Page 4 of A Night of Forever
She might try to fool others, but she could not fool herself. Lord Labourd was intoxicating.
Cassandra looked as if she’d faint on the spot.
“Never!” She all but squealed the word, then her voice dropped to a whisper. “Oh, you have to tell me more. What was he like? Was he a gentleman? No, no, of course he wasn’t. What did he say to you? What didyousay tohim? Goodness, I need to sit down. This is about the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to anyone I know.”
Isobel immediately regretted her disclosure. If anyone overheard, she would be thoroughly ruined, which would leave her stuck living with a woman who was possibly a killer.
But Cassandra was her best friend. They had known each other since she’d been sent to Mrs. Potter’s School for Young Ladies at the age of thirteen, just after her mother died. Cassandra had shown her nothing but comfort and kindness then. Isobel knew her friend would never betray her confidence now.
It was not even as if her journey with Lord Labourd had been exciting. It had, in fact, been excruciatingly embarrassing. He’d made it obvious that his having to escort her home was a chore. On top of that, he hadtreatedher as if the fact that she’d been abducted was her fault.
Of course, even with Cassandra, Isobel couldn’t share details about her abduction. “My carriage had an accident, and Lord Labourd saw me home. He was…an odious traveling companion. He was beautiful until he opened his mouth. Then he was simply obnoxious.”
Cassandra’s mouth rounded into an O. “Did he try to seduce you?”
“Goodness, no.” Much to her disappointment.
“Did he tell you anything private?”
How did she tell her friend that Labourd had practically ignored her? “That’s why I’ve never mentioned it before. He didn’t converse at all.” She gave a saucy smile. “But I could look at him for the long carriage ride home. His beauty made up for his insolence.”
Cassandra looked deflated. “Why would he not engage you in conversation? Perhaps he was worried he might not be able to keep his hands off you if you got more familiar?”
Had Cassandra lost her mind?
Cassandra noted her look of disbelief. “If you’d been caught alone with him, if he’d done anything improper—” She gave a large sigh. “If he’d kissed you, for instance, he’d have had to propose.”
Isobelhadwondered what those sensual lips would feel like against her own. Her face heated remembering the way she’d spent the long, boring carriage ride home tracing every inch of his clothed body with her eyes as he’d slept. He appeared to fill out his clothing well: large muscled chest, arms, and even further down…Wicked girl!
“Well, he seemed to be able to resist me without too much trouble.”
“Too beautiful,” Cassandra said on a sniff. “Several nights ago, I overheard him telling Lord Fullerton that the one requirement he had in a wife—when he was ready to take a wife—was that she had to be plain.”
Isobel shook her head. “Are you sure he said that, or was it wishful thinking? His paramours are usually the most beautiful women in all England.”
Hurt glittered in her friend’s eyes. “I am not hard of hearing and I’m not making this up.”
Isobel immediately put her hand on Cassandra’s. “It would seem I’m not to Lord Labourd’s taste. I cannot hold a candle to thetonbeauties.”
Cassandra’s smile returned. “Of course you can,” she said. “I also thought his comment odd. I could not hear any more of the discussion, so we will never know why he wants a plain Jane.”
The one hope Isobel took from this conversation was that Lord Labourd admitted he wanted to marry. She could dream, couldn’t she? What would it be like to be married to a man as virile as him? She wasn’t sure being his wife would be that much fun, especially if you lost your heart to him. She was sure he would still keep his many mistresses. How did a man who had so many females vying for his attentions deny them?
Finally the music came to an end, and Lord Labourd led Lady Evangeline from the dance floor.
Disappointment surged through her. He was unlikely to dance again that evening. In fact, he’d be likely to disappear into the card room and then she’d never be able to approach him.
Approach him?Her knees shook at the idea, but she had a proposition for him, one she hoped he’d accept. One that might mean she was no longer on his suspect list.
Inwardly she scolded herself for drooling over a man who obviously found women no more than disposable pursuits. No more pining over Lord Labourd. She would find a husband from within the group of men who appeared to enjoy a woman’s company in more ways than in the boudoir.
So, turning her back on the crowd, Isobel coaxed Cassandra into a conversation about Lady Tessa’s new gown. It was the latest fashion from Paris, the neckline indecently low, but the rich, vibrant emerald silk hugged Lady Tessa’s curves and sparkled in the candlelight. Neither of them could decide whether they liked it, let alone if they’d be bold enough to wear such a gown.
A servant had just offered them another glass of champagne each when Cassandra nudged her arm.
“Oh, I say. Isn’t that your stepmother in conversation with Lord Labourd? They look very cozy. Do they know each other?”
Isobel swung round to where Cassandra’s fan was pointing. The bones of her corset dug into her as she gasped at the sight of Victoria being very familiar with Lord Labourd. Her stepmother’s hand was resting on Lord Labourd’s chest, and he was studying Victoria as Isobel imagined a shark would study its next meal.
