Page 50 of Only a Mistress Will Do

“Name them, Lord Trevor.” Manning strode over to stand beside her.

“First and foremost, you will give your solemn oath you will never, under any circumstances, return to The House of Pleasure or any other such establishment.” The intensity of his glare made her drop her gaze and step back for fear his anger would scorch her.

Lord Manning’s countenance was almost as stern.

A chill oozed down her spine. Both men were quite angry at her, with just cause she must admit. With a sigh, she clasped her hands and addressed both men. “I know it was folly to return to Madame Vestry’s.” Heat rushed into her cheeks, still she continued. “I should not have let my anger at Lord Trevor lead me to such a rash and dangerous action. For this I do apologize to you both.”

The easing of Lord Manning’s features seemed to indicate he accepted her contrition.

Tris’s face, however, remained unmoved, as though Michelangelo himself had carved the visage.

“I give you my solemn oath,” she began in a small voice, “on pain of hellfire and eternal damnation I will never seek out employment, succor, or sanctuary in The House of Pleasure or any other such establishment.” The sound of a door closing echoed in her mind. Of course, she never wanted to darken Madame Vestry’s door again. But the question remained what was to become of her?

After staring at her a moment longer, as if searching her soul for confirmation of her words, Tris nodded.

She gasped in air, unaware she’d been holding her breath. “You said ‘certain conditions’ my lord. Are there any others?”

“Only that you promise to consult me before making any decisions about accepting either a position or marriage.” Turning from her, Tris raised his glass toward Manning. “Another one, my lord? I assume you will be hastening off into the cold to attend your next damsel in distress?”

“Hmm.” Manning grunted as he headed to the sideboard where he armed himself with a fresh glass. “I do have my affairs to put in order directly, still I wish to assure Miss Carlton I will do everything within my power to assist her in securing a respectable and permanent position.”

Tris poured a healthy amount into both their glasses. “That should keep you from freezing during your travels.”

“Indeed.” Eying the glass, the earl shrugged and took a sip. “You are preparing against the cold as well? I recall you said you were leaving town?”

“Yes, for Lord Downing’s estate in Wiltshire. I’m expected there day after tomorrow.” The shadows of the shrubbery were lengthening along the garden wall. Where had the day gone? “I’d hoped to leave today, but I fear it’s simply too late. If I leave early tomorrow morning, I’ll be there in time for dinner. Excellent roads to Devizes.”

“You should have good weather as well.” Manning drained his glass. “I am off. Do not fear, Miss Carlton.” He turned to Violet with a smile. “I shall not let my other duties make me neglect your cause.”

“I would never believe that, my lord.” She followed him to the door. “I cannot thank you enough, Lord Manning, for coming to my rescue last night. I will make the most of this chance to start again.”

“I am sure you will, Miss Carlton.” With a deferential touch, he raised her hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles.

A warmth lingered there momentarily then was gone.

“Should you need anything further, especially while Lord Trevor is from town, please send to me at once.” The earl made a deep bow and strode out of the room.

“When…” Violet turned toward Tris and stopped, unable to move or speak.

Tristan leaned against the mantelpiece, his forehead pressed against his arm, staring intently into the fire. His hair, clubbed back in a neat queue earlier, now swung free.

“What…what happened to you?” She waved her hand toward him, moonstruck at the sheer beauty of him in the flickering firelight. His eyes glittered, staring out of the chiseled planes of his face where a faint stubble was beginning to show. The blue jacket molded to his shoulders and arms, proclaiming their rugged strength. But his hair, burnished chestnut in the light, hung loose, scattered wildly over his shoulders, as it had been Christmas night. The only other time she’d seen it so. She stared, unable to remember how to breathe.

“This?” He brushed the hair back over his shoulder. “The band that bound it back broke. My valet will have another. Why?”

“It just surprised me, is all.” Violet made herself sit and pour more tea. It was cold but she didn’t care. The brandy steadied her nerves and warmed her nicely. “So you will be gone for a week or more?”

“Most likely more. Lord Downing will want to discuss the Yorkshire property he’s settling on his daughter. There will be a series of entertainments when the betrothal is officially announced. I may not return to town until the end of the month.”

“Oh.” Keeping her eyes carefully on her tea cup, Violet now wished for brandy alone. She was back to where she had been at the beginning of this wretched affair, without the hope of a happy ending for her. “Is there anything you wish for me to do in your absence? I suppose I will be at home the entire time, but if you can think of something, I will be happy to attempt it.” Time would hang heavy on her hands with only her music and perhaps some embroidery to keep her occupied. “I cannot attend social functions without an escort, of course, but I wondered if you would allow me to call on Miss Forsythe? Or Miss Tate. I could perhaps renew my acquaintance with Lord Donningham.”

Tris cocked his head and frowned deeply. “Susan told me you had relinquished all hopes of Donningham.”

“I may have to reconsider that stand.” She stared down at her lap rather than meet his eyes. “I must have somewhere to go, Tris. I cannot stay here forever. And I need to find a life I can live without you. If Lord Donningham will take me as I am, then I will accept him.” It seemed the most direct route to a decent existence. Donningham appeared a kind man. At least, he would have no ties to the marquess and that horrible memory. “I could do worse.” Much worse.

“Yes, I suppose you could.” He shook his head back, setting his hair to swinging.

Her stomach clenched and she braced against the ache in her heart.