Page 13 of A Scandalous Proposition
Chapter Four
Adam was taken aback by the extent of his disappointment in Florentina Grantley, even though he was accustomed to the fairer sex’s penchant for duplicity. Philippa was a case in point and her spectre loomed large. Perhaps the prospect of their imminent reunion would account for this discourtesy to Florentina.
He’d never before forgotten himself to such an extent in a lady’s company, no matter how great the provocation. As he strode towards the house he tried to convince himself that she’d deserved nothing less after the way she’d deceived his mother. But as his anger gradually receded, he conceded that if he felt so strongly about her behaviour, the remedy had been within his grasp. He was also uncomfortably aware that she was right. He had introduced himself and then almost dragged her from the inn, giving her no opportunity to explain herself.
The brutal fact of the matter was that Florentina fascinated him. At first he’d attributed the deep impression she’d made upon him to frustration. It was a long time since he’d been with a woman and Florentinawasexceptionally lovely. But even after a night of Christine’s skilful ministrations, the feeling was as strong as ever.
Which was why he’d not denounced her to his mother.
Even appreciating the extent of her conniving character had not diminished his desire for her. He was having difficulty concentrating his thoughts upon anything else. And so he’d left her with little option other than to meet him tonight. He’d have her, get her out of his system and then decide what to do about her. He felt himself stirring in anticipation and spent the next few minutes lost in rather pleasant speculation.
He was jolted back to reality when he realised he must somehow warn his beloved mother that her highly regarded companion wasn’t suitable. The prospect of disappointing her effectively banished his salacious thoughts. As he drew closer to the Court his mind still dwelt upon Florentina when it ought to be focused on the forthcoming interview with his brother. And Philippa, of course. Even the sight of the magnificent building he loved so much, bathed in morning sunshine that made the edifice glow a soft shade of pink, didn’t lift his spirits.
Kennedy opened the door before he had ascended the steps.
‘Good morning, my lord. I trust you found her grace in good health.’
‘She’s indefatigable.’ Adam removed his hat and handed it to Kennedy, who’d been butler at the Court for as long as Adam could remember and probably knew more of the family’s secrets than he did himself. ‘Is the duke still abed?’
‘I understand his grace has risen but he doesn’t often leave his rooms during the morning hours.’
‘I see. Is he well enough to come down later in the day?’
‘Indeed, my lord. We rejoice to have seen a slight improvement in his grace’s health these last few days.’
‘That is indeed good news, Kennedy. I will attend him in his apartment.’
‘Actually, my lord, her grace wishes to converse with you first. She was quite adamant on the point. Her instructions were that you be asked to wait upon her the moment you returned from the dower house.’
Adam had no intention of being dictated to by his new sister-in-law and turned towards the stairs instead. ‘I’ll see her later,’ he said.
But before he could commence his ascent, the door to the small salon flew open and Philippa stood there. Her blond hair was piled up on top of her head and cascaded in a profusion of curls around her shoulders in a style more suited to a ballroom than midmorning on a country estate. She wore a pale blue muslin gown. It was a colour he’d once admired on her, comparing it to that of her eyes.
Adam had spent the weeks since receiving news of her marriage wondering how he’d feel when he saw her again. This was the woman he’d thought he loved. The woman he’d intended to marry. But instead he was now tied to her through her marriage to his closest relation. When the intelligence of his brother’s second marriage reached him, it had seemed inconsequential when set against the brutal carnage of the battle raging about him. He’d felt none of the anger or regret he would have expected to accompany such humiliating news. But now that he was face-to-face with her, surely it would make itself apparent?
She looked up at him and he held her gaze for a moment, silently conceding that her beauty was only enhanced by her delicate state. She did indeed appear to be blooming, and he braced himself to withstand the agony of rejection. To his astonishment he felt only contempt for an ambitious woman whose regard for him had to have been entirely fabricated. A woman who hadn’t hesitated to seize the chance for aggrandizement when it presented itself.
How right he’d been not to have declared himself before he left. He had known that was what she’d desperately wanted since she had employed every feminine wile at her disposal to encourage him. She wheedled, flirted, pouted and generally led him on, stopping tantalisingly short of taking the final irrevocable step. She clearly hadn’t felt any need for such restraint when it came to her dealings with his brother, Adam thought cynically, his eyes lingering on her expanding waistline.
Although almost certain that he had wanted her for his wife, Adam had withstood her campaign, still not totally convinced. He couldn’t have said precisely what it was, but something about her behaviour held him back. They had quarrelled violently when he told her he intended to purchase a commission. Far from understanding his fierce need to do his duty, Philippa’s only thoughts had been for herself. She cared nothing for his personal ambitions, arguing that as he was independently wealthy, having been provided for by his father, he had no need to risk his life in the service of his country. And what about her? What was she supposed to do whilst he played at being a hero in some ghastly foreign place? Her attitude had opened his eyes to her true character. Perhaps realising that she’d overplayed her hand, she quickly changed tack and pretended her concerns were only for his safety.
She and Florentina Grantley had much in common. Two duplicitous women intent upon using his family for their own purposes. But they were also vastly different. Philippa, a delicate English rose, possessed a translucent complexion and lovely face that he now knew hid not only a will of iron but also singularly ruthless ambition. Florentina was a full head taller than her counterpart. Her dark, wild beauty would be considered unfashionable in the best circles, even if the gentlemen did privately admire her voluptuous figure and expressive, flashing eyes. Her fiery Latin temperament would be seen as a sign of a rebellious nature, and most gentleman would hesitate to take on such a strong-willed female without a considerable financial incentive. Putting himself in her shoes, Adam supposed her resorting to the oldest profession inevitable, if her husband really had left her unprovided for.
Always supposing there actually had been a husband.
His eyes rested upon Philippa with polite indifference. Unlike the equally feckless Florentina Grantley, she’d lost the ability to engage his attention. He felt nothing for her now. Except contempt. He was even able to garner a little sympathy for his brother’s situation.
‘Adam, here you are at last! We’ve been expecting you this age.’ She glided up to him, all smiles, completely unembarrassed. ‘Your brute of a horse was sent up to town a full four days ago and I was beginning to think that you’d forgotten the way home. However, you’re here now. A word, if you please.’
She acted as though nothing untoward had happened in his absence, disgusting Adam.
‘Kennedy.’ She spoke in an authoritative tone, not bothering to look in the butler’s direction. ‘Bring refreshments for his lordship at once and then we are not to be disturbed under any circumstances. Is that clear?’
The manner in which she issued this order caused Kennedy to stiffen imperceptibly. His majestic expression underwent only the smallest alteration but Adam knew he would resent being spoken to in such a manner. The rest of the family treated him with the dignity due to his situation. Philippa, instead of antagonising the servants, would have been much better advised to cultivate their respect. Her life could become very difficult indeed if Kennedy ordered his army below stairs to take her in dislike.
‘Perfectly, your G=grace.’ Kennedy spoke without a flicker of emotion.
‘Your grace.’ Adam bowed, ignoring her outstretched hands.
