Vincent shrugged. “I have no opinion on the matter, and thus, no opposition. That is up to your husband.”
He was not surprised by the difference in their two demeanors. Ambrose was dreading being discovered a liar, whereas Lydia was satisfied she would remain in the spotlight of each performance.
“And you want no remuneration for the past three years?” Ambrose asked.
Vincent sighed, wishing his old friend hadn’t asked such an insulting question.
“None. I don’t need your money, nor would I want what you have earned from your playing. It would feel like stealing. And I do not steal.”
Both of the Casterns had the grace to appear sheepishly guilty.At last!
“But you must drop the charges against Lord Hewitt,” Brilliance insisted.
“At once,” Ambrose agreed.
“And you have said nothing to the papers about my future bride’s reputation?” Vincent asked.
“Nothing,” Ambrose promised.
“Then we have concluded our business. I shall not pursue the lawsuit any further.”
With an unfamiliar feeling of lightness, knowing this ugly mess was resolved, he gestured for Brilliance and her maid to precede him from the room. With no sign of the young butler doing his duty, they showed themselves out.
When in the Earl Diamond’s carriage again, with Brilliance’s maid settling to one side and closing her eyes, Vincent’s future bride declared, “I am utterly relieved that we arenotthem.”
He couldn’t help laughing. “That’s not anything like what I expected you to say. But I completely agree.” Reaching out, he took her gloved hand in his. Just touching her, even with cloth between them, gave him pure happiness.
Brilliance gazed at their joined hands a moment and then her blue glance met his. Instantly, his breath caught in his chest. Her hungry thoughts matched his own, and hers were floating clear as day in her sapphiric eyes.
“We should stop at your home so you can change for dinner,” she suggested.
Resist the temptation,he ordered himself. “You must drop me off and go to your own home, lest your reputation be sullied.”
Brilliance wrinkled her nose. The adorable movement made him want to scoop her onto his lap. After all that had transpired that day, he wanted her in his arms or, more precisely, in his bed as soon as possible. Their engagement would be a time of excruciating torture, especially if she was so plainly willing to snag any opportunity for intimacy. After all, that evening, there would be little opportunity for any closeness under her parents’ watchful eyes.
You are a gentleman,he reminded himself.
“Come now, Lady Persia, don’t look melancholy. Everything has turned out for the best.”
When they drew up in front of his home, he jumped out and looked back at her.The devil take him!Five minutes alone could not hurt anything or anyone.
“If you could help me carry in these heavy satchels, I would most appreciate it.”
Brilliance frowned and then ... she nodded. Climbing down, she took one of the leather cases from him before turning back to her maid who was even then attempting to descend.
“I shall be back momentarily, Belinda.” She stepped away, and let him close the door in her maid’s face. They hurried up his steps, and the door opened because his butler was as superb as they came.
Mr. Chambers appeared greatly relieved.
“My lord, you have returned.”
To Vincent’s amazement, his normally staid butler turned to Brilliance and, for an instant, reached out as though he were going to take her hand. He stopped himself.
“The staff and I offer you our deepest appreciation, my lady, and our immense gratitude for freeing Lord Hewitt from jail.”
Brilliance appeared touched, and she gave Mr. Chambers her warmest smile.
“It was my pleasure, sir. I cannot wait to live here with all of you. Now, if you will excuse us, I am only going to help carry this into the drawing room, and then I will leave ever so quickly.”
