The Passion (Notorious 2)

"I still fail to see why you don't just return home to America."

"Because I don't want to abandon my lovely wife."

Worried both by his statement and that he might be overheard, Aurora glanced over her shoulder and was relieved to find her groom was still a discreet distance away. "You needn't advertise our relationship to the entire world!"

"I am not the one who is railing like a termagant in public, love."

"I am not railing."

"No?"

There was a maddening undertone of enjoyment in his voice, and Aurora regretted that she was too well-bred to box his ears and that she held such a strong aversion to physical violence. Instead, she took a deep breath and bit her tongue, vowing not to allow herself to be provoked.

It was hard, however, when Nicholas seemed determined to stir up trouble.

"Speaking of your acquaintances…" he said thoughtfully. "If I'm not mistaken, there is one now."

Glancing farther down the Row, Aurora recognized the approaching horseman as the Earl of Clune. Her heart seemed to falter. "Oh, my word… Clune. He is one of your acquaintances as well. He told me you were once a member of his Hellfire League."

"For a short while I was, during my visit here three years ago. What of it?"

"He is sure to recognize you. You should leave at once, Nicholas, before he sees you."

"I told you, I have no intention of hiding."

"You can't possibly mean to show yourself to him!"

"You will remember that I am Brandon Deverill, your cousin by marriage. There should be no problem. Smile, love, and pretend you are enjoying my company."

It was too late to do anything else, Aurora realized, since Clune was nearly upon them. He flashed his charming rake's smile as he drew his mount to a halt before her.

"Ah, the most beautiful widow in London," he said with a graceful bow. "And the most accomplished horsewoman, as well. The combination is entrancing."

"My Lord Clune," Aurora murmured, acknowledging the acquaintance with a polite nod of her head.

"I don't believe I need ask the outcome of your race this morning, since you always win."

She made a supreme effort not to look at Nicholas as she tried to play down the race. "My horses enjoy the exercise."

"But your competition could be stronger. Perhaps some morning you might prefer a challenger other than your ward. I would be happy to offer my services whenever you wish."

At his wickedly suggestive tone, Aurora felt like squirming in her saddle. His lordship was clearly flirting with her. "Thank you, my lord, but I am quite content riding with my ward."

She had hoped he would move on without noticing Nicholas, but Clune's gaze turned to him next.

"Have we met before? You bear a strong resemblance to someone I know. This lady's late husband, I believe."

Aurora held her breath, while Nicholas smiled coolly. "That is not surprising, since I am Sabine's cousin. Brandon Deverill, at your service, sir."

"The likeness is remarkable."

Nicholas met his gaze directly. "So I am told."

Aurora was unnerved by how closely Clune was studying him. But his lordship merely bowed and offered his condolences. "An excellent sportsman and comrade, your cousin Nick. As game as they come. I was sorry to hear of his death, for I grew quite fond of him during our brief acquaintance. You are an American, Mr. Deverill?"

"By birth, yes. But since my political leanings don't quite coincide with my government's, I thought it judicious to take refuge in England until the war ends."

"You might find your acceptance here rather tricky, especially since your cousin was hanged for piracy."