But he would wager his best hunter that there wouldn’t be a man tonight who wasn’t thinking about removing Maddie’s gown. The color brought out her smooth complexion and made her sapphire eyes seem even bluer than usual. Not that anyone but he would be looking at her eyes.
Jack narrowed his gaze at his wife’s bodice. There was entirely too much of Maddie’s ample bosom on display. He opened his mouth to ask where the hell her shawl was, then thought better of it. They’d already quarreled over the neckline three times that evening.
But when he’d told Maddie that the gown wasn’t proper, she’d exhibited her usual stubbornness and lack of concern for safety. She acted as if all he wanted was to control her. But as with her charitable works, his interest in the dress arose because he wanted to protect her from unwanted advances.
Of course, she hadn’t seen it that way. She’d told him that he was being ridiculous. She claimed to have worn the dress several times before without causing a riot and assured him that the neckline was decent, far more modest than what most ladies wore.
And she was probably right. But he was still scowling.
“Stop frowning,” Maddie said from across the carriage.
“Then take off that gown,” he retorted.
She raised a brow. “What, here? Now?” She fluttered her lashes in a display of mock innocence.
Jack couldn’t stop a small smile, but it faded immediately when, once again, all the possible dangers his wife might face tonight flitted through his mind. If it had been anyone other than the Prince Regent hosting this ball, he would never have agreed to make an appearance. But with everyone talking about the Blackthorne elopement, the prince would be sure to take offense if he and his new bride didn’t grace Carlton House. Jack did not like Prinny, and he didn’t need any more powerful enemies.
And he didn’t need an evening with the simpering sycophants who surrounded the fat regent.
Jack scowled again. He and Maddie were sure to be the event’s main attraction.
By the time they reached Carlton House, Jack was on edge and determined not to let her out of his sight. He wasn’t going to allow her to fall prey to Bleven. As they exited the carriage and started up the stairs, he grasped her hand and muttered, “Stay close to me.”
Maddie nodded absently, but upon entering, inclined her head to acknowledge several other guests. The damned woman seemed to know everyone. He had to haul her back to his side several times when she would have run off to have just a quick word with Lady This or Lord That. Finally, the interminable wait to be announced ended, and they entered the Crimson Drawing Room.
The room had been renovated in the last few years and was now swathed in crimson satin damask. From the curtains to the upholstery, everything except the light blue velvet carpet dripped red satin.
Suddenly feeling the need for a drink, Jack released Maddie for a moment to snatch a glass of champagne from a passing footman. He lifted one for her as well, and when both of his hands were occupied, she reached over and gave his arm a perfunctory pat. “I’ll be back in a moment.”
“Oh, no you won’t.”
But she was already scampering away. “Don’t worry!” she called over her shoulder, chestnut ringlets bouncing down her back.
“Bloody hell.” Jack downed one glass of champagne and looked for a place to set the other. He couldn’t find a spot, so he downed that one, too. He could just see the top of Maddie’s head as she reached the far corner of the room and embraced two women—one a tall brunette and one a thin redhead with a crop of curls.
He grabbed a footman, dropped the empty glasses on his tray, and stalked after Maddie. Obviously they needed to have another discussion about how she was not to leave his side. Or rather, he would have to lecture her again.
If he could reach her.
But the path that had cleared for Maddie swallowed him whole. Men and women surrounded him, stepping in his way and trying to engage him in inane conversation. Why the hell did they want to talk to him anyway? He sidestepped and parried but wasn’t quick enough. The prince himself, metaphoric rapier raised for combat, stepped into Jack’s path.
“Ah, Lord Blackthorne. You have been a naughty boy.” The prince winked and his fleshy face jiggled with laughter.
Jack bowed. “Your Royal Highness. How kind of you to extend this invitation to my wife.”
Prinny waved the lace handkerchief in his hand. “Castleigh’s such an incredible bore. Apparently his daughter takes after another side of the family. Found yourself a wild one, have you?”
Jack clenched his hand, resisting the urge to punch the prince in the nose. “Our meeting was somewhat unconventional, but the lady—”
“Unconventional!” The prince gazed at the lackeys standing near him, and all burst into laughter. “Now, Blackthorne, I have heard stories about carriage chases, duels, and a muck-up at Gretna Green. You simply won’t get away without revealing some details. The juicy ones, Blackthorne.”
The prince’s hand came down hard on Jack’s shoulder, his muscles taut with apprehension. Where the devil was Maddie? He ground his teeth, “Your Royal Highness, I would love to regale you, but my wife—”
“Will wait.” Prinny snapped his fingers, and the group surrounding him parted, revealing two thronelike chairs. Smiling, the prince squashed his considerable bulk into one and gestured to the other. His expression was resolute.
Jack gave one last fleeting look in the direction Maddie had fled, blew out a breath, and took his seat.
“Now,” the prince began, “tell me everything.”
