When she was on a winning streak, Roberta was blind to all consequences. It wasnt difficult to picture Jonas Merrick luring her into deeper and deeper play. Until finally he held his enemys wife in his power.
For prides sake and to avoid damaging scandal, both William and Roberta kept the misery of their union a domestic secret. Jonas Merrick could have no idea of the damage he threatened to the innocent when he accepted Lady Hillbrooks vowels. Or perhaps he guessed and didnt care.
So now Sidonie waited in Jonas Merricks bed like a sacrificial lamb. She guessed this was Merricks room, although the only evidence of his occupancy was a set of heavy silver brushes on the dressing table, and some subtle scent lingering on the linen and in the air. When hed kissed her downstairs, hed imprinted himself on her senses in a way she couldnt define. And didnt like. His touch had left an invisible mark. That frightened her almost as much as what was to happen in this glittering chamber. When she pictured him crushing her into the mattress with his powerful body, a scream swelled in her constricted throat.
Her surroundings offered no reassurance. Instead, they added to mounting dread, even as they puzzled her. This was the most bizarre room shed ever seen. Gold proliferated. On the ornate old-fashioned furniture, the sconces along the walls, the glinting metallic thread in curtains and carpets. Everywhere Sidonie saw herself reflected in battalions of mirrors. Instead of paintings, gilt mirrors lined the walls. Cheval mirrors in each corner. A mirror above the dressing table, over the chest of drawers, between the doors of the armoire. Most surprisingand dauntingwas the large oval mirror suspended from the tester above her head.
This proof of her mercurial hosts vanity baffled her. His careless dress didnt indicate overweening conceit. Surely any normal man would shrink from dwelling so obsessively upon his disfigurement.
Reflected high above, she saw a pale girl lying straight and still as a cadaver under the heavy cover, gold of course. Thick brown hair was severely pulled back from her face and one fat plait snaked its way across her chest. A girl lying alone. Mr. Merrick seemed in no hurry to pursue his conquest.
At first, Sidonie had perched on a chair. When shed started to shiver in the damp muslin, shed changed into her night rail. As hours passed, marked by the ormolu clock on the cabinet, shed shifted to the bed. Why draw out the preliminaries? There was no escape from the endgame.
Sourly she wondered whether Merrick would demonstrate more ardor if instead of an inexperienced stranger, her pretty sister awaited. But of course he hadnt lured Roberta here because he wanted her. Hed concocted this scheme to score points against his cousin, Lord Hillbrook. This was just the latest spiteful gambit between bitter enemies.
Tightening her grip on the covers, Sidonie struggled for fatalistic calm. But courage faltered when she imagined Merrick shoving himself inside her. Would he expect her to undress? Would she have totouch him? Would he kiss her again? Absurdly, that seemed the greatest threat of all. His kiss left her flummoxed. It had been chaste as a childs buss upon the lips. Although the fact that Mer-rick was long past childhood robbed the act of genuine innocence.
Shed never been kissed before. Not by a man. Not with desire.
How sad that her first kiss occurred in such sordid circumstances. Sad and insidiously shameful. Because she hadnt hated his kiss, even though she should. Mer-ricks kiss had left her intrigued rather than outraged. What would it be like when he took liberties beyond mere kissing?
No, she wouldnt think about it. She wouldnt
Easier said than done when she lay in Merricks bed.
Although her host had long ago lost any legal right to use the Merrick name. He should by rights employ his mothers surname. Jonas Merrick was son to Anthony, the late Viscount Hillbrook, and the Spanish mistress purporting to be his wife. When the viscounts younger brother successfully challenged the supposed marriage, Jonas was declared bastard. Upon Anthonys death, his nephew William inherited the Hillbrook title and the feud between Jonas and his cousin, stemming from boyhood, had only become more vicious.
Sidonie shivered. Williams reaction when he learned his bastard cousin had tumbled his wifesurely this schemes object was that William would find outwas unthinkable. Remembering that Robertas very life depended on what happened in this bed bolstered Sidonies purpose. Until the heavy door opened and Mer-rick prowled into the candlelit room.
A deeply feminine fear, thick and heavy as tar, coalesced in Sidonies stomach as she surged up against the headboard. Merrick appeared impossibly large lounging against the door, arms folded across his lean chest. Candlelight flickered over his ruined face, lending him a devilish mien.
Wearing nothing more than shirt and breeches, he should be freezing. He must have a superhuman resistance to cold. Even with the fire blazing in the grate, Sidonie was grateful to have the covers to keep her warm. And to conceal her from his gaze. Which was daft. Hed do considerably more than look at her before the night was out.
He regarded her with the same searching curiosity shed noticed downstairs. She had no idea what went on behind those deep-set eyes. He tilted his chin toward the tray on the dressing table. You didnt eat much.
No. Nerves killed appetite. She hadnt eaten since breakfast, when shed choked down a piece of toast and some tea. She swallowed to moisten a dry mouth and forced a calmness she didnt feel into her voice. You were kind to send it up.
He shrugged as if it was nothing. During recent years Sidonie had seen little evidence of kindness and she knew to value it. Hed sent up hot water, too. After travelling all day, shed felt tired and worn. Ridiculous how a wash restored her spirit.
Dont interpret my remark as a complaint, but this is a nonsensical thing for you to do. He studied her as if he meant to winkle out her deepest secrets. One of those secrets gave her more power over him than hed ever guess. Foreboding flooded her, knotted a belly already tight with fear. The knowledge she possessed was dangerous and she knew to her bones that Merrick made a bad enemy.
She pushed upright, clutching the gold covers to her chest. By nonsensical thing, you mean sleeping with you? she asked acidly.
A wry smile rewarded her sharpness. He had a nice mouth, expressive, generous enough to hint at sensual expertise way beyond her ken. What happens when you marry? How will you set your lack of maidenhead right with your husband?
Her jaw firmed and she spoke with absolute certainty. Ill never marry. She braced for protest. Most people found it inconceivable that a woman would choose spinsterhood.
I see. His expression remained neutral. I imagine Robertas experience has put you off the idea. In the interests of justice, I must point out that William is a poor example of my sex.
She raised her chin. Most of the men Ive met have been poor examples. Selfishness, arrogance, and bullying appear inalienable elements of the masculine character.
Tut. I blush for my gender, he said lightly.
Youre hardly an exception, she said bitterly.
Sadly true, dear lady. He straightened and strolled across to the tray. Now what have we here?
She frowned after him in confusion. His manner expressed no urgency. Shed been sure hed insist upon having his wicked way the instant he arrived. That couldnt be chagrin she felt at his lack of dispatch. But there was something lowering in rendering ones virtue to an unrepentant rake, only to find him reluctant to do his worst.
I see. His expression remained neutral. I imagine Robertas experience has put you off the idea. In the interests of justice, I must point out that William is a poor example of my sex.
She raised her chin. Most of the men Ive met have been poor examples. Selfishness, arrogance, and bullying appear inalienable elements of the masculine character.
Tut. I blush for my gender, he said lightly.
Youre hardly an exception, she said bitterly.
Sadly true, dear lady. He straightened and strolled across to the tray. Now what have we here?
She frowned after him in confusion. His manner expressed no urgency. Shed been sure hed insist upon having his wicked way the instant he arrived. That couldnt be chagrin she felt at his lack of dispatch. But there was something lowering in rendering ones virtue to an unrepentant rake, only to find him reluctant to do his worst.
Merrick wasnt living up to lurid expectations. Roberta had described a fiendish seducer, a man of surpassing hideousness. When she first saw his face, Sidonie had been appalled, mostly because such scarring could only result from excruciating injury. Now, even after their short acquaintance, she saw past the scarring to the man beneath. That man was no monster. His features intrigued more than mere handsomeness. His was an interesting face, full of vitality and intelligence. Striking.
Just as the man himself was striking.
Nervously wondering what game he played, she watched him cut a couple of slices of hard yellow cheese and place them on some crackers. For such a large man, he had surprisingly elegant hands. In the uncertain light, the ruby ring flashed sullenly like a warning. Shed expected to feel hostility and fear. And she did. But other emotions pulsing between them were less defined. Curiosity, certainly. Wary rapprochement. Something electric and unfamiliar.
The prickly interest was more disturbing than terror or dislike. She was aware of Merrick with an animal intensity shed never felt before.
He extended the plate toward her. Without thinking, she lifted a cracker and nibbled at it as he wandered away to lean against the carved post at the base of the bed. A ghost of a smile played around his mouth. Her eyes traced the sharply defined cut of his upper lip, the full sweep of his lower one. The disturbing mixture of fear and fascination he aroused left her restless, unsettled.
I thought youd be she began, then wondered if it was wise to mention his plans to ruin her.
I can imagine. He offered the plate again.
She took another two crackers. Why are you here?
In this bedroom? Fie, Miss Forsythe, youre too coy.
She blushed with mortification. No.
He returned the plate to the tray and poured two glasses of claret. You mean at Castle Craven?
Yes. She accepted the wine and took a sip. Then another. Pleasant warmth eased alarm to a murmur. The hand gripping the sheet relaxed from white-knuckled tension. Wouldnt it be more convenient to seduce Roberta at Ferney?
A few years ago, Merrick had purchased Ferney, the estate adjoining Barstowe Halls dilapidated splendor. Hed then spent a fortune creating a residence fit for a viscount. Goodness, fit for a prince. Sidonie had never ventured beyond the gates, but what shed seen of the exterior made Chatsworth look like a shanty. The neighbors were always gossiping about the houses magnificence. Although wisely never within Williams hearing. Sidonie had applauded the unknown Jonas Merricks audacity. He made it impossible for her brother-in-law to escape the knowledge that in all ways except inheritance, he was a rank failure compared to his cousin.
Merricks faint smile lingered as he loaded more crackers and offered them to her. Even the most dilatory of husbands would retrieve an erring wife when he merely needs to cross his estate boundary.
She accepted the plate and propped it on upraised knees. The action meant releasing the covers. Merrick didnt seem to notice how they sagged over her bosom. You could be right. She polished off another couple of crackers. And naturally you enjoy the gothic drama of this setting.
It never crossed my mind.
She sent him a skeptical glance and took more wine. The glass was half empty. How had that happened? Are you trying to get me intoxicated?
No. He raised his wine in a silent toast.
It wont work, you know.
What wont work?
Trying to soften me up with liquor.
Im pleased to hear it. Id hate to think you so green as to fall for that old trick. He took her now empty glass, returning it to the table along with his. Have you finished with that plate?
Yes, thank you. She passed him the empty plate, which he placed on the tray. Shed expected to be cold and proud when he came to take her virginity. Instead she felt confused and surprisingly in charity toward Mr. Merrick. Not that she wanted him to dothat. But it was difficult to summon the outraged self-righteousness that had sustained her so far.
Perhaps the alcohol had done its work after all. That and his self-effacing kindness in making sure she ate something. Poor foolish Sidonie Forsythe. Forfeiting her chastity in return for a few scraps of good farm cheddar.
No, this weakness was dangerous. If she succumbed without demur, shed never live with herself. Stop toying with me, she demanded with sudden harshness.
With excess force, she flung away the bedcovers and lay flat, staring fixedly up at the mirror. A man who liked to watch himself with a woman deserved contempt. Heavens, he didnt even try to hide what an unregenerate voluptuary he was.
Although it was difficult to maintain a disapproving silence when the blackguard intent on her deflowering burst into laughter. Good Lord, Miss Forsythe, you desperately need advice on your wardrobe.
Its only mymy nightdress. She refused to look at him.
Uneasiness crammed in her throat when he prowled closer. Theres room for six in there.
She shot him an annoyed glance. Did you expect me to wear nothing at all? The nights too cold, apart from anything else.
Mr. Merrick subjected her to a thorough and searing inspection. She just knew he pictured her naked and it was her fault for mentioning the possibility. All her life, people had warned that her impulsive tongue would get her into trouble. She was most definitely in trouble. Not just because Mr. Merricks manner had within an instant transformed from nonchalance to interest. That fleeting accounting of her body extended mere seconds, yet every inch of her skin burned. Her belly clenched with a painful mixture of shame and reluctant excitement. She met his eyes, then heartily wished she hadnt. The predatory glint was unmistakable.
Theres room for maneuver between nakedness and that tent youre wearing. His gaze sharpened. Did you think Id quail at all that flannel?
I took what defensive measures I could, she muttered, staring upward again. Although truthfully it hadnt occurred to her to pack anything other than her usual nightwear.
You underestimate the stimulating power of imagination, he said drily. Im intrigued to discover the treasures beneath that billowing fabric.
In wordless horror, Sidonie turned her head to stare at him. His shell of carelessness disintegrated and she read raw hunger in his saturnine face. The air vibrated with blazing sexual awareness. In the bristling silence, the sound of rain sheeting against the windows was a jarring intrusion.