Chapter Seven
Theatre Royal
Covent Garden
Constance was in a state of fluttery excitement, for she and Gregory were in an opera box, watching The Devil to Pay, which was a light comedic play, and it was very much a dream come true.
Her maid, Polly, had done wonderful things to an existing gown of peacock blue silk, complete with adding a line of soft, thin lace to the low bodice to give an illusion of modesty.
Gregory must have approved, for each time he glanced at her, dark desire gathered in his eyes.
And that only fed into her own. Sitting beside him in the box, when her attention was supposed to be focused on the actors upon the stage proved difficult.
Especially after the kiss and the ensuing scandal following from yesterday.
One of the times she turned her head to watch him, she found he was already staring at her with wicked promise glittering in his eyes.
He leaned over, and with his lips to the shell of her ear, whispered, “Careful how you look at me, Mrs. Knight, for I already wish to devour you in every carnal way a man can to a woman.”
“Mmm, I might hold you to that threat, Mr. Hamilton,” she couldn’t help but whisper back, except heat burned through her cheeks.
Why was it he who lit her up inside, when her husband, who she’d loved, hadn’t been able to do that in such a way? Granted she was only with him for two months, but still. Perhaps men were as different as the reactions they pulled from a woman.
Eventually, the opera ended, of course, and instead of escorting her home, he suggested they walk through the main part of the gardens and enjoy dinner from hand carts along with sweets and perhaps ices or coffee.
She readily agreed. This was easily the most amazing night she’d spent in a long time, indeed.
As they visited hand carts, he kept up a running commentary on various cases he’d worked in the past, including the peccadillos of some of those clients, the judges, and others who’d assisted.
The voices and insights he provided had her envisioning those days until her sides hurt from laughing so much.
Then there were the foods he introduced her to.
Savory pies in both beef and vegetable. As they passed the paper-wrapped pies back and forth, she told him of a couple of scrapes she’d fallen into before she’d been introduced to society that had her mother nearly washing her hands of her.
The rich tenor from his chuckles tickled through her chest, and all thoughts of food were forgotten as the memories of what he’d done to her the night before came rushing back.
There was a lemon ice they shared, followed by a bread pocket of sorts stuffed with a spicy, savory tomato-based filling.
Her throat didn’t enjoy that very much, for the spice made her cough, much to Gregory’s amusement.
With gladness, he finished that particular offering then moved them to another cart that sold fried fish wrapped in newspaper.
The meat was sweet, flaky, and piping hot.
It was lovely, especially with a splash of malted vinegar that cut through the fat.
After that, they shared a potato pie, followed by a bottle of lemonade as well as a bottle of red wine.
As they strolled some of the more well-lit paths with shrubberies that were pungent with new growth and the tree branches above only just beginning to bud, she gave him a soft smile.
“Thank you for this evening. I had no idea I would enjoy myself so much.”
He nodded. “Perhaps you should have rejoined society long before this, hmm?”
A snort escaped her. “It wouldn’t have been the same since I only met you almost a week ago.”
“It does feel odd, doesn’t it? Seems like I’ve known you for much longer.”
“Agreed.” Before she could say more, they were approached from the opposite direction by another couple.
Gregory’s frame tensed beside her. “Ah, Biddleton! What a surprise seeing you here.” The enthusiasm in his voice was genuine, as was the pleasure in his expression, so clearly he knew the newcomers.
As they drew close, he turned to her. “Mrs. Knight, may I present the Earl and Countess of Biddleton?”
“It’s a pleasure, Your Lordship, Your Ladyship.
” She bounced her gaze between the two of them.
Both of them had dark hair, and they were well-matched.
And what was more, by the way she stood close to him and the way he had an arm about her waist, they were very much in love.
It was surprising to see, but gave her hope that the beau monde was slowly learning how to embrace emotions.
The earl held up a hand. “It’s just Biddleton. This is my wife, Clarissa.” Then he pinned Gregory with his gaze. “I’m surprised to see you in the company of a lady, Hamilton.”
“Uh, no doubt you are. However, I believe I told you about Mrs. Knight a few days ago when we talked.”
“Ah, this is that Mrs. Knight.”
Constance frowned. Was there another? “How do the two of you know each other?” She couldn’t very well admit that she was Gregory’s mistress.
“I am Biddleton’s solicitor,” Gregory said with a grin. “Have been for years, and from there, we became friends.”
“Indeed,” the earl said with a nod. “He protects the important things in my life, and I send potential clients to him, or refer him to others in need. Beyond that, we keep each other in line.”
“What a lovely story.” It was good Gregory had a friend like that. She focused on the countess. “Did you attend the opera tonight?”
“Oh, yes. It’s one of my favorites.” The countess reached out and laid a gloved hand on her arm. “Next time, you and Mr. Hamilton should share our box. It would be fun to have another couple with us. We could take dinner together ahead of the play.”
“I would thoroughly enjoy that.” With a glance at Gregory, who nodded, she smiled. “Gregory’s cook is quite skilled. Perhaps the two of you could come to dinner sometime soon.”
The earl exchanged a look with his wife before meeting Constance’s gaze. “We shall discuss it and then I’ll send word to Hamilton.” It was a polite response, of course, but not an overly warm one. Why? Was he aware of who she was to Gregory? Did he not approve?
Knots of anxiety twisted in her belly. Did having a mistress mean he would damage his reputation, both as a barrister and for his hopes in society?
“Well, don’t let us keep you,” Gregory said with a frown as he peered skyward. “It is just now starting to rain, and you know the ladies won’t wish to ruin their gowns.”
As if I’m a lady the way society defines it.
“I’ll be in touch,” the earl promised with a hand to the small of Clarissa’s back.
The countess flashed a smile her way. “It was lovely to meet you, Mrs. Knight. I shall invite you to tea soon.”
“I would appreciate that.” As she waved, the other couple continued along the path. Once she was alone with Gregory, she frowned. “They seem like a sweet couple. That’s lovely you have such a close friend.”
“I think so too. Biddleton sometimes is the only one who can encourage me to keep going when things are grim.” There was nothing but honesty in his expression as he led her back up the path that would eventually end at the front of the property.
“For example, when I lose in court and my defendant is found guilty, I take that hard, think it was something I did that gave the judge that decision. Or if I am rejected by a woman at a society event. I always second guess myself, wonder what I said to force such an outcome.”
The admission helped to understand him better. Knowing he wasn’t as confident as he wanted everyone to see made her feel closer to him, for she wasn’t the only one who wasn’t perfect. “It isn’t you. Sometimes life doesn’t go as we hope.”
“You are probably correct.”
“And speaking of women rejecting you, I can’t understand why. You are quite the catch.”
“Ha.” Though he chuckled, there were shadows in his eyes as he glanced at her when they walked beneath a few lanterns hanging in the tree boughs. “I don’t know about that. I’ll never hold a real title like my brother will once our father passes on.”
For a few moments, she’d forgotten he was a viscount’s son. “Do stop, Gregory. There are plenty of reasons a woman would have her head turned by you.”
“Perhaps you are too partial.” But he grinned.
“I only know what I have seen thus far.” She slipped her hand into his crooked elbow. “Keep on. Eventually you’ll find the woman who sees your worth and who you truly are beneath the mask you show to the world.”
Don’t we all do that, though?
By the time they reached the designated spot where Gregory had told his driver to meet them, the carriage was already waiting in a line, and the rain came down more steadily.
“Always prompt,” he said as Peter put down the steps. “I appreciate that, my friend.”
“No other way to be, Mr. Hamilton.” He nodded to Constance as he handed her into the closed carriage. “Watch your step, Mrs. Knight.”
“I will.” She settled on one of the benches while Gregory entered the vehicle.
“Take us to Hanover Square.”
“As quick as I can, Mr. Hamilton, but it looks to be busy on the streets tonight, and rain brings out the worst in people.”
“Do your best.” Then he settled on the opposite bench while Peter put up the steps and closed the door.
Seconds later, the conveyance rocked as the driver regained his seat.
“Thank you for a lovely evening,” Constance said as the carriage lurched into motion. “I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed myself so much.”
“Not even last night?” Oh, he was quite cheeky in the darkness of the closed carriage.
Heat slapped at her cheeks. “Do hush. A gentleman wouldn’t have mentioned such a thing.”
“I never claimed I was that.” So saying, Gregory crossed the narrow aisle to settle on her bench. Almost immediately, his arms came around her. “And now I’m going to kiss you, because I have been wanting to do that ever since the middle of the play.”