A murmur came from her brother. “But you are not even invited to the party; how can you expect Percy to accompany you?”
Barbara exchanged a look with Percy, who drew a breath, and blew it out slowly, his cheeks puffing as he did so. “I fear, Richard, that your sister can be quite convincing. It seems we are going to the country.”
Chapter 9
Orchestral harmonies reached Alaina’s ears in the duke’s box at the Royal Theater, and her smile widened as she took in the actors and actresses on the stage in all of their glamour. It was certainly much different from anything she had seen in Norwich.
Alaina’s heart fluttered in excitement, though she found her nerves stretched taut at the presence of the one behind her. She could hear the marquess’s deep chuckle, even if the substance of his conversation remained elusive under the music. Straightening her back and shifting about in her seat, Alaina forced her mind to thoughts of her own companion, the duke, and the spectacle in front of her.
On this particular evening the group included the duke, Alaina, the dowager duchess, Alaina’s mother, Christopher, and Georgiana. The box was a generous size and contained two rows of chairs, four in front and four toward the back, with Graham and Alaina taking the front of the box for the best view, flanked by their mothers. Christopher and Georgiana offered to sit behind the couple, affording the marquess a full view of Alaina.
Christopher found it difficult to avoid studying the lady who had occupied his thoughts for the better part of the past two weeks. She was dressed in a deep teal creation, with a simple, slim silhouette, the neckline fashionably low, causing her breasts to swell almost over the edge at every breath. The sheer, elbow-length sleeves gave him the impression of a nightgown. The vision of Alaina in that dress made him imagine the body underneath, much to his chagrin. He could only imagine slim, strong legs and rounded, but not soft, hips, leading up to a slim waist and perfect bosom. The thoughts of her body seemed to haunt him throughout the play, the heat of his imagination making its way through his body, a spreading urge starting in the pit of his stomach. But what bothered him most was the intimacy the lady seemed to be sharing with his best friend.
The graceful curve of her neck, leaning over to listen to Graham, and then the crinkle of her eyes and nose when she laughed at some inanity Graham had whispered, made him wish to share those moments with her. Sitting behind the couple, Christopher wished to be able to gaze upon Alaina’s dark eyes, pools so deep he would be lost in them; he wanted to whisper in her ear and see her laughter, to catch her scent, one that was already wafting to his nose, soap and roses. He imagined her eyes full of merriment, a small smile or laugh playing across her face as she watched a humorous part of the play. But it was Graham that Alaina turned her smiles on, with whom she shared her laughter and light.
If his friend had not seemed so enamored, or the lady so inclined to return his friend’s interest, he would certainly be getting to know Alaina better, even if he was not interested in marriage. He wished to free her soft hair from its coiffure, and watch the curls cascade down her back, the play of dark curls across her back and around her perfect face, her face flush with desire. It seemed that in the week since they had last met, she had grown even more beautiful. It was from these thoughts that Christopher required the occasional prodding from Georgiana in order for him to keep up his end of their conversation.
Alaina felt the heat of Christopher’s gaze, but a few surreptitious glances back toward Georgiana and Christopher made her feel like it was only her imagination, since he always seemed to be engaged elsewhere, either looking at the stage, talking to Georgiana, or just glancing about the theater. It certainly left Alaina unsettled, but she was determined to enjoy the play and her outing with Graham, who looked resplendent in a subtle black coat and waistcoat, with a crisp white shirt and cravat, matching black trousers, and tall boots. Graham’s tall stature, dark hair, and brown eyes gave him a mysterious air, especially given that he was dressed in all black, save for his shirt. Graham was most certainly handsome, but it was Christopher that Alaina could not stop thinking about.
It seemed that at the slightest glimpse of Christopher, Alaina’s heart raced. It was the memory of his concern, his defense of her person, thatkiss. Her mind constantly fought her heart; the marquess was not even looking for a wife, and his behavior was unpredictable to say the least, so why should she even ponder their connection? But at every turn, her eyes sought Christopher’s. Her heart yearned to be safely wrapped in his arms, their bodies pressed together. And tonight was no exception.
Graham, his sister, and his mother had escorted Alaina and her mother from their townhouse by carriage. The duke’s carriage was large and spacious, certainly large enough to fit three across on each side, with plush deep green benches and interior upholstery. Even with such accommodations, Christopher had met them at the theater, just inside the front door, a little to the side to remain out of the way of the main entrance. Even with his inconspicuous placement, Alaina had seen him immediately, and she had the feeling that Christopher had seen her too.
As Christopher had moved to meet them upon entering, their eyes connected, even from such a distance, to devastating effect. His glacial eyes seemed to stare into Alaina’s soul, emanating a warmth she was not sure was possible for their color; it was almost as if a fire burned behind those sapphire-blue orbs, the blue part of the flame when you first start a fire, hot and intense. His strawberry blonde hair was crisp and neat as always, his face handsome, with a strong jaw and nose, the dimples in his cheeks only evident when he smiled.
And to Alaina’s amazement, he had held her gaze almost the whole of his approach, only breaking it to quickly survey her from the top of her head to her toes, causing her discomfort, especially in sight of the duke, something she had hoped was not readily evident. Once he was within shouting distance of the group, the trance broke, and he politely greeted the ladies, starting with the dowager duchess, leaving Alaina to be greeted last, almost coupling his greeting to her with the duke’s.
Before making their way to the Ashford box, they held polite conversation, talking of the weather the past week, and something about biscuits. Alaina found it hard to concentrate. Where the duke was confident and well dressed, handsome in his own right, Christopher was glorious. His coat and trousers were a dark charcoal grey, with a deep blue waistcoat and cravat, and a crisp white shirt. His dark boots reached to his knee, completing the elegant, if not slightly rugged, look. Every piece fit snugly to his person, from his broad shoulders to his narrow waist and muscular thighs. Christopher was certainly well dressed, but it was his stature and demeanor that captured her attention. He was ever so slightly broader of shoulder than the duke, even if both stood about the same height. The marquess carried himself with an easy grace, almost seeming to swagger toward the group as he approached, and he stood relaxed but poised during their greeting. It was not to say that the duke was not athletic and graceful, but Christopher felt magnetic.
Dragging her thoughts back to the present, Alaina considered the second act of the play in front of her, trying to ignore the feeling that she was being watched. If she had chosen that moment to turn in her seat, she would have seen the truth; Christopher seemed enraptured by her, for he had felt the connection too when she had entered and they locked gazes. He had felt powerless to break it, even as he approached the group. He had made a point to avoid her this past week, with hopes of putting their kiss behind him; his friend was looking for a suitable wife, and he was not. He felt he had little to offer Alaina, and felt it best for her to find a connection with someone like Graham. Especially if it was not in Christopher’s heart to marry just yet or ever. Alaina deserved that commitment, one which he could not offer. That did not stop his thoughts. As he had watched her being led on the arm of his best friend, Christopher could not help but drink in all of Alaina. Her eyes sparkled and glittered, emotions of trepidation, wonder, and, dare he say, happiness, played through those deep pools of dark honey that seemed to want to swallow him whole. He felt that if he kept staring, he may drown.
Before either Alaina or Christopher realized, they had reached the second intermission, the lights in the theater coming up ever so slightly as the sconces were turned up, and attendants scattered throughout the establishment. Georgiana was the first to break into conversation.
“Well, Alaina, what are you thinking so far of your first London theater experience?” Georgiana asked.
Alaina turned around to meet Georgiana’s eyes. “Well, I must say there is nothing to compare it to in the country. I am truly honored you all chose to bring me along. I am enjoying myself immensely.” Alaina gave a shy smile to the duke. As Christopher was pondering the couple’s attachment, a messenger was shown into the box where they were seated, reaching across the marquess to convey a letter to Graham. Obviously, it was something important in order for it to interrupt an evening affair.
Graham quickly opened the sealed letter and read it, his eyebrows gathering as he did so. Christopher, watching, saw that it must be grave news indeed.
“Would you excuse us, ladies?” Graham addressed the group, leveling a stare at Christopher. Both the duke and marquess quickly stood in their chairs, making their way around the edge of the box to the back, close to the curtain leading to the hallway. It was not so far away to give them complete privacy, so they conducted their discussion in whispers.
“What is it, my friend?” Christopher started.
“Well, it seems that some of the tenants on my country estate are having issues with thievery of livestock, and destruction of some of their equipment. Nothing major, but worrisome enough to warrant some attention from me, to see if these are separate incidents or something more nefarious at work,” Graham said.
“Do you really think it could be something worse than just some shenanigans from kids or accidents?” Christopher asked skeptically. Graham’s estate manager was certainly thorough, and it seemed possible that he was reporting minor, unrelated incidents.
“It is possible, although it could be feuds among the tenants that need to be addressed. Who knows? Francis Locke, my steward, was insistent that it requires my immediate attention, and he is certainly one I trust; he is not one to exaggerate in the least.”
“Well, when will you leave?” Christopher asked, almost sure from his friend’s face that this would cut the evening short.
“I can ride out there this evening and be there just shy of tomorrow evening, if I go on horseback. I would leave a smaller carriage to bring my belongings. If it truly is as Mr. Locke says, I should attempt to be there as soon as possible.”
Having seen the quiet exchange between Graham and Christopher, along with the oddly timed message, Eleanor moved slowly to stand just beside them and queried, “I assume all is not well, my dear.” She looked at Graham with concern.
“No, mother. It seems the country estate is seeing some suspicious happenings that require my attention immediately,” Graham sighed. Over his mother’s head he could see Lady Alaina. “It appears my evening will have to be cut short.”
“Well, I think Alaina will understand, dearest. Just be sure to say your goodbyes, but as you say, you must be on your way. Please be sure to bring someone along with you for protection. Maybe Christopher can go with you?”
