Bronwyn Scott's Sexy Regency Bundle (221 page)

Beldon chuckled softly. 'I forget that you haven't seen her recently. She's much changed since you saw her last. She's not a budding debutante any more. She's a sophisticated woman now, as comfortable in town among the leading hostesses and politicians as she is in the country, tramping over the cliffs and riding neck-for-nothing at the hunt. When she's in town, her house teems with politicos.

Everyone seeks her endorsement and asks her

26

The Viscount
Claims
His Bride
opinion. She's a leading supporter of mine reform these days, and with justifiable reason.'

Valerian smiled thoughtfully in the gathering gloom. The grey afternoon was turning towards evening. Truro couldn't be more than a few miles in the offing. Beldon's revelations were enough to fill the time. Valerian turned his mind inwards, pondering all Beldon had shared.

was free. In a fairy-tale world, he would have a second chance. But his world was far from a fairy tale. They had parted badly nine years ago.

Philippa's final words to him were still achingly clear. And now there was all he had done during those years to contend with as well. His years in the Balkans had left him with another set of nightmares, another set of people he'd failed in their hour of need. Those failures hung like an invisible millstone about his neck, even when he was able to subdue the more physical reminders of his futile efforts.

He'd been surprised in London to know how much people had heard about his antics on the Continent. Of course, no one had known the depth of such shenanigans, but they knew the gist. He'd led a flamboyant lifestyle in Vienna during his brief time there, playing the role of a womanising diplomat. It had been the perfect foil for something darker that took him to the sinister underbelly of the rebellions popping up across Europe. He'd been nothing short of an expert spy and negotiator, engaging in the kind of diplomacy that
never
made the broadsheets.

'We'll stop tonight at Lucien Canton's place just outside

It'll be much better

an inn. He has

Scott

an excellent cook and an even better cellar,' Beldon broke into Valerian's ruminations.

Valerian nodded, only half-engaged in the conversation. 'It won't be an imposition, I hope?' He didn't remember this friend of Beldon's from their early days as young bucks on the town. 'I don't believe I know him.'

'He's Viscount Montfort's son and heir. He was close to Cambourne before his death. Since then, he's been Philippa's strong right hand.'

Valerian couldn't quite read Beldon's expression.

It didn't seem that Beldon was precisely elated about the man's association with his sister, but had resigned himself to it. Beldon's conversation was moving on. 'It will be a party before the party, the three of us together again like old times. With luck, is there already. Lucien asked her to act as hostess for his New Year's gala since she's the best hostess in the neighbourhood and his sister couldn't come down from London to do it.'

Now Valerian was fully engaged. 'Philippa will be there?' Regardless of Beldon's assurances that Lucien Canton was a grand chap, Valerian doubted he'd like the man very much. He was inclined to dislike any man who had a claim on Philippa's attentions and this Lucien clearly did. No one played hostess for someone they didn't know well. They must be good friends indeed and perhaps something more.

Beldon grinned and leaned forwards in his growing excitement. 'Yes. She will be beyond surprised to see you.'

28

The Viscount Claims His Bride

She would indeed, Valerian reflected wryly, although he and Beldon would likely disagree about her reaction to that surprise.

Lytton, the widowed duchess of Cambourne, glided down the curved staircase of Lucien Canton's

manor at half-past six, consciously

aware that she would be the last one to the drawing room and that she'd be the only female present. What had started out as a small

supper with Canton

and the bachelor vicar from down the road had into a supper party with three unexpected guests.

One of them was her brother, Beldon, who had arrived unannounced just two hours ago and a guest brought with him. Beldon7s arrival was understandable given the terrible weather and the fact that she was already in residence. The third guest's presence was less clearly explained. Lucien knew him only through the acquaintances of others. He was a Mister Danforth, a well-to-do shipping merchant from Liverpool who hoped to start a provincial bank. He was not someone they would normally associate with. He was a rich Cit made most of his money during the war, making his fortune somewhat speculative as to the legitimacy of its origins. But the underpopulated wilds of in mid-winter and his tenuous connection to Lucien made it difficult to turn him away.

stopped at the foot of the stairs to draw a deep breath and square her shoulders. She stole a glance in the hallway mirror as a final check. She looked fine with her hair piled high and threaded with