Page 61 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

With Eugenia’s reputation as cool and aloof and Lady Beatrice’s unfortunate facial components, they’d found themselves many times at balls without dance partners. She’d discovered that Lady Beatrice was funny, warm, and interested in many of the subjects that inspired lively conversations. The woman abhorred gossip, and had only kind things to say about people, despite the slights she’d received herself.

Turning her attention back to her own dilemma, she decided that tonight, after the theater, she would insist on a long conversation with her husband about their marriage—and in particular, the marriage bed. Although her stomach cramped as she imagined the difficulty she would have with such a conversation, nevertheless, the time had come to stop this dance forward and backward.

“You look lovely, my dear.” Devon stood at the bottom of the staircase, gazing up at her with appreciation.

Her heart took a leap as she moved toward him. Dressed in his formal evening attire, the Earl of Devon was a sight to behold. His dark hair had been slicked back, but one errant curl had begun to make its way to his forehead. His starched white cravat, along with his white-on-white waistcoat and black formal trousers completed the picture of a handsome, well-dressed peer of the realm.

And she loved him.

Oh, she’d loved him from the time before they’d married, but now that love had grown into something else. Something strong and visceral. With the way he watched her, she could almost think he loved her back. But he’d never said the words.

Would he ever?

“I am truly looking forward to the performance this evening,” Eugenia offered as she turned so Bellows could drape her cloak around her. They were off to see Fun and Fright; or, How to Gain Consent, at the Adelphi Theater. “A number of people have told me what an excellent play it is.”

“Then I do hope it lives up to your expectations.” Devon extended his arm to her, and they made their way to the carriage.

It took some time for the vehicle to meander through the traffic and then the long line discharging passengers. Eugenia could feel the excitement in the air, and her spirit lifted just being at the theater with her handsome husband.

After stopping to greet a number of theater-goers, they entered their box to find Mr. Cahill and Lady Beatrice already seated.

“Eugenia, how lovely you look,” Lady Beatrice beamed at her from her seat.

Mr. Cahill stood and took her hand. Despite wearing a glove, she almost felt the need to wipe her hand on a handkerchief after he kissed it. So unnecessary. “My lady, as always, you look splendid.”

She dipped her head at his compliment and took the chair next to Lady Beatrice. “You look lovely yourself, Beatrice.”

One thing she could say for the young woman. She certainly had a flair for picking the correct patterns and fabrics for her gowns. They always flattered her and made her prominent nose less noticeable.

Both men sat behind the ladies, and Eugenia felt the loss of Devon not being beside her. Of course she was being foolish. If only she could figure out what else she could possibly do to make Devon understand she didn’t want things to be the way they had been for the first few months of their marriage. She wanted him to desire her enough to never want to replace his mistress. Tonight she would work up the nerve to tell him just that.

Shortly after they settled in, the curtain rose and Eugenia was swept away into the magic of the play. She’d always enjoyed the theater, and she’d heard a great deal about this performance.

Once the curtain came down for the intermission, she felt as though she’d awakened from a dream. She also realized she was thirsty. She turned to Devon behind her. “May I please have a drink? I find I am quite thirsty.”

“Of course, my dear. Did you want to stroll with me to the lobby?” He reached his hand out, and she took it. They left the theater box hand-in-hand, which always felt so much more intimate to her than merely placing her fingers on his arm. Perhaps there was still hope.

Several friends stopped them a few times, but eventually Devon retrieved a warm lemonade for her, which she sipped while they discussed the play thus far with Lord and Lady Mathers. Both couples agreed the play was indeed living up to expectations.

They were almost back to their box when Lady Beatrice approached them. “Will you walk with me to the ladies’ retiring room, Eugenia?”

Eugenia turned to Devon. “Go on ahead, I will join you in a few minutes.”

Lady Beatrice linked arms with Eugenia as they made their way across the lobby. A footman stepped up onto a box and caught their attention as he announced the play would resume in two minutes.

As the playgoers returned to their seats, Eugenia stopped and turned to Beatrice. “Oh, dear. Do you mind terribly if I return to my seat? I really do not want to miss any of the play.”

Her friend waved her hand. “Go right on ahead, I will be only a few minutes myself.”

Eugenia hurried off, anxious to be seated. She reached out to move the curtain aside to enter their box when she heard the word “mistress.” Immediately, she dropped her hand and listened. Every lesson her mother taught her about eavesdropping flew out of her head when she realized it was Mr. Cahill speaking.

“If you haven’t found a new one yet, I have an invitation for you.” Mr. Cahill’s whiny voice grated on her nerves.

“What is that?”

“M’mistress has a friend who is looking for a new protector. She has made a special request to meet you.”

Eugenia sucked in a breath and covered her mouth, her hand shaking. After an interminable amount of time, Devon spoke. “Is that right?”