“That would be capital!”
Venetia hesitated. If she succeeded in promoting a match, she would no longer feel quite so guilty for dashing Ophelia’s prospects with Quinn, but even more than that, she wanted her sister’s happiness. “You ought not be compelled to marry Mama’s choice, Phee. You deserve to have love.”
Ophelia cocked her head thoughtfully. “Perhaps I do. And now that you have fulfilled Mama’s wishes and married an enormous fortune and illustrious title, I may be able to marry for inclination rather than duty.”
They spoke for a few moments more before Venetia said with real regret, “I had best return to the parlor. Traherne was kind enough to keep Mama and Papa occupied while I met with you, but he should not be obliged to keep up the pretense for long.”
Ophelia accompanied her downstairs, and they entered the parlor arm in arm.
To her surprise, her parents were much more welcoming, even going so far as to invite her to stay for tea. Quinn declined, claiming business
matters to attend to, and shortly rose, extending a hand to Venetia so they could take their leave.
After she bid a fond farewell to her sister, Venetia went to her mother, who actually unbent enough to embrace her, albeit awkwardly. Thus, she left far more hopeful than when she had arrived. Venetia and her mother would never resume their former familial relationship or regain a semblance of warmth between mother and daughter, but at least the outright animosity had vanished for now.
—
Once settled in the carriage beside Quinn, Venetia questioned his methods. “Whatever did you do to win over my parents?”
“I charmed them with my enormous charisma, of course.” His slow smile was reminiscent of the devilishly captivating Quinn she had come to know.
“Seriously, what did you say to them?”
“I first used veiled threats, then sweetened the pot with bribes. In short, I promised our support in finding a husband for Ophelia.”
“Mama must have been overjoyed.”
“She was.”
“I was overjoyed that Ophelia bears me no ill will….”
When her voice broke on the last word, Venetia ducked her head in embarrassment.
“What is this, tears?” Quinn asked.
Forcibly, she sniffed and brushed away the telltale moisture on her cheeks. “I must thank you again for saving my family from more scandal.”
“I believe you deserve the credit. In fact, I impressed upon your parents how much they owe you. At least they now clearly see the benefits of staying on your good side.”
He was trying to make her feel better, for which she was also grateful. Not for the first time, she reflected on how amazingly generous and kind Quinn was—a character trait he often hid behind his provoking manner.
Reaching up to brush her cheek with his thumb, he returned to his usual provocative self. “Did I ever tell you I can’t abide weepy females?”
His complaint won a faint laugh from her, as no doubt he intended, and yet the emotional relief after so very long was difficult to suppress. Venetia accepted his proffered handkerchief and brought it to her eyes but couldn’t hold back a sob.
“I beg of you, love, no more tears.”
“I am s-sorry. I am not usually a watering pot.”
“How well I know it. You are ordinarily given to confrontation instead.”
Her quiet sobs didn’t abate, though. With an aggrieved sigh, Quinn pulled her close and wrapped an arm around her. “Very well, you may cry on my shoulder, as long as you don’t ruin my coat. This was tailored by Weston, I’ll have you know.”
It took some time, but Venetia eventually regained control of her emotions. Then taking an unsteady breath, she gave a shaky chuckle against the blue superfine fabric and responded in his same vein. “It would be criminal of me to ruin your fine coat, you look so very handsome in it.”
Holding her away, Quinn captured her gaze while letting his eyebrows shoot up in mock amazement. “Finally a compliment. Will wonders never cease?”
His warm teasing had the same effect as usual, and just like that, the fierce sexual attraction between them returned full force.