Page 13 of The Villain’s Vixen (Wanton Wastrels)
CHAPTER 13
T he next morning, Lexie was bombarded by her aunt. She entered her chamber when Lexie was still asleep and threw the curtains open. “We are going shopping.”
Still trying to drag herself to the land of consciousness, Lexie murmured, “Is there a special occasion coming up of which I am not aware?”
“There is to be a ball at the end of the week for which we shall need something spectacular, but that isn’t the reason I wish to go to St. James’ today.” She turned to her with a bright smile. “I have it on good authority that the earl shall be out in his phaeton and you wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to make a good impression after last night’s unfortunate dinner. There may still be time to salvage the disaster that the duke presented to your father. I daresay I have not witnessed such skill when it comes to mockery of one’s own significance except on the stage.”
It was all Lexie could do not to sigh. While she should just go along with her aunt’s enthusiasm, she found that the rebellious streak she had always possessed wanted to dig in her heels. “Might I ask why you are so set on me marrying the earl when I have clearly chosen the duke’s company? And whether you approve of my father’s decision or not, he has apparently offered his preferred choice as well.”
Her aunt shook her head. “That is because you refuse to give Lord Lindley the opportunity to impress you properly. You seem determined to turn your focus toward the duke when I have warned you against his salacious nature time and again. Mark my words, you will come to regret trusting in a man like that.”
Lexie frowned. “You almost speak as if he has wronged you in some manner.”
“Not just me,” the lady returned emphatically. “All of society is aware of his current ruse and they are not pleased that a man of such high standing—a cousin to the king—should act out in such a way. It’s quite regrettable.”
Reluctantly pushing back the covers, Lexie moved her legs to the side of the bed. “You ask me to give the earl a chance and yet, you don’t seem willing to do the same for the duke.”
“Because I am well aware of his nature,” her aunt snapped. She paused and appeared to collect herself. She moved toward the bed and sat down next to Lexie. Taking her hands, she spoke in a calmer tone. “It is my responsibility to see to your welfare, my dear. If I did not do my utmost to protect you I would be failing in my duties.”
Some of Lexie’s frustration subsided in the face of her aunt’s empathetic demeanor. She squeezed her hands lightly. “I appreciate everything you have done for me thus far, Aunt. You have taken me in and done your best to lead me through London. But I am old enough to know my own mind and I have chosen the Duke of Cuthbert.” When her aunt would have spoken, she rushed on. “I will continue to be cordial to the earl, but you must rid your mind of a union between us.”
She looked as though she might argue the point further, but in the end, her shoulders slumped slightly, as if she were defeated. “While I appreciate your candor and your steadfastness toward a man who does not deserve the title of a gentleman, I will not press the issue any further.” She tilted her head to the side. “However, I would still like to see what new bonnets are out for the upcoming winter season, if you are still amenable?”
Some of the tension eased from Lexie’s shoulders as she offered her aunt a smile. “I would love nothing more than to spend the day with you.”
Once Lexie was attired in a light blue gown and royal pelisse, a smart straw bonnet trimmed with velvet ribbon on her head, she entered the carriage after her aunt, who was similarly attired in a dark orange shade that complemented her features.
They chatted about neutral topics on the way to the heart of the shopping district in fashionable London and visited the millinery, Locke & Co, where they each procured a new velvet bonnet lined with silk. After that, her aunt mentioned some new perfume, so they dropped by Floris, another long-standing staple of the city.
From there they visited a haberdashery and her aunt’s favorite modiste where Lexie was fitted for a new ballgown to wear to the upcoming ball. While her aunt was busy trying to decide what she wanted to wear, Lexie meandered about the store and inspected the various bolts of fabric that were laid out on display. There were the usual pastels that young, unmarried ladies were expected to wear, and more daring, bold colors that Lexie had always yearned to try, but had not yet had the opportunity to do so.
As she turned, she happened to catch sight of movement from the corner of her eye. She glanced outside and spied Lord Lindley striding purposefully down the pavement. She quickly darted out of sight in case he might see her as well, but when he walked past without hesitation, she breathed a sigh of relief. She was having a nice day with her aunt and didn’t want it spoiled by the arrival of the earl. Lexie wouldn’t normally have had an issue with the man if her aunt wasn’t so determined to become a successful matchmaker. But when his name was pressed upon her so often, it was difficult not to lament ever meeting him.
“Where shall we go next?”
Lexie turned when her aunt approached and looped her arm through hers. “I say it’s about time for tea, don’t you?”
“Splendid!” Her aunt smiled broadly. “We shall visit Fortnum & Mason.”
Lexie was quite sure that the earl would not be sitting down to have tea or a Scotch egg, as he had appeared in a rush to get somewhere, so her aunt’s suggestion was a rather welcome respite.
However, as they arrived at the front doors of the establishment, a gentleman standing near the entrance greeted them with a polite bow. “Lady Devonly. Miss Givenwald.”
Lexie’s heart sank as she exchanged a similar reply to Lord Lindley. She turned to her aunt who looked entirely too innocent not to have set up this fortuitous meeting ahead of time.
The earl held out his arm to her. “Shall we enjoy the rest of this pleasant autumn day?”
Before Dominic had retired the night before, he’d left strict orders with Amos to have one of the Blue Boys trail Lord Lindley. Something didn’t set well with regard to the earl, but he couldn’t pinpoint what it was exactly. Although he might not be the thief that Dominic was after, he decided that he was worth watching.
With Amos as the messenger for Avalon, Dominic had received word that the earl had left the house. While he hadn’t expected his movements to take him to the shopping district of Mayfair, Dominic’s jaw soon clenched with annoyance when he discovered his intended target .
Apparently, the decision from Lexie’s father hadn’t been enough to persuade the man that she was already spoken for. However, since the first of the banns had yet to be read regarding their engagement, it wasn’t official.
That didn’t mean he couldn’t intervene now.
Jogging across the street, he caught up to the trio before they were able to disappear inside. Grasping Lexie’s other elbow, he said, “I’m terribly sorry I’m late, my dear, but London traffic and all that.”
The look of surprise on her face quickly melted into relief, and he could think of no other compliment that he could have received. Unfortunately, that sentiment was not reciprocated by the earl nor Lady Devonly, who both glared at him as if he were the interloper, rather than the two of them conspiring to keep him separated from Lexie. They would soon discover that he didn’t take defeat lightly.
He smoothly took the lead with Lexie, keeping her snugly against his side.
“How did you know we were going to be here?” she whispered as her chaperone and Lord Lindley fell slightly behind.
“I didn’t. It just happened to be a lucky coincidence.”
“A lucky one, indeed.” She sighed heavily. “I was hoping my aunt would desist with her insistence that I wed the earl but she will not be abated. This entire tea was staged for his benefit, I’m sure of it.”
This information did not set well with Dominic. “I wonder what benefit she would have to see you as the Countess of Lindley? I would think she would be ecstatic with the title of duchess instead.”
Lexie rolled her eyes. “She claims it’s your dark reputation. She doesn’t trust you.” Her gaze traveled up and down his chest. “Honestly, I can understand her hesitation.” She scrunched up her nose. “But that won’t stop me from pursuing you. ”
He chuckled deeply at that. “I love how possessive you are of me.” He would have loved to continue their flirtatious banter, but he knew their solitary time was running short. They were already being shown to a table. “Can you meet me tonight?”
He could almost see the wheels turning in her mind. “That depends. Where?”
“Make your way to the mews behind your aunt’s house at midnight. I will arrange the rest.”
She lifted a brow. “A secret rendezvous. How delightful.”
Dominic knew she would be the death of him, but he still couldn’t seem to get enough of her. “I wish that were true, but there are things of import we need to discuss.”
She gave a mock sigh. “Pity. I was looking forward to being ruined.”
Dominic nearly groaned, stopping himself just in time. “You will come to regret those words someday,” he promised.
She gave a slight shiver, and he eagerly awaited that day more than ever. He could easily fantasize about all the ways he would have her begging his name, but he reluctantly pushed those details aside as he faced off with the earl and his faithful cohort. As he met the vehement glare of Lady Devonly, he could only wonder at the reason for her hostility toward him and the way she defended the earl’s cause. There had to be another reason other than Dominic’s reputation as the reluctance for her niece to marry him, especially now that her father had given his consent to the match.
He reminded himself that it wouldn’t matter how much she disapproved of their union, for once the banns were read, they were as good as joined in matrimony.
He looked at Lexie and a thought occurred to him. He hadn’t ever asked her to be his. It had just been assumed after the marquess had offered his blessing. She didn’t seem to mind that he hadn’t gone the romantic route of falling down on one knee and professing his undying devotion. But although he was obsessed with having her in his bed and admired her fortitude, Dominic wasn’t sure that he would go so far as to say he was in love. That was a strong sentiment that he had never taken lightly because he knew that once those words were spoken, nothing would ever be the same.
And it wasn’t always a good thing.
Lexie had been dreading the tea after Lord Lindley’s arrival, but with the impromptu addition of Dominic, she quite enjoyed herself. Her aunt, however, was highly displeased and couldn’t keep her opinions to herself as they returned home.
“The nerve of that man to intrude in such a way!”
Although she knew she ought to placate her aunt, Lexie was annoyed by her aunt’s refusal to accept the duke when she had just promised her earlier that morning that she would say nothing further on the matter. Then again, that was likely because she knew the earl intended to meet them and she believed she might yet have her way. “He is my intended, Aunt Bonnie. If anything, the earl was the one who was encroaching.”
Her aunt’s mouth fell open. “He is the sole of propriety, unlike Cuthbert who has likely not known a day of modesty in all his years.” She shook her head. “A disgrace to the English nobility.”
Lexie held her tongue as her aunt continued to rant on about the wonderful qualities that Lord Lindley possessed and how evil the duke was in comparison. By the time they arrived at the townhouse, Lexie retired to her room under the guise of a megrim, but it wasn’t far from the truth. She wasn’t sure how much more of her aunt’s haughty demeanor she could withstand. Perhaps Dominic had some relation she might stay with while they waited to marry. Surely such a situation would be preferable to her current one.
At least she had that evening to look forward to. She was eager to see Dominic again already. It was as if she couldn’t get enough of him. He was quickly becoming as essential as the air that she breathed and the blood that ran through her veins.
And his fiery kisses…
Her stomach did a little flip, wondering if he would allow a brief tryst. She certainly approved.
The afternoon passed with devastating slowness, but after dinner, her aunt eventually retired for the evening and Lexie did as well. At least, that was what she had led the older woman to believe. Instead, she donned the same light blue gown she’d worn earlier that day, but instead of the pelisse, she opted for a dark cloak. Without a bonnet, she raised the hood to cover her light curls and quietly made her way down the servants’ stairs to the kitchens at the back of the house just as the clock in the foyer struck the midnight hour.
She ensured that she hid a key under a specific rock near the back door in case one of the servants was roused in the middle of the night. That way, if she was locked out for some reason she could get back inside.
It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness outside as she tried to separate the shadows attempting to play tricks on her from those of true shapes. It helped that the moon was large this evening—a harvest moon—as it helped to guide her way and make out the larger shape of the hired hackney sitting a short distance away.
Her heart immediately began to pick up speed as she drew closer and the door opened. A hand extended from inside and she grasped it without hesitation. As she was pulled into the dim interior, the door shut behind her and the vehicle set into motion as she was clasped in a pair of strong, warm arms.
As Dominic’s mouth descended on hers, she met him hungrily, desperate for this meeting to become more than he claimed it would be. She wanted nothing more than to cling to him forever, but he slowly released her. However, she noticed that a seductive gleam remained in those captivating dark eyes. “You are entirely too tempting for my good sense,” he murmured as he gently slid her off his lap to sit on the seat next to him.
She scrunched up her nose. “I don’t think you would appreciate a proper lady.”
He appeared to consider this for a moment, and then he gave a mock wince. “No doubt you are correct about that. To my everlasting damnation.”
She laughed and then sobered when he didn’t join in her merriment. “Oh, dear. Is what you have to say that terrible?”
There was a pause before he said, “It’s regarding Lord Lindley. He’s dangerous. I overheard him speaking about you at a popular gaming hell last night. He seems quite obsessed with you.”
“I might have guessed that on my own,” she murmured dryly. When he glanced sharply at her, she held up her hands in supplication. “He has not done anything unseemly, but the way he continues to pursue me is very disconcerting, as well as my aunt’s continual desire to see us together.”
His eyes narrowed, and she couldn’t help but think how dangerous he appeared in that moment. But rather than being afraid, she wanted to throw herself into his arms again. It was all she could do to refrain and keep her focus on the matter at hand. “Have you ever asked yourself why that is?”
She shrugged. “Not really. As far as I am aware they had not known each other before I introduced them.”
He didn’t appear convinced. “My instinct is telling me that there is a deeper connection there, but I cannot fathom what it might be. Perhaps she was good friends with his father and feels some sort of responsibility to see him settled after the former earl’s death.”
“But why me?” Lexie wondered aloud. “He might have his pick of any other debutante in society. ”
“You are readily accessible,” he returned. “And perhaps there is a reason for the haste.” He leaned back against the seat and added, “I will hire a private investigator to look into the matter at length first thing in the morning.”
She nodded. “I would certainly like some distance from Lord Lindley. You cannot imagine how grateful I was for your intervention this afternoon.”
He reached out and lightly set a finger under her chin. “I will always watch out for you.”
She leaned into his embrace. “But who will watch out for you ?”
He smiled and then retracted his hand. “Right now, your safety is my priority. I cannot confirm that I was the intended target of the assailant until he is found and questioned thoroughly by the Blue Boys.”
“Don’t you mean tortured?” She gave a shudder.
He didn’t deny nor confirm the accusation. “He attempted murder. That sort of slight cannot be ignored. Especially by Avalon.”
She swallowed hard over the lump that had suddenly clogged her throat. “I understand. I know what sort of reputation he must portray.”
“Not for much longer,” he noted softly. “Once this mess is behind me, I fully intend to retire Avalon and allow Amos full rein.”
“You couldn’t have chosen a more respected successor. I’m not sure if that is the character you wanted to portray, but Amos seems like a good man.”
“He is. He has been loyal to more men than me and never broken anyone’s trust.” He sighed. “I think he needs the Blue Boys as much as they need his steady guidance.”
Feeling as though most of the important things had been said, she moved closer to him. Laying a hand on his forearm, she lifted her gaze in a sultry manner and slowly moved her fingers up his arm. “I am sure we have a bit more time together if you wanted to make use of it.”
He reached out and pulled her to him almost roughly. She gasped, the blood running hot in her veins. “You don’t have to tell me twice. It was all I could do to restrain myself until now.”