Chapter Fourteen

February 14, 1818

Bassage House

Mayfair, London

H attie came into the ballroom at the Earl of Pennington's townhouse and then stopped out of the line of foot traffic to merely take in the décor of the space.

Truly, it had been transformed into a veritable garden fit for lovers. Groupings of ferns, potted plants, and vases full of hothouse flowers resided on small round tables in each of the four corners. Various statues of Greek gods and goddesses were tucked amidst the greenery along with replicas of Grecian columns and in one corner, a pile of crumbling ruins. Floral swags had been hung over the windows while hearts made from gold, red, and pink lame twisted on wires hung from the crystal chandelier and other candle holders throughout the room. At the top of the room, between the two large floor-to-ceiling windows was a string quartet tuning their instruments, no doubt preparing for the opening waltz.

Jewels sparkled in the soft illumination on the necks, wrists, and ears of the female attendees. Gowns of every color and cut from rich fabrics caught the eye as more couples came into the room. All the men were handsome or at least had the ability to be seen as so in their requisite dark evening wear and tailcoats.

Though she and Simon had arrived at the ball together, he'd gone immediately to seek out some of his friends with the promise of returning to her side as quickly as he could. Apparently, he'd wanted to talk with one of them in the event he didn't have the chance to do so later in the evening. On what, she had no idea.

"Ah, Lady Hattie. How lovely to see you again."

Hattie turned about at the sound of the countess' voice. She flashed a smile. "Lady Pennington. I'm so glad to see you up and around. Simon mentioned that you'd been suffering from a head cold."

"It was quite monstrous and held on for much longer than I'd wanted, but I am on the mend now. Through it all, Pennington has been a darling man. He is taking the vow ‘through sickness and in health' very seriously."

"Having a doting husband helps in that regard, I'll wager."

"Oh, certainly." With a laugh, she drew Hattie toward the wall and out of the way of foot traffic. "You are looking well. It seems that marriage agrees with you, and I especially like your gown."

"Thank you. I'd hoped to have an occasion to wear it, and this ball was the perfect chance." She smoothed a gloved hand down the front of her red gown made of a silk blend and shot with silver thread that set off her curves but didn't render her gaudy or overblown. A long jacket of silver taffeta, much like a vest of sorts, went over the gown, secured about her waist with a few hidden hooks to further define that part of her body. "You have done a wonderful job in decorating for the event."

"It is something that distracts me from the occasional difficulty, and it's a soothing endeavor." When the countess didn't offer further explanation, she peered more closely at Hattie. "Don't try to change the subject, though. There is something different about you from when I met you the first time."

"On my wedding day?"

"Yes, of course." One of the other woman's eyebrows rose in question. "Does the gossip mill carry a grain of truth in that you and the captain are finding balance in your new union?"

Though she didn't care for the thought of her name being bandied about in whispered rumors, she supposed that was always a possibility. "Captain Huxley and I are indeed enjoying this time." She allowed a small smile. "Things are certainly much different now than they started." Then her levity faded, and her thoughts jogged to that afternoon when Simon had told her of his secret life as an opera and stage singer. A rather spirited coupling had taken place spontaneously in the parlor afterward, wherein they had somehow ended upon the floor. "I had no idea that being forced to wed would be so… interesting."

Being willing to share her secrets and receive his had opened their relationship to a deeper level of understanding that sometimes left her gasping for breath. Did that mean she was falling in love with her husband? It was far too confusing to puzzle out, for she suspected that love was a conflagration of many different emotions.

"In more ways than one, I'll wager," the countess said, with another laugh that worked to further set Hattie at ease.

"Yes, quite. Every day teaches me something new, and I'm glad all over again he came along when he did." And she realized why her last relationship didn't work beyond the obvious.

"I well remember those days." Then the countess raised a hand and waved at someone. "Oh, dear. It seems Pennington has gotten himself in the midst of a conversation of which he doesn't find amusing. I need to go rescue him."

No sooner had Hattie nodded and began a circuit of the perimeter of the room, than she was waylaid once more, this time by Lady Ashcroft who wore a stunning gown of vivid blue satin, and who literally bumped into her. "It is good to see you again, Lady Ashcroft."

Surprise reflected in the viscountess' eyes. "Oh, I dislike the formality these things bring." She lowered her voice and laid a hand on Hattie's arm. "When we are visiting with each other, please feel free to call me Olivia."

"Thank you. I'm Hattie." So many of these ladies had made her feel welcome and not quite as alone as she could have been. "Is all well? You nearly tripped right over me just then."

The other woman exchanged a glance with someone, and when Hattie followed her gaze, she saw it was with the viscount. The desire in that one look caused heat to sink into Hattie's cheeks. "Oh, I do beg your pardon." Lady Ashcroft linked her arm through hers and continued her walk around the side of the ballroom. "You are stunning tonight in red. I would have adored wearing that color, but it clashes with my hair."

"The blue suits you."

The other woman's gaze once more drifted to her husband, who stood among a group of gentlemen where Simon was situated. "You are too kind." Then the viscountess lowered her voice. "Good heavens, but my husband is quite potent tonight. I have never been able to withstand his flirting."

Once more Hattie looked in that direction, but the man in question was engaged in conversation that apparently had the rest of them riveted. "If all ton marriages were as strong as yours with Lord Ashbury, society would be a much happier place."

"No doubt you are right." Then Lady Ashbury shook her head. "Speaking of that, it seems you are becoming quite content with your own union."

"Perhaps." The heat in Hattie's cheeks intensified. "In recent days, things between the captain and I have deepened. We are both learning how to trust each other, which has been eye-opening on my part, given my history." And it showed his ability to accept her as she was. That had been the most surprising development of all. For so long, her parents as well as others in society would only judge her on what had occurred in her past. "Needless to say, I am cautiously optimistic." Now that she knew Simon's secret, she wanted to pursue music all the more.

Especially when it meant they were able to spend more time together.

Over the past few days, they had practiced a few pieces together, and this time he didn't pretend to sing off key. His voice was as flawless and moving as it was whenever she saw him in concert halls or at the opera. How had she not recognized that voice before? Perhaps she'd been blind or perhaps distracted by him in the role of her husband. Not that it mattered. She now had the best of both worlds, and at times, she could scarcely believe this was her life.

A knowing grin pulled at the corners of Lady Ashcroft's lips. "I'm glad for you. When you find the right man, or he is found for you, life suddenly takes on a very different set of priorities. Things you once thought were important, things you were willing to die to protect, no longer exist, which leaves room free to usher in completely other things."

"That is a truth I hadn't thought possible until the advent of the captain." When she glanced toward the knot of men where Simon was located, their gazes connected. The captain grinned, and flutters of need went through her belly while excitement twisted down her spine. "Truly he is a good man, and it was me who resisted the marriage. I was afraid that wedding someone I didn't know would clip my wings, especially after the way my previous relationship ended. Do you know what I've discovered?"

"What?" Amusement danced in the other woman's eyes.

"That I no longer want to chase scandal for the attention, because Simon gives me that without even asking. He never put restraints or restrictions upon me or my time. He is everything honorable and lovely. Yes, his protection and possession can be quite cloying at times, but it comes from a good place." How had she never seen that before, either? "Apparently, all he ever wanted was to have a companion by his side to pass the time with, to enjoy entertainments together…"

"Among other pursuits," Lady Ashbury said with a knowing wink.

"Yes, of course." Another round of heat went through Hattie's cheeks. The knowledge that she'd been matched to the absolutely most perfect man for her rocked her soul.

"Well, my dear, that is what any good man would do." The viscountess patted her arm. "I wish you continued success, and do make certain you dance with the handsome captain tonight. It will be a pleasure to watch that man move across a ballroom floor. Now, if you will excuse me? I need to check my hem in the retiring room."

It was perhaps insanity how much the ladies in her immediate circle made references to her husband's physic or prowess, but then, she supposed she couldn't blame them. He was quite gorgeous, and she had no complaints with either his form or his skill between the sheets.

Or against the wall.

Or on a chair.

Or on a table.

And once on the floor after she'd gotten out of the bath…

There were more than a few ways his muscles and strength came into play. She snapped open her fan and used it to encourage cooler air onto her face. Oh, goodness. It is very warm in here, isn't it? Knowing a powerful urge to be with her husband, Hattie offered him a smile and then took a few steps in that direction, but as soon as she made headway over the crowded floor, Mr. Toppin moved into her path.

"Please don't bother me tonight of all nights, Samuel," she whispered and hated the plea in her voice, but the last thing she wanted was to cause a stir before the ball was even underway.

His dark eyes glittered in the candlelight. "I wish to speak with you alone." Was that desperation in his voice or had she imagined it? "You keep putting this conversation off, and as soon as it occurs, the sooner we can all resolve this peacefully."

What was he on about? "There is nothing to resolve."

"I realize you must put up that sort of front due to your husband always lurking about and ruining our time together, but if you will come with me right now, we can talk and make plans."

Hot panic rose in her chest. When she glanced toward the cluster of men, she couldn't immediately see Simon. Focusing back on her former suitor's face, Hattie blew out a breath. "I am sorry you can't apparently accept there is no future between us, but that is how it is. You must move on, find another woman to court."

"None of them are like you." When he took a step toward her leaving little distance between them, Hattie retreated. "Run away with me, Hattie. We can set up housekeeping anywhere you'd like in England, but I must leave London soon."

Ah, so that was it, then? "Do you have creditors after you?" When she'd flirted with him, he was forever complaining about all the vowels he had scattered throughout Town and that the creditors never let him be.

"Yes, there is that, but I have missed you." He tried to take her hand, she snatched hers behind her back. Her reticule thumped against her rear.

"Those are your troubles, Samuel, and they always have been. Running away with me won't help in that regard."

"It will if we play it off as a kidnapping and ask for ransom money."

This time her jaw dropped in shock. "Was that your plan all along? To kidnap me and send threats to my husband?"

Ruddy color rose up his neck over his collar. "Well, that was before you married. I would have applied to your father."

"Just when I assumed you couldn't act like a more detestable fellow, you have managed to surprise me." Again, she guided her gaze about the room and still she couldn't locate the captain. "Let me put this in the simplest terms for you, so it will sink into your pickled brain." She propped her hands on her hips. "I am married to Captain Huxley, and I am quite happy with him." Shock plowed through her chest, for it was true. "Further, if my husband sees you in my company after what he did to you the last time, I am very afraid of what might happen this time."

Mr. Toppin snorted. " I am not afraid of him."

"You should be. He is worth three of you." And it gave her much pride to say so.

For long moments, the man regarded her with suspicion and then speculation in his expression. "But if you were free? Would you change your mind about me? I will give you a portion of the profits gained by either your husband or your father. We can live quite comfortably together if the cottage isn't too large."

"I am not free. Why can you not understand that?" She shook her head, both in shock at his effrontery and his crashing stupidity. "And even if I were, my tastes in men have changed. You have nothing of value, Samuel. If a man truly adores a woman, he will show her, treat her with respect, go out of his way to do things for her merely to see her smile." Which was what Simon had done all along.

And she couldn't see that because she'd thought she no longer believed in love.

But not now. Every day she spent in the captain's company was another day of him showing her that there were different sorts of love and attraction and romance.

"Fine." The hopeful mask he'd worn before twisted into one of anger and annoyance. "Mark my words, Hattie. I won't give up, and Captain Huxley best watch his back. You don't belong with him, and we both know it. Don't pretend you are in love with a man you were forced to wed only two weeks ago." Then in high agitation, Mr. Toppin took his leave and soon vanished in the crush of people streaming into the ballroom.

"What the devil did he want?"

At the sound of Simon's voice and the immediate calm she gained from his tone, Hattie nearly threw herself into his arms. Instead, she strengthened her spine and led him to the side of the room where she laid a hand on his arm. "He has some ridiculous notion I'll run away with him and set up housekeeping." A waver went through her voice. "And what is more, he will spin the tale that he kidnapped me to make you or my father pay a ransom so he can square with his creditors."

"I had no idea he was so far gone."

"Neither did I." Tears stung the backs of her eyelids. "Simon, I feel far too ill-at-ease, exactly like I did in that dream where you were a lion, and someone was stalking through the mist with a pistol." She tightened her fingers on his arm. "I'm afraid."

"I know." When he dared to cup her cheek, albeit fleetingly, Hattie trembled with both need and worry. "I promise you all will be well. Nothing can hurt you while I'm here."

She laid a hand on his chest as the string quartet stopped tuning their instruments and the Earl of Pennington walked to the top of the room with his wife. They would no doubt open the ball in seconds. "While I understand that and appreciate your willingness to protect me, what will I do if you can't do the same for yourself?" The last word came out broken and tear-choked. "I'm afraid I've grown a tad fond of you these past two weeks."

"Oh?" His grin was glorious. "Are you sure you are concerned that something dreadful might happen to my voice?"

"Do shut up, Captain." But his teasing cajoled her into a better mood. Still, she gave him a tap on the chest with her closed fan. "You'd best mind your friend, and I want a dance."

Well, she wanted so much more from him, but a waltz would suffice for now.