Knaves' Wager Read Online Free PDF Page B

of her jewel-box mounded upon her throat and bosom.
    Nonetheless, on this particular evening, the opera box received second, third — indeed countless — glances from a majority of the gentlemen present. This was because tonight a young lady broke the monotony. She was a jewel of a. young lady, with her guinea-gold curls, her wide blue eyes, her dainty nose, and (here the sighs became audible) her pink, bee-stung lips. More than one masculine pulse accelerated at the sight of Miss Cecily Glenwood,
    "I see we may expect a stampede at the intermission," said Lady Enders in an undertone. "I had not thought it possible, but the child is even prettier than her cousins."
    One of her rare smiles softened Mrs. Davenant's features. "She is a dear, sweet girl as well," she said softly, "Those her beauty attracts will return on account of her nature."
    "You have always been so fortunate in your girls, Lilith. Lady Shumway, on the other hand — Why, whatever are they gaping at?"
    The enquiry was occasioned by a sudden stirring in the audience. The usual buzz of voices preceding the curtain's rise had swelled to a Babel, and every head was swivelling in the same direction.
    Lilith followed the general gaze… and stifled a gasp. The Marquess of Brandon, in the company of one fair-haired gentleman and one brunette female — of obviously dubious character — had entered the box nearly opposite.
    "Brandon!" Lady Enders whispered harshly. "I cannot believe my eyes. He has not been seen in Society in years. Why, he has scarcely been in England, to my knowledge — not since he killed Advers in that scandalous duel. Seven years ago that was, when Brandon had to flee the country. Wicked man! Do you see how brazenly he stares back at them, the insufferable scoundrel?"
    Mrs. Davenant had looked away as soon as she recognised him. Like her companion, she had observed how more than one head turned away, abashed, upon meeting the marquess's haughty stare.
    Cecily had not missed this phenomenon. "Why, Aunt," she said, "is that not the gentleman — " Then she fell silent.
    Puzzled, Lilith slanted another quick glance at the box. She'd not regarded the other, younger; gentleman before. Now she perceived he was perfectly capable of attracting notice in his own right, for he was remarkably good-looking. Still, had not Cecily expressed an aversion to blonds?
    Lilith was about to point out that staring was rude when she experienced a prickling sensation at the base of her skull. Almost reflexively, she looked away from Cecily and across the theater… and locked with Lord Brandon's mocking gaze.
    The marquess smiled and made an elaborate bow.
    Instantly, Lilith felt every eye in the audience upon her. Her poise held, however. She did not withdraw, in confu-sion or otherwise. Turning deliberately from the marquess, her own gaze swept coldly over the audience and finally came to rest upon the stage. To her relief, the orchestra started up.
    Mrs. Davenant heard little of the performance. She could not have said afterwards whether it had been Gluck or Mozart. Lord Brandon's presence had spoiled it for her, tainted the very atmosphere of the hall. She was too conscious of him throughout, too tense with pretending he was not there. Nor did Rachel improve matters by relating in rasping whispers every outrage the marquess had ever committed.
    By the interval, Lilith could not endure another word. She left Lady Enders to deal with any stampeding gentlemen, took Lord Enders as her own escort, and made for the box of an old friend of her grandmother.
    Mrs. Davenant was careful to remain with the ancient dowager until the last minutes of the interval. There were several famous gossips in the audience. Thanks to Lord Brandon's attention-drawing gesture, they would be sure to seek her out.
    She and Lord Enders had nearly reached the door of his box when Sally Jersey popped out of it.
    "Why, my dear Lilith," the countess gushed, "whatever have you done with your