“You now have the reason for the match.” Vivian’s voice was as hard as Portland stone, and bitter. “My father probably wants one of his dogs.”
His mind boggled at the thought that a father would trade his daughter for a dog. Yet, Vivian seemed certain. It was a damned good thing they had found each other and would wed soon. “You’ll be much better served by being a political hostess.”
She nuzzled Rupert’s shoulder. “Indeed I shall.”
The carriage slowed.
He kissed the top of her head. “Carefully, look out, and tell me if you recognize the house.”
“The one with the green door.” She pressed her back into the squabs. “Do you see anything?”
“The knocker is still off the door.”
Vivian heaved a sigh. “Thank God.”
“Is your father that bad?”
“He is used to having his way, and I have never gone against him. If the past few years hadn’t been so difficult, I probably would have simply accepted his choice of husband without argument. I dislike shouting, and that is how he gets his way.”
Rupert had no problem confronting the bully, but he didn’t want Vivian upset before she was his forever. Tewkesbury was most likely of the same ilk. If they weren’t in Town yet, they wouldn’t find her until after the wedding.
Once again the coach stopped. Rupert hopped down to the pavement, then lifted Vivian from the carriage. She had that frightened-deer look again. “There is nothing to worry about. They have already met you.”
“I know.” But not as Rupert’s betrothed. As long as no one shouted in anger, Vivian would be fine. She squared her shoulders. She’d lived through hell with a man who didn’t love her. No one would keep her apart from the man who did. “I’m ready.”
A footman was on duty at the door. “I’ll announce myself and my betrothed. You go fetch a bottle of my cousin’s best champagne.”
The young man bowed and gave an order to a younger footman.
Laughter and other loud noises floated down the corridor. How nice it would be to marry into a family who had fun together.
Rupert opened the door, standing aside to let her enter first. Two babies, one blond, the other a redhead of about the same age, were on the floor with their mothers and fathers, and there appeared to be a race going on. Although she couldn’t tell if the fathers, who were on all fours, were racing or the babies were doing it. She and Rupert watched for a few moments, then the blond baby looked at Rupert, bounced on his bottom, and screeched, “Rupie, Rupie.”
All eyes turned in Vivian’s and Rupert’s direction. He lifted the baby. “Vivian, allow me to introduce Mr. Daniel Malfrey. Dan, meet my betrothed, Vivian.” Rupert smiled at her. “I don’t think he’s interested in titles yet.”
She reached out and took the drooling baby. “A pleasure to meet you, Daniel.”
The adults had scrambled to their feet. A woman she recognized as Rupert’s mother strode over to them and embraced Vivian. “Welcome to the family, my dear.”
Rupert’s father—she could clearly see the resemblance now that she knew—slapped Rupert on the back. “Glad to see you figured it out.”
Serena and Robert joined the group, and Serena hugged Vivian. “I thought it would turn out this way.”
Robert shook Rupert’s hand. “You were right,” Rupert said. “It is a madness.”
Vivian didn’t understand that at all, but it didn’t matter. What was important was they were all happy for Rupert and her.
The door opened and a butler followed by three footmen entered carrying champagne and glasses. Once the flutes were full and everyone had a glass, Edward, as she had been instructed to call him, raised his glass. “Congratulations to Rupert and Vivian. May you have a long and happy life together.”
“When is the wedding?” Freddy asked.
“In the morning.” Rupert slid his arm around Vivian. “There is no point in waiting.”
“At Stanstead House or on Mount Street?”
“The wedding will be at Lady Telford’s and the wedding breakfast at my house. Her ladyship sent a runner to inform my staff.”
“You’ll want to inspect the house.” Freddy raised her brows at Rupert. “Shall we come with you?”
