Page 441 of From Rakes to Riches

“You’re done,” he said, in a voice she might once have thought menacing. “Stand up.”

“But there’s still soap?—”

“Stand up.”

She did. He had a bucket in his hands, and he poured fresh water down the front of her. The heat cascaded over her, and she sighed.

“Turn around.”

He poured more down her back, then suddenly enveloped her from behind in a big, warm towel. With a powerful display of muscles, he lifted her, and she was suddenly sprawled on her back in bed. He dried her off as if she were too delicate to help herself, and made love to her as if she were too fragile. More than once, Victoria had to wipe tears of happiness from her eyes when he wasn’t looking.

She loved him so.

But again, he went back to his own room when they were finished. Would he ever invite her in there—or into his heart?

In the morning,David went off to his railway announcement, looking as proud as if he’d given birth. Victoria fondly watched him go, and then toyed with her breakfast as her thoughts coalesced. Her marriage was beginning to succeed, but not at the pace she’d like. She was still not quite the Perfect Wife. She could slowly try to win over David’s peers, one visit at a time, one dinner at a time, or she could host another party, only this time with members of theton. She would not attempt something so formal as an evening event, which might remind too many people of the earl’s parties.

She would do something different, like maybe a regular afternoon reception, with a theme such as…the arts. Something she could converse intelligently about! They could meet every few days. People could discuss their work, or the work of other artists, and maybe ladies would play or sing.

Not her of course. She would be too busy as hostess.

The first time she mentioned her idea to David, he seemed impressed with her endeavor, but could not promise to be able to attend. She understood—in fact, she wondered if it might be better that heheardwhat a glowing hostess she was, instead of seeing her flaws for himself.

Her invitations went out that day, for a reception to be held three days hence. She spent each day in between in a nervous state of planning, using every list-making skill she possessed. Her mother watched thoughtfully, but Victoria would not ask if Mama thought she was doing the right thing for her marriage. Victoria had set her goal on settling David’s past, and she had to achieve it.

Her nights were spent in delicious abandon with David, and they were so vigorous in the efforts, she knew she would be with child soon. Better to hold her party now while she still could!

On the afternoon of the reception, the town house glowed with polish and sunlight. Even the servants seemed to be whistling, and though she was nervous, Victoria felt light at heart. The Fogges arrived first, both mother and daughter.

Miss Fogge went to the drawing room piano and stared at it. She looked over her shoulder at Victoria. “This is it, then?”

“Yes, but you must promise not to tell anyone,” Victoria said, hiding her amusement. “Would you like to play it?”

“Oh no, I couldn’t, my lady. But perhaps you would do me the honor?”

Victoria agreed to play, and soon Miss Fogge was singing. Victoria felt as if she’d found a new friend.

Maybe her only one, because no one else seemed to be coming.

After several songs, Victoria said, “Since this is a party to discuss the arts, shall we take a tour of the rooms? There’s somelovely artwork in the library that the Bansteads have collected through the centuries.”

She tried not to feel too disappointed. This was her first effort, after all. They happened to be on the staircase just above the entrance hall when the front bell rang. Smith answered the door, and Lord Wade and several men spilled in below them, all talking and laughing. They brought in fresh air and deep masculine voices, and Victoria knew her reception was saved.

Miss Fogge’s mouth sagged open quite indecorously. “Mama,” she began.

“Oh, hush, my girl.” Lady Fogge’s expression turned hopeful. “Lady Thurlow, you don’t suppose most of these gentlemen are eligible.”

“If I know Lord Wade, they’re very eligible.” Victoria knew exactly what he was doing—helping her reception the only way he could.

He looked up and saw her and grinned.

She smiled back with fondness.

Within a half hour, more people began arriving. Victoria was standing alone with Lord Wade when the rush began.

“You did this as well, didn’t you,” she said to him.

He spread his hands and shrugged his shoulders in innocence. “I brought my friends. And I might have mentioned at the club that we were attending your elegant affair. Several men might have heard me, but that is all.”

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