Page 57 of Wickedly Yours
He’d gone after Arabella.Savedher from Corbett. If anyone had a right to Arabella,allof Arabella, it was Rowan. Not that silly red-haired pup Longstreet who was currently fawning all over her.
Bloody Hell.
Hewasbehaving like a jealous husband. Rowan clenched his fists and moved towards the gaming tables, determined to enjoy himself and not spend the evening dancing attendance on his wife.
Halfway across the ballroom, fingers lingered against his arm.
“Lord Malden. How lovely to see you.”
Lady Gwendolyn stood before him, her blue eyes wide and fathomless. She was a pretty girl with her blonde hair and petite figure. But there was none of the overt sensuality his wife possessed. Nor intelligence. Nor darkness. She would make some gentleman a wonderful wife for she would be pleasing and demure and unlike Arabella in every way possible. He would never have married her no matter his mother’s machinations.
Bowing he took her hand and greeted her. “Lady Gwendolyn, how nice to see you. I am glad to see you looking well.” She had probably been told to expect an offer from him at any time and was likely embarrassed nothing had come to pass. He felt a rush of sympathy for the lovely Gwendolyn and pasted a polite smile on his face.
“Lady Malden looks lovely this evening.” Her voice wavered slightly. “The dark green suits her. No wonder she’s collected so many admirers.”
Rowan raised a brow. “Has she?”
“Well, yes, Lord Malden. Your wife is quite sought after. I saw a man just the other day follow her down Bond Street just to speak to her.”
Rowan’s gaze flew to Arabella. Dear God, she was clapping her hands at something Longstreet said, which only made him angrier. He’d known she’d gone to Bond Street. Maybe she’d run into one of the acquaintances from one of the dinner parties they’d hosted. But if that were the case, why hadn’t she mentioned it?
She’s up to something.
He must have scowled because Lady Gwendolyn twittered. “Oh my, I’ve said something untoward.” Her eyes welled with tears. “I do hope I didn’t upset you.”
“Not at all.” Over the last month, Rowan thought he’d grown to know his wife well. He did not mistake what was between them, even though he wasn’t sure what to call the emotion. But the truth was, he still didn’t trust her.
“Excuse me.” He bowed to Gwendolyn. “I’ve a seat waiting at the tables.”
33
“Another.” He waved his empty glass at a servant. It had been several hours since Rowan left the ballroom and he’d been playing cards for the better part of the evening.Losingat cards would be a better term. He was drinking too much and playing poorly, his mind more focused on Arabella than the game. Nursing his boiling jealousy and doubt with scotch now instead of wine, Rowan thought it was high time he claimed his wife.
He stood and strode swiftly into the ballroom, searching the thinning crowd for a sign of Arabella. Had she been looking for him? Or had Longstreet or some other gentlemen kept her too busy to miss him?
Longstreet, his copper hair shining under the lights, was spinning around the dance floor with a dark-haired woman. A woman who belonged to Rowan.
Arabella.
He moved towards the side of the room to observe his wife. Not surprisingly, Arabella didn’t dance well at all. Lack of practice, he supposed, for she’d spent years either as a wallflower or not attending events where dancing took place at all.
Longstreet didn’t seem to mind.
Arabella was no longer smiling up at the young man; she was too busy concentrating on the movement of her feet.
Longstreet winced as she stepped on his toe.
She leaned in to whisper to Longstreet, probably an apology, as the dance ended. The pair strolled towards the group of ladies she’d been introduced to earlier.
Lady Galspred welcomed her with a smile and took her arm.
Longstreet lingered for a few more minutes, speaking to Arabella and completely ignoring the pretty young girl who was making calf eyes at him. Rowan found nothing to recommend the young man. Gritting his teeth, Rowan made his way to his wife’s side.
Rowan made a deep bow to the group. “I’m afraid Lady Malden and I must take our leave.”
Arabella narrowed her eyes at him but said nothing. She began to introduce him to Longstreet, but Rowan only nodded at the man and took her elbow to lead her away. Arabella tugged at his grip on her arm and he tightened his fingers.
“Malden, cease your death grip on my elbow if you please.”
