Once again, he waited until he saw the women were safe before making his own way home. Later that morning, he would ask for her hand. What he wasn’t looking forward to was explaining that he had known her secret from the first.
He gained his study, penned a missive to Nick Beresford asking him to come to Stanstead House as soon as he received the note, and left it to be sent first thing in the morning. Rupert and Vivian didn’t have a great deal of time before her father and prospective husband arrived. Before then, he must be apprised of the extent of her property for the marriage settlements.
Several hours later, he had just sat down to break his fast when Harlock tapped on the side of the door. “My lord, Lord Beresford to see you.”
“Show him in and bring more tea.”
Rupert’s butler bowed, only to reappear a few moments later with Beresford.
“Help yourself to the sideboard. Tea should arrive shortly.” Rupert waited until his friend had one cup of tea, before broaching the reason for his summons. “I intend to ask Lady Beresford to marry me to-day. If she accepts, I will need to know the extent of her estate in order to draw up the settlement agreements. I plan to transfer all her property into trust for her benefit, and later that of our girl children.”
Nick leaned back in his chair. “Generous of you. A damned sight better than her father would do. If it comes to that, other than me”—he gave a devil-may-care grin—“I can’t think of any other gentleman who’d do so.”
“You would be surprised at the numbers.” Rupert kept his tone dry, though he couldn’t stop his lips from twitching. “I’ll make a point of introducing you to the ones I know. You have been in an excellent mood since Miss Corbet accepted you.”
Nick went to the sideboard and returned with a large piece of rare beefsteak. “Nothing like knowing you’re going to be wed to the love of your life.” He sobered. “There was a time I didn’t think it would happen. Especially after Edgar made me promise to ask Vivian to be my wife.”
“He appears to have been a master at making those around him happy.” Rupert hid his scowl behind his tea-cup.
“For most of my life, he was good to me, if only he could have stood up to his father about marriage.” His friend seemed to sink into bittersweet reminiscence.
He had to end this conversation before he said something to alienate Beresford. “Vivian’s property?”
“Yes, of course.” Nick stabbed distractedly at his meat. “I’ll have the document sent straight over.”
“How go the wedding plans?”
Beresford’s brow cleared. “Exceedingly well. Lady Telford will host the wedding breakfast and has arranged for a clergyman to perform the ceremony at her house. My residence isn’t up for it yet, but I’m sure Silvia will take it in hand. Hawksworth will stand up with me. I’m not sure who Silvia is asking. My only duties are to procure the special license and the ring.”
“If you give me your details, my secretary can pick up your license when he does mine. As for the ring, I had planned a visit to Rundell and Bridge’s. You are welcome to accompany me.”
“I’ll do that. I had thought of sending for something from Beresford, but decided I would prefer something made especially for Silvia.”
“I’m sure that can be arranged.” Rupert grinned as he placed his serviette on the table. “Shall we go?”
“If you’ll give me the loan of paper and pen first I’ll write a note to my solicitor about Vivian’s portion.”
Rupert led Nick back to the study, and a short time later, they strode out of the house toward a group of hackneys.
“Why not take your phaeton?” Nick asked.
“The shop is located on Ludgate Hill in the City. We may be a while, and I don’t want to keep the horses waiting.”
Early that afternoon, they finally left the jewelry store. Nick had ordered a ring to be made for Miss Corbet, while Rupert had found exactly what he wanted in a selection of older rings. All he had to do now was convince Vivian they belonged together for the rest of their lives.
He arrived home to find a letter on the hall table.
“It was delivered by messenger,” Harlock said, “with instructions for you to read it immediately.”
The seal had no crest or any other indication of its author. He opened it, squinting at the cramped writing.
My lord,
You must come quickly. Her ladyship has taken it in her head to leave in the morning.
Yr. friend,
A. P.
