Short and straight to the point, just like the woman herself. “I don’t know when I’ll return,” he said to Harlock.
Heart pounding, Rupert rushed out of the house, found a hackney at the entrance to the square, and a few minutes later, he was knocking on Lady Telford’s door.
“Come in, my lord.” The butler raised a brow of inquiry.
“I’m here to see Lady Beresford.”
“I shall see if her ladyship is at home.”
In other words, if she would agree to see Rupert. He clenched his teeth. Not that it mattered; he’d find her if he had to search every room in the house.
Lady Telford appeared from a corridor on the right side of the hall. “Lord Stanstead, I will take you to Lady Beresford.”
“Thank you.” He’d barely croaked the words. Damn it all, he must compose himself. Vivian would be high enough in the boughs. He didn’t need to be there himself. Someone must keep their head about them.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
When Vivian had finally managed to force her eyes open, the door had just closed behind Rupert. Rolling over, she breathed in his clean, spicy scent from the pillows and fought back her tears. Every time he left, letting go of him was harder. She lay there memorizing the way his normally perfect curls became tousled when she slid her fingers through them, the way the corners of his lips curved up first before he smiled, and his elegant gait when he entered the room and came to her.
Vivian buried her face in his pillow. This had to be the end of it. If she did not break it off with him now, she might never be able to. An ache started in her chest, making it hard to breathe. Why had she had to fall in love with Rupert? Yet how could she leave him?
Rising, she donned her chemise. Once Punt arrived, it was a matter of minutes before they were ready to depart. As usual, the coach waited for them in the mews, and soon they were at the Mount Street house.
Punt lit a candle that was on a small table next to the garden door, and Vivian followed her, unseeing, up to her rooms.
“Let’s get you into bed.”
She stood, as she’d done all her life, while her maid unfastened and unlaced her gown and stays. Once in her own nightgown, she crawled into the cold bed, wishing Rupert was still with her. She prayed for a dreamless sleep, but as soon as she closed her eyes, he was there, speaking soft words of love, caressing her, taking her to a place she could not have dreamed existed.
There was only one thing to do, and she would attend to the arrangements in the morning. At least she would have another night with him.
“My lady?” Punt’s hand shook Vivian’s shoulder, waking her.
“What time is it?” She yawned, struggling to sit up, expecting her maid to lay the breakfast tray across her lap.
“Not that late, but this came for you by special messenger.”
The letter Punt handed her was from Mama and not franked. Vivian sat up straighter. “I hope nothing is wrong.”
She tore the seal off as she opened it, smoothing the sheet out over her lap.
My darling Vivian,
I can only suppose that you received your father’s letter. Believe me when I tell you that I did my best to talk him out of this outrageous scheme of his. Unfortunately, he left for Town yesterday. I didn’t dare write you until he was out of the house.
I have always regretted that I was unable to help you when you confided to me about your marriage. I had wished better for you. Sadly, I cannot think you will like Lord Tewkesbury any better than you did Beresford. The man is a widower with several daughters and two sons. If you choose to wed again, it should be your choice. Drat that hunting bitch.
All my love,
Mama
Vivian looked at the date and froze. Her father could be in Town to-day, to-morrow at the latest. “I must make immediate arrangements to depart. Papa could arrive at any time. Fetch me the estate information. I hope the visits can be set in short order.”
Her maid opened her mouth, snapped it shut, then said, “You should tell her ladyship.”
Vivian glanced at the clock. It was already past noon. “Why did you let me sleep so late?”
“You needed it. If you don’t mind me saying, these late nights are running you a bit ragged.”
