Enjoying the shock and sudden worry in her eyes, he could almost feel the buzzing need return to her body. She was no longer so sanguine or self-assured.
Pressing his lips to hers, he ravished her mouth, kissing her deeply and thoroughly until she was clinging to him, and he knew her senses were suitably stirred again. Suitable for his intentions, that was. Grinning, he pulled away, leaving her standing shocked and aroused.
Bounding down the front steps of the house, movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention, but when he turned to look, there was nothing there. Nothing he could see at any rate. Frowning, he studied the shadows for a long moment before shaking his head and allowing his grin to spread again. Likely, it had been an animal or even a trick of his imagination.
Mary
The next ten days were a whirlwind of plans, appointments, and dress fittings. Not only did the wedding need to be put together in a hurry, as Rex had procured a special license with startling ease, but thetondemanded their presence as much as possible. Their engagement ball was held four nights after their illicit kiss in the conservatory and was a mad crush as society jockeyed for the best view of the scandalous couple. There were so many guests, the only semi-private moment she had with him was their engagement waltz. After that, they were barely able to exchange two words to each other.
From Arabella, Josie, and Lily, Mary quickly learned Society had two views of the sudden engagement—they thought Mary had trapped Hartford, or they assumed he had seduced her into hurrying things along. With his interest in her firmly established before the interlude, speculation as towhyhe might have wanted to hurry her along had risen to a fever pitch. There were even rumors of a wager in White’s infamous betting book of exactly how compromised she was. Contrary to Aunt Elizabeth’s assertion that perception was all that mattered, apparently, some members of thetonwanted to know the minute details.
It was enough to drive even the most levelheaded person batty.
Aunt Elizabeth had been correct that they needed to be wed as quickly as possible, if only for Mary’s sanity. She could not imagine four weeks of this intense interest focused on her nor the intrusive comments and questions levied her way. Even her usual meeting with Evie in Hyde Park had to be abandoned. The moment she had set foot along the paths on Sunday, she had drawn the attention of the Misses Sawyer. The sisters had crowded around her, followed by several young lords, and the crowd kept growing.
Eventually, Josie had come to rescue her, but she could not break Mary free entirely. As long as she was in the park, she was going to be of interest to those also in attendance. Meeting with Evie was impossible. Everyone would wonder who Evie was, despite her dowdy attire, and Mary certainly could not introduce her to anyone.
At least she was able to walk along with Josie, their heads bent together in whispered conversation. They did not make eye contact with anyone, keeping their gazes averted, so no one could claim insult if they were ignored.
“It is going to be impossible for me to move about quietly until after the wedding,” Mary complained.
“Once you are wed, interest should die down quickly,” Josie reassured her, patting Mary’s hand. “Some new bit of gossip will come along, and everyone will forget about you again. I mean… oh, bother.”
Mary had to giggle. Hearing Josie’s usual well-meaning comments coming out all wrong was so familiar, it was almost comforting. One thing that remained the same in a world that felt as though it had shifted beneath her feet.
“I know what you meant.” She sighed. “I never realized how exhausting it is to be constantly the center of attention. How do you do it?”
Shrugging, Josie smiled wryly.
“I never minded it. Not like you.” She thought for a moment. “Perhaps I was always hoping one person, in particular, would pay attention. I never cared much who else did.”
Poor Josie. No matter how she glittered, no matter how many gentlemen she drew to her like moths to a flame, the one gentleman she had her eye on continued to elude her. If Joseph Stuart was here right now, Mary would give him a good kick in the shin.
“He is a twit,” Mary said stoutly. Josie laughed.
“He is, but I wanted him, anyway. Want him… I think.” She shook her head, blonde curls bouncing. “I do not know anymore, but let us not speak of him. There are more important things afoot. Have you been able to learn anything more about your future husband’s sinful society?” She asked the question salaciously, but Mary could see the concern on her face.Notconcern whether or not Mary had been able to gather the information but concern Mary would be hurt by Rex’s involvement.
“Not yet. He is remarkably adept at punting aside any questions I ask.” She scowled. “We are not often allowed a moment alone to speak. Thomas is acting like a dog in the manger over this engagement.”
“Too late for that now.” Josie rolled her eyes, snorting indelicately. “The fox has already raided the henhouse.”
“He has not,” Mary denied hotly, then blushed. “Not all of it.”
“But you did let him in the door.” Josie was wicked, and they both ended up giggling, Mary’s laughter becoming a touch hysterical.
She wished there were time and opportunity for Rex to fully raid the henhouse. After his whispered rejoinder the night of their engagement, she had not dared to touch herself in the manner Arabella had described. Thankfully, the needy ache in her body had subsided by the next morning, although he did not have to do much more than touch her to rouse it again.
If they could sneak off during a ball or a rout, she would attempt it, but there had been no opportunity. It felt as if half the ton was watching them to see if they did just that. Even if they had not been, Thomas was certainly watching closely, practically growling whenever he felt Rex toed the line. Amused, Rex always pulled back with a smirk.
In a few days, he would no longer have to pull back. He reminded her of a big, lazy lion, watching and waiting for the right moment to pounce… a moment he knew was coming and saw no point in trying to hasten its arrival.
“Evie is sure the Earl of Devon is in trouble,” Josie murmured, her voice so low, it was barely audible to Mary.
Pressing her lips together, Mary felt her heart turn over in her chest.
“Rex has not seen him in days.” Rex wanted the earl to stand up with him at their wedding, but this morning he had reported in that the Earl of Carlisle would be standing up with him instead. With Thomas standing so closely, listening to every word they exchanged, she had not been able to do more than ask if Devon was well. Rex’s lips had thinned with unhappiness, rousing her ire at his absent friend. “They had a falling out recently, but Rex still wanted Devon to stand with him on Saturday.”
“That is not good.” Josie sighed. “I will tell Evie. Perhaps she can run him to ground.” She looked at Mary apologetically.