Page 442 of From Rakes to Riches

“And they told their wives and daughters,” she said. “Ah, Lord Wade, you don’t know the effect you have. Some fine woman will be very lucky someday.”

“Someday perhaps,” he said with a grin, “but not anytime soon.”

Though David triedto be home for the reception, he did not arrive until it was almost over. Guests were leaving as he entered, and he enjoyed hearing their compliments about his wife. He went up to the drawing room, and stopped in the doorway as he realized that Victoria was playing the piano. There were several ladies and gentlemen still gathered around her. Simon saw David and strolled over.

“So it was a success?” David asked.

“Yes, naturally,” Simon said. “I think your wife puts guests at ease so well because she understands deep down how nervous most people feel in a new situation.”

“Not these jaded people,” David scoffed.

Simon shrugged. “Even these people. Perhaps it was not easy to enter your house after all these years. Ghosts, eh?”

David rolled his eyes, and together they turned back to watch Victoria play.

“She composed that, you know,” Simon said.

David looked at him sharply. “She did?”

“You didn’t know how talented she is?”

“No,” he said slowly.

“You missed her singing. Her voice…ah, like the angels.”

David spoke quietly. “I’ve never heard her sing. I never thought she would do something like that in front of strangers.”

“But it’s easier in front of strangers,” Victoria said as she walked toward them.

David looked toward her, and he couldn’t help his smile. He kissed her hand. “Simon tells me you are a complete success.”

“Only because of him,” she responded lightly. “He brought all his friends. Strange how single young women will flock to a house because of that.”

Simon was grinning, Victoria was smiling, and David felt…left out. Simon had been able to help Victoria. David wanted to be the one to do that.

“So if you’ll sing to strangers,” he said, finding it hard to speak lightly, “then you’ll sing for me.”

“Oh no, I couldn’t. You’re teasing me.”

Simon was staring at him, and David felt as if it was his turn to blush. She would sing for strangers, but not for her husband?

She was called away to discuss a painting at the far end of the room. He watched her and felt Simon’s gaze on him. David didn’t like that Simon guessed he felt hurt.

Why would Victoria reveal her passion in the bedroom, but not grant him something as easy as a song? He knew he didn’t know everything about her, and for the first time it bothered him.

Did she feel the same? Was he hurting her, too?

She was challenging herself in so many ways, blossoming into a confident woman before his eyes. He liked that about her, but…what did it say about him? Was he stuck in the same old place, retreating from emotions he hadn’t wanted to face for years?Washe obsessed with the past?

She was creating a new world for herself, and he was taking himself out of it, except for in the dark of the night. Was that all he wanted?

Could he be falling in love with her?

Victoria awoke alonein the morning, but she could smell David on her skin. She lay still in the dusk before dawn, her eyes closed, trying to make sense of his mood last night. He had seemed so…urgent, his every movement passionate and intense. He hadn’t wanted to talk, so she hadn’t forced him. She hadn’t told him she loved him, because she didn’t know if she could say the words first and risk his pity.

She was such a coward.

With song, she had revealed her emotions in front of strangers. But with David?—

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