What You Desire (Anything for Love 1)

“Well, not exactly.” She paused and breathed deeply. “You were right. The Comte de Dampierre owns Labelles, amongst other things. Dampierre insists I attend Lord Delmont’s masquerade. I’m to wear the necklace and he has even provided me with a costume. Madame Labelle has left it in your carriage. That reminds me, I must check to see if Amy has hung it up to air.”

Sebastian stared at her, his expression hard and unforgiving. “You’re not going,” he said sharply. It was not a question, it was an order he was determined she would follow.

“I told Madame Labelle that is exactly what you would say,” she replied with a weak smile. “Particularly, once you had learned that Dampierre will also be in attendance and he expects me to hand over the necklace.”

“You’re not going,” he repeated, stressing the words with patriarchal authority, as she appeared completely unconcerned about the danger she would be placing herself in. Thank God she didn’t know where he’d put the necklace. It would not surprise him to wake and find them both missing.

“Dampierre has agreed you may accompany me,” she added pressing her case.

He stood abruptly and walked over to the window, just to place some distance between them, for he had been an arms-reach away from shaking her to her senses.

She opened her mouth to speak, but he interjected. “Do you know what a crush it will be? I would struggle to find you even if your face wasn’t covered. At a blasted masquerade, it will be nigh on impossible.” He pushed his hands through his hair in frustration. “Why on earth have you waited

until now to tell me?”

Sophie blushed. “I … I was thinking of something else at the time, if you remember. I did not wish to spoil the moment.” She shook her head. “And because I knew you would act like this.” She gestured to his pacing with an element of censure. “Can you not see there is some logic in accepting the offer?”

He sighed. “Not when I find it difficult to believe he only wants the necklace. What if he is simply looking for a replacement for Annabel?” The thought of losing her, of her ending up in such a situation, well, he could not bear to contemplate it. “What do you expect me to say when you seem content with serving yourself up as the prized pig?”

“I beg your pardon.”

He stopped pacing. “It is just a turn of phrase. You know what I meant by it.” He dropped into the chair and took a deep breath. “Did Madame Labelle mention Dampierre’s interest in Annabel?”

Sophie swallowed. “Not at all. Madame Labelle simply assured me that Victor … that Dampierre wants some form of recompense and is, therefore, willing to accept the necklace.” She looked him keenly in the eye and said with earnest. “What choice do we have? I cannot return to Marchampton until the matter is closed. Dampierre could call on me at any time. You cannot camp on the doorstep. You cannot always be there to offer your protection.”

I can and I will, once you accept a proposal of marriage.

He stood and walked over to her, took her hand in his. “There is something I have been meaning to ask you,” he began but was interrupted by a discreet tap on the door. He tried to ignore it, tried to focus on asking the question that plagued him, but Sophie kept glancing towards the door and the person knocking was persistent.

“Are you going to answer it?” she asked with a nervous edge to her voice.

Reluctantly, Sebastian dropped her hand, walked over to the door and opened it just wide enough to peer out, using his body to prevent the caller from looking in. “What is it?” he asked with some impatience.

Haines was standing at the door, looking like a little boy who had just put a hole in his best breeches. “Forgive me, my lord, I did not mean to disturb you. But there is someone waiting to see you downstairs.”

“Who is it?” There were only a few people who knew he owned the house, let alone he was in residence.

Haines did not reply, but raised his brows and jerked his head in the direction of the stairs.

“Very well,” Sebastian grumbled. “I shall be right down.”

Haines perused Sebastian’s crumpled attire. “I think you’ll need to smarten yourself up a bit for this one.”

Chapter 21

After donning a clean shirt and cravat, Sebastian shrugged into his waistcoat and hastily fastened the buttons. If the caller expected to be received formally, then he was gravely mistaken. He would rather be damned than wear a coat, in his own house and at such an ungodly hour. Besides, until he knew the identity of his late night visitor, there was always a chance he would have to get his hands dirty. Should the need arise he would prefer not to be encumbered by excessive clothing.

With some reluctance, he advised Sophie to return to her room, the distraction downstairs offering the perfect opportunity to do so, unnoticed. Finally, after a minor disagreement where he had reinforced the need for sleep and she had managed to bribe him into agreeing to discuss the masquerade, he made his way downstairs.

Haines, who was waiting for him in the hall with one hand resting on the newel post, looked up. “I’ve put them in the drawing room, my lord,” he said, straightening. “Mrs. Cox is making tea, but maybe you’ll want something stronger.”

Sebastian gave him a quizzical look. “Them?” he asked a little surprised. He glanced down towards Haines’ empty hands. “Is there no card?”

Haines shook his head. “No, my lord. But I believe the gentleman knows you, or else I’d not have let them in.”

“I confess it has been a long time since you’ve behaved so mysteriously,” Sebastian continued, thoroughly intrigued. “I hope I’m not going to be disappointed.”

Indeed, he had been dragged from the comfort of his bedchamber, from soft lips and a warm embrace. It had better be for something bloody important.