“By the by”—Nick set his glass down—“have you seen or heard of Lord Oliver?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. I introduced him to Miss Chawner yesterday. After several minutes of discussion he actually appeared happy, which, I can tell you, surprised me to no end.” Rupert lifted his goblet in a salute. “My last loose end is Lady Beresford. If I can convince her to marry me quickly, I believe all of our problems will have been sorted.”
“I’m happy you and Vivian found one another. It never occurred to me . . .”
“What?” Rupert would not allow anyone to slight Vivian. She had apparently gone through a life time of that, and it would cease now.
Nick took another drink. “I just didn’t imagine an out-and-outer like you falling for Vivian. She was always so quiet. I don’t think I’d heard her say more than a dozen words aside from greetings or other pleasantries in all the time I’ve known her.”
Perhaps because your reared-in-a-cow-byre brute of a cousin treated her so badly.“I do not know what she was like before, but the lady I know and love is quick, intelligent, and cares deeply for the plight of others.”
“You blame Edgar.”
“Why would you come to that conclusion?” Rupert kept himself from tossing back his brandy, but still drank deeply.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone give such a speech with his teeth clenched. You’re angry at how she’s been treated, and it stands to reason you think my cousin is at fault.”
“He was not the only one. I don’t think I’ll get along at all well with my future father-in-law.”
“Hawksworth was right. You are not to be underestimated.” Nick rose. “I’ll thank you for helping me and leave you to your plans. I don’t envy Vivian’s father or the proposed husband, but I shall do everything possible to be there when they discover their scheme has been circumvented.”
After Nick left, Rupert went to his room to dress for dinner. He must move his plans for Vivian forward, and he might not be able to wait to consummate theiraffaire de cœur. She obviously had no idea how desirable she was, and it was up to him to show her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Vivian woke to a darkened chamber. A moonbeam played hide-and-seek with the curtain as it fluttered with the breeze. She hadn’t thought she’d had that much to drink, but it was enough to make her want to sleep. Something she never did during the day. Lying still, she took stock of her head and body. No headache. Her mouth didn’t taste like a barn floor. Yet, that did not tell her what would happen when she arose. There was no time like the present to find out.
Carefully, she propped herself up on her elbows. So far, so good. Then swung her legs off the bed and sat up. Amazingly, she didn’t feel bad at all.
Lighting a candle, she padded over to the clock. It was nine thirty. If she hurried, she would have enough time to prepare for Rupert’s arrival at the Hill Street house. Where was her maid? “Punt, we must leave now.”
Silence answered Vivian’s call. “Well, drat. She must have thought I would be out all night.”
She went back to the bed and yanked on the bell-pull.
Vivian had finished brushing her teeth and washing her face when Punt rushed into the chamber. “I didn’t expect you to be up until morning.”
“I have no lasting effects of overindulging. We must hurry.”
Forty minutes later, they were in Vivian’s dressing room on Hill Street. Her maid adjusted her wig.
“Bring me the nightgown.”
“He sent a new one.” Punt shook out a lovely white gown embroidered with blue and yellow flowers.
“It’s beautiful.” Vivian rubbed the fabric between two fingers. “Not as substantial as the last one, but it will still cover everything.”
“I don’t suppose,” her maid said as she dropped the gown over Vivian’s head, “that you would consider telling his lordship who you are.”
If only she could, but then he wouldn’t want her any longer. “I cannot. What would he think of me?”
“He seems pretty taken with you already.”
“With Cleo, not me.” Since she had decided to be honest with herself, she could admit she wished it were different. That he truly did want her, but the fact remained she was not the type of woman men desired. If she could keep her persona as Cleo and not be discovered, Vivian thought she might try continuing the masquerade. Perhaps it was just as well her father had given her a chance to leave.
“He keeps escorting you places.”
“Yes, but only to avoid the younger ladies.” Vivian’s throat closed, but she refused to allow the tears to come. “I’ve been over this time and again. There is no point to this discussion. It is what it is, and he’ll be here soon.” She rose and glanced around the opulent red and gold chamber. “Bring the wine and some food.”
