Alexander allowed MacCready to help him into his evening coat. “Visit the servants quarters during dinner and see what you can discover about Miss Hurst.”
“With pleasure, my lord. Anything else?”
“Just keep your ears open. Before the week is out, Miss Caitlyn Hurst will rue the day she tangled with the MacLeans.”
"As you wish, my lord."
Mind focused on the task ahead, Alexander left his bedchamber.
He reached the landing, surprised to find Lord Dervishton leaning against the rail, idly swinging his eyeglass. On seeing Alexander, the younger lord smiled and nodded a greeting, though his gaze immediately went down the hall.
Ah. So that’s how it was. A flash of irritation ripped through Alexander. "Good evening, Dervishton. Waiting for someone?”
The lord flashed a wolfish grin. “Aren’t we all? In fact, I believe our lovely hostess is breathlessly awaiting your arrival in the sitting room even now.”
"I doubt it. Georgiana and I ended our little tryst months ago.”
“Really? I was under the impression she—“ Dervishton’s gaze went past Alexander, his mouth freezing half open.
Alexander could tell from the glazed look on the man’s face exactly what had occurred.
He turned as a faint rustling noise approached and, just as he’d expected, Caitlyn Hurst walked toward them moving with that damnably feminine grace that mesmerized. Dressed in a gown of softest blue trimmed with tiny white flowers and a wide white sash beneath her breasts, her blond hair piled upon her head, small pearls shimmering on her creamy earlobes, she looked innocent and ethereal.
She paused and curtsied, a smile curving her soft lips. “Good evening.”
To Alexander’s annoyance, Dervishton – usually the most calm and urbane of men – stepped forward and said in an eager tone, “Miss Hurst, may I say how lovely you look this evening! You quite outshine all of the other beauties here at Balloch Castle.”
For the love of God, must the man gush like a fool?
Caitlyn sent a sly glance at Alexander before she bestowed a soft smile on Dervishton. “Thank you, my lord.”
Encouraged in his foolishness, Dervishton lifted one of her hands and pressed a fervent kiss to it. “I’d be honored if you’d allow me to escort you to the dining room. This house is confusing and I doubt you were furnished with either a map or compass upon your arrival.”
“Nothing would give me greater pleasure.” Dervishton beamed as if someone had handed him a trunk of newly minted guineas. “I am doing myself as much of a favor as you. Walking into the sitting room with such a beautiful woman on my arm can only increase my own worth in the eyes of our company.”
Alexander crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the railing. “Dervishton, you don’t need to assure Miss Hurst of her beauty. She carries that knowledge with her like a thief carries a pick.”
Caitlyn stiffened, locking gazes with him, fury sparkling in her fine eyes.
For a long second, they looked at one another. In that short time, Alexander remembered other, more private moments -- moments when he’d foolishly allowed himself to be lured into tasting those sweet lips and had captured her moans in his mouth, moments when he’d slid his hands over those lush curves and felt her shiver with need, moments when the world had been lost because of the exquisite taste and feel of her moving restless against him, separated by nothing but silks and satins.
He clenched his teeth. That was the past and now, the tables were turned. He knew her for what she was and he’d never again trust her.
Alexander forced a wolfish grin and remained where he was, blocking the stairs, as he boldly regarded her up and down. He allowed his gaze to dwell in places it shouldn’t, and was immediately rewarded when her cheeks pinkened and she started as if to snap out a sharp retort, but then visibly swallowed it instead.
Satisfaction warmed him. Oh yes, Hurst. I know exactly how to push you into doing something rash. And that's exactly what I shall do . . . goad you until you make a misstep and expose yourself to society's ridicule, only this time, your sister won't be close by to rescue you.
This time, you will pay for your rash behavior. You and no one else.
