CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Rupert slowly opened the sack, making a show of it, before sliding a ring on Vivian’s right hand. The wide band was made of white gold. In the middle sat a large sapphire and on either side were several smaller diamonds. “The next time I place this ring on your finger, it will be during our wedding ceremony.”
“It is exquisite. Where did you find it?” Vivian flung her arms around his neck. “It looks ancient.” For some reason she could not explain, the ring made marrying Rupert real to her.
“Only from the fifteenth century.” He lay back down beside her. “When I saw it, I knew my search was over. Fortunately, your ring finger is almost the same size as my little finger.”
She held up his hand. “I wondered about that.”
Rupert touched his lips to hers, and a knock sounded on the door.
“My maid.”
“Most likely. As much as I would love to remain here, we should probably return to Lady Telford’s house.”
“Give us a few moments,” Vivian called.
“My lady,” Punt said from the corridor side of the door, “Lady Telford asks that you return as soon as possible.”
Rupert gave Vivian an incredulous look. “Did you—”
“No! I would never tell anyone. The only reason I told my maid was that I didn’t know how to go about setting this”—she waved her hand—“up.” Vivian began thinking back. “I wonder if she did not mean something of this sort to occur. She gave me apartments in a different wing and has not questioned my not accompanying her or, indeed, going out at all lately. I am getting the sneaking suspicion that she has known about this, and us.”
He rolled his eyes. “Never underestimate old ladies. Let’s be on our way.” He dressed quickly, except for his cravat, waistcoat, and jacket. Those he threw over his shoulder. “I’ll send your maid to you and meet you downstairs.”
Punt was waiting when Rupert opened the door. She raised a brow and he nodded.
Vivian watched the pair. What was that all about?
He’d just got his jacket on when they came down the stairs. “The coach is ready. If you don’t mind, I’ll ride back with you.”
Vivian tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
When they arrived in Mount Street, Silvia, Nick, a young gentleman Vivian didn’t know, and Clara were drinking tea.
“Here they are now.” She rose to greet Vivian and Rupert. “Our other betrothed couple.”
“She must have mice that spy on people,” Rupert whispered. Then loud enough for the others to hear, he said, “Indeed we are.”
Nick shook Rupert’s hand and Silvia hugged Vivian.
Nick and the young man had sprung to their feet.
“Please meet Mr. Octavius Trevor, one of our Mr. Trevor’s brothers. He is currently on his way to take up a living outside of Birmingham and has agreed to perform your ceremonies if you have no objection.”
“One of his many brothers.” The young man laughed easily. “After the first two were born, he ran out of names.”
Rupert glanced hopefully down at Vivian, a question in his eyes. No matter what he wished, he was giving her the power to choose. In the short time she had known Rupert, he had shown her more respect and given her more freedom than she had ever had in her life.
She smiled up at him. “I do not mind if you don’t. This is your first marriage, where I have had a large wedding.”
“The only thing that matters to me is spending my life with you.”
“It is settled then.” Vivian turned to her cousin. “Lord Stanstead and I would love to have Mr. Trevor officiate.”
Clara glanced at Nick and Silvia. “You two are excused for your carriage ride in the Park.” After Nick closed the door, Clara continued. “When would you like to marry?”
“The day after to-morrow,” Rupert and Vivian said at the same time. She added, “We don’t wish to interfere with Nick and Silvia’s plans.”
“Excellent.” Clara beamed. “You’ll make it an early evening tonight. To-morrow we shall all attend Lady Jersey’s ball. It will be the event of the Season and the perfect time to let the ton know of Beresford and Silvia’s marriage and your betrothal. Vivian, if you will allow Rupert to return to his home, we may discuss the details.”
“My lady,” Rupert said. “Excuse me, but I wish to take Vivian with me when I tell my parents and cousin.”
For a moment Clara appeared flustered. “Of course, how could I have forgotten they are in Town? Vivian, we shan’t have much time to prepare.”
Vivian leaned down and bussed her cousin’s cheek. “Feel free to make the plans. I’ll be happy with whatever you decide to do. The only preference I have is the time. I would like the service to be at ten o’clock.”
“As you wish, my dear.” Clara kissed Vivian.
“Mr. Trevor,” Rupert said as he and Vivian were about to leave, “may we give you a ride anywhere?”
“No, thank you. My eldest brother’s carriage will be here to pick up Septimius and me. You may know him. His courtesy title is the Marquis of Hawksworth.”
Rupert tilted his head. “I do indeed; not well, but we’ve met several times. He is a close acquaintance of Lord Beresford’s. Is there a reason you do not use your title?”
“They were in the same army unit together.” The young man grinned. “In a professional environment, I have found the title to be more of a burden than an asset. As has my brother, I might add.”
Rupert’s brows drew together. “I know very few heirs who have been allowed a commission. Did you have a brother who was the eldest?”
“No. Our father doesn’t believe in heirs in waiting. We are all expected to have an occupation. I, of course, was too young to know, but I have been told that when Hawksworth wasn’t interested in learning land management, Papa bought him a pair of colors.”
“I was army mad myself. Unfortunately, my grandfather wasn’t of the same opinion.” Rupert took Vivian’s arm. “We shall see you in the morning.”
“I sometimes forget,” Vivian said, “how small the ton truly is.”
They were half-way to the gate to the mews, when he stopped, drew her into his arms, and kissed her. “You do realize that less than a century ago they would have burned your cousin as a witch.”
She giggled, feeling giddy for the first time in years. “She would have been too smart for them to catch. I would ask how she knew, but I don’t think I wish to know the answer.”
“I agree.”
“Tell me, what type of greeting may I expect from your mother and step-father?”
Rupert waited until he and Vivian were in the carriage before answering her question. “The first thing you should know is that he is my natural father, not merely my step-father.”
“Oh my. If you would rather not tell me, I’ll understand.”
“No, you will shortly be my wife, and it is no secret to the family.” The coach started forward, and he took her hand, more for his comfort than hers. Other than Robert’s wife, Serena, who’d been there when all the details had come to light, Vivian would be the first outsider to know. “The short story is that my mother and father were in love when they were young. She became pregnant with me. He was at Oxford and had not a clue of her condition. My maternal grandfather, Lord Beaumont, discovered her situation. He and his good friend Lord Stanstead arranged a marriage between the Stansteads’ son and my mother.”
“But why not simply tell your father?”
“He was second in line to a modest barony. Stanstead’s son would never have children.” Rupert paused, trying to think of a not-so-shocking way to put it. “He preferred men.”
“I’ve read about that,” Vivian said mildly and squeezed his hand.
“It’s not as uncommon as some think. That wasn’t the worst of it. He had friends who were sick. One of them liked children.” Only his mother knew what he was about to tell Vivian next. “We spent most of our time at Stanstead, where my grandfather—” God help him, even after all Lord Stanstead had done, Rupert still thought of him as his grandfather. “When I was six, Mama and I were visiting Town, and her husband came to the town house late one evening accompanied by a friend. I woke up with the man standing over my bed. The falls of his breeches were undone.”
Vivian clasped her hand to her mouth and gasped.
“Fortunately, one of my nursemaids slept nearby, and she woke screaming. Nurse—you’ll meet her when we go to Stanstead—went after him with a fireplace poker. Mama had decided to sleep on the nursery floor, and she came running in. Her husband and his friend were made to leave, and early the next morning, we returned to Stanstead. Grandpapa sent his son overseas. A few years later we received confirmation of his death. So you see”—he grinned at Vivian—“I’m quite happy that Edward Malfrey is my father.”
“I completely understand,” Vivian said primly. “I would be as well. It is a shame you cannot acknowledge him as such.”
“I’m glad you understand.” Rupert raised their still clasped hands and kissed her knuckles. The coach came to a stop. “Don’t be frightened. I’ll be next to you the entire time.” Unfortunately his parents weren’t at their home, but visiting Serena and Robert. Rupert returned to the coach. “Berkeley Square.”
“Why are we going there?” Vivian’s voice held more than a note of panic.
“My cousin’s house is on Berkeley Square. Don’t tell me your family’s house is as well?”
“Yes. I had almost forgot. I knew the Eveshams live on Grosvenor Square, but as that was the first entertainment I’d been to, I didn’t catch the address. The last time I was at my family’s townhome was six years ago, and then only for a short while.”
“If you can remember the location, we shall drive by to see if your father’s arrived yet.”
She gave a nervous titter. “Only if I can slide down in the seat so no one can see me.”
“Just sit back. I’ll lean forward.”
“I don’t know the number, but it was directly across from Gunter’s. I remember my father complaining about the traffic.”
Using his cane, Rupert pounded on the hatch. “Drive around the square once.”
“Who is the gentleman your father picked for you to marry?”
Vivian opened her mouth, made a face, then shook her head. “This is horrible. I was so angry, I started calling him Twiddlededum.” Her fine blond brows drew together in thought. “The name began with a T and it was odd—Twiddlebury?”
Rupert slid his arm around her and chuckled. “Does Tewkesbury sound familiar?”
“That was it. Do you know him?”
“More I know of him. He gives his proxy for the Lords to friends. My grandfather knew his father, which means the man is likely in his forties. He has several children.”
“That is what my mother wrote to me. She is not at all in favor of the match.”
What more did Rupert know about the man? Dogs. “He breeds hunting dogs. My grandfather had a pair, but he only gives them to those he likes or wants something from.”
“You now have the reason for the match.” Vivian’s voice was as hard as Portland stone, and bitter. “My father probably wants one of his dogs.”
His mind boggled at the thought that a father would trade his daughter for a dog. Yet, Vivian seemed certain. It was a damned good thing they had found each other and would wed soon. “You’ll be much better served by being a political hostess.”
She nuzzled Rupert’s shoulder. “Indeed I shall.”
The carriage slowed.
He kissed the top of her head. “Carefully, look out, and tell me if you recognize the house.”
“The one with the green door.” She pressed her back into the squabs. “Do you see anything?”
“The knocker is still off the door.”
Vivian heaved a sigh. “Thank God.”
“Is your father that bad?”
“He is used to having his way, and I have never gone against him. If the past few years hadn’t been so difficult, I probably would have simply accepted his choice of husband without argument. I dislike shouting, and that is how he gets his way.”
Rupert had no problem confronting the bully, but he didn’t want Vivian upset before she was his forever. Tewkesbury was most likely of the same ilk. If they weren’t in Town yet, they wouldn’t find her until after the wedding.
Once again the coach stopped. Rupert hopped down to the pavement, then lifted Vivian from the carriage. She had that frightened-deer look again. “There is nothing to worry about. They have already met you.”
“I know.” But not as Rupert’s betrothed. As long as no one shouted in anger, Vivian would be fine. She squared her shoulders. She’d lived through hell with a man who didn’t love her. No one would keep her apart from the man who did. “I’m ready.”
A footman was on duty at the door. “I’ll announce myself and my betrothed. You go fetch a bottle of my cousin’s best champagne.”
The young man bowed and gave an order to a younger footman.
Laughter and other loud noises floated down the corridor. How nice it would be to marry into a family who had fun together.
Rupert opened the door, standing aside to let her enter first. Two babies, one blond, the other a redhead of about the same age, were on the floor with their mothers and fathers, and there appeared to be a race going on. Although she couldn’t tell if the fathers, who were on all fours, were racing or the babies were doing it. She and Rupert watched for a few moments, then the blond baby looked at Rupert, bounced on his bottom, and screeched, “Rupie, Rupie.”
All eyes turned in Vivian’s and Rupert’s direction. He lifted the baby. “Vivian, allow me to introduce Mr. Daniel Malfrey. Dan, meet my betrothed, Vivian.” Rupert smiled at her. “I don’t think he’s interested in titles yet.”
She reached out and took the drooling baby. “A pleasure to meet you, Daniel.”
The adults had scrambled to their feet. A woman she recognized as Rupert’s mother strode over to them and embraced Vivian. “Welcome to the family, my dear.”
Rupert’s father—she could clearly see the resemblance now that she knew—slapped Rupert on the back. “Glad to see you figured it out.”
Serena and Robert joined the group, and Serena hugged Vivian. “I thought it would turn out this way.”
Robert shook Rupert’s hand. “You were right,” Rupert said. “It is a madness.”
Vivian didn’t understand that at all, but it didn’t matter. What was important was they were all happy for Rupert and her.
The door opened and a butler followed by three footmen entered carrying champagne and glasses. Once the flutes were full and everyone had a glass, Edward, as she had been instructed to call him, raised his glass. “Congratulations to Rupert and Vivian. May you have a long and happy life together.”
“When is the wedding?” Freddy asked.
“In the morning.” Rupert slid his arm around Vivian. “There is no point in waiting.”
“At Stanstead House or on Mount Street?”
“The wedding will be at Lady Telford’s and the wedding breakfast at my house. Her ladyship sent a runner to inform my staff.”
“You’ll want to inspect the house.” Freddy raised her brows at Rupert. “Shall we come with you?”
Vivian almost choked on her wine. “Now?”
“No time like the present.” Freddy set her glass down. “Whitsun, have my coach brought round.” The butler bowed and left the room. “Even though you are a widow, you’ll not wish to be seen going into Rupert’s residence without a chaperone. Serena and I shall accompany you for propriety’s sake. Our husbands can take care of the children.”
“After you see the house,” Serena said, “we can go with you to Mount Street where you can change, and we’ll all meet back here for dinner.”
“Excellent.” Robert gave a slow smile. “We can all tell Vivian stories about Rupert’s childhood.”
“Only the most embarrassing ones, I’m sure,” Rupert shot back.
“Naturally. That’s what families are good for. Have you told Grandmamma yet?”
Rupert grimaced. “I didn’t think she was in Town.”
“She arrived back today.” Robert bounced his daughter. “Ever since she was introduced to that French modiste, she’s been going to Paris for her wardrobe.”
Rupert’s arm tightened around Vivian’s waist. “I suppose that will be our next stop.”
“If you give me a moment,” Serena said, “I’ll send Grandmamma an invitation to dinner.”
“My lady.” Whitsun bowed from the doorway. “Your coach is waiting.”
Once again, it was only a matter of minutes before they arrived at Rupert’s house in Grosvenor Square. The door was opened by a white-haired butler who stood as erect as a soldier.
Rupert kept his palm on the small of Vivian’s back. “Harlock, meet your new mistress, currently Lady Beresford.”
The servant bowed. “We received the information about your marriage, and I speak for the entire staff when I say we have been a long time without a mistress, and it will be our pleasure to serve you.”
“What he means,” Freddy said dryly, “is that I never liked the place, which had nothing to do with the staff, and the last female to live here was Stanstead’s grandmother.”
Well, that was plain speaking. Vivian was glad Rupert had told her what had taken place here. She inclined her head to the butler. “I’m sure Lord Stanstead and I will put things to rights soon enough.”
“This is your house, my lady,” Rupert said firmly. “It is not for me to interfere with your management of it.”
If only he knew how much that meant to her. She would thank him later, when they were alone. “In that case, is the housekeeper available? She might wish to accompany us as we tour the house.”
“If you will consent to drink tea in the morning room, I shall have Mrs. Honiwell prepare what will be necessary.”
“Thank you, Harlock. Rupert, lead the way.”
No more than twenty minutes later their little coterie had consumed several delicious biscuits, most of a cake filled with nuts and fruit, and two pots of tea.
A plump woman in her middle years with light brown hair knocked on the door and curtseyed. “My lord?”
“Ah, there you are, Honey.” Rupert stood, helping Vivian to rise from the low chaise. “My dear, allow me to present your housekeeper, Honiwell. Honey, my future wife, Lady Beresford.”
The housekeeper curtseyed again. “A real pleasure, my lady.” She smiled as if Vivian was the answer to all her prayers. “I have my notebook, if you’d like to begin with a short tour. We shall have a full inspection later, if you agree.”
“Certainly.” There wasn’t time to-day to look at everything. “Perhaps in the next week or so.”
“More likely after we return from our honeymoon.” Rupert took Vivian’s hand. “I have a surprise planned for you.”
Her cheeks warmed in a blush. “What a time to tell me.”
“I could hardly tell you before you agreed to marry me.”
Her face was going to be beet red at this rate. Naturally, she would have thought he had meant to take Cleo. “Very true. How bad is the house?”
Rupert gave her a sly look, but Honiwell responded, “We’ve kept it clean, my lady, and the linens are in good repair, but there has been no one to select new hangings.”
“Or furnishings or any of that sort of thing. Am I correct?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Rupert”—Freddy stood—“don’t you have something to do in your study? I’m sure we shall go on much more quickly without you.”
“As a matter of fact, I do.” He bowed. “It has to do with my surprise.”
“Devil,” Vivian said to his back as he ambled out of the parlor.
Serena raised one brow. “For all that his name is Stanstead, he is truly a Beaumont.”
Vivian and her future relations followed the housekeeper out of the room and up the stairs.
As they entered the first bedroom, Freddy pulled a face. “I must apologize to you. I did not raise my son to be interested in domestic matters. I had so little interest myself.”
“No matter. I’m perfectly capable of taking them on.” Ecstatic would be the word. Since Vivian was thirteen, she’d been looking forward to having a home to do with as she would. Beresford was a bitter blow. Yet, with Rupert by her side, she would move forward to a new and much better life.