Page 27 of The Rogue’s Offer

Chapter 7

Male laughter echoed through the air, and unable to help himself, Mathias’s gaze swung to the head of the large dining table where he saw the Earl of Chelmsford leaning toward Ophelia as he shook his head. The man suddenly pulled away from her to tilt his head backward and release a shout of laughter.

A moment later, the man seated to her left leaned toward her and said something, which made Chelmsford laugh even harder at whatever Ophelia’s reply was. Seated to his left, the Countess of Lyndham laughed softly. Mathias quickly turned his head toward Constance and scowled at her.

“You find something amusing, Constance?” The sharp note in his voice made his friend’s smile widened.

“I do,” she murmured. “I think you’re unhappy that Chelmsford and Davenport are enjoying Ophelia’s company so much.”

“Actually, I’m quite pleased they’re intrigued with her.” His reply made Constance release an unladylike snort.

“You might be able to fool someone else with that cavalier reply, but you forget how long we’ve been friends.”

“And Percy’s right. The Rockwood women like to meddle in the personal affairs of others.”

“I hope he said we do so with great success.” Constance said with a sly smile.

“No, he did not. But that’s irrelevant where I’m concerned. I feel responsible for Lady Havenstock. Chelmsford has a reputation for breaking hearts, and I have no wish to see Ophelia hurt.”

“I doubt seriously Chelmsford will break her heart,” Constance said quietly as she glanced toward the head of the table. “I think if anyone’s heart is in danger it’s the Earl.”

“What the devil makes you say that?”

“Ophelia’s marriage to Havenstock was a nightmare for her. It would surprise me if she were to ever marry again.”

“Are you saying the man beat her?” he growled softly as he stiffened in his chair and focused his attention on Constance.

“Not that I know of, but the man delighted in publicly humiliating her. Then there was the manner in which…” Her voice trailed away, and a soft pink flush crested in her cheeks. “You would need to ask Percy or Lucien about the man’s behavior while not in the company of women.”

Mathias narrowed his gaze as he picked up his wine glass to study its contents. Last night when Ophelia had said she’d never marry again, he’d not believed her. Now, Constance was saying the same thing. But his friend wasn’t in Ophelia’s situation. An annual stipend of two hundred pounds was barely enough to keep food on the table.

It was one thing to reject the idea of marriage, another thing entirely if she wished to avoid becoming impoverished. Although he’d only known Ophelia a short time, he’d already realized how strong she could be in the face of adversity. But he was certain she would choose the less painful of two evils in order to survive. His gaze drifted back to the opposite end of the table where he watched Ophelia take a drink of her wine.

Almost as if she felt his gaze on her, she turned her head to look in his direction. The moment their eyes met, she smiled then looked away as the earl captured her attention again. Something visceral lashed at Mathias’s insides as he watched Chelmsford wield his considerable charm. If the man broke her heart—Mathias’s thoughts came to an abrupt halt. What in God’s name was wrong with him? He’d promised to transform Ophelia, and he was doing precisely that.

“You look positively grim, Mr. Gilchrist,” the older woman beside him said quietly.

Aware he had been less than courteous in not engaging the Duchess of Trowbridge in conversation until now, Mathias smiled at the woman. In her younger years, the woman must have been a great beauty as she still possessed a regal bearing and there was a youthful sparkle in her pale blue eyes.

“Forgive my poor manners, your grace. I’ve been ignoring you.”

“She’s quite lovely.”

“I beg your pardon, ma’am.” Mathias feigned ignorance at the older woman’s comment.

“Lady Havenstock.”

“Yes,” he murmured all too aware of the duchess’s eye on him. “Yes, she is.”

“Chelmsford seems quite taken with her. You will have to guard your territory if that man has anything to do with it.”

“Lady Havenstock and I are simply good friends.”

“Are you indeed.” The duchess arched her eyebrows as her amused chuckle mocked his reply. “My dear young man. I’ve lived a long, happy life, which included a wonderfully joyous marriage. I’m well acquainted with the mannerisms of a man besotted with a woman.”

Mathias stiffened at the duchess’s amused dismissal of his explanation when it came to Ophelia. He looked down the length of the table again to study the attentive manner Chelmsford was demonstrating toward Ophelia. Another chuckle echoed in his ear.

“As I said, Mr. Gilchrist. I know the signs of a man besotted.” The duchess’s obvious amusement made him grimace in disagreement.