A Duchess Enraged by Alicia Quigley

Author:Alicia Quigley [Quigley, Alicia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Goodreads: 20987057
Publisher: AHeyerLove.com
Published: 2014-02-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

A Brandied Blow

Adam glared after Gresham, trying to quell the murderous impulse he felt. The sight of Allegra weeping in another man's arms had left him confused and horrified. He had no idea what had happened to the warm, gentle, welcoming woman he had known at Gravesmere, but her actions that evening had only served to confirm his worst fears. He had to find her and try once more to obtain some explanation of her behavior. His faith was shaken by the events of the evening, but even now he hoped that she would have some explanation, some words that would restore the happiness they had possessed. He would find out the truth of the matter, and know once and for all if he had glimpsed the true Allegra over the past week, or if she was a sham. His thoughts were interrupted by a quiet hand laid on his arms. He looked down into the violet eyes of Louisa Manning.

"Adam," she said, feigning surprise. "I had no idea you had returned to London."

"Louisa!" Adam shuffled his feet, discomfited. "I'm sorry I haven't called on you. I meant to visit you tomorrow."

"Adam, you know you're welcome at any time. I am at your command." She smiled sweetly.

Adam gazed over her head, searching the crowd for a glimpse of Allegra. "If you will excuse me, Louisa, I must find my wife and accompany her home. She is unwell." Adam felt awkward in Louisa's presence. He was amazed that he no longer felt anything for her; as he looked at her now he could perceive that she was a lovely woman, but certainly not out of the ordinary. There was no animation to her countenance, no hidden currents of sensuality, none of the mischievous spark that animated Allegra. He frowned at the thought. Had she so bewitched him with her sensuality that he was blind to her faults? He couldn't allow her to deceive him, to make him a laughing-stock and a cuckold.

Louisa's eyes widened. "Is she, Adam? I'm very sorry. But perhaps you are misinformed? I just saw her leave a moment ago in the company of Lord Gresham."

Adam's countenance darkened ominously. Louisa blinked at him.

"Have I said something wrong? I thought surely you knew..." her voice trailed off. "I'm sure there is nothing in it, Adam."

"Doubtless not," said Adam shortly. He looked again at Louisa. If she had not a special quality to her, at least he knew he could count on her not to embarrass him in public. "If Allegra has elected to go with Lord Gresham, then I am at your disposal, Louisa. May I take you home?"

Lady Manning smiled delightfully. "I will be most pleased if you do so, Adam."

The carriage ride to Half Moon Street was undertaken in silence; Adam was too distracted to talk, and Louisa felt that if he choose to brood over his wife's iniquities, that was all for the best. Upon their arrival, Adam helped her out of the carriage and up the steps to the house, where a footman opened the door.

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