Triana's Spring Seduction Read online

  “Exactly,” Triana continued. “So that leaves the four of us. Since we are of a similar age, I propose that after we all reach five and twenty, if we haven’t yet procured a suitable husband before we graduate from a ‘spinster’ to a ‘thornback,’ we should join Korina on her quest to America — start a new life away from the strictures of society. With our respective dowries, we can finally be able to do what we wish.”

  Rowena put a finger to her lips. “That gives us about a year to plan accordingly.” She shrugged. “I’m in. I daresay a change of scenery sounds rather nice.”

  Alyssa hesitated. “I love the idea, but I’m not sure I could leave my aunt.”

  “Convince her to come with us,” Triana returned fervently, reaching out and taking her hands.

  With a grin, Alyssa said, “Very well. I’m in.”

  Until that point, Isabella had been rather quiet during the exchange. Triana touched her arm and said softly, “Izzy, are you with us?”

  The other woman blinked her slightly owlish brown eyes. “Could I have some… time to consider it?”

  Triana smiled gently, knowing the other woman was reluctant to leave Lord Wistenberry. She just hoped she might nudge her in the opposite direction before it was too late and Izzy lost her heart to him, if she hadn’t already. “Of course.”

  “Trouble’s coming!” Triana heeded Rowena’s urgent, whispered warning just as a man abruptly cleared his throat behind her.

  Triana reluctantly turned around. Lord Eastbury grinned widely, knowing that he had her effectively trapped. “M’dear, Lady Triana, I would be honored if you would take a turn with me about the ballroom—”

  “Apologies, Eastbury,” a deep voice intruded. “But I’m afraid this particular lady is spoken for. She has promised the first waltz of the evening to me and, if my calculations are correct, the orchestra is just about to strike up the first chord.”

  Triana’s mouth fell open as a hush instantly descended over the area around them. The duke had been appealing from across the room, but this close, surely the devil wasn’t as tempting to behold! Handsome as absolute sin in black and white, with an emerald signet ring on his left, pinky finger and a stick pin of the same jewel placed neatly through his crisp cravat, he literally caused Triana’s flesh to tingle in places she’d never even thought possible.

  As the Duke of Chiltern held out his arm to her, Triana moved forward, although she had no recollection of telling her feet to do so.

  “I think you have some explaining to do,” Alyssa’s hushed, but amused whisper caused a hot blush to stain Triana’s cheeks as Gabriel led her away, leaving Eastbury to gape after them.

  They got into position as they waited for the music to start. Triana swallowed nervously as Gabriel placed his strong hand at the small of her back and pulled her a bit closer than necessary, the heat radiating from his body seeming to seep through her bones as she carefully placed her hand on his shoulder, the muscles beneath bunching like corded steel.

  He grasped her other hand, his fingers gently curling around hers. The electricity of his touch was quite unexpected, and she gasped, though a quick glance at her partner showed that he was as composed as ever.

  But when she noticed his lips she remembered the feel of that strong mouth on her bare palm, which itched in betrayal, even now, for his gentle touch.

  However, it was his eyes that truly held her fascination. Up close, she could see that they were such an intriguing blend of gray, with just a slight touch of green, that when the glow of the candlelight hit them just right, they took on that glittering, silver hue.

  Much like the moon’s effects on an evening terrace...

  Triana stiffened as the first notes were drawn from the orchestra. It had been ages since she’d partnered with anyone for a waltz. What if she forgot the steps and embarrassed them both? She didn’t think she could survive the humiliation, especially after last night’s episode.

  But as the duke began to lead her about the floor, he bent down slightly to whisper in her ear, “Relax,” and she soon found herself doing just that. Gabriel was a competent leader and led her about the dance floor in such a graceful and effortless manner that she easily lost herself in the rhythm.

  The tension began to ebb out of her body and she felt a genuine smile tug at her lips. After that, she could have sworn her feet never even touched the floor.

  Chapter Five

  Gabriel offered Triana a polite smile, all the while trying to act as though his body hadn’t suddenly been struck with a tinder match. If he thought he’d been distracted earlier, a strong temptation by sight, he found touching Triana to be infinitely more tantalizing. And that was before his other three senses were realized.

  The sound of her steady breathing became a lilting melody that blended with the strains of the violins — a harmonious seduction that made his body hum. Inhaling lightly, he detected a hint of rose water, a fragrance that was popular with many women of the ton, although he never recalled it being quite so poignant or arousing before.

  Much more appealing than lilac, he mused.

  At the recollection of Cordelia, it should have been enough to wipe away any further interest involving Triana, yet he couldn’t stop from bemoaning the fact that he would be denied the last sensation — taste. While he knew that soft, creamy neck exposed to his appreciative view was off limits, that didn’t mean he couldn’t take the opportunity to entertain a brief fantasy…

  First, he would lead her into a dimly lit room where they could be alone. Shutting them inside, he would nuzzle the sloping curve of her shoulder, perhaps even work his way across her collarbone, before gently tugging down her bodice and exposing the gentle swell of her breasts to his hungry gaze. The peaks would be hard points, aching to be caressed by his experienced hands. And oh, how he would delight in gently kneading that tender flesh, before he dipped his mouth and captured a rosy tip with his tongue…

  Slightly increasing the pressure of his hand at the small of Triana’s back, Gabriel set his jaw and took a deep, steady breath, all the while cursing his imagination.

  He was at this ball for one reason, and one reason only — and it wasn’t to seduce his friend’s sister.

  He reminded himself that it wasn’t just his position within the ton that was at risk here. Triana could very well be in danger if she got too close to the truth. He’d been in the spy game long enough to see the casualties and he didn’t want her to be one of them. The thought of her being hurt caused a strange ache in his chest.

  He knew what he had to do. He didn’t like it, but he had to let her imagine she was right, that he was nothing more than the unrepentant rake she wanted him to be.

  ***

  “I enjoy having you in my arms, Lady Triana.”

  Triana’s gaze instantly flew to the duke’s face at the sound of that smooth timbre. Did he just say…?

  No. She would not give in to his charm, even if it might be difficult to concentrate when he kept looking at her like that. It would be easy to get lost in such a charismatic spell, but then wasn’t that her purpose in dancing with him? She wanted to prove that he was no different than the rest of the rogues and libertines. And with the hungry expression on his face, she feared she might be right.

  “You flatter me unnecessarily, Your Grace.”

  Gabriel peered down at her through hooded eyes. “Do I?” he murmured. “Surely you know how beautiful you are, Triana.”

  She gritted her teeth at his familiarity, wondering where the man from last evening had gone; the caring, gallant hero who had given her his handkerchief. It was as if a curtain had suddenly been pulled back and another man was being revealed.

  But then, perhaps this was merely the character he was allowing her to see.

  Determined to find out which man was the real Duke of Chiltern, she countered, “Such pretty words, Your Grace. I assume Lady Worthington has heard the same?”

  His lips twitched as he accepted the gauntlet she’d thrown down. �
��Ah, I see. You believe that when I compliment you that I have some sort of hidden agenda, that my attentions aren’t sincere?”

  She gave a light laugh. “I know they’re not.”

  With eyes that twinkled merrily, he said softly, “I see that I have yet to curry your favor, since you are so quick to disparage my character.” He lifted a lazy brow. “Perhaps I should not have intervened and let Eastbury guide you about the room.”

  She lifted her chin and eyed him steadily, refusing to take the bait. “I didn’t ask you to come to my rescue.”

  He smiled and pulled her even closer than society dictated. Her breathing hitched as he purred, “Come now, Triana, tell me you don’t feel something when I hold you like this.”

  The way he said her name caused gooseflesh to flutter over her arms, but again, she ordered herself to be strong. “I know what you’re trying to do,” she said evenly. “But you’ll find I’m not as easy to persuade as the rest of the ton.”

  The only response that registered at her bold statement was the flash of molten silver in his eyes as they glittered dangerously. When he spoke, his voice had pitched to a husky murmur. “Since you’re that determined to condemn me as a villain…” He began rubbing light circles over her palm with the pad of his thumb. “Perhaps I should show you just how wicked I can be. How about if I strip the clothes from your body and lick you from head to toe with my greedy tongue?” He taunted. “Would that make me evil enough to suit you?”

  Triana’s breath caught sharply as her heart skimmed across her chest and slammed into her lungs. Never in her life had she been spoken to in such a crass manner, and while she ought to have taken offense to such scandalous and inappropriate remarks, a small part of her was actually enthralled by it.

  The music ended, giving her a rather needed reprieve. The duke politely escorted her off the floor as if nothing was amiss. At the edge of the room, he executed a formal bow, and then turned on his heel and walked away without another word.

  Only after he had been swallowed up by the crowd did Triana realize she was trembling. What had just happened? Her face was warm and she felt feverish. Either way, it was obvious Gabriel had wanted her to believe he was as much of a scoundrel and rake as anyone else, but it just didn’t make sense. He had said some rather shocking things to her, it was true, but it was almost as if he was trying too hard to make her believe the worst of him.

  Triana headed for the ladies’ retiring room, intending to have a few moments to calm herself, but it wasn’t to be. Alyssa immediately accosted her and practically dragged her down the hallway to an empty room to what appeared to be a library. Rowena was already there, twisting her handkerchief in her hands when they entered, an anxious expression on her face.

  Neither one of them wasted any time with their inquisition.

  “Dear God, Triana! What happened last night?”

  “We must know everything!”

  Triana didn’t even get a chance to say a word before the door burst open.

  Korina strode in somewhat breathlessly. “Did I miss anything? If not, there’s plenty of talk going on out there to keep me occupied for the rest of the week!”

  With a groan, Triana just dropped her head in her hands.

  ***

  Triana had prayed that the worst was over after that forty-five minute debacle, during which she was demanded to give a thorough recounting, but she found that her hopes were in vain, for not even a handful of society matrons with their judgmental glares were as damaging as the Times article the following morning;

  Our esteemed Duke of Chiltern, the current most sought after bachelor in the city, has recently been linked to a particular young woman whose character is highly in question. Lady Triana is the talk of London this morning for her brazen antics in a singular attempt to attract the notice of this wealthy gentleman. While we consider this all a desperate cry for attention on her part, we feel most aggrieved for Lady Worthington a proper, society widow who has been injured with all the speculation, for she had been a prime contestant for the duke’s affections. What humiliation Lady Trenton and Lord Curdiff must be feeling as they are yet again, subjected to more shameful behavior from their relations. Do we need to remind everyone of the shocking antics carried on by the earl?

  It is truly a sorrowful accounting, from this reporter’s view, that our men are hunted down like sport. To the hound, rest assured our fox shall run!

  Triana stared at the unforgiving column until her eyes blurred, but she knew those harsh words were forever burned into her memory. If possible, it seemed the offending paragraph got worse the more she read it. While she admitted it stung to think that she’d been portrayed as the villain, a sort of husband-hunting deviant, she’d done nothing wrong.

  Something bubbled up insider her — some might have called the emotion the urge to cry, but Triana reminded herself that she would not give the ton any more of her tears. She’d shed enough during her debut to last a lifetime.

  She balled up the print and marched across the parlor, throwing the entire paper into the fire. She felt a small sense of satisfaction as she watched it become engulfed in hungry flames. If only she could keep her mother from reading it…

  Could she be so lucky?

  “To think that after all this time I’ve managed to patch together this family’s good name, only to have you tear it asunder again in the span of an evening! I swear you are your father’s daughter, Triana!”

  She let out a weary sigh. Obviously not.

  Lady Trenton’s irate voice cut through the air like a whip as she flounced into the parlor and faced off with her daughter. Triana could sense the rage emanating off of her mother, so she forced herself to take a deep, fortifying breath before turning to meet her glare. She was not surprised to find Amelia clutching the latest edition of the Times in her hand — a copy of the one she had just happily burnt to ashes.

  It truly was a shame alcohol wasn’t her forte, because she could really use a drink about now. “It’s all just a terrible misunderstanding—” Triana tried to explain, but Amelia would have no excuses.

  The older woman threw her arms in the air in exasperation, as if her daughter had suddenly taken leave of her senses. “Misunderstanding? Did you even read this?” She threw down the paper on a nearby table and pointed at it, as if it were some hideous snake, coiled and ready to strike.

  Triana had the grace to grimace. “Well, yes, I did, but—”

  “So, I suppose you’re going to try and deny that you danced with the Duke of Chiltern?” Her mother filleted Triana where she stood, raising her eyebrows in obvious disdain.

  Triana’s cheeks began to burn with her frustration. What would it matter if she admitted her supposed guilt? Her mother had already condemned her, along with the rest of her peers. One of the lessons she’d learned long ago was that people, her mother included, were going to believe what they wanted, regardless of the contrary. Of course, it didn’t help that she lived in a city that thrived on the misfortune of others, and overreacted on purpose, just for something to talk about over afternoon tea.

  “I didn’t realize it was a crime for my little sister to share a waltz with a fellow member of the peerage — and a duke no less,” Travell muttered from the doorway.

  Relief flooded Triana at her brother’s saving intervention.

  “Why, I would have thought you might be jumping for joy, Mother. No doubt you wouldn’t have been so upset had Eastbury been the recipient.” He strode into the room with a nearly bored air.

  “Hmph.” The countess assessed her son with irritation. “Be that as it may...” She paused to lift her chin a notch in defiance. “...the duke is practically engaged, whereas the earl is a worthy prospect. Furthermore, as a mother, it’s my duty to safeguard my daughter’s reputation—”

  “As Chiltern has announced no betrothal,” Travell interrupted smoothly, a dark brow arching in challenge, “and as I see it, all that took place was a harmless dance, Triana has done nothing to
deserve such censure. Besides, if I recall correctly, I am the head of this household in father’s absence, thus it’s my duty to take care of any issues that relate to this family.”

  Amelia’s mouth abruptly shut with a snap, cutting off any haughty retort she might have made.

  Travell smiled slowly. “I see that we’re on the same page now.”

  But their mother would not be pacified so easily. “So what, pray tell, are you intending to do about this slur against our good name? Surely you must see, after this, that Triana needs the firm guidance of a husband!” Lady Trenton effectively ignored the fact that her daughter was in the same room, but it wasn’t as if Triana hadn’t heard it all before. Countless times, in fact.

  Travell’s blue eyes narrowed slightly, but instead of commenting in kind, he turned his gaze on his sister and gave her a pleasant smile, as if he wasn’t in the midst of a heated argument. He nearly caught her off guard as he abruptly changed the subject. “I was just heading out for a ride. I don’t guess you’d care to join me?”

  Amelia gasped in blatant outrage and placed her hands on her hips. She opened her mouth as if to dispute the sudden outing, but Triana recovered first and said brightly, “That sounds wonderful, Travell. Just give me a moment to change?”

  His grin widened. “Capital. I’ll make sure your mare is saddled and ready to go when you are.” With a grand flourish of his hand, he gestured for her to leave and Triana gratefully accepted the opportunity.

  She had barely reached the staircase before she heard her mother’s voice raised in disapproval. She suppressed a shudder, thankful that she was spared for the moment.

  She scurried up the remaining flight of steps, and with the help of her maid, quickly changed into a midnight blue velvet riding habit. After tying a tidy bow underneath her chin to secure the matching bonnet, she cautiously made her way back down to the foyer.