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“If that is true, you’d best square with it, for there is much more to come this evening.” With a grin that bordered on the cheeky, he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “We are heading to Vauxhall Gardens for a light dinner, see what entertainment there is to be had, and perhaps watch the fireworks.”
“It sounds lovely.” And much better suited than stepping into a ballroom knowing everyone within would shun her. “Though Deborah will be sorely disappointed there won’t be dancing.”
“That can be arranged,” he said in a low voice as they descended the stairs. “As can other, more wicked endeavors.”
The heat in her cheeks intensified. “She is quite concerned that we kiss.”
Percival paused in the middle of the staircase. He tugged her close and then brushed his lips over hers in a barely there kiss. “That will have to suffice until later.”
It was certainly enough to make her knees weak. So much so that she gripped his arm tighter as they continued down the stairs. Once he’d made the decision to try for a proper marriage, he didn’t do things by half.
An hour later, she strolled beside him. The air still clung to the warmth of the day. Music wafted to her ears. Gay laughter and excited chatter punctuated the notes. Entertainment acts popped up along the pathways: jugglers, acrobats, pantomimes, illusionists. Here and there, Percival would buy foods and snacks from vendor’s carts, and she was treated to a multitude of lovely things like roasted nuts, sweet buns, or savory hand pies.
Though Vauxhall contained a couple of taverns, Percival steered clear of them. He might have glanced at the patrons moving in and out of the doors with longing, but he made no move to attend that crowd. For that, she had never been more proud, for the willpower he must exercise to remain strong was impressive.
There was even a stall that sold flavored ices similar to the ones at the lauded Gunter’s in Rotten Row. When she’d indicated an interest, Percival immediately procured one stained red with sweetened pomegranate and lemon juices. The tartness danced upon her tongue and the cold ice shavings were most welcome. She even shared the confection with him, and there was something both intimate and lovely about spoon-feeding her husband while in public. With every bite and grin, she couldn’t keep her gaze from his mouth, and soon the only thing she could think about was kissing the man.
Surely it was scandalous the way she felt about the earl. Yes, her body burned for his touch, his possession again, but those sensations went deeper. In him she’d found a companion she wished to walk beside for the rest of her life, a man with whom she could grow old and perhaps enjoy a family with if they were to be blessed with children. A respectable life after years of living in the shadows regardless of bloodlines.
He leaned close as he took the empty glass from her hand. “If you continue to look at me like that, Countess, we might have the next scandal in the making right here.”
“How am I looking at you?” Oh, but she knew. Of course she did, for she wouldn’t deny how she felt.
“Like you want nothing more than to devour me.” The warmth of his breath skated over her cheek. “Give me enough time to lead you into one of the walkways plunged in shadow and you just might get your wish.”
Tingles fell down her spine while awareness raced over her skin. “Is that a threat or a promise, Laughton?”
“We’ll find out together.” He temporarily left her side to return the glass and spoon, but when he returned, he slipped an arm about her waist and held her close to his side. “I rather think it’s time to usher in the wicked portion of our evening.”
Lavinia smiled as she clung to his arm. “I thought you wanted to watch the fireworks?” She didn’t mind as long as he was with her.
“No matter what happens this evening, there will definitely be fireworks.”
Oh, yes, he was entirely too charming for his own good. If she wasn’t already halfway enamored with him, she would be after this night. And there was no sin or scandal in being with him, for they were married. The difference between the lives she’d lived was startling. If her mother hadn’t been her father’s mistress, would she have gone down a whole other path? Would she even now have been some other man’s wife, made a strategic and proper match to strengthen connections and fill coffers? At least with Percival, there was a certain amount of freedom, for he had denied her nothing.
“Promises, promises,” she said with a lilt in her voice and a smile that she couldn’t quite dampen.
“Oh, by the by, we have one invitation that hasn’t been revoked.”
“We do? I was certain I’d looked through everything that had arrived recently.” Knots of worry pulled in her belly at the thought of being put on display at a society event so shortly after the disaster of the first one.
“This one is from Lord Saintfort. He’s decided to throw an honest to goodness ball.”
“Whatever for? He’s hardly celebrating.”
“Au contraire mon cheri.” Percival glanced at her with deviltry in his eyes while she gawked at him for the endearment that meant “my darling” in French. “It seems Saintfort has become engaged.”
“Oh?” Surprise lifted her eyebrows.
“Indeed. I heard the news bandied about during a break at the House of Lords. He is now betrothed to the daughter of a baronet who has apparently sent him tip over tail. Thus, the celebration.” He shook his head. “It’s a shock to be sure. I never thought Saintfort would allow himself to tumble into parson’s mousetrap, and with a woman to boot, but the rumor mill says he’s quite happy and content to do so.”
“She must be an heiress.” The little she knew of the man, the attraction of coin would pull his interest more than a pretty face.
Percival snorted. “Doubtful. He has enough blunt. Yes, he adores pretending his coffers aren’t full; it gains him more sympathy from both ladies and gentlemen, and perhaps luck at the tables, but he’s done smart investing and is handy at the gaming.” He winked at her. “That’s why I think it’s a love match.”
“Even if he still prefers the company of men?”
He shrugged. “Who can say? Perhaps he is reformed?”
