The Unmasking of Lady Loveless Read Free Page B

room tonight. Her heart tripped in quick, flustered strokes. Her stomach squirmed with sensuous longing. She wondered what on earth was happening to her, for although she had conceived a schoolgirl tendre for her husband on sight, she had never felt this immodest, wanton and reckless lust for him.
    He caught her eye. His firm lips curved into a smile that promised to fulfill every one of those wanton thoughts. Melicent almost whimpered aloud as her insides did another slow somersault.
    On hearing of her son-in-law’s arrival, Mrs. Durham had, predictably, risen from her bed like a phoenix, with no sign of illness at all, had donned her best evening gown and was now holding court. At the other end of the table Aloysius sulked and sighed his way through the meal, every so often shooting a look of extreme dislike in Alex’s direction. Melicent smiled faintly to remember the summary way in which her husband had dealt with her brother’s bad behavior. She imagined that Aloysius would be hoping for Alex’s swift return to London so that he could make an equally swift return to a life of debauchery. She knew that she needed to talk to Alex about his plans. He had said nothing of whether he expected her to accompany him when he left. Many men, she was aware, were dictatorial enough to demand unquestioning obedience from their wives in such matters. Many wives would comply, thinking it their duty. She was no longer one of them.
    The old hurt stirred in her. Alex could not simply walk in, kiss her and expect her to fall into his arms as though their estrangement had never occurred. She was no longer the starry-eyed innocent he had married four years before. She had worshipped him when first they were wed, and his cold preference for spending time on the Beaumont estates rather than on her had broken her heart. From the first she had sensed the slow-burning anger in him at being manipulated into marriage. It had terrified her, holding her silent, building a wall between them.
    There was nothing remotely cold in the look that he was giving her now, though. She felt her skin prickle as his gaze slid over her like a physical touch.
    “I am sure that a change in company would do you the world of good, ma’am,” Alex was saying to Mrs. Durham. “It sounds as though you have suffered a terrible reversal in health in recent times, but with the right company you might find yourself miraculously restored. A small cottage in a seaside resort or in a fashionable spa would suit, perhaps? I am sure it can be arranged. And a congenial lady to act as companion…”
    “That sounds delightful,” Mrs. Durham simpered.
    Melicent looked up sharply. She could see what Alex was doing. If the care of her mama were taken off her hands then her prime reason for staying in Yorkshire would be gone. She would have no excuses to hide behind.
    “The society in Peacock Oak is very pleasant, Mama,” she protested. “The Duchess of Cole has been kindness itself, and Major and Mrs. Falconer at Starbotton Manor are charming.”
    “The duchess has a young baby and I am sure she does not wish us to be forever hanging on her coattails,” Mrs. Durham said. “As for the Falconers, I hear they are to visit his uncle, the marquis, in Scotland in the New Year. No, my dear, your husband is quite right. A remove to Bath or Cheltenham will be just the thing.” She reached across the table and patted Melicent’s hand. “Then I may return you to Lord Alexander’s care. He has been most patient to spare you for so long, but it is selfish of me to keep you.”
    Melicent heard Aloysius mutter something that sounded like “It has never troubled you before, Mama.” For once she felt completely in charity with her brother. She glared at Alex and met a look of limpid innocence in return.
    Mrs. Lubbock entered to remove the plates and deliver a pudding of stewed rhubarb and cream.
    “I have been reading some of your writings lately, my love,” Alex said, passing