Page 78 of The Book of Lost Stories
‘That we are engaged?’ he suggested, obeying her instruction to put her down, but then instantly sweeping her off her feet into another bone-crushing embrace.
‘But we are not,’ she said, fending him off as much as she was able. ‘I think the blow on your head has had an adverse effect on your mind, my lord.’
‘Serle. Andyouhave had an adverse effect on my good sense since the moment we met.’ He cupped her face in his hands and stared down at her. ‘I find you infuriating, independent, outspoken, stubborn, sure of your opinions … most emphatically not the sort of wife I was looking for.’
‘Come to that, I am not looking for a husband at all,’ she said indignantly. ‘I—’
‘I know your views on matrimony and I am prepared to sign my soul to the Devil and consign myself to living under the cat’s foot for the rest of my life, if you will only say you will marry me!’ he said, and silenced her with a long kiss.
29
True Bliss
Dear Cousin,
I am writing to you post-haste, having just received news from a friend in Town that the most disturbing rumour is circulating that you are the author of several infamous novels under the name of Orlando Browne! Of course, this is quite ridiculous, and I wrote back straight away to refute it.
I do not know how such vile and pernicious rumours get about (my dear Charlotte tells me that they are novels such as no lady of delicate sensibilities would be found reading), but I felt I must warn you that steps should be taken immediately to deny them.
I will write at more length later – indeed, I would have come to London myself, had not Charlotte’s confinement been imminent, but thought to put you on your guard.
Yours in haste,
James Basset
*
‘There has been no sign of Nat? Do you think he died in the conflagration, together with Chase, even though his body was not discovered?’ Titus Hartwood asked. He seemed to have aged several years since he learned what his nephew had done.
‘He may have done so,’ replied Lord Rayven, ‘but it is my belief that he managed to slip away, and has taken ship under another name, perhaps for America. He must know that information has been laid against him, so that he will be imprisoned should he ever return.’
Titus sighed heavily. ‘I did not think him capable of such evil. And Bella, too!’
‘Bella is nothing but a silly young girl, blinded by adoration of her brother into helping him. She did not know what he intended.’
‘Well, I suppose that is something. I have sent her to the country with her mother until the rumours die down.’
‘Miss Weston intends to stay with Mrs Rivers as long as she is needed.’
‘How is she taking her husband’s death?’
‘She is bearing up remarkably well,’ he said drily. ‘That he heroically died trying to protect Miss Weston was, of course, a great solace to her.’ He might have added that the attentions of his friend Stavely had also proved invaluable in keeping up her spirits.
‘Alys has not been to see me since the tragedy,’ Mr Hartwood remarked.
‘She was not sure whether you would wish to see her, since she thought you might in part blame her for it.’
‘How can I blame her for her cousin’s infamy?’
‘Then I will tell her to come, sir. Indeed, I hope when shedoes it will be as my intended bride, if you will give us your blessing?’
‘I might give it, but will she marry you? My granddaughter has the strangest notions of any woman I have ever met.’
‘She will, on conditions, which we are still engaged in discussing. A sort of treaty, drawn up by two opposing forces, so that they may dwell alongside in reasonable harmony.’
‘It does not sound like any sort of matrimony I would favour,’ Hartwood said dubiously.
‘I always enjoyed a good fight,’ Rayven said calmly. ‘It is just as well I am battle-hardened. By the way, she knows about the Order, too.’
