Page 18 of The Rogue’s Offer

Chapter 5

The sound of the door opening behind them caught Ophelia’s attention, and Mr. Merrick turned his head as well. Both Mathias and Merrick frowned as two men entered the opera box.

“Margate. Chelmsford,” Mathias said with an abrupt bow before his lips twisted in a cynical smile. “I take it you’re here to meet Lady Havenstock?”

The mockery in his voice made Ophelia experience a twinge of discomfort as she suddenly felt as though she were goods on display.

“Gilchrist,” the taller of the two newcomers bowed slightly in greeting with a humorous twist of his lips. “You know me well enough to know I won’t insult your intelligence.”

“Naturally.” The sardonic note in Mathias’s voice made the man arch his eyebrow upward as his eyes narrowed. Not waiting for a reply, Mathias turned toward her with a smile on his lips, but the warmth and amusement she’d seen in his eyes just a few moments ago had disappeared.

“Ophelia, allow me to present the Earl of Chelmsford. And this fellow here is Viscount Margate. My lords, Lady Havenstock.”

“Lady Havenstock, a pleasure. How is it we’ve not met before?” The earl’s warm smile made her smile in return as he took her hand and brushed his lips across her fingers. There was the hint of a rogue about him that said he had a trail of broken hearts behind him.

“I would imagine because I lead a fairly quiet life. I wouldn’t be here this evening if Mathias hadn’t convinced me to come.” Ophelia looked at Mathias and her smile faltered at the impassive look on his face.

“Then we must rectify the situation,” Chelmsford said with the authoritarian tone of a man accustomed to being obeyed. “I’m hosting a small dinner party tomorrow evening, and I insist you come.”

“I’m not sure—”

“I won’t take no for an answer, my lady. I’m sure Gilchrist won’t mind accompanying you.”

“And if Gilchrist isn’t available, I’m happy to stand in his stead,” Viscount Margate exclaimed as he stepped forward to take Ophelia’s hand and bow in front of her. “I’m delighted to make your acquaintance, Lady Havenstock, and it would be an honor to escort you to Chelmsford’s dinner party.”

His youthful enthusiasm made Ophelia laugh. He appeared to be the same age as Lizzie’s suitor Mr. Nickens and far too young for her.

“You’re both too kind, but I cannot—“

“What Ophelia is trying to say is that she’s already agreed to attend the Markham affair with me tomorrow night.”

Although Mathias’s mouth was curved in a slight smile, his gaze was unreadable as it flitted over her face before he looked at the two men towering over her. For a second time in less than five minutes she experienced the sensation of being little more than an object of fascination. Irritated by Mathias’s cursory tone, Ophelia smiled at the young Viscount who was looking decidedly crestfallen.

“We do have to eat, and I’m certain Mathias wouldn’t mind if we begin our evening at Lord Chelmsford’s dinner party.”

“Excellent,” the earl said with a charming smile in her direction. “I’m delighted you agreed to join me and my guests.”

“As I recall, you did say you wouldn’t take no for an answer, my lord.”

Ophelia arched her eyebrows, and the earl’s eyes widened slightly at the implication she’d been coerced. Satisfied that her teasing had taken him by surprise, she smiled up at him mischievously. Instantly, the man threw back his head and laughed heartily.

“So I did, and it bodes well for our friendship that you understand I usually get my way.”

“I would expect nothing less from a man of your stature.” At her cheerfully irreverent response, the earl laughed again. The sound sent a rush of exhilaration through her. She was enjoying the relaxed banter between the two of them. The earl caught her hand in his, and she experienced a sense of power as he studied her with obvious admiration before he caressed her bare knuckles.

“I cannot begin to express how happy I am you agreed to dine with me tomorrow night, my lady.” The earl’s voice was husky and held a distinct note of seduction. Ophelia shook her head slightly.

“I think you mean you’re happy I agreed to be one of your guests. I would never agree to dining alone with a man I’ve just met,” she murmured. The earl narrowed his gaze at her as seductive smile curved his lips. Before he could speak, she shook her head and laughed. “And if you dare to say you’re counting the hours, I shall disappoint you and not come at all,”

“Then I shall simply say that I look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening, Lady Havenstock.” The earl kissed her hand again, his lips lingering on her skin as his gaze locked with hers. “And I should warn you that I intend to see much more of you in the weeks to come.”

There was a sinful invitation in his gray eyes that made her cheeks grow hot as she wondered if he was implying something much more intimate. The performance warning bell rang out in the theater, and Chelmsford and Margate quickly made their goodbyes, but Merrick remained seated in the chair next to her. Ophelia glanced in Mathias’s direction then back to the man at her side.

“Mr. Merrick is there anyone who might be missing you?” She smiled politely at the man who flushed at her question.

“Forgive me, my lady. I confess to being so enthralled with you I forgot I’d left my mother and sister conversing with friends. They are probably wondering where I am.” Slightly uncomfortable with Merrick’s obsequious manner, Ophelia frowned slightly as she found herself wishing the man would just leave.

“Then you mustn’t let us keep you from seeing that they enjoy the remainder of their evening.”