The Indian dishes received mixed responses from the guests, even though she had taken pains to include foods that were not too spicy for those with tamer palates. Most comments from the people seated near her were compliments and inquiries of how she came up with the ideas for the ball and where she found the musicians. The majority of the guests appeared to be enjoying the evening, though she did spy a few sour countenances.
The Duchess of Wentworth took her aside to tell her good-bye. “Your ball was quite a crush, Your Grace, though a few seemed scandalized. Lord and Lady Lindsay now think you are ‘unpatriotic’ so you likely won’t be receiving invitations from them. And the dowager Countess of Morley has declared you to be ‘too fast.’” Her nose turned up in disapproval. “They are stuffy old coots, anyhow.”
“I only hope that those silly vampire rumors have abated.” Angelica watched her companion carefully.
Jane chuckled. “Oh, I wouldn’t be worrying about that. Spirits are the new rage now.”
“Spirits?” Angelica’s breath caught in fascination. Now here was good fodder for her writing!
Her Grace leaned forward with a conspirator’s whisper. “Lady Pemberly will be hosting something called a ‘séance’ next week. She wants to communicate with the spirit of her first husband. I could probably wrangle an invitation for you, if you are interested.”
Angelica’s imagination was instantly stimulated. “I would like that.” Vampires and spirits! This ball was indeed a success!
She bid her friend good-bye and was occupied for the next hour in assisting her guests with their leave-taking.
While searching the house for intoxicated stragglers, she heard hushed voices in the library. She peeked in the doorway and saw Ian and the Spaniard, who she now knew to be his second in command. The two were seated before the fireplace, sharing a bottle of port.
“I still do not approve of this marriage, Ian,” Rafael said as he swirled his glass of wine. “Though she is very beautiful and seems to adore you.”
Her cheeks grew pink at the unexpected compliment. So he didn’t hate her after all! Angelica held back from entering, eager to hear what Ian would say about her.
“Have you yet come up with a plan as to what to do with her in the future?” Rafael’s tone was strangely ominous.
Angelica’s heart pounded and she leaned in closer to the doorway. Surely now Ian would announce his intention to Change her.
Her husband’s voice was gruff. “I will live with her as man and wife for a few more years, but before it is noticed that I do not age, I will have to leave her. She will tell everyone I died on a trip, and I’ll return perhaps fifty years later as my own heir, as usual. I will leave her well off, naturally…”
Angelica couldn’t bear to hear more. Hot and cold tremors assaulted her body, and a giant fist seemed to clamp on her heart. She fled up to her chamber, choking on the bitter tears that wrenched their way out of her rattled form.
“…as usual,” Ian had said. Her heart clenched with dawning horror. How many other women had he done this to? How many like her had he used and deceived?
***
“I still maintain that acquiring a mortal bride has created a dreadful inconvenience.” Rafe scowled as he lit his cigar. “Have you done such a thing before?”
Ian shook his head. “No, I’ve never married. And I agree that it complicates matters, but I shall have to make the best of it.”
“Then why do you not Change her?” Rafe protested. “You of all vampires should be aware of the danger in leaving a mortal with knowledge of our secrets. And I have seen the way you look at her, mi amigo. Your passion for her is obvious to anyone with eyes in his skull.”
Ian sighed. “I vowed never to condemn anyone to this life, especially without a choice, as happened to me. No matter how politely we behave, we are still fallen demons, as the legends say. I could never do that to her.”
Rafe’s gaze softened. “Just because you were Changed without a choice does not mean it would be so bad for your duchess. Perhaps she wants to spend eternity at your side.”
Ian laughed as he pictured an eternity with the vexing, mischievous woman, then he sobered. “I do not think so. She fought with all her tiny being against marriage to me. She nearly ran away to avoid being shackled to my side.”
“I would not be so certain of this,” Rafe said softly. “Feelings change, after all.”
As Ian followed Rafe down to the cellar and through the secret door to the chamber in which they would hide from the daylight, he mulled over his friend’s words. Could Angelica possibly love him? Would she want to spend untold centuries at his side? He hardly allowed to dream.
Perhaps he should redouble his courtship efforts. Angelica had never said she loved him, but sometimes there was such warmth in her eyes that he dared to hope. Perhaps in time, she would want to share eternity with him. Well, time was something he certainly had.
Twenty-one