“A fraud?”
“There is not a dishonourable bone in your body. You may play the role of libertine, but that is not the man I have come to know.”
While he appreciated her faith in his character, he was a man who’d had many casual relationships with women. “Priscilla, whatever you think of me now bears no reflection on the things I’ve done in the past. No doubt Mullworth will take pleasure in taunting me.”
“Is that another reason you keep me locked in my bedchamber during parties? Do you fear I’ll not like what they say about you?”
For a reason unbeknown he wanted her to think he was worth more than the sum of his conquests. “I have no issue with the truth. It is the fabricated remarks of a wastrel I take umbrage with. Besides, the three of us conversing together is not good for business.”
“Why?” Priscilla scoffed. “It is not considered de rigueur to speak with a married woman in the presence of her husband?”
“It has nothing to do with that. If Mullworth says one disrespectful word to you, I’m liable to knock his teeth down his throat.”
“Chandler.” The pot-bellied gentlema
n burst upon them. “You never mentioned you were coming to the club tonight.” With wide eyes, he turned to Priscilla. “And if I’m not mistaken, is this not the lovely lady who dazzled in red.”
Suppressing his irritation, Matthew made the necessary introductions.
“My husband tells me you’re a member of his club. Do you attend his parties often?”
“Never miss one.” Mullworth’s ruddy cheeks wobbled as he shook his head. “Always top for entertainment, though I recall you experienced an hour of merriment yourself the other evening.”
“Merriment?”
“The waltz, my dear. The waltz.”
“Well, I could not pass an opportunity to dance with my husband.”
“Dance?” Mullworth chortled. “It looked to be a little more than that. No doubt the entertainment continued long after we’d left. Chandler is known for his prowess in the bedchamber.”
Matthew coughed into his fist. “Remember you’re talking to my wife.” Although his fists ached to punch the man, he would rather not make a scene.
“Of course.” Mullworth smiled at Priscilla and inclined his head. “I’m merely teasing Chandler here. What I mean is it was obvious you share a deep affection. Rest assured, he has not looked at another woman since you wed.”
“Why would he?” Priscilla raised her chin. “Is it not my job to make certain he has no need to wander?”
“Too right. Too right.” Mullworth put a hand on his stomach and chuckled again. His ravenous gaze travelled over every inch of Priscilla’s body. “We all knew it would take an exceptional lady to capture Chandler’s heart. Perhaps we might see you again when he holds the next party. A host needs a good hostess by his side, and to be guaranteed the company of such a ravishing creature will surely draw more members.”
“I doubt I shall have cause to attend another party.” Priscilla showed no sign that she found the man irritating nor did she fall for his flattery. “As I’ve already said, my only reason for attending was to dance with my husband.”
“If dancing is what you love, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of gentlemen willing to fill your card.” Mullworth’s slippery tone roused Matthew’s ire. Knowing the man as he did, the last comment was an innuendo for a more sinful activity.
“Have a care, Mullworth. I’ll not remind you again.”
“You mistake me, sir,” Priscilla said with a regal air. “It is my husband I love, not dancing. He will be the only man ever to claim a place on my card.”
The words sounded so sincere Matthew almost believed they were true. Rather than scare the hell out of him, he found her declaration oddly reassuring. Mullworth gaped. There’d been no need to thump the man. Priscilla had knocked the wind out of him with one simple comment.
“Then Chandler here is a lucky fellow.” Mullworth slapped him on the upper arm. “A lucky fellow, indeed.”
A flurry of activity behind meant only one thing. The game was about to begin. They would need an optimum view if they had any hope of observing the language of cheaters.
“If you’ll excuse us, Mullworth. I’ve brought my wife to witness the play at the tables.” He clasped Priscilla’s hand firmly. “No doubt I shall see you at my next gathering.”
“Of course.” Mullworth nodded. “The devil himself couldn’t keep me away.”
Chapter 14