“It doesn’t sadden me. I’d much rather spend my life with Daguette. Marrying someone would only pull me away from my love.”
Delilah moved her gaze to Lissa. “Is he jesting?”
“No. Though I’ve told him numerous times that he cannot avoid his family obligations, he remains adamant.”
He squeezed Lissa’s shoulder slightly, proud of how well she acquitted herself in such an unusual situation. “I am that. I have an older brother who is married with a son. As far as I’m concerned, I am free to live my life as I choose.” He sobered as if unhappy with his circumstance. “But I admit to hoping for advice from Lord Leighhall on how to accomplish that.”
“My advice?”
Having seen Leighhall moving in their direction, Anthony wasn’t surprised by the man joining the conversation. “Yes. It was one reason I’d hoped so much to attend your fete.”
The viscount’s brows rose. “And here I thought it was for the freedom to be social with your mistress.”
“I admit that intrigued me greatly. But I also hoped you could advise me on how to manage my family’s need to see me married, with my enjoyment of being with Daguette always. You have managed to stay unmarried, and you are older than I. I’m hoping you have strategies you could share.”
“Strategies?” Leighhall appeared to ponder. “I’m not sure I have any. I simply told my family that I would marry when I wished.”
“But what about your parents?”
Leighhall chuckled. “My father has passed and my mother is dependent on me for her comfort. She agrees with me that if I’m happy then she will be as well.”
Anthony frowned, though he’d already known about the man’s father. “I beg your forgiveness. I was unaware of your father’s passing.”
Leighhall waved off the apology. “It’s of no matter. The bugger was worse than a wild boar. We are all better without him, especially my dear mother.”
It was obvious the man had said the last to impress the women around him.
“Leighhall, what is our next adventure?” At Pemberton’s shout from across the room, Leighhall moved on.
“I’d best save Rothbury from that Selene.” Delilah rose before lowering her voice so only Anthony and Lissa could hear. “She made it clear to me that she is only with Leighhall for this weekend and is looking for a new protector. I will not let her take him from me.” With that, she moved off.
He moved from behind Lissa’s chair and sat on the arm next to her. “Do you wish to forgo the games?”
Lissa looked up at him. “Absolutely not.” She leaned in and whispered, “I don’t remember the last time I felt so comfortable. I know the Belinda School for Curious Ladies aspires to teach us new ideas, but I must say I have learned far more in the short time we’ve been here than I have in the last two months at school.” She moved back. “I can’t wait to see what the games are all about.”
Her observation made him uneasy. How could she marry well, even among the middle class, if she had so muchknowledge about this other side of life? Would her husband be pleased or horrified that she was so interested in sex? Even among the peerage, it depended on the man.
He froze as his mind connected the pieces of the puzzle that were Lissa. She wanted to marry middle class because shecouldn’tmarry a peer. She wasn’t a virgin. How could she hide that after the marriage was consummated? A peer would be furious. Why had he not figured it out before?
Immediately his mind raced to the wealthy men he’d pointed out to her in Talley on the Green. He tried to imagine her with each of them, but none of the matches felt right. He would have to give her future husband much more thought. And now he’d have to be sure that whomever he introduced her to, had no dealings with any of the men at Leighhall’s party. He’d definitely made his promise to Lissa that much more difficult to fulfill.
“I wonder if we’ll play charades.” She set her hand on his thigh. “I do so enjoy them.”
Though dinner was close to typical, he did worry about the games. If “hunting” took on a new meaning, what might “games” portend? He took her hand in his, feeling far more protective of her than he’d ever felt. He was responsible for her being in such a situation, and he would make sure she didn’t do anything she didn’t wish to do.
As Leighhall called for their attention, he stood, ready to make an excuse if Lissa wished to leave. As the game of Puss, Puss in the Corner was announced, he was relieved that there was no particular forfeit, though he needn’t have worried, as Lissa was much faster than most of them. Leighhall didn’t play, instead directing and judging.
Next was Hunt the Slipper. Each woman took off her shoe in an appropriate manner, except Alice, who made sure she lifted her skirts above the tops of her stockings before removing her slipper. Anthony did notice that Lissa untied her left boot, so asto keep her dagger in her right boot hidden. It was a reminder that she was neither the lady nor the mistress she appeared to be in her dresses. Only he knew the true Lissa, and a feeling of happy nostalgia filled him at that thought.
As the laughter died down from a joke Alice made after the game ended, Lissa yawned. Anthony glanced at the clock on the mantel to see it was only midnight but immediately rose from the floor where they all sat. “I fear I’ve grown tired after so much activity today. I hope you don’t mind if Daguette and I retire early.”
“Too much activity, you say?” Pemberton looked to everyone else. “It certainly wasn’t with us.”
As everyone laughed, Anthony helped Lissa to stand then wrapped his arm around her. “No, it wasn’t with you, and I’m hoping for a bit more activity before sleeping, too.” He winked, causing more laughter and a few ribald comments.
“Don’t forget the dressing room.” At Buswick’s reminder, Anthony held back a grimace.
Lissa waved her hand. “Oh, I don’t think so tonight. I prefer those manacles on the bedpost.”
