Page 52 of Redemption of a Marquess

Chapter Twelve

One leg crossed over the other and an arm stretched along the top edge of the divan, Valan stared at the emerald ring he wore as he listened to Peigi ramble on about last night’s party.

“I had no opportunity to tell you that she invited Lord Gordon,” she said. “Of course, with so many last-minute preparations, I then forgot until I saw him enter the ballroom. He had her cornered. I vow, Valan, he all but made violent love to her.”

Valan lifted an eyebrow. “I suggest, my dear, that, if you think Jeanine would allow Lord Gordon to make violent love to her in public, that it has been some time since Richard has made violent love to you.

She stiffened. “I beg your pardon. Richard makes violent love to me on a regular basis. I tell you, Lord Gordon was unacceptably fervent.”

“Lord Gordon is often fervent,” Valan reminded her.

“I don’t like it by half,” she said. “I wouldn’t be one bit surprised to discover that he is trying to talk her into running off with him.”

Valan noticed a scuff on one boot. He would have to have a talk with Baldwin.

“Are you listening, Valan?”

He straightened and picked up his teacup from the table. “Of course. I don’t think we have to worry about Jeanine running off with Gordon.” He sipped his tea, then rested the cup on his leg and leaned back against the cushion.

“What if he attempts to force her?”

He laughed. “I doubt he has the courage.”

“That meeting in the park was no accident,” Peigi said. “He asked if he could call on her.”

Valan chuckled, the imagined scene vivid in his mind’s eye. “What was my ward’s response to his advance?”

“She didn’t respond. I informed him that he must speak with you.”

Valan looked sharply at her. “I appreciate your concern, Peigi, but you might allow Jeanine to speak for herself next time.”

She frowned. “Next time? You think he will ask again?”

“I think he cannot help himself.”

“You would let him court her?” Peigi demanded. Then before he could answer, she added, “So that’s your game. This is low, even for you, Valan.”

“What is low even for me?” he asked.

“Using the girl to get even with Gordon. That pistol incident happened twenty years ago. Even you should have forgotten it by now.”

“Do you think so?” he asked. “I feel certain Gordon has not forgotten.”

Peigi regarded him in that way women do when they are puzzling something out about a man, which that man would rather they didn’t know. “Perhaps the girl is using you.”

“Do you really think so?” He considered. “That would be a novel experience.”

Peigi shrugged. “You bought her a whole new wardrobe. She lives here, in one of the most luxurious homes in Edinburgh. She travels in the highest of style. Servants cater to her every whim. Women have used men for far less.”

“I cannot contradict you on that matter,” he said. “In Jeanine’s case, however, she asked for none of it.”

Peigi snorted. “Lord, but I wouldn’t have guessed in a million years that you could be so naïve.”

“Naïve?” he said. “Today is truly a singular day. First, I am being used by a woman, now I am naïve.”

“What woman wouldn’t love living the lifestyle you’ve provided?” she asked.

“Why shouldn’t she love it?” He sipped more tea, then returned the cup to his leg.