Page 85 of Storm of Bells
‘Hm.’ Leaning back in his chair, hestroked his beard. ‘That’s all you have to offer? What was thatearlier you said about a bribe?’
Smiling, I leaned forward and put my handson his desk. ‘Thatisthe bribe, dear Uncle. Come to mywedding. Be nice. Or at least pretend for a while. Soon, I’ll bethe wife of the richest man in the British Empire. I’ll have morepower and influence than you ever will. I can make life very easyfor you—or very difficult, depending on your choice. Choosewisely.’
His eyes narrowing again, he steepled hisfingers.
‘You,’ he said, ‘have become a wicked,devious woman.’
Grinning unashamedly, I nodded. ‘Yes.’
‘Hm. I knew there was a reason I likedyou.’
My heart leapt.
‘So you’ll come?’
‘Don’t let it go to your head.’
Heedless of the mountainous piles of moneyin the way, I threw myself forward and hugged the grim old grizzlybear. ‘Thank you! Thank you, thank you so much!’
‘Release me at once, girl! This isunseemly!’
‘Yes! That’s why it’s so much fun!’ Isqueezed a little harder and pressed a kiss on his baldinghead—then let go. Clearing his throat, he straightened his collarand glared up at me.
‘When will we be leaving for this weddingof yours? I warn you, my calendar is quite full. I cannot possiblybe away from London before the fourteenth of—’
‘Today.’
‘Pardon me?’
‘Right now, to be exact.’ I gave him whatI hoped was an enchanting smile. ‘The coach is waitingdownstairs.’
***
‘I’m so happy to hear your uncle will bethere for you.’ Lady Samantha beamed—but then, her face fell. ‘Butsince we’re on the subject of relatives, where is your aunt?’
‘Oh, she’s in the other coach.’ I grinned,allowing myself a brief flash of evil glee. ‘With my uncle, my twinsisters, and my best friend, Patsy.’
‘How sweet! You have the most delightfulfriends, my dear. Keeping an old lady company out of the goodnessof their heart…’ She leaned closer, and lowered her voice so as tosignal to everybody she was talking about something worthoverhearing. ‘Are any of them perchance married?’
I felt my grin widen. ‘As a matter of fact,no, they aren’t.’
‘You don’t say.’ Her eyes gleamed like thoseof a shark on the hunt. A tiny, older and really pink shark.‘Um…Lilly, dear?’
‘Yes?’
‘You wouldn’t mind my inviting a few younggentlemen acquaintances of mine to your wedding, would you?’
‘Yes,’ Mr Ambrose cut in, his voice a bladeof ice. ‘I would.’
I turned to gaze at him, my eyes widened infaux surprise. ‘Dear me. I wasn’t aware your name was Lilly, too.Thanks for letting me know. It’ll come in handy when we exchangewedding vows.’
‘Youhaveto have men at your wedding,Rick,’ his mother admonished him. ‘At least one.’
‘No, I don’t.’
‘Then who will be your best man?’
‘Karim.’
