Ladies of Deception 02 - Misleading Lord Martineau (4 page)

Aunt Agatha scurried into the room just then, rushing over to do up the back of her scarlet dress. One of the perks of playing a widow was the opportunity it gave her to dress and behave as she wished. She knew the blood red color of her dress was bold but looking in the mirror she couldn’t help but be pleased with the way it looked against her pale skin, contrasting perfectly with her ebony curls making her appear more mature and worldly than she felt. It was the perfect choice to give her the added look of confidence that she so desperately needed and it was one of the few nice gowns Aunt Agatha had been able to afford for her upon her return. She would forever be grateful for her dear aunt for all she had done for her and hoped that their plan would work so that she could repay her for all of her kindness.

“You better hurry along child or you’ll be more than fashionably late.” Aunt Agatha patted her lightly on the rear end shoving her towards the door.

As her carriage rattled along the streets of London towards the Bradford’s house on Mulberry Street she tried to occupy her mind by thinking of the eligible gentlemen she had been introduced to since her return to London, hoping that her decision to attend the musicale tonight despite Lord Wadsworth’s absence wouldn’t prove to be a waste of her time. Time was one of the many things she was running low on these days; she felt the ever present stirring of anxiety in her chest as she thought of her impossible predicament. She reached up and rubbed her temples methodically with her gloved hands, trying to ward off the ache in her head.

By the time she reached the Bradford’s house she had convinced herself once more that her plan would work, she had to believe it would or else she didn’t know what else she’d do. Walking into the house she quickly scanned the group of people that had begun seating themselves in the music room. There was a pianoforte situated at the front of the room as well as a separate table and chair with a shiny silver flute sitting precariously on the table. She was eager for the night’s entertainment to begin and went and sat gingerly on one of the seats left unoccupied.

Elliot walked into the music room with Miss Ogglesby on his arm. Every instinct in his body screamed at him to shake her from his person and bolt. He wasn’t sure if it was her youthful naivety alone that irritated him or just the fact that she wasn’t the woman he wanted on his arm that chafed him so.

“Lord Martineau do you think there will be singing? I always love listening to a good singing voice.”

“Oh heaven help me, I hope not.”

“Well at least there will be something besides the pianoforte,” she gestured towards the small table sitting at the front of the room. “Look, there’s a flute, what a pleasant surprise that is!”

Elliot felt himself shudder at the thought of a simpering young maiden attempting to play a tune on the wretched thing. His ears were already aching at the prospect.

Elenore must’ve felt him shudder because she reached one gloved hand over and gently touched her hand to his forehead, “Are you okay, my lord?”

Elliot pushed her hand away brusquely, “Of course I’m okay, it’s just that—” Just then he spotted a vision in red. His jaw fell as he beheld the most exquisite sight he had ever seen. Not twenty feet away Felicity sat demurely in her seat, her body draped in a vibrant red silk that hugged her womanly curves. Elliot’s mouth went dry and he couldn’t seem to peel his eyes away from her or make his brain formulate a coherent thought.

Miss Ogglesby’s voice and nudging elbow finally startled him out of his trance, “Maybe we should go, I’m not convinced you are well.”

The last thing he wanted to do now that he had seen Felicity was to leave. He did however want Miss Ogglesby gone. Frantically he turned and led her away in the opposite direction of Felicity to the side of the room where a group of men were standing sipping champagne. He frustratingly racked his brain for any of the three men’s names, knowing he would look foolish if he stepped forth to introduce them to Miss Ogglesby and couldn’t claim he remembered their names.

Just as he was taking the last step towards them, a name miraculously popped into his mind. “Lord Weatherby, just the man I wished to see.”

The plump baron looked at him in surprise, wiping a pile of accumulated crumbs from his waistcoat, forgetting altogether to wipe the mess from his face. “Lord Martineau, are you sure it is I you wish to speak with?” He couldn’t blame the man for being confused, he wasn’t sure he had ever spoken to the man in his life.

“
Of course.” Then turning he propelled Miss Ogglesby forward, “I’d like you to meet Miss Ogglesby.” The girl curtsied as Lord Weatherby bowed awkwardly. Elliot had a suspicion that anything he did would be laced with awkwardness due to the large girth he had hidden not quite effectively beneath his waistcoat.

Before anything more could be said Elliot continued, “I’d be honored to allow you to escort Miss Ogglesby for the remainder of the evening.” Before either one of them could object to his absurdity, he turned on his heel and anxiously made his way back to where Felicity was sitting, completely unaware of the baffled looks on Lord Weatherby and Miss Ogglesby’s faces.

Elliot reached Felicity and slipped smoothly into the seat next to her before she even had a chance to realize what was happening. She was so close he could smell the scent of jasmine wafting off of her person. He desperately longed to turn to her and gather her into his arms, pressing her against his chest and planting his lips firmly on top of hers. It took an extraordinary amount of willpower to restrain himself from doing just that. Instead he leaned towards her and whispered lowly in her ear, “You’re a vision my love.”

Felicity felt his hot breath fanning on her ear, sending shivers up her spine before she had even had a chance to comprehend that it was Elliot that was sitting next to her. She stiffened next to him, afraid to turn her head and place her face in such close proximity to his. She knew it was a mistake to delay acknowledging him when she felt his hand reach up and stroke her neck languorously with the back of his knuckles. She felt her skin pucker into goose pimples at the contact and hoped he wouldn’t notice her body’s betrayal.

Elliot watched her wide green eyes blinking rapidly, he watched the pulse at the base of her neck beating frantically and he knew that she was not immune to his touch. Whether he caused her panic or yearning he wasn’t quite sure but he hoped it was the latter. Just as he was about to reach forward and brush his hand over the delicate line of her chin, she reached up and took his hand between two pinched fingers, removing it as if it was on offensive insect crawling on her skin.

“
I beg you to keep your paws to yourself, my lord.”

Elliot laughed. “My paws? I assure you my lady that they aren’t paws but merely hands. I’m not a beast you have to be frightened of.”

“I’m not so sure about that.” Then desperate to change the subject from his strong, corded hands that were capable of coaxing many forbidden desires from her she said, “Where’s the young lady you escorted tonight? Shouldn’t you be busy paying attention to her instead of heaping unwanted attention on me?”

Elliot smiled, so she had noticed that he hadn’t been alone when he arrived. He was altogether pleased at the fact that she had noticed him at all. Leaning in close to her once more he said, “The only lady I’m interested in is you.”

Felicity turned to him then and it was a mistake. His face was merely inches away from hers and looking into his piercing ice blue eyes was like coming home; it stirred so many contradictory emotions within her—longing, desire, fear, and regret. She quickly looked down at her hands that were knotted together in her lap. Before either one of them could speak, the program began. Lady Bradford was introducing her two daughters, informing everyone of the song the two would play—Beethoven’s
Für Elise
.

It didn’t take much for Elliot to realize that the Bradford daughters had more beauty than musical talent, which was saying something since both of them more closely resembled farm animals than women. The tentative plunking on the pianoforte mixed with the high whistling that was coming from the flute made Elliot’s eardrums feel like they were going to burst. He glanced out of the corner of his eye at Felicity and caught her wincing just as the flutist hit a particularly shrill note.

He leaned into her and said, “I’m positive I can’t survive much more of this atrocity.” He placed his palm lightly on her wrist and urged, “Leave with me.”

Felicity turned to him and whispered, “You are the inside of enough Lord Martineau. I came tonight to listen to music and that’s what I intend to do.”

“You can hardly classify this noise as music, it’s almost criminal.” He made a face at her then and she had to bite the inside of her lip to keep from smiling back at his antics. Personally, she agreed with his assessment of the entertainment being provided and would have no qualms with leaving if it wasn’t such poor form and if the invitation had been offered by anyone other than Elliot.

Leaning into her once more he whispered, “Maybe you should offer to sing, you’d put them all to shame. I wouldn’t mind staying then.”

“I don’t sing,” she replied curtly, wishing with everything in her that he’d stop leaning in so close that she could feel his warm breath when he spoke.

“
Oh but you can, you have the voice of an angel. Come, let’s get out of here and you can give me a private recital.”

Turning abruptly towards him, her knees made unexpected contact with his hard thighs. She quickly jerked back trying to ignore the swirling heat that curled in her stomach at the contact, “I’ve told you before and I’ll tell you again, but this will be the last time—I’m not who you think I am and I’d appreciate it greatly if you’d stop with the familiarity. There are plenty of ladies whom I’m sure would be delighted with your attention, I insist you go find one of them to woo.”

Anger warred with disappointment as Elliot sat back stiffly in his chair, folding his arms resolutely across his chest. He knew with every fiber of his being that he wasn’t mistaking her with someone else. It infuriated him that she refused to give up her guise and allow him into her life. If he could just get her alone, remind of her of how it was between them then maybe she’d let her guard down and explain to him what was going on, where she had been these past years and why she had so suddenly disappeared.

Just then a servant walked by carrying a try of champagne. A thought began to form in Elliot’s mind and he signaled with his hand for the servant to stop so he could retrieve a glass of the bubbly liquid from the tray. He turned towards Felicity to offer her the drink and quite purposely let it slip before she had a chance to fully grasp the glass. The golden liquid poured down the bodice of her dress, soaking it completely. She let out a gasp as she quickly reached both hands up in vain to unsuccessfully wipe away the offending liquid. Heads spun around to see what the commotion was all about and for a brief second Elliot felt bad for causing a scene, but he didn’t let himself feel bad for long when he realized that his plan was working, now she’d have to leave. And, he was going to be sure to leave with her.

He reached and placed the now empty glass back on the tray before reaching for a handkerchief and offering it to her, “Please accept my apologies, that was quite careless of me.”

Felicity took the offered handkerchief and began blotting at her gown, “I’m sure it was an accident.”

“But of course, the least I can do is offer my assistance to escort you to your carriage. I’m sorry to be the cause of cutting your evening short. It really is quite a shame that you can’t remain for the rest of tonight’s festivities.”

She looked at him doubtfully, “Yes, I’m sure you’re disappointed.”

“Quite.” He reached for the damp handkerchief and stuffed it into his pocket before offering her his arm and quickly escorting her from the room, glad when they were free from the curious gaze of onlookers.

Once they were free from the room, Elliot began leading her towards the back of the house instead of to the front where the carriages were sure to be waiting. Feeling her irritation rise, Felicity quipped, “What is the meaning of this, my lord?”

Elliot walked briskly to the back corridor of the house, completely ignoring Felicity’s question as he pulled her along. He didn’t stop until he was standing before a closed door at the end of the hallway, reaching his one free hand forth to open it and shoving her inside before turning and closing the door tightly.

The room was empty and dark but Felicity was too incensed to care about their surroundings, instead turning on him she hissed, “I have had enough—”

Elliot stepped towards her, taking her slender shoulders into his hands and pulling her forcefully to him. “No, you haven’t had enough and neither have I.” He bent his head to meet her mouth and pressed his lips unyieldingly to hers.

Felicity felt feverish as an intense burning raged in her chest, causing chills to run throughout her body but at the same time she felt weak. Somewhere in the far corner of her mind she registered anger. She didn’t know at that moment what was making her more angry; this man holding her in his arms kissing her or her body for reacting so passionately to that man and his kiss.

As the kiss deepened, all thoughts fled from Elliot’s head. The only thing he could think of was Felicity and the familiar feel of her warm lips under his. He had dreamt about kissing her for years but the memory did not do reality justice. He was loath to break contact with her, for fear of the repercussions of his actions, instead opting to nibble on her plump bottom lip, the taste of her driving him nearly mad. He felt half insane, a desire looming inside of him to consume her completely. He grabbed at her body frantically, holding her so tightly to him that he wasn’t sure if she could breathe, vaguely registering when her wet bodice soaked through his shirt front but not caring one whit.

The smell of sunshine, horses and his own unique scent that was Elliot engulfed Felicity’s senses. Her body was betraying her by reacting so desperately to his kiss, but she seemed unable to do anything but respond. His lips were perfectly molded to hers as he expertly kissed and caressed her, worshiping her with his actions. In that moment she wanted nothing more than to be with him completely. It was that thought that brought her back to reality like being doused with a bucket of cold water. The intense feelings he stirred within her had proved to be her undoing the last time they had been down this road and she refused to follow that path again.

It took every ounce of strength she possessed to pull herself free from Elliot’s powerful embrace. She watched his passion filled eyes turn confused as she reached up and slapped his face as hard as she could manage. Her hand stung from the blow and she just hoped his face hurt as badly. She averted her gaze, afraid to look into his penetrating stare and see the emotions simmering inside.

Her voice was shaky as she whispered vehemently, “Let me go, I’ve got to get home.”

Elliot removed his hand from her but refused to step back and give their bodies distance. “I just wanted you to remember what we had,” he said quietly, his voice trembling.

“
I never forgot. I’ve prayed that your memory would stop haunting me but I can’t seem to escape you.” A strangled sob escaped her throat as she reached up to cover her mouth with her hand.

Elliot reached for her once more, hoping to take her into his arms and comfort her but was surprised when she took a step back, adamantly shaking her head, “Don’t ever touch me again. You ruined my life once and I’m not about to let you ruin it again. I beg you to leave me alone, forget you ever knew me.”

Elliot felt a completely unfamiliar rush of emotions clog his throat as his eyes began stinging with tears. Her words had more of an effect on him than her slap had. He wasn’t sure what shocked him more, her painful words or his own emotions—he couldn’t remember the last time he cried, not even when both of his parents had been killed in a carriage accident. Then it came to him, the last time he had cried was when Felicity had disappeared from his life. She was the only person in the world who had so much power and control over his emotions, the only person he had ever cried for.

He felt a hot tear run down his face and frantically reached to wipe it away with the back of his hand, embarrassed by his display of emotion. He cleared his throat several times while blinking back the unshed tears before saying the only think he could think to say, “But I love you.”

“No you don’t Elliot. If you had loved me you wouldn’t have abandoned me.”

Felicity reached down and grasped her skirt, taking advantage of his stunned surprise and shouldering past him towards the door. When she had placed her hand on the doorknob she heard him say, “Felicity, I would never…I love you so much, I don’t think you understand.”

Without turning to look at him she spoke, “You’re right, I don’t understand and I doubt I ever will. Please, I beg you, if you love me even a little bit, let me go. Forget that you ever knew me and let me move on. You’d do well to move on too.” Before he could say anything more she had opened the door and with haste made her way down the hall.

The dam had broken and the tears he had tried to hamper were now coursing down his cheeks in rivers. His chest shook with sobs as he turned and slammed his fist into the wall. The pain in his knuckles couldn’t even compare to the pain in his heart. He leaned his back against the now shut door and slumped to the floor, his hands cradling his head as his emotions overcame him, causing him to feel like he just might die of a broken heart.

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed before he had gathered a modicum of composure and felt ready to leave the dark confines and privacy of the empty room. He knew he had to get back to the festivities before Miss Ogglesby became frantic at his absence. He groaned at the thought of seeing the chit and having to escort her home. If he hadn’t promised Pierce that he’d be more courteous this time he would escape alone, leave the party undetected, avoiding other people at all cost.

Entering the library once more he noted with vast relief that the recital was over and the guests were busy mingling and partaking of refreshment. His eyes scanned the groups of people conversing until they settled on Miss Ogglesby. She was standing next to a young man talking and laughing as if she were truly enjoying herself. Elliot was remorse at having to bring her evening to an abrupt end but the last thing he wanted to do was sit around and make idle chit chat with people who bored him. No, he needed to get home where he could mourn the loss of Felicity all over again in the privacy of his own home.

Touching Miss Ogglesby lightly on the elbow he said, “Pardon the interruption Miss Ogglesby.”

Miss Ogglesby turned wide eyes up at him, “Oh Lord Martineau, you do not look well, is everything okay?”

“Actually I’m not feeling well at all. I came to tell you that I think it’s best if we head home now. I’m sorry to cut your evening short but I really must go.”

Looking once more at the young gentleman with whom she’d been conversing she said, “I understand. Give me a moment to bid good evening to Lord Bennion and we can be off.”

Elliot nodded his head and patiently waited for her to tell Lord Bennion goodbye before leading her out to his carriage. Once he had assisted her inside and climbed in himself, he shrugged out of his jacket and placed it carefully on the seat beside him before reaching up and loosening his cravat. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the carriage wall, all the time ignoring the concerned look Miss Ogglesby was bestowing upon him.

The two road in silence for a time before it became apparent to Miss Ogglesby that Elliot wasn’t going to speak. She nervously fidgeted with her gloved hands before saying, “I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well, is there anything I can do? I hope you aren’t contagious.”

Without opening his eyes he replied, “I assure you I’m not contagious, but thank you for your concern.”

Another moment of silence stretched between them before Miss Ogglesby braved speaking once more. “Who was that lady you sat with during the recital? She was the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

The last thing Elliot wanted to think or talk about was Felicity. The first thing he wanted to do was reach over and push Miss Ogglesby out of the moving carriage. He was not feeling very kind at the moment and wasn’t sure he could be held accountable for his actions.

When it became clear to Miss Ogglesby that Elliot wasn’t going to answer her she said, “Well whoever she was she is a rare beauty and I think the two of you would make a striking couple.”

She had obviously said it to help cheer him up but her comment had the opposite effect. Elliot straightened in his seat and looked at her then, “I’m nothing to her and she…she’s nothing to me, just somebody I thought I once knew.”

Miss Ogglesby was caught off guard by the pain that she saw trapped in the icy depths of his eyes. Her heart constricted at the sight of such a handsome face etched with such sorrow. She knew she was acting out of line but she gently moved over to situate herself next to him on the bench, placing one hand on his forearm in a gesture of comfort.

“I’m sorry for your pain.” It was the only thing she could think to say to attempt to offer him comfort.

Elliot couldn’t look into her kind eyes, instead dropping his gaze to rest on the hand she had on his arm. He was surprised at the warmth and acceptance he felt in her touch, a simple gesture that spoke greatly of kindness and concern, a feeling he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Returning his eyes to hers he said, “Will it ever be okay?” He wasn’t sure what prompted him to ask her that but something inside of him yearned for someone to reassure him that all would be well, to soothe his broken heart and in that moment Miss Ogglesby was the only person present and the look of compassion on her face penetrated something in his heart.

“
I don’t know.” She stated honestly, not completely sure what he was referring to or if there was a possible cure. She was too young to have experienced much in her life, most of all heartache, and felt altogether unqualified to offer him any sort of advice on matters of the heart, for she was sure that was what was availing him.

The carriage came to a halt causing both of them to lurch forward slightly. Elliot looked out the window at Pierce’s townhouse and said, “We’re here.”

Miss Ogglesby gave his arm a soothing squeeze, “Go home and drink a cup of hot tea and get a good night’s sleep. Things always look better in the morning.”

She turned to get out of the carriage when Elliot placed a hand on her shoulder, “Thank you.” He watched her nod before stepping down from the carriage and disappearing into the night.