Lady Beresford's Lover (25 page)

By the time she’d finished, the maid’s bosom was heaving with indignation, and Rupert didn’t blame her at all. No lady, no wife, should be treated the way Vivian had been, but he still didn’t know if the late Lord Beresford had physically hurt her. “Did she ever have bruises?”

“Never on the outside, but there are plenty on the inside. Not that she would ever say anything to me, she keeps her own counsel, but whatever he did left her thinking no man would ever want her.”

Bloody hell
. “Did she confide in anyone?”

“Maybe Miss Silvia. When we were at Beresford, I’d find her in her ladyship’s room late at night.”

Past tense. At Beresford, but not here? “Why do they no longer converse?”

“Lady Telford put Miss Silvia next to her and my lady is in the other wing, and she met you.”

Interesting. Rupert made a mental note to find out more about Lady Telford. “If you cannot bring her to Hill Street this evening, I’ll understand.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Punt turned to leave and stopped. “I’m that glad you came into her life.”

Rupert nodded. “Thank you for your help. She’s fortunate to have such loyalty.”

 

When he arrived home, Nick Beresford was pacing Rupert’s study. “This looks serious. What can I do for you?”

His friend scowled. “You’ve got more problems than you think.”

He poured two glasses of brandy, handing one to Nick. “Have a seat and tell me about it.”

Nick took a long pull on his brandy. “For one thing, Miss Banks is after you. Miss Corbet and I heard her talking with a friend last night. She plans to get you alone and compromise you into marrying her.”

That news was nothing more than Rupert had expected. In order to remain on Lord Banks’s good side, Rupert had asked to be warned of which parties to stay away from. “One of the reasons I’ve been avoiding events where young ladies are present. Go on.”

“This next piece isn’t much better. Lady Telford told Miss Corbet that Lady Beresford’s father wrote about a match he’s already arranged. The old man even had the settlement agreements drawn up.”

That
was far worse than Rupert had thought. He moved his jaw that had clenched painfully. Punt had said Vivian was leaving. Running away was more like it. Had any of the men in her life treated her well? He was almost afraid to ask, but... “Anything else?”

Nick suddenly had a cat-who’s-eaten-a-canary grin. “You may wish me happy. I’m to be married in two days.”

“That
is
good news. Congratulations.” Rupert poured Beresford another glass of brandy. “Am I invited?”

“If you’re not on your wedding trip, you are.”

Rupert rubbed his chin thoughtfully. If he and Vivian were to wed in a few days, he must obtain a special license. “I will not run away. It never helps, and always creates a false impression. I do need to secure my lady’s hand immediately. I see a trip to Doctors’ Commons in my secretary’s future.”

“By the by”—Nick set his glass down—“have you seen or heard of Lord Oliver?”

“As a matter of fact, yes. I introduced him to Miss Chawner yesterday. After several minutes of discussion he actually appeared happy, which, I can tell you, surprised me to no end.” Rupert lifted his goblet in a salute. “My last loose end is Lady Beresford. If I can convince her to marry me quickly, I believe all of our problems will have been sorted.”

“I’m happy you and Vivian found one another. It never occurred to me . . .”

“What?” Rupert would not allow anyone to slight Vivian. She had apparently gone through a life time of that, and it would cease now.

Nick took another drink. “I just didn’t imagine an out-and-outer like you falling for Vivian. She was always so quiet. I don’t think I’d heard her say more than a dozen words aside from greetings or other pleasantries in all the time I’ve known her.”

Perhaps because your reared-in-a-cow-byre brute of a cousin treated her so badly.
“I do not know what she was like before, but the lady I know and love is quick, intelligent, and cares deeply for the plight of others.”

“You blame Edgar.”

“Why would you come to that conclusion?” Rupert kept himself from tossing back his brandy, but still drank deeply.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone give such a speech with his teeth clenched. You’re angry at how she’s been treated, and it stands to reason you think my cousin is at fault.”

“He was not the only one. I don’t think I’ll get along at all well with my future father-in-law.”

“Hawksworth was right. You are not to be underestimated.” Nick rose. “I’ll thank you for helping me and leave you to your plans. I don’t envy Vivian’s father or the proposed husband, but I shall do everything possible to be there when they discover their scheme has been circumvented.”

After Nick left, Rupert went to his room to dress for dinner. He must move his plans for Vivian forward, and he might not be able to wait to consummate their
affaire de cœur
. She obviously had no idea how desirable she was, and it was up to him to show her.

V
ivian woke to a darkened chamber. A moonbeam played hide-and-seek with the curtain as it fluttered with the breeze. She hadn’t thought she’d had that much to drink, but it was enough to make her want to sleep. Something she never did during the day. Lying still, she took stock of her head and body. No headache. Her mouth didn’t taste like a barn floor. Yet, that did not tell her what would happen when she arose. There was no time like the present to find out.

Carefully, she propped herself up on her elbows. So far, so good. Then swung her legs off the bed and sat up. Amazingly, she didn’t feel bad at all.

Lighting a candle, she padded over to the clock. It was nine thirty. If she hurried, she would have enough time to prepare for Rupert’s arrival at the Hill Street house. Where was her maid? “Punt, we must leave now.”

Silence answered Vivian’s call. “Well, drat. She must have thought I would be out all night.”

She went back to the bed and yanked on the bell-pull.

Vivian had finished brushing her teeth and washing her face when Punt rushed into the chamber. “I didn’t expect you to be up until morning.”

“I have no lasting effects of overindulging. We must hurry.”

Forty minutes later, they were in Vivian’s dressing room on Hill Street. Her maid adjusted her wig.

“Bring me the nightgown.”

“He sent a new one.” Punt shook out a lovely white gown embroidered with blue and yellow flowers.

“It’s beautiful.” Vivian rubbed the fabric between two fingers. “Not as substantial as the last one, but it will still cover everything.”

“I don’t suppose,” her maid said as she dropped the gown over Vivian’s head, “that you would consider telling his lordship who you are.”

If only she could, but then he wouldn’t want her any longer. “I cannot. What would he think of me?”

“He seems pretty taken with you already.”

“With Cleo, not me.” Since she had decided to be honest with herself, she could admit she wished it were different. That he truly did want her, but the fact remained she was not the type of woman men desired. If she could keep her persona as Cleo and not be discovered, Vivian thought she might try continuing the masquerade. Perhaps it was just as well her father had given her a chance to leave.

“He keeps escorting you places.”

“Yes, but only to avoid the younger ladies.” Vivian’s throat closed, but she refused to allow the tears to come. “I’ve been over this time and again. There is no point to this discussion. It is what it is, and he’ll be here soon.” She rose and glanced around the opulent red and gold chamber. “Bring the wine and some food.”

“As you wish, my lady.”

Punt left and Vivian set about arranging the candelabras away from the bed. She should leave instructions for them to be left where she put them each night. Still, it gave her something to do while she waited to be in Rupert’s arms again. A tear rolled down her cheek. She wiped it away and blew her nose. At least she had him tonight and for the next few days. She would depart as soon as Silvia was married.

 

Rupert slipped through the garden door in the back of Vivian’s Hill Street house, then into the corridor. Punt waited with a candle. “How is she feeling?”

“She says she is well. I tried to convince her to tell you who she is, but she won’t.”

That was not surprising. “Leave it with me.”

In silence they mounted the stairs.

This time he knocked, and waited.

A moment later the door swung open, and Vivian was in his arms. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Rupert gathered her to him. “There is no place I’d rather be.” He lowered his lips to hers. “Or anyone I’d rather be with.” Brushing his thumbs over her cheeks, a drop fell on his finger.
Good Lord.
“You’ve been weeping.”

“It is of no consequence.” Her voice was rough and thready.

Meaning that she was of no consequence. “It is to me. You matter to me.” He gently moved them to the table. “Let’s share a glass of wine.” He filled one goblet, holding it to her lips. “Drink a little.”

Vivian chuckled wetly. “Yes, my lord.”

Rupert set the glass down, sat on a chair, and pulled Vivian onto his lap. “Tell me what is troubling you.”

She toyed with his cravat, appearing to focus all her attention on his pin. “I must soon leave Town. I have some issues to resolve.”

Such as her father’s latest proposed marriage. “I see. When shall we depart?”

Her head jerked up and her eyes flew to his. “We? But . . . but you cannot. You have business here.”

“You are my only concern.” He nuzzled her gently curved jaw, and his chest tightened. There was no way on earth he’d allow her to leave without him. “Now that I’ve found you, did you actually believe I would simply allow you to disappear?”

“You cannot mean that.” She shook her head as if her denial could make it true.

Taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger, he kissed her again. “Yet I do. Have you no idea how much I care for you?”

Vivian’s tears flowed freely now. “No.”

Holding her firmly to his chest, he stood. “Then it’s time I proved it to you.”

Laying her down on the bed, Rupert undressed faster than he ever had before. In the mood she was in now, she might flee before he could kiss her again. The mattress dipped as he lowered himself beside her. “I want you to be mine forever.”

He claimed her lips, stifling her protests. Soon her body hummed with his caresses, and she held on to him as if she were drowning.

But when he tried to remove the nightgown, she froze. “No, please.”

What she was afraid of, he didn’t know, but, for now, he would honor her wishes. Instead he tasted her breasts through the fine muslin covering them. Soon she was moaning again. Her palms stroked his back to the top of his buttocks, and stopped. This was the first time he’d been naked with her. Not giving her time to think, he possessed her mouth again, exploring with his tongue as his fingers stoked her need higher.

Finally, she caressed his bottom. “It’s so firm.”

“I’m glad you think so.” Rupert moved over Vivian. “I want all of you.”

She bit her lush, swollen bottom lip and nodded.

Slowly, he trailed his tongue lower until he reached the silvery-blond curls of her mons. The only part of her she would allow to be uncovered. She tasted of musk and spice. His heart swelled with joy as she bucked against him, grabbing his hair, urging him on. She flung her head from side to side, as she cried out for relief before she shattered at his hands.

Rupert had never enjoyed pleasuring a woman so much, and he knew pleasuring Vivian would only get better with time.

She was flushed and beautiful, and ready for him. “Rupert, I’m afraid. It has never felt good before.”

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes.”

“I won’t hurt you. If you need me to stop, I shall.”

Vivian couldn’t bring herself to stop Rupert. He’d been so kind to her, he deserved some joy for himself. She braced for the pain, but the only feeling was a stretching, and fullness. He sank into her as if he had done it a thousand times before. Nothing had ever felt so good, or so right. She blinked rapidly, determined to stop her tears of delight mixed with sorrow from falling. She could never give him nearly as much as he had given her. Leaving him would be unbearable, but she should not think of that now.

Rupert drew back as if he’d withdraw, and she tightened her grip on his derrière. “No.”

In answer, he plunged deeper into her. “I’m not going anywhere, my love. Wrap your legs around me.”

Vivian did as she was told, and the luscious tension returned. “Good, so good. I want more.”

“Your wish shall be granted.” His voice was harsh and low, but his touch was gentle.

She didn’t know what she’d done to deserve a man like him. Frissons of sensual pleasure speared through her, until finally, she was trembling beneath him.

Rupert kissed her as if the world would end, until he shuddered and collapsed off to Vivian’s side, drawing her to him. No matter how long she lived, she would never forget this moment. The first time she felt beautiful and loved, when their hearts beat together and she knew she cared for him more than her life.

His lips pressed against her temple. “I love you. Never believe otherwise.”

Vivian was too happy to argue that the woman he cared for was nothing more than a wig and kohl. “As I love you.”

Later, they ate her cook’s small meat pies, perfect for a chilly night after making love yet again. Rupert fed her grapes, and she fed them to him. His eyes were the color of molten silver, and he looked at her as if he could see her soul.

As she brought the wine-glass to her lips, she lowered her lashes. If only someone had told her how dangerous to her heart falling in love would be. If only she had heeded her own warnings. To-morrow she would leave him a letter telling him the truth. She owed Rupert that much at the very least.

Rupert flashed a wicked grin, picked her up, strode to the bed, and dropped her. Before she could move, he was kissing her again. “Are you up for another round?”

Her heart,
she
, was lighter, more joyful than she’d ever been. “I am. Are you?”

She loved his teasing. Her husband could barely bring himself to touch her, but Rupert couldn’t seem to get enough.

“Oh, my lady, you have no idea.” His fingers worked their magic, and he laughed as she moaned. “I’ll never have enough of you.”

 

A few hours later, Rupert listened as the clock struck three. Next to him, Vivian was curled up, her hand and head on his chest.

He had never loved anyone the way he loved her. She was his sun, moon, and stars, and it was up to him to convince her that she deserved to be loved and cared for. Still, no matter how he’d attempted to reassure her, she had slipped away at times. If he wasn’t certain her maid would contact him, he would be terrified Vivian would attempt to leave Town without him and he would lose her.

“Come, my love. It’s time to go home.”

“I’m too comfortable.” Her tone was warm as honey, and sleepy.

So was he, but one of them had to keep propriety in mind. If anyone caught them, she would believe he had been forced to marry her, and that was the last thing she needed. “Give me a kiss, and I’ll see you to-morrow.”

Still mostly asleep, she puckered her lips, and he touched them lightly with his own before leaving her.

Rupert dressed quickly, then called Punt to attend Vivian. He met the maid outside the bedchamber door. “I’ll tell the coachman to have the carriage ready. Do not allow her to do anything rash until I see her to-morrow.”

“I’ll do my best, my lord.”

“I know you are acting in her best interest and would not normally betray her confidence, but please promise me that if she makes plans to depart Town, you will send me a message.”

Punt swallowed and nodded. “With as much as I’ve done so far, I might as well continue. Only, mind, because you make her ladyship happier than I’ve ever seen her.”

“Thank you.” He breathed a sigh of relief as the maid went to attend Vivian.

Once again, he waited until he saw the women were safe before making his own way home. Later that morning, he would ask for her hand. What he wasn’t looking forward to was explaining that he had known her secret from the first.

He gained his study, penned a missive to Nick Beresford asking him to come to Stanstead House as soon as he received the note, and left it to be sent first thing in the morning. Rupert and Vivian didn’t have a great deal of time before her father and prospective husband arrived. Before then, he must be apprised of the extent of her property for the marriage settlements.

Several hours later, he had just sat down to break his fast when Harlock tapped on the side of the door. “My lord, Lord Beresford to see you.”

“Show him in and bring more tea.”

Rupert’s butler bowed, only to reappear a few moments later with Beresford.

“Help yourself to the sideboard. Tea should arrive shortly.” Rupert waited until his friend had one cup of tea, before broaching the reason for his summons. “I intend to ask Lady Beresford to marry me to-day. If she accepts, I will need to know the extent of her estate in order to draw up the settlement agreements. I plan to transfer all her property into trust for her benefit, and later that of our girl children.”

Nick leaned back in his chair. “Generous of you. A damned sight better than her father would do. If it comes to that, other than me”—he gave a devil-may-care grin—“I can’t think of any other gentleman who’d do so.”

“You would be surprised at the numbers.” Rupert kept his tone dry, though he couldn’t stop his lips from twitching. “I’ll make a point of introducing you to the ones I know. You have been in an excellent mood since Miss Corbet accepted you.”

Nick went to the sideboard and returned with a large piece of rare beefsteak. “Nothing like knowing you’re going to be wed to the love of your life.” He sobered. “There was a time I didn’t think it would happen. Especially after Edgar made me promise to ask Vivian to be my wife.”

“He appears to have been a master at making those around him happy.” Rupert hid his scowl behind his tea-cup.

“For most of my life, he was good to me, if only he could have stood up to his father about marriage.” His friend seemed to sink into bittersweet reminiscence.

He had to end this conversation before he said something to alienate Beresford. “Vivian’s property?”

“Yes, of course.” Nick stabbed distractedly at his meat. “I’ll have the document sent straight over.”

“How go the wedding plans?”

Beresford’s brow cleared. “Exceedingly well. Lady Telford will host the wedding breakfast and has arranged for a clergyman to perform the ceremony at her house. My residence isn’t up for it yet, but I’m sure Silvia will take it in hand. Hawksworth will stand up with me. I’m not sure who Silvia is asking. My only duties are to procure the special license and the ring.”