“It’s very unconventional,” Bram said slowly, eyes flickering between me and Henri. “I won’t say that I’m notsurprisedby this idea. Two men in love is just as strange to this world.”
Henri nodded thoughtfully. “I … have felt like I’ve needed to hide myself for a long time. I’ve felt ashamed of what I’ve wanted my entire life. But I won’t be ashamed anymore. If this is how we can be happy together, then I am willing to give this a try.” He sent Bram a sideways look. “And I won’t pretend that I never desired something more with Valancourt in the past. I just didn’t know if he returned my affection. I’d hoped, but I ruined that experiment.”
Bram swallowed hard. “Your blossoming affection, Count, was indeed returned. I never expected anything to happen, but … through Emile, perhaps we truly can all find happiness. We’ve found our way back to one another, at the very least.”
Blanche clapped, grinning from ear to ear. “It’s all so wonderful. You shall all be happy together. I can feel it.”
Henri felt for my hand under the table and squeezed it. Then I felt Bram’s shoe knock into mine from across the table, and he looked at me shyly.
I let out a relieved breath. “I’m glad you’re so willing. I wasn’t sure how either of you would respond, but I truly cannot choose between the two of you. You each have my heart.”
Henri grinned. “I certainly can’t turn down the two dashing men who came to my rescue. Why settle for one?”
“Oh? Dashing?” Bram teased.
“Very dashing.” Henri winked at Bram and kissed me on the cheek. Bram looked uncomfortable at the gesture, and I knew it would take some time for them to get used to the idea of all of us being with one another, but I had faith that our feelings would grow, and it would work out for us in the end.
“It won’t be too strange for you, Lady Morano?” I asked, looking to Blanche. “You’re going to be a part of the household, and I want you to be okay with this. I’m afraid it might be necessary, as a marquis, to be off the market and off people’s minds. I know that asking for marriage is a lot.”
Blanche snorted. “Surely you’re jesting. I’d already warmed to the idea of marrying my good friend. And I could never leave Henri. Plus, I think I would make for a good marchioness, wouldn’t you agree?”
“We could find another way to satisfy society,” I offered. “You need not sacrifice yourself for our happiness … but something tells me that this arrangement will suit you as well? Unless I’m reading things incorrectly.”
Blanche raised an eyebrow. “Oh, don’t be such a bore, Emile. Do speak plainly.”
I shifted in my seat. “I know that you’ve been corresponding with Carmilla. It seems to me that you two might have a connection? Unless I’m completely misreading the situation.”
Blanche lifted an eyebrow. “Annette is sharing my secrets with you now, is she?”
“Not at all,” I said, ducking my head. “I chanced upon you talking about her letters.”
“He was spying on us,” Henri supplied.
I elbowed him and he grinned back at me.
Blanche straightened in her seat. “To answer your question, Emile, yes. I have been speaking with Carmilla. It seems that we have a great deal in common.” Her eyes flicked to Henri briefly. “And I believe your assumption is correct. Our marriage would be advantageous to me and my circumstances as well.”
“My sweet, innocent sister,” Henri shook his head, an even wider smile stretching across his face. “Full of surprises.”
“Now, we just need to find you a wife to complete the charade.”
Henri rolled his eyes. “I think people will find it very likely that I’m the sort of man who ends up a lifelong bachelor.” He glanced at Bram. “Maybe a sickly bachelor who requires frequent attention from the local doctor.”
Bram flushed in response.
Henri lifted his glass in a toast. “To living in sin in plain sight of everyone.”
Blanche snorted, lifting her own glass. “To a bright future. For all of us.”
“For all of us,” I echoed as we all toasted.
As Henri and Blanche talked over Carmilla’s attentions, Bram came to sit on my other side, his hand finding mine. I twined my fingers with his.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked softly.
“I am. So long as you are.”
Bram eyed Henri. “I can share my love for you, so long as I have the chance to express it with you.”
