Page 29 of Drawn to the Duke
Edward would be furious with her for not coming by, as promised, to help him with the preliminary sketch of Lady Rushworth, but Selina could do a far better one, on her own, from the shadows during an opportune couple of minutes.
“Not so quickly, Anna.” He ran his hand the length of her thigh before cupping her breast and Selina nearly acceded, her want for him was so great.
But there would be future opportunities. He’d said so.
She closed her eyes, smiling, her heart soaring with… she was going to put it down to lust, but itwasmore than that.
“We will be together again before we go our separate ways, Your Grace,” she whispered, feeling ridiculously pleased that this was true.
And ridiculously gratified by his smile as he said, softly, “You don’t know how happy that makes me, Anna… dearest.”
CHAPTER 17
Chauncy would have preferred to have spent the evening in bed with the delicious Anna. But duty called and he made his way towards the castle parapet where he’d arranged to meet Sir Simeon who was overseeing the security arrangements for the Prince Regent who would be arriving shortly.
“Lord Chauncy! You are here!”
“Sir Simeon.” Chauncy turned at the harsh greeting, nodding, before he sent a quick glance down the corridor.
Sir Simeon advanced. A short-necked, stocky man, he resembled a bulldog. “Your Grace, the Prince Regent will enter from the eastern door within the hour, I am told. Meanwhile, the three suspects are currently in the ballroom.”
Chauncy considered the battle-scarred man before him. Sir Simeon had seen action at Waterloo and was an able strategist. But the man was inclined to see trouble when there was none. There had been several other occasions when Sir Simeon had pointed the finger at a so-called would-be assassin only for Chauncy to learn that he was some innocent who bore only the slightest resemblance to their quarry.
That was why Sir Edward’s skills tonight would be so necessary.
An attempt had, indeed, been made on the Prince Regent’s life earlier in the year and three men identified.
These three men were on Lady Rushworth’s guest list.
It would be a huge benefit to the safety of the prince if Sir Edward could whip up their likeness to be distributed to the other security personnel stationed around the castle.
Nevertheless, Chauncy was sceptical of the men identified and now said, “I highly doubt our three suspects are capable of an assassination attempt. Do you not think assassination extreme measures for a rear admiral, a country baron and a viscount who prefers his dogs to anyone else.” Chauncy raised an eyebrow. “They’ve been mis-identified, don’t you think? Still, if the real perpetrators look anything like these men, I daresay it will be helpful.”
Sir Simeon’s brow darkened. “It is always those we suspect the least who are capable of the vilest actions.” He stroked his chin. No, we must not let down our guard. Take, for example, the mad creature that has been allowed here because her husband is painting Lady Rushworth.”
Chauncy stiffened. “The mad creature? I’m not sure I understand you.”
“Indeed, looking at her this evening, it is true that she seems quite unlike the stories that filtered through to us of the Lady Boothe who is kept under lock and key in a draughty house in Norfolk,” Sir Simeo conceded.
Chauncy splayed his hands. “Is it not possible that she has been maligned merely for a forcefulness of spirit that prompts her to speak her mind?” Chauncy knew he defended her too hotly. But as he said the words, he also knew that Anna displayed no signs of madness. She was too like Gwyneth: misunderstood, and consequently mistreated and misdiagnosed by the men inher life. He suspected cruel treatment at the hands of Anna’s husband, a far more likely explanation behind any rumors of her so-called madness.
Sir Simeon sent him a considered look. “But did our esteemed painterreallymarry the Lady Boothe we see here this evening? It seems Admiral Pocock and his wife made the acquaintance of Lady Boothe some years ago.”
“Did they, indeed?”
“Yes, and the Lady Boothe of their acquaintance was taller and slighter of build, with blonde, curling hair, and a mole on her right cheek.”
Chauncy hesitated. “I think they are mistaken.” What was Sir Simeon suggesting? That Anna was a spy? An assassin?
Sir Simeon shook his head. “I made enquiries and am satisfied by their insistence that the woman who calls herself Lady Boothe isnotthe painter’s wife.”
Chauncy stilled while his companion gave a derisive laugh. “Perhaps that obsequious little artist has bought himself a female companion to accompany him here, and is merely parading her as his wife.” He touched his nose and winked. “For she certainly isn’t that.”
Selina hesitatedon the threshold to the ballroom, her hand upon Edward’s forearm.
The room was ablaze with light, from the glittering chandeliers overhead to the shimmering gowns of the ladies.
The sounds of the orchestra tuning their instruments mingled with the subdued chatter of the guests as they exchanged greetings and compliments.
