Aunt Cleo in the shop of a fashionable
London modiste.
Had she actually assumed, even for a
moment, that he would have reacted as one
would have expected any normal husband
to react to such shocking news?
If there was one thing she had learned
about Lucas by now, it was that he was
definitely not an ordinary sort of husband.
While he was occasionally arrogant, high
handed, stubborn, and yes, a bit stuffy in
certain matters, he was never at a loss.
And he always took care of his own. His
dedication to his lands and the people of
stone vale proved that.
Still, even knowing what she did about him,
she had not expected quite such a
placid, pragmatic reaction. She was still
a bit awed by his cool acceptance of
her rather sordid past. Of course, she
was dealing with a man who had once
taken her to a gaming hell and a brothel,
Victoria reminded herself, a man who took
her riding at midnight.
Is this not a lovely bit of silk, dear? Just
your color, too." Aunt Cleo indicated a bolt
of amber yellow stuff. It would make a
very nice evening gown."
Oh, yes, Vicky. Absolutely perfect for
Jessica Atherton's ball," Annabella declared.
You must be completely stunning for that
great event, and your aunt is correct: the
color is just right."
Very pretty." Victoria reached out to
finger the beautiful fabric.
What do you think of the muslin,
Vicky?" Aunt Cleo glanced at her in
quiringly.
Quite nice." Victoria forced herself to
pay closer attention to the business at
hand. The muslin was a deep yellow. She
liked it at once.
But not for Lady Atherton's ball,"
Annabella insisted.
Perhaps a walking dress trimmed in
aqua, then?" Victoria suggested, unwilling
to let the fine muslin go.
The modiste, a tiny woman with a
thick French accent, nodded emphatically.
Most charming, my lady."
Very well, a ball gown in the silk and
a walking dress in the yellow muslin,"
Victoria said decisively. Now, as to the
gown, I will want it in the height of
fashion, do you understand?"
It must be absolutely riveting," Anna
bella declared. Perhaps something along
the lines of this one." She indicated a
fashion plate she had noticed earlier.
A lovely gown, madam," the modiste
assured her.
Aunt Cleo frowned as she peered down
at the plate Annabella had pointed out. It
showed a drawing of a woman in a dress
that displayed a great deal of bosom. Do
you think Lucas will like that one, Vicky,
dear? You know what he said last night
at dinner. He distinctly mentioned that he
did not want you getting anything with an
extremely low neckline."
Lucas is fond of saying things like that,"
Victoria explained. But he really does not
know all that much about fashion, This
gown is for Lady Atherton's party, and
Annabella is quite right: it simply must
be as dramatic as possible."
Yes, well, I shall leave you to explain
it to Lucas," Cleo remarked. He is your
husband, after all."
Annabella giggled. I am certain that by
this time Vicky has molded her lord into
an agreeable sort of husband who does not
give his wife any trouble."
Victoria smiled serenely and decided it
was not absolutely necessary to admit
that there were still some rough edges
on Lucas that needed a great deal more
polishing before he would be molded into
a perfectly agreeable husband. He will be
quite content with this gown."
I swear, Vicky, you are an inspiration
to us all," Annabella said in admiring
tones.
Cleo Nettleship's brows rose. Or an
extremely dangerous example. Very well,
then, let us be off. We have several more
appointments to keep today."
A short time later Victoria followed
her aunt and Annabella out onto Bond
Street. The exclusive shopping district was
crowded, as usual. Fashionable carriages,
well-dressed women, and outrageously
garbed dandies littered the landscape.
Aunt Cleo's carriage was waiting at
the curb, but as they started toward it
another carriage pulled up behind it and
the groom jumped down to assist his
passenger.
Isabel Rycott stepped out. She was
dressed in a deep green that set off her
eyes. A small, feathered hat was perched
jauntily on her sleek, dark hair.
Good morning. Lady Nettleship. So
nice to see you."
Isabel." Cleo inclined her head politely.
And the radiant bride." Isabel smiled her
mysterious smile as she turned to Victoria.
What a commotion you caused when you
married Lord stone vale. Quite romantic,
I'm sure, although one wonders what your
dear parents would have said about such a
hasty marriage."
As they are no longer around, it hardly
signifies, does it?" Victoria remarked.
Perhaps you are right. I had heard that
you and your husband were back in Town.
Lady Atherton is having a reception for
you, is she not?"
That is correct," Victoria said. I hope
you have been keeping well, Lady Rycott."
She forced a smile.
Very well, thank you."
And your friend, Edgeworth? Is he in
good health?"
Isabel's smile tightened fractionally. I
have not seen much of Edgeworth recently.
I assume he is fine. Tell me, Vicky, dear,
will we be seeing you tonight at the
Foxtons?"
It was Cleo who responded. We are
thinking of dropping in for a short time,
although we will not be able to stay long.
Vicky and stone vale are in Town for only
a few days and they have received scores
of invitations. Impossible to accept them
all, you know."
I can imagine/ Isabel murmured. Now
that Lady Atherton has given her opinion
that it is the wedding of the Season, more
than one hostess is anxious to have the
famous couple grace her ballroom. Good
day to you both. I trust I will see you this
evening, and if not, then perhaps at the
Atherton reception."
Victoria watched Isabel enter the modiste's
shop and then she stepped up into the
carriage, following her aunt and Annabella.
Really, that woman can be so damnably
annoying. I cannot put my finger on it,
but I know I shall never like her."
Who? Isabel Rycott? I know what you
mean. There is something about the
woman that grates," Annabella
agreed.
Not on men," Cleo observed dryly.
Victoria grimaced and glanced back at
the shop as the carriage pulled away from
the curb. Interesting what she said about
Edgeworth, is it not?"
He was not her first paramour and
doubtless will not be her last," Cleo said.
Isabel always has a man or two trailing
after her."
Annabella frowned thoughtfully. Come
to think of it, one does not see Edgeworth
about much these days at all, not with
Isabel Rycott or anyone else."
Really?" Victoria could not wait to
mention that little tidbit to Lucas.
As it happened, she did not get a
chance to talk to her husband until she
came down the stairs of his town house
that evening. She had dressed with care
for her first night out in London as a
married woman. The yellow and cream
gown fell in a graceful, slender line to
her ankles. She had chosen to wear no
jewelry except the amber pendant and a
tortoiseshell comb in her hair.
Lucas was standing in the hall, waiting
for her. He was dressed in starkly elegant
black and white. His dark hair gleamed in
the light of the chandelier. Victoria looked
down at him from the third step and
wondered if he would ever truly love her as
she loved him. Perhaps the best she could
hope for was his affection, companionship,
and the protection he offered everyone
toward whom he felt responsible.
She could hardly complain if that was all
she ever received from him, Victoria told
herself. It was a great deal more than many
women were fortunate enough to obtain
from husbands, especially those who had
been married for their money.
Lucas bowed gallantly over her hand as
she came down the last two steps. You
look lovely, madam. I consider myself the
luckiest of men tonight."
She smiled. I am feeling rather lucky
myself, sir."
Shall we go out and perform for the
crowds?" he asked dryly as he led her out
the door.
That is exactly what it feels like, does it
not? I would much rather go for a midnight
ride with you, Lucas."
Personally, I am looking forward to a
relatively quiet evening of being squeezed
and trampled and bored in a series of
overheated ballrooms. It sounds positively
restful compared to the adventures we
always seem to encounter when you drag
me out after midnight."
Victoria flashed him a berating look as
he handed her up into the carriage. Really,
Lucas, the way you complain, one would
almost think you did not thoroughly enjoy
yourself on our midnight adventures. Now,
then, I have been waiting all day for a
chance to speak to you about Edgeworth."
What about him?" Lucas asked as he
sat down across from her.
I ran into Isabel Rycott today on Bond
Street and she made it clear she is no
longer seeing him. In fact, I got the
impression from what my aunt and
Annabella said that he is no longer
circulating much in the higher levels of
the ton."
Perhaps he has suffered some more
losses at the gaming tables," Lucas offered
mildly.
Lucas, you suggested once or twice that
he might have been involved in either the
carriage incident or the footpad attack.
Have you given any more thought as to
whether he might have been the one who
sent the pamphlet and note to me?"
I have thought about it." Lucas studied
the street outside the carriage window. I
do not doubt for a moment that he would
not be at all concerned if I suffered an
unfortunate accident. But I cannot see
that it makes much sense to bother you.
Not unless he was paving the way for a
blackmail attempt."
But there has been no demand for
payment," Victoria said.
I know. As I said, it makes no sense.
Not yet, at any rate. Nevertheless, I intend
to start my inquiries with Edgeworth. Tis
as good a place as any."
Shall we hire ourselves a runner?"
Victoria asked, growing excited by the
prospect. The one I employed to track
down information on Lord Barton was
excellent."
Lucas met her eyes. I would rather not
get involved in hiring a runner if I can
avoid it."
Why not?"
Because in doing so, I would run the
risk of bringing up awkward questions
about your stepfather's death, and those,
in turn, might lead to awkward questions
about you."
Oh." Victoria sat back in her seat. Yes,
I see the problem. You are very clever,
Lucas. Always thinking ahead."
One tries."
How will you go about tracking down
Edgeworth?" Victoria asked.
I shall start by making a few inquiries
at my clubs. Someone is certain to know
something about a man who gambles as
much as Edgeworth does."
An excellent notion."
I am glad you approve. Because it
means that you will be obliged to go
straight home to bed after we have put
in a few appearances this evening."
What?" Her eyes darkened. You cannot
mean that."
I fear so, madam. I cannot possibly
sneak you into my clubs. We both know
that. And since I do not want you running
about at night without me, that leaves us
with no option except to see you safely
tucked up in bed at home."
While you are out gathering information?"
Victoria was incensed. That is not
fair, Lucas."
It is not a question of fairness. It is
a question of your safety. I will not risk
any more runaway carriages, footpads, or
ghosts who leave behind items marked with
a W."
But, Lucas, I will stay in Aunt Cleo's
company or Annabella's. I will not be
alone," Victoria insisted.
Not good enough, Vicky. One cannot
expect your aunt or Annabella to be on
guard for a runaway carriage or a footpad,
especially since they do not know they
should be on guard for such things in the
first place. No, I want to know you are
safe at home while I am at my clubs."
Victoria's temper sparked as she sensed
his implacability. You cannot shut me out
of this investigation. I will not allow you
to do so. We agreed that the chief reason
we would come back to London was to
pursue this matter. This is my affair."
I am not shutting you out. I'm simply
ensuring that I know exactly where you
are at a time when I cannot be with you.
The danger lies here in London, Vicky.
/>
All the incidents occurred here. So while
we are in Town, I want you under either
my direct observation or lock and key,"
Lucas declared, his tone as definite as his
words.
Victoria bristled. Lucas, I must tell
you that while you have made a tolerable
husband in some respects, I do not like
it at all when you assume the attitude of
a superior officer and start giving orders
to me. I am not under your command.
I am your partner, remember? We are in
business together."
Above all, you are my wife, and as
your husband I have certain responsibilities
toward you. I am sorry if I offend you with
the occasional command. I fear old habits
are sometimes hard to break."
Victoria gave him a withering look. Do
not blame your old military habits. That is
nothing but an excuse, my lord, and you
are well aware of it."
Well, then, to be perfectly truthful,
Vicky, I must admit there are times when
nothing else except a direct order will
suffice in dealing with you. Tonight is
one of those times. Now stop looking at
me as though you would like to strangle
me and try to look like a loving bride. I
believe we have arrived at the FoxtonsV
Lucas, I warn you I will not tolerate
being treated like a witless child."
I would not dream of doing so." He
glanced out the window as the carriage
drew to a halt. It looks as if we have
helped Lady Foxton draw a sizable crowd
tonight. She will undoubtedly be feeling
suitably grateful. Ready, my dear?"
Damn it, Lucas, you are not going
to get away with acting like this." She
glared at him as he stepped out of the
carriage and reached back to take her
hand. Just because you can seduce me
virtually anytime you please does not mean
I have become a weak-willed, fluff-brained
female whom you can order about as it
suits you."
His hand tightened roughly around her
fingers and sudden laughter filled his eyes.
I do not believe I heard that properly.
Would you care to repeat that, madam?"
You heard me. Oh, look, there's Anna
bella and Bertie, now." She summoned up
a brilliant smile. I cannot wait to talk to
them." Victoria rushed off, dragging Lucas
along with her into the throng of people
clustered on the front steps of the Foxtons'
town house.
His wife's sense of timing was, as
always, devastating. Lucas grinned ruefully
to himself as he got out of the carriage in
front of one of his clubs. Her admission
Surrender Amanda Quick Page 40
