The audience was still gasping over that one when Diego motioned to his assistant, who brought out a waist-high pedestal and set upon it a candelabra with three
candles. Diego picked up another candelabra, which he displayed to the audience. For this next trick, I will need a volunteer.
Several female hands shot up, but he ignored them, fixing his gaze on someone to Lucys left. Lord Hunmouth, if you would be so kind?
Lucy pivoted to see Peters reaction, not surprised to see him stiffen with outragenot only at Diegos deliberate slaughtering of his title, but also at being singled out for such an undignified role. It was all Lucy could do to suppress her laughter as Peter hesitated while others near him prodded him to go on.
Then again, Diego went on with deceptive nonchalance, I cannot blame you for not wishing to face a man with a pistol. Is there someone else who
Nonsense. The implication of cowardice made Peter rise. Im perfectly happy to help.
As Peter strolled up, Lucy saw Diegos satisfied smile and swallowed hard. He was planning something that didnt bode well for Peter.
Why did those two despise each other? Could it really be just because of her?
That seemed unlikely, yet shed swear Diego had never met Peter until today. Diego could have no reason for disliking the earl except jealousy. Over her. The very thought sent a thrill through her.
Once Peter was onstage, Diego went through the usual routine of having him check the articlesthe pistol, the candelabras, the pedestalto be sure they were in order. Then he directed Peter to stand three feet away from the pedestal. Handing the earl the second candelabra, he
moved the mans arms until the candles were positioned in a line with the others.
Now, my lord, I hope you have a steady hand. Diego strode back to the pedestal and lit the three candles on the candelabra. Because I mean to transfer the flames on these candles to your candles with one pistol shot. And it will only work if you keep the candles perfectly aligned and do not move a muscle.
As it dawned on Peter that Diego meant to shoot in his general direction, the alarm spreading over his features was priceless. Lucy bit down hard on her lip to keep from laughing, though no one else seemed to have such restraint. And when a red flush of embarrassment stained Peters pale cheeks, Lucy could have kissed Diego right there in front of everyone.
She couldnt have thought of a betteror more publichumiliation. It almost made up for Peters pompous remarks about wanting to be her friend. As if he hadnt already given up the right to that by insulting her.
Diego called the dukes friend Lord Stoneville up to the stage to load the pistol, which only made everything worse, since it implied that Diego would be using a real ball, not a trick one. Peters eyes widened, and his body stiffened until he looked like a rabbit cornered by a fox.
By the time Diego took his position, sighting down the barrel at the line of candle flames and empty wicks, Peters candelabra had begun to shake uncontrollably. Lucy could almost feel sorry for him.
Almost.
Steady, man, steady, Diego said with a decidedly devilish glint in his eye. Wouldnt want to clip you instead of the candles.
Diego continued to sight and aim and adjust his position. To anyone else, it probably seemed as if he were merely drawing out the suspense, but Lucy recognized the dark pleasure shining on his face. He was reveling in Peters fear. It was really too awful of him, but she couldnt blame him when she remembered Peters nasty remarks about his abilities.
At last, a shot sounded. The first three candles were extinguished; the second three caught fire. And Peter looked as if he might actually faint.
Diego, however, looked intensely satisfied. As the applause sounded, he bowed to the audience and said, Please give another round for my accommodating
friend.
Lucy stifled a smile. It was clear from Peters face that hed caught Diegos sarcasm. As the audience applauded again, Peter headed for the stage steps, pausing to shoot Diego a venomous glance. Diegos chilly nod made Lucy shiver.
Good Lord. She would have to keep an eye on those two. She couldnt have the wonderfully successful charity breakfast end in a brawl. Or worse.
For my final trick, I require the assistance of Miss Seton. Seńorita? Will you please come to the stage?
Nervous at what he had up his sleeve now, Lucy rose and joined him onstage amid enthusiastic applause.
With a wicked smile, Diego doffed his hat. Here we have an ordinary hat. Is that not correct, Miss Seton?
Lucy checked the hat and agreed that it was indeed a plain top hat.
He took it from her. Now, if you will be so good as to give me one of your lovely earbobs.
She did so. He placed it in the hat, passed a handkerchief over it, and whisked away the handkerchief to reveal
that the hat was empty. The trick seemed rather humdrum considering his earlier effects, but the audience clapped politely.
Lets see if we can restore Miss Setons property. Again, he covered the hat, but this time when he whisked the handkerchief away, he held the hat out to Lucy. Miss Seton, your earbob.
She reached into the hat but instead of her jewelry found a handful of ten-pound notes. When she pulled them out in bewilderment, the audience clapped.
Diego feigned deep concern.
Dios mio,
I knew I should not have bought one of your English hats. It lacks all magic.
Everyone laughed.
He peered into the hat and knocked it on his thigh. That should do it. If you will hold those notes, seńorita, I will see if I can produce your earbob this time.
He tried again. And again, each time varying his patter and producing more bank notes to increased laughter and applause from the audience. After the fourth miraculous appearance of ten-pound notes, he gazed hard at the pile in her hand and said, Ah, I see the problem. Your earbob is in hiding.
Plucking a note from her hand, he crumpled it up, then opened his hand to reveal her earbob. As the audience applauded wildly, he handed it to her.
Then he gestured to the pile of notes in her hand. Please accept these as my own donation to your cause, he announced with a bow.
She gaped at him, then stared down at the notes. But sir, there must be more than two hundred pounds here.
He nodded. For your fund.
She waited until the audience finished applauding, then said tartly, But
which
fund?
Eyes gleaming, he said, Whichever you feel is more worthy. He turned to the audience. And now it is your turn. You must not leave Miss Setons donation to languish alone. If you enjoyed the performance, do be generous!
The duchess swept onto the stage. Ladies and gentlemen, Diego Javier Montalvo, Master of Mystery!
Amid thunderous applause, he gave a bow, offered Lucy his arm, and led her off the stage. At the bottom, he released her arm and bent close to whisper, Remember, Lucy. You owe me a waltz.
Then the press swamped him.
For a moment, she watched, her heart thundering in her chest, as Diego handled the press with expert ease. A waltz? She owed him that and more. A quick glance at the donation bowls showed that each already contained more money than the total generally raised at these affairs. Though the two funds were filling equally, his two hundred pounds would probably tip the balance in favor of the one to buy Rockhurst. And the duke and duchess would match it.
How astonishing. Why had he done this? Why risk his own plans for Rockhurst to come here and perform for them? Surely it wasnt just because of her. She dared not believe that. No matter how clever and handsome and amazing he seemed, this was but an interlude to him.
Or was it? After all, if he did buy Rockhurst, and he did settle next door to the school
Best not to dream such things. Besides, if he stayed, it meant the ruin of the school, and she didnt want that, either.
With a sigh, she headed for the back of the room, where the ladies were busy emptying the bowls while the guests headed out to dine at tables in the gardens. She helped tally the funds as the footmen cleared the chairs in the ballroom and Diego finished dealing with the press.
Half an hour passed before she could get away, but when she exited onto a terrace on the side of the house away from the gardens, a man slunk out of the shadows, startling her.
Peter! She glanced nervously around, not the least pleased to see that they were alone. Why arent you eating with the other guests?
The ugly look on his face struck a chill to her bones. Juliana and I are leaving. Shes waiting for me in the carriage with her maid. He stalked toward her, his face a mottled red. But I had to talk to you first, to tell you I will never forgive you for sending Montalvo to humiliate me before my fiancée.
What? I did not
I knew you were angry about me and Juliana. He approached so close she could smell the brandy on his breath. You never did understand the requirements of rank, that a man has to do certain things because of his position.
Odd how you forgot all that when you called me your one true love.
His face darkened. Things may have changed between us, but I still care about you. If you think Ill stand by while that bastard Montalvo tries to worm his way into your good graces by making fools of your old friends
Friends? she spat, trying not to be alarmed by his drunken anger. You havent been a friend to me in a year
or more, Peter. You know nothing about me. Im beginning to realize you never did. So go back to your fiancée.
She turned to walk off, but Peter grabbed her by the arm and jerked her up next to him. I dont love Juliana, you know, he murmured in her ear. But with this title came an estate I can ill afford, and she has the wherewithal to maintain it. Youre the one I lovethe only one. Youre the one I want.
How long had she waited to hear those words again? And now that she had, all she wanted was to slap him. Bad enough to think hed fallen out of love with her, but that hed loved her and chosen someone else because of money? And then tried to make her think it was because of her own flaws?
How had she never noticed that Peter had lost his honor and his character somewhere on the Grand Tour? Or that he seemed to think she should take his excuses as a reason for letting him do as he pleased with her?
Well,
I
dont want
you.
She swung at him with her ineffectual reticule as she struggled to free her arm from his grip.
He shoved her against the wall so hard he knocked the breath from her. You wanted me a week ago, he growled as he trapped her with his body. You wanted me well enough to ask my intentions, like the bold flirt that you are. Whats happened since then? Decided to taste a bit of the exotic? Does your father know youre consorting with that dirty Spaniard?
Im doing no such thing! She pushed against his shoulders in a panic. Peter was stronger than she remembered, especially with some liquid courage inside him.
Pinning her hands against the wall, he flattened himself against her, making it impossible for her to move. Do you really think a man like that has honorable intentions? A man who discards women when hes done with them?
She writhed against him, now truly alarmed. Get off of me, Peter! she cried, praying someone would hear. But how could they, with all the noise?
Or what? Youll tell your new friend to humiliate me? Dont worryhell never get that chance again. Ill see him dead first. But not before I remind you how you feel about me. He shoved his mouth against hers so hard she couldnt breathe, and she feared he might actually try to violate her.
Suddenly, he was yanked bodily from her and thrown to the floor of the terrace.
As Peter scrambled to his feet, Diego faced him down, balling his hands into fists. You
maldito Inglés!
How dare you assault a respectable woman! Have you no shame?
I wasnt assaulting her! She wanted me to kiss her, didnt you, Lucy?
Sí, sí,
thats why you had to hold her by force! A string of Spanish curses left his lips. Then he cast her a concerned glance. Are you all right?
She could only nod, still shaken.
Without warning, Peter threw a punch at Diego, catching him so hard that he split Diegos lip. As blood dripped down his chin onto his cravat, Diego struck back: one swift blow to the belly, then another to the jaw.
It laid Peter out cold.
ďťż
Chapter Ten
Dear Cousin,
That is all you can tell me about Mr. Pritchard: Do not trust him? I know the man has a sly manner, but I would appreciate more concrete evidence of
why
I should not trust him. You are as impenetrable as our neighbor, the Master of Mystery. It is most frustrating.
Your annoyed correspondent,
Charlotte
H
is blood roaring in his ears, Diego stood over the prone Hunforth with fists clenched. Just the memory of the bastard pinning Lucy to the wall made a red haze fill his vision. Get up, you damned English ass! Diego kicked him in the ribs. Let us see how well you do when you fight fair!
Stop that! Lucy grabbed him by the arm. I will not have you two brawling at the duchesss party like animals. Hes out cold, so leave him be.
He deserves to be thrashed