When their gazes met, everything else seemed to stop. If he had seen her across a London ballroom, he’d have known she was out of his reach, a goddess among mere mortals. He noticed only distantly the pleased smile Miss Webster granted Appertan, as if to tell him she approved of Cecilia’s marriage. Appertan didn’t smile back.
But Cecilia was Michael’s wife, and he meant to keep it that way, whatever her brother thought. He limped toward her now, surprised when she swept into a curtsy that allowed him to see even more of the valley between her breasts. Other men would see that sight tonight, and he didn’t like the ugly jealousy that stirred in him. How would it be, night after night, imagining her half a world away from him, meeting the rakes of Society?
“You look handsome tonight, my lord,” she murmured.
“My trunk of clothing finally arrived from the steamship,” he said. “Even in Bombay, we had need of evening garments, but of course, you must remember that.”
“We did try to copy English society as much as possible,” she admitted.
Now that he was closer, he could see the bruise marring her cheek beneath the powder. He cupped her cheek, lightly touching it with his thumb. He felt her shiver.
“Does that hurt?” he asked quietly.
She shook her head. “Only if one presses hard.”
He allowed himself one last brush of her skin, then let his hand fall away.
“Be careful,” he murmured. “You realize, of course, that you can never leave this room unattended.”
“I know.”
She seemed almost relieved when Talbot announced the first guests. Mrs. Webster arrived with her son and his wife, Miss Webster’s parents, and Michael saw the way they doted on Appertan as if he’d long been a part of their family. What was it about the young man that made everyone treat him that way? Michael wondered irritably.
And then Cecilia turned toward him expectantly, her smile pleasant and proud. For the next half hour, he was introduced to two dozen neighbors and friends. He knew many had been eager to meet him and felt uncomfortable as their avid gazes looked him over. His family had never socialized much once the estate had gobbled up his mother’s dowry. But he was surprised how much his military experiences assisted him on such an evening since he’d often attended events in Bombay with Lord Appertan. He answered questions and appeared interested; little more was required of him as the center attraction that evening.
To his surprise, several of Appertan’s friends arrived, including Rowlandson. Cecilia did not make much of this though she quietly spoke to Talbot about the dinner seating when she had the chance. Michael didn’t glare at Rowlandson but kept his gaze cool and narrowed, and was surprised by the man’s confusion.
Eventually, he and Cecilia were separated, and he made it a point to thread his way through the chattering crowd right for Rowlandson.
The other man eyed him nervously. “My lord?”
“I’m surprised you attended, sir,” Michael said in a low, barely restrained voice.
“I was sure the absence of my invitation had been accidental.” Rowlandson’s gaze searched the crowd, then landed on Appertan with confusion.
Michael frowned. “Do you not remember what happened at the taproom a few days ago?”
“I was deep in my cups,” Rowlandson said with a wince. “I remember your being there, but little else. I hope I did not ... offend you.”
“Offend me? You terrorized a maid, and we had words about the subject. I threatened you.”
Rowlandson blanched. “Truly? Forgive me for not remembering.” He looked down at his hands as if desperate for alcohol.
“Perhaps you need to drink less,” Michael said sarcastically.
Or perhaps Rowlandson remembered it all and was pretending not to. Could he and his cronies still hold a grudge against Cecilia because she’d practically banished them from Appertan Hall? Inebriation could make some men lose the last of their inhibitions. Perhaps Rowlandson’s fondling a maid wasn’t that far removed from trying to incapacitate Cecilia, if not kill her.
“You are correct, my lord.” Rowlandson shrugged. “I allow drink to consume me when I shouldn’t.”
He seemed pliable, so Michael decided to use that to his advantage. “I imagine it’s difficult to avoid alcohol when Lord Appertan and all your other friends are imbibing at great speeds.”
Rowlandson nodded ruefully. “It is true. I can’t seem to deny myself when others aren’t.”
“Does that include gambling? There was a bit of that going on the other night, but I wasn’t certain if Lord Appertan approved.”
“Approved?” Rowlandson echoed, then laughed. “He indulges his betting instincts like the rest of us.”
“So it’s common among your set?”
