Page 22 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

He turned her toward him. “You must choose another gown and I will lace you up.” His eyes were dark. A shade she’d never seen before. She reached out to touch his cheek. The skin was warm, rougher than hers. Her fingers slid to his chin where she dipped her thumb into the indentation there.

“My lord?” The voice sounded through the door.

Devon sighed. “Yes, Jake. I will be right there.”

The mood broken, she pulled open the wardrobe doors and drew out another new gown, just as flattering, but nowhere near as scandalous as the other. She pulled it over her head and turned so Devon could fasten the back.

This time there were no soft kisses, just a quick fastening. Disappointed in the change in her husband, she turned. “Thank you, my lord. I will meet you downstairs.”

He opened the door for her, allowing Jake to enter. He took her gloved hand in his and kissed it. She gathered the train on her gown, placed it over her arm, and headed downstairs.

The drawing room was slowly filling with the guests who had arrived as they waited for the dinner summons. Lady Jane, a lovely young woman who had made her debut the same year as Eugenia, crossed the room, her arms extended. “Lady Devon. How lovely to see you.”

“You as well, Lady Jane. It has been a while.”

“I am terribly sorry to have missed your wedding. I was traveling at the time.” Lady Jane linked her arm in Eugenia’s. “I heard it was a wonderful event.”

“Yes, it was. But a long day, and very tiring. We traveled that same night to Devon’s country estate.”

Eugenia thought back to her wedding night. The anticipation and curiosity had been curtly and summarily dismissed when Devon had entered her bedchamber, given her a few kisses, then had gently entered her with the help of a bit of cream he’d brought with him. A sharp pain, a few thrusts, and within minutes it had been finished. He had kissed her on the forehead and left her to wonder if that was all there was.

Once she’d found her book she had her answer. No. There was a great deal more to be had from a man and woman’s joining, and she intended to have it all.

…

Devon stood patiently with his chin raised as Jake finished tying his cravat. His body still hadn’t recovered from seeing Eugenia in that gown. What the devil had she been thinking? She’d been acting peculiar lately, and it was becoming difficult to predict what she would do next.

She’d always been precisely the same from the first time he’d laid eyes on her. Beautiful, gracious, charming. Due to her impeccable manners and demeanor, she’d been well-liked by the ton, and would probably have been considered an Incomparable if she had not been labeled The Ice Queen first.

He’d spied her across the ballroom at the coming-out ball for Lady Mildred, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Marlowe. Eugenia had stood out from all the other ladies. Although she was young, her poise and sophistication had drawn him in. He’d crossed the room with Lord Talbot in tow to offer an introduction.

For two years he’d been looking for a bride. None of the young ladies had appealed. Although they had been raised to be a nobleman’s wife, they were simply too young. And frivolous.

Due to a death in the family, Eugenia had made her come-out well into her eighteenth year, and had spent two years on the Marriage Mart before he’d seen her for the first time. How he’d managed to miss her in those Seasons puzzled him.

Her dowry was suitable, but not over-generous, which might have explained why two years had gone by. Many of the ton were heavy into gambling, drinking, and other “gentlemanly” pursuits that ate up a great deal of their money. Others, apparently, had been put off by her cool demeanor. Something that to him had held a great deal of appeal.

Devon had needed no more than one dance to know she was the woman he wanted for his wife. Theirs would be a perfect match. She would run his household with grace and efficiency. Their children would be brought up properly to fit their roles in life. She would be gracious, welcoming, and faithful. No lover for her after an heir and a spare had been born.

So what the devil had gone wrong?

Perhaps he was overthinking the matter. She was still his Eugenia, and nothing had changed that he needed to be concerned about. Once Jake assured him he could present himself for dinner without embarrassment, he joined the others in the drawing room.

About half of the expected guests had arrived; the rest would make their appearance on the morrow. The first thing Devon noticed when he entered the room was Lord Danby speaking with Eugenia. The twinge of what could only be called jealousy that raced through him rattled him to his core. He had no reason whatsoever to question his wife’s fidelity.

Though Danby certainly seemed to be a tad too close to his wife. And the cad was a tall man, so all he had to do was move an inch closer, look down, and…

Devon slapped Danby on his back so hard the man’s drink almost went flying. “Good to see you, Danby.”

“You too, Devon.” The man studied him closely as he wiped part of his drink from his jacket. “I was just enjoying a conversation with your charming wife.”

“So I see.” Devon moved to Eugenia’s side and placed his hand on her lower back in a possessive move that surprised him as much as it no doubt surprised his wife. “Would you like a drink, my dear?”

“No, thank you. I’ve already had a sherry.”

They chatted for about ten minutes, Devon never leaving Eugenia’s side until the butler announced dinner.

Lord Spencer approached them. “Lady Devon, I am honored to escort you into dinner.”