“Thank you.” She gazed into his eyes and saw all the love she now knew she had been missing, not only in her marriage but her whole life. “He must have been horrible. Even Nick had to dance around what was said.”
“In a few hours it won’t matter.”
Vivian smiled at Rupert, and a peace settled over her. “It doesn’t matter now. If only we didn’t have to wait until morning to wed.”
“Vivian, my love, I need to be with you.”
They couldn’t go to Hill Street, but she did have a wing of this house to herself. Clara had put Silvia and Nick at the opposite end of her wing. The only question was, how scandalized would Clara be if she discovered Rupert in Vivian’s bedchamber? They were going to be married soon. “You must come in for a while; everyone is expecting you. But later, my maid will meet you at the garden gate.”
Concern lurked in his eyes. “Come home with me, where I can keep you safe.”
Oh, she wanted to, but that would upset her cousin. “You know I cannot, and it is not fair to ask it of me.”
“You’re right.” He kissed her forehead. “Promise me you won’t even step outside the house after I leave. Not even with a footman.”
“That I can vow.” She stroked his jaw. The light growth of his beard made it rougher than usual. “The next time I enter the wider world it will be as your wife.”
“Thank you.”
He bent his head to her again, and the door opened. Silvia’s eyes rounded. “I’m sorry. It’s just that you were taking so . . .”
“It’s fine.” Vivian almost laughed at her friend’s expression. “We’ll come in now.”
“Sweetheart.” Nick smirked. “I did suggest you leave them alone.”
This time, Silvia didn’t rise to his bait. “And you were correct.”
As they entered the drawing room, Lady Telford called for more wine. “After what Beresford told us, I am inclined to move the wedding up by an hour or more. Normally your father would have to come here to Telford House in order to discover my whereabouts, but with Tewkesbury”—she raised her lips in a sneer—“around, they might already know. I can’t think they will come before ten o’clock, but one is better safe than sorry.”
“If Mr. Trevor can be here by then, I agree.” Vivian glanced at Rupert. “What do you think?”
“I’ll send a message to my parents and cousins. They wish to attend the ceremony and won’t care what time we have it.”
“Stanstead.” Clara looked more troubled than she had previously. “You should spend the night here. Your valet may bring your clothing over, and I’ll have my housekeeper make up the rooms.”
Vivian showed him to the writing desk, and in short order the notes had been sent by messenger.
“Clara, thank you for being so understanding.”
“I’m merely attempting to keep any fighting that may occur to a minimum.” Her tone was as proper as could be, but her gaze slid to Rupert. “On the other hand, I wouldn’t blame Stanstead at all if he planted someone a well-deserved facer.”
Later that evening, after everyone had gone to bed, Vivian took her bedside candle and walked to Rupert’s chamber.
He was still awake, naked, and so wonderfully handsome. “I was coming to you.”
She placed the candle holder on a table. “I thought you might, but it is easier for me to be wandering around than it is for you.”
Rupert gathered her into his arms. “I missed holding you.”
She leaned against him, giving him her weight, enjoying his strong arms and muscular body. “I know. This will be the last night we must sneak around.”
The palm of his hand stroked her from the nape of her neck to her derrière, sparking a fire down her back.
“Umm.” Vivian teased his lips with her tongue. “Make love to me, my lord.”
“Gladly, my lady.” Holding her hand, Rupert led her to the bed and slowly untied the ribbons of Vivian’s nightgown. Opening the neck, he kissed each bit of her skin as he exposed it. By the time he reached her breasts, she was about to expire with unadulterated lust.
“Rupert, please, I can’t wait.”
