A Scandalous Proposition Read online

  She couldn’t risk that. Too many peoples’ lives depended upon her remaining silent. She thought about them, about the manner in which they were suffering. What did one man’s poor opinion matter in comparison to what they were forced to endure?

  “Indeed.” She tossed her head and smiled flirtatiously. “I’m very selective in my choice of gentlemen, you see, so there’s no necessity for me to be away from the dower house too often. And I only make myself available to those whom I do choose to entertain, once Her Grace has retired for the evening and there’s no danger of her being in further need of me.”

  “Or, if that proves impossible, you can always invent a need to visit an ailing aunt.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “And so we return to the question of our first meeting at that inn, where you were being pursued by a very determined man.”

  Damnation, she’d hoped he would become too preoccupied with maintaining his position on the moral high ground to remember that.

  “That was a misunderstanding” was all she could think of to say.

  “Not that I blame him for his determination.” He spoke over her pathetic explanation and raked her body insolently with his eyes again. “In view of my subsequent discoveries about your occupation, it’s not difficult to conjecture your true purpose in visiting the capital.”

  Florentina nibbled her index finger. Put like that she supposed he had a point. But she had no intention of embarking upon a discussion about Reynolds for fear of where it might lead. To divert him she recklessly broached the matter foremost in her mind.

  “What do you plan to do with your knowledge? Shall you inform Her Grace?”

  “That rather depends.”

  “Upon what?”

  “Upon you.”

  “I don’t see how.”

  “Then permit me to enlighten you. My actions are dependent upon your willingness to entertain me.”

  “What!”

  “Don’t look so outraged, Mrs. Smith. You are a courtesan of some sophistication and must know precisely what I have in mind. Nevertheless I shall articulate my terms, since it’s obvious that you wish to hear them spoken aloud. I require you to meet me in the summerhouse this evening.” He waved toward the structure in question, as though she didn’t already know its location perfectly well. “Once my mother has retired for the night, naturally. You’re already skilled at leaving the house when she’s abed, so that shouldn’t prove an impediment.”

  He was serious. He actually wanted her to go through with this. Florentina felt her heart bang painfully against her ribs as she considered the awkwardness of her position. She’d been neatly outmanoeuvred and had little choice but to acquiesce. She knew that but reacted instinctively and her next words slipped past her lips before she could do anything to prevent them.

  “Dios mío, that’s a scandalous proposition!”

  “Come, come, Florentina…I may address you as Florentina, may I not? It seems rather ridiculous to remain on formal terms, given what I know about your true character. And given, of course, that we’re destined to become much more intimately acquainted.”

  “Well, really, I don’t—”

  “Such reticence, madam?” He quirked a brow. “Surely you must be used to being propositioned in such a manner in your line of work.”

  “Most of my gentlemen are better mannered.”

  “Most of your gentlemen don’t know you to be a liar and a cheat.”

  Florentina’s initial despair—and, yes, excitement—at being propositioned by him was replaced by a fiery anger she could no longer contain. She suspected it must be reflected in her eyes but it merely caused him to chuckle.

  “I’m waiting for your response, Mrs. Smith. And I ought to warn you that I’m not renowned for my patience.”

  “So that’s the price I must pay for your silence, is it? If I don’t meet you and allow you to use me in whatever manner you wish, you’ll tell your mother what I really am, regardless of the damage it will do to her feelings?”

  “You should have thought about that before you set out to deceive her.”

  She sighed. “Well then, my lord, you leave me with very little choice. If you give me your word that you won’t tell her what you know, then I will agree to your terms.”

  Florentina was shaking but it wasn’t only as a consequence of her anger. She recalled the strange yearnings that had assailed her the previous evening when she’d listened to his lordship engaged in carnal relations with Christine. Well, it appeared that her wish to know him better was on the verge of becoming reality. Despite not having a notion how to go about playing the part of a doxy, she was still irrationally excited by the prospect of surrendering to Lord Fitzroy. She found the courage to look into his eyes and what she saw there shook her to the core. He was still talking to her in the same discourteous manner. But the emotion reflected in the depths of his stormy eyes was desire. He wanted her a great deal more than he was willing to reveal, and that knowledge afforded her a modicum of satisfaction.

  “I don’t recall giving my word to remain silent,” he drawled. “That rather depends upon whether or not you please me.”

  “If I please you!” She snatched her hand away from his arm. “Well, of all the arrogant, self-righteous…”

  Her words spluttered to a halt when she realised he was laughing at her. Actually laughing! He ought to laugh more often. It relaxed the grip of winter on his eyes and changed the entire tenor of his face. Not that she’d given him much cause to laugh whilst in her company. But still, if he really did wish to bed her then he might at least try to make himself a little more agreeable.

  “I should have thought that would present few difficulties to someone of your experience. Christine’s ladies are nothing if not highly skilled when it comes to affording their customers pleasure. That is, after all, their raison d’être.”

  “In spite of the affection in which you clearly hold Christine herself,” Florentina said, pushed beyond endurance by his superior attitude, “you seem to have scant respect for the exponents of her profession. But has it occurred to you, my lord,” she asked, smiling sweetly up at him, “that for Christine and those of us like her to flourish, we must be assured of a steady flock of gentlemen callers such as yourself? If we’re beneath your contempt, what does that make you?”

  “Rich enough to be able to afford the best.” He appeared amused rather than offended by her outburst.

  He raised a hand and traced the outline of her cheek in a strangely tender gesture that belied his earlier anger. She didn’t want him to touch her but was mesmerized by the feel of his fingers gently caressing her face, and was unable to pull away.

  “I can see that I was right about you,” he said, almost to himself. “You are fiery and passionate but I will tame you, Mrs. Smith. I will break that independent spirit of yours and bend you to my will. Never doubt it for a moment.”

  “But I have not yet agreed to—”

  “I shall await your pleasure this evening, and I strongly advise you not to disappoint me.”

  He turned on his heel and walked away, leaving her standing in the centre of the path that led to the stables. He didn’t bow, nor did he lift his hat. He clearly didn’t have sufficient respect for her to bother with the usual courtesies. He simply strode away in the direction of the main house and didn’t once look back.

  Chapter Four

  Adam was taken aback by the extent of his disappointment in Florentina Grantley, even though he was accustomed to the fairer sex’s penchant for duplicity. Philippa was a case in point and her spectre loomed large. Perhaps the prospect of their imminent reunion would account for this discourtesy to Florentina.

  He’d never before forgotten himself to such an extent in a lady’s company, no matter how great the provocation. As he strode toward the house he tried to convince himself that she’d deserved nothing less after the way she’d deceived his mother. But as his anger gradually receded, he conceded that if he felt so
strongly about her behaviour, the remedy had been within his grasp the whole time. He was also uncomfortably aware that she was right. He’d introduced himself and then almost dragged her out of the inn, giving her no opportunity to explain herself.

  The brutal fact of the matter was that Florentina fascinated him. At first he’d attributed the deep impression she’d made upon him to frustration. It was a long time since he’d been with a woman and Florentina was exceptionally lovely. But even after a night of Christine’s skilful ministrations, the feeling was as strong as ever.

  Which was why he’d not denounced her to his mother.

  Even appreciating the extent of her conniving character had not diminished his desire for her. He was having difficulty concentrating his thoughts upon anything else. And so he’d left her with little option other than to meet him tonight. He’d have her, get her out of his system and then decide what to do about her. He felt himself stirring in anticipation and spent the next few minutes lost in rather pleasant speculation.

  He was jolted back to reality when he realized he must somehow warn his beloved mother that her highly regarded companion wasn’t suitable. The prospect of disappointing her effectively banished his salacious thoughts but as he drew closer to the Court his mind was still occupied with Florentina when it ought to be focused on the forthcoming interview with his brother. And Philippa, of course. Even the sight of the magnificent building he loved so much, bathed in morning sunshine that made the edifice glow a soft shade of pink, didn’t lift his spirits.

  Kennedy opened the door before he’d ascended the steps.

  “Good morning, my lord. I trust you found Her Grace in good health.”

  “She’s indefatigable.” Adam removed his hat and handed it to Kennedy, who’d been butler at the Court for as long as Adam could remember and probably knew more of the family’s secrets than he did himself. “Is the duke still abed?”

  “I understand His Grace has risen but he doesn’t often leave his rooms during the morning hours.”

  “I see. Is he well enough to come down later in the day?”

  “Indeed, my lord. We rejoice to see a slight improvement in His Grace’s health these last few days.”

  “That is indeed good news, Kennedy. I’ll attend him in his apartment at once.”

  “Actually, my lord, Her Grace wishes to converse with you first. She was quite adamant on the point. Her instructions were that you be asked to wait upon her the moment you returned from the dower house.”

  Adam had no intention of being dictated to by his new sister-in-law and turned toward the stairs instead. “I’ll see her later,” he said.

  But before he could commence his ascent, the door to the small salon flew open and Philippa stood there. Her blond hair was piled up on top of her head and cascaded in a profusion of curls around her shoulders in a style more suited to a ballroom than midmorning on a country estate. She wore a pale blue muslin gown. It was a colour he’d once admired on her, comparing it to that of her eyes.

  Adam had spent the weeks since receiving the news of her marriage wondering how he’d feel when he saw her again. This was the woman he’d thought he loved. The woman he’d intended to marry. But instead he was now tied to her through her marriage to his closest relation. When the intelligence of his brother’s second marriage reached him, it had seemed inconsequential when set against the brutal carnage of the battle raging about him. He’d felt none of the anger or regret he would have expected to accompany such humiliating news. But now that he was face-to-face with her, surely it would make itself apparent?

  She looked up at him and he held her gaze for a moment, silently conceding that her beauty was only enhanced by her delicate state. She did indeed appear to be blooming, and he braced himself to withstand the agony of rejection. To his astonishment he felt only contempt for an ambitious woman whose regard for him had to have been entirely fabricated. A woman who hadn’t hesitated to seize the chance for aggrandizement when it presented itself.

  How right he’d been not to declare for her before he left. He’d known that was what she’d desperately wanted—she’d employed every feminine wile at her disposal to encourage him. She wheedled, flirted, pouted and generally led him on, stopping tantalizingly short of taking the final irrevocable step. She clearly hadn’t felt any need for such restraint when it came to her dealings with his brother, Adam thought cynically, his eyes lingering on her expanding waistline.

  Although almost certain that he wished to marry her, Adam had withstood her campaign, still not totally convinced. He couldn’t have said precisely what it was, but something about her behaviour held him back. They had quarrelled violently when he told her he intended to purchase a commission. Far from understanding his fierce need to do his duty, Philippa’s only thoughts had been for herself. She cared nothing for his personal ambitions, arguing that as he was independently wealthy, having been provided for by his father, he had no need to risk his life in the service of his country. And what about her? What was she supposed to do whilst he played at being a hero in some ghastly foreign place? Her attitude had opened his eyes to her true character. Perhaps realising that she’d overplayed her hand, she quickly changed tack and pretended her concerns were only for his safety.

  She and Florentina Grantley had much in common. Two duplicitous women intent upon using his family for their own purposes. But they were also vastly different. Philippa, a delicate English rose, possessed a translucent complexion and lovely face that he now knew hid not only a will of iron but also singularly ruthless ambition. Florentina was a full head taller than her counterpart. Her dark, wild beauty would be considered unfashionable in the best circles, even if the gentlemen did privately admire her voluptuous figure and expressive, flashing eyes. Her fiery Latin temperament would be seen as a sign of a rebellious nature, and no gentleman would wish to take on such a strong-willed female without a considerable financial incentive. Putting himself in her shoes, Adam supposed it was inevitable that she’d resort to the oldest profession in order to keep the wolf from the door.

  His eyes rested upon Philippa with polite indifference. Unlike the equally feckless Florentina Grantley, she’d lost the ability to engage his attention. He felt nothing for her now. Except contempt. He was even able to garner a little sympathy for his brother’s situation.

  “Adam, here you are at last! We’ve been expecting you this age.” She glided up to him, all smiles, completely unembarrassed. “Your brute of a horse was sent up to town a full four days ago and I was beginning to think that you’d forgotten the way home. However, you’re here now. A word, if you please.”

  Adam was disgusted by her behaviour. She was acting as though nothing untoward had happened in his absence.

  “Kennedy.” She spoke in an authoritative tone, not bothering to look in the butler’s direction. “Bring refreshments for his lordship at once and then we’re not to be disturbed under any circumstances. Is that clear?”

  The manner in which she issued this order caused Kennedy to stiffen imperceptibly. His majestic expression underwent only the smallest alteration but Adam knew he would resent being spoken to in such a manner. The rest of the family treated him with the dignity due to his situation. Philippa, instead of antagonizing the servants, would have been much better advised to cultivate their respect. Her life could become very difficult indeed if Kennedy ordered his army below stairs to take her in dislike.

  “Perfectly, Your Grace.” Kennedy spoke without a flicker of emotion.

  “Your Grace.” Adam bowed, ignoring her outstretched hands.

  “My, Adam, such formality between old friends.” She led the way back into the small salon. “I thought we were better acquainted than that.”

  “You wished to speak with me.” Adam leaned against the doorjamb, leaving the door itself open.

  “Do close the door. The servants have become monstrously lazy since poor Julia’s demise. Even so, we don’t wish them all to know our private business.”
/>   “Do we have private business, Your Grace?”

  “Come sit beside me and do stop referring to me so formally. You were accustomed to calling me Philippa.”

  “Thank you, I would prefer to stand.” He did however close the door.

  “My dear, I’m delighted to see you returned to us hale and hearty. You can have no idea how scared I’ve been the entire time you’ve been away. I was at my wit’s end and didn’t know what to do with myself.”

  Adam’s eyes drifted cynically toward her expanding waistline but he remained silent. Following the direction of his gaze, Philippa had the decency to blush.

  “Anyway you’re here now. But, no!” She jumped from her seat, her hand flying up to cover her mouth. “You’ve been injured.”

  She reached up to touch the scar on his forehead, much as his mother had just done, but he quickly stepped away from her. The thought of her touching him had once consumed him. Now it merely filled him with disgust.

  “It’s nothing.”

  “How could I not have known?”

  Adam elevated a brow, causing the scar under discussion to alter its shape. “Why should you have?”

  “Because I intuitively understand you. I feel your pain every bit as much as you.”

  Adam wanted to laugh at such nonsense. “Ah, of course, that would be it” was all he trusted himself to say.

  “You must be wondering at the changes that have occurred during your absence.”

  “Must I?”

  Adam strolled to the window and stood with his back to her. As he passed her chair he noticed that Philippa had laced her fingers together in her lap, presumably to disguise the fact that her hands were trembling. She wasn’t nearly as composed as she’d have him believe. He imagined he was supposed to fall upon her with words of understanding and forgiveness. By failing to oblige her, he’d cast her into confusion. He clasped his arms behind him and stared out at the park, striving to remain calm.