When a stout man of perhaps fifty years approached, Chelynne felt Chad stiffen beside her. It was a movement barely discernible but to one who would so closely analyze his every action. Outwardly he maintained the same self-confident appearance, not even an uncertain frown touching his brow. She simply sensed his tension. “My dear,” he said smoothly, “I should like to present my lord Shayburn.”
She nodded her head as she had done a hundred times that night and then raised her eyes to look at the man being introduced. “Your fair beauty shall add much to the desirability of this wonderful land.”
“Lord Shayburn is baron to the lands lying east of us,” Chad explained. “He possesses the shire of Braton within his boundaries and has served Bryant and the crown for many years.” Chelynne thought his voice was slightly brittle and carefully stole a look at him, but still, no outward sign.
“A pleasure to meet you, my lord,” she said sweetly. “And I look forward to visiting your fair Bratonshire.”
“As we look forward to your visit, fairest lady.” He took her hand and brushed a kiss on it. She was hesitant for the first time this night, for she found the man oddly repulsive. His elaborate style gave her unease, and though he was not unhandsome, there was a look about the eyes and mouth that she found insincere, almost wicked. As if he caught her slight reluctance, Chad pulled her hand away from the baron’s as soon as he straightened. He tucked Chelynne’s hand in the crook of his arm securely, giving her cause to think she had the right to be wary.
“You’re to be envied, my lord. She is every measure of a man’s desires.”
“I must agree,” Chad said stiffly.
“And such a pleasure to see you again, my lord. I was in fear you wouldn’t be returning to us. I’ve heard of your interest in Jamaica. And you’ve been away a long time.”
A sardonic smile twisted Chad’s mouth. “You worried needlessly, my lord. It has always been my intention to return. The wedding is but a timely surprise.”
“And tell me,” Shayburn went on. “Has young Bollering crossed your path? I’ve a concern for the lad you might well understand, the unfortunate circumstances of his father and all...”
“Sir John has had occasion to be in contact with me. He does well.”
“Sir John?”
“Aye. He was knighted some years ago and serves His Majesty well. He was not hampered by lack of coin in making his way, my lord, so you need not fear.”
“And where does he make his home?”
Chad glanced at his father, who was at this moment frowning his displeasure over this conversation, hoping Chad would exercise care with his temper. “He has not claimed any port as home to my knowledge. I know the man had an interest in the Americas some years back.”
“Then he is sailing. I had heard...ah, well, never mind what I heard. Gossip is plentiful here.” Chad smiled wickedly at that, trying to conceal his delight.
“That and other ventures,” Chad confirmed.
“Well, then, you must notify me if you hear from him again. I was never able to offer my condolences when his father died. How does his family?”
It was going a bit farther than Chad would have it. “I wouldn’t know, my lord. And his father has been a long time gone; I doubt if condolences would be necessary or appreciated at this late date.”
“Perhaps you’re right,” Shayburn said thoughtfully. “Just the same, should you see the boy...I would greatly like to see him. Ummmm...have him come for a talk. I could perhaps...that is, I’ll take it up with him if he ever comes to call.”
Chad’s father hurried Shayburn along, fearing what this conversation might be leading to. He had no desire to see Chadwick lose his temper on this night.
Chad relaxed beside Chelynne once again. Of course Shayburn would want to know if John were to come home. It would be imperative that he know, Chad thought hatefully. But Shayburn would know nothing, not so long as Chad had breath in his body.
There was dancing after the introductions were made and Chelynne was set upon by every eager young man present. As any young maid would, she responded coyly to the compliments and never grew tired of the flattery. There was but one who had not openly praised her since she entered the ballroom, and that was Chad. This ball being in his honor as well, the ladies were bid to ask him for the dance.
Chelynne was not left much to her own ends, there always being someone to see her hand busy and her glass filled, but Chad was not among them. Later, then, it was with a great deal of happiness that she saw him coming toward her. She looked at him uncertainly, for she noticed a scowl on his handsome face and his eyes fixed across the room.
“It seems my cousin has found a friend in Lord Shayburn,” she said, indicating that twosome Chad seemed interested in.
“It would seem,” he grunted. “I wonder what they could have in common.”
“From my short acquaintance with the baron I couldn’t say for certain, but Harry has a most insolent nature in the best of times.”
“Then that is it,” he said, looking down at her with an amused grin. “Shall we join our guests in a dance?”
With a smile she gave her assent and they went again onto the dance floor. Many admired the couple from afar for they were a fetching pair. His bold and masculine frame and hard good looks were accentuated by her slight albeit womanly form and delicate beauty. The contrast in their coloring added flavor to their attractiveness. He was dark of skin and hair, his eyes the shade of ashes, while she had a soft brightness to her fair complexion and light brown hair streaked with a honey glow. There was many an old dame who silently mused on what manner of heir these two might make, but none thought other than that it would be the best of both. The match seemed too good to be true.
And while they danced, each studying the other, they seemed in love. In the age of arranged marriages, though manners were rigid and etiquette closely observed, it was not uncommon for the groom to give a sour face at the first sight of his plump bride, or the bride to grimace while looking on the stature of her homely groom. In this fine pair neither could complain of the other’s handsomeness.
When the dance ended Chelynne had no time for tender words to her betrothed, for she was led away again. Chad watched as she went and the earl sidled up closer to his son.
“Can I assume that you are not displeased with my choice, Chadwick?”
“She is lovely,” he relented, raising a suspicious eyebrow and looking down at his father. “I congratulate you, your lordship.”
“I congratulate you, my son. She is yours.”
“Not yet.”
“But soon. Soon. You are anxious?”
Chad simply smiled down at his father, declining any further answer. The earl just laughed in good cheer, for nothing could dampen his spirits now. A man would have to be blind not to notice the desirability of this young woman. He hated being of smaller stature than his son, especially at a time like this, for as Chad watched Chelynne dance, the earl could not judge his expression accurately.
But Gwen was taller than his lordship so as she approached she chafed slightly at what seemed to be open desire in Chad’s eyes as he watched Chelynne dance. She cleared her throat but he was not drawn away from that sight. With a smothered chuckle the earl walked away from them and Chad finally noticed her.
“It would appear that you’re pleased with your intended bride, Chad.”
“What? Oh yes, of course.”
“What is it you find so attractive about her?”
Chad looked into her eyes and saw jealousy sparking there. “What is it you find so unattractive, Gwen?”
“I didn’t think you would have to ask,” she bristled.
“But I am asking.”
“To taunt me? Then you shall have an answer! Were we so little to each other that when it finally met your mood to marry you would throw me down for another?”
“What were we to each other? Illicit lovers! Would you have me bind that in an abbey on the church’s blessed parchment? My God, Gwen, you were married.”
“I was not always and I have no husband now,” she argued. “Oh, the lovely phrases that floated from your tongue while you took me...”
“Took you? I took nothing. It was freely given.”
“You are not married yet!”
“What the hell are you proposing, Gwen? You couldn’t have the gall to suggest that I—”
“Of course I suggest it!” she ground out bitterly.
“Easy, Gwen,” he said slowly. He looked into those angry green eyes and smiled. “Everyone is watching us. I don’t think it would do to give them anything more to talk about, do you?”
“What do I care?” She pouted.
“You should care, love. I’ll tell you why. I said I would never marry you and you should have taken me at my word. Whatever we had together was by mutual consent and you were not injured. Now you have laid away one husband in his grave. Unless you intend to live out your days devoid of a protector, alone in that manor house, you will do well to act the lady. You’ll attract more prospects that way.”
“You’re only afraid that that willow switch you plan to wed will learn of our affair and be—”
He laughed, cutting her off. “She’ll learn of it in due time, of that I have no doubts. It seems a man isn’t allowed the meagerest secrets these days. I will tell you this once, Gwen. My father has brought a virtuous bride to his house for me to wed and I approved his choice. If she is hurt over my past sins she will no doubt live in misery all her life, for they are many.”
“You talk as if virtue is the most precious pearl. What of love?”
“Why Gwen,” he mocked. “Methinks they oft go hand in hand.”
“Ooooo! You are insufferable! To think of all I have given you to be treated this way! What could she possibly mean to you?”
His expression grew cloudy, cold. “She will be my wife, Gwen,” he said very slowly. “She will have my support and protection. Take care with your words.”
She looked up at him in wonder. Never in her life had she allowed a man to treat her as this one did. Always she was in control, manipulating the man. And she wanted him still, though this was the epitome of humiliation to her, letting a man have the upper hand. “And what will I be to you?”
“What you have always been to me,” he replied. She was totally unsure of his meaning. Something in his eyes told her he held her in some contempt, but then his steely gaze moved over her body and she wanned. Unconsciously her eyes moved to where Chelynne danced. She was pretty enough, but she was a child. Gwen knew Chad’s habits well. He could not possibly find entertainment enough with this youngster.
She made up her mind. She might have to set her sights on something other than marriage, but not less important. All she would have to do to wield her power was to get this handsome man in her bed again. He wouldn’t leave her to seek out that infant.
When the dance was at an end Chad took Gwen to where Chelynne danced with young Philip Snow. “I envy you, sir,” the young man said. “You have the most beautiful woman in England as your own.”
Gwen stiffened, remembering times when that same compliment had been paid to her.
“I thank you, sir, and I must agree.” Chelynne flushed delicately, happier in her heart than she had ever dreamed she could be. “I told her she was beautiful when first we met.”
“I didn’t notice you speaking,” Gwen snapped.
“I didn’t mean tonight, my lady,” Chad returned with a smile. “I told her so yesterday.”
Gwen gasped, believing he had played her for a fool, extracting all those unkind comments about his intended bride when he knew perfectly well what she was like. “I thought you said you had not met.”
“I thought we had not. I took her to be one of her own servants, taking a mare from my stables for sport. She led me a merry chase and my intention was a sound thrashing for her, until I had a look at her.”
Gwen whirled away and was gone instantly, but Chelynne did not wonder at her strange behavior. She was so lost in the ashes of his eyes that the house could have crumbled around her and she wouldn’t have noticed. Philip Snow slipped away as well, unobserved.
“Is the mare safe?” she asked.
“She is. Did the beast please you?”
“She’s beautiful. Is she truly mine?”
“On one condition, Chelynne. You will not be allowed to ride alone, and that is an order. Were your uncle’s lands so subdued that you never had to worry with thieves and ruffians?”
She shrugged. “There was little trouble in Welbering.”
He snorted. “I’m sorry to say ‘tis not so here. You’ll have to conduct yourself with a care for safety. These lands are far too wide for patrols to cover every inch and we have had our share of thievery and destruction. You’ll go with escorts or not at all.”
“Is your state a dangerous one, my lord?”
“At times it has proven to be. Should you play that folly again you will not be allowed to ride. And now that you know me, never try to outrun me again. Is that understood?”
“Why sir, do you act the husband?”
He started a little at the accusation and then realized he sounded more like that than anything else. “Intended only for your safety, nothing more,” he said stiffly.
“Yes, sir,” she said softly, but inwardly she smiled.