Startled by the comment, Vincent tilted back his head and laughed heartily. Dominic had picked a poor time to say such nonsense, but it was good for a chuckle. “You are very humorous, my friend, but I fear your timing is bad for such a teasing remark.”
Dominic shook his head. “I’m very serious, Trenton. Don’t you recall asking me to invest some of your money?”
Vincent paused in thought and held his breath. “Yes, but that was only a week ago. Results don’t show so quickly.”
Dominic shrugged. “Exactly, but for one of the speculations, the results are in.” He playfully slapped Vincent’s shoulder again. “My good man, the investment came through. Not many people believed in this speculation, which makes the odds very good. And you will soon be a very wealthy man.”
The news was so unbelievable that Vincent didn’t dare become too excited. Slowly, he shook his head. “Dominic, if you’re lying about this—”
“I assure you. This is the truth.” Dominic held up his right hand as his grin widened. “I invested a small amount of money, which means I’ll get a profit as well.”
Vincent’s life lately had been shaky, and he hesitated to believe this. But Dominic had never led him astray before, and after everything that had happened to Vincent these past few months, he didn’t think his friend would be so cold-hearted as to lie.
Gradually, excitement grew inside Vincent’s chest. Immediately, he knew he had to tell Ellie. He searched the room again, and found her standing next to Augusta and some of her friends. The strained expression on Ellie’s face told him she needed rescuing…and quickly.
“Dominic, if you’ll excuse me,” Vincent said, “I need to share the good news with my soon-to-be wife.”
Dominic grinned and nodded. “Indeed, this is a joyous occasion.”
Vincent tried not to rush to Ellie’s side, but he found himself taking larger strides than normal. When she finally noticed him, her face lit up with happiness. His heart melted.Hewas the one who could make her react this way.
He reached the circle of women, and their chatter stopped. He bowed. “Pardon my intrusion, but could I borrow Miss Middleton for a few minutes?”
The duchess’s haughty glare made him pause. What had he done to upset her? But quickly enough, he forgot about the woman and focused back on Ellie.
“Indeed you shall,” she said as she stepped toward him.
He offered his arm, and she hooked her hand around his elbow. Two steps away from the other ladies, he finally covered her hand with his palm and smiled.
“Your brother has just delivered some happy news.”
“What is it?” she asked, her eyes twinkling like stars.
“That first day at your house when you ran into me, I went riding with your brother and asked him to invest some money for me. Dominic just informed me that everything went exceedingly well, and I will soon be a very wealthy man.”
She gasped. “Are you jesting?”
He chuckled. “I asked your brother that same thing, but apparently, he is serious.” Vincent gently squeezed her hand. “My precious, we are going to be rich.”
Her expression grew softer. “Oh, Vincent. Being wealthy doesn’t matter to me. I want to marry you no matter what.”
His heart flipped. “Money doesn’t matter to you because you have it. But I have been without it, and I assure you, it is a necessity.”
“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful.”
“No, precious. I know you didn’t mean it like that.”
Her smile grew. “But I am very happy to see you so happy.”
“Good.” He nodded. “Because I’m ecstatic.”
They stopped near a corner of the room, and she faced him. “I spoke with my father this morning after you left. I begged him not to tell Augusta about the wedding announcement.” She glanced around them. “If anyone here is responsible for the fire, we will be able to tell by their expression after the announcement is made tonight.” She met Vincent’s gaze. “Don’t you agree?”
“Yes. I’ll certainly watch if anyone acts suspicious.”
“I’ll be keeping my eye on Augusta’s vile nephew.” She cringed. “The evil man was waiting for me last night when I returned home.”
“What?” Vincent gasped, his voice louder than it probably should have been.
