Ice Angel (14 page)

He laughed. ‘I would choose another description.’

‘But his eccentricity gives no hint of his compassionate nature,’ said Isabella. ‘Sir Seymour was so kind when Dominic went missing and he has spoken to me since of his discussions with Henry Grey Bennet, and how they mean to do something about flash-houses.’

‘Dinny is no fool,’ agreed Hal. ‘In spite of his foibles, he is a clever man who is willing to put some of his fortune and
influence
to good use. He will have my support in any efforts he makes in that direction. Does Dominic know that you have come here tonight?’

‘Yes, he was disappointed that he could not come too, even though I told him he would be terribly bored.’

‘Perhaps I can soften the blow: there is a balloon ascent in Hyde Park on Saturday and you are all invited to witness it from my barouche,’ said Hal. ‘Dominic will enjoy it, I’m sure. Theo, Julia and even my mother have expressed a wish to attend and no doubt Freddy will join us if he and Julia have resolved their quarrel. However, much as I love Dominic’s company, I confess to feeling selfish this evening – I want you to myself, Isabella.’

‘I feel the same,’ she replied softly. ‘I have spent long hours thinking and planning for my family and, while I have done it without complaint, it is delightful to forget that burden for a time and enjoy myself.’

His grip on her tightened and, pulling her closer, he said huskily, ‘I mean to take every burden from your shoulders, my love, and bring pleasure into your life in many ways.’ Then, he added in a rueful voice, ‘You are the most abominable girl! Having vowed that I would be patient, all my good intentions have flown now I have you in my arms.’

She looked up at him wonderingly. ‘And I believed that I was the cold creature Edward branded me, but you have shown me that I am not.’

‘You were never that to me … even when we first met, I glimpsed the warmth under that icy exterior.’ Looking down into her charming upturned features, Hal uttered a faint groan. ‘I can wait no longer when you mean so much to me,’ he murmured. ‘Isabella, although we have known each other only a short time, there is a question that I am desperate to ask you. Perhaps you can guess what it is.’

She replied after a pause, ‘I think I can.’

‘You don’t feel I am rushing you?’ he asked, a frown creasing his brow.

‘Yes, a little,’ she admitted, ‘but I forgive you because of the sentiments behind your haste. I can’t fight what I feel for you any more – the intensity of it frightens me, but I can’t go back now because you have brought my soul to life again. I have waited years to find you, Hal – I thought I never would – so I welcome your … question.’

His frown lifted. ‘Thank God,’ he said, in an unsteady voice. ‘I was worried you might step on my toes to punish my impetuosity.’

‘There is still time – the
particular
way you are looking at me is making everyone stare,’ she replied, a twinkle of amusement in her gaze.

‘Let them!’ declared Hal. The dance was almost over so he added, ‘I am obliged to circulate a little this evening, my darling. Will you meet me, alone, in half an hour when I have done my duty?’

Her fingers clung to his, anticipation singing through her veins as she whispered, ‘Where shall I find you?’ A note of alarm sounded in Isabella’s mind when she remembered Lady Portland, but happiness made her impulsive and she pushed it aside.

‘In the garden. Leave through the doors on the far side of the room; outside, there is a walk, hedged with yew, and beyond that a small lawn enclosed by trees. I’ll wait for you there. The evening is growing cool, but I promise you will not be cold, my love,’ he said, a gleam of rakish devilment in his eyes.

As the music drew to a close, she replied, ‘I promise I will be there, Hal.’

Neither Hal nor Isabella had yet seen Lady Portland, who had arrived late with Lady Cumberland. However, Felicity, mingling with the other guests without a shred of
embarrassment
, had noticed Lord Bramwell and Lady Vane dancing together and from their warm glances and shared smiles, they appeared very much in love. Resentment and jealousy flared inside her. She still intended to offer herself to Hal again: to count him as a conquest was both a searing need and a matter of pride.

Across the room, Lady Bramwell and Julia had noted their uninvited guest with astonishment.

‘I cannot believe that woman has had the effrontery to come here,’ said Marguerite furiously. ‘Jennings confirmed that she arrived with Lady Cumberland; he had no choice but to admit her, of course.’

‘Should we ask her to leave?’

‘We could, but she is quite shameless and an awkward scene might ensue. Perhaps she is curious and wants to see how our family goes along without her.’

‘No,’ said Julia, shaking her head. ‘She is determined to pursue Hal.’

‘Then I shall ask Hal’s opinion on what is to be done, but I feel it would be best if we just keep a wary eye on Lady Portland. After all, the evening is well advanced and even she can do no harm in an hour or two.’

Julia shuddered. ‘Don’t underestimate Felicity Portland. Thank God that Hal escaped her clutches!’

‘That is in the past, and what Hal does now is no business of Lady Portland’s. I cannot see what she hopes to gain by coming here, but maybe after seeing Hal with Isabella this evening, Felicity will accept that he is lost to her forever.’

‘I am not as sanguine as you, Mama.’

Lady Bramwell looked at her daughter with a puzzled
expression
. ‘Julia, this is your evening, an event you have been looking forward to for months – do not let Felicity Portland ruin it. I know you too well and, despite outward appearances to the contrary, you are unhappy. Why have you danced only once with Freddy?’

‘Because he only asked me once,’ said Julia sadly. ‘It seems that I have upset him more than I realized: he is staying well away from me and even when we danced, he was not his usual self – he was cold and distant, and seemed uncomfortable while I, in turn, was embarrassed and could not find the words for the apology I intended to give.’ She bit her lip. ‘Perhaps he hates me now.’

‘If Freddy’s love has turned to hate then he is not the man I think he is,’ replied her mother, pragmatically. ‘His behaviour is a little strange, but perhaps he still feels awkward after your quarrel. I am sure that you will be reconciled by the end of the evening.’

‘I hope so,’ replied Julia, but with no real conviction. She could not convey the depths of her disappointment, and
despondency
. She felt hurt by Freddy’s indifference. Dressed in her new blue gown and with her hair arranged in a most becoming style, she had taken a great deal of trouble over her appearance. All her efforts had been for Freddy alone and although she had received numerous compliments from her other admirers, none of it had meant as much as a few words of praise from Freddy would have done. However, he had merely stated rather mechanically how fine she looked before returning to the card room.

She had tried to articulate her sorrow and regret at their quarrel, but for once, all her verbal skills deserted her in the face of Freddy’s stony silence and the words had stuck in her throat. Julia could have cried with frustration; she loved Freddy and the notion that a silly quarrel had caused this reaction confused and appalled her.

She had even asked Theo what he thought of Freddy’s
behaviour
this evening, only for Theo to reply that Freddy seemed fine to him. Perhaps, he had suggested breezily, Freddy was allowing her the freedom to enjoy her debut ball. Julia had made no reply, but she had wanted to scream that was the last thing she desired.

Hal paced the lawn, waiting for Isabella. It was a warm evening; the scent of honeysuckle filled the air and a light breeze rustled through the surrounding trees. Distant strains of soothing music floated out from ballroom, and the garden was dimly lit by the full moon which occasionally appeared from behind the clouds skittering across the sky.

There could be no more perfect setting for what he wanted to say to Isabella. He felt apprehensive, but anticipation pulsed through him as he tried to piece together a suitable speech, laughing softly at his ineptitude as he did so. Hearing a footfall from behind the hedge, a smile of greeting began to curve his mouth – it soon died when he saw that it was Lady Portland and not Isabella who stood before him.

Hal had been furious that she had come here without an
invitation
, but his mother had dissuaded him from asking her to leave, saying that Lady Portland could only harm her own
reputation
. Hal had capitulated in deference to his mother’s wishes and because of his haste to meet Isabella. But now, seeing Felicity Portland before him, anger rose again in his breast – was this woman to spoil even this moment? He drew in a deep breath to calm his fury; Felicity could not know who he intended to meet.

‘Hal,’ she murmured seductively as she approached. ‘I saw you come out here and followed you – there is something I need to say.’

‘Then say it and let that be an end to any communication between us.’

‘Do not be hasty – you may regret it.’

‘I doubt that,’ he replied brusquely, anxious to be rid of her. ‘What do you want?’

‘You,’ said Lady Portland. She gave a provocative smile and moved closer, allowing her shawl to slip and reveal the low
décolletage
of her gown. Gazing up at him, she whispered, ‘It was always you, Hal. I was a fool to choose Portland and I have regretted it ever since, even more so since I returned to London and saw you again. I know that we could enjoy each other’s company.’

‘Despite being familiar with your methods, I am still shocked by your boldness,’ he said. ‘Your offer leaves me unmoved.’

‘Don’t you care for me just a little?’ she purred, running her gloved hands over his chest.

He moved away and said through gritted teeth, ‘No. Let me explain in clear terms because you seem to find it hard to
understand
what I am saying. I never cared for you, Felicity; it was just a foolish, youthful infatuation. I realized afterwards how lucky I was that you chose Portland, and I do not want you now.’ Hal, his expression bleak, enunciated each word that followed with bitter emphasis, ‘You mean nothing to me. Is that plain enough?’

This time, Felicity was a little taken aback, but she replied, ‘If you truly do not care for me anymore, I must accept that. However, I am still willing to offer myself without affection on your side. You see, I want you so much that my blood is burning. I can think of nothing else so I am asking – no, begging – you to quell that desire and then I will go away. Indeed, I have no shame.’ She laughed, her breasts rising and falling with her quickened breathing. ‘“
Careless lust stirs up a desperate
courage
” – rather appropriate for me, is it not? You may be married soon so what harm is there in a brief liaison before then? Please, Hal,’ she said, stepping towards him again, ‘you must do this.’

As she did so, Felicity looked over Hal’s shoulder to see Isabella watching them from a distance. Hal, who had not noticed her arrival, gave Felicity a pitying glance and her anger flared: she did not want his pity. He was going to refuse her, finally and completely – she knew it and hated him, and Isabella.

‘I actually feel sorry for you—’ he began in a hard voice.

But Felicity could not let him utter the refusal and, seeing her opportunity, quickly slid her arms around his neck and kissed him. From under half-closed lids, she watched Isabella turn away and leave.

Incensed, he thrust her away and wiped his hand across his lips. ‘Damn you! I believe you are mad. Go, before I lose my temper completely!’

Her mouth twisted in a parody of a smile. ‘Very well. Such a pity that you will not accept my offer – we would have dealt extremely well together.’

She pushed past him, but she had not finished yet. After smoothing her gown and composing herself from the exertion of hurrying back to the house, she looked for, and found, Isabella. She was alone in one of the side rooms, half hidden behind an ornate screen and Felicity noted with satisfaction her hunted, distrait expression.

Isabella watched Lady Portland’s approach with trepidation. Reeling from what she had seen, she had stumbled back inside, desperate to find somewhere to be alone and collect her thoughts.

She had no wish to converse with this woman, but it seemed that she was to be left no choice as Lady Portland came straight towards her. Isabella felt her body go rigid, and the air seemed suddenly oppressive and heavy with tension.

Felicity arched a brow. ‘Lady Vane, is it not?’

‘Yes – I am Lady Vane,’ replied Isabella, ‘and I have heard about you, Lady Portland, and your connection to Lord Bramwell.’

‘Oh, but you cannot know everything about my connection with Hal. I am sorry that you witnessed our caress a few moments ago, but you should appreciate how matters stand.’

‘What do you mean?’ asked Isabella curtly.

‘Simply that Hal and I still care for each other.’

Isabella’s lip curled in derision. ‘That cannot be true. Hal has told me that you mean nothing to him and he has no reason to lie.’

‘Think that if it pleases you, Lady Vane, but he does have a reason,’ murmured Felicity.

‘I do not believe you.’

Despite this denial, Lady Portland saw the indecision in Isabella’s eyes and pounced. She gave a trill of mocking laughter. ‘You are so naïve – an innocent indeed – I declare it is quite endearing. Of course he has a reason: surely you know that you are referred to as the Ice Angel in the clubs, for your beauty but also for your reserve? Wagers have been lodged as to how long it would be before you thawed and allowed someone near.’

‘Wagers?’ echoed Isabella faintly.

‘Gentlemen gamble on the slightest thing, my dear,’ declared Lady Portland. ‘They will gamble on one raindrop beating another down the window pane, so they will not miss the
opportunity
to bet on thawing the Ice Angel.’

There was silence for a moment as Isabella struggled to take in what she was hearing; a dreaded realization was slowly dawning. ‘And Hal is involved in this – this wager?’ she murmured.