“No, that’s only part of it.”
“What?” Ada turned to her cousin.
“I was angry because I can forgive his past but I’ve a much more difficult time when he makes those same mistakes in the present. Don’t judge Vice on who he was, take him for who he can become.”
“And what if neither man wants a woman like me in the long term?” Ada bit her lip. “I’m not exciting like you and Grace, or strong like Minnie and Diana, or smart like Cordelia. I’m…” She paused, looking for the word.
“You are positively wonderful.” Emily touched her knee. “Honestly, you bring out the best in everyone around you and that includes him. Don’t doubt that.”
Ada didn’t respond as she struggled to find words. Did Emily really think that?
The carriage pulled up to her aunt and uncle’s home, and she and Emily climbed out. It was only then she realized that she still wore Blake’s jacket. Pulling the garment tighter about herself, she dropped her nose into it and drew in a deep breath. Inhaling his unique scent, her insecurities drifted away as her body tightened in response.
“The thing is, Ada,” Emily said as she finished paying the driver and began to climb the steps. “Marriage is always a leap of faith. And even now, I haven’t quite decided if I’ve made the right one. Stop asking yourself if you’re good enough. Instead, ask if he is what you really want.”
She drew in a quick breath. She knew the answer to that question. It was so simple. “Yes. He is.”
Emily gave her a large smile. “See. Admitting the truth wasn’t so hard, was it?”
Ada shook her head. Knowing she wanted him was the easy part. The much harder task would be convincing him to marry her and then holding his interest. But Emily was right. If he was the man for her then catching him was worth trying.
* * *
The next day, Vice trotted up the stairs to Ada’s home, not that she was there. He wished she were. Seeing her would make this day so much easier.
He’d hardly slept last night, worrying about the details of today and beyond. How should he ask? Would she say yes? How would he convince her over time that he could become a man worthy of her affection?
Knocking on the brass knocker, the door swung open almost instantly. But it wasn’t the butler or even Mr. Chase who greeted him but Jack. “What the…?”
Jack grimaced. “I’m not happy about it either. I had plans this morning to move my wife back into my house. Instead, I have been coerced into leading a party of ribbon-shoppers.”
“Seriously?” Vice squinted his eyes. “Mr. Chase isn’t going to attend?”
“Sick,” Jack answered with a deepening frown. “I have a feeling the man may have dove too deeply into his cups last night. He’s a bit of a drinker. Always has been. And he seemed to be celebrating another successful match.” Jack’s brows rose. “He also said that you have his blessing, whatever that means.” Jack gave him a pointed stare. “And that you are to make sure Lord Baderness is appropriate.”
Vice’s lips parted in surprise. He’d been given responsibilities in the family. “Shall we then?”
“In a moment,” Jack pointed down the drive. “Here comes Bad now.” Then he scratched his head. “Not very long ago we were staying up all hours of the night running a secret club. Now we’re off on a ribbon-hunting adventure before noon. The worst part, I’m excited. I’ve hardly gotten to see my wife in days and I would follow her into a sea of taffeta if it meant I got a single kiss.”
Vice shook his head. “I’d allow myself to get knocked down every day, much like you did last night, if it meant Ada would look at me with that adoring gaze. I’m a slave.”
“You’re not a slave, my friend, you’re just in love.” Jack smacked his back. “Come on. Let’s go. We’ve got women to drool over.”
Vice followed Jack. On the surface that hadn’t changed. They’d always drooled over women. And yet, their lives couldn’t be more different. Love? Had Jack actually just used that word? And even more alarming, Jack might be right. He’d never felt this way about anyone. Not ever. His heart thrummed with the emotion, overwhelming his senses. “Do you think you’ll grow tired of being married?”
“You’ve witnessed mine and Emily’s relationship, have you not? Bored is the last thing I’ll be.”
Bad hopped out of his carriage staring at his two friends. “Ribbon shopping?” He puffed out his chest. “Did I ever tell you that I survived by fighting in street fights?”
“No,” Vice answered, skidding to a stop. Was that what Crusher had been referring to? “You were a fighter? Before you inherited the title?” He glanced up and down Bad’s face. “No wonder your skin looks like it’s been through a meat grinder.” He didn’t mean it as an insult. He forgot sometimes that Bad has a difficult upbringing.
Bad scowled, his face settling into deep lines of dissatisfaction. “You’re an ass. And Grace is a pain. Now I’m following around a spoiled little princess as she hunts for the perfect shade of blue ribbon.” He threw up his hands. “All of us, our days destroyed at her whim.”
Vice cocked an eyebr
ow. “Is that really what you’re angry at? I saw you watching her dance with Lord Williams.”
Bad raised a fist. “Don’t test me.”