She breathed a sigh of relief when Gabe resumed his seat on the chaise. Her stomach was abuzz with nerves, but she gritted her teeth and forced herself to change the direction of her thoughts.
Although she had years of practice of doing her own hair, and was rather quick at creating ravishing curls, her hair was stubborn. However speedy her ability to put it up, it just as easily came down. It frequently fell out of her chignons, but as her pseudonym, Mary White, she needn’t be concerned, for at this particular house party, all manner of wickedness, impropriety, and debauchery was not only accepted, but encouraged.
Her stomach fluttered once more, and she pushed past it, working her fingers through her hair, until it was done. In mere minutes, she had a smart, attractive twist to her hair with curls draping downward like a weeping willow. She placed several pearl-tipped hairpins throughout her hair then twisted her head to view the effect. It was well, indeed.
Distraction was just the thing. This was a different sort of role, that was all. Mary was nervous about the job. She merely needed to focus on the familiarity of her performance, mentally separate herself from the fact that she was working intimately with a man that clearly despised her, and complete the mission.
She opened her rose scented cream and swiped at the bottom of the container, not willing to allow any of what remained to go to waste, no matter how much she looked forward to opening the new scent she had just recently purchased. She rubbed the cream into her hands, dabbing some on her neck.
With a grin on her lips, she reached into her green velvet box and pulled out a string of pearls from among her other jewellery and placed them about her collar, followed by a matching bracelet. She raised her gaze to look once more at her reflection in the looking glass, but her breath caught on a gasp.
There was Gabe gazing back at her reflection, stark hunger in his gleaming eyes. Mary’s heart flipped over then began to beat a staccato rhythm against her ribs. Her breath came fast, her chest rising and falling with each ragged gasp. She could feel her breasts swell with want in some sort of anticipatory instinct, while hermonsflooded with welling desire.
Then, with a blink, the expression was gone. Just as quickly as it had appeared, it disappeared, replaced by genial contentment.
His mask was firmly in place, but Mary could not forget that expression. Indeed, the look of raw want on his features was etched in her memory. But what should she make of it?
Her own desire began to recede, and she willed her heart to return to its normal rhythm.
“Shall we?” He held out his arm.
Mary forced a smile and took in his attire. He was dressed appropriately for dinner in a black coat and trousers, starched white shirt with lace cuffs and collar, and green striped waistcoat with an emerald cravat pin winking jauntily at the base of his neck.
Mary swallowed past the sudden lump in her throat—what of that? “I should love to, darling.”
It took them several minutes, and the help of a footman, to find the parlour where all of the guests had gathered to wait for supper.
They spotted the butler just outside the door, awaiting the guests so as to announce them as they entered.
“Ah, Mr. Spencer and Miss White, how very good that you have found your way here.” The butler smiled. “I trust your room is to your liking?”
“It is very well, indeed,” Gabe said, inclining his head in appreciation.
The old man’s wrinkles deepened with his smile. “I shall announce you.”
* * *
What a supremely odd butler, Gabe thought. Very unlike any other he had seen in the house of a Lord of the realm.
Mr. Jenkins swung open the door to the parlour and announced in a carrying voice, “Mr. Anthony Spencer and Miss Mary White.” He quickly retreated from the room, allowing Mary and Gabe to pass…into the den of wolves.
As they entered the room, each pair of male eyes was riveted on Mary. Not that Gabe could blame them; she was stunningly beautiful in her dinner gown. Gabe, himself, had to rein in his inappropriate lust at the sight of her. But the fact that Mary’s beauty was obvious did not make Gabe feel any better about other men eying her with lust.
The room only held nine people, but it felt like so much more. Two men remained seated at their entrance, both hindered by the large-breasted women on their laps. The remaining two men stood, along with three women. Of the two women standing, the buxom brunette was very obviously a female of ill repute, while the other looked to be a woman of good standing. And the third…
The tall, black haired woman glided toward them with a predatory smile on her lips. “Welcome to my home,” her voice flowed over them like silk. “I am Evelyn Black, the Viscountess Kerr.”
Gabe affected a deep bow as Mary curtseyed beside him. “Very pleased to make your acquaintance, my lady,” they said in unison.
She nodded serenely in return. “Likewise, I’m sure.” Turning, she gestured toward one of the men with a woman on his lap. “Allow me to introduce my husband, Lord Kerr.”
The man in question bounced the blonde tart who laughed merrily and gripped him tighter.
The Viscountess laughed at her husband’s infidelity as though he were a mischievous young lad. “As you can see, we are all veryopenhere.”
Evidently, Gabe thought. But then, he had expected such displays at this particular house party. Which was just one more reason that he was thankful thathewas the one to accompany Mary, and not Colin. It was also another reason why he should have taken himself far,faraway from Mary. She was too tempting by half.
Lady Kerr winked. “We hope you are able to keep up with us.” Before giving them a chance to respond to that lewd innuendo, she continued, “The other man with his mistress on his lap, and the ever-present Scotch in his hand, is Lord Pondridge.” The man paid them no mind as he kissed a path up his mistress’ neck. “This fine gentleman is Mr. Cecil Piper.”
