There is no great rush, Vicky. I can
wait to collect."
She bit her lip.
But you do intend to
collect?"
Lucas opened his eyes and looked at
Victoria.
Oh yes, my dear," he said,
you
may be certain of that."
Lucas plucked a glass of champagne
off a passing tray and turned to greet
Jessica Atherton, who was making her
way determinedly toward him through the
glittering crowd. She looked as lovely as
always in her ball gown of blush rose, and
her hair was fashionably ornamented with
two combs studded with rubies.
But the expression on Jessica's face was
that of a woman on a holy mission. It
occurred to Lucas that more and more he
was beginning to notice a certain pinched
look about the woman he had once loved
and lost.
What he had once interpreted as an
expression of becoming modesty now
seemed to border on perpetual disapproval.
And there was something about her eyes
that bothered him, something eternally
distant and sadly aloof, as if she had
looked out at the world and found that
it did not live up to her high standards
and never would.
Lucas contemplated his problem with
the look in Jessica's eyes for the three or
four minutes it took her to reach him. Just
as she arrived at his side he finally realized
exactly what it was about her that bothered
him now. There was no fire in her, he
thought suddenly, only the uncomfortable
chill of angelic righteousness and a touch
of female martyrdom. Thank God he
did not have to look forward to getting
into bed beside this untouchable, ethereal
creature tonight or any other night.
It occurred to Lucas that during the
brief time he had been engaged in
the unconventional wooing of Victoria
Huntington, he had become addicted
to fire.
Dearest Lucas, I have been anxiously
waiting for you to arrive." Jessica smiled
achingly up at him as if she had been afraid
he had dropped off the earth sometime
during the past few days.
Is everything
going well with you?"
Very well, thank you, Jessica." Lucas
took the smallest of sips from his champagne
and scanned the crowd for Victoria.
Jessica lowered her voice in a melodramatic
fashion.
I have been extremely
concerned to know if our plans were
proceeding smoothly. There has been
some gossip, nothing substantial, you
understand."
Lucas did not like the way she said our
plans, as if Jessica were somehow intimately
involved in this courtship. But he could
hardly deny that she had set the entire
business in motion. If it had not been for
Jessica, he might never have met Victoria.
What sort of gossip are you talking about
Jessica?"
Simply that you are seen frequently with
Miss Huntington at parties and soirees and
that you have ridden together more than
once in the park. It is one thing to attend
lectures and such events with her in the
company of her aunt, but quite another
to meet Miss Huntington in the park. I
must ask if all this is leading up to our
desired goal, Lucas."
Lucas set his back teeth at the way
Jessica had used the word
our" again.
Kindly refrain from worrying about me.
I am quite satisfied with the status of my
association with Miss Huntington."
Really, Lucas, you needn't act so
churlish. I am only concerned for your
success in this important matter of marry
ing an heiress. I know it is required of you
and I am doing my best to assist you. There
is still Miss Pilkington, you know."
Lucas stifled an oath and tried to appear
properly grateful.
Thank you, Jessica. I
appreciate your efforts. You have been
most helpful."
She was somewhat mollified.
It is the
least I could do in view of our past
connection. I do hope you realize that I
shall always think fondly of you, Lucas."
Fondness was about the limit of whatever
affection Jessica Atherton would ever feel
for anyone, Lucas decided. No heat in her
at all.
He smiled to himself as he finally caught
sight of Victoria on the far side of the room.
She was in animated conversation with
her friend Annabella Lyndwood. When
Victoria fell in love, she was going to
burn like wildfire, he decided.
As if she sensed his gaze on her,
Victoria looked up and saw him. She
said something to Annabella and started
through the crowd.
Lucas studied her as she moved toward
him. Her height as well as the egg
yolk yellow silk gown made it easy to
follow her progress. She looked vivid,
regal, and almost unbearably provocative
tonight. The gown was cut much too low
again, of course. All her gowns seemed to
be cut too low. This one made him long to
grab her, take her out into the gardens, and
pull the small bodice straight down to her
waist. Her breasts were a constant source
of delight to him; high, softly curved, and
perfectly suited to the palm of his hand.
As she moved toward him, pausing
politely to chat with friends en route, he
remembered the hot, slick feel of her on
his fingers the other night in the carriage.
His body tightened just at the thought.
Capturing his heiress was proving to be
a very taxing business.
He was getting damned tired of denying
himself what lately he had sensed Victoria
was more and more eager to offer.
But with this particular female, strategy
was everything and Lucas had plotted
very carefully even as she had shivered
in his arms with her first feminine climax.
Forcing himself to think in strategic terms
had been the only way to keep a tight
rein on his own raging desire. Lucas did
not think he could endure too many such
experiments," however.
He grinned a little when he saw Victoria
pause in the crowd to cast a critical,
assessing eye on Jessica Atherton. Then
he watched her paste a very engaging
smile on her lips and continue forward.
Beside him, Jessica continued talking in
confidential tones.
You know, Lucas, I have had a few
second thoughts about Victoria's suitability.
It is true that her social connections are
excellent and she does have a sizable
inheritance, but I am not at all certain
you would find her easy to manage."
Don't fret, Jessica. I believe I can
manage Miss Huntington." Lucas inclined
his head toward Victoria as she closed
the distance between them and continued
smoothly,
Good evening, Miss Huntington.
What a coincidence running into you
here at the Ridleys." Is your aunt with
you?" Beside him, he felt Jessica stiffen
and close her mouth instantly.
Yes, of course," said Victoria.
I left
her talking to Lady Ridley. Good evening,
Jessica. What a charming gown. I trust you
are well?"
Jessica turned around quickly and smiled
with a determined graciousness.
Very well,
thank you, and yourself?"
I have been slightly indisposed for the
past day or two," Victoria said with a
warning glint in her eye as she slid a
quick glance at Lucas.
I am so sorry to hear that," Jessica
said.
Oh,
tis nothing significant, mind you,
merely a small problem with my digestion.
I fear my appetite is often affected by my
mood and I confess I have been in a rather
ill humor lately. Do you have the same
reaction to ill humors, Jessica?"
As a matter of fact, I do. It is not at
all uncommon for me to lose my appetite
completely when I am in distress. I am
often a victim of the headache, too," Jessica
agreed.
Precisely. You are always so under
standing, Jessica. So perceptive. Unlike
some people." Victoria smiled pointedly
at Lucas.
Lucas managed to pretend he noticed
nothing amiss.
I hope you are feeling
better, Miss Huntington."
Oh, I will feel infinitely better just
as soon as I have occasion to settle a
small matter that has been plaguing me
recently."
I know what you mean," Jessica put
in helpfully.
One's digestion is often
improved when one's peace of mind is
restored."
How very true." Victoria's smile would
have out-shone the sun. She aimed it
straight at Lucas.
Lord stone vale, I was
wondering if I might have a word with
you?"
I am at your service, of course. Miss
Huntington." But he made no move to
escort her out of Jessica's hearing. Instead
he placidly took another minuscule sip of
champagne.
What is it you wished to
speak to me about?"
Victoria cleared her throat meaningfully
and glanced at Jessica.
A small matter,
my lord. It concerns a forthcoming lecture.
You know how interested you are in
lectures."
It depends. Is this lecture of a scientific
nature?"
Definitely. I believe it might be described as
a matter of intellectual inquiry."
Then I am naturally interested to learn
more." He drew his watch from his pocket.
Unfortunately, however, I have promised
to meet a friend at my club and I fear I
am late. Please tell your aunt that I am
always happy to receive invitations to her
society's lectures and shall look forward to
this one, whatever it is. If you will excuse
me, Miss Huntington? Lady Atherton?"