Page 40 of An Unbending Lady for the Desperate Earl
Victoria fixed Christian with a stare. “This is far less dangerous, and it will work without a hitch, as long as you help me. I need your connections, and I will need you to convince the Duchess to help me, also. Miss Longacre and I are fast becoming friends, so she will likely aid me of her own accord, but her reach is not as extensive as yours.”
“I daresay you do not need me to help convince the Duchess, either. She was rather taken with you, by the end of your investigation of Lady Jane’s chambers.” Christian huffed out an exasperated breath.
“Be that as it may, it always helps to have some proverbial weight when it comes to dealing with the upper echelons. And I cannot very well go on pretending to be your cousin, if you are not involved,” Victoria pointed out.
Christian shot an imploring look at Benedict, in the hopes they might still be able to dissuade Victoria, but the older man simply shrugged in resignation.
“We have run out of options, Lord Galbury.”
Christian stared into his lap, feeling utterly helpless. “And you will not be persuaded against this, Victoria?”
“Assuredly not,” she said, with a small smile.
“Well then, I cannot abandon you to do this alone, can I?” He lifted his gaze. “But, know this, I will aid you only if you make me a promise.”
She squinted at him. “What promise?”
“You are not to do anything that will intentionally put you in unnecessary danger. You act with caution at all times, and you do not go anywhere, or make decisions, without informing the Admiral and I first, so that we may know where you are, always. Even if it is inconvenient, or you think you can do something alone, you tell us. Every time.” He paused. “I understand how capable you are. Goodness, you are better equipped for this than I, and I have served as a soldier. But, for the sake of all of our nerves, and our sanity, please do as I ask.”
To his surprise, Victoria’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. “I accept those terms.”
Instant regret struck him in the breast, and he knew he had relented too easily. Victoria would take any and every measure, in order to bring those ladies back safely. And he had just given his consent, passing free rein into her hands.
Oh dear… what in heaven’s name have I done?
Chapter 17
“Icould fit four of my chambers in here.” Victoria flung her arms open like a giddy child, as she whirled across the floor of her new, albeit temporary, residence on the first floor of Christian’s townhouse. She had selected the bedchamber that most closely resembled that of the missing ladies’ chambers, in relation to location. Sure enough, she had a grand view of the gardens below, which were impeccably manicured.
“That’s because you appear to desire to live in what can only be described as an attic,” Christian retorted from the doorway.
She grinned at him and he turned his face away. Although, she noted him struggling not to grin in response, for he was still somewhat incensed by the nature of her plan to use herself as bait.
“I go where my independence is permitted.” She twirled across the open floor again, enjoying the moment. Even in her bedchamber at her mother’s terrace, she couldn’t do this.
“Do you never feel lonely?” He turned back; his brow furrowed.
She shrugged. “I am too busy to feel loneliness.”
“That is fortunate for you,” he mumbled, his words catching her attention.
“Doyoufeel lonely, Christian?”
“Sometimes.” He hung his head, worrying Victoria.
Did I speak out of turn?“Did you feel lonely in Cornwall?”
He gave a dry laugh. “Never.”
“Well, you have me here now. I will not allow you a moment’s peace, and then you will pray for solitude once more.” She walked over to him and put her hand on his arm, eager to touch him again. She had longed to do so, ever since he had put his palm upon her shoulder. Indeed, though she knew she should be doing everything within her power to suppress the gathering emotions inside her, she couldn’t. Her every fiber wanted to be near him, and though this plan presented a multitude of risks, it meant she had a viable excuse to be exceedingly close to him.
He laughed again, more genuine this time. “I do not think that would be possible.” His expression shifted to one of intensity. “You have brought joy into my life, Victoria. That sounds outlandish, given the circumstances of our meeting, but it is the truth. I would be lost without you.”
The breath left Victoria’s lungs.
“I fear we must find your bride quickly,” she managed to say, after a moment’s pause, “before we all take leave of our senses.”
He doesn’t mean what you think he means,she told herself firmly.He could not love you, even if he wanted to. He could not marry you, even if he wanted to. To begin, you are not capable of love nor marriage. And, even if you were, he is an Earl and you are… a grubby urchin from the streets, who would rather chase criminals through the slurry of a riverbank than attend a ball.
