The Rakehell Regency(302)

Once the meal was over, they retired for coffee. In most households, the men would have retired for port and cigars, but the Duke did not indulge in either habit. He also believed that any conversation which could not take place in front of a lady should not take place at all.



So Charlotte sat to pour for them all, while Pamela made herself useful by handing round the cups. She observed the way each took theirs, so if she ever had to pour, she would be appropriately attentive.



Jonathan was black, one drop, the Duke white, two drops, and Clifford black. She tried to be pleasant to everyone in the room, particularly Elizabeth, who said she would be delighted to attend the concert. Her aunt had little musical inclination, however.



Vanessa shot the Duke a look.



He said, "Well, there's no need for either party to feel deprived. Your niece and my sister can go to the concert at the Octagon with the Stones, and if you will be so kind, you can come with us to the Elliotts'."



He winked at Vanessa as soon as no one was looking. Shortly thereafter, Charlotte rose and told everyone it was high time they bathed and changed if they were to go out that evening.



Pamela could hardly restrain herself. A whole evening with Jonathan, without her aunt! She couldn't wait.





Chapter Eighteen



Pamela sped up to her room to prepare for the concert at the Octagon that evening. She donned the gown she had chosen the night before, a sumptuous pale blue silk with fine lace edging around the bodice, sleeves, and hem. The lace was a full six inches at the bottom, of finest cream-colored Brussels lace, and was so sheer as to expose her ankles to view. The sweeping train enhanced the slender elegance of her figure. A matching shawl and fan completed the ensemble.



She pinched her cheeks and pressed her lips together, and allowed herself a light dusting of power on her face and bosom, and a tiny bit of kohl around the eyes. Her hair she swept up into a gold fillet, and wove it into a complicated plait at the back which she then pinned to the top of her head.



Assessing herself in the mirror, she was sure she had never looked so fine. Her opinion was mirrored in Jonathan's eyes as she descended into the vestibule, where he was waiting for the carriage to take them to the Octagon. His gray eyes positively glowed as he looked at her, and not for the first time, he found himself cursing his self-imposed restrictions.



Jane had been lovely but uncomplicated, girlish. Pamela was a woman worth having indeed, in every sense of the word. But he had his duties, his obligations, however much Thomas said he should let go of the past and act upon his desires where Pamela was concerned.



He had not been able to keep his interest in her secret from his two oldest friends. He had reassured them both that he did not intend to change his state in any way in relation to her. Pamela was expected to marry well. While he was an extremely wealthy man in his own right, that fact was not widely known.



Nor did he wish it to be. He had been subjected to his own share of fortune huntresses in the past, and did not want to have to constantly beware again. Very few people expected a vicar to be well to do, so he was safe. Also, he was proud enough to want Pamela to fall in love with him for himself, not his money.



Fall in love? But to what end? He sighed. No, there was no point. He had given his word. While there was any hope at all, he had to cling on to it. That meant turning his back upon Pamela, however hard it might be.



But it was a beautiful evening, and she was his charming companion. If he could get to sit next to her at the concert without too many other people crowding around them, he would be the happiest of men. It was only one night. What could be the harm?



He could never have her for his own. He and his sister had already stayed too long in Bath. He had duties back in Brimley that needed tending to. In fact, he had even mentioned to Sarah his intention to arrive back in his parish in time for the Sunday services. He would pay one more call on Jane and her daughter Sophie in the small house on the outskirts of the next village, and head back to his duties.



As for Pamela, she would meet a good man with a sizable fortune, marry well, and be happy. She need never know what dwelled in his heart. She would look back upon her association with a fond smile, and recollect him as nothing more than the sanctimonious prig who had once tried to educate her.



"Are you ready?" he asked.



"I am. I just need to put on my cloak."



He helped her with the garment, allowing his hands to rest upon her shoulders. They both shivered with delight, but sprang apart guiltily as the Duke turned and looked at them.



The others in the party proceeded out the door, and entered the first carriage, which was destined for the Elliotts' card party. Once it was filled, it drove off, and the second one pulled up for the rest of the party to climb in.