Gideon did not wait for a response. He walked out of the dining room and closed the door behind him.

Chapter Fourteen

Harriet gazed out over the railing of the theater box and studied the brightly lit scene. The rows of boxes across from the one she was sharing with her aunts and Felicity were filled with brilliantly garbed people, all vying for attention. Each box was a mini stage in itself, a platform on which the theatergoers displayed themselves, their current lovers, and their jewels.

Down below in the pits a boisterous, rowdy crowd, which had nearly drowned out the performers shortly before the intermission, put on their own show. The fops and dandies preened, told loud, uncouth jokes, slapped each other on the back, and generally created a cheerful disturbance that was as entertaining as what happened on stage.

Harriet had been interested in the spectacle at first, but she had soon grown bored. She would have much preferred to have been at home studying fossil teeth. But this was only her second night back in London as the Viscountess St. Justin and Gideon had insisted she allow her family to take her to the theater.

Harriet had not understood why he had wanted her to attend the performance until the steady stream of visitors to Adelaide's box had enlightened her. Gideon was putting his bride on display.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Felicity asked during a brief break in visitors. She was radiant in a pale pink muslin gown trimmed with flounces and ribbons. "I vow the theater is packed tonight."

"Yes, it is. It is also rather warm." Harriet used her fan vigorously and stopped abruptly when Felicity shook her head in mock despair.

Harriet sighed. She knew she had not gotten the hang of using the fan coyly or seductively, as it was intended to be used. At least no one could complain of her gown. It was a very attractive one of turquoise muslin trimmed with white flounces and ribbon. Felicity had selected it.

The curtain parted at the entrance to the box and two handsome young men in immaculate evening dress entered.

"The Adonis Twins have arrived," Harriet murmured to Felicity.

"So I see." Felicity smiled, thoroughly enjoying her role as a diamond of the first water.

The two young men Harriet had nicknamed the Adonis Twins were not related at all, but they were of the same height and coloring, favored the same tailor, and paid attention to the same women. They were currently worshiping at Felicity's feet.

The Twins politely greeted Adelaide and Effie, and then they turned eagerly to Felicity.

Felicity promptly dazzled them both with a smile. "Good evening, gentlemen. How nice to see you both here tonight. You are acquainted with my sister, the new Viscountess St. Justin?"

"A pleasure to see you back in Town, madam," the first Adonis said with a graceful bow. His eyes were filled with brief speculation.

"A pleasure. Congratulations on your recent marriage." The second Adonis imitated the other's courtly bow and then both men turned their attention back to Felicity.

At the rear of the box Adelaide and Effie chatted with an aging dowager dressed in black. Harriet overheard the woman remark to Effie that the entire family must be greatly relieved the marriage had actually taken place.

"We are, of course, delighted with the alliance," Effie said serenely, and then added, lying through her teeth, "We were disappointed, naturally, that the young people could not wait for a formal wedding. But love must have its way, eh?"

"Someone had his way, all right," the dowager muttered. "And if you ask me, it was St. Justin."

Well aware that she was the subject of several curious glances from the other boxes, Harriet leaned over the railing to watch a fight that had broken out down below in the pits. She was unaware of the latest visitor to the box until she heard a familiar masculine voice greeting Adelaide and Effie.

"Oh, good evening, Mr. Morland," Effie said brightly. "So nice to see you tonight."

"I have come to pay my respects to the new Viscountess St. Justin," Bryce said.

"But of course," Effie said.

Harriet turned around in her seat and saw Bryce standing over her. His golden hair gleamed in the lights and his smile was laced with charm. She recalled Gideon's warning. He is not the angel he appears to be.

"Good evening, Mr. Morland." Harriet smiled politely.

"Madam." Bryce seated himself on the velvet-covered chair beside her. He lowered his voice as he gazed into her eyes. "You are looking very lovely tonight."

"Thank you, sir."

"I learned only this morning that you were back in Town," Bryce said. "And that you were married."

Harriet inclined her head. Most people at least offered a token wish of congratulations. "Yes."

"The rumors surrounding your sudden departure from Town a few days ago were most alarming."

"Were they?" Harriet shrugged. "I was not alarmed by any of the events I cannot imagine why anyone else was."

"Some of us feared for your safety," Bryce said softly.

"Nonsense. I was never for one moment in any danger. I cannot imagine where anyone got such a notion."

Bryce smiled sadly. "Those of us who were concerned for you felt we had reason to fear when we learned that St. Justin had followed you and your friends."

"Well, now you know that there was nothing at all to be concerned about," Harriet said firmly.

"You are a very brave lady, madam. " Bryce bowed his head in tribute. "You have my utmost admiration."

Harriet glared at him. "What on earth are you talking about?"

"Never mind. It is not important. And the deed is done." Bryce nodded his head at the crowd. "Do the stares and comments bother you? You are the latest curiosity on the social scene, Lady St. Justin. The bride of the Beast of Blackthorne Hall."

Harriet drew back in anger. "I have asked you most specifically not to call my husband by that terrible name. Please leave this box, Mr. Morland."

"I did not mean to offend, madam. I am merely repeating what the whole world is saying. Would you kill the messenger who brings the bad news?"

"Yes, if it becomes necessary to do so in order to stop him from repeating such news." She waved her fan at him in dismissal. "Now, do take your leave, sir. I am in no mood for such nonsense."

"As you wish." Bryce rose to his feet and grasped her hand before she realized his intention. He bowed over her fingers. "Allow me to tell you once more that you have my greatest admiration."

"Really, Mr. Morland, that is quite enough."

He lowered his voice so that only she could hear. "Your bravery is becoming a legend in the ton. It is not every woman who could face the prospect of sharing the marriage bed with a monster like St. Justin."

Harriet snatched her hand out of his grasp just as the velvet curtains parted once more. Gideon stepped into the box. His eyes went instantly to Bryce.

"St. Justin." Bryce gave him a laconic smile. "I was just congratulating your new bride."

"Were you, indeed?" Gideon turned his back on Bryce to greet Effie, Adelaide, and Felicity. Then he looked at Harriet, his eyes searching her expression coolly.

Harriet summoned up a quick smile, anxious not to give Gideon any reason to be provoked with Bryce. The business with Applegate had been a near thing. It had not been easy convincing Gideon to call off the challenge.

"There you are, my lord," Harriet said easily. "I was wondering if you would put in an appearance tonight."

Gideon walked over to Harriet, brushing past Bryce as if the other man were an unseen ghost. He bent over Harriet's hand and kissed her fingers. "I told you I would meet up with you here," he reminded her softly.

"Yes, of course you did." Harriet was flustered. She could sense the hostility between the two men and she did not want any trouble. "Do sit down, sir. The second act is about to begin." She nodded aloofly at Bryce, who was watching Gideon with brooding eyes. "Good night, Mr. Morland. Thank you for stopping by to congratulate me."