Part 16 (1/2)

That was a relief. ”How lovely. I am sorry I did not recognize you.”

He shrugged. ”We've only met once before, and it was long ago. I'd heard you were in town and had married Kincaid. I should have called, but...I have no excuse.”

”I have only been in town a few days.”

”I know.” The man's wry smile grew. ”Your husband has been keeping you close.”

She wished that were true. ”How do you know Jack?”

”Kincaid and I have known each other a long time.” He glanced around, his gaze finding a nearby alcove with a thickly cus.h.i.+oned settee. ”Would you like to sit?”

”Yes, please,” she said gratefully. Soon they were settled on the settee. She peeped at him through her lashes, noting how elegant he appeared in his blue coat and buff breeches. With his dark hair, he reminded Fiona a bit of Gregor.

Campbell's gaze followed the bustle of the crowd. ”This is a nice little entertainment, isn't it?”

”Little? It looks as if every person in London is here! I never thought a gaming h.e.l.l would be so crowded.”

He laughed. ”A gaming h.e.l.l? What gave you that idea?”

”Why...I thought...The coachman said Jack sometimes comes here.”

”The Harringtons always have cards, but they are hardly a gaming h.e.l.l.”

”Oh,” she said, a bit disappointed.

He chuckled at her expression. ”If you'd like, I would be glad to take you to some gaming h.e.l.ls.”

”Will they be scandalous?”

”Some are, and some are quite respectable. I think you might find the scandalous ones a bit much.

Others are quite unexceptional except for the level of play. They can be steep.” His eyes twinkled down

at her. ”I take it you like to play cards?”

Fiona triumphantly held her reticule aloft so that it swung heavily from her wrist. ”I won a good bit tonight already!”

He laughed, moving a little closer, his shoulder against hers. ”I shall have to take care that I do not lose my funds to you. It's a good thing we met; I can sponsor you for some of the better h.e.l.ls.”

She tilted her head to one side. ”Sponsor?”

”Yes, someone must vouch for you. It's the only way to keep the lower cla.s.ses out. I am certain you'l be admitted.” A faintly bitter twist touched Campbell's mouth. ”Black Jack is received everywhere.Once people know you are his wife-” He shrugged.

”And you?” she asked, tilting her head to one side. ”Are you received everywhere?”

”Everywhere there is not an anxious mama with a marriageable daughter.”

Fiona laughed. ”I can see you are a dangerous man.”

Something flickered behind Campbell's eyes. He did have amazingly blue eyes, all the more vivid for his

black hair. They weren't as piercing as Jack's, though. Jack's eyes robbed one of speech, stole one's breath, and made the most intimate thoughts invade one's brain. Campbell's eyes were just...a lovely blue.

He regarded her for a long moment. ”Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?”

She pursed her lips. ”Not today, no.”

He chuckled. ”That is a crime. Whatis that husband of yours thinking?” He leaned forward, his breath

brus.h.i.+ng her ear. ”If you weremy wife, you'd hear that every day.”

”Which would make it ever so tedious. Repeating compliments cheapens them.”

Campbell glanced about the room. ”Where is Kincaid? I did not see him in the card room.”

”He had another engagement this evening,” she said with credible nonchalance.

”So you came alone? You and Kincaid must be one of those modern couples who do not forever lock arms when you go out.”

”We have our own lives,” Fiona said coolly.

”If you weremy wife, you would not be here alone.”

”Then it is a good thing we are not married, Mr. Campbell. I would greatly resent being told what to do.”

”A woman of spirit. How amusing.”

”A man of improper address. How boring.”

His laughter rang out. ”Jack clearly has his hands full. You are a lovely, spirited woman, Lady Kincaid.”

He took her hand. ”I enjoy that very much.”

She pulled free, noticing that some couples had begun to dance. ”I love the Scottish reels. Do you dance, Lord Campbell?”

His smile told her he had noticed her change of topic, but he said, ”I do indeed. Would you like to join the next set?” He bent closer and said in a low voice, ”I would be honored to partner the loveliest woman here.”

She'd thought it would be exciting to be admired, but in all honesty, she was finding it annoying. Rather like listening to one's aunt tell one how pretty one was. Of course, it wasn't merely being admired that was nice; it was being admired by someoneyou admired in return.

She looked at Campbell. ”I wonder that Jack has never mentioned you.”