Lord of Scoundrels - Loretta Chase [93]
Accordingly, with matters properly sorted out and settled for the present, Dain joined his wife for dinner. During the meal, he further revised his dictionary. To her odd list of accomplishments he had already added a comprehension of the art of boxing. At dinner he discovered she possessed a knowledge of wrestling as well, gleaned from sporting periodicals and male conversations. She had reared not only her brother, she explained, but ten boy cousins as well— because she was the only one who could "manage the lot of ignorant savages." Yet not one of the ingrates would take her to a professional match.
"Not even Polkinhorne's bout with Carr," she told Dain indignantly.
That famous match had also taken place in Devonport, two years ago.
"There were seventeen thousand spectators," she said. "Would you please explain to me how one female would attract notice in such a crowd?"
"You are bound to attract notice, even amid seventy thousand," he said. "You are the prettiest girl I've ever seen, as I distinctly recall telling you in Paris."
She sat back, startled, her smooth cheeks turning pink. "Good grief, Dain, that was a flat-out compliment— and we're not even making love."
"I am a shocking fellow," he said. "One never knows what astonishing thing I'll say. Or when." He sipped his wine. "The point is, you will attract notice. In normal circumstances, you would have a lot of drunken louts bothering you and distracting your escort. But since I shall be your escort, there will be no bothering or distracting. All the louts, however drunk they may be, will keep their eyes upon the wrestlers and their hands to themselves." He set down his wineglass and took up his fork again.
"The tarts had better do the same," she said, returning her attention to her food. "I am not as big and intimidating as you, but I have my methods. I won't tolerate such annoyances, either."
Dain kept his gaze on his plate and concentrated on swallowing the morsel he'd just very nearly choked on.
She was possessive…about him.
The beautiful, mad creature— or blind and deaf creature, or whatever she was— coolly announced it as one might say, "Pass the salt cellar," without the smallest awareness that the earth had just tilted on its axis.
"These large sporting events tend to attract Cyprians in droves," he said. "I fear you'll have your hands full…" His mouth twitched. "Fighting them off."
"I suppose it's too much to ask you not to encourage them," she said.
"My dear, I wouldn't dream of encouraging them," he said. "Even I know it's very bad ton to— to cast lures at other women while one's wife is about. Not to mention you'd probably shoot me." He shook his head sadly. "I only wish my self-restraint were enough. But the vexing thing is, they don't seem to want any encouragement. Everywhere I go— "
"It does not vex you," she said with a reproachful glance. "You are well aware of your effect on women, and I'm sure it gratifies you no end to watch them sigh and salivate over your magnificent physique. I do not wish to spoil your fun, Dain. But I do ask you to consider my pride, and refrain from embarrassing me in public."
Women…sighing and salivating…over his magnificent physique.
Maybe the brutal bedding had destroyed a part of her brain.
"I don't know what you're thinking of," he said.
"Did I not pay a king's ransom for you? Why in blazes should I waste money and energy luring other females, when I've bought one for permanent use?"
"A few hours ago, you were prepared to desert me," she pointed out. "After only three days' marriage— and before you'd consummated it. You did not seem to regard money and energy any more than you regarded my pride."
"I was not thinking clearly then," he said. "I was at the mercy of my delicate nerves. Also, I'm not accustomed to regarding anybody else's feelings. But now that my mind has cleared, I see your point, and it's a sound one. You are the Marchioness of Dain, after all, and it will not do for anyone to laugh at you or pity you. It is one thing for me to