He didn’t argue. “I’d be delighted,” he said.
They went to Blackwood’s often in the following days. Oz didn’t have to think with Nell.
He didn’t want to think. Or talk-other than suave pillow talk without substance or humanity.
And Nell didn’t care as long as Oz exerted himself to please her.
It was no exertion; it was automatic for him, and that in itself offered relief. He wasn’t obliged to face his discontent during the hours he spent at Blackwood’s. Nor was he apt to be grilled on his marital situation. It was the last subject Nell was likely to bring up.
CHAPTER 23
WHILE OZ WAS exorcizing his demons at Blackwood’s, Isolde was coping with Will’s unwanted visits. No matter what she said or did to discourage him, he refused to listen. He’d ride over with a message from his steward for Grover; their estates shared a border. Or he’d carry over an invitation from his wife for some social event when they both knew the invitation had been coerced. Will had even taken to meeting her on her morning rides, which thoroughly spoiled one of her favorite pastimes. His persistence was vexing to a very large degree.
She’d even pleaded a headache once, the ache in her temples instant and real the moment he’d been announced. She’d sent a message down by her maid only to have him come back an hour later with a cordial recommended by the village doctor. And she’d not been able to eject him for hours.
She was beginning to consider threatening to inform his wife of his frequent visits if he didn’t stop. She’d finally said as much one morning when he’d met her on the downs, swung his mount alongside hers, and matched her pace. “You’re being much too attentive, Will,” Isolde fretfully muttered. “I’m tempted to talk to Anne. I doubt she’d approve of your constant calls.”
“Your husband’s taken up with his former lover. Did you know that?” he said as if she hadn’t spoken.
With considerable effort, her reply was cooly composed although the color had left her face. “Like you, you mean.”
His smile was bright with good cheer. “On the contrary, darling, I’m still only hopeful.”
“Allow me to dash those hopes. I’m not interested in renewing our friendship, not now, not ever. I hope I make myself clear.”
“Allow me to disagree, Izzy, darling,” he pleasantly countered, immune to her rebuff. “You’re a passionate woman who’ll eventually require sexual satisfaction. And from all appearances, you won’t be getting that from your wandering husband.”
“Perhaps one of the stable boys is servicing me.” The blood had returned to her face, her smile was flawless.
“Lucky fellow.”
“For God’s sake, Will. Stop. I have no interest in discussing this.”
“When you do become interested, darling,” he softly said, “I’d like to be first in line.”
She shot him a sharp look. “You certainly have tenacity. But, pray, take me off your list of hopeful conquests and don’t speak to me of this again!” Whipping her mount, she raced away from Will’s unwanted company and more from his unwanted news. She’d expected it, of course, but all the same, on hearing of Oz’s infidelity her stomach had risen to her throat. How unfortunate to have fallen in love with a wild young man who bewitched without even trying, who masterfully practiced the art of pleasing in bed untrammeled by feeling or regret. Who’d walked away without a backward glance even knowing she might be carrying his child.
Even more unfortunate, that same wild young man had spoiled her for all others. No matter she’d been trying mightily during the past fortnight to disabuse herself of the notion-there it was plain as day.
The sight of Will left her cold. Annoyed her, in fact.
While Oz’s beguiling image was a permanent fixture in her brain.
Damn. Life wasn’t fair.
As if to emphasize that point, Pamela came to call that afternoon, looking so uncomfortable that after five minutes of prosy, pointless conversation, Isolde said, “I already heard about Oz.” With pride she controlled her anger and distress. “You needn’t feel awkward.”
Pamela didn’t quite meet her gaze for a moment, then said with a sigh, “I thought you should know if you didn’t.”
“Will was pleased to inform me of the news when he disturbed me on my morning ride again,” Isolde replied, even as she braced herself to hear another version of the gossip.
“You know then that Oz has taken up with Nell Blessing-ton again.”
She nodded. Even braced, even knowing, it hurt to hear the words. So much for logic. She was consumed with jealousy and sorrow, the thought of her husband lying with the splendid Nell, disheartening. “She’s very beautiful,” Isolde said as calmly as she was able. “And I hardly expected faithfulness from a man like Oz.”
“Or most men,” Pamela said with a sniff. “I’m so sorry for you, dear. Especially now.”
Isolde glanced up from her tea.
“I don’t know if others know, but I’ve suspected for some time.” Pamela smiled. “It’s always the breasts that give it away.” She half lifted her hand. “Your gown’s getting tight. Are you happy?”
“I am. Very happy.”
“Then the rest doesn’t matter.”
“I agree. This is my baby.”
“Is he gone then?”
“I don’t know,” Isolde said, setting down her cup. “We quarreled and he left.” She couldn’t yet bring herself to disclose their divorce plans. It was foolish, of course. Pamela’s silence could be depended on. But matters of the heart didn’t yield to reason, nor was passion so easily repudiated.
“Have you tried writing to him?”
Isolde shook her head. “I don’t relish being rebuffed. He was quite determined to leave.”
“Are you heartbroken?”
“It wouldn’t do me any good if I were. I keep busy; the child I carry brings me enormous joy. I have too much goodness in my life to be despondent.”
“Do you want me to explain to our friends?”
Isolde softly exhaled. “Strangely, I don’t care. If you and Will heard the gossip, others did as well. As for my pregnancy, that too will be obvious before long. What I do wish you’d do is find some way to keep Will from coming to visit. He’s driving me mad.”
“Do you want me to tell Anne? That could put an end to it.”
Isolde frowned. “I don’t know if I want to stir up trouble.”
Pamela smiled. “At least you’re not pining over him anymore.”
Isolde laughed. “Indeed. I can thank Oz for that at least.”
“And for the baby.”
“Yes, very much for the baby.”
“Do you want a boy or girl?” Pamela had one of each.
“I don’t care in the least. Come,” Isolde said, quickly rising. “Let me show you the layette we’re assembling. The staff is over the moon at the prospect of a baby in the house.”
“Good God, they know and haven’t gossiped?”
“They know everything and haven’t breathed a word. They’re family.” Isolde smiled. “Apparently, I’m to be protected.”
“You must be the only one who ever was protected by their staff,” Pamela replied with a lift of her brows. “My household thrives on gossip.”
CHAPTER 24
TWO DAYS LATER, Grover handed Isolde a flyer. “Tattersalls is finally having the Deveral dispersal sale.”
She scanned the single sheet. The old earl had died some time ago, but the family had been squabbling over the will. “The younger son lost out.” He was a celebrated aficionado of the track.
“So it appears. The new earl is selling the entire stud.”
“We must go, of course. I want that filly out of Persimmon.”
“Everyone does.”
“But I intend to acquire it.”