A Lady of Persuasion (The Wanton Dairymaid Trilogy #3)

He nodded, grinning wider still.

“Married. To Hetta.” Bel shook her head wonderingly. “I can’t believe it. I thought you—”

“Despised her?”

“Something like that, yes.”

“I thought I did, too. Fortunately, Hetta’s a great deal more clever than I.” His eyes lit with pride. “We’ll be traveling north, to see her father and be married from her home. Lord Kendall has generously offered us Corbinsdale for our honeymoon.” He bent his head, seeking her gaze. “Bel, are you all right? You’ve gone pale.”

Bel put a hand to her brow. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to act so shocked. I adore Hetta, and I’m happy for you both. It’s just such a surprise. After Mara, I didn’t think you’d—”

“I know.” He squeezed her hand. “I didn’t think I would, either. But I’ve never been so happy to be proven wrong.”

“But marriage, Joss? And so quickly? Aren’t you …” She chewed her lip. “Aren’t you frightened at all?”

“Of course I am,” he said, chuckling. “I’m scared witless. That’s how I know I’m in love.”

The mellow tones of his laughter warmed Bel, deep inside. She hadn’t seen him like this in so long. How cruel life could be. She was getting her brother back and losing him again, all in the space of one morning. “That would explain why I’m terrified for you,” she said. “It must be because I love you so much.”

His demeanor turned serious. “I’ll never forget Mara,” he told her. “I loved her. I know you loved her, too. And I’ll never forget how devastating it was to lose her. But I can’t let fear keep me from living, from loving. Not anymore. I’ve survived some of the worst life can throw at a man, but I’m not going to let that keep me from enjoying the best.”

She blinked back a tear. “When do you leave?”

“Tonight, on the mail coach. Sophia and Gray are there with Jacob, of course, and his nursemaid. But I know he’d enjoy frequent visits from his Auntie Bel.”

“Then he shall have them.”

“Bel?” Sophia called from down the corridor. “I think the ladies are nearly finished with breakfast.”

“I’ll be right there,” Bel said, sniffing. She gave Joss an apologetic smile. “I must go. I have guests.”

“I should be going, too.” He bent to kiss her cheek. “Offer my congratulations to Toby, when you see him next.”

“Congratulations? On what?”

“On his election, naturally. The polls close today. I heard it from Gray, just this morning. Not that the outcome is in any doubt.” Joss grimaced. “It’s a shame. I’m certain Toby would rather have won under different circumstances.”

“Yes,” Bel said, not wishing to make any contrary statement she would then be forced to explain. She was sure Toby would rather have not won at all. He’d gone to such lengths to ensure his defeat. The image of that appalling caricature appeared in her mind, and she felt the stab of his betrayal anew. This, from the man who claimed to love her. Well, she was accustomed to receiving gestures of love and hurt from the same hands. She was a fool to have ever dropped her guard with Toby. And she most certainly should never have entertained notions of loving him in return. Bel knew how to survive the wounds of love, but she couldn’t live with herself for inflicting them. He’d made her feel safe, but it had all been a lie. No one could protect her from herself.

Meeting Joss’s concerned gaze, she willed a smile to her face. Truly, she had no reason for complaint. Toby had been right—now she’d gotten exactly what she wanted. A polite, advantageous marriage to a man with a seat in Parliament, and the funds and opportunity to work tirelessly for the causes of good.

This was her happy ending.

“Please give my best wishes to Hetta, as well,” she said brightly. “She’s won herself the best of husbands. Here—” She snatched the paper-wrapped book from where she’d left it earlier, on the side table. Pressing it into Joss’s hand, she said, “An engagement gift for your bride.”

Having bid her brother good-bye, Bel returned to the breakfast room and invited the ladies to join her in the parlor for their demonstration.

“Now,” said Lady Violet, settling into the wingbacked chair nearest the hearth, “where is this strapping chimney sweep with his marvelously efficient equipment?”

Laughter rippled through the assembled ladies.