Page 73 of Scandalous Heiress
“And then you’d marry again,” Freddie said as if it were fact.
Victor might want Ada, but did he want the chains of matrimony?A ripple of his old disgust with his wife’s perfidy swept up a taste of bile.“I’m not– No.”
“Hmmm.”Freddie chewed on his muffin and swallowed.“What’s that old line, Arn, about ‘methinks the man doth protest too much?’”
“Well, Freddie, you’ve got something there.There is the fact that Ada Hanniford would make a fine politician’s wife.”
Victor scanned the expressions of both men, surprised and pleased that their perception of the American girl matched his political aspirations.“Do you think so?”
“Why not?”Arnie said as if it werefait accompli.
Freddie took a drink of his coffee and put down his cup.“Why couldn’t you rekindle your old ambition for a seat in Parliament?Your father’s borough seat was what you were to have long before the Debacle.”
His friends’ old term for the catastrophe Alicia had wrought made Victor wince.
“Will you take it?”Arnie pursued the matter.“Does your father want you to?”
Word had gone out evidently that the MP for Brighton was to vacate due to health.“He does and I look into it.”
“Well, then.I approve,” Freddie gave him one of his ear-to-ear grins.
“A celebration is in order.”Arnie lifted the brandy decanter.“A prodigal son returns.A charming wife for the man home from his exile.And a new position.”
“You both make it sound easy.”
“We know it won’t be.”Arnie observed with narrowed eyes.“You’ll have to convince the old dragons of thetonthat you’re a serious man who can control his destiny.”
And a wife, should I chose to take one.“Before I persuade society, I need to start with a few good men.”Arnie’s father was a fixture in the party, serving for more than sixteen years.Victor must speak with him and sound out his views on his candidacy.“I need your father’s opinion.With his approval, I can find backing from others.”
“He always liked you, Cole.I do too.And I’m to take his seat, come the next election.”
“Dear me,” said Freddie, catching the eye of the servant for their table.“I say we need a good bottle of champagne.”
Lily leaned forward to glance out the coach window as it approached the Earl of Ware’s home.“I’m eager to see Jessica.”
Ada was eager to see Victor.But up the broad alabaster steps of the Wares’ elegant Mayfair house, a few men awaited entry to the tea party.None of them was Lord Victor Cole.Disappointed, she sank into the blue velvet squabs.She’d not seen him for three days.After their ride in the park, she’d expected him to call each day.He hadn’t.Nor had he sent word.Was he suddenly uninterested?Or was she gullible?
That made her bristle.
“Ada?”
She focused on her sister.“I’m sorry.”
“Gathering wool?”
She put on a brave face.
Lily grinned.“I understand.You have not seen Lord Victor since the other night, is that correct?”
Ada winced.“And I’m surprised.”
“Was he that charming?”Lily’s blue eyes twinkled in curiosity.
“He was.”
“Ahh,” she crooned.“Has Papa noticed?”
Ada gave an exasperated sigh.“He has.”
