“Blackwood! He has hardly two shillings to rub together. He—”
“I heard you,” their father suddenly snapped, startling both of them. “What I want to know is how you came upon that information.”
Luke stood a little straighter, much like when he’d been a boy and was preparing himself for a lecture. “I made discreet inquiries of the right people,” he explained.
“Because you did not trust my judgment when it came to Victoria’s suitor?” Papa said icily. Luke’s jaw tightened. “Do you think I would entrust her care with just anyone? That I would not do my due diligence?” This finally seemed to cow Luke and quell the strength of his fire. “I would not be where I am today if I were so negligent, and you would do well to remember that.”
“Yes, sir,” Luke replied steadily.
“I will not listen to another word about this. I have given my blessing, and that is final.” Papa looked at her. “At least until Victoria decides to accept or decline the match.” She squeezed her father’s hand in gratitude and slipped off to her chamber.
Her maid helped her to change into her nightshift and wrapper before retiring for the evening, leaving Victoria to curl up in a chair before the hearth and stare pensively into the flames.
She had always known that no man was ever going to come along and be entirely immune to the size of all she stood to inherit—of all her family held and controlled. It was the least she could do to marry a man she liked.
And she had come to like Blackwood a great deal.
There was a tentative knock upon her door before Luke’s dark head poked into the room.
“I thought you might still be awake,” he said quietly.
“If you’ve come to berate me some more, you can turn around right now and take a long walk into the Thames.”
He emitted a single low chuckle before entering the room and pressing the door closed behind him. He did not ask permission before taking up the chair across from her.
She wanted to be childish and ignore him until he left her alone, but his heavy sigh made her hesitate.
“You do know I am only trying to look out for you, don’t you?” he finally asked, gently, plaintively. It was not a tone she was used to hearing from her brother.
“I do,” she responded only slightly begrudgingly. “But I also do not feel that it is fair of you to villainize Lord Blackwood.”
“And I do not believe it is fair to you to tie yourself to a man with a rakish reputation and a poor financial record.”
“Oh, Luke…” she chided him gently and reached across the space to pat his hand. “We have been the subjects of gossip since we set foot on this island; we have laughed over the inaccuracies and exaggerations contained in the tabloids. Should we not be some of the first people to recognize that sensationalized accounts might be just that? A way to sell more papers? Besides, no man was ever going to be good enough for me in your eyes…no matter who he was.” Her brother’s countenance darkened, but he did not refute her statements. “Blackwood has been nothing but kind and solicitous to me, and I have no reason to believe we will not be content in our marriage.”
“I do not care to think you are settling.”
Victoria scoffed lightly. “If I were resigned to settling, then I would have accepted any of the other half-dozen offers over the past few years.” She sighed and slumped back into her chair. “You cannot understand what it is like for a woman who comes from wealth. No matter how long I wait, I will never be able to tell who wants my attention for my money, and who wants me forme. Do not frown at me, Luke. Your priority has been Rockford Shipping, and marriage is quite possibly the furthest thing from your mind, though perhaps one day youmay consider it.” She ignored his dismissive snort. “Rockford Shipping is your destiny, but it cannot be mine. I came to terms long ago with the fact that my inheritance would play at least a small part in whatever match I accepted. While I appreciate how much you care, I can only do my best to reassure you that I am not making a grave mistake, and trust that Papa’s safeguards for my inheritance will keep me secure in any circumstances.
“Blackwood may have a reputation, his title may not have limitless funds, but I believe in my heart that he is earnest. Or at least dedicated and determined enough to persist and stand out amongst the other men here in London and even convince Papa of his worthiness.” She knew their father’s effusive praise of Lord Blackwood had been grating on Luke, but she couldn’t resist reminding him of it. As amiable as he could be, not many men could say they’d worked their way into the elder Mr. Rockford’s private circle.
Except Blackwood.
Only Blackwood.
The viscount was charming, persistent, friendly, and he made her laugh. Besides, he had impressed her father, which was perhaps the most important and remarkable thing of all. If her father trusted him, then Victoria would as well. Papa had never led her astray before, and she had to believe there were reasons he felt Blackwood was a suitable match. Even if she was not privy to all her father’s thoughts on the matter, the fact remained that her father had given his blessing and would support the match.
Despite Luke’s best attempts to change her mind, she accepted Blackwood’s formal proposal, and she would go through with the wedding. There would be no turning back after that.
Chapter Six
The morning ofVictoria’s wedding to the viscount dawned sunny and surprisingly warm for England. The ceremony would take place at St. George’s, after which a wedding breakfast would be served. Papa had tried to convince her that they could host a more lavish affair, but Victoria had staunchly declined. She knew such a spectacle would be expected. St. George’s was still considered highly fashionable amongst the Mayfair elite, and it would accommodate enough guests to make it an appropriately grand affair, but it would also allow Victoria to maintain some control. As much as she could, she invited only those people who had been kind to her and her family during their time in London. The wedding would be her first official event in England, and she was determined to set the proper tone. She would not accept deplorable treatment; she would not grin and suffer through snide comments. Once the vows were said, she would have a title to back up her wealth, and she would make a name for herself. She would follow Lady Morton’s lead and use her status for good, and she would not allow anyone to make her feel less because her family had worked hard for everything they had. She would be proud of her origins. Besides, not once had Blackwood ever batted an eye at her Americanness, nor the way they’d earned their fortune. So long as that support continued, Victoria felt she could weather most anything thetonbrought her way.
The door to Victoria’s chamber swung open after a perfunctory knock. In stepped her father, looking rather refined in his bespoke formalwear with its crisp lines and coattails. His dear face split into a broad grin, the lines at the corners of his eyes deepening in his joy. Victoria smoothed the skirts of the ice-blue gown she’d had specially made for the day. The garment was impossibly heavy, but the intricate beadwork made it worth it. A pattern of Forget-Me-Nots and vines had been sewn into the dyed satin to create a custom design that was truly one of a kind. The beadwork clicked and dazzled when she moved, making every movement a spectacle. And she felt truly beautiful in the gossamer wrap of ivory lace, so fine it appeared almost cloud-like, which softened the daring cut of the pleated bust and empire waist.
“Stunning,” her father murmured. “Absolutely stunning.” His eyes were suspiciously bright.
Before her own tears spilled over, Victoria closed the gap between them and pressed a kiss to her father’s slightly leathery cheek, weathered from too many hours spent outdoors. “Thank you, Papa.”
