“That’s not news, Vivi, you have been in love with Captain Jack for more than a year.”
“I have, haven’t I? Well, what is news is he’s asked me to marry him and I have accepted.”
Gabrielle’s eyes widened. She embraced Vivian again. “Vivi, I am so happy for you. He is the perfect man for you. Wait, will you live in the islands? I don’t want to be so far away from you!”
“We haven’t discussed it yet. I imagine at least part of the year we would live in the Bahamas; Jack has built a beautiful house there. But I do know he is determined to be part of his family again, so I think we will spend part of the year here in England as well. Don’t worry.” She kissed Gabi on the cheek.
“All right, let’s ring for Molly so she can get you dressed. I can’t wait to tell everyone!”
****
His eyes trained on the door, Jack knew the minute Vivian walked into the room. He had barely eaten, his food merely a pretext as he waited for her to come downstairs. She looked lovely this morning in a light blue morning dress. The glow of love in her eyes as they found his would have brought him to his knees if he had not already been sitting down.
He sucked in a deep breath. She did not regret last night. It had not been a dream. She had agreed to be his. Rising, he walked over and kissed her on the cheek. Lady Garrison raised her eyebrows at such familiarity. Taking Vivian’s hand, he turned to the table where his mother, Lady Waverly and Lady Garrison sat together.
“We have good news to tell everybody. Vivian has agreed to marry me. We are betrothed.” He couldn’t keep the grin off his face.
Family and guest alike rose from the table to congratulate them.
“Lovely,” his mother exclaimed, giving each of them a hug.
“Wonderful,” Lady Waverly said.
“Another sea captain,” Lady Garrison muttered.
“And a duke’s son,” her sister reminded.
Mollified, Vivian’s aunt came over. “Congratulations, my dear, on a decent match.” She leaned in to hug her while he and Vivian exchanged an amused look over her shoulder.
Caroline practically bounced over to them in her excitement. “I knew he was perfect for you, and you for him the minute you danced together. I suppose this means now I will have to get married too. You were my last friend who hadn’t been caught yet in the parson’s trap.”
“Caroline!” His mother looked horrified.
But Jack just laughed. In fact, he laughed so hard he had to sit down. Andrew was the last family member to congratulate him.
Clapping a hand on his shoulder, he said, “Congratulations, Jack. Anyone with eyes can see she loves you. I am glad for you.”
Jack looked up at his brother. “Thanks, that means a lot to me.”
All the other guests who were in the breakfast room also came to congratulate them. Ladies quickly surrounded Vivian. Jack received a few good-natured slaps on the back from the older men. Moreau approached, giving him an assessing look.
“So, this explains much about your behavior last night. I did not know she was yours, my friend. Congratulations to you on catching such a beautiful bride.”
“Yes, well, I apologize for my actions last night.” Jack forced a tight smile, trying to keep his face vaguely apologetic. “Women,” he said with a shrug.
Moreau gave Jack another hard look then walked back to his coffee. Jack had sent his letter off to Winters first thing this morning. He hoped the man could be here in the next few days to take care of Moreau. Until then, Jack needed to keep an eye on him, casually. Moreau must realize the list was missing by now. He could only guess what Moreau’s suspicions were about how it went missing from his pocket. Perhaps Moreau thought he lost it himself.
Jack walked over to where Vivian sat with her aunts, finally having some breakfast. He sat back down in his seat, picking up his tea.
“So, when will the wedding be?” his mother asked.
“Three weeks,” he replied.
“What? Three weeks is impossible.” All the ladies at the table nodded their heads in agreement.
“We don’t want a large wedding, just family and close friends. Jack doesn’t even know anyone in London yet anyway,” Vivian interjected.
“Exactly. A church, a dress, a special license. It couldn’t be simpler.” He looked around the table. His mother exchanged exasperated glances with Vivian’s aunts. They said clear as day, “Men.” Vivian grimaced a bit. Caroline rolled her eyes.
