“What new mischief are you making?”asked the minister as they strolled over.
“As you know, Milord, I’ve turned over a new leaf,” replied Mrs. Schuyler primly. “I’m no longer a swindler, but a spy.” She met Grentham’s gaze without flinching. “Though I’m not sure that makes me any more reputable in the eyes of the world.”
“We’re a necessary evil,” responded the minister. “At least your machinations will now contribute to the Higher Good.”
“So you say.”
Grentham appeared amused by the exchange as he turned away from the American. Arianna frowned, sensing some other nuance in his mood. But she couldn’t quite put a finger on what it was.
Lighthearted?A mismatched word with the minister, if ever there was one. Arianna’s frown deepened, and then she recalled Mrs. Schuyler’s cryptic comment about reading the tarot cards and nearly laughed out loud.
Her guess was likely wrong, but either way, the minister deserved a little needling.
“You seem in high spirits, Grentham,” she commented. “Is there some news that you wish to share with your friends?”
The sudden rush of color that flamed in her friend’s cheeks confirmed her suspicions.
“Mrs. Schuyler was just about to tell us about the prediction she divined from her tarot cards,” continued Arianna.
The American shifted uncomfortably. “I . . . I think that you would prefer me to make a more private revelation—”
“I have no objection to making it public,” interjected the minister, “Though I was planning to do so over a bottle of champagne this evening.”
“Youknew?” Mrs. Schuyler looked thoroughly confused.
Which made the minister’s smile waver for an instant. “I should hope so,” he replied. “Without my participation, it wouldn’t have happened.”
The American’s expression was now one of total shock. “I confess,” she mumbled, “I . . . I don’t quite know what to say.”
“I suggest we say congratulations to the happy couple,” exclaimed Arianna. “It’s about time you came to your senses, sir,” she added, after giving Sophia a quick hug. “You’re damnably lucky that she said yes.”
“The two of you are . . . engaged?” stammered the American.
Grentham ignored the question, his attention focused firmly on Arianna. “I’m aware of that.”
For such an intensely private man, it wasn’t an admission that came easily. She decided not to toss any further barbs. In truth, she was delighted for both of them. The match was a good one—they would complement each other’s strengths while supporting each other’s weaknesses.
“Then I wish you happy.” She gave him a heartfelt hug, enjoying his flinch of surprise . . . only to feel the gesture reciprocated.
“Thank you, Arianna,” he said, only loud enough for her to hear.
Blinking back a tear, she brushed a kiss to his cheek before stepping back.
Saybrook, who had been watching the exchange with bemused interest, offered his hand to the minister. “As my wife said, you’re a very lucky man.” To Sophia, he added, “I’m not quite sure what to say to you, other than you have a great deal of courage.”
Sophia flashed a radiant smile.
“But I have a feeling you’re more than a match for the challenges,” finished the earl
“Not the most enthusiastic of endorsements,” drawled Grentham. “But thank you just the same.”
“If you wish, we can discuss it further over brandy and cheroots this evening,” replied Saybrook.
“A tempting offer—the brandy and cheroots, that is . . .”
As the men continued their exchange, Arianna saw Mrs. Schuyler shuffle back into the shadows and turn for the ladder leading down to the main deck. She caught up with her just as she was starting to descend.
“I can’t help but be curious—what prediction were you going to tell us?” asked Arianna. “I was sure it was something personal.”
