Page 12 of The Villain’s Vixen (Wanton Wastrels)
CHAPTER 12
I t was easy to see the look of relief on Lexie’s face when Dominic was shown into the parlor by one of the footmen. It was not mirrored in her aunt’s expression, however, nor that of the earl, the older man, whom Dominic guessed was Lexie’s father and the reason for her anxious note, was the only one who appeared unconcerned. His identity was confirmed moments later after introductions were made.
As a duke, Dominic had the highest rank in the room, and yet, the Marquess of Singleton did not appear to care one way or another as he offered a chilly exchange and started an inquest that made Dominic lift his brow. “I suppose you are another contender for my daughter’s hand? The monetary value of a union would benefit you greatly, no doubt.”
Dominic wanted to laugh. He was a cheeky bastard and more arrogant than anyone Dominic had ever met. “I have plenty of funds at my disposal, Lord Singleton. I have no need of a pretty dowry to turn my head.”
“Is that so?” The marquess didn’t seem convinced. “Then what, pray tell, has convinced you to look in Alexandra’s direction? ”
Rather than reply directly, he turned to her and said, “Tell me what you see, Lord Singleton, and perhaps you will understand the qualities that have initially drawn me to her.”
His words appeared to please Lexie, but when he returned his attention to the marquess, he didn’t appear amused. The earl, however, was almost preening, as if he had done something of note while Dominic had made a terrible faux pas. But if there was one thing Dominic did not do, it was cater to anyone, no matter their station in life. Generally, it was the other way around and even then, he did not expect the sort of domineering submissiveness that the marquess seemed to expect.
They were saved any further stilted conversation by the announcement of dinner, although the tension in the air was still palpable. As the highest-ranking member of the group, he was expected to escort their hostess, Lady Devonly. Next, it was Alexandra and her father, followed by the earl.
At the table, Lexie’s aunt had maneuvered the seating so that the marquess occupied the head of the table while Dominic was on his right. Bonnie sat beside him while the earl was across the table and Lexie was as far from him as possible, next to Lindley.
He glanced at his hostess and easily read the confirmation on her face. He inclined his head, allowing her the win in this particular match, but he had dealt with people much more manipulative than this. He was up for the challenge.
As the first course was brought out, the marquess turned to him. “Tell me about your family.”
“My father is dead, as is my brother. My mother still lives, but she prefers the solitude of the estate.”
The other man nodded. “I cannot agree more. I have never cared for London.”
“Not even its diversions?” Dominic dared to ask.
Silence prevailed for a moment as the marquess looked at him with slightly narrowed dark eyes. “At times, they can be of note, but no. There is nothing like the peace of nature. ”
“I couldn’t agree more,” the earl piped up. “I have long enjoyed riding around the countryside.”
Dominic wanted to laugh aloud. He would bet his entire stable of horseflesh that Lindley was terrible in a saddle and knew little to nothing about proper stock. Deciding to put that theory to the test, he clasped his hands before him and asked, “Tell me, Lord Lindley, when it comes to temperament and conformation, which do you prefer?”
To be fair, the earl didn’t hesitate. “I would choose an animal to be socially acceptable of all else, as not to disrupt the wellbeing of my other cattle.”
“And what of his hooves?”
At this, he blinked. “The hooves?”
“Yes. They must be properly kept and groomed. If not, there will be signs of chipping and cracking, which will lead to the loss of integrity, a disaster for anyone looking to keep good breeding stock certainly, but for other reasons as well.”
The earl cleared his throat. “Naturally, that is important,” he murmured.
Just as I thought. Not a clue.
“It seems you are well versed with your stables.”
Dominic turned to the marquess. “Indeed. I pride myself on my stock. It is an importance that my father passed on to me.” He paused for effect. “Among other necessities of life.”
He murmured something noncommittal, but Dominic could tell he was making an impression, whereas the earl was falling flat. If Lindley didn’t yet understand that he was being bested, when he glanced across the table and saw the pinched expression from Lexie’s aunt, that was all the confirmation that he required.
Taking a moment to dare to meet Lexie’s gaze, he saw those blue eyes were focused on him, her lips curved slightly upward in a pleased smile. If anything made him feel as if he could conquer the world, it was that simple acknowledgment.
He offered her another wink and he saw the color rise on her cheeks in response. The action did not escape the earl’s notice, as his jaw visibly clenched in annoyance.
By the time the main course was served, Dominic was confident that he was winning this particular war. He had carried most of the conversation with the marquess, and while Lexie’s aunt had done her best to draw the earl into the exchange, he was soon dismissed by both men. He realized that her efforts were because of his reputation, believing Lord Lindley to be a more suitable choice for her niece. What the lady didn’t know was that Dominic had already sampled some of Lexie’s delights, and there was nothing short of the end of the world that would cause him to release her to another man.
Lexie had held no doubt that Dominic would be able to win over her father. He had managed to secure the regard of one of the most notorious underground gangs in London in the guise of Avalon, so why should he not be able to do the same, even with a gruff man like her father?
She had noticed the irritated look from her aunt several times, as well as the way Lord Lindley had fallen silent and stared at his plate as the duke and her father had spoken with knowledge about several subjects from politics to personal estate matters. It was as if they were at a gentleman’s club rather than in the presence of ladies where such subjects were commonly barred for fear of delicate feminine sensibilities. However, Lexie was well aware that her father considered matters of business to be more imperative than that of a woman’s presence, so it had never bothered him to speak of it in front of her. When she had finally realized that and begun to acquaint herself with the same topics, he had finally begun to pay her any sort of notice, other than as someone who lived in the same house like one of the servants .
She fully expected her father to give his blessing to the duke, and she couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome. Although she hadn’t wanted to injure the earl, it was time that he understood which way her heart was leaning, and as much as she’d tried to get her emotions to sway toward him, it wasn’t anything more than a polite acquaintance.
When it came time for Lexie and her aunt to leave the table so the men could enjoy some after dinner discussion, her father stood as well. “There is no need for any further pretense. We all know what brought us here tonight.” Silence enveloped the table as he tossed down his serviette and turned to Bonnie. “I appreciate the fine meal and the efforts you have put into this endeavor, but I have made my decision. I should accept the Duke of Cuthbert’s suit over that of Lord Lindley.” He glanced at the earl. “I think you have a fine character, but you are not a match for my daughter. You would soon learn that if you were to spend more time together. She has a strong temperament, and it will take a man equally capable of the challenge she would present as a wife. I believe the duke to be better suited for the role.”
He started for the door, but Lexie’s aunt chased after him. “What of the rumors about?—”
The marquess sighed heavily as he paused. “I am convinced that you have been speaking to that incessant gossip, Margaret Limewood, which has put these thoughts into your head. I instructed your sister to cease all ties with her, and it was one of the best decisions she ever made. I suggest you do the same for your own peace of mind.”
As he departed, Bonnie’s mouth fell open, either in outrage or shock, Lexie wasn’t quite sure.
“I think that is my cue to depart,” the earl said stiffly. “If you would excuse me.”
Bonnie was still stumbling over her own tongue as she rushed after Lord Lindley.
Lexie turned her head and locked gazes with Dominic. He reached her in two lengthy strides and clasped her hand in his warm palm. “Come with me,” he whispered.
She eagerly followed him out the terrace doors of the dining room that led to the gardens. They walked a short distance, until they were cloaked in darkness and out of view of the house before he set her against the trunk of a tree and captured her lips with his own.
After a passionate kiss that left them both breathless, he released her and muttered, “I have thought of nothing but this—but you—since last night.”
“The same for me,” she whispered urgently. “I wish there was somewhere we could be alone.”
His eyes flashed in the darkness, and she spied the hunger lurking just beneath the surface. “As do I, but there is still work to be done.” He moved away from her with obvious reluctance and said, “The attacker is still wandering the streets.”
Lexie was disheartened to hear this. “He wasn’t captured?”
“The rain impeded any progress that might have been made,” he noted with a downturn of his mouth. “But with any luck that will soon change.”
She ran a finger down the front of his waistcoat. “I do hope the criminal is caught before our vows are spoken.” She lifted an inquiring brow. “Unless you weren’t intending to heed my father’s blessing?”
He captured her mouth in another drugging kiss that left her knees weak. “I will ensure that the first of the banns are posted this Sunday.”
She gave a small pout. “We must wait three weeks before we can marry?”
“Anticipation, my dear,” he returned smoothly. “And trust me when I say you shall have plenty of it so that when that day arrives, you are running into my arms.”
She quite liked the sound of that .
His focus flickered to someplace over her shoulder. “I will be right back.”
She glanced behind her but could see nothing in the shadows. “What is it?”
“I need to speak with someone I hired to watch the house.” He set a finger under her chin. “I wasn’t taking any chances with your safety, and I trust most of the Bow Street Runners.”
She nodded. “I understand. I shall wait here until you are finished with your meeting.”
He kissed her forehead and then melted into the shadows.
As she waited for him to return, she wandered about the gardens. She rubbed her arms, and although the night was cool, it wasn’t overly so. The rain had ushered in more changing colors on the trees, but it would be some time before the winter season set in.
Her steps crunched on the small pebbles as she made her way back to the main path that wound through the garden. She didn’t notice that there was an echo until she glanced up and spied Lord Lindley striding toward her. She stopped. “My lord. I thought you had already left.”
“I was intending to,” he said evenly. “But your aunt persuaded me to seek you out for an audience.”
Lexie withheld a sigh. She didn’t know why her aunt was so determined that she procure the hand of the earl, but she would speak with her about it first thing in the morning. She was going to marry the duke, and nothing would change her mind.
“Lord Lindley?—”
He held up a hand. “Don’t say anything. Just listen to what I have to say.”
She crossed her arms and waited patiently.
He exhaled sharply. “I know I must pale in comparison to the enticement that the duke presents. He is a mysterious man with dark secrets. It makes for an exciting prospect, but trust me when I say he will break your heart. I know I shouldn’t speak so openly, but I care about you enough not to allow that to happen. You must reconsider his suit for your own sake.”
Lexie couldn’t be upset with him. She reached out and laid a light hand on his forearm. “I appreciate your concern. Truly. But I am old enough to make my own decisions, and if they turn out to be the wrong ones, I’m the only one that has to live with those choices. It’s not up to you to rescue me.”
He looked as though he wanted to argue the point or say something further, but in the end, he nodded. “Very well. I can accept defeat, but just know that should you change your mind, I would carry you over the border to Gretna Green this very moment.”
Lexie knew she had nothing to fear from the earl, but the way he spoke caused a shiver of apprehension to travel up her spine as if he’d threatened her, rather than offered a solution to a problem. “Thank you, my lord. I shall consider your advice at length, but do not hinge your hopes upon me. It would be best that you seek out the attentions of another.”
There was a flash of something in his gaze, which she couldn’t quite decipher, and then he turned on his heel and walked away.
She stared at his retreating back until he’d disappeared, unease remaining with her long afterward. When Dominic returned to her side, she jumped in alarm. He instantly frowned. “Are you well?”
“I think so.” She shook her head and decided it was best if she didn’t tell him about the encounter with the earl. It would solve nothing and likely just make Dominic angry. “What did the Runner have to say?”
“Not very much. Things have been particularly quiet here, which should be a good thing. I shouldn’t want any harm to come to you or your family.”
“I am lucky to have such a hero to champion our safety,” she teased.
He snorted. “Hardly a knight. If so, my armor would be so tarnished that it would never shine again.” He lowered his head. “But I vow that I would climb any tower to get to you.”
Lexie liked the sound of that and allowed him to kiss her again before he led her back to the terrace doors with a murmured farewell.
Once the duke was gone, Lexie entered the house and found her aunt waiting on her. She looked agitated as she paced the length of the hallway near the foyer. Lexie stopped and approached her. “I hope you aren’t upset about this evening, but I told you that the duke has been misjudged. He is an honorable man, and I feel we would make a better match than myself and the earl. I’m sorry if you are disappointed by that.”
Her aunt shook her gray head and said, “I can’t think on it any more this evening. I need to go to bed.” With that, she climbed the stairs to her chamber.
Lexie followed a short time later, hoping that the light of day would also shed a new perspective on her aunt’s outlook. If not, the days before her wedding to the duke would be filled with continual strife, and she certainly didn’t want that.
As Dominic headed for his townhouse, his mind was racing. He hadn’t wanted to alarm Lexie, but he had the feeling that the Runner wasn’t telling him everything. He had seemed particularly nervous, as if he might have been threatened, which made him wonder if his original suspicion that the villain was someone within polite society might still ring true.
He couldn’t just sit around and do nothing. While Amos was taking care of the East End, as the Duke of Cuthbert, Dominic should have no trouble making his way to a few gaming hells. He had learned a lot over the years by listening to casual conversations. When drink was involved, men were wont to have as loose tongues as ladies who loved to gossip .
Still wearing his formal dinner attire, he ordered his carriage brought around and he headed for one of the most notorious hells that catered to some of the most daring and wealthy patrons. However, it was also one of the worst dens of iniquity that he had ever entered. Debauchery was as prevalent there from the coins that flowed freely as the cards.
As he walked in the front door a short time later, Dominic was greeted with the overwhelming odor of cigar smoke and raucous laughter. Ladies were draped over more than one gentleman, their scantily clad attire making them eager to rid them of their coin for another reason entirely. And as some of the couples stumbled up the stairs, Dominic had no doubt that most would be successful in their endeavors by the end of the evening.
He walked over to the bar and ordered a gin. He needed to keep his wits about him this evening, so he’d ordered something that didn’t affect him as badly as brandy or scotch.
Sipping from the glass, he glanced about the assemblage and attempted to pick out the people that he knew. Most were known to him, but not all of them. The ones who were familiar, he knew were inveterate gamblers and womanizers, so it wasn’t surprising to find them in this establishment.
As for the rest…
Dominic slowly began to move about the room, as if he were deciding which game he would like to join, but in reality, he was paying keen attention to what was going on around him, listening to the conversations buzzing about and waiting for something to strike him as out of place.
Thankfully, he didn’t have long to wait.
A quarter of an hour had passed when he glanced up and saw a disheveled gentleman returning from some adventures upstairs.
Lord Lindley.
Dominic was somewhat surprised, considering the man acted as though he was head over heels in love with Lexie. But then, after tonight, perhaps he’d realized that his chances of winning the lady’s hand were futile after all.
Careful to keep his focus on the man without giving himself away, Dominic edged around a faro table and slid into a recently empty spot. He tossed a few coins down as the earl joined a hazard match behind him. Seated diagonally from one another, it gave Dominic the perfect vantage point to overhear the man’s conversations without appearing to care about anything but the play before him.
For a time, they were each involved in their respective games, but then Lexie’s name was mentioned and Dominic was suddenly very alert.
“Were you able to shecure Missh Givenwald’s regard thish evening?”
Dominic didn’t recognize the slurred voice of the speaker, but he did hear the maliciousness to the earl’s tone and he didn’t approve. “I was currently delayed, but I don’t intend for this slight setback to stop me.”
“What do you intend to do?”
“That is for me to know and for you to mind your own business.”
“A little touchy, aren’t you?” The other man sniffed, as if offended.
“I don’t care to air my grievances about this club,” the earl snapped. “I just want to play hazard and win some blunt.”
There was a slight guffaw. “At leasht you’re confident about your shkill at the tablesh.”
Dominic heard a gurgled noise, as if the earl had captured the other man about the throat. “I’m confident about all my abilities, and I will have words with anyone who suggests differently.”
The other man appeared to stumble as he was released. “You bashtard. You better not lay another hand on me!”
As the man stalked away, Dominic noticed that the earl remained calm but slowly got up and followed in the same direction.
Dominic quickly tossed down his cards and scooped up his few winnings. He’d heard enough. Returning to his carriage, he instructed his driver to take him back to home where he penned a missive to Amos. While Lord Lindley might not be connected to his assailant in any way, he decided that he was worth some further investigation. Especially if he intended to continue pursuing Lexie.
But that wouldn’t last long because Dominic intended to put a stop to that.