“Pardon, but I do not believe this. Here are two people, so obviously in love to all who see them, yet they play at coy indifference like two children. It isinsupportable,” she said, sadly shaking her head.
“We have much to discover about each other,” Vanessa explained softly.
“Yes, and I would like to learn all I can about this woman while we are still in New Orleans. I’d like to see it through her eyes and understand how it worked to make her the marvelous woman she is.”
Everyone smiled and laughed, all feeling calmer now that Mr. Wilmot was properly defanged. While Paulette launched into a recital of her past two days, Hugh pulled Vanessa through the French doors onto the gallery.
“What do you mean,while we are still in New Orleans?” Vanessa asked as they strolled in the shade.
“In the time we have here before we sail for England,” Hugh explained absently, more intent on threading her fingers through his.
“To live?”
“But of course to live. Where else would we live?”
“Here,” she said flatly, stopping short.
He looked at her perplexed. “Here?”
“Yes, I have no desire to go to England. I thought you would stay here,” she exclaimed aggressively while pulling her hand free.
“There is nothing for me here, Vanessa—” he began.
“There is me,” she offered simply.
“But if we married, you would come with me,” he said patiently, coming forward to gather her into his arms.
She pushed him away and danced backward. “Ah— Now you have just said the keyword—if."She shook her head in amazement. “I cannot believe your blind arrogance, to suppose I would simply up and leave New Orleans just to be with you! No, I take that back,” she said, holding up her hand as another thought occurred to her. She ignored the flare of fire in his tawny eyes and continued: “I have always known you were arrogant. I just thought it was a trait I could wean you of. Obviously, I was mistaken.”
“Blind arrogance!” he stormed, his body rigid.
“Yes, and aristocratic conceit as well,” she flared hotly.
He pokered up. “It is obvious we were misled in our affections,” he stated stiffly.
“Obviously.”
“Most likely caused by the novelty each presented to the other,” he went on.
“Precisely.”
“I don’t believe we should be wasting each other’s time. It is obvious to me your affections are shallow—”
“Shallow!” she fumed.
“—and ephemeral. I thank you for your kind offices in nursing me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go pack my portmanteau and return to Trevor’s townhouse immediately.”
“Yes,” Vanessa said tightly, “I think that would be best.”
He bowed stiffly. “Your servant, ma’am,” he said softly, turned on his heel, and left.
Vanessa stood still for several moments after he left, emotionally stunned by the events that had just transpired. A tiny moan of despair finally escaped her lips, and she slumped down on a nearby bench and wept.
Chapter 16
“This is idiotic,” protested Trevor as he watched Hugh pack his portmanteau. “At least stay until after the engagement party.”
“It would be to no purpose, and I would not have my presence put a damper on the festivities.”
