Into the Hall of Vice

by Anabelle Bryant

  ‘His Grace prefers privacy.’ Unwilling to elaborate, the servant set to work removing Kent’s boots.

  ‘Where is his valet?’ A butler shouldn’t have to tend to her brother in this fashion.

  ‘He left. There were incidents.’ Rimford paused, glancing over his shoulder before he set to work on the second boot. ‘I’ve yet to be allowed to replace him.’

  ‘So you’ve been saddled with my brother’s belligerence?’

  Her enquiry was interrupted by a gagging chortle. Rimford slanted to the side and pushed to his feet before Kent sagged over the side of the chair and vomited all over the marble tiles.

  Her hand flew up to shield her nose and mouth as she matched eyes with Rimford.

  ‘The incidents, milady.’ Disquiet more than judgement marred the servant’s face.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Breakfast the next morning proved an intangible scene. Rosalind prattled on faster than a magpie while Cole sat beside her, the man Gemma loved, a man of her own choosing. Kent’s chair remained empty. She didn’t need to puzzle the reason. His head likely pounded, though his composure would be bruised. Still, as much as she fought empathetic sentiment, she wished to speak to Kent with Cole at her side for no other reason than to be done with it and return to London. Indeed, she had a wedding to plan.

  Supplying no reason for her brother’s absence, she strolled in the circular gardens with Cole later that morning. If she didn’t mend fences with Kent this would serve as the last time she visited her parents’ graves. She carried their love within her heart; still, the unkind act Kent threatened forced emotion to the forefront. Rosalind enjoyed Owlpen as much as she. Kent’s behaviour could only be labelled selfish and cruel.

  ‘Shall I speak to him on your behalf?’ Cole placed his hand atop hers where it lay tucked in the crook of his arm. ‘I need to address him in the proper order of things but I will resolve your displeasure if you desire.’ He soothed her upset with a gentle kiss on the forehead.

  ‘Thank you.’ She smiled against his jaw and inhaled a deep breath. ‘Where I once thought I needed your courage to reinforce my purpose, I realise now I must do this in my own voice. I will meet you in the library straight after. Let me face him now while I’m warm from your embrace and strengthened by your resolve.’ She tipped her face upward.

  ‘Then be off with you. The sooner we complete these tasks, the sooner we are for London.’ He scanned the surrounding landscape with a speculative glance. ‘Our home.’

  She slipped from his hold a moment later and entered the house through the back door, climbing the servants’ stairs to the second floor, determination fuelling her strides. She hardly paused near her brother’s study before she rapped on the door. Silence answered. Unwilling to wait, she entered and found him behind his desk, face drawn, reserve intact.

  ‘What do you want, Gemma?’ His voice sounded as weary as his appearance and he failed to stand.

  ‘To know you are well. That regardless of what transpired in your past, you recognise me as your sister and we remain family. When I marry Cole…’

  ‘You feel that strongly?’ He wiped a palm over his face and raised his eyes.

  ‘It’s not a feeling.’ She settled in a chair before his desk, her original qualms quiet. ‘I love him. It’s more than words and emotions. I cannot imagine having a bond of this depth and capacity with anyone else. I wish to spend the rest of my life by his side.’ A serene smile broke loose by way of saying the words aloud.

  Kent studied her a long minute and she matched his eyes, strong in belief of her choice and future.

  ‘The difference in station will destroy your affection. He has everything to gain, this scoundrel who has stolen your heart.’ Shades of the brother she once knew forced their way through his words.

  She formed a fist and placed it over her heart, her words as strong as the gesture. ‘He has stolen nothing from me. I’ve given my love freely.’ Pride swamped her soul, content in her resolute answer.

  ‘You are my sister and will always have my blessing, Gemma… within these walls. But in the world beyond, in the ton and high society, you will be a pariah. No one will accept that you’ve turned your nose at tradition and thrown away a privileged future to marry a bastard hell owner. I can’t rescue you from the consequences you invite with this rash decision. Do not be so foolish as to believe yourself exempt from the prejudices of society by way of our relations, nor that you will not be judged harshly. Do not come to me when it all falls apart.’

  ‘I won’t,’ she countered and stood. ‘Know that I worry for your future.’ She aborted the conversation before it escalated into another argument.

  ‘I have no want for your worry. Take Rosalind and live life well. Better you than me amidst the pit of vipers knotted together in the city.’

  She lingered a few extra breaths, hopeful he’d say something more, but at his continued silence she left, her slippers skittering over the marble tiles in their hurry to reach the library.

  ‘Cole.’ The breathy utterance contained relief, affection and joy, equally embodied in one word.

  At her entry, he turned from the bookcases with a volume in his hand, the book opened to the centre. He closed it with his finger in place and hitched a hip on the corner of the writing desk in a strikingly handsome pose. Knowing her, he waited and she allowed time, ordered her words as she took him in. Her entire future spanned before her in the depth of his adoring gaze. He held a volume of Shakespeare and she smiled with recognition. Her soon-to-be husband was a wealth to discover. Her soon-to-be husband… the words caused her heart to quiver.

  Returning to London was as comfortable as pulling on worn boots. Cole leaned back in his office chair and waited for Sin and Luke to enter. He’d taken care of immediate business yesterday, sent a message to Maggie, and pursued a number of important purchases. Now he’d requested his friends meet him for an imperative discussion involving the immediate future. With no remaining hurdles in his path, he intended to propose to Gemma properly and waste not an extra minute before slipping a ring on her finger.

  ‘So what’s the news?’ Luke came through the door with the question already asked, Sin right behind.

  ‘I’m to marry.’ Cole stated the words like they wouldn’t shock his friends.

  Sin’s laughter almost overrode Luke’s insistence for details.

  ‘You don’t mean that.’ Luke shook his head with disbelief. His tone did nothing to disguise his dislike of the subject. ‘First Sin and now you? It’s a bloody epidemic. Soon the two of you will suggest we change the gaming hell into a dance hall.’

  ‘Falling in love wasn’t in my plans.’ Cole refused to allow his friend’s jests the better of the conversation, his happiness impenetrable.

  ‘And now flowery words? Are you sure about this?’ Luke’s voice expressed confused disbelief. ‘Is this about doing the honourable thing? I’ve tupped many a female without submitting to the parson’s mousetrap.’

  The offhanded comment quieted the room, the awkward mention of Luke’s past and the current situation surrounding his crisis the cause, but the moment proved short-lived when Luke interrupted on purpose.

  ‘Never mind about that. My history has no bearing on yours. Although lust shouldn’t force your decision.’

  ‘This isn’t about sex.’ Still, Cole was hard-pressed not to grin at the remembrance of Gemma in his arms this morning.

  ‘Everything is about sex in one way or the other.’ Luke shot a glance from one man to the next and muttered in an undertone, ‘At least that’s how I understand the world.’

  Neither Sin nor Cole blamed Luke for his bitter attitude. They each worked hard to bury the scars of the past. It was a common tie that bound their friendship.

  ‘I, for one, am pleased.’ Sin offered his congratulations and shook Cole’s hand heartily. ‘How soon?’

  ‘Take your time and think it through. Have you considered the challenges? Lady
Amberson is sister to a duke, one who fancies himself an important maker of public policy.’ Luke tossed the comments into the mix. ‘The difference in station will be a constant challenge.’

  ‘I doubt it.’ Cole dismissed his friend’s criticism, tired of the automatic censure, secure in Gemma’s love. ‘Sin faced the same.’

  ‘Not exactly,’ Sin weighed in. ‘Vivienne’s mother married into the peerage and they skirted the strictures of the realm; her connection far less influential. That doesn’t come to bear with your relationship, though. Congratulations and much happiness.’ The latter accompanied a sharp rap on the back.

  ‘Nevertheless, we are well aware of the challenges.’ Cole studied Luke. ‘I’ve no time for your absurdity.’ With Winton and Kent resolved, nothing mattered beyond Gemma’s kiss. ‘I expected opposition from Gemma’s brother, not the two of you.’

  ‘I haven’t said a thing to deter you.’ Sin leaned back in his chair, at ease with the interplay of good-natured ribbing.

  ‘What will she do all night when you’re at the hell?’ Luke remained invested in his campaign to dissuade.

  ‘Sleep,’ Cole murmured before his grin returned. After hours of exhausting lovemaking. ‘I don’t know.’

  ‘Think about it. Gemma will be cut off from the social events she once attended and alone at home with too much time to think.’

  Cole eyed Sin with amused tolerance, and perhaps a bid for reinforcement.

  ‘I’m certain he’s discussed this with his intended,’ Sin assured.

  Cole nodded his agreement. ‘Gemma is most interested in eleemosynary endeavours.’

  ‘You’re rubbing elbows with nobs and using big words. What’s he talking about?’ Luke shot Sin a questioning stare.

  ‘Haven’t the foggiest.’ Sin smiled. ‘Where will you live?’

  ‘We’ll decide shortly.’

  ‘And what about reputation? Isn’t your lady concerned about scandal? Like it or not, gossip thrives on just this sort of thing.’ Luke waved a hand towards the glass window overlooking the gaming floor. ‘You’re a hell owner.’

  ‘Are you suggesting I’m not good enough for her?’ Cole’s tone possessed a sharp edge, a signal his friend had pushed the argumentative jibes and Cole’s patience too far.

  ‘No. Nor the opposite, but you’re from different worlds.’

  ‘So was Vivienne.’ Sin let out a gruff sigh, a sign he too tired of the objections.

  ‘I don’t want to see you make a mistake. That’s all.’

  ‘It’s not a mistake.’ Nothing could convince Cole marrying Gemma presented a poor decision. She possessed the rare ability to look at him as if she saw inside him even when he didn’t know what dwelled in his heart. Gemma understood. ‘And no matter your reservations I need you both to stand up for me, so either congratulate me or shut your bone box.’

  The three shared a laugh at Cole’s vehement declaration. They’d never seen him so resolute and, while he wouldn’t join in their brandy toast, he grinned with the satisfaction of having found happiness when he’d accepted long ago he would never receive the rare gift.

  ‘Everything is happening so fast.’ Sophie stirred her tea with vigour and the hot brew whirled like a tiny hurricane inside the cup. ‘First Vivienne and now you? I need Crispin to return and help me find a beau; otherwise I’ll be the only unmarried female left in London.’

  Gemma stifled a smile at her friend’s exaggeration. ‘Sophie, your turn will come. A love match isn’t something to be scheduled or arranged. I’m sure Vivienne will agree.’ They turned in Vivienne’s direction and she nodded in the positive. ‘Besides, you know well I never planned on falling head over heels with one of the Underworld’s proprietors. I went there dressed as a boy…’

  ‘What?’ Vivienne interrupted with an instant objection.

  ‘Never mind. I’ll tell you later.’ Sophie bit back a giggle at the memory. ‘All I meant to express is that I never expected to lose my heart in the fashion I did, but one look into Cole’s golden-brown eyes and I forgot to breathe, never mind think. Each time we spoke afterwards I fell deeper, unable to stop my heart, my head… Cole is everything I dreamed in a husband.’ Her voice had become whisper-soft and tears pricked her lids. ‘And now I can’t wait to share my life with him.’

  The sincere admission brought with it a comfortable silence though Gemma’s mind continued to dance. She wanted to discover everything about Cole, from beginning to end. What forged him into the man he was today, the trauma of the past and ambitions for the future. They would have beautiful tow-haired children, mischievous and sharp-minded, and they would lavish them with love and attention.

  Together they planned to continue his benevolence and ensure the less fortunate had opportunity for betterment. Good heavens, they would help so many children, invigorate charities, feed the hungry. Last night she could hardly sleep from the excitement of it all but then Cole had demanded her attention in the most delightful of ways.

  A heated blush stole up her neck at the wicked memory. Who knew one could be kissed in so many different places?

  ‘Whatsoever are you thinking about, Gemma?’

  Her friends burst into laughter and she placed a palm on her cheek, aware she’d likely flushed crimson. ‘I dare not put it into words or I’ll swoon.’ She rejoined their reverie.

  ‘I think someone needs to introduce me to Mr Reese. He’s the only Underworld bachelor left, isn’t he?’ Sophie stood as if to insist her request be taken seriously.

  ‘I doubt your family would approve,’ Gemma chided.

  ‘That is a case of the pot calling the kettle black,’ Sophie sniffed, undeterred. ‘Perhaps the one thing to cause Crispin’s return to London is news of my impending marriage.’

  ‘Are you ready to be a mother as well?’ Vivienne prodded. ‘Luke is searching for his son. I doubt he is in the right mind for a proper courtship.’

  ‘That does complicate things.’ Sophie sighed and resettled. ‘But lends us something in common as well. We are both at odds.’

  The three ladies continued their effervescent chatter, conversation spanning from baby names to fashion, and Gemma absorbed it all with a genuine smile. She may have lost one part of her family, but she had certainly gained the most welcoming friendship in return.

  One week later…

  Hyde Park thrived this early morning hour. Not from the silent roll and ease of smart equipage as it crushed the gravel roadways under fresh-painted wheels and caught sunlight in the glint of gilded family crests on side doors. Not from the pristine livery who matched the carriage’s team in demure purpose or the elegant Dalmatian coach dog posed upon the back boot, too refined to bark at any passer-by. Not the elaborate display of fashion found in a gloved hand, laced cuff or pressed trouser as were displayed along Rotten Row during the fashionable hour, nor the crack of pipe-clayed reins or faraway whippoorwill’s song.

  No, this morning proved divine for an utterly different purpose.

  Near a far corner of the East Path adjacent to a neatly composed wall of florals, a pastor waited among the scent of honeysuckle and heliotrope. The man of religion blinked against the early rays of sunlight and Gemma watched from where she remained sequestered until the perfect moment when she would walk towards Cole and they would recite their vows to begin their lives together. A delicious tremor of anticipation and uncompromised bliss accompanied the thought as it did whenever she dared consider the event of the day.

  Now the day had arrived, the moment upon her. In the front row of organised chairs Maggie Devonshire waited, dressed in her finest gown, with Nan beside her. Rosalind couldn’t manage to remain still, up one moment and seated the next. Her cheeks aglow with excitement and adoration, her gauzy white gown a presentiment of what lay a decade ahead, a time when she too would join in marriage to a man she loved.

  Carefully selected guests filled the modest gathering. Pittman, Cole’s valet, attended, and of course Sophie and
Vivienne beamed with anxious glances. Vivienne rested her palm on her abdomen, the slight swell of their anticipated miracle already evident. Maxwell and Luke stood nearby respectively. Formalwear in the morning seemed a little extreme but collectively the guests created a lovely assemble, a memory Gemma would forever cherish.

  They’d chosen this secluded spot for their ceremony, away from the trappings of high society, in the open air and beneath the heavens, among nature, which perhaps possessed a strong opinion of this wedding. The azure blue sky contained not one cloud.

  How ironic they would select Hyde Park when they no longer needed to hide their affection behind a veil of deception, or unruly moustache and clear spectacles for that matter. She spared only a moment to lament her brother had not attended. She’d sent his invitation and one message after, but realised with dismay Kent had problems to sort. Deep down she’d harboured a smidgeon of hope he would show this morning, but would not allow his neglect to pass a shadow over her joy.

  The delicate notes produced by the violinist wooed her attention and she stepped from beneath the bower and searched the congregation for her intended. Like a burst of fireworks lit from the inside out, a huge smile broke loose. She couldn’t seem to stop herself, and then her breath caught as Cole entered from the gate, his black velvet breeches and matching cutaway coat with gold buttons a-glitter as if winking with surety and anticipation.

  A few paces from the modest gathering beneath the copse of hornbeam trees, a four-in-hand stood, the jangle of the harnesses a lovely tune whenever they jostled in the breeze, the vehicle at the ready to whisk them away and out of the park towards their future. She could not wait.

  Cole’s gaze fell upon Gemma, veiled and bedazzled in a white silk gown, and his heart thundered in applause. Tucked safely in his waistcoat pocket was a gold wedding ring, the flawless diamond ten carats in size. He reasoned no man could mistake Gemma for an unmarried woman with such a large, glittering gem on her finger. The notion caused a wider grin.