Perfect Bride (22 page)

Justin’s eyes flickered. “There’s no need to bite my head off.”

If Sebastian was short with Justin, it couldn’t be helped. He was aware he was being difficult, but there was a world of turmoil churning in his gut. He didn’t like uncertainty. He didn’t like it when plans went awry. And when it came to the subject of Dev
on taking a husband, he passed the boundaries of ci
vility.

Justin gave a short little laugh. “You’re right, of course. You would never disregard your upbringing so. And I completely forgot your search for a bride— after all, it’s high time you married. Christ, what was
I thinking? You would never be so wild, to act on your feelings with no regard for the future or what might come of it.”

Sebastian was still simmering. Maybe he was a fool, but Justin’s suggestion had taken him wholly by surprise. He was totally unprepared to deal with it.

But no. It wasn’t just that. He didn’t
want
to deal with this.

He neither confirmed nor denied Justin’s state
ment. Was Justin’s the voice of reason? Or the voice of suspicion?

And he wondered...Did he fool Justin? He couldn’t be sure, for Justin was an expert at hiding his thoughts. Justin might suspect, he decided slowly. But he didn’t know for certain.

Nothing happened tonight
, reminded a niggling lit
tle voice from within.
Not tonight in the garden, or any other night
.

Not yet anyway.

But he wanted it. He wanted it past bearing. Be
yond caution.

“Even if those feelings were there,” Justin added.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. He gave his brother a keenly assessing stare.

Justin spread his hands wide. “What? Why do you look at me like that?”

“This is certainly a change for you.”

“Well, you want me to act responsibly, don’t you?”

“Indeed,” Sebastian said coolly. “But I’m wonder
ing where all this wisdom comes from.”

Justin gave a little smile. “One too many brandies, I expect. At any rate, where was this discussion lead
ing? Ah,yes.InlieuoffindingapostforDevonas
governess, perhaps we should find her a husband

instead.”

A husband. A
husband
.

Sebastian could barely digest the word. He clamped his jaws together. The idea of Devon with another man made him feel livid inside. Even that little kiss be
stowed on Justin’s cheek was like a burr under his skin. Innocuous though it was, he didn’t want Devon’s lips touching anyone’s but his, even his brother’s.

But wasn’t it the perfect solution? The voice of rea
son now resounded in
his
head. With a husband to look after Devon, he wouldn’t have to worry about her ending up on the streets again.

So why did he want to strangle Justin for even dar
ing to suggest it?

Damn.
Damn!
Why the devil couldn’t Justin have stayed in London?

Justin continued. “As you said, we’ve both become quite fond of her. And I think it’s fair to say we only want the best for her.”

Sebastian made no reply.

“With a husband she’ll be safe from Harry.”

She was safe from Harry with
him
.

But she wasn’t safe
from
him.

He wanted to tell Justin to shut the hell up.

Instead he inquired curtly, “Whom do you have in mind?”

Before Justin had a chance to answer, his mouth turned down. “Not one of your disreputable cronies, I hope!”

“I really haven’t given it much consideration,” Justin admitted. “But since you and Devon are here in the country...well, the Hall is a good place, don’t you think? Far from the prying eyes of Lon
don. We could introduce her to some of the local gentry, perhaps. We could say she’s a friend of Julianna’s. We’ll think of something.”

As long as she’s near
, came a taunt from somewhere deep in his mind,
she’ll tempt you
.

But with the temptation removed, so would the urges.

Sebastian didn’t want to think of it at all. The idea of Devon in another man’s arms—another man’s bed—made him want to swear and rage and tear someone apart.

He’d never before felt savage.

He did now.

“A small, informal supper the day after tomorrow,” he said. “Invite Evans and Mason and Westfield.”

Justin raised a quizzical brow. “Evans and Mason will suit, I suppose. But Westfield? He’s old enough to be her father!”

“He’s one of the wealthiest merchants in the county. Perhaps he’ll die and leave her his holdings.” Sebastian was only half jesting. “She can take care of herself then.”

Justin nodded his assent. “I’ll see to it in the morning.”

God, what a hypocrite he was!

Yet Justin was right. He couldn’t think of himself. It was Devon who was important. Her safety was paramount. Nothing else mattered.

There was a vile, bitter taste in his mouth. A black, gaping hole where his heart should have been.

Less than an hour had passed since Justin’s ar rival. Less than an hour since he’d held Devon in his arms. Less than an hour since shy, tremulous lips clung sweetly beneath his. Less than an hour since
he imagined what it would be like to make slow, burning love to her until dawn’s first light burnished the sky; to make her introduction to passion as ex quisitely delightful for her as he knew it would be for him. Of dragging out every last, lingering caress so it lasted until the sun and the stars and the night ex ploded, and the world was no more.

Sweet Christ, in those blissful seconds with her mouth warm and trembling beneath his, he’d even planned it.

But it would never happen. Not tonight. Not with him.

Not ever.

His head began to pound. An acrid bitterness seared his veins. He didn’t even hear as Justin bid him good night.

The night aged, the moon journeyed across the sky, and his mood grew blacker. Sebastian was not a man who drank to excess. He indulged his taste for spirits in moderation. The last time he’d been thor
oughly, rousingly foxed was during his early days at Oxford.

But that night, he followed his brother’s lead of the night before.

By dawn the brandy decanter was empty.

ustin and I have invited a few friends over to
morrow evening. I thought you might like to join us.” The announcement came at luncheon the next day, in such an offhand, careless manner that it took a moment for Devon to grasp his meaning.

But when she did, her heart surely stopped. Slowly she lowered her spoon to her saucer, the fin
gers of her other hand curling toward her palm.

Mutely questioning, she lifted her gaze to Sebastian’s face. The dazzling white of his cravat brought out the bronze in his skin.

Their eyes caught. She stared at him, with thud
ding heart and wavering breath. Was he saying what she thought he was?

“A very informal gathering. A bite to eat. A little conversation.” His smile was easy, his manner calm. Lightly he stroked her fingers.

Reassured, Devon felt her heart flutter, then soar.

He wanted her to meet some of his friends! The real
ization washed over her that this wasn’t like the din
ner party he’d held in London. Granted, he hadn’t made it a point of saying so then, but Devon had known that her presence was to remain secret from his guests. But this was different—there was no need to hide away on the balcony.

Wavering a thin line somewhere between elation and apprehension, she bit her lip. “They won’t think it’s odd I’m here?”

“We’ll say you dropped by for a few days, an un
expected visit to surprise Julianna. This isn’t Lon
don. The usual formalities needn’t be observed so strictly here.”

Devon nodded, her heart so full she could scarcely speak. Sebastian wanted to introduce her to his friends! He wasn’t ashamed of her.

When the next evening came, she rummaged through the armoire. Shortly after their arrival, Sebas
tian had sent a man back to London for her clothing; a trunk had arrived earlier that day. Now she impa
tiently discarded first one gown, then another. The process was repeated half a dozen times before she fi
nally settled on a dinner gown of jade watered silk, the most elegant of those Sebastian had had made.

Jane helped her bathe and dress that night. The girl was quiet and sweet, but Devon found herself wishing for Tansy. Tansy’s vivacious chatter would have calmed her jittery nerves.

At last Jane stepped back. Devon rose from the dressing table, her steps carrying her to the mirror in the corner. A swell of nervous anxiety lodged in her breast. She didn’t want to look. She was
afraid
to look.

But she couldn’t stand here forever either.

Jade green silk draped her form, floating in soft folds to the tops of her slippers. As was the fashion, the neckline dipped low; it clung to her breasts al
most lovingly. The cut was simple but elegant. The same gold satin ribbon cinched beneath her breasts also edged the hem and delicate, puffed sleeves. But Jane, it appeared, had quite a knack with dressing hair. She’d managed to tame Devon’s unruly mane, catching it at the back of her head and allowing a soft fluff of curls to spill over one shoulder.

But beyond her own image swirled another—her mind recalled the night of Sebastian’s dinner party in London. She saw anew the cluster of ladies sur
rounding him, clad in shimmering satin and lace, their hair adorned with feathers and fripperies, jew
els shining at their throats and ears, rings encircling their fingers.

Panic flooded her. A hand strayed to her mother’s necklace, catching the cross between her fingertips. She had no jewels, no trinkets, only this. Would Se
bastian think her a dowdy simpleton? She felt sud
denly ill-equipped and gauche.

“Miss,” came Jane’s voice from behind her, “oh, miss, I must say, the color of that gown was surely made for you! It reflects the bright little sparkles in your eyes—why, they’re jewel-bright! If you don’t mind my saying so, you look enchanting.” Jane clamped her hands together before her. “Miss, you’re a vision!”

Devon turned, impulsively catching the maid’s hands. “Oh, Jane, do you really think so?”

“I do,” came the enthusiastic affirmation. “I truly do!”

Devon reached out and gave her a heartfelt hug, her earlier misgivings banished. “Thanks to your ef
forts, Jane.”

With Jane’s praise ringing in her ears, she left the room.

Sebastian stood at the bottom of the stairs when she began her descent. He looked dark and striking, his big hands tucked idly in the pockets of his trousers. Justin was several paces behind him. She clung to the cool, carved wood of the handrail, her heart knocking wildly. Inside she was shaking, but determined not to show it. She wanted desperately to please him. She wanted to please him so much it hurt inside. She wanted him to see the same enchant
ing vision that Jane had. To hear him say she was beautiful...

Both men chanced to glance up at the same time.

Justin’s cigar dropped from his mouth. Devon bit back a laugh as he swore and scrambled to retrieve it.

Her gaze was riveted on Sebastian, and God help her, his on her! Everything else faded to oblivion. Every ounce of her being was focused on him, and she had the oddest sensation it was the same for him, for there lurked in the depths of his eyes a banked, simmering heat that made her knees weak and her pulse clamor wildly. A strange feeling settled in her middle.

Slowly she closed the distance between them. Three more steps. Two . . .

All the while, his searing gaze never left her, nor did he speak.

At last she halted before him. He said nothing. The corners of Devon’s lips curved upward.

“Well, sir, have you nothing to say?”

His gaze roved tenderly over her upturned features—and settled on her mouth.

His eyes were for her alone...and so were his next words.

“I can think of nothing except ...you steal my breath away.”

Softly he spoke, so softly she had to strain to hear...but Devon would never forget . . .

A tremendous rush of emotion swept through her, for those were the very words she’d spoken to him the night he’d carried her to her room after the pups’ birth. Something passed between them, something almost painfully sweet and darkly inti
mate. Joy spilled through her, lighting her very soul. Her throat clogged. She felt near to bursting with emotion, and for an instant, speech was wholly be
yond her capabilities. All she could do was smile tremulously.

An answering smile grazed his lips. Capturing her hand, he pressed a kiss to lace-covered fingertips.

Together they approached the drawing room. Justin was busy greeting the three gentleman who sat near the fire. A light supper had been set out on a table nearby.

The gravity of what she was about to do set in. She was about to play the part of a lady when she was anything
but
a lady.

“Stop,” she said.

Sebastian glanced inquiringly at her.

A tremor shook her. Cold, clammy fingers clutched at his elbow.

“Sebastian,” she said frantically, “what if they know who I am? What I am? That I’m a fraud? What if I do something I shouldn’t? What if I spill wine in
my lap or trip over my feet or use the wrong fork? I don’t want to shame you or embarrass you.”

Sebastian stopped short, glancing down into wide, amber eyes. He felt her insecurity with every fiber in his soul. But suddenly filling his mind’s eye was the way she’d looked just moments ago as she floated down the stairs.

He hadn’t moved. He couldn’t.

Nor could he drag his eyes from her as she came near. Young and enchanting, she was a far cry from the bedraggled, half-dead urchin he had carried in from the streets. Though she had been a beauty even then.

And now, that beauty shone brighter still.

But one thought filled Sebastian’s mind.

She could rival any of society’s beauties. She could
surpass
any of society’s beauties. It hit him with a staggering compulsion then. Why, it was almost as if she were born for this moment. Born
to
it.

But her wide, frightened eyes squeezed his very heart. And as her expression clearly gave testament to, all this was new to her. If she was unsure and un
easy, who could blame her?

A vile taste burned his throat, his very being. For one shattering instant Sebastian didn’t know whom he hated more—Justin for suggesting they marry her off, or himself for agreeing.

They should have told her, whispered a fleeting voice in the back of his mind. It wasn’t right that she didn’t know...But she would surely rebel. It was better this way, for there would be time enough later...

He was suddenly filled with a scathing self-derision. Christ! he thought disgustedly. Who the
hell did he and Justin think they were? Pretending to save her indeed...

Her first appearance to test her newfound skills and he was throwing her to the wolves.

No wonder he felt like a beast.

His feelings were swiftly masked. “You won’t,” he vowed, and smothered her fingers with his. He gave her no chance to argue or falter, but steered her into the drawing room toward his guests.

And she didn’t. She walked into the room, her spine straight, her head held high.

“Gentleman, I should like you to meet Miss Devon St. James, an old friend of my sister’s. Miss St. James dropped by to visit dear Julianna, but alas, Julianna is still traveling on the Continent. Nonetheless, I hope you’ll join me in welcoming her this evening to Thurston Hall.”

At the sight of her, the three gentleman aligned on the sofa popped up like well-oiled springs. Just as he’d known they would, Sebastian decided grimly, the pack swarmed...

Mason, a decent-looking chap Sebastian had never disliked until this moment, had already seized her hand and was carrying it to his lips—on the very spot he’d already claimed as his.

“Miss St. James, our local banker, Mr. Mason.”

“Mr. Mason, I’m delighted.”

He moved on to Evans, who executed a smart bow. “Should you ever find yourself in need of a solicitor, I daresay Mr. Evans will do a fine job.”

“Charmed, I’m sure, Mr. Evans.” Devon smiled up at him.

Westfield jumped into the act. “James Westfield, Miss St. James.” He smoothed the gray hairs back
from his temple. “How are you liking our country side?”

Devon laughed. “It’s quite delightful after the sti
fling air of London.”

Their eyes caught. Sebastian had but one thought: He’d never been so proud of her.

He’d never despised himself more.

For with every second, with every word, her confi
dence bloomed. She was like a fragile blossom come newly into the world and reveling in warmth and sunshine. She laughed. She chatted.

It went off perfectly.

For Sebastian, the evening lasted an eternity. Evans, Mason, and Westfield stayed far longer than he would have liked. Devon retired not long after they departed. Before her cheery good night, she glowingly pronounced it a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Left alone in the drawing room, the two brothers were steaming. Justin crossed his arms over his chest and turned to Sebastian, his lips tight.