Dangerous Masquerade (Regency Masquerade)

At the sound of a foot tapping, he turned his attention back to his mot

her.

“Thank you for the kind thought, Beatrice.” At his using her given name for the very first time in his life, her eyes widened. “But I must decline.”

Holding up his hand as she was about to object, he continued, “Send the bills to me, and I will pay them. Though I only do so because it is not fair the tradesmen should lose due to your excesses.”

Beatrice gaped at him, her surprise at his giving in so quickly evident. It didn’t take her long to gather her wits, however, and a sly expression crept into her green eyes as she said, “Darling, I wouldn’t want them to bother you. If you were to give me the money, I could pay them.”

“I will pay them,” he said firmly.

Walking to the settee, he said, “I do believe Banbridge will be waiting for you. Don’t let me keep you.”

Not giving her time to respond, he helped her rise, escorted her to the entry hall, assisted her with her pelisse and reticule, and said goodbye.

As he reentered the drawing room, he smiled at the memory of the bewildered expression on his mother’s face.

At the sound of a throat clearing, he turned. His butler stood near the door, the tray holding the empty wineglasses in his hands. “Will you be dining in this evening, my lord?”

Idly he considered going to White’s. Perhaps a game of cards would relieve his boredom.

Sighing, he wondered what Ria was doing. At this time of day, she would normally be in the library with the other ladies. Time to return to Little Bridgeton, he thought.

“Yes, I will dine in tonight, and tomorrow I am returning to Little Bridgeton.”

Striding from the drawing room, he entered his study, unlocked a drawer in the desk and removed a small blue box. Tucking it into his pocket, he left the room to find his valet and instruct him to begin packing.

21

Little Bridgeton, February 1814

Upon arrival in Little Bridgeton, Luc decided to ride the rest of his way. It seemed a pity to remain confined in a carriage when there was clear blue sky and no hint of wind.

Giving instructions to his coachman to follow at his own pace, he mounted his horse that had been tethered behind the carriage and set out.

As Luc cantered up Devon’s long drive, he saw his host at the front steps. When the horse stopped, the marquess reached up to grab hold of the bridle. “Back from London so soon? You’ve only been gone a week.”

Luc dismounted and handed his horse’s reins to the waiting groom. Shrugging, he told his friend, “After I finished my business, I found the city began to pall very quickly. It’s dull this time of year.”

Devon slapped him on the back, “It’s good to see you.” Walking side by side, they entered the house.

Before he gave the footman his coat, Luc removed a small package from a pocket. Together the two friends entered the study, their favorite room. He placed the package on a small side table. He saw Devon eyeing it and knew he was making an effort not to ask about it.

Devon handed him a glass of wine and instead asked, “How was London? Anything interesting happening?”

After discussing the latest events, he saw his friend once again eyeing the package on the table near the sofa. Smiling, he decided to put him out of his misery.

Aware of Devon watching him, he reached for the package and ripped the wrapper off, exposing a small, dark blue box. Opening it, he showed him a delicate diamond ring, shaped like a flower.

“I’m giving this to Mrs. St. James.”

Devon frowned. “Isn’t that your grandmother’s?”

When Luc nodded, his friend continued, “That’s a very personal gift…”

Luc held up a hand before he could continue. “Yes, I know. I wanted to give her something meaningful, something personal. I am going to ask her to marry me.”

He watched Devon closely for his reaction and smiled when his friend congratulated him. Though his smile became rueful when the marquess continued.