Page 21 of The Allure Of Lord Devlin
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An hour later, when Dharma walked into the Duke of Sinclair’s house, she used the word stunning again. She’d forgotten how over-powering His Grace’s house was. Crystal chandeliers, gilt-framed mirrors, and marble floors polished so shiny that you could see yourself reflected on the floor. As she walked up the sweeping staircase, columns covered with gilt, inlaid with rare woods, she took comfort in the fact she shone as bright as the candelabras lining the walls. She’d covered her neck, wrists and ears in diamonds and emeralds. She wasn’t sure what message she hoped to send to Devlin from this vulgar display of wealth, but it bolstered her confidence to face him.
It wasn’t until she walked into His Grace’s drawing room with her brother and sister-in-law and saw Mrs. McTavish on Devlin’s arm that her confidence faded like daylight before night.
The woman dazzled brighter than the light glittering across Dharma’s diamonds. Fiona McTavish was beautiful beyond mere mortals. A living Helen of Troy—only with flaming red hair.
She wanted to look away from the couple, but Devlin’s eyes burned through her. He captured her with his hypnotizing stare, and she could not turn away as much as she wanted to. Devlin stared at her until she wondered if her face had dirt on it. Even Mrs. McTavish noticed as she leaned in and whispered something in Devlin’s ear and still his gaze didn’t waver from her person. It was as if he’d not seen her in years.
It was Lord Fencourt arriving at her side that broke the moment.
“Lady Dharma, you are a vision of beauty that could capture a man’s soul.” Lord Fencourt bowed over her hand, and before he could reply, Tobin interrupted.
“Fencourt, will your horse be at Tattersall’s tomorrow? I’m interested in purchasing the stallion for my breeding programme.”
Fencourt smiled weakly at Dharma, as if apologizing for Tobin’s rude interruption. “I believe Zeus will be there.” Then he turned back to Dharma and asked, “Perhaps Lady Dharma might accompany me for a ride in the park tomorrow. I’ll need fresh air by then. Weather permitting, of course.”
Tobin beamed at Fencourt. “I’m sure my sister would be pleased to accept.”
Then why don’t you let me answer him?She bit her tongue and smiled and nodded. She didn’t want Lord Devlin to note anything amiss. Besides, wasn’t this Rosemary and her plan all along? Lord Fencourt was on her list of marriageable young bucks. She wanted to get to know more about the man. One thing she already knew was he loved poetry. At Lady Barque’s ball he’d quoted a Robert Burns poem, Red, Red Rose, that always made her heart thump in her chest.
So fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.
“I shall look forward to the outing and I’m happy to wrap up against the cold. Shall we say one in the afternoon? If you’ll excuse me, I must greet my stepmother and His Grace.”
Fencourt held out his arm. “Allow me to escort you.”
She slipped her hand over his arm and couldn’t help sneak a glance across at Devlin.
He was still staring at her and his eyes narrowed as he watched Fencourt escort her towards her stepmother.
“Dharma, my dear girl, how lovely to see you,” said Charlotte, sweeping her into a tight embrace. “You look well. I hear the season is going well for you and Lady Rosemary.” Charlotte took a breath, giving Dharma a chance to offer introductions.
“Have you had the pleasure of meeting Viscount Fencourt? His father is the Earl of Longton.”
“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure, Your Grace.” Fencourt bent low over her hand. “But I have met your husband, the Duke of Sinclair, of course.”
Charlotte looked the young man up and down and then cast her eyes towards Devlin. “If you wouldn’t mind, Lord Fencourt, I haven’t seen my step-daughter for a few days and I’d like a private word before we go into dinner.” Thankfully, Lord Battling was nearby, talking with Lord Hawthorne, who never appeared to be far from Rosemary’s side these past few months. “James, have you met Lord Fencourt?” and just like that, they moved Dharma towards the fire where Lady Battling, Charlotte’s best friend Flora, sat talking with Rosemary.
Charlotte pulled her down onto the settee next to her.
“Flora, it’s so lovely to see you,” Dharma said, “and Rosemary, you look a picture tonight.”
Flora replied, “And you look as pretty as an angel, Dharma. The season is agreeing with you? The young man Charlotte shooed away is certainly very handsome.”
“He’s Longton’s heir, Fencourt,” Charlotte responded before Dharma could. Charlotte swung toward Rosemary. “What I’d like to know is who is the lady on your brother’s arm?”
Rosemary pulled a face. “Mrs. McTavish. I have no idea how she came to meet my brother, but she is staying with us.” Rosemary threw a glance at Dharma. “Her husband was apparently a friend of Devlin’s, but I can’t remember meeting a Mr. McTavish.”
Charlotte and Flora shared a look. “Sin said that Devlin had to travel to Scotland on personal business.”
“It would appear the business was very personal,” Dharma said, somewhat snarkily. “She’s rich.”
