Vanya rose to her feet, an unexpected anger hardening her features. “Edmond, that is not at all necessary.”
“It is my decision to make.”
“No. It is Brianna’s decision to make, and she is perfectly satisfied with the care she is being given. She will not thank you for your interference.”
Edmond’s suspicion that he was not being told the full truth of Brianna’s condition was swept aside by a sharp pang of regret.
“She will not thank me for anything at this moment. She is…”
“What?”
“Slipping away.”
Vanya’s expression softened. “I did warn you, Edmond.”
Edmond resumed his pacing. “She is doing this because I will not wed her?”
“I cannot say what is in someone else’s heart, but I believe any woman with the least amount of intelligence would be wise enough to protect herself.”
Edmond stiffened. “I would never hurt Brianna.”
“Not intentionally.” Vanya was swift to soothe. “But, my dear, I know you. You have enjoyed the attentions of dozens of women. Why should Brianna not be preparing herself to become nothing more than a fading memory?”
“Because I have no damned intention of making her into some fading memory.”
Vanya clicked her tongue. “Of course you do. It is inevitable. And you are only upset because it was Brianna who chose to pull away before you could do so. Your pride is pricked.”
“For God’s sake, this has nothing to do with my pride.” He pointed a finger at his hostess. “And I can assure you, there is no way in hell that I will allow her to escape me. Not ever.”
Vanya regarded him with a searching gaze, her expression wary. “Edmond, what are you saying?”
The instinct to retreat from the intrusive question was near overwhelming. He disliked displaying his emotions as if they were a public spectacle for others to enjoy. He was beginning to accept, however, that revealing his feelings was going to be the least of the sacrifices demanded of him.
“I…” Grimly he forced himself to continue. “I care for Brianna.”
Vanya was remarkably unmoved by his stunning admission. “We all care for Brianna,” she said with a wave of her bejeweled hand. “She is a sweet, gentle child who has confronted the difficulties in her life with an amazing dignity.”
“I do not think I would ever claim her as gentle,” he said dryly. “She possesses the heart of a tigress, and she does not mind using her claws when necessary. Do you know, she blatantly blackmailed me when she forced her way into Huntley House?”
Vanya clicked her tongue. “My point is that caring for her is quite different from being devoted to her. She is…vulnerable and you could do considerable damage without ever meaning to harm her.”
“I have just told you that I want her in my life.”
“For now.”
“Forever.”
Vanya slowly lifted her brows, her expression skeptical. “Forgive me if I find your sincerity difficult to believe, Edmond.”
“Why?”
“Because you refuse to make her your wife,” Vanya replied, her expression accusing. “If you are truly dedicated to her, then you would want to make your relationship permanent.”
“For God’s sake, it is because I care for her that I refuse to put her in danger.”
There was a long silence as Vanya attempted to comprehend his unspoken fears.
“The traitors have been captured, and so far as I know, there are no others that wish to abduct the poor girl.” She offered a faint smile. “Of course, she may wish to flee once she is threatened with the prospect of facing the Romanov Court.”