“Of course he will,” she said in a lower voice.
“When shall I expect you?”
“I shall arrive approximately two hours after you leave here.”
He ran a finger along her hand. “That will be perfect.”
A hush fell across the room as Augusta tried to get everyone’s attention. She explained what she had planned and what game tables were set up.
Vincent gave Ellie a wink. “It’s time to play our part.”
Her cheeks reddened. “It is.”
Once the crowd started moving toward Augusta, Vincent made his way toward the duke. Two other lords stood by Ellie’s father, so Vincent patiently waited until he could get a private moment with the duke.
Vincent’s heart raced, and he wondered if tonight’s planned event between him and Ellie would really happen. Lately, they had been interrupted, which made his anticipation that much greater. At the same time, he worried that the threat looming over him would be his downfall. He couldn’t allow this unknown person to dictate what Vincent could or could not do, especially with Ellie.
“Ah, there is my soon-to-be son-in-law.” The duke clapped a hand on Vincent’s shoulder. The older man looked around them quickly before meeting Vincent’s gaze. “Do you have anything to report? Did you notice anyone acting differently during my announcement?”
Vincent shook his head. “Both Ellie and I were watching, but unfortunately, we could not see anyone.”
The duke scratched his head. “I had hoped for better news.”
“As did I, Your Grace.” Vincent swallowed hard. “However, I fear the excitement of the day, and the unsettling events of last night, have taken their toll on my nerves. I hope you’ll forgive me if I bow out of the remainder of the evening and return home to sleep.”
Nodding, the duke crossed his arms over his large chest. “Of course you can leave. I’m surprised you had the energy to come to the dinner party.”
Vincent chuckled wearily. “How could I miss your big announcement?”
“So true.” The duke laughed and motioned toward the door. “Now return home and rest. These next few days will keep you and Ellie hopping with invitations, I’m sure.”
“I’m certain they will.” Vincent bowed to the duke and started his walk toward the door. He glanced at Ellie, and she smiled at him. His heart melted. By the excitement dancing in her eyes, he knew she was looking forward to this night just as much as he.
An hour later, he paced the hall in his house. Ellie hadn’t told him if she was going to enter through the back way or come through the front door. It pleased him to know that when he finally reached his house, everything would be in order. His sisters were still at their cousins, and the house was quiet.
Vincent had stripped off his waistcoat and cravat, and even kicked off his shoes. Beyond a doubt, he’d be extremely eager to see Ellie when she arrived, and he would probably be very impatient to make love to her. He worried that he’d be too impatient.
No, he mustn’t. She had never been with a man. He must take things slow and not rush anything. She needed to experience every detail. As did he.
A rattle from one of the side doors disturbed the silence. Excitement leaped in his chest. He spun around and rushed toward the sound. At long last, Ellie had come.
The hall was dark, so he quickly grabbed a lit candlestick from the main hall and brought it with him. The image of a woman appeared in the shadows. His heartbeat skipped.
A strong scent of perfume enveloped his senses before he saw her face, slowing his steps considerably. Ellie didn’t smell like that.
And then the woman’s face appeared. Shock—and then fear—rushed through him. Immediately, anger took over, bringing his temper to a burning rage.
What was Lady Livingston doing here?
Chapter Thirteen
Vincent panicked. Heneeded to get Candace out of the house. Quickly! In his mind, he pictured Ellie showing up while Candace was still here. That wouldnotgo over well. He feared Ellie just wouldn’t understand and forgive him this time.
He must stop the situation before it worsened. Ellie didn’t need to know about Candace, and Candace definitely didn’t need to know about Ellie.
“There you are,” she purred as she slithered toward him like a snake ready to sink its teeth into his neck. “I wanted to surprise you.” She held up her hands. “Are you surprised?”
Even through the shadows, he could see she’d worn one of her seductive gowns. For certain, she was here to entice him. He wouldn’t let her.
