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Chapter Fifteen
Vicky could barely look at Wexford as they headed down the long lane away from Crossley. It was going to be a long drive, she realized, as she returned his stare.
Finally, Wexford broke the silence. “Do you care to explain to me what exactly happened? How did you come to find yourself in such a state? Surely, you could have managed a little better.”
“I’m not practiced in the art of negotiating around someone dealing in treachery, so no, I’m not certain how I could have managed better.” Vicky normally felt compelled to keep the peace, but this time his criticism was too much for her to bear.
“You’re right, my apologies, Vigilia. You did the right thing writing to me and Eastwood. I appreciate that you left Rosabel out of it. Although, she isn’t likely to agree when she finds out.”
Vicky grinned. “We could just claim that I was homesick and wanted a dose of family. But I wrote to you so as to not put her on the spot in her condition.”
Wexford looked at her with newfound respect. “I thought you said you weren’t experienced in treachery.”
“There’s nothing traitorous about my desire to protect my sisters, entirely the opposite to be sure. And that is exactly what landed me in the mess I’ve found myself in and the need to ask my brother-in-law for assistance.”
“Again, my apologies, I was jesting, but I continually forget that you and your sisters are unused to having brothers.”
Vicky laughed a little but then waved away the duke’s words. “Never mind about that, Your Grace. What are you going to do about Lord Bertram?”
“I’m not going to do anything. Northcott will take care of it. I had intended for my role to be just one of checking up on you and reassuring you that you had nothing to fear on our behalf. But when I arrived and discovered that somehow Northcott had allowed the situation to get so out of hand, I decided it would be best to extricate you from the situation entirely.”
Vicky sighed. “I would have rather been heroic and solved the situation for myself.”
Wexford laughed. “You were sufficiently heroic, my dear, have no fear. And now, you will save your sister from boredom for a few days until we receive word that Northcott has cleaned up his mess.”
“But if we truly have nothing to fear from Bertram, perhaps I should have remained at the house party. I still need to find my match, after all.”
“Since the bounder was trying to ruin you, I think you’re well away from there for the time being for one thing, Lady Vigilia. For another, you know either of your sisters would be happy to escort you next year if you haven’t wedded yet. There’s truly no need for you to rush to the altar.”
“It’s time, Your Grace,” Vicky replied with dignity. “I’m not trying to rush to the altar, but I don’t care to be sitting on the shelf, either. And Georgia was doing a fine job as my hostess. She wasn’t cut out for dealing with a bounder such as Lord Bertram, either.”
“I wasn’t questioning Lady Crossley’s competence. Surely, you noticed that I offered to return you in a few days. That is truly a concession, if you must know. I would like to send you all the way home and keep you as a little girl until you’re at least thirty summers.”
Vicky laughed. “How’s that working for you with Lady Katherine?”
“I’m happily leaving her in my mother’s questionable clutches,” the duke answered with a smirk.
“You do realize that someday you’ll have to escort your daughters to Town.”
“No, I’ve forbidden your sister from giving me daughters.”
Vicky’s laughter filled the carriage. “I’m sure she took that under advisement.”
The rest of their long drive was uneventful, and they soon arrived at Wexford. Vicky was amused to hear her brother-in-law use the excuse she had come up with on the drive. Rosabel was thrilled to have her sister visiting and didn’t seem to question the surprise encounter.
~~~
Ashford was pacing in Lady Crossley’s small office. It left him feeling slightly claustrophobic. He should have asked the woman to walk with him. But this was the best way to ensure they had privacy. He didn’t want anyone to overhear their conversation.
“So, am I betrothed to the chit or not?”
“That chit is my best friend, Mr. Northcott, so I would ask you to be somewhat more respectful in your tone.”
“My apologies, my lady, I truly meant no disrespect toward her. I am just frustrated by the turn of events. I offered for her, and then she disappeared.”
“Seems to me, it saved you from an uncomfortable situation. Surely, you should be relieved rather than pacing my small space like some sort of caged animal.”
“But what am I relieved from? I offered for the—” he paused, catching Lady Crossley’s glare “—lady in good faith. Am I betrothed or not?”
