Chapter 18
“Splendid dinner,"Killian told Liv two Saturdays later as the four sat in Liv's small dining room in her rented townhouse on the Marine Parade. "You are an excellentcook."
Killian would be discreet to say nothing of his previous visit here. Camille should not hear of her mother's brief affair, and Pierce gave no hints ofit.
"It takes a delicate hand not to over-bake the fish," said Camille. "Mama is very quick to sauté them justright."
"And the cream cake is one I could have again," said Pierce with agrin.
"You could have another piece," Livsaid.
"No, I could not!" Pierce said with a pat to hisstomach.
"But now, it's time we washed the dishes," Killian said. "We don't want to miss theband."
Camille clasped her hands together. "The 16th Lancers. They're playing only from eight o'clock toten."
Killian said, "Precisely. What do you say,Pierce?"
"But—" Liv objected. "My maid is here to dothis."
"We created more work for her than she normally has," Killian said. "So, no. We'll help! No excuses. I said we've come to take you dancing on the promenade tonight and wewill!"
Camille beamed at them. "Me, too, Ihope."
Pierce feigned horror. "How could we possibly take a child likeyou?"
"Oh!" she squinted at him. "You don't think I candance."
"Have they taught you to waltz at that school you goto?"
"I'll show you a step or two, you presumptuous man. Besides," Camille said and folded her arms, "if you don't take me along, I shall sneak out and find you. A total scandal. Then what will youdo?"
Pierce spread his hand wide. "Haul you over my shoulder and bring youhome."
"Mama," Camille pleaded, her lovely face an utter wreck. "Tell them I cancome."
Liv grinned at her daughter. "I wouldn't dream of leaving youhere."
"All right! That's settled," Killian said as he shoved back his chair. "Dishes!Now!"
For three Saturdays, he and Pierce had taken the early train down to Brighton. He'd asked his son to come along with him, intent on making the visits light-hearted affairs. Nonetheless, Liv had attempted to apologize in depth for her behavior, but he’d blockedher.
“I have my own explanations to offer, but I am not yet ready,” he’ddeclared.
“Why?” She frowned, insisting he tellher.
“I owe you as much—perhaps more—than you may think you owe me. I should have news soon. Until then, we’ll enjoy ourselves. Rekindle our friendship and our affections.” He’d offered her a consoling smile. “Soon, my darling.Soon.”
He'd broached no subjects other than the polite ones or those that pertained to the construction of his country house or his townhouses. Occasionally, he and Liv discussed the other project she supervised, that of the Lockern Foundation and their fortytownhouses.
"I'm pleased with that commission," she'd told him earlier today. "I owe you my thanks for thatrecommendation."
"You earned that on merit. I would not have given any praise, if youand Rogerdidn't deserveit."
"I'm pleased at that, too," she said and squeezed hishand.
That and the easy way she looped her arm through his as they strolled along his landscape or the small city of Brighton were the only physical expressions of her growing ease with him. She didn't cast about when they were out along the Parade or in a restaurant. For whatever reasons, she was at ease with him. What Remy had told him of her youth and family had given him enough clues to the reasons she'd not wished to associate with him. He only hoped time and his love for her might salve the wound. Love could cure much, but not every wrong doing. He was old enough and wise enough to acknowledge the pain of that. But he had to try to bring her to him. If he had to wait years, hewould.
