Page 73 of The Hired Hero
“A stunning success, Caro, m’dear. Jeremy appears as sought after as a diamond of the first water with twenty thousand a year. A toast is in order.” His speech had become a trifle slurred, but his feet were steady under him as he raised his own glass to his lips.
Caroline peered at his flushed face. “Oh dear, Luce, I fear you are deep in your cups. Pray, try to avoid Papa so he doesn’t ring a peal over your head.”
He grinned. “I think he’ll forgive me this one transgression. After all, this is a special evening, with much to celebrate! Jeremy… The documents staying out of that snake Farrington’s hands… Your safe return… Oh, and your future happiness.”
Her head shot up. “What?”
“Saw Julian earlier. Told him he was a damn fool if he didn’t offer for you.”
“You didn’t!” she gasped.
“I did,” he asserted. “Well, not in so many words, but he’s no slowtop. I am sure he took my meaning.”
Caroline colored with mortification. “I could strangle you, Lucien, truly I could,” she said in a tight voice.
“Oh, fustian. A fine big brother I’d be if I didn’t look out for your happiness.” He cleared his throat with a cough. “You are in love with him, aren’t you?”
She made a strangled sound.
“Thought so.” He grinned again, and his teasing softened with affection. “I like Julian. What’s more, I respect him. I always have. He’s just the fellow for you, since you won’t have me.”
Caroline feared that her face must be bright scarlet. “You really are addled in your cockloft,” she sputtered. “Why, he doesn’t even like me above half…”
“Has he kissed you?”
She stopped in midsentence, her expression changing from one of indignation to one of being caught out. “It didn’t mean anything,” she finally managed to mutter.
Lucien laughed out loud. She was spared further embarrassment by the approach of her father.
“I think I shall take a stroll in the garden,” whispered Lucien, giving her a broad wink.
“I could use a breath of fresh air.”
“Coward!” she hissed.
“It’s called strategy, m’dear. I’m getting rather good at it, don’t you think?” With those parting words, he disappeared into the shadows.
The duke placed his hand where Lucien’s had just rested. “Now where has that young scamp taken himself off to?”
“He’s gone to clear his head.” There was a touch of asperity in her voice.
Her father gave a chuckle. “I can well imagine why he wishes to avoid me.” Then his head cocked to one side. “Now, what has he done to overset you?”
She gave a deep sigh. “Oh, never mind. Just his usual teasing.”
He opened his mouth as if to say something, then seemed to change his mind. Instead, he surveyed the nearly empty room. The flickering candles were burning low, but their soft glow was still shedding light over the festive array of flowers, the glasses of champagne that were still bubbling with good cheer.
“You have done well, my dear. I am proud of you for showing such kindness to your friend.”
Caroline looked up at him in surprise.
“I am proud of you in so many other ways as well,” continued the duke in a halting voice. “Perhaps I don’t…well, that is…”
Her surprise only deepened as she watched her father struggle for words in a way that was most unlike him.
“Lucien brought up the fact that you may have the oddest notion that…that perhaps I might, well, regret that you are not a…” He took a deep breath. “I can’t imagine a more nonsensical thing. Surely, you must know that.” He gave her a hard squeeze. “Perhaps I don’t give voice to my feelings as easily as some other men, but no father could be blessed with a more wonderful child—intrepid, intelligent, full of integrity. My dear Caro, you are the light of my life.” At that, his arms came around her in a fierce hug.
She blinked back tears as her cheek rested against his shoulder. “Oh, Papa.”
