Pascale Duguay

  The following evening Julius murmured in her ear, “You look distracted. The play is not to your liking?”

  Patience nearly jumped at the sound of his voice. She shook her head, and forced her mind back to the stage, disgusted with herself. Here she was attending her first play at the theatre, and she had not retained a word of the performance. With her father sitting on her other side, it was hard to forget the things she had discovered yesterday. And what about Julius? They were due for a serious discussion. If he was not aware of her situation, she would have to tell him the truth before the marriage took place, the sooner the better. But here was not the place, at all events.

  She felt his hand cover her own, bringing her back to the present moment once more. She almost gave a shudder at the heat that coursed up her arm when his thumb started to stroke the inside of her wrist. Whatever else may be happening in her life, the attraction she felt whenever Julius touched her had not decreased in the least.

  Julius shifted slightly so that his thigh pressed against her own. He bent close once more and blew softly into her ear. Patience was not able to retain the gasp that escaped her lips. As the sound coincided most fortuitously with a noisy scene in the play, it did not go farther than their own box. Her aunt and father both turned to look at her.

  Lady Westbury leaned across her brother. “Is everything all right, dear?”

  “It is my fault,” Julius responded. “I kicked your niece’s ankle by mistake.”

  “I am fine, Aunt,” Patience said somewhat breathlessly. “The Earl took me by surprise.”

  Seemingly satisfied by this explanation, both returned their attention to the play.

  Julius lifted an eyebrow and smiled mischievously at her. Yes, he most certainly had taken her by surprise.

  The following morning as bright, cheerful sunlight poured through the bay windows of Lady Westbury’s smaller salon, Patience idly checked her new collection of pots lining the windowsill and listened with one ear to her aunt exclaiming at length over last night’s play. Not having heard a word of the performance, first because of her worries over her father and the will, followed by Julius’ seemingly innocent but highly stimulating touches, Patience answered with short vague replies.

  “Are you all right, dear? You seem a bit listless this morning.”

  “It is nothing, Aunt. I simply did not sleep very well last night.”

  “I suspect it was the excitement of the play. Although I must say your father rented the most abominable little box. What is the point of going to the theatre if there is not enough light to show off our gowns after all the trouble we went to in order to select the perfect outfits for the evening? I should have known better than to entrust Robert with the task. In any case, no matter how many times I have attended the theatre, I find it always leaves me a little breathless and restless.”

  “It certainly seemed to have that effect on me as well,” Patience said, remembering the feel of Julius’ hand as he used every opportunity to touch her: the removing of a particle on the back of her neck, repositioning a stray curl behind her ear, the heat of his palm against her lower back as he guided her out of the box.

  “Mr. Philip Rutherford,” announced the butler, breaking into her thoughts.

  Philip strode into the room looking as dashing as ever. His impeccable coat of blue superfine and tight buckskin breeches contrasted nicely with the studied disarray of his golden locks and loosely tied cravat.

  “Good morning, ladies. Dare I hope I am not in your black books since having brought my great-aunt to visit you the other day? You must believe me when I say that had it been in my power, I would not have inconvenienced you with her presence. Unfortunately, one soon discovers that Lady Courtland cannot be refused, especially if one happens to be related to her.”

  “Do not let it worry you, dear boy. I can well believe that you did not have any say in the matter!” said Lady Westbury. “At all events everything turned out for the best. Lady Courtland seemed much taken by Patience.”

  “As she should be!” pronounced Philip. “Which reminds me, my great-aunt sends her thanks for the mixture Patience so kindly made for her. She would also like a copy of the recipe if that should not be too much trouble.”

  “Of course not!” said Patience. “If you will but wait a moment, I will go up to my room and write it down immediately.”

  Patience soon returned with a folded sheet in one hand.

  “You are a gem!” Philip said taking the proffered sheet. He folded it neatly before placing it in his breast pocket. “Now if you will but do me one more favour, you will make me the happiest of men. Should your aunt not disagree, may I take you for a walk in the park?”

  Patience, not wishing to be alone with Philip, was about to decline when her aunt spoke up, “You have my full approval! Do go, dearest. I am sure a walk will do you wonders on such a fine day.”

  Patience was left with no choice but to comply and within a few minutes found herself being driven to the park. After helping her to alight, Philip left his curricle in the care of his groom. He offered Patience his arm, and they set off on one of the walks. Patience had reassured herself with the thought that she would be safe from any unwanted declaration from Philip since they would be surrounded by a crowd of people. But unlike her last visit, the park was nearly empty of occupants. Although her maid was following at a respectful distance, she did not feel reassured in the least.

  For the next few minutes, they strolled in silence. Philip seemed happy simply to be in her company and enjoying the scenery.

  “I cannot tell you how glad I am to be finally alone with you.”

  Deciding that to be straightforward was her best course of action, she said, “Mr. Rutherford, I do not think it wise for you to keep seeking me out. Your cousin would not approve, as you very well know.”

  “Do you think me so chicken-hearted as to be afraid of Julius? I refuse to let my cousin dictate my behaviour!” Philip suddenly stopped and turned to look into her upturned face. “But I sincerely do wish to apologize for that day in the garden. I did not mean to cause you any discomfort. I have but the highest regard for you.”

  “And I am sure my fiancée holds you in the highest regard, also,” the Earl of Rutherford said, taking them both by surprise. “Just as she would for any member of my family.”

  Philip looked gloomily at his cousin as the Earl grabbed hold of her free arm. Patience suddenly felt trapped between the two men. She sincerely hoped their exchange would not result in a tug of war.

  “If you do not mind, I would like to return home now.”

  “Certainly! It will be my pleasure to escort you,” the Earl said.

  “Thank you, my lord.”

  “If that is your wish?” asked Philip.

  “It is,” Patience replied in a firm tone.

  Philip bowed stiffly before striding toward his waiting carriage.

  “My cousin does not seem to have learned his lesson well,” Julius remarked.

  “You must not be too harsh with him,” said Patience. “He is young still. I believe he will soon recover from this foolish infatuation.”

  “I am glad to see that you do not seem to have fallen under the same spell.”

  Patience laughed at this. “He is just a boy. He is sure to fall in love at least a dozen more times before he finds his true mate.”

  “You sound very knowledgeable for such a young miss yourself.”

  “I am not so young. Why, I am considered nearly on the shelf by some! Besides, if you must know, we Binghams are known to fall in love only once. Take my father. For all his faults, he never looked at another woman after my mother died. The same goes for Aunt Louisa. She could have remarried any time since my uncle’s death.”

  “Then I must make sure that you do not fall in love with another before I have had a chance to prove myself.”

  Patience now noticed that Julius, instead of leading her home, had steered her onto an empty path. He pointed discreetly at a
bench that was nearly hidden by low hanging branches. “Do you know that they call this particular seat Lovers’ Bench?”

  Patience could feel his warm breath on her cheek as he drew his head closer to hers, making her want to turn her face so their lips could touch. Mindful of her maid’s presence she stifled the impulse. “Do you think we should be here like this, my lord? Considering…” Patience stopped suddenly embarrassed.

  “Considering what happened during the play last night?” he finished for her in lowered tones so her maid could not hear.

  She nodded, unable to speak.

  “Do you know I have been replaying the events in my mind all night? The way you respond to the briefest of my touches nearly makes me forget all about being a gentleman.”

  Patience swallowed with some difficulty. Images of Julius giving free rein to his impulses heated her cheeks.

  Julius chuckled at her obvious confusion.

  In an attempt to regain her composure, she asked, “Did my aunt send you after me?”

  “She did mention that you had gone walking to this particular park with my cousin when I dropped by this morning. As this is not the fashionable hour for such an outing, I had my doubts as to my cousin’s intentions.”

  “It does not seem to me as if I am any safer in your company, sir!”

  “But as we are betrothed, you and I surely must be allowed to indulge in a little inoffensive banter, not to mention a few stolen kisses. We are as good as married, after all.”

  Patience suddenly felt uneasy. Should she tell Julius about the will now? Here might be his chance of an escape if he still wanted one. She knew he was honour bound to marry her, rich or poor, but she also knew Society was always more lenient toward the former. If he really wanted a way out, it could be contrived more easily if she were rich. She squirmed, unable to make up her mind.

  “Would it be very bad of me to suggest that we attempt to lose your maid for a moment?”

  “I do not think it would be a good idea, my lord,” she lied. At least not until she had found the courage to bring up the will. He obviously wished to kiss her again. Every kiss made her yearn for more. Much more. Although she trusted him to stop things before they went too far, she did not trust herself to allow him to do so. If they made love, there could be no turning back, money or not.

  They strolled back to his carriage. Julius helped Patience and her maid inside before taking his seat across from them. He knocked on the roof and the carriage set forth toward Lady Westbury’s house.

  When they reached their destination, a footman let down the steps and assisted the maid out of the carriage. As Patience made to follow, Julius took hold of her hands and looked deeply into her eyes. “I want you to know that I enjoyed myself immensely this morning. I look forward to seeing you again at Miss Arlington’s ball tomorrow night. I will pick you up at nine o’clock. This time, I hope to have a moment alone with you.”

  Patience felt her whole body grow warm at the meaning behind his words. Julius leaned forward and kissed her swiftly on the lips. Reluctantly, she allowed him to escort her to the house where he bade her goodbye.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The ball could not come soon enough for Patience. Her wayward imagination had taken over and gone through all the possible things Julius might decide to do to her at their next meeting. By the time his carriage finally showed up to escort both her aunt and herself to the ball, every nerve ending was tingling with anticipation.

  Julius met them in the foyer. He greeted Lady Westbury first by giving that lady’s hand a perfunctory kiss before turning his whole attention on Patience. It seemed to her that his gaze devoured every inch of her as he took in her ball gown. She was pleased with the effect it appeared to have on him. She had purposely chosen her most revealing gown, which displayed the swelling mounds of her bosom to full advantage. His eyes met hers as he bowed over her hand, his dark gaze filled with desire. When he helped her with her wrap, she felt his fingers brush slowly against the bare skin of her neck, making goose skin appear on her arms. If they did not leave the foyer now, she would surely turn into a mass of jelly right here on her aunt’s expensive Italian rug.

  Thankfully, they were soon on their way. They arrived at Arlington House some fifteen minutes later. It would have been better described as a mansion, thought Patience, as she stared at the brightly lit façade of the five-story building. This house alone must be worth more than her whole inheritance. If Julius had lost the chance to marry Miss Arlington, it was a loss indeed! No wonder he had been so upset at being forced to marry her instead. The question now was why was he being so kind and lover-like? Was he merely acting or could his feelings for her have changed this much over such a short period of time?

  When they met their hostess at the top of the grand staircase, Patience was assailed anew by a hoard of doubts and questions at the sight of Miss Arlington. Cecilia looked stunning in a dress of the purest white studded with countless diamonds, reminding Patience of a beautiful swan. More diamonds adorned her elaborate coiffure, slender throat, and gloved hands. Patience suddenly felt like the ugly duckling next to such a vision. Julius certainly had gotten himself a bad bargain on all counts, as her father would say. Miss Arlington seemed to read her thoughts exactly as she bestowed a thin knowing smile upon her before turning her glorious charm on Julius.

  Lord Arlington stood next to his daughter. He bowed graciously over her hand, apparently oblivious to the undercurrents flowing between his daughter and the new arrivals. Aside from his dark hair, which was now greying at the temples, he shared none of his daughter’s attributes. He was a short man of slight stature and his dress, although proper, did not make him stand out in any way. Patience was surprised to find that his eyes expressed genuine warmth and amiability, unlike his daughter’s constant calculating look.

  They finally moved on and entered the ballroom, escaping Miss Arlington’s presence. Patience ardently hoped their hostess would be too busy tonight to come much in her way.

  Patience noticed Philip across the room visiting with friends. He nodded in her direction, but to her relief, did not make a move to approach her. She danced the opening waltz with Julius and for a brief time lost herself in his arms. The end came much too soon for her liking and the moment he released her, she found herself being accosted from all sides.

  “I see I will have to relinquish you to the care of these gentlemen,” Julius said to her entourage. Before leaving her, he whispered in her ear, “I will come for you later, once I have discovered a place where we are sure to be private.”

  Patience smiled at him, elated in spite of herself that he had not forgotten his earlier promise. Maybe she had nothing to fear from Miss Arlington after all. In fact, she did not set eyes on her until four dances later when she was about to accept a dance from a young swain.

  “I am afraid you will have to wait for the next dance,” said Miss Arlington taking her arm. “I wish to steal Miss Bingham for a moment.”

  Patience gave her disappointed partner a smile of apology and allowed herself to be led away onto the balcony. Miss Arlington soon stopped in front of a set of stairs leading into the back garden.

  “Your fiancé has charged me with delivering a message to you. You are to follow the path at the bottom of the steps. It will take you to a little gazebo at the end of the garden.” She gave her a conspiratorial wink before turning back into the house.

  Patience stood unmoving. She did not trust Miss Arlington one bit. Why would Julius ask that she meet him in a secluded spot and not escort her there himself? As much as she wished to be with Julius at this moment, she could not take the chance of falling into what could very well be a trap. Just as she was about to return to the security provided by the crowded ballroom, she met Philip in the entrance. He stumbled into her and as his face came nearer, she caught the scent of strong liquor on his breath.

  “There you are m’dear. Celia said I should find you here.” He caught her around the waist and prope
lled her down the steps.

  “What are you doing?” Patience demanded as he forced her into the darkened garden.

  “Just a little stroll. Never had a chance to last time. As Celia keeps spurning my advances, might as well make do with you! Would you believe she actually urged me to come out with you? Damn the woman! All she cares about is my cursed cousin and his title!” As he lurched forward, she tried to disengage herself but his hold on her was too strong.

  “Mr. Rutherford! Let go of me this instant!”

  Her demand had no effect on him, so she struck out a slippered foot and managed to trip him. Philip fell like a log. Unfortunately he took her along with him, trapping her beneath his tall and very heavy frame. Her mouth was instantly covered by his. The strong taste and smell of liquor filled her nose and mouth, making her gag.

  “I want you, too, sweeting. But not here.” With a grunt, he dragged them both to their feet. Patience found herself flung precariously over his wide shoulder, swaying back and forth as he stumbled more deeply into the darkness. Just as she was about to scream for help, she was dumped unceremoniously onto the padded bench of what she guessed to be the gazebo. Two cups and a bottle of wine were placed on a small round table. Philip poured them each a cup and downed his quickly followed by another.

  “ Mr. Rutherford, you are drunk!” Patience cried as he staggered toward her. “You will regret your actions later!”

  “I am never drunk.” As if to prove his point, he stopped in his tracks grabbed her cup and downed it as well. Just as he reached her, his eyes glazed over and he fell directly into her arms.

  “Into the arms of beauty,” he murmured, then lay still.

  Patience immediately tried to disengage herself but she was once more trapped by his weight. In the end she could do nothing more than cradle his head. Hopefully he would revive soon enough to be induced to roll off of her and allow her to return to the house before her absence was noted. The last thing she needed was for a search party to find her in this situation, especially at Miss Arlington’s.