That Infamous Pearl (24 page)

"Aren't you
going to turn me into the magistrates?" taunted Malcolm.

"I see no reason
to re-open a dead scandal. It would only serve to renew gossip that has been
better off buried." Alaric shrugged and ran a caustic eye over his rival. "You
may stay in England and wait until your own carelessness gets you into trouble,
or you can return to your life as a professional gambler in Europe. It makes no
difference at all to me. Come along, Rowena."

"Rowena, don't
go with him. He'll do something dreadful to you. You'll be found dead
somewhere, a terrible 'accident.' I tell you, he's dangerous." Malcolm
sounded genuinely concerned.

"Alaric won't
hurt me," she said, firmly. "He's very angry with me, but he won't
harm me, I promise you. Malcolm, it's urgent that you take my advice and return
to France. I will do my best to help you here."

Alaric took her
firmly by the arm again. "Rowena, we are leaving now. Good afternoon,
Arlingby." He bowed with exaggerated politeness, and led Rowena to where
his carriage awaited them, a stony-faced groom holding the horses. Alaric
glanced at him, and then looked at Rowena's flushed face.

"You had best
walk home, Bartleby. I will take care of Lady Brayleigh."

"Yes, sir,"
answered the groom in a wooden tone. He waited until Alaric had settled Rowena
in the carriage's seat and then, handing the reins over to his master, departed
hastily.

Rowena looked over
her shoulder to where Malcolm had stood, but he was gone. She watched nervously
as her husband climbed into the curricle and put the horses into motion. The
events of this afternoon would only have compounded his distrust of her.

"I hope you will
not make a practice of this sort of behavior, Rowena. If you do, I will send
you into the country to one of my estates." Alaric spoke softly, but
Rowena could hear the steel in his tone.

"I never said I
would not see Malcolm. I didn't lie to you." Rowena knew it was a weak
defense, but at least it was the truth.

"No, you didn't
lie. But you knew I didn't want you to talk to him again. Your loyalty should
be with me, Rowena."

Did she hear a touch
of hurt in his voice? Was it perhaps more than his pride that was wounded? A
tiny ray of hope touched Rowena as she wondered if his heart had been touched
by her just a tiny bit.

"My loyalty is
with you, Alaric. I admit that I have gone about this the wrong way, but you
must see that I am trying to do what is best for both of us."

Alaric gave a cold
laugh. "I see nothing of the sort. And now, Rowena, I ask you not to
discuss this anymore. I have only myself to blame for believing you to be
something that you are not, and I will pay the price. However, if you think I
plan to make it easy for you to flout my desires, think again. If I find you
with your brother again you will be sent away from London immediately. Do you
understand me?"

"Yes, Alaric."
Rowena folded her hands in her lap and bit her lip. She fought back the tears
that rose in her throat. She had to convince Alaric somehow that she was not
attempting to harm him. But looking at his inflexible profile she could tell it
was going to be a difficult task.

Rowena stood against
the wall of the Bradnam ballroom, fanning herself languidly. She was exhausted.
Her last partner had been particularly energetic, and she was already worn out
from lack of sleep. Alaric was the cause of that. Every night he came to her
room and stayed until it was almost dawn. Then he left, still without saying a
thing. Rowena had pleaded with him to allow her to explain her actions, but he
refused, saying only that there was no need for further discussion. Alaric
would not listen to her arguments about her innocence, and they spent almost no
time together except at night, when he refused to converse with her. The
situation was beginning to wear on her nerves; she thought surely her emotions
would overwhelm her if matters continued as they were.

Rowena narrowed her
eyes as she gazed across the room at her husband. He didn't look as though he
was exhausted, though she had no idea when he might be sleeping. He stayed out
of the house all day, returned home only for dinner, and then went out again,
coming in after midnight and making his way to her bedroom. This was the first
time since he had discovered her searching his safe that he had accompanied her
anywhere, but when she had tried to thank him, he had cut her off.

"I don't want
more gossip spread about us, and that would surely happen if we were never seen
together," he had said shortly. "That is the only reason I am going
with you."

They had travelled to
the ball in silence, and Alaric had danced with her once when they arrived, and
then left her to her own devices. She didn't lack for partners, but she couldn't
prevent her gaze from following her husband as he moved about the room. She
could see him smiling at other women, exerting himself to be charming. As she
watched, the redheaded woman in the very low-cut dress he was speaking to
leaned forward and placed her hand on his arm, giving him a seductive smile. Rowena
could feel her anger rising. It wasn't fair of him to treat her this way. She
had done nothing but try to help him, and now she was being punished for it.

"Daydreaming,
Rowena?"

Rowena looked up to
see Charles standing next to her. She gave him a wan smile.

"I'm afraid I
don't feel very well," she murmured. "I have a headache."

Charles looked
concerned. "I'll tell Alaric. I'm sure he would want to take you home. He's
very concerned about your health."

"No!" Rowena
grabbed his arm as he turned away. "No, don't bother him. He seems to be
enjoying himself."

Charles gave her a
searching glance. "Is something wrong, Rowena?"

"No, not at all.
I'll be fine. I just need to rest for a moment or two." Rowena fidgeted
with her fan.

"You aren't
regretting your marriage, are you?"

Rowena's violet eyes
flashed up to Charles's face. "Why would you ask me that?"

"I shouldn't
meddle." Charles looked down at the ground. "But I know of the
history between your families, and that Alaric compromised you intentionally in
order to force a marriage. I know that there are gossips out there that would
like to poison your mind against Alaric. I just thought perhaps you were
regretting your marriage now."

"Oh, no." Rowena
shrugged helplessly as she watched Alaric lean forward and say something that
brought a sensual light to the redheaded woman's eyes. Perhaps it was a good
thing that he came to her every night, she thought desperately. At least she
knew where he was.

Charles followed her
gaze and sighed. "Don't be concerned, Rowena. Alaric has always had that
effect on women. Since he married you he has been the model of a good husband."

"I know,"
said Rowena wretchedly.

"Of course, you
must not expect too much of him. He's not used to being married. But you must
promise me that you will not listen to the latest gossip," said Charles.

"What gossip?"
The redhead leaned forward, almost revealing her entire bosom to Alaric's gaze.

"They say you
are pregnant, and he is now taking an interest in other woman because he has
secured an heir for himself."

Rowena's hand drifted
down to her flat stomach. Her courses were late, and she had begun to wonder
over the past few days if perhaps she carried Alaric's baby. But she tried not
to think about it, fearing that if she had a son Alaric would completely
disassociate himself from her. There must be some way to repair her
relationship with her husband. She could not bear to think of him with other
women.

"That is
complete nonsense," she said sharply.

"I thought so,"
said Charles. "I knew that Alaric would tell me if you were expecting a
child." His eyes followed Rowena's as she watched Alaric. "You mustn't
worry, Rowena. He would never do anything to hurt you."

"Thank you,
Charles," said Rowena. Alaric was leading the woman out onto the dance
floor, and she felt her temper rising. He was probably doing it only to annoy
her, she thought. But what if he wasn't? What if he truly no longer harbored
any affection for her at all? She couldn't stand to watch him drift away from
her, back to his mistresses. If that happened, she would have to retire into
the country. At least there she wouldn't have to watch him flirting with other
women.

"Lady Brayleigh?
I believe this dance is mine?"

Rowena looked up into
the eager eyes of Hugh Grantly. He had been a suitor of hers prior to her
marriage, and the fact that she was now a married woman seemed to have done
little to dim his ardor for her. If anything, he seemed to enjoy her company
more than ever. Although he was several years older than Rowena, she couldn't
help thinking of him as a mere boy. Alaric, she thought bitterly, made every
other man seem dull in comparison.

"Certainly,"
she murmured, placing her hand in his. Hugh led her out onto the floor and
swept her into the dance. Rowena looked anxiously over her shoulder until she
caught sight of Alaric moving around the floor, the redhead clasped in his
arms.

"Who is that
woman dancing with my husband?" she asked.

"Eh?" Hugh's
head swiveled about. "Oh, that is the infamous Mrs. Peckham. She is
supposed to be very amusing."

"Alaric looks
amused," said Rowena sourly. As she spoke she saw Alaric tilt his head
back and laugh at something Mrs. Peckham said.

"Bound to be,"
snickered Hugh. "She's said to be a woman who knows how to entertain a
man."

Rowena tried to tear
her eyes away from her husband and Mrs. Peckham, but it seemed to be an
impossible task. She knew that she should act unconcerned, but it was quite
impossible. What if Alaric sent her home alone tonight? What if he didn't come
home at all? What if he was planning on finding a new mistress now that he felt
their marriage was a failure? It was impossible to contemplate. She had to
somehow convince Alaric that she had not been plotting against him.

"Lady Brayleigh?"

Rowena started. Hugh
was talking to her, and she had no idea what he had said.

"Yes, Mr.
Grantly?"

"Are you quite
well, Lady Brayleigh? You seem distracted."

"I...I have a
headache." Rowena despised herself for repeating such a weak excuse, but
she reflected that if Alaric continued to spend time with Mrs. Peckham, it
would very soon be true.

"You need some
fresh air." Hugh's voice was concerned. "Allow me to assist you."

He led her from the
dance floor, over to the open doors of the ballroom, and out onto the balcony. Rowena
felt a pang of unhappiness as she remembered the first night she had met
Alaric, and how he had escorted her out onto the tiny balcony. She had fallen
under his spell that night, she knew, and she doubted she would ever recover
from it. If only she had been wise enough to avoid him she would not be
suffering this agony now. She had made a very bad mistake, giving her heart to
Alaric. He didn't trust her enough to believe her, and what was love without
trust?

Rowena could hear
Hugh saying something to her, but it did not penetrate her consciousness. She
wondered if Alaric was still with Mrs. Peckham, and if he knew how much
unhappiness he was causing her. Perhaps this was another way of punishing her. Or
perhaps he didn't care at all. Maybe he didn't even think of her when he was
with Mrs. Peckham.

She returned to
reality with a start when she felt Hugh clasp her hand and press his lips to it
in a very genuine kiss. She looked down at his head, startled.

"What are you
doing, Mr. Grantly?" she demanded.

"Oh, Rowena, you
must be aware of how I feel. I have just told you my innermost thoughts. You
are so beautiful, so pure, so kind...you cannot refuse to accept my devotion."

Rowena stepped back
in horror. She had allowed her mind to wander, and now it seemed that Mr.
Grantly had been declaring his affection for her. This was absolutely the last
thing that she wanted.

"Mr. Grantly,
please control yourself. This is most uncomfortable. I am a married woman."
She snatched her hand out of his grasp.

"You are married
to Brayleigh, who obviously has no affection for you. How else could he spend
so much time with Mrs. Peckham? The man is a fool. If I had you, I would never
let you out of my sight."

"I don't
remember your feelings being so strong for me a month ago," observed
Rowena tartly. "It would seem that my marriage has intensified them."

"You drive me
wild," declared Hugh passionately. "I must have you, Rowena. You are
far too good for him."

"But not too
good for you? I see." Rowena backed away from him. "I think you
should go, Mr. Grantly."

"I will not be
denied," said Hugh thickly. He stepped forward and tried to take Rowena
into his arms. "I could make you happy, Rowena."

Rowena wriggled out
of his grasp. "Please, Mr. Grantly. You are making a spectacle of
yourself. I have no intention of betraying my husband."

"Why? He is
cheating on you," said Hugh bluntly. "Everyone knows about Mrs.
Peckham."

Rowena's heart gave a
lurch. "Please do not speak of my husband in that manner," she said
coldly.

"Why not? He is
unworthy of you. He prefers the over-ripe charms of Mrs. Peckham, but you are
all I desire. I will make you happy, Rowena."

"No, thank you."
Rowena sidestepped Hugh as he reached for her again. "This is growing
ridiculous. Please leave me alone."

The curtain onto the
balcony was moved aside by a large hand, and Rowena looked up to see Alaric
standing in the doorway, his face as dark as a thundercloud. She felt a moment
of pure joy when she saw him, and then her heart sank. He looked furious.

"May I ask why
you left the ballroom, Rowena?" Alaric's voice was calm, but Rowena could
hear the undercurrent of anger running through it.

Rowena felt a moment
of panic, but then her natural anger rose. He had ignored her except in the
bedroom for over a week now, and he had been flirting outrageously with Mrs.
Peckham. And yet he somehow felt that he should be able to control her actions?
It was ridiculous and insulting. She straightened her shoulders and directed a
dazzling smile at Mr. Grantly.

"I had a slight
headache, and Mr. Grantly was kind enough to take pity on me and escort me here
to get some fresh air. Was that not kind of him, Alaric?"

Alaric's icy green
eyes fixed on Hugh, who swallowed at the patent threat in his gaze.

"Thank you, Mr.
Grantly. I believe my wife can dispense with your services now."

Mr. Grantly shifted
uneasily and began to back towards the door. Rowena gave him an exasperated
look.

"There is no
reason to leave simply because my husband suddenly chooses to act unreasonably,
Mr. Grantly. Please remain and keep me company. I was enjoying our
conversation."

Hugh licked his lips
and looked from Rowena's face to Alaric's. Rowena's eyes were sparkling with
anger and challenge, while her husband simply looked ready to commit murder. He
reflected briefly on the various merits of staying with the lovely Lady
Brayleigh versus further angering her obviously enraged husband, who was known
to be a dangerous man.

"I...I beg your
pardon. I believe I am engaged for the next dance," he stammered, and
fled, leaving Rowena face to face with Alaric. Alaric gazed after him with
contempt.

"What a stalwart
gentleman you found to flirt with, Rowena," he said caustically. "I
hope I didn't interrupt anything important."

"I was not
flirting," said Rowena angrily. "You know quite well that I was not. If
you had been standing outside that door very long you are perfectly aware of
the circumstances."

"It was highly
inappropriate of you to go out onto the balcony with him," continued
Alaric as though he had not heard her. "I believe I told you that I insist
on proper behavior from you."

"Proper
behavior?" Rowena's voice rose precipitously. "There is absolutely
nothing wrong with my behavior. I felt unwell and needed some air. Mr. Grantly
escorted me to this balcony, which is in clear view of the ballroom."