The Cursed Countess, page 10
One look told Tessa exactly why he would have fallen in love with her. With light caramel skin, dark hair, and large brown eyes, her exotic looks would bring any man to his knee. As they approached, she smiled up at him.
“Lady Stanhope,” Langport said with a smile as he reached them. “Please allow me to introduce my wife, Sabita. Darling, this is a dear friend of my father’s and mine, Lady Stanhope, and her sisters, Miss Drake and Miss Emma Drake.”
“It is my pleasure to meet such fine people,” Sabita said lightly. “I do hope we can become friends.”
Tessa smiled at the woman who had no idea what she had gotten herself into by marrying Langport. The duke had sent his son off to India to halt his rakish ways. “I would like that too.”
“Harry, I would very much like to walk about the room with Lady Stanhope,” Lady Langport declared.
It was one thing for Langport to introduce them but another for Tessa to take a turn about the room with his new wife. “My lord, that might not be such a good idea.”
His dark brown brows furrowed into a scowl. “You too, Lady Stanhope? I would have thought that you’d take no issue with my wife.”
She shook her head. “It is not that. You have no idea of the gossip attached to my name after Stanhope’s untimely death. I fear befriending your wife would only bring more gossip down on her.”
Lady Langport held out her arm. “And that is exactly why we should walk the room together, Lady Stanhope. If they are already talking about me, how will I ever find out why they are talking about you? It is up to you to tell me. Besides, I am a marchioness so I outrank you. Therefore, you must do as I say.”
Tessa laughed. “I do believe we may come to be very good friends.” She linked her arm with Lady Langport. “But you must call me Tessa.”
“And I insist you call me Sabita.” She led them away from Tessa’s sisters along the perimeter of the room. “Now exactly why do people talk about you?”
Tessa told Sabita about her husbands’ deaths and the curse over her head.
“I am not certain I would call that a curse. You are a widow now with a fortune. You are not beholden to any man. Many women in India would call that luck, not a curse.”
As they were halfway across the room, Tessa finally noticed Jack standing at the threshold, scanning the room. “Sabita, may I call on you tomorrow? I just noticed someone I have been looking for and must speak to him before he leaves.”
“He?” she said with a giggle. “Yes, you may call on me but only if you tell me all about this man you must talk with.”
“Of course. Thank you.”
Tessa pushed her way through the crush to get to Jack but thankfully, he finally noticed her position. She slowed her steps and waited for him.
“Good evening, Lady Stanhope,” he said with a quick bow.
“And to you, Mr. Raynerson. I do hope you are well tonight.”
“Very well, now. Did you save a dance for me?” he asked, leaning slightly closer to her as if to inhale her scent.
“Yes,” she replied in a breathy tone. Just having him so near sent butterflies to her belly. It had only been a few days but she wanted him back in her bed. How horrid would it be if they sneaked off for a quick kiss...or maybe more.
“Tessa, darling, you are a dreadful actress.”
“Why do you say that?”
He smiled down at her and then whispered in her ear. “Because I know exactly what you are thinking. And while I would love to take you right here, we shall just have to suffer through a few dances before I take you home and make love to you all night.”
Tessa’s cheeks heated. “What exactly will you do?” she asked softly so no one else might hear.
“You are very naughty, darling. I might have to spank you. Or even tie you to the bed before I kiss every inch of your delectable body.”
Her knees almost buckled with the idea of being tied to the bed while he made love to her. “I need a refreshment.”
“I am certain you must be parched with such thoughts in your head. I shall fetch you a glass of wine.” He winked at her before leaving for the refreshment table.
Her heart pounded in her chest from the lust that she couldn’t stop when he was near. She had never felt such overpowering emotions with any other man. If only she felt she could trust him. After the incident in the study, she had to keep her guard up slightly around him.
“Here you are, my lady,” he said, handing her a glass of wine. “Cheers.”
“Are we drinking to something?”
“A long friendship.” He smiled slowly down at her in a very primal manner.
Trying not to think about what they would do later, Tessa sipped her wine. The fruity liquid eased down her throat and warmed her belly. The more she drank, the more she realized that she hadn’t eaten much of anything since breakfast.
“I do believe this is our dance,” he said, holding out his arm to her.
“Very well.” She took his arm and strolled to the dance floor. As the strains of the waltz started, she found herself in his arms and staring into his amber eyes. Oh, how she wanted to trust this man.
“I heard Lord Langport has returned with a wife from India,” Jack commented as they danced.
“Yes, I met her. She is very pleasant.”
“I suppose the duke is furious?”
“I have heard that rumor. I don’t suppose he is happy about the scandalous union, especially since her father was merely the estate steward and not of a higher birth. I will pay a call on him tomorrow to see how he is dealing with all this.” Hearing a low growl, she looked up to see his jaw clenched. “Why do you get so upset by the duke? The man has been like a father to me.”
“A father? Are you that blind?” he hissed.
“Hush, and what are you talking about?” He should know that he had no need to be jealous of the duke.
“The man wants you,” Jack retorted. “How can you not see that?”
The duke didn’t want her. He gave her fatherly advice and treated her like a daughter...nothing more. “He is a friend.”
“He stares at you like you are a treat to be devoured.”
“Unlike you, I suppose.”
“Of course I do but I am only four years your senior, not forty years,” he countered.
Tessa refused to stand here and let Jack speak so terribly about a man who had only ever given her kindness. The duke’s generous support through the years enabled her family to gain social acceptance. How dare Jack malign the duke’s name unfounded ideas. Anger billowed up inside her, but she could not show her emotions on the dancefloor.
“You know nothing about this,” she whispered harshly before breaking free of his embrace. She rushed off the dance floor to the terrace. A footman walked past with a tray of wine, so she took two glasses from him before walking out into the garden. Perhaps a few moments alone would help restore her senses.
After finding a quiet spot, she sat down on a bench and sipped her first glass of wine. Tears welled in her eyes as she recalled their argument. Jack was wrong. There was no doubt about that in her mind. Even if the duke was attracted to her, there was nothing between them and never could be with the curse hanging over her head. It was madness on Jack’s part. She finished her first glass and started on the second one. Perhaps drinking would make this dreadful situation go away. Or maybe, she should just force Jack away from her.
Except for the horrible fact that she still wanted that handsome devil. She wanted him in every sinful manner that she didn’t even know of yet. She wanted him to teach her all there was to learn about making love. As she took another long sip of wine, she realized the world around her seemed to be spinning slightly. She giggled softly. In all her years, she had never had enough to drink to make her foxed. Apparently, this was the year for new things.
She heard a rustle on the path and sighed. She was slightly surprised at how long it had taken him to find her. “It is about time you found me,” she said in a resigned tone.
“Is it? I hadn’t thought you cared.”
Tessa shook her head and blinked at the low husky voice. “Who the devil are you?”
“You don’t recall?” the stranger asked as he came fully into view.
“Malcom Engleton!”
He smiled fully revealing a row of yellow uneven teeth. “You are correct. I hadn’t expected to find out that the Cursed Countess is in all actuality Tessa Drake from Cornwall. How’d you manage such a feat?”
Seeing his expensive clothing, she realized he must have been invited to the ball. “Most likely in the same manner you were able to obtain an invitation...it is all in who you know.” A shiver of apprehension trickled down her spine. She couldn’t show her nervousness around him. Engleton was a man who fed on others’ fear and what he could expose would ruin her and her family forever amongst the ton.
“Well, I hear you married for it while I inherited my position,” he said with a smug grin. “Can you imagine a man such meself, now a baron.”
She tilted her head and smiled. “Congratulations. I had no idea you were related to a baron.”
“Me neither. Some old bloke of a cousin died off and I’m his only living relative. Ain’t that something. Excuse me, isn’t that something.” His cheeks reddened. “I have a tutor now to teach me how to speak all proper. The old baron’s wife insisted.”
“She is correct. Improper speech will give you away.”
“Well,” he drawled, “now that I’m in London and you’re here and we’re both unmarried, maybe we should—”
“I am sorry,” she said quickly to stop him. “I am being courted by another man.”
“Oh.” He waggled his thick blonde brows at her. “Still, you are a widow and if you get lonely, you know—”
“I believe she already said she was being courted,” a low voice said behind Engleton.
Thank God. Tessa leaned slightly to see Jack scowling at the man blocking his path to her. “Darling, did you remember the glass of wine.”
“It appears you have already had enough wine for tonight,” Jack said roughly. “And I think your friend should go back to the ball now.”
“Of course,” the new baron said quickly before giving her a quick bow and then running off.
Oh God, how much of their conversation had Jack heard? “No wine?”
“No.” He put his hand out to the tree next to her and leaned in closer. “Now, would you like to explain how the daughter of a London banker knows a man of that ilk?”
CHAPTER 13
“I might need quite a bit more wine for that story,” Tessa whispered before worrying her full lower lip.
Jack clenched his fists, trying to keep his frustration under control. Nothing about her or this case made sense. What did Cornwall have to do with this case? First the solicitor and now this boorish man. How was the daughter of a London banker connected to Cornwall?
“We shall have some wine at my home.” He pulled her out of the bench and almost into his arms. That was the last place he wanted her now. He needed answers.
“Your home? But...”
“Not another word,” he said in a low tone. “I am not going to the Cursed Countess’s home tonight. I want to know that I shall be alive come morning.”
Her face went as pallid as the full moon in the sky. “I cannot believe you said that to me.”
“And I cannot believe you lied to me.”
“I never lied about where I grew up. You never asked, just assuming I was from London.”
He pulled her along until they reached the terrace. “You are going to leave peacefully with me, do you understand?”
“And if I don’t?”
He smiled down at her until she looked away. “I shall carry you out of that room and everyone will believe you are my mistress.”
She nodded slightly. “As you wish.”
“Much better.”
They walked along the outskirts of the dance floor, slowly making their way toward the entrance. Once they arrived in the entry way, he turned to a footman and said, “Tell Lady Stanhope’s driver that she is not feeling well and I shall escort her home. And please call for my carriage.”
“Of course, sir.” The footman spoke quietly to a young man before saying, “There is quite a crush, this may take a few moments, Mr. Raynerson.”
“We shall wait outside so her ladyship can catch her breath.” Jack led Tessa outside to the front step. “Very good so far, Lady Stanhope.”
“Go to the devil, you overbearing bastard,” she whispered.
“No doubt I shall.” At least she had stopped slurring her words. Hopefully, the cool air would help clear the alcohol from her mind.
Jack closed his eyes for a long moment, all the while, still clasping her elbow. The scent of her perfume swirled around him, arousing him in a deep lustful way that he wanted to ignore but couldn’t. How could he still want her when he knew she’d lied to him? Now he would have to sit with her in an enclosed carriage for the drive back to his brother’s home. As the carriage rolled to a stop in front of them, he wondered how he would manage.
“Come along,” he said, giving her elbow a quick squeeze.
“I am,” she muttered. “There is no need to be rough.”
Rough was exactly what he needed. Quick, rough, and satisfying. Damn her. “Tell the driver, through the park.”
“Yes, sir.”
Jack clambered in after her. Not completely certain of her feelings, he took the seat across from her. As the carriage rolled off, he whispered, “Come over here, Tessa.”
Her blue eyes glared at him in the dim light of the carriage “I hardly think so, Mr. Raynerson. In fact, I believe you should take me straight home.”
“No.”
“No? That is all you can say? I dare say you are inconveniencing me. I would like to return home now.” She crossed her arms over her chest, accentuating the fullness of her breasts.
“You and I will make love tonight, Tessa,” he said softly. “It is up to you whether we do so now, or after you tell me why you lied to me.”
She laughed. “I am certainly not about to let you make love to me in a carriage.”
“The things you still have to learn,” he muttered. “Very well, why don’t you tell me why you lied to me?” He knocked on the roof of the carriage to signal the driver. As the tiger opened the carriage, Jack said, “Tell the driver I have changed my mind and to return home now.”
“And the lady?” the tiger asked hesitantly.
“She will be joining me.” Jack sat back and watched her face darken with storm clouds. He heard the door to the coach close softly and then they were off again. Silence filled the carriage as she sat across from him fuming. Thankfully, the trip back to his brother’s home was swift, uneventful...and extremely quiet.
As they reached his brother’s house, Jack climbed down and then offered his hand to assist her. She took his hand only for the brief moment it took to reach the ground. When he tried to clasp her elbow to escort her inside, she yanked her arm out of his grip.
Bentley opened the door and while Jack noticed a fleeting look of surprise, the reserved butler quickly recovered. “Good evening, sir. I see you have company. Would you like tea?”
“Yes,” he said and then clasped Tessa’s elbow in a tight grip.
“Wine,” she replied. “I would like a glass of wine.”
Jack debated the merits of giving her anything more to drink but decided to let her have a glass, hoping it would loosen her tongue. And her lust. He’d never met a woman who could confound him and still provoke such desire in him. It was a heady combination that threatened his mental capacity. “And a bottle of wine, Bentley.”
“As you wish, sir. Will there be anything else?”
“No, Bentley. Go to bed but leave a footman at the door until I dismiss him.”
“Of course, sir.”
Jack led Tessa into the intimate family salon on the first floor. This small room was meant only for receiving family or very close friends. While he wasn’t sure she was either, he preferred this room to the main salon.
She walked into the room and smiled. “What a pretty room. Did your mother fashion it?”
“No, my sister-in-law. She has exquisite taste.”
“Yes, she does.” Tessa walked to the white floral sofa and sat down. “Now, what should we converse about while waiting for our drinks?”
“You could start by telling me who that man was you were speaking with in the garden.” Jack slumped into the yellow chair across from her. He might need brandy to get through this evening, not tea.
“Malcom Engleton. He just inherited some cousin’s title so he’s Baron...” She paused and frowned. “Well, he is baron something. He never told me his exact title.”
“And how exactly do you know him?”
“We grew up in Cornwall together.”
“And yet, everyone says you’re the daughter of a London banker. So how did you ‘grow up’ with this man in Cornwall?”
Before she could answer, a footman brought in a bottle of wine and two glasses. The younger man glanced over at Tessa and then seemed unable to look away.
“Thank you, Finn.”
The footman shook his head. “The tea will be ready in a few more minutes, sir.”
“Forget the tea, I will have some brandy.”
“As you wish, sir,” Finn said before quietly leaving the room.
Jack reached over to the table and poured her a large glass of wine. “For you, my dear.”
“Thank you,” she said as she stretched for the glass.
The lithe movement of her leaning over displayed the beautiful curve of her breasts to him. He wondered if she had done that on purpose. He rose and walked to the corner cabinet to pour a large snifter of brandy. When he returned, she was sitting back against the sofa sipping her wine in what appeared to be complete oblivion to the condition she’d put him in.
“I believe I asked you a question,” he reminded her.
“So you did.” She twirled the burgundy liquid in her glass, staring at it as if the wine would divine her an appropriate answer. “I don’t believe I ever said that my family came from London.”
