Bewitching The Recluse [BOOK 2 of Price Family Saga]

45. Chapter (Gentleman, Who Prevailed)

In the midst of the crowd, Travis traversed where residents from various societal strata mingled, murmuring under his breath. He caught sight of Princess Augusta Frederica's pavilion, an area distinctly illuminated by several torches. For a moment, it seemed as if the princess was signalling him. However, unwilling to engage in a prolonged discourse that might detract from the search for Bella, he feigned ignorance and seamlessly merged with the crowd.

Devil may take princess and propriety, he thought vehemently. Where could Bella possibly be? Suddenly, a firm grip seized his shoulder. It was one of the daughters of the notorious trio, matrons known for plaguing social events and his mood until he danced with each of the wallflowers. Though she uttered something, the noise and bustle drowned her words, prompting her to signal him to follow. Initially fearing something untoward had befallen Bella, he obediently trailed her into one of the pavilions. However, it quickly proved to be a misstep as the young woman flung herself about his neck, declaring, "Marquess, how ardently I desire you..."

Deftly averting her eager advances, he sought to extricate himself from her embrace. "Release me!" he exclaimed, unwilling to cause her harm, yet equally reluctant to fall into another devised snare, likely orchestrated by the young lady's mother.

At that moment, a new voice intervened, "Release him at once, Octavia!" cried another young lady from the familiar trio, seizing Octavia's hands and pulling them away from Travis.

The two women found themselves on the ground, and Mary Winthrop exclaimed, "Make haste, Lord St. Arcey!"

Travis swiftly nodded his head in gratitude and promptly made his exit.

"What have you done, you blasted fool?!" Octavia admonished Mary. "Who do you think you are, Mary Winthrop?!" She composed herself swiftly and administered such a reverberating slap to Mary's countenance that left her head spinning.

As soon as Travis emerged from the tent, his gaze fell upon the man he least wished to encounter in that moment.

"Marquess St. Arcey," the man addressed.

"Captain Hayes," Travis replied, attempting to pass by him, but Christian obstructed his path.

"I happened to observe you entering the tent with a certain young lady," he said sternly. "As far as my knowledge goes, the lady is unmarried and should not be even passing around you without proper escort."

Travis disdainfully regarded him and retorted, "Not that it's any of your business, Hayes, but it was merely a misunderstanding. If you'd been attentive, the time spent with her would not have permitted me to harm a single strand of her hair."

The Marquess then attempted to leave once more, but the captain's hand on his chest prevented him.

"Do you believe me a fool, St. Arcey?"

"What is your intention, Hayes?" Travis asked with irritation.

Christian sneered with disdain. "There are whispers circulating that you've gone mad and mistreated a young woman in your residence. Hence my inquiry – what have you done to Lady Price?"

This time, even Travis displayed a wry smile. "What Lady Price and I engage in privately is none of your concern."

Christian gazed at him for a moment, then swiftly seized him by the lapels, commencing a scuffle. The darkness had already settled across the landscape, and the majority of people were centred around the commotion transpiring on the main pavement – only the feeble light from torches reached them, and thus, it was not surprising that their presence had yet to be noticed.

"You despicable scoundrel, you villain," growled the captain into the Marquess' face. "I was Isabella's first; we shared our affections countless times, and had the timing been different, she might've been expecting a child with me at present."