revealed. "We were just discussing the paucity of interesting men this year." She sighed. "I suppose I compare all men to my brothers, and none of them can hold a candle to either Julian or Sinjun. Do you know them, Lady Flora?"
Christy felt certain Emma had no idea she was here tonight as Sinjun"s mistress. She"d be content if Emma never found out. "I believe I"ve met your brothers."
"Are you here with your husband, Lady Flora?" Emma asked.
Was there no end to Lady Emma"s curiosity?
"I ... no, he"s not well. If you and Lady Amelia will excuse me, I must return to my ... friends."
"Perhaps we"ll run into each other again," Emma said.
"Perhaps," Christy replied, having every intention of avoiding Sinjun"s sister the rest of the evening. She adjusted her mask and left the powder room.
Sinjun was waiting for her. He wasn"t alone. "Ah, there you are," he said, grasping her arm in a proprietary manner. "I don"t believe you"ve met my friend, Lord Blakely. Rudy, this is Lady Flora Randall."
Rudy gave Christy an arrested look, then bowed over her hand. "Though we haven"t met, I"ve heard nothing but praises about you from Sinjun."
I"ll bet, Christy thought. ""Tis a pleasure to meet you, Lord Blakely."
"Would you allow me to dance with your lady, Sinjun?" Rudy asked.
Sinjun frowned. "Perhaps another time, Rudy. I was just about to lead Flora onto the dance floor myself. If you"ll excuse us..."
Though the words weren"t meant for her ears, Christy heard Rudy whisper to Sinjun, "Lucky dog. Lord Sin always keeps the best for himself."
Christy tried not to let the words affect her, for she knew Lord Blakely wasn"t alone in believing she was simply an adornment on Sinjun"s arm. Being paraded around as a mistress and not a wife was degrading. But Christy knew it was her penance for lying to Sinjun.
Sinjun"s patience was wearing thin. Every man in the room was staring at Flora as if she were a sweetmeat waiting to be devoured. He couldn"t wait to get her alone. Flora was going to be devoured, all right, by him. His need for the copper-haired beauty was consuming every minute of every day. It left him reeling, without direction, and it wasn"t a feeling he enjoyed.
After the midnight buffet he suggested that they leave. His eyes darkened with irrepressible desire when she appeared as eager to leave as he.
"Wait here," Sinjun said as he retrieved Christy"s cloak and draped it over her shoulders, "while I summon the coach."