Читать книгу Regency Affairs Part 1: Books 1-6 Of 12 - Кэрол Мортимер, Кэрол Мортимер - Страница 23

Rupert scowled and all humour left his visage as he continued to hold Pandora firmly in his arms. He nodded dismissal of the butler, waiting for the older man to leave before he turned his cold and icy-grey gaze upon his father’s widow, as she posed to what she no doubt considered her best advantage in the open doorway of the gold salon. ‘“That woman”, as you so rudely call her, is now my own Duchess of Stratton.’

Patricia’s beautiful face twisted into an expression of disbelief before becoming one of murderous rage as she glared at Pandora, her eyes glittering with that same malevolence. ‘You have actually married a woman who is not only a known adulteress, but was also responsible for the death of her husband?’

Rupert heard Pandora draw in a shaky breath as she stiffened in his arms, but he dared not look down at her now, knew that seeing the hurt she suffered at Patricia’s deliberate and calculated viciousness would be his undoing. Instead he continued to hold her tightly to his chest as he concentrated his chilling attention on the Dowager Duchess. ‘You will not address my wife in that derogatory manner or tone, madam.’

Patricia gave an unpleasant cackle of laughter. ‘You have actually married a woman whom dozens of other gentleman of the ton have already bedded? The same gentlemen you might meet at your club every day and who will laugh behind your back to know they had her first? Your new bride is a woman who so publicly and repeatedly cuckolded her first husband that he was forced to fight a duel to the death over her?’

‘I advise you to silence your wicked tongue, woman!’ Rupert advised harshly.

‘Why, you will be the laughing stock of the ton!’ Patricia ignored the warning as she continued to jeer. ‘How society will laugh when they learn that the arrogant, the oh-so-haughty Devil Stirling has been seduced, led by his manhood to the altar, by the infamous Pandora Maybury!’ She openly laughed in his face now. ‘What a wonderful, delicious joke you will become, Rupert!’

If he’d had a free hand at that moment Rupert would quite cheerfully have slapped the woman’s face. Not on his own behalf—the ton could say what they liked about him, and be damned with it—but for the vicious way in which she insulted Pandora with her every word.

That she did so deliberately he had no doubt. Patricia did everything with deliberation and purpose, from seducing him to then seducing his father when Rupert had proved elusive to the parson’s mousetrap. He realised that she was now intent upon causing a rift in his marriage before it had even begun.

‘Would you please put me down, Rupert?’

He looked down concernedly as Pandora made the polite request, the first words she had spoken since Patricia began her vicious assault. ‘It is my intention to carry you up the stairs to the privacy of our bedchamber.’

‘Perhaps later. First you will put me down, please, Rupert.’ She looked up at him steadily as she firmly repeated her request.

Rupert frowned darkly as he slowly lowered Pandora to the floor of the marbled hallway until she stood on her own two satin-slippered feet, his arm moving about the slenderness of her waist as she straightened her gown and bonnet before looking up at the older woman.

Pandora smiled reassuringly at Rupert before she turned to the older woman. ‘You are right in your surmise that in the past Rupert may have suffered a certain amount of … conjecture from the ton regarding the women he was previously known to associate with,’ she spoke quietly, but with a complete sense of purpose, knowing full well what Patricia was up to—and determined not to give her the satisfaction of knowing how much her accusations had wounded her, as they were also intended to insult Rupert, at the same time planting doubts in his mind as to the wisdom of his actions.

Pandora’s own confidence now relied heavily upon the fact that Rupert had assured her he knew exactly what he was doing by choosing to make her his wife, his Duchess. She had also warned him, on several occasions, of the ridicule he risked bringing down about his own head if he married her, warnings he had summarily dismissed.

With those things in mind, she had no intention of allowing Patricia Stirling’s vicious tongue to drive a barrier between the two of them before they had been married for so much as a single day.

‘But really, in this situation, is it not a case of “people in glass houses”?’ Pandora reasoned sweetly.

The other woman looked ready to explode. ‘How dare you?’

‘Oh, I believe if you were ever to know me better, which I am sure neither of us wishes for …’ Pandora shrugged gracefully ‘… then you would find that I would dare rather a lot. Indeed, I do believe that my first instruction, as the new Duchess of Stratton, must be to ask you to remove yourself from Stratton House. For all our sakes.’

The other woman’s face became a mottled red, those blue eyes bulging. ‘Why, you—you bitch! How dare you presume to tell me what to do and where I must go?’

Pandora sighed at this continued unpleasantness. ‘I’m trying to be reasonable about this—’

Patricia glared. ‘Why, you puffed-up little upstart!’

‘Obviously I’m wasting my time in trying to remain polite,’ Pandora replied in a bored tone.

‘In my opinion you’re wasting your time altogether!’ Patricia gave a scathing snort. ‘How can you possibly expect or hope to hold the attention of a man as experienced and jaded as Rupert? You cannot!’ she announced gleefully. ‘Not if you were to dance naked in front of him for a fortnight!’

This last taunt was a little too close for comfort to Pandora’s own feelings of inadequacy in the bedchamber, but she had no intention of allowing Patricia to know her poisonous dart had hit its target so precisely. ‘How utterly uninspiring that would be!’ Her tone had hardened at the other woman’s persistence in insulting her. ‘It is my opinion that a gentleman prefers a little … elusiveness, a certain mystery, in the woman on whom he bestows his interest. Any young and virile gentleman, at least; I am sure a gentleman of mature, perhaps even impotent years, shall we say, would be far less difficult to please?’

Rupert had feared for Pandora just a few minutes ago, believing that Patricia intended, and would succeed if he did not verbally restrain her, in ripping Pandora to shreds with her viciousness. But once again Pandora had surprised him by continuing to maintain her own dignity in the face of Patricia’s unpleasantness.

The slight trembling of Pandora’s body against his arm told Rupert that she was nowhere near as calm as her outward demeanour so determinedly implied, her cheeks now the colour of ivory, those violet eyes having deepened to a haunted purple. And yet he also knew, by the stubborn set of her raised chin and the determination in her gaze, that Pandora would not, under any circumstances—no matter the insult—back down from this face-to-face confrontation with the viper standing in front of her.

‘Are you going to just stand there and let this woman insult your own father without a word of defence from you?’ Patricia turned to demand of him.

Rupert raised mocking brows. ‘You are referring to my wife, madam, the Duchess of Stratton. And whether or not Pandora’s remark was an insult must surely depend upon whether or not there was any truth to it? If there is, then I cannot see how it can be called an insult.’

Patricia looked incensed. ‘For your information your father was more than capable of—’

‘Perhaps that is a little too much information to relate to his son, Dowager Duchess?’ Pandora put in with soft reproof. ‘Most especially when it is known that you shared the bed of that son before you did that of the father.’

The older woman’s hands curled into claws. ‘You know nothing of my relationship with Devil—’

‘I believe Rupert has confided in me enough for me to know that it wasn’t “a relationship” at all,’ Pandora continued. ‘It was, after all, only a matter of a few weeks’ fun on Rupert’s part. A soldier home on leave from the war, battle-scarred and weary, and eager to enjoy all and everything that was offered to him.’

As a set-down it was superb and Rupert knew he could not have bettered it himself if he’d tried. But he had no need to try, when Pandora was so obviously capable, and determined, to defend both herself, and him, so ably.

A sentiment Patricia might not particularly like, but so obviously recognised. ‘As long as you are made aware that Rupert has only married you in a desperate effort to be rid of me?’ she taunted.

‘How very brave of you to openly acknowledge as much.’ Pandora gave the other woman a gracious smile. ‘I do so admire honesty in a person.’

‘Keep your admiration for someone who may appreciate it!’ The Dowager Duchess glowered at her before turning to Rupert. ‘On better acquaintance, I believe the two of you may actually deserve each other!’

‘It is to be hoped so.’ Once again Rupert drew Pandora against his side and smiled down at her before glancing back at his father’s widow. ‘Do you require any help with your packing?’

Patricia drew herself up frostily. ‘I believe I am perfectly capable of making my own arrangements for moving to the Dower House, thank you.’

‘Then I suggest you do so—now!’ There was no mistaking the dangerous edge to Rupert’s tone as he looked at her coldly. ‘Now, if you will excuse us?’ He bent and swept Pandora back up into his arms. ‘My wife and I were about to retire to our bedchamber for several hours before dinner.’ He deliberately turned his back on his father’s widow as he strode across the hallway and began climbing the stairs, all the time aware of how Pandora’s trembling had deepened, obviously in reaction to the viciousness of the confrontation she had just endured. ‘Hold on just a few seconds more and we will have reached the privacy of our bedchamber,’ he murmured softly, so that only Pandora could hear him.

Pandora’s trembling increased at the mention of ‘our bedchamber’, their light-hearted flirtation of earlier all but forgotten with all that had followed; she certainly did not feel like that expectant bride of a few short minutes ago! Rather, she had been given another reminder, by Patricia Stirling of all people, of exactly why Rupert had married her. The only reason he had married her.

Rupert frowned down at Pandora as she gave a deep and heartfelt sigh as he entered their bedchamber and kicked the door closed behind him before placing her gently down upon the bed to sit down beside her. ‘What is it?’

She gave a wan smile. ‘I believe I am feeling rather … fatigued, with that unpleasant scene following so quickly on the events of last night and today.’

Rupert could have kicked himself for his lack of sensitivity; of course Pandora was feeling fatigued. She had narrowly escaped being burnt alive only hours ago, before being made love to until she attained a shattering climax. Only to then find herself married hours later and finally returning here to be insulted by the previous mistress of his bed and this house. The three former things were traumatic enough, but he believed the latter would have had most new brides screaming obscenities at him rather than expressing exhaustion!

He turned on the side of the bed before reaching out to gently untie and put aside her bonnet and smooth the hair back from Pandora’s temples, allowing him to touch the tiny blue veins visible beneath the delicacy of her skin. He could also see the purple shadows of exhaustion beneath those lovely violet eyes. ‘I believe you’re right and it might be for the best if you were to rest here for a while before dinner.’ He smiled encouragement. ‘After all, we have the rest of our lives to enjoy being married to each other.’

‘And will we enjoy being married to each other, do you think?’

Rupert looked down at her searchingly, the uncertainty in her expression unmistakable. ‘Is it possible you already regret marrying me?’

She released a shaky sigh. ‘I merely wonder if we have done the right thing in acting so hastily.’

As unflattering as Pandora’s uncertainty now was, Rupert could not exactly blame her for feeling that way. How could he, when she had been so roundly insulted only minutes after their wedding had taken place? Insults which she had not only successfully fended off, but had done so in such a way as not to lose her own sense of dignity, which he admired so much. But at what inner cost to Pandora herself?

‘Perhaps we should wait a little longer before making any decision in that regard,’ he teased gently.

She gave another sigh. ‘We seem to have rid you of Patricia Stirling’s presence here, at least.’

Rupert looked down at her admiringly. ‘You were magnificent just now, Pandora.’

She blinked up at him. ‘I was?’

He grinned. ‘I could not have dealt with the situation better myself.’

She gave a wan smile. ‘High praise indeed!’

Rupert gave her a mock frown. ‘I will have you know that I am known far and wide for the haughtiness of my set-downs.’

‘Oh, I can believe that.’ Pandora smiled slightly as some of her earlier numbness started to thaw. ‘If we don’t take care, we will very quickly earn the reputation of being “those high-and-mighty Strattons”!’

‘I already have it on reliable authority that I am in possession of an “arrogant nose”, which I apparently use in order to look down at the people who annoy or irritate me,’ he drawled.

‘And so you do!’ Pandora could feel her sense of humour returning as they talked so easily together. After all, whatever the reason for it, this was her wedding day, Rupert was her husband, and for tonight at least, this would be their bridal chamber. ‘Perhaps I am not feeling so fatigued, after all …’ Her cheeks began to warm as she heard the husky invitation in her voice.

Rupert’s hand stilled against her temple, golden lashes fringing narrowed grey eyes as he looked down at her intently for several long seconds. ‘Perhaps …’ He paused, as if seeking the right words. ‘Last night was traumatic for both of us. Would it relax you to laze in a soothing bath and then for the two of us to rest here together before dinner?’

Pandora’s heart began to beat loudly in her chest. ‘I believe I should like that very much indeed.’

‘I will ring for the hot water to be brought upstairs.’ His eyes darkened to the colour of a stormy sky. ‘Shall I act as your maid again?’

Pandora smiled shyly. ‘Perhaps we might—attend each other …?’

Rupert was very aware, despite her denials just now, that she was in fact very weary from all that had happened to her since the fire last night. Just as he was also aware that his own lack of physical release when they had been together last night meant his self-control was not all it should or could be.

The former meant that Pandora was in all probability far too tired for lovemaking just now. Just as Rupert was unsure if he could help her bathe, or share a bed with her, without making love to her!

But he was certainly willing to try, believing he would enjoy watching her bathe and then climbing into bed beside her before the two of them drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.

He gave a slight inclination of his head. ‘If it would please you.’

Her throat moved convulsively as she swallowed before answering him huskily, ‘I believe that it would.’

Rupert stood up to pull the bell for Pendleton, turning to watch as Pandora sat up to swing her legs to the floor before standing up.

For the first time in his life Rupert felt uncertain of how to proceed with a woman. With a wife. His wife.

The fact that he had a wife at all was going to take some adjusting to!

Pandora looked up uncertainly at Rupert once the butler had departed after being instructed to provide the bathwater for her Grace, not quite sure what she should do or say next. She felt a little shy still and it seemed … forward of her, to make the first move, and yet Rupert seemed equally as uncertain—reluctant?—to do so. She gave a nervous smile. ‘We did not seem quite so … awkward with each other, last night.’

Rupert returned her smile. ‘We were not husband and wife last night.’

She looked up at him curiously. ‘Do you truly think that makes a difference?’

He shrugged broad shoulders. ‘Never having been a husband before, I have no idea.’

She frowned. ‘And you do not regret our hasty marriage?’

‘As I was the one to arrange it, I assure you I have no regrets at all. But surely I am to be allowed the nervousness of any new husband?’ he teased.

‘Nervousness?’

Rupert nodded. ‘I would be most displeased if I were to do or say something which caused you unhappiness.’

Pandora found his concern oddly touching, no doubt because her first husband had possessed absolutely no feelings whatsoever in regard to her happiness. ‘It is decent of you to say so, Rupert—’

‘Decent of me?’ He reached out to place a hand beneath her chin as he raised her face so that he might look down at her searchingly. ‘Were you ever happy with Maybury, even for a single day—no, pet, don’t turn away from me,’ he begged as she would have done just that. ‘Did you care for him at all? Did he care for you?’

‘No.’

Rupert frowned darkly at the flat promptness of her reply. ‘It was never more than an arranged marriage?’

Her lashes lowered over those expressive eyes. ‘I— We realised almost from the beginning that we did not … suit.’

‘Then Maybury was a fool!’ he rasped harshly.

She gasped, her lashes sweeping upwards as her eyes widened. ‘My parents brought me up to believe it is wrong to speak ill of the dead.’

‘Mine also.’ Rupert gave a derisive smile. ‘But maturity has shown me that the fact a person is dead makes no difference to them having behaved the fool before that death occurred!’

Pandora’s lips twitched with totally inappropriate humour. ‘You really must not say such things, Rupert.’

‘For fear the devil might claim me as one of his own when it is my own time to go?’ He eyed her teasingly. ‘Most of the ton believe that to already be a foregone conclusion!’

Then, in Pandora’s opinion, ‘most of the ton‘ would be wrong. No doubt Rupert took wicked delight in cultivating the reputation that had earned him the name of ‘Devil’ Stirling, but it certainly was not all of the man, did not allow for the loyalty and affection he felt towards his friends and which they so obviously felt towards him. Or to the way in which Rupert had honoured his father’s last will and testament in regard to the Dowager Duchess, despite the fact that it had caused him great personal discomfort. Nor could it deflect from the way in which Rupert had been so protective of Pandora once he became aware she was in any danger.

No, no matter his reputation, Rupert was far too honourable a man to ever suffer the fate of being ‘claimed by the devil as one of his own’ …

‘The ton do not know you as I do,’ Pandora declared with certainty.

He smiled slightly. ‘No?’

‘No,’ she stated firmly. ‘Nor do I believe it to be altogether proper to talk of my first husband when in my bridal bedchamber with my second.’

Rupert stared at her for several seconds before he burst into spontaneous laughter, a deep throaty chuckle that showed his even white teeth and made his eyes glow with the same humour. ‘I don’t believe I have ever laughed so much in the bedchamber with a lady before now.’

‘With her or at her?’ She arched knowing brows.

‘Oh, most certainly with.’ He continued to chuckle. ‘You have a way of saying exactly what is on your mind that I find deeply refreshing.’

Pandora stilled. ‘Would you care to know what is on my mind at this moment?’

Rupert’s breath caught in his throat as he saw the warmth in her eyes. ‘I believe I would, yes.’

‘How big is your bath?’

Rupert’s brows rose. ‘I believe it is big enough and deep enough for me to stretch out my legs and luxuriate in water up to my shoulders.’

‘Then it is big enough for two people to sit together?’

His smiled widened as he realised what she was about. ‘Most assuredly.’

She breathed out shakily. ‘Then would—would it be considered terribly … scandalous, if we were to bathe together?’

‘Oh, terribly,’ Rupert confirmed. ‘But, as it is also a suggestion of which I wholeheartedly approve, why should either of us care whether or not it is scandalous?’

Pandora blushed at her own daring in suggesting they bathe together.

Of suggesting the two of them bathe naked together …