Redemption of a Fallen Woman(54)

‘Won’t you introduce me to some of your friends, Villanueva? It’ll prevent me from harbouring jealous thoughts.’

His companion laughed. ‘Gladly.’

The conde’s guests admitted Harry very readily into their company. Quite apart from his imposing presence he aroused curiosity too, since English lords were not a common feature of polite society in Seville. His fluency in the language did him no disservice either, and he was soon engaged in conversation with a group of gentlemen at the far end of the room. From time to time he glanced towards the dancers. Judging from her smile Elena seemed to be enjoying herself. She had probably put him out of her mind. His jaw tightened and he turned away, trying to concentrate on what his companions were saying.

Elena curtsied to her last partner and left the floor. The room was hot now, the air heavy with the scent of beeswax and flowers and perfume. A cooling drink would be more than welcome. The vague memory of a punch bowl in the anteroom directed her steps that way. In fact, memory served her correctly and with a sense of relief she ladled some of the liquid into a cup and took a sip. It was delicious.

Opposite, an open door led onto a terrace. Elena glanced round but everyone else seemed engaged in conversation so taking advantage of the fact she slipped outside for a few moments. Although it was still offically spring, the evening air was pleasant. Seville had a different climate from Madrid and the northerly provinces. The sky was clear, a sickle moon hanging amid myriad stars. Pools of light from the ballroom windows illuminated the flower beds and part of the lawn below. The rest of the garden was in deep velvet shadow where the soft chirring of cicadas mingled with the sound of music drifting from the ballroom. She sipped her drink and relaxed a little, enjoying the fresh air.

‘Out here all alone, my lady?’

Elena started and turned quickly. At first glance the tall figure in the doorway might have been mistaken for Harry, but the voice belonged to the Conde de Villanueva. She was conscious of a stab of disappointment but recovered her composure quickly.

‘I needed a little air. It’s very warm indoors.’

He smiled and strolled across to join her. ‘I was afraid you were not enjoying the party.’

‘Oh, yes. I am enjoying it very much.’

‘I’m glad to hear it. I’d be sorry to think otherwise.’

‘The occasion seems to be a great success.’

‘Your presence has added immeasurably to that.’

Elena pretended to misunderstand. ‘It was kind of you to invite us. My husband was delighted to renew his acquaintance with you.’

‘It was a delight for me too.’ He regarded her keenly. ‘What do you think of our Sevilla?’

‘It’s a fine city. I’m impressed with what I have seen so far.’

‘I wish I could show you more.’

Nothing could have been pleasanter than his expression but something in that smooth tone caused the first stirring of unease. The words were ambiguous too, capable of a perfectly innocent interpretation or a very different one. For no apparent reason the hothouse bouquet came to mind, and with it connotations she didn’t care for.

‘I regret that we will be leaving very soon. My husband’s business here is concluded.’

‘What a pity.’

‘Yes, isn’t it?’

‘Do you return to Madrid?’

‘No. We’re moving on to Cádiz.’

‘It’s a long and tiring journey, my lady.’

‘I’m well used to travelling.’

He reached out and traced one finger lightly down her arm. ‘Your husband should leave you here while he takes care of business. It would be my pleasure to offer the hospitality of my house.’

There could be no mistake now about the intent behind the smooth, purring tone. He was also standing just a little too close and he was between her and the door. Elena quashed an urge to flee, knowing instinctively that he would prevent it. Then there would be a scene with possibly unpleasant consequences. Somehow she was going to have to bluff her way out of this. She forced a smile.

‘You are most kind.’

‘I should like to be.’

Her skin prickled. ‘My husband would not countenance such a separation and nor would I.’

‘You are quite right, my dear,’ said a voice behind them. ‘I would not countenance it.’

Her heart leapt as she saw Harry in the doorway and relief washed over her with the force of a tidal bore.

He surveyed the little scene just a few seconds longer. His timing had been fortuitous. A few seconds later and Villanueva would undoubtedly have tried to kiss Elena. Harry’s jaw tightened. Although he would very much have liked to floor the man he didn’t want Elena subjected to the kind of scandal that would result. Instead he advanced to join them. Nothing could have been more relaxed than his outward manner, nothing more amiable than his smile. However, on this occasion it stopped well short of his eyes.