Punt was waiting when Rupert opened the door. She raised a brow and he nodded.
Vivian watched the pair. What was that all about?
He’d just got his jacket on when they came down the stairs. “The coach is ready. If you don’t mind, I’ll ride back with you.”
Vivian tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
When they arrived in Mount Street, Silvia, Nick, a young gentleman Vivian didn’t know, and Clara were drinking tea.
“Here they are now.” She rose to greet Vivian and Rupert. “Our other betrothed couple.”
“She must have mice that spy on people,” Rupert whispered. Then loud enough for the others to hear, he said, “Indeed we are.”
Nick shook Rupert’s hand and Silvia hugged Vivian.
Nick and the young man had sprung to their feet.
“Please meet Mr. Octavius Trevor, one of our Mr. Trevor’s brothers. He is currently on his way to take up a living outside of Birmingham and has agreed to perform your ceremonies if you have no objection.”
“One of his many brothers.” The young man laughed easily. “After the first two were born, he ran out of names.”
Rupert glanced hopefully down at Vivian, a question in his eyes. No matter what he wished, he was giving her the power to choose. In the short time she had known Rupert, he had shown her more respect and given her more freedom than she had ever had in her life.
She smiled up at him. “I do not mind if you don’t. This is your first marriage, where I have had a large wedding.”
“The only thing that matters to me is spending my life with you.”
“It is settled then.” Vivian turned to her cousin. “Lord Stanstead and I would love to have Mr. Trevor officiate.”
Clara glanced at Nick and Silvia. “You two are excused for your carriage ride in the Park.” After Nick closed the door, Clara continued. “When would you like to marry?”
“The day after to-morrow,” Rupert and Vivian said at the same time. She added, “We don’t wish to interfere with Nick and Silvia’s plans.”
“Excellent.” Clara beamed. “You’ll make it an early evening tonight. To-morrow we shall all attend Lady Jersey’s ball. It will be the event of the Season and the perfect time to let thetonknow of Beresford and Silvia’s marriage and your betrothal. Vivian, if you will allow Rupert to return to his home, we may discuss the details.”
“My lady,” Rupert said. “Excuse me, but I wish to take Vivian with me when I tell my parents and cousin.”
For a moment Clara appeared flustered. “Of course, how could I have forgotten they are in Town? Vivian, we shan’t have much time to prepare.”
Vivian leaned down and bussed her cousin’s cheek. “Feel free to make the plans. I’ll be happy with whatever you decide to do. The only preference I have is the time. I would like the service to be at ten o’clock.”
“As you wish, my dear.” Clara kissed Vivian.
“Mr. Trevor,” Rupert said as he and Vivian were about to leave, “may we give you a ride anywhere?”
“No, thank you. My eldest brother’s carriage will be here to pick up Septimius and me. You may know him. His courtesy title is the Marquis of Hawksworth.”
Rupert tilted his head. “I do indeed; not well, but we’ve met several times. He is a close acquaintance of Lord Beresford’s. Is there a reason you do not use your title?”
“They were in the same army unit together.” The young man grinned. “In a professional environment, I have found the title to be more of a burden than an asset. As has my brother, I might add.”
Rupert’s brows drew together. “I know very few heirs who have been allowed a commission. Did you have a brother who was the eldest?”
“No. Our father doesn’t believe in heirs in waiting. We are all expected to have an occupation. I, of course, was too young to know, but I have been told that when Hawksworth wasn’t interested in learning land management, Papa bought him a pair of colors.”
“I was army mad myself. Unfortunately, my grandfather wasn’t of the same opinion.” Rupert took Vivian’s arm. “We shall see you in the morning.”
“I sometimes forget,” Vivian said, “how small thetontruly is.”
