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“Where is this coming from?” A frown tugged at the corners of her lips. “Last night you were completely confident in yourself; the night before you’d adopted a devil-may-care attitude that nothing could sway. What has changed?” She peered more closely into his face, and he held his breath. Would she see that he’d already fallen?
“I…” He released her hand and stepped away. “I had a drink shortly before you came down to steady my nerves.”
For long moments she looked at him. Remarkably, there was no anger or disappointment in her gaze. Instead, compassion and understanding clouded those dark eyes, and he wanted to throw himself onto his knees at her feet with gratitude. Lavinia stepped close to him and rested a palm against his cheek. “We all stumble, Percival. As long as you don’t continue down that path, there is no shame in faltering. I still believe you can overcome this.”
Surprise slammed into him. “How can you give me such latitude when I’ve spent the bulk of my time over the last few years as a selfish arse?”
Lavinia shrugged. “I want the same understanding from you if I should fall.” When she gave him a small smile, his world tilted. “I’ve seen enough throughout the ton to know that most marriages exist in unhappiness because forgiveness and patience are missing. Don’t let us be like that.”
“I am trying.” And then he didn’t know what else to do, so he caught her up into his arms merely to hold her close. “I am trying.”
“That’s good to know, but please tell me there truly are no more spirits hidden in this house.” She put a hand to his chest and urged him a bit away. “You are only sabotaging yourself if there are.”
“I swear, that’s the last of it, and I’d forgotten it was even there until just now when fear came calling. I panicked, didn’t know what else to do—”
“Hush.” Lavinia patted his chest and broke from his loose embrace. “We should go lest we be way too late.”
“Wait.” He glanced to the side and caught Stanton’s eye. “There is something I would give you, have been wishing to gift it to you ever since I gave you the ring.”
“What do you mean?” She darted her gaze between the butler and him.
“Just this.” When Stanton presented him with a flat, square-shaped box and then opened the lid, Percival carefully removed an emerald necklace that glittered with the deep green gemstones in the same style as her ring. Ten in total, all were set in gold. “I think my grandmother would be proud to see this in your possession.” Before she could protest, he moved behind her, fit it about her neck, and then manipulated the clasp. Afterward, he pressed his lips to her nape. “I’d asked your maid what color you would wear tonight and knew when it was green that it was the perfect time to give you this.”
“I’m sure it’s gorgeous.” She touched her gloved fingertips to a few of the stones, and he caught a glimpse of tears in her eyes before she looked away. “Thank you.”
“Truly, it’s my pleasure.” He glanced at the butler, who gave him a nod of encouragement. “Come, Countess, we need to be off. I look forward to meeting Lord Saintfort’s betrothed as well as dancing a waltz with you.”
When he let himself be lost in her, there was no chance of anything else getting at him. Would that he’d remember that as the evening wore on.
Merciful heavens.
“I’m so nervous,” Lavinia whispered to him as they entered Saintfort’s townhouse in Hanover Square. They’d arrived too late to see the reception line, for which he was eternally grateful.
“Don’t be. You’ve met Saintfort already.” He escorted her toward the ballroom. “If it will ease your mind, no one else matters. Keep your focus on me; I won’t fail you.”
Dear God, please let that be true.
In short order, Lord Saintfort found them the moment they entered the ballroom. Clad in the requisite evening clothes, he seemed even more tall and lean than usual. Pomade gleamed in his black hair. “Laughton! It’s good to see you, man.” He clasped hands with Percival then turned his attention to Lavinia. “Countess, you’re a sight for sore eyes.” When he brought one of her hands to his lips, a stab of jealousy went through his chest even if there was no need for it.
Lavinia grinned with true delight. “Good evening, Lord Saintfort. It’s good to see you.”
“I trust my reprobate friend is treating you right? When I spoke with you last, the occasion was well and truly awkward.”
“Our wedding night.” She glanced at Percival, and heat went up the back of his neck. “It was. However, things have progressed most satisfactorily since then.”
“That’s wonderful to hear.” Saintfort’s grin was all too wide. “It’s nice Laughton has come to his senses and took that fall.”
“I think so too.” She laid a hand on Percival’s arm. “He’s a good man, and we rub along well together.”
Saintfort dug an elbow into his side. “Guess things haven’t changed much since she was your doxy, eh Laughton.”
Hot annoyance sliced through his chest. “Get off it, man.” The heat of embarrassment rose up his neck. “She’s a lady as sure as anyone else in this room.”
“No need to come the crab.” Saintfort put a congenial arm about Percival’s shoulders. “When you find the right one, love comes naturally, and it sometimes knocks us upside the head.” He gestured with his chin. “See that willowy blonde over there finishing that country reel with Lord Randolph?”
“Yes. What of her?”
“That is my fiancée, Cynthia. Her father is a baronet with pockets to let, but I care nothing about that, and he’s desperate to unload the chit. She’s sweet, nice, and has a rapier wit.” His expression softened the longer he looked at her. “I fell for her hard and fast one evening of boredom, and there’s nothing in this world I wish to do than spend it with her.” He smiled at Lavinia. “My days of prowling about and skirt chasing are over.”
