“I like to acquire things, Miss Smithson. Unusual things. And people.”
“I beg your pardon, sir?”
“You have perhaps noticed that my circle of friends is selective, have you not?”
She hadn’t, but now that she thought of it, the people that he’d called his friends were all unusual in some way. The brilliant chemist had caught her attention early, of course, even if he did speak in rapid sentences and pull on his hair often. But there was also the limping man who had a way of talking that drew one in and encouraged confidences. She’d intended to sit beside him at the supper table last night, but Trevor had pulled her away.
The others had less obviously unique qualities, but she could absolutely believe that they were each outstanding in their own way. And they all treated Mr. Rausch with respect and even admiration.
“It is rare that I allow a woman into my circle, Miss Smithson. But then again, you are a rare creature.”
She tried to feel insulted by that. He’d as much as called her odd. But the way he said it had an intensity that startled her. “I don’t know what to say.” Then she pressed her fingers to her lips. She hadn’t intended to say anything, and yet here again, words were falling from her lips even if they were inconsequential words.
“Yes, you do,” he said. “Tell me you want to know more.”
“About what?”
“About me. About how I find you exquisitely unique. About—”
“That would give you more information about me. You are asking me to reveal what I find most fascinating about you. And you are pressing me at a moment when—” Her throat closed down as that distant scream in her thoughts grew louder.
“When you are raw and unprotected. Yes, Miss Smithson, you are correct. But now is the only time I can say this and not have you slap me.” He stroked a finger across her jaw. It was almost clinical in the way he touched her, and yet she didn’t move away. “I want to have you,” he said. “Not just your body, but your mind as well. And I can make it worth your while.”
She stiffened and pulled back, her mouth separating on a gasp. He didn’t react to her shock until he seemed to look over her shoulder. Someone was coming, and his next rushed words confirmed it.
“Money, pleasure, and freedom. You can buy these things from me.”
“Buy them? With what?”
His grin widened. “Your mind, my dear. And your body. If you are bold enough. You give them to me, and I shall give you the rest.”
She stared at him, her mind struggling to understand. “What—”
“Melinda, darling,” Eleanor said as she came up beside her. “I’ve been so worried about you.” Mellie gathered her wits and tried to look at her, but her gaze was caught by the quirk of Mr. Rausch’s eyebrow. It seemed to taunt her—that lift of his brow—and she wondered if he could possibly deliver what he’d promised.
Money, certainly. Pleasure, without a doubt. But freedom? Now there was something to tempt her.
“Melinda?” Eleanor tried to pull her around, but when Mellie still looked at Mr. Rausch, she tugged sharply on Mellie’s chin. “What has he said to you?”
When Mellie didn’t answer, Eleanor rounded on the man. “I thought I liked you, sir. It turns out I do not. Pray excuse us.”
His lips curved in a mocking expression. “Really? I find my opinion of you has not changed in the least.”
Mellie’s face jerked up at that. It was so bizarre to hear someone speak rudely to Eleanor that the novelty of it broke her out of her paralysis. “We were merely conversing, Eleanor,” she said. The woman didn’t appear to hear her.
“This woman is my friend. If you hurt her, you hurt me. And I assure you, I strike back.”
His eyes changed then. They narrowed, even as his lips spread in a slow, lascivious grin. There was no avarice in that expression. This was pure sexuality, and Mellie found herself backing away. Not in fear. After her time with Trevor, sexuality intrigued her. But such a look was meant for two people, not three. Or rather, it was meant for Eleanor alone, who straightened to her full height complete with lifted chin and arched brow.
“Challenge me at your peril,” she said.
“I accept,” he answered, and then he bowed deeply before her. Was there mockery in his movements? Mellie couldn’t tell, and one glance at Eleanor’s face told her that the other woman was equally confused.
Fortunately, Eleanor recovered quickly. She tugged on Mellie’s sleeve and gestured toward the ballroom. “The first set is forming.” She spoke the words, but her gaze was still on Mr. Rausch.
“Is… Has…?” Damn, why couldn’t she say his name? And her verbal stumble at last drew Eleanor’s gaze to hers.
“Mr. Anaedsley has departed. The worst is over. You can relax now and enjoy the dancing.”