Page 22

Victoria

I ’d become very good at compartmentalizing my feelings, which was the only reason I could go upstairs and prepare for bed. I even managed to fall asleep quickly and dreamed of what could have happened between Moreland and me if he hadn’t sent me away.

When morning dawned, I woke early and rang for Lily. Anticipation filled me as I thought about Moreland’s last words to me. Today, we would discuss our relationship.

I hadn’t changed my mind. Last night had shown me that I wasn’t afraid of experiencing intimacy with him. In fact, the opposite was true. I yearned for his touch.

If I could only have him for a short time, I would accept that. Whatever happened in the bedchamber between us would be preferable to what I would have experienced in my marriage bed with Lord Heddington.

“Is Lord Moreland awake?” I asked as soon as Lily entered my room.

Lily shook her head as she moved to the wardrobe and pulled out a dress. “His lordship was called away early this morning.”

My spirits fell, and I crossed the room to the dressing table, where I stared down at the assortment of hairpins and brushes spread over its surface. “Did he leave a note for me?”

She moved into place behind me and began brushing out my hair. “I’m afraid he didn’t have time. But he did leave word with the butler that he’d be back in time for dinner.”

I let out a soft breath. “You can send a tray up to my room for breakfast. There’s no point in putting the staff to a great deal of effort on my behalf.”

“As you wish, my lady.”

Silence stretched between us as she finished pinning my hair in place and helped me dress. The day yawned before me, but at least I would be able to draw, thanks to Moreland’s thoughtful gift.

After Lily left to arrange my breakfast, I settled onto the side of the bed and tried not to worry. But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned that Moreland had changed his mind.

He’d likely decided his allegiance to my brother meant he couldn’t touch me. He’d said as much before, but I’d hoped the situation had changed after everything we’d done last night. He’d been on the verge of losing control.

I had to figure out how to bring him to that edge again.

My gaze fell on the side table and the calling card I’d placed there last night, Mirabelle Devereux’s calling card.

When Moreland and I had entered the alcove, I’d followed her lead and tucked it into my bodice.

I’d forgotten about it until I was preparing for bed.

I reached for it now. Her name was embossed on the front.

Turning it over, I saw an address written in fine script.

My excitement grew as I considered how she might help me.

I was too embarrassed to ask Lily what she knew about men. But Mirabelle had been Lord Kendrick’s mistress. She would know how to entice a man and hold his interest.

I chewed my lower lip, considering my options. I couldn’t go see her, but I could invite her here. With a grin, I stood and went in search of a quill and parchment.

It was early afternoon, and I was in the drawing room as I waited for Miss Devereux’s call. I was beginning to worry she wouldn’t accept my invitation when I heard the knock at the front door. I wasn’t sure if it was wise to befriend the woman, but it couldn’t hurt to make her an ally.

I stood and waited for the butler to show her in.

The soft lilt of her voice preceded her arrival.

But the woman who walked into my drawing room bore only a superficial resemblance to the one I’d met last night.

Today, I wouldn’t have been surprised if someone told me she was a member of the ton.

Her fair hair was swept up in a modest arrangement, her face devoid of cosmetics.

And her gown was one I could see myself wearing while going on calls of my own.

I was amazed at the difference in her appearance. Last night at the assembly, she’d been the sultry temptress. Today, she was the picture of a proper woman who would know how to comport herself in any situation.

“I’m so pleased you accepted my invitation, Miss Devereux.”

She crossed into the room and dipped into a circumspect curtsy. “I was honored to receive your note. And please call me Mirabelle.”

We settled onto the settee. “I’ve already arranged for tea. It should be here shortly.”

Mirabelle examined me. “Is this simply a social visit?”

I hesitated, momentarily caught off guard by her forthrightness. I’d made it this far, however, so there was no point in delaying the inevitable. “You said something last night that intrigued me.”

Mirabelle’s smile turned calculating. “I saw you and Lord Moreland go into the alcove. When you exited, I thought for certain I’d been mistaken in my assumptions.”

I tried to ignore the heat rising in my cheeks, and I lifted one shoulder in what I hoped was a casual shrug. “I have a few questions for you.”

She leaned forward. “I must admit my curiosity is piqued.”

I took a deep breath and launched into the details I’d decided to share with her. “You know who I am.”

She nodded. “You’re Rexford’s sister, are you not? I wasn’t sure I could believe the rumors.”

When I nodded, she shook her head. “I still can’t believe Moreland took his friend’s sister as his mistress. Your father must be furious.”

I looked away. “What my father thinks right now hardly matters.”

“Tell me,” she said. “Why would you choose to be a man’s mistress instead of marrying a titled gentleman who could give you everything you want?”

I met her curious gaze. “Because my father wanted me to marry Lord Heddington.”

Mirabelle winced. “I see your dilemma.”

I nodded in agreement. “This was the better alternative.”

“Perhaps,” Mirabelle said. “But a man of Lord Heddington’s age… He might not have bothered you all that much.”

I frowned. “Bothered me?”

She laughed softly. “You are most definitely an innocent. When men reach a certain age, many find themselves unable to perform.”

My frown deepened. “Perform?”

She shook her head. “Have marital relations. Bed their wives. They cannot… physically perform the deed. So you might have found you were like a daughter to him. Someone to accompany him to balls and host his gatherings.”

I considered her words, wondering if I’d been too hasty.

But then I remembered the way Moreland had looked at me last night, how he’d purchased every art supply conceivable because he knew I liked to draw.

And I couldn’t deny the way my body reacted whenever he touched me. No, I didn’t regret what I’d done.

I shook my head. “There’s no telling. In all likelihood, the opposite might be true. He doesn’t have an heir, after all. I’m sure he’s quite anxious to ensure the title passes to a son.”

Mirabelle sighed. “You’re probably correct. And Moreland is very attractive…” She trailed off, then let out an incredulous huff. “I just can’t believe your brother is fine with this.”

I raised a brow. “Have you met my brother?”

She laughed. “You have me there. He is widely regarded as the king of the Legends, after all. And their morals are looser than most.”

I had no reply for that. Not when Moreland was showing a frustrating amount of restraint when it came to his behavior toward me.

“So, tell me, Lady Victoria. Why did you invite me here today?”

I took a deep breath and forced myself to bare my soul to this woman. “I’m having an issue with Moreland.”

She tilted her head. “Please don’t tell me he has issues… performing.”

“No, of course not,” I said quickly, recalling how hard he’d been last night, the way he’d felt under my touch.

I had no evidence to the contrary, but I was sure Moreland would have no issues in that department.

“It’s just… at times, I find it difficult to make him forget I’m Rexford’s sister.

He’s too circumspect around me, and I lack the knowledge in how I can entice him to let go of his restraint. ”

Mirabelle’s gaze sharpened, and I had the uncanny certainty that she’d realized the truth—that Moreland and I hadn’t made love yet and that I hoped to tempt him.

“Ah, here is the tea,” she said as a footman entered with a tray of tea and sweets. She waited for me to pour us each a cup before continuing. “I have much information to share with you that will be of great benefit.”

Relief spread through me. I’d most definitely done the right thing in reaching out to this woman.