Regency Scandal

Chapter Three

She drew in a shaky breath. ‘I believe I would rather this was an occasion upon which you chose to ignore the teachings of your nanny and tutors, your Grace.’

There was a stilled and expectant silence for several seconds and then the Duke gave a loud bark of spontaneous laughter. ‘My friend Carfax omitted to mention that you are an Original, Pandora Maybury,’ he finally murmured appreciatively.

‘Possibly because I am not.’ She became flustered as she recognised the speculation in the cool and assessing grey gaze now levelled at her.

‘I beg to differ,’ the Duke drawled.

‘That is your prerogative, of course.’ She nodded coolly. ‘But I really would prefer to return to my home as I arrived, alone and in my own carriage.’

‘Why?’

Her agitation increased. ‘I— Well, because—’

‘Can it possibly be that you are nervous at thoughts of travelling alone in the ducal carriage with me?’

‘Of course I’m not!’ Pandora glared up at him in the darkness.

‘Good.’ His mouth firmed with satisfaction as he all but lifted her inside the lantern-lit carriage and placed her on one of the plushly upholstered seats. He swiftly followed her inside to sit directly opposite her and nodded tersely to the groom to close the door, the movement of the carriage only seconds later evidence that they were now on their way.

On the way to where, Pandora was unsure, when the Duke had made no enquiry as to where in London her house was situated.

Rupert studied her between narrowed lids, able to take in her full appearance in the warm glow given off by the lantern inside the carriage. Her hair and lashes were of pure and deep gold, a perfect foil for those deep violet-coloured eyes, her skin the colour of ivory, her lips—full and pouting lips that hinted at the sensuous nature which had perhaps caused two gentlemen to fight a duel over her—the colour of ripe raspberries. The same colour as the nipples he had glimpsed through her chemise earlier, tipping those surprisingly plump breasts …

If released from their pins, would her golden curls be long enough to fall over those beautiful, pert breasts, thereby allowing those ripe berries to peak through invitingly? More interestingly, once fully unclothed, would the curls between her thighs be that same enticing gold—

Dear Lord, was his life not complicated enough, without sitting here contemplating what the notorious Pandora Maybury looked like naked!

‘It really was unnecessary for you to manhandle me that way, your Grace,’ she now spoke primly into the silence. ‘I assure you I am both young and agile enough to climb into a carriage without your assistance.’

‘And yet you made no effort to do so,’ Rupert pointed out coolly, not at all pleased at the direction in which his thoughts had so recently been straying.

‘Because, as I had already stated, I had every intention of seeking out my own carriage.’

‘And I have already explained why that arrangement did not suit me.’ Rupert’s patience with this situation—what little he possessed—was wearing thin as he glared coldly across the width of the carriage at his reluctant companion.

Her lashes lowered as a blush coloured the ivory of her cheeks. ‘I have told you how grateful I am for your help earlier this evening—’

‘One would never believe so from your manner towards me now!’

Pandora gave a pained frown as she looked across the carriage at him. Perhaps his criticism was merited; she had behaved less than graciously towards him this past few minutes, because, despite wishing it were otherwise, she was utterly disconcerted at finding herself alone with Rupert Stirling in his carriage.

Every wary—and utterly weary—bone in her body had stiffened just now as she saw the speculative way in which his gaze had roamed so familiarly over her face and body. And against the warning of the rational part of her brain, she was equally as aware of his disturbing presence as he sat opposite her.

The gold of his hair now fell rakishly across his brow and curled about his ears and nape, the glow from the lantern lending an austereness to his high cheekbones and firmly squared jaw, his lazy sprawl on the upholstered seat totally at odds with the sharpness of that intelligent grey gaze as he continued to look at her from between narrowed lids. He was, without doubt, one of the handsomest gentlemen Pandora had ever beheld—even more so than Barnaby, who had possessed boyish good looks as well as dark hair and blue eyes.

Unfortunately, the Duke of Stratton’s reputation also rendered him the most potentially dangerous gentleman Pandora ever beheld, too, which was the very reason she felt so totally out of her depth in his company. ‘It was precisely because I did not wish to inconvenience you any further this evening that I asked to return home in my own carriage.’

The nostrils flared on that aristocratically straight nose. ‘Do you suppose we could possibly talk of something else, Pandora?’

She blinked. ‘Of course, if you wish it.’

‘Indeed—’ he nodded tersely ‘—I find myself exceedingly bored with the repetition of our present conversation.’

As no doubt he now regretted driving her home at all, Pandora accepted heavily as the Duke turned away dismissively to look out of the carriage window at the other carriages travelling London’s moonlit streets.

Pandora had been much in society during the years of her marriage; indeed, Barnaby had considered it part of her wifely duties to accompany him to all the balls and parties given by the ton and so she had long ago learnt to engage in the polite and meaningless small talk that made up so much of the conversation at those entertainments, and to keep any of her original thoughts and ideas to herself.

Indeed, until Pandora had met and become friends with Sophia and Genevieve shortly after the start of the current Season, she had long assumed that there were no intelligent ladies or gentlemen left in society, let alone those who found that inanity as tedious as she did herself.

It appeared that Rupert—Devil—Stirling was yet another who did not enjoy meaningless conversation …

She sat forwards slightly, her interest piqued. ‘Perhaps you would care to discuss literature? Or politics?’

His brows rose. ‘Really?’

Pandora nodded as she looked across at him earnestly. ‘My father was a Greek scholar, and ensured that I am quite conversant on either subject.’

Rupert gave a reluctant quirk of his lips as he once again found himself falling victim to those mesmerising and beautiful violet-coloured eyes. ‘I assume that is also the reason you have the unlikely name of Pandora?’ The original Pandora, if Rupert recalled his Greek studies correctly, was reputed to have been a woman given a gift by each of the gods, in order that she might bring about the ruination of mortal men.

There was no doubting that this Pandora possessed the reputed beauty attributed to the original, but did she also have the power to bring about man’s ruination?

If the gossip a year ago concerning that ill-fated duel was to be believed, then the answer to that question was a definitive yes!

Pandora eyed Devil Stirling warily. ‘I believe that by naming me such my father believed I might be gifted with both grace and beauty.’

‘Then he was not disappointed.’ The Duke gave an acknowledging inclination of his head. ‘But did he somehow forget that the opening of Pandora’s box was also reputed to have released all number of evils upon man and beast?’

Pandora felt no warmth at his agreeing to her having been gifted with grace and beauty. How could she, when it was so quickly followed by this softly delivered insult? ‘If my father were still alive, I am sure that he would have enjoyed debating with you as to whether or not that destruction was Pandora’s doing or that of man himself.’

Gold brows rose over derisive grey eyes. ‘Your father was of the opinion that every man—and woman—is instrumental in bringing about their own destruction?’

She arched fine brows. ‘You disagree?’

Rupert could never before remember having a conversation with a woman on the subject of Greek mythology, let alone debating its philosophy. Obviously her father had been a learned man and it appeared to be an education he had felt no qualms in imparting to his only daughter.

Rupert’s physical appreciation of her had already caused him to regret her presence in his carriage. He certainly did not wish to know that there was so much more to her than the flirtatious beauty malicious gossip had led him to believe.

‘—telling me precisely where we are going, your Grace?’

‘I beg your pardon?’ Rupert frowned at this interruption to his musings.

‘I asked if you would mind very much telling me where we are going?’ The huskiness of her naturally sensuous voice had sharpened in her obvious anxiety.

He gave a lazy smile. ‘I was unsure, once we were safely ensconced in my carriage, as to whether or not I would find myself with the dubious pleasure of dealing with a hysterical lady and advised my coachman to drive about London until you had calmed down enough for me to ascertain exactly where it is that you reside.’

‘My home is in Jermyn Street, your Grace.’ Pandora’s smile was rueful as she waited quietly whilst he advised his coachman of their destination before continuing. ‘I admit that I was upset by Lord Sugdon’s familiar behaviour earlier, your Grace, but I don’t believe I could ever be accused of being the sort of woman who swoons easily.’ The Duke did not need to know that Pandora had been very close to doing exactly that when the erstwhile nobleman had ripped her gown and then crushed her in his arms so effortlessly.

‘Then what sort of lady would you say that you are?’

She eyed him suspiciously, but could read nothing from his enigmatic expression as he relaxed back against the seat opposite her. ‘The ton would have you believe—’

‘And I am sure I have already made clear my own opinion of what the ton may or may not choose to believe or say, in regard to yourself or anyone else.’ He gave a dismissive gesture with one long and elegant hand.

Pandora moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. ‘I am afraid I don’t understand the question when my own opinion of myself must obviously differ greatly from that of others.’

‘Why obviously?’ He frowned. ‘The ton believes me to be arrogant and proud, and something of a rake with the ladies, and I can find no argument with that opinion.’

She smiled at this blunt self-appraisal. ‘But you are so much more than that, are you not?’

His brows rose. ‘Am I?’

Pandora nodded. ‘This evening you have been both chivalrous and kind.’

‘I would advise you not to attribute me with virtues I do not, nor would ever wish, to possess,’ he warned.

She shook her head in gentle rebuke. ‘I have every reason to know you to be both those things after the manner in which you … dispensed so effortlessly with Lord Sugdon’s unwanted attentions towards me earlier tonight.’

The Duke’s mouth thinned. ‘And if I were to tell you that my actions had very little to do with you? That my mood this evening was already such that I merely welcomed the opportunity to hit someone? Anyone? For whatever reason!’

Recalling the content of this man’s earlier conversation with the Earl of Sherbourne, Pandora had some idea as to the reason for the Duke’s bad humour. ‘I would then say that the reason you acted in the way that you did was irrelevant, when it resulted in my rescue.’

Rupert looked quizzically across at her. ‘And, if I may be allowed to say so, Pandora Maybury, I find you are not at all as the ton describes you.’

She laughed musically. ‘Oh, you may certainly say it, your Grace—’

‘Rupert.’

Her humour instantly ceased, her expression now one of uncertainty. ‘I beg your pardon?’

He regarded her beneath hooded lids. ‘I believe I should like to hear you call me Rupert.’

She sat as far back on the bench seat as possible. ‘I could not possibly address you in so familiar a manner, sir.’

‘Why not? You are a Duchess, I am a Duke, therefore we are social equals. Or are you already so awash with friends that you have no need of another?’ Rupert added with cutting humour.

That slender throat moved convulsively as she swallowed before answering huskily, ‘You must know that I am not.’

Yes, Rupert had already observed this evening that the only members of the ton who now bothered with her company were gentlemen who obviously had so much more than friendship in mind. Men like Sugdon. ‘Our hostess, and her friend the Duchess of Woollerton, appear to value your friendship.’

Pandora’s expression softened. ‘They have both been kind enough to bestow that friendship upon me these past few weeks, yes.’

‘So it has been commented upon.’

She looked across at him sharply. ‘I trust not to their detriment?’

‘Would it bother you if it were?’ he asked curiously.

‘Of course.’ She gave every appearance of being agitated, her face flushed, her lace-gloved fingers now tightly gripping the cloak about her. ‘I should not like to be the cause of either of those dear ladies being cut by certain members of society.’

‘As you are yourself?’ he pressed.

‘Yes,’ she acknowledged quietly.

He shrugged. ‘I am sure both those ladies are of an age and confidence to choose their own friends. As am I,’ Rupert added huskily.

Pandora eyed him warily. ‘But we are not friends, your Grace, merely new acquaintances.’

‘That is no reason to suppose that, with time, we might not become more than that.’

Rupert studied her shrewdly. ‘Tell me something of your marriage to Maybury.’

She looked startled at his abrupt change of subject. ‘For what purpose?’

‘It is a natural curiosity, surely, considering the method of his demise?’ Rupert said.

‘I see nothing natural about it, your Grace.’ Her chin was raised proudly.

He gave an elegant shrug. ‘That is possibly because you are too close to the subject.’

Her eyes flashed darkly. ‘How should I be any other, when Barnaby was my husband?’

‘And was it a love match? On Maybury’s part, at least, one might presume it was.’ He looked thoughtful.

Pandora frowned. ‘As is the case with many in the ton, ours was an arranged marriage.’

‘But happy? At least, initially?’ he asked.

Not even initially!

It had become apparent to Pandora, almost immediately their marriage took place, that Barnaby had only married her because he required a young, and therefore malleable, wife for him to escort during the Season and to act as mistress in his many homes, both here in London and in the country. A wife who would not attempt to interfere in the way in which he chose to conduct his own life; having expressed no deep and passionate love for Pandora before their marriage, Barnaby had made it clear he considered it unreasonable of her to expect him to feel that way about her once they were husband and wife.

After much internal soul-searching, Pandora had realised she had no choice other than to accept this loveless marriage as being her lot in life. And if that acceptance had meant putting aside all of her girlish hopes and dreams of love and a grand passion in her marriage, then that was surely her own disappointment to bear, and no one else’s.

She certainly did not intend to now share any of the details of that disappointment with the haughty and mocking nobleman in front of her, despite his insistence on asking her probing questions!

‘We appear to have arrived at my home, your Grace,’ Pandora realised thankfully. She sat forwards eagerly with the intention of alighting from the now-stationary carriage as the groom hurried to open the door for her. ‘Once again, I am grateful to you for coming to my aid this evening.’

‘I will call upon you tomorrow.’

‘For what purpose?’ Pandora, having just stepped down from the carriage, now turned sharply.

The Duke’s teeth flashed a white smile in the moonlight as he stepped down beside her. ‘Why, for the purpose of assuring myself as to your having fully recovered from this evening’s ordeal, of course.’

There was no ‘of course’ or anything else about it, where this arrogant and disdainful gentleman was concerned. Nor did she wish for Rupert to call on her tomorrow or any other time.

She suspected, despite their efforts for it to be otherwise, that the news of the cloaked lady leaving Sophia’s ball this evening in the Duke of Stratton’s carriage, would be all over London by the morning, without adding to that gossip by him being seen calling at her house the following day!

‘I assure you I am already fully recovered, thank you, your Grace.’

‘Nevertheless, having rescued you, I now feel honour-bound to call upon you tomorrow to assure myself of your well-being,’ he insisted.

Pandora looked up at him with frustration, very aware that he had only moments ago denied the existence of any such finer feelings in regard to his character, but at the same time aware of the restraint put upon her answer by the presence of the quietly attentive groom. Just because the man gave every appearance of being totally deaf to their conversation did not mean that he was not listening and remembering every word they spoke, in order that he might relay that gossip to the Duke’s other servants once released from his duties later tonight.

It was pure arrogance on the part of the nobility to believe that their servants were not fully conversant with all their actions. And their foibles …

Pandora drew herself up to her full height before speaking coolly. ‘You must do as you see fit, your Grace.’

‘I usually do,’ Rupert replied mockingly even as he lifted her hand to his lips, his intent gaze deliberately holding her startled one as he placed those lips upon her gloved knuckles. ‘Until tomorrow, Pandora.’

She snatched her hand from his grasp as if burnt. ‘Goodbye, your Grace.’

‘Merely adieu, I assure you, my dear Pandora,’ he murmured throatily, watching closely as she hurried up the steps to the front door of the mansion house, that door opening as she reached the top of those steps to slip silently inside without so much as a backward glance.

A scowl creased Rupert’s brow as he now considered returning to his own London home.

And to the woman who would no doubt have made sure she would be awaiting him there …

Chapter Four

‘How kind of you to call, your Grace!’ Pandora’s smile was one of vacuous politeness late the following morning as she rose to her feet in order to curtsy to Rupert as he strode with his usual arrogance into the blue-and-cream salon of her London town house. Endeavouring, as she nodded dismissal of Bentley, her butler, not to reveal by so much as a twitch of an eyebrow how disturbed she was that he had carried out his promise to call upon her this morning.

Which was not at all easy for her to do when the Duke looked so vitally handsome this morning. The gold of his hair was in tousled disarray upon his brow and about his ears and nape, those grey eyes piercing in that wicked, yet angelically handsome face. He was wearing a dark grey superfine over a silver waistcoat and snowy-white linen emphasised the width and power of his shoulders, black pantaloons hugging the long muscled length of his legs above highly polished black Hessians.

‘Your Grace, allow me to introduce you to the family lawyer, Mr Anthony Jessop.’ Pandora turned to the relatively young, dark-haired gentleman standing in the room with her. ‘Mr Jessop, his Grace, the Duke of Stratton.’

Mr Anthony Jessop—the two gentlemen having acknowledged each other, the lawyer with a gracious bow, the Duke with a terse nod—now looked less than comfortable at finding himself the focus of Rupert’s intense grey eyes as he gathered up his papers from the table. ‘You will let me know as soon as things are settled, Pandora?’ He turned to smile at her.

Having contacted Anthony Jessop at his offices first thing this morning and, that gentleman having duly called upon her a mere hour later, Pandora could not help but wish now that they had not concluded their business quite as efficiently as they had. She would have much preferred a valid excuse to encourage the Duke to leave her home!

‘I will.’ She rang for the butler, smiling warmly at the man who had been Barnaby’s lawyer for some years before he died, and latterly her own. Pandora had found his help invaluable this past year, as she attempted to not only run her own London household but also manage her private finances.

The lawyer turned to nod at the slightly younger man. ‘Your Grace.’

‘Jessop.’ There was no answering smile on Rupert’s face as he waited until the lawyer had withdrawn in the company of the butler before speaking again. ‘Springcleaning, Pandora?’

She gave him a startled look. ‘I beg your pardon?’

‘There appear to be several trunks in your front hallway. Possibly awaiting collection before the contents are distributed to the poor?’

Pandora drew in a sharp breath at the directness of the Duke’s conversation; obviously they were to continue this morning in the same forthright manner as the previous evening—that is, with none of the social niceties!

Nevertheless, she would attempt to bring things back on track. ‘May I offer you refreshment, your Grace?’ Pandora looked across at him enquiringly.

He scowled darkly at her formal manner. ‘No.’

‘In that case, perhaps you would care to sit down, your Grace?’ she invited smoothly as she indicated the armchair furthest away from where she had now resumed her own seat on the edge of the cream sofa beside the window.

An invitation he blatantly ignored as he instead strode forcefully across the room to lower his impressive height down on to that sofa beside her. Pandora immediately found his proximity overpowering as she tried—and failed—to ignore his barely leashed vitality. ‘Perhaps you would care to explain what is going on, Pandora?’ he pressed.

‘Going on, your Grace?’

A humourless smile twisted his firm but sensual lips. ‘The presence of both the trunks in your hallway, and the overfamiliar lawyer in your salon.’

‘Is it not a lovely sunny morning, your Grace?’ Pandora turned to look out into the carefully tended and sunlit garden at the back of the house. ‘Did you choose to ride over this morning or come in your carriage?’

‘Does it matter?’ he dismissed impatiently.

‘I was merely—’

‘I know what you were “merely”, Pandora—and I have no intention of sitting here exchanging polite inanities with you.’ He eyed her grimly. ‘I will ask again—why was your lawyer here at this early hour and what are those trunks doing outside in your hallway?’

She frowned her irritation at his single-mindedness. ‘Could you not try to … to at least pretend to possess the art of polite conversation?’

‘No.’

Pandora rose restlessly to her feet. ‘As I assured you would be the case, I am perfectly recovered from last night’s—unpleasantness. Thank you for enquiring.’ She raised pointed brows.

Rupert ignored her obvious rebuke, could clearly see that—outwardly, at least—Pandora was indeed completely recovered from Sugdon’s less-than-subtle attentions, the gold of her hair once again swept up and arranged in those becoming curls, with several loose tendrils at her temples and nape, the pale lilac of her fashionable gown a perfect backdrop for the deep-violet colour of her eyes, a gentle blush in those ivory cheeks.