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“I may not be like him, but we share the same blood. I will not risk history repeating itself through me.”
“And what if you met a woman you could truly love? Would you not resent being bound to me?”
A grim smile twisted his lips. “It’ll never happen, Melly. I simply haven’t the heart for romance. You of all people know that.”
“I guess we’re both too pragmatic for sentimentality,” she replied softly, thinking of her own parents’ imperfect marriage. The clock on the mantelpiece caught her eye. “It’s getting late. We’d best return.”
“Indeed. Before we, too, provide grist for the gossip mill. I’ll see to the arrangements we discussed. And I’ll draw from my own accounts to pay for it,” he added. “The less of a trail you leave behind you the better. You can pay me back later.”
He turned to leave, but before he could open the door, Mélisande interrupted.
“David?”
“What now?”
She paused awkwardly. “We’ve been friends for as long as I can remember, and I want you to know I’m very glad for it. Thank you. For everything.”
He smiled, a genuine smile with no hint of mockery or cynicism lurking beneath it. “Again, what I’m doing shouldn’t in any way warrant your gratitude, Melly. If I wasn’t already marked for hell’s flames, I soon will be, for I’m as good as handing you straight to the devil. All the same, I’m glad for your friendship, as well. We’re a terrible pair, aren’t we?”
OH, WHAT A TANGLED WEB
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“MELLY!” ALESSANDRO EXCLAIMED, stepping forward to greet her. As anticipated, everyone in earshot turned. Naturally, they would expect such familiarity from her contemporaries, but not from a newcomer like him.
Disengaging herself from her escort, Mélisande’s gaze slid over to the young woman whose side he’d just left. “You’ve acquired another admirer, I see,” she murmured as he kissed her hand.
Though her tone was amused, he knew better than to leave any room for doubt. “A new ally in a good cause,” he whispered for her ears alone, giving her fingers a reassuring squeeze before releasing her. “Ah, Pelham, I was wondering if you might be interested in a round of primero tonight? I’m told you’re an excellent player.”
“I’d be delighted, but I’m afraid I have other obligations this evening. Perhaps later this week?” answered Pelham.
That certainly raised a few eyebrows, Alessandro noted. “I shall look forward to it,” he replied.
“Perhaps Melly might like to join us,” Pelham added, turning to her. “It’s been a while since we played. We can invite Stanton and Charlotte, too.”
“What a wonderful idea,” Mélisande exclaimed. “I’m having a little party this Thursday evening, and I’m certain we can manage to squeeze in a round or two beforehand if you come early. It’s been far too long since I gave you a good drubbing.”
“I shall prepare my last will and testament,” muttered Pelham.
“I’m not that good!” laughed Mélisande.
Pelham snorted. “Woe to the man who believes it. He’ll soon find himself destitute.”
“Let us hope she at least lets us depart with our dignity intact, if not our purses,” Alessandro chimed in, shooting her a teasing glance.
A small sound at his elbow told him that Miss Doulton had at last gathered her courage. “Ah, but I am remiss in my manners!” he said, turning. “My friends, allow me to introduce Miss Olivia Doulton, an acquaintance of our own Mr. Stanton. Miss Doulton, this is Lady Wilmington and Lord Pelham.”
Looking to Mélisande, he waited. Familiarity with a woman of Mélisande’s rank would be a high mark in Miss Doulton’s favor and greatly increase her chances of finding a moneyed husband. A girl of her means was unlikely to get another opportunity like this, and gratitude, he’d found, was a highly useful tool.
“I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance, my lady,” Miss Doulton said, curtsying.
“Please—call me Melly.”
“Miss Doulton was just asking me about the waltz,” Alessandro continued. “She is quite interested in learning it. I told her you might be willing to share the name of your instructor.”
“Indeed yes,” Mélisande answered, seeming to catch on. “Perhaps you’d like to come to tea Thursday and we can discuss it?”
The girl beamed. “Why, thank you. I accept your gracious invitation.”
