“I suppose I was hurt that she didn’t believe enough in me to know I would never hurt her.”
“Believe enough in you to know you would never hurt her,” repeated Cecilia. “Ye gods, howunfairof you!” She shook her head in exasperation. “Miss Chilton believed enough in you to become your friend, despite your public reputation. And then, instead of falling into a fit of vapors when a vicious rumor comes to her attention, she does what any intelligent young lady should do—she asks you whether the rumor is true!”
Branford shifted uncomfortably.
“And you, you had too much foolish pride to trust she would understand,” continued Cecilia. “Why, it isyouwho is guilty of not believing in a friend!”
A pause. “Honestly, I’m sorely tempted to shoot you myself,” she muttered.
For an instant, a harried smile ghosted across Branford’s lips before he lapsed back into an expression of utter dejection.
“Well, at least you did not actually ruin …”
His chin sunk to his chest
“Sebastian, you didn’t!”
A tinge of color washed the pallor from his face as he haltingly explained about Alex’s midnight foray, the gunshot requiring a late-night visit to his townhouse … and the kiss.
“Ye heavens … this makes things far more complicated. I need to think …”
“It is not what you might imagine,” he stammered. “It … well, it is rather impossible to explain what led to …” He paused and muttered a low oath. “Please fetch my coat from the dressing table chair.”
Cecilia raised her eyebrows in question but went to retrieve the garment.
“Look in the right-hand pocket.”
She pulled out a folded sheet of paper.
“Read it.”
She opened it and quickly scanned its contents. “Why, it’s a special license.”
“I was going to ask her to marry me that morning.”
Cecilia was silent for a moment. “Because honor demanded it?”
“No,” he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. “Because I love her, and the prospect of life without her seems intolerable.”
Her expression softened. “I’m happy to see that your intelligence hasn’t entirely deserted you, Sebastian.” A smile. “The two of you are an excellent match. I like Miss Chilton very much—and I believe she has enough sense and spirit to manage you quite well!” She squeezed his hand. “I wish you happy. And I truly believe that you will be.”
Branford finally opened his eyes—which were clouded with despair. “But I’ve made an impossible mull of it. She must hate me—and with ample reason. I …I fear that I’ve lost her.”
“No doubt she is very angry with you. And very hurt. But that has nothing to do with love.” She patted his arm. “I’ve seen her watch you in a crowded room, Sebastian. Things are not as hopeless as you think”
He looked at her with disbelief.
“Men!” she muttered under her breath. “I see that I shall have to have a little chat with Miss Chilton tomorrow in order to begin setting things right,” she continued in a firmer tone.
No!” cried Branford, rising up on one elbow, despite the pain in his side. “I mean, I cannot allow you to make excuses for my behavior—it would be more than cowardly. She must hear the truth from my own lips.”
“Of course,” agreed Lady Ashton. “I have no intention of explaining the particulars—she would neither want nor welcome it from me. I merely mean to have a little tete a tete with her concerning how brainless men are at times.” She smiled sweetly. “It is fortunate you have other charms to make up for it.”
In spite of himself, Branford could not suppress a low chuckle. “You are impossible, Cecilia.”
“So Henry tells me.” She rose and planted another light kiss on his forehead. “Try to rest tonight and gather your strength. Somehow, I have the distinct feeling you are going to need it.”
Hammerton was feeling extraordinarily lucky.Sure enough, the dice came up favorably again.
