Page 39 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

They entered a drawing room with barely room for them to squeeze inside. The house had been built with two drawing rooms next to each other, with folding doors between them to expand the space for large gatherings. Even with double the space, every inch of the rooms held guests, juggling drinks and attempting conversation above the swell of noise.

The main purpose of a rout was to be able to say in the coming days that one had been there. Music played, but there was no dancing. Food was served, if one could make it through the crush to access it.

Devon decided if he were going to catch this libertine, he would have to leave Eugenia’s side. Several women had descended upon them, as well as a few men. Once she was engaged, he bent low and spoke into her ear. “I see Lord Benson with a few of the men I need to help support my bill. I will see you later.”

Something showed in her eyes that almost seemed like disappointment, but he pushed that thought away. No doubt she was anxious for him to leave so she could meet up with her lover.

Instead of joining Benson and his group, Devon made his way through the crush toward the front of the room and spoke with Mr. Smythe, which put him in a perfect position to watch Eugenia. Smythe was as boring as the day was long, but Devon was willing to put up with the man’s nattering so he could spy—nay, watch, he corrected himself—Eugenia without her knowing it.

Several women came and went in his wife’s group, but the men who had swarmed her when they’d arrived hadn’t left her side. Lords Sedgewick, Pembroke, and Rutledge. A light went off, remembering the piece in the newspaper about Lord R leaving with Lady D.

Rutledge. The snake.

Then he took a second look at the man and reconsidered his assumption. Although not yet passed his fortieth year, he had very little hair and a great deal of stomach. He assumed Eugenia would have better taste.

Other men came and went as Smythe droned on, happy, no doubt, to have an audience, a rare occurrence for the man. Devon’s eyes narrowed as Lord Redgrave joined Eugenia. However, he was accompanied by his new bride. Although the man had left London under a cloud of scandal four years prior, he’d been mostly forgiven for his ungentlemanly behavior once he’d married the sister of the woman he’d run out on.

With the enamored looks on both Redgrave and his wife’s faces, he crossed that man off his list of possibilities.

Lord Appleby managed to make it through the crowd to Devon’s side. “Say, Devon, Benson and I are hashing over your bill. Come join us.” He glanced in Smythe’s direction. “You’re welcome to join us as well, Smythe.”

The man waved them off. “No interest in Parliament. I see Falkner across the way.” He hied off through the crowd, searching out his next victim.

Devon joined the men, and more than an hour passed before he realized he’d forgotten about Eugenia. Disengaging himself from the conversation, he returned to the spot where he’d left her. No longer there.

So began his search for his wife and the scoundrel who most likely had her alone in the garden or in one of the many empty rooms.

The hunt produced no results.

No garden.

No library.

“I say, old man, can I help you find something?” Lord Bennington stopped him in the corridor as Devon left the library.

Startled by the man’s presence, and before he could think of a rational explanation, Devon blurted out, “I am looking for my wife.”

“Ah, easy to lose one’s spouse in a crush like this.” He waved toward the stairs. “Lady Devon has been in the ladies’ retiring room with my wife for some time now. One of the young misses tore her gown, and even though m’wife’s maid fixed it, the girl is inconsolable.” He shook his head. “Will never understand the female set.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, Devon returned to the gathering, hoping Eugenia would not be much longer. The mild headache that had started when he realized she was missing had turned into a pounding presence in his head. Too many people, too much noise. He would rather have spent the evening at home with his wife by his side.

Where he could be sure she was not misbehaving.

“Lord Bennington sent word you were looking for me?” Eugenia tapped him on the shoulder.

He was shocked at how happy he was to see her. No messy hair, no disarranged bodice, no lips swollen from kisses. She looked like his Eugenia. “Yes, my dear. I would like to return home if you are also inclined to do so.”

She took his arm. “Certainly, my lord. I am more than ready.”

Once they settled into their carriage the pounding in his head eased.

“Will you be going on to your club?” Eugenia’s soft voice after all that noise soothed him, reminding him how much he’d always enjoyed her peaceful presence.

“No. I believe I will call it a night.”

“Are you feeling well, my lord?”

“Quite. Just longing for the quiet of my library and a glass of good brandy.”