Page 42 of A Duke But No Gentleman (Masters of Seduction #1)

Everyone was waiting for them to enter the ballroom.

At the appropriate time, the Duke of Trevett would announce to family and friends Imogene and Tristan’s betrothal.

He had already given her a ring, but he had his grandmother’s ring tucked away in his waistcoat pocket.

It was a yellow gold ring with seven rose-cut diamonds, the largest stone in the center with two medium-sized diamonds on either side and the smallest stones nestled above and below the row.

The ring would initially be loose on her slender finger, but she would be grateful for the ill fit once their child rounded her figure.

And he was convinced she was pregnant.

The knowledge made his cock twitch, which was embarrassing when they had a ballroom filled with people waiting for them.

Besides, the damn thing should be sated.

He and Imogene had spent the entire afternoon in his bed, and when he was not making love to her, he had taken his time exploring her body.

He noted her breasts were slightly fuller and more sensitive to his caresses.

There was a glow to her skin and her appetite for all manner of things had increased.

Not that Tristan was complaining. He loved the subtle changes, and he looked forward to discovering new ones.

Tristan could not wait until he could place the palm of his hands against her round stomach and feel his son shift within Imogene’s womb. And this child was his. His instincts were never wrong. This child and Imogene were his family, and he vowed to protect them with his life if necessary.

As for Norgrave, he could go to hell. He and his manipulative lies would never touch Imogene again.

The front door opened. Tristan’s expression brightened at the sight his friend Lord Jasper.

The earl sent him an apologetic look as he handed his hat and walking stick to the footman. “I know I am late. Have I missed the big announcement?”

“It was a near thing, but you have arrived just in time. It is good of you to come.” Tristan and the earl embraced. “What the devil happened? Lame horse?”

“Nothing like that. I was delayed at the club, and you would not believe the juicy bit of gossip I have just heard,” he said, his face flushed as if he had run the entire distance.

“What has happened?”

“I have news about a certain gentleman.” Jasper’s brown eyes gleamed with excitement.

“As far as I am concerned, come morning it will most likely bury the wonderful news of your upcoming nuptials to Lady Imogene, but it cannot be helped. Not when the calamity that has befallen him is very much deserved.”

Tristan’s expression became shuttered. It was easy to deduce the gentleman was Norgrave. If someone had finally put a bullet or sword in the scoundrel, he would offer a toast to the assassin.

“Is he dead?”

The earl laughed. “No, but I am certain he wishes he was.” He stepped closer so they could not be overheard. “There was a time when you called this gentleman your friend.”

Tristan crossed his arms over his chest. “No more, so nothing you say will offend me.”

“Then you are quite aware of his preferences when it comes to lovers, and that his carnal appetites can be unsavory to the uninitiated.”

Sick dread pooled in Tristan’s gut. “I am.”

Jasper gripped one of the balusters. “While this gentleman was recuperating from an unfortunate accident”—his steady gaze revealed that he knew who was responsible and that he was merely uttering the gossip that was circulating through the beau monde —“he encountered Lady Charlotte Winter. A friendship bloomed between them, though the couple did their best to keep it a secret.”

Tristan swore under his breath. Lady Charlotte was a sweet, gentle creature. Like Imogene, she could not fathom the darkness that resided in Norgrave. Nor the pleasure he derived from hurting others.

“No lady would fare well under this gentleman’s care,” he predicted.

“Lady Charlotte discovered this unfortunate fact for herself. This unpleasant business has no place at your betrothal ball, but I thought you should know the details that have been passed on to me. The poor girl was beaten and abused in the most heinous fashion. To add further insult, the bastard stuffed her in a hired coach and ordered the coachman to return her to her family.”

Tristan shut his eyes. “Merde.” He could imagine the pain and terror the lady must have suffered at the marquess’s hands.

“He gets bolder with each victim. This is too public for her family to hush up. Has he been dragged before a magistrate or did the family put a bullet in Norgrave’s black heart? ”

“Regrettably, he has escaped both fates. Once Lady Charlotte’s brothers learned of her lover’s cruelty, they went straight to his house and a violent brawl ensued.

Norgrave was beaten until he was unconscious and his legs were broken.

Though it is still uncertain that he will survive his injuries, the lady’s family solicited favors to secure a special license to spare the humiliation of Lady Charlotte possibly giving birth to his bastard.

She is his countess, and mayhap in the coming days, his widow.

Either way, Norgrave has been punished for his sins. ”

“For the lady’s sake, I hope the devil claims him,” Tristan muttered, feeling nothing but pity for the new Lady Norgrave. “He would make a poor husband for any lady.”

“Aye, my thoughts exactly,” Jasper said. He released the baluster. “I should go in and pay my respects to your aunt and uncle. “Will you walk with me?”

He shook his head. “I am waiting for my lady.”

“You are a lucky man.” The earl clasped his hand on Tristan’s shoulder. “I will greet your lady properly later.”

Tristan waited until Jasper walked away to join the other guests. “How much did you hear?”

He glanced up the staircase and saw Imogene poised on the steps. Her face was pale, but her gait was regal and steady as she descended the remaining steps.

“I did not mean to eavesdrop. You and Lord Jasper were deep in conversation and I did not wish to interrupt.” Her eyes were dry, but she shivered when he placed his arm around her. “Poor Lady Charlotte.”

Uncertain what he could do to comfort her, he kissed her. It calmed him when she kissed him back. “It is not your fault. Everyone knew the lady was smitten with him. If her own family could not keep her away from him, then there was nothing you or I could have said or done to prevent this outcome.”

Looking a little lost, she nodded. “I know. I was fooled by him once, too.”

Helpless rage rose up like bile in his throat. Tristan hoped the lady’s family had the forethought to castrate Norgrave. Gazing at Imogene’s forlorn expression, he wished he had done the deed himself.

“He has stolen enough from us, Imogene. Are you planning to let him ruin your betrothal ball?”

The question seemed to bring her up short. Determination shimmered in her blue gaze. “Of course not!”

Tristan offered Imogene his arm. “Then let us be off. I cannot wait to tell all of London that you will soon become my duchess.”

She rewarded him with a smile. “Between my parents and you shouting the news from the rooftops, I highly doubt it is a secret.”

Imogene halted before the closed doors. “Do you intend to tell everyone about the baby?”

“In a month or two will suffice.” He did not have the heart to tell her that when their child arrived months early, everyone would know that she had been a willing participant in his wicked seduction.

By then, she would be happily married and very few would care that she had anticipated her marriage bed.

He would deal with the people rude enough to point that fact out to her.

“Have I told you that I love you?”

Imogene laughed. “Not in a few hours. If you can wait until after the ball, you can sneak into the bedchamber Aunt Ruth has prepared for me and tell me in private.”

“A lady after my own heart.”

The footmen opened the double doors and the ballroom beckoned.

“I already have it, Your Grace,” she said smugly.

Tristan grinned. He did not deny the charge. His future bride had an annoying habit of always being right.