The Chaperon's Seduction(30)

Fullingham was undecided and angry at the interruption. Even in the darkness Richard could see his hands clenching into fists and he said softly, ‘Pray do not even consider it, Henry. I should hate to have to mill you down, especially in front of a lady.’

For a tense moment he thought the fellow would not heed him, then with a curt nod he lounged away, leaving Richard alone with Ellen Tatham. He spoke quickly to reassure her.

‘No need to worry about me, Miss Tatham. I have no designs upon you.’

‘No, I didn’t think you had,’ she said unexpectedly. ‘Thank you for coming to my aid, sir.’

‘You are very welcome. We had best get you back to the ballroom.’ He followed her through the gap in the bushes and they set off together towards the house.

‘I suppose you think I am very foolish, to put myself in such a situation.’

‘I admit I was surprised at you, Miss Tatham.’

‘It was just that I was being pursued around the ballroom by Mr Tesford, and when Mr Fullingham suggested we step out on to the terrace I thought it would not do any harm, and in any case I was very warm. Then he took my fan—playfully, you see—but he dropped it over the balcony, and we had to go and retrieve it.’ She gave a little huff of exasperation. ‘I see now that it was all a ruse to get me away from everyone, and I never thought I should fall for such a thing—’

‘Do not upset yourself over it, my dear. You are not the first to make such a mistake and you will not be the last.’

‘It was very fortunate that you should come along when you did.’ She glanced up at him. ‘Can I count you my friend, Mr Arrandale?’

‘Why, yes, I suppose so.’

‘Good. Then I shall call you Richard and you may call me Ellen.’

‘I do not think that is appropriate,’ he replied, startled. ‘I doubt if Lady Phyllida would approve.’

‘I do not see why she should object. You are Lady Hune’s great-nephew, after all, and I know Philly likes you.’

Richard stopped.

‘Miss Tatham,’ he said gravely, ‘my reputation is such that Lady Phyllida might not consider me a suitable friend for you.’

‘Oh, stuff. Most of it is nothing but gossip, I am sure.’

‘I regret that it is not merely gossip. Most of it is all too true.’

‘You mean you really are a dangerous rake?’

The awe in her voice made him laugh in spite of himself.

‘I was,’ he told her, adding lightly, ‘I have decided to reform.’

‘I knew it,’ she said triumphantly. She slipped her arm through his and gave him a little tug. ‘Come along. We must get back to the ballroom before we are missed.’

Richard was thankful that there was no one in sight as they made their way along the lamp-strewn path to the house, where the sounds of the orchestra could be clearly heard from the open windows. When they reached the steps leading to the terrace Ellen stopped.

‘I must look terrible, having been, been mauled by that man.’

‘You have escaped remarkably lightly,’ he said, looking her over critically. ‘Your hair is no more untidy than it would be from energetic dancing.’

She put her hands on her shoulders.

‘But he grabbed at my gown and I think the tie at the back is undone.’

Richard was sufficiently experienced to know she was not being coquettish, but what surprised him was that he felt nothing but a mild exasperation with the chit as she tried to reach around herself.

‘Here, let me.’

He turned her about and quickly began to fasten the ribbons. Egad, he must be growing old, he felt positively avuncular.



Phyllida’s head was pounding. She was constantly being drawn into conversation when all she wanted to do was think of Richard Arrandale. He caused such a tumult of new and exciting emotions within her that she felt quite confused by it all. She must take care, of course. She still had Ellen to look after and must do nothing that would reflect badly upon her, but surely there could be no harm in allowing Richard to call. To be her friend. The thought was comforting. She had not realised how alone she felt. And he was so well acquainted with the world, he might even be persuaded to advise her, where Ellen was concerned. No, no, she must not assume too much. It was all speculation, he had said nothing to warrant this glow of happiness she felt, but it had been implied in his every look.

With a smile and a murmured, ‘Excuse me...’ Phyllida moved away from her friends. The music was loud and merry, the noise in the room growing quite raucous, and she wished there was some empty room where she could be alone for a little while and collect her thoughts. Impossible, of course, but there was the garden. She had glimpsed the coloured lamps through the windows, they winked and beckoned to her, inviting her to slip outside. She would do so, just for a few moments.

She stepped out through the nearest window, closing her eyes as the cool air caressed her cheek. Sheer bliss after the stuffy heat of the ballroom. She would not go too far, merely take a short stroll around the lawn. A set of shallow steps led down from the centre of the terrace and it took her but a moment to reach them.

It took her even less time to see who was standing at the bottom of the steps, and to destroy all her happiness.





Chapter Ten

Phyllida took in the scene in an instant. Ellen, her cheeks flushed, hair tousled and Richard standing behind her, fastening her gown. There could be no mistaking what had been going on. While she had been wrapped in a euphoric dream, the rake had been ravishing her stepdaughter.

‘How dare you?’

The words were inadequate, but they had an effect.

‘Philly!’ Ellen looked up guiltily, but Phyllida’s eyes were fixed on Richard.

‘Go inside, Ellen.’

‘Philly, it is not as it seems—’

Phyllida cut her off.

‘Do as I say, if you please. Immediately.’

If anything was needed to fuel Phyllida’s rage it was the look Ellen cast up at Richard, as if needing his approval before she would leave. He gave a little nod and Ellen hurried away into the ballroom. Pain sliced into Phyllida like a dagger. Was the girl already under his spell?

‘I know it is not an original line, but it is not as it seems.’ Richard was coming up the steps towards her. ‘I found Miss Tatham in the gardens, fending off an admirer and I brought her back.’

‘You expect me to believe that?’

‘As a matter of fact I do. Phyllida—’

She stepped back quickly as he reached for her.

‘I am not that gullible.’ She almost spat out the words as her frail, barely acknowledged hopes shattered and pierced her heart.

He shrugged, feigning indifference but she saw by the tightening of his mouth that he was angry.

‘It is the truth and Miss Tatham will confirm it.’ He continued, observing her hesitation. ‘You are very ready to jump to the wrong conclusion, Phyllida. I thought you knew me better than that.’

‘I know you for a charming snake,’ she flashed. ‘I have no doubt that you, too, are a party to this wager, this vile plan to deflower my stepdaughter.’

She watched him carefully, hoping he knew nothing of the wager, that he would disclaim any involvement. Instead she saw the damning understanding in his eyes. The disappointment only fuelled her anger and she wanted to hurt him, as she was hurting.

‘But of course you are. What else would one expect of an Arrandale?’

His hands clenched. He gave her one last angry look from narrowed eyes and strode past her into the ballroom.



Phyllida pressed one hand to her mouth, as if to force back the tears. Deep breaths, one, then another. And again. She must go back indoors as calm and serene as she had come out. At least she must appear so. It had all been a lie. Every look, every smile he had bestowed upon her, had been designed to gain her trust, to allow him to get closer to Ellen.

And what did you expect? You were never interesting enough to attract a suitor when you came out, why should that change now, when you do not even have youth on your side?

She could almost hear Olivia saying the words in her blunt, matter-of-fact manner. What a fool she had been! Another steadying breath, a moment to gather her courage and she stepped through the long windows into the light, noise and stifling heat of the ballroom. Ellen was hovering close by and immediately pounced upon her.

‘Philly, I am very sorry,’ she said contritely. ‘It was very foolish of me, I know, and it will not happen again.’ She touched Phyllida’s arm. ‘Did Mr Arrandale tell you what happened?’

‘We will not discuss it now, if you please.’ The music had stopped but the crowded room rang with laughter and bustling movement. Phyllida looked around her, thankful that there was no one near enough to hear them. Ellen caught her arm.

‘Have you fallen out with him? You should not, you know, he was most gallant.’

‘I have said we will not discuss it.’

‘But we must.’ Ellen drew her further into the empty corner. ‘Mr Naismith was following me around like a lost puppy, and Mr Tesford was also shadowing me in the most tiresome fashion, so I stepped outside with Henry Fullingham, only he proved to be a toad, until Mr Arrandale rescued me from him—’

Phyllida stopped her.

‘Do you mean all these gentlemen were importuning you?’