“From what I recall, there was a great deal of stress in London fifteen years ago. Napoleon’s army was everywhere. We had just opened the first prison for French prisoners of war.”
“Oh, yes, it was a very turbulent time,” Belle said.
Remy lifted a brow at her. “What do you recall of that time? You were a child.”
“I was fifteen,” Belle countered. “I remember that the Royal Theatre reopened.” Belle smiled at Vita. “It had burned down just the year before.”
Remy his eyes. “I doubt that had anything to do with anything.”
She turned to him. “But don’t you recall the riot that followed? It went on for months. Twenty people died. Everyone was outraged about the new price.”
“Including you?” Remy asked.
“Well, no, not me.” She waved him away. “I never paid for anything. Not even then.” She winked at Noel.
He turned red and grinned.
“I hadn’t known so much was happening back then,” Vita said.
Remy nodded. “There was much confusion. Perhaps, there were other reasons besides love that caused your mother to flee.”
“Well, love didn’t make her stay. I don’t care for her reasons, I just don’t want her hurt.”
“I’ll send someone for her,” Remy said. “I know where she is, if she hasn’t left.”
“Thank you,” Vita said.
“Did he hurt you?” Noel asked.
“What?”
“I saw when he tightened his hand over yours.” His smile was gone.
Vita pressed her lips together.
Belle said, “Vita, we must tell the duke.”
“No, we can’t stop now,” Vita said. “I learned something in the garden.”
She refused to meet Remy’s eyes. She could tell he was simmering in his seat and likely enraged. She didn’t need his anger added to her own. “He said he has many powerful allies, more than Van Dero.”
“We’re already looking into everyone,” Belle said. “Some of the pieces on Dunst’s side of the board matched the men we were looking into before you came into our lives.”
“That information isn’t enough to warrant this continued farce,” Remy said. “We’ll come up with another plan. You’re breaking the engagement. You have every right to do so if he hurt you. Society will understand and side with you.”
Vita’s stomach rolled with anxiety. “Not yet. He said he’d come tomorrow, but I’m not even sure he will. We did not part amenably. He knows I didn’t like what he did.”
“Excellent,” Belle said. “Then he’ll come. He wants you, Vita. He’ll try to make this right. There may be gifts.” Her tone brightened at the end.
“Gifts she’ll not be keeping.”
Vita had no choice but to look at Remy then.
He was seething, but he didn’t say another word to her until they were in Milly’s drawing-room upstairs.
Vita had wanted to have another look at the chessboard to see if she could recall anything else. She knelt at the tea table and stared at the empty squares. “Did your men find the chessboard in Dunst’s house?”
“No.”
She heard the door close behind him.
Remy knelt across from her.
“You end this engagement tomorrow.”
“You know that isn’t possible.”
“It is if I say it is,” he said.
“He won’t do anything terrible in front of others. I’m sure of it.” She reached out and grabbed his hand. “Let’s see what happens tomorrow.”
* * *
Belle was proven right the next morning when Dunst arrived with not only a bouquet of flowers but an emerald necklace. Belle had gasped covetously at the jewel and insisted Vita put it on immediately. He watched Dunst grovel for forgiveness. He acted as though Vita had held any choice in the marriage and that he hadn’t forced her hand.
But Remy knew what he truly wanted.
He wanted her smile and it came within half an hour of his visit. With the smile came what appeared to be genuine affection.
It was hard to watch, even harder than when they’d been in Vauxhall Garden last evening. He’d watched Vita stroke the earl and press herself against him almost invitingly.
He didn’t like it but realized he could not be hypocritical in his assessment of what was taking place. He’d pretended to be someone more than a few times. Lord Dunn hadn’t been his first character in the fight to destroy the enemy.
He’d had to restrain from protesting when Belle encouraged Dunst to take Vita for a stroll in the garden. There were more than a dozen men on the property at all times. They’d be fine.
His eyes connected with Noel as his nephew followed them to the door.
Noel gave him a slight nod before she slipped outside.
“You should have kept them inside,” Remy said.
“That would have been ridiculous.” Belle opened the doors to the balcony and took a deep breath. “It’s a beautiful day. They’re engaged. He’d have grown suspicious if I’d said no.”
“I don’t care.” He prowled over to the balcony and looked out.
Dunst and Vita hadn’t reached the garden yet, but they soon would.
And he’d be here, watching. Perhaps, he could get his shotgun just in case.
“You’re very good at pretending you don’t care about her,” Belle said. “If I didn’t know how much you wanted to rip Dunst’s head from his shoulders, I’d have never guessed it.”
He leaned his arms on the rail and sighed. “I’ve been doing this longer than she has.”
“Vita is good as well,” Belle said. “Almost a natural.”
“I don’t like it.” He ran a hand through his hair. “She’s taking a great risk.”
She wrapped her fingers around the iron rail. “She’s stronger than you think. All she needed was some encouragement. She has a good heart. Most people do if you look for it.”
He turned to look into Belle. She kept her face pointed away as she asked, “What?”
He smiled. “Madam Belle, always trying to save the world.”
She glared at him. “Have you heard anything about my missing boys?”
“They aren’t your boys. They’re England’s boys. You don’t even know them.”
“And yet my heart aches for every last one of them.” She slammed her fist down. “I want them found.” She looked at Dunst just as he appeared in the garden. “He’s fascinated with Noel. Have you noticed that? Dunst enjoys it when he’s challenged by him. He sizes him up like one would a bull.”
He had noticed that as well. Noel had given Dunst more than a few glowering looks, to which Dunst stared back before turning to Vita. “Do you think he’s running a fight?” Remy didn’t want to believe it could be something else.
“Possibly,” Belle said.
Dunst and Vita stopped under a tree. The earl took her hand. Remy leaned as far as he could to watch.
Dunst was giving Vita something. Another gift. A ring.
Vita was stunned. She lifted her hand to examine the gift.
Dunst lowered his head.
Belle grabbed Remy’s arm. “Don’t.”
Remy snatched his arm away but didn’t leave. In his mind, he was tearing Dunst apart.
The kiss lasted no more than a few seconds, but to Remy, it was forever.
“Where’s Noel? How did he allow this?”
“I told Noel to stay back,” Belle said. “I knew what he would do. They are engaged. It would raise questions if Vita disagreed to it.”
Remy's stomach tightened. “Did Vita know his intention?”
“I spoke to her about the possibility.”
Remy said nothing.
“You’ve done this very thing before,” Belle said. “We both have.”
“Neither of us were in love at the time.” Remy felt numb.
“Speak for yourself,” Belle murmured.
Remy looked at her. “You’ve kissed men while in love with another
.”
She pointed her face to the sky and closed her eyes. “It was far more complicated than that.”
“I’m leaving.”
Belle stiffened. “Where are you going?”
“To my estate. I’ll be back.”
“When?”
Remy wasn’t sure, but what he did know was that he couldn’t watch anymore Vita and Dunst’s courtship and not lose his mind. Van Dero had been right. He wasn’t needed here. Therefore, he’d go.
∫ ∫ ∫
5 3
* * *
Vita’s pulse thundered loudly in her head as Dunst spoke. She didn’t even understand what he was saying. The kiss had caught her off guard, but Belle had warned her, told her it would come soon.
Had Remy witnessed it? It was likely that Noel had. She’d seen him step forward only to stop.
She felt dreadful. Anxiety made her feel ill. She needed Remy. She needed to speak to him, to hold him and wash this event away.
She tried to slow her breathing and listen to what Dunst was saying.
“I think I might host a dinner. I would enjoy it if you and Lady Belle could join me.”
“Dinner?”
“With my friends.” He smiled and took her hand. “I must go away for business, but I’ll return soon and wish for you to meet them next week before the wedding.”
Now he wanted her to meet his friends?
She never knew a kiss could open so many doors… or reveal so many secrets. The presents he’d given her were extraordinary. The gold of her ring matched the gold around her throat. The stone felt cold and heavy against her skin.
“Who are your friends?”
He gave her the names without hesitation. “Say you’ll come to dinner.”
She smiled. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
She touched his cheek. Really, what she was trying to do was prevent him from kissing her again.
But Dunst didn’t know that. He thought it affection she was giving.
“Thank you for the ring,” she said.
He grabbed her hand and pressed a fervent kiss to the back of it. “Trust me, my dear, there is more where that came from.”
She swallowed. “Where did it come from? It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.” She only asked to keep him talking and distract him from trying to kiss her again.
“Travers. He’s a good friend. My family has been getting their precious stones from him for years.”
Vita recognized the name. The shop was in Mayfair. “He must be very thankful for your business.”
“And all the business I bring him.” Dunst reached out and picked up the stone from her throat. His fingers rested on her skin, and she knew it was not by accident. “Travers has a private collection. This was an item from that set.” His finger trailed down Vita’s chest.
She caught his hand. She’d allowed the kiss, but there would be no other liberties.
He took his hand back. “Forgive me. Your skin is so alluring.”
She could not carry on the charade for another second. “I should go. Thank you for your visit.”
His smile fell. “Have I offended you?”
“No. I’m just tired.” She put on a smile.
He didn’t fall for it. “I bought you very expensive gifts. I would expect a little more gratitude than this.”
She didn’t know what he implied but decided she didn’t like it. “Then take it back.” She reached behind her for the clasp at the back of her neck.
He held up his hands. “No. Don’t. I’m sorry.”
She dropped her hands. “I can’t be bought.”
“Yes, I’m starting to see that. Most of the women I know can be.”
He was speaking about the brothel women. She was certain of it.
“I’ll go.” Dunst bowed. “Will I see you next week?”
“I’ll ask Belle.”
She let him escort her inside. The moment he was gone, she ran upstairs.
Belle was still on the balcony. She grinned. “Excellent work. I saw the little move you did, pretending you’d remove the necklace. Very good. Men might pretend they want a weak woman, but they don’t. It will take strength to keep a man like him on a tight leash.”
“I don’t want to leash him. I don’t want anything to do with him.” She reached back and undid the clasp of the necklace. For some reason, she found breathing far easier without it. “Where’s Remy?”
Belle’s hands were on her hips. “He left.”
Vita’s mouth fell open. “Did he see…”
“He’s upset.”
Vita closed her eyes and then sat on the couch. “What should I do?”
Belle dropped down next to her. “You’re a strong, captivating woman. Remy loves you.”
“So I should wait here for his return?”
“Not at all. Go after him. Speak to him,” Belle said urgently.
That surprised Vita. “But you just said I was strong. Wouldn’t this appear weak?”
“Strength isn’t about appearances. It’s about character.” She took Vita’s hand. “Strength is about going after what you want, no matter how it appears.”
“That’s beautiful, Belle. Did you make that up?”
“No, it’s biblical. Look at Jesus. So strong, and yet was there ever a man more humble?” Belle stood, drawing Vita up with her. “Make Remy listen. Don’t take no for an answer.”
Vita hugged Belle and when she pulled away, she said, “You’re far more precious than the largest gem in the world, Belle. You’re a treasure trove.”
Belle’s eyes glittered. “Go be happy.”
“I’m to go alone? But—”
Belle winked. “I’m your chaperone. You’ll do as I say.”
* * *
Remy was surprised when his butler told him that Vita waited for him in the drawing-room.
He found her standing by the fireplace and looking up at a painting. It was a portrait of Remy, commissioned after he’d become a general. He wore his uniform with all the ribbons and tassels to boot.
The artist had asked if he should include Remy’s facial injury. Remy had told the man to make his own decision. In the end, the cut had remained, looking vicious and far more fresh from the battle.
Vita turned to him. “What would you say are the characteristics of a good soldier?”
He knew where this was going, but he’d not allow her to control this conversation. She wanted a lesson in war, he’d give it to her.
“Come here.”
Vita was quick to obey his command.
“Stop.”
She did that as well. She stood rooted to the carpet in the middle of the room.
Remy advanced and walked around her, taking in her every curve. “A good soldier obeys his leader.”
She turned her head to look at him. “Surely, there are times when a soldier should disobey for the greater good.”
“No.” He stopped in front of her. “There isn’t. Your life stops being your own once you enter the battlefield. You are now part of something greater, a single body created by many.” He moved forward until his boots touched her slippers. “And do you know who the head of this body is?”
A light flared in her eyes. “You.”
“Yes.” He touched her arms and felt her body shake underneath the caress. “Every soldier has something to bring to the fight that makes them essential. Some bring strength, some the wisdom of kings, and some nothing more than a heart willing to fight on the side they think is right.”
“The last is me,” she declared.
“No.” He slipped his hands around her waist and yanked her body close.
Her breath fanned his mouth and it took great effort to pretend he wasn’t affected by the arousal in her eyes.
Yet even with a stern face, he couldn’t hide it in his breeches. “You bring your body to the cause.”
“What?”
“Don’t you remember what I said the first night we met? Everyone loves breasts.”
She pushed at his chest, but he didn’t let her go.
“A thousand wars have been fought for faces as pretty as yours. A woman’s smile has always held far more power than a bullet.”
She twisted her mouth. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that Dunst desired you and every word he says and every vow he makes is with the sole intention of getting under your dress.”
She glared. “Why make the effort when he believes he’ll have me in little under a fortnight?”
“A fortnight is a long time from now.” He picked her up and walked backward.
She let her hands fall to her sides and didn’t bother trying to hold herself up. Her glare was steady.
He grinned and backed her against a wall. “You think you’re a soldier? You’re not. You’re a pawn.”
She lifted her chin. “I prefer to think myself the queen on the chessboard.”
“Think all you want, but queens and pawn still bleed red when their throats are slit.”
She paled.
“This isn’t a game, Vita. Dunst can kill you. You can die.”
“So, what would you have me do?” she whispered. “Shall I value my life more than others?”
“You should never have agreed to the match. We could have found another way.”
“It’s done,” she told him. “I’ve already agreed. Now, what do we do?” Her gaze was defiant.
Remy said nothing. “I’ll think of something.”
“He’s invited Belle and me to dinner next week.”
“At his home?”
“With his friends. Yes.”
“You’re not going.”
“I am. This could be it, Remy.”
He let her go. He was at a point of anger where he didn’t even feel it anymore. He was done with the discussion. He turned away.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“Home. To my seat and I’m taking Noel with me.” He left the room and started back toward his bedchamber.
He heard Vita’s rushing feet behind him.
They stopped at the door to his private quarters.
“You’re leaving?”
“Yes.” He wouldn’t sit around and watch her and Dunst make love with their eyes… or other parts.
A Knight to Dare: (The Valiant Love Regency Romance) (A Historical Romance Book) Page 26
