Grace gave him a feeble punch to the chest. ‘We can stay, but I must rearrange myself. I am sure I look a fright.’
‘That is a good plan. But I see not a hair out of place, which is surprising, given the violence of your affections.’
She thumped him again.
‘As far as passionate trysts go, you are a quick study, Grace. Are you sure you do not have a wicked past I should be aware of,’ he said, stroking her cheek.
‘Stop teasing. We both know it is you who has a wicked past.’
‘I concede. Come, let us make haste and return to the battlefield of the ballroom.’
No one seemed to notice when they slipped back into the ballroom, and Rawden was keen to dance with Grace again, to show her off, for some of the ton at the ball were the same people who had looked down on her at Lady Blanchard’s rout. He had the urge to champion her for all to see. But Hardy would insist they discuss a business venture he was interested in, so Rawden had to withdraw to his friend’s study for a while.
Grace was left to Prudence’s tender mercies, and Rawden could only hope she would survive the onslaught of impertinent questions from Hardy’s sister.
Chapter Thirty-Five
The evening wore on, and Grace’s feet had begun to pinch in her elegant new shoes after yet another round of dancing. She had managed to escape Prudence’s attention but now she was trapped by Mr. Hardy who had insisted upon a dance. She dearly wanted to sit, but he was such a gracious host that she could hardly refuse him. Luckily, he was old and didn’t seem to mind her lack of proficiency or require much conversation.
‘Might I cut in,’ came a sardonic voice over her shoulder.
Grace turned and was greeted with the sight of Caville Sharp.
‘The Countess Voss and I are old friends,’ said Caville with his usual self-assurance. He gave a curt bow to Mr. Hardy.
‘Oh, yes, of course,’ said Mr. Hardy, far too polite to refuse, as he relinquished her to Caville’s grip.
‘I would prefer to sit a while,’ squeaked Grace through a throat closed in horror.
‘Nonsense,’ said Caville. ‘The evening is yet young, and you should be showing off your beauty, Countess Voss, not hiding in some corner. Don’t you agree, Mr. Hardy?’
‘She should indeed be dancing, and I am too old a partner to keep up. In the absence of the lady’s husband, I am sure you will be a most chivalrous escort, Lord Sharp.’ With that, Mr. Hardy tottered away, leaving Grace trapped.
‘Mr. Hardy can have no notion of your real character if he names you as chivalrous,’ said Grace, full of revulsion at having Caville’s hands on her body.
Caville had a firm grip and held her far too close, and though Grace dearly longed to tear herself free of his grasp, it would certainly cause a stir. There were many eyes on them, so she must avoid that at all costs.
‘Lead me from the floor so I may return to my party,’ she demanded.
His grip tightened. ‘I will do no such thing. It has been a while, and I must say, you have blossomed since last I saw you, Grace.’
She turned her face from Caville, determined to ignore him. Surely the music would finish soon so she could escape, but he insisted on whispering in her ear.
‘There is a glow about you, Countess Voss. It must be married life. How I wish I had been the one to put it there, as I am sure Voss does, night after night, monstrously and forcefully, for it cannot be otherwise. Your frigidity would not allow you to respond to his caresses with any vigour.’
‘How dare you speak to me so. Let go of me,’ hissed Grace.
‘No, I will not. I suppose Rawden is a man of experience,’ drawled Caville. ‘Your husband had the right idea. Do not take no for an answer, whereas I waited for compliance. Tell me? Do you like being bedded by an animal? Does that scar on his face repel or excite you, I wonder?’
Grace deliberately stepped on Caville’s foot, and he winced but held onto her, his grip now painful. ‘Touched a nerve, have I? Do that again, and I will make you suffer for it.’
‘Unhand me.’
‘No.’
‘You dance too close. People are staring.’
‘Let these vapid fools stare. Why worry about the opinion of sheep when you should be more concerned with pleasing the wolf?’ He smiled, malice swirling in his grey eyes. What was he after, seeking her out, forcing his company on her when Rawden was with her?
