Redemption of a Fallen Woman Page 0,58

her composure quickly.

'I needed a little air. It's very warm indoors.'

He smiled and strolled across to join her. 'I was afraid you were not enjoying the party.'

'Oh, yes. I am enjoying it very much.'

'I'm glad to hear it. I'd be sorry to think otherwise.'

'The occasion seems to be a great success.'

'Your presence has added immeasurably to that.'

Elena pretended to misunderstand. 'It was kind of you to invite us. My husband was delighted to renew his acquaintance with you.'

'It was a delight for me too.' He regarded her keenly. 'What do you think of our Sevilla?'

'It's a fine city. I'm impressed with what I have seen so far.'

'I wish I could show you more.'

Nothing could have been pleasanter than his expression but something in that smooth tone caused the first stirring of unease. The words were ambiguous too, capable of a perfectly innocent interpretation or a very different one. For no apparent reason the hothouse bouquet came to mind, and with it connotations she didn't care for.

'I regret that we will be leaving very soon. My husband's business here is concluded.'

'What a pity.'

'Yes, isn't it?'

'Do you return to Madrid?'

'No. We're moving on to Cadiz.'

'It's a long and tiring journey, my lady.'

'I'm well used to travelling.'

He reached out and traced one finger lightly down her arm. 'Your husband should leave you here while he takes care of business. It would be my pleasure to offer the hospitality of my house.'

There could be no mistake now about the intent behind the smooth, purring tone. He was also standing just a little too close and he was between her and the door. Elena quashed an urge to flee, knowing instinctively that he would prevent it. Then there would be a scene with possibly unpleasant consequences. Somehow she was going to have to bluff her way out of this. She forced a smile.

'You are most kind.'

'I should like to be.'

Her skin prickled. 'My husband would not countenance such a separation and nor would I.'

'You are quite right, my dear,' said a voice behind them. 'I would not countenance it.'

Her heart leapt as she saw Harry in the doorway and relief washed over her with the force of a tidal bore.

He surveyed the little scene just a few seconds longer. His timing had been fortuitous. A few seconds later and Villanueva would undoubtedly have tried to kiss Elena. Harry's jaw tightened. Although he would very much have liked to floor the man he didn't want Elena subjected to the kind of scandal that would result. Instead he advanced to join them. Nothing could have been more relaxed than his outward manner, nothing more amiable than his smile. However, on this occasion it stopped well short of his eyes.

'My wife remains at my side,' he said.

As he turned round, Villanueva's urbane smile didn't alter either. 'Well, I cannot blame you for that, my lord. All the same the offer remains if you change your mind.'

'You are the flower of courtesy,' replied Harry. 'However, I shall not change my mind.'

The conde's eyes glinted briefly; then he bowed. 'Well, then, I can only wish you a safe journey. Now, if you will excuse me, I will return to my other guests.'

As he walked away Elena shivered a little. Harry regarded her with concern.

'Are you all right, my dear?'

'Yes. Quite all right, I thank you.'

'Are you sure? You look a little pale.'

In truth the conde's advances had left her feeling shaken. He was undoubtedly an experienced womaniser, and now she wondered uneasily if he had sensed something about her that had led him to try his luck. Such men tended to be intuitive. He could not possibly know about her past but the incident left an unpleasant taste. It annoyed her that she had laid herself open to such attentions; she was clearly out of practice when it came to social functions like this one.

'It's my fault,' she replied. 'I should not have come out here alone, only the room was so hot and I needed some air. I didn't think anyone would even notice.'

'You are entitled to take the air without being propositioned by a cur.'

She hugged herself defensively. 'Odious man.'

He frowned. 'He didn't try to...'

'Nothing like that, thank goodness.'

'As well for him that he did not.'

'What would you have done? Hit him?'

'No, killed him.'

Seeing his expression then she was left in no doubt that he meant it. The realisation sent a different kind of shiver down her spine.

Harry kept the lid on his ire. While the thought of