Page 23 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

Eugenia took the man’s arm and strolled away from Devon.

“What’s the matter, Devon?” Danby took the last sip of his drink. “You look as though the man has stolen your wife. ’Tis only dinner, you know.”

Devon pulled himself up. It would certainly not do to have people thinking he was some sort of enamored fool. Love ’twas something that had never crossed his mind when he began the process of searching for his marchioness. Marriage was for the continuance of the title and to solidify connections. Nothing more, nothing less.

It would do him well to remember that, although, in truth, he’d never had a problem remembering that until now.

The group moved into the dining room, the guests searching for a little card with their name. He found himself next to Lady Osbourne on one side and Lady Amelia, daughter of Lord and Lady Duncannon, on the other. She was a sweet little thing, but not of a particularly attractive mien, which would account for her many years on the Ma

rriage Mart. Although, rumor had it that her father, in desperation to rid himself of his only daughter, was about to double her dowry.

“It has been quite a while since I’ve seen you, my lord,” Lady Osbourne leaned in close, resting her breast against his arm, dipping her body so her charms almost fell out onto the table. Her perfume overwhelmed him, but not in a seductive way.

He had always maintained a strict rule about bedding other men’s wives. A true gentleman used the services of a courtesan, or at the very least, an opera singer. Of course, since he’d had such a problem visiting Margaret’s bed the last five months she’d been alive, he felt no enticement to follow up on the offers he’d been receiving.

“Perhaps you would like to come by for a drink and some conversation, my lord. My room is the third on the left.” Lady Osbourne cast him a glance from under lowered eyelashes that left him cold.

“I am sorry, my lady. I expect to be quite busy while I am here. My wife and I have planned a few excursions.” Good lord, now he did sound like a smitten fool.

Lady Osbourne had passed herself from man to man for years. Even if he had been interested in replacing his mistress, she would never be on his list of possibilities.

If her eyebrows rose any farther up her head they would tangle with her hairline. “Indeed? How very domestic.” She took a sip of her wine and turned her attention to Lord Cowper on the other side. He might be more obliging, since Devon had heard that Cowper’s current mistress was putting out the word that she would accept offers from other protectors.

What a life we lead.

He turned to ask Lady Amelia a question when his gaze landed on Eugenia. She sat between Lord Fordwich and Mr. Althrop, engaging Fordwich in conversation. Fordwich was known for his shyness and lack of social skills. Based on his smiles and riveted attention, she must have been using her considerable charm to keep the man entertained.

His chest swelled with pride at his wife’s ability to handle any social situation with aplomb. Then, as he continued to observe her, his pride turned to irritation at how close Fordwich sat to her. In fact, if he was not mistaken, the man was practically breathing down her neck. Which meant he was looking down her gown!

He eased up on his seat to get a better view.

“Is something the matter, my lord?” Lady Amelia regarded him from behind her thick spectacles.

He jerked back. “No, nothing. Nothing at all.” He glared in Fordwich’s direction, but the man never noticed him. Much too busy staring at Eugenia’s bosom. Once dinner was over he would be sure to have a word with the man. Remind him where his wife’s face was located. Several inches above where he had been staring.

He cleared his throat and addressed Lady Amelia. “Are you enjoying the house party?”

“Oh, yes!” She answered with the lisp that he’d heard many a young lady tittering about at various balls. The poor girl really did not have much in the way of appeal.

Mr. Carter on her other side spoke to her, and she moved her attention in his direction. The man was single and said to be looking for a bride this season. Perhaps she would have a chance with him. She indeed deserved one.

Once more Devon glanced down the table toward Eugenia and nearly swallowed his tongue to see Fordwich’s fingers fumbling at the back of Eugenia’s neck.

What the devil!

Devon leaned forward to get a better view of what was going on and knocked his wine glass over, spilling the contents right onto Lady Osbourne’s lap. She shrieked and jumped up, her napkin fluttering.

“Oh. I’m so sorry.” Devon moved his chair back to stand and assist her and banged the back of his chair into a footman behind him who was reaching to place a dish on the table. The man’s hand jerked, and the plate’s contents landed upside down on the table.

All conversation ceased, and everyone in the room turned their heads and looked directly at him.

Bloody hell!

Chapter Seven

“A damsel in distress elicits protectiveness in a male.”

Secrets of the Bedchamber, p. 14