Page 81 of The Duke of Seduction
The countess stepped into the hall, her lips pursed. She came toward Lavinia, her gaze noting that she still clutched Beck’s arm. “What is the meaning of this?” she hissed.
“Calm down, dear, they’re to be wed. Poor Sir Martin is out of luck, unfortunately.”
Now Lavinia withdrew her arm. “Will you please excuse me while I speak to him for a moment?” She gave Beck a half smile, and he watched her go into the room her mother had just left.
“This is going to be a scandal,” the countess said, and Beck couldn’t tell if that made her angry or pleased.
“It needn’t be,” Beck said evenly. “I’ll be seeking a special license, so we’ll be married with the utmost haste.”
Lavinia’s mother’s face fell. “No, you can’t. Thatwillcause a scandal.”
And it was clear to him that one would bebad. He gave her a bland smile. “We’d prefer not to wait.”
“It’s only a fortnight.” The countess’s tone had turned pleading. “That’s hardly any time to wait.”
“It’s entirely up to Lavinia,” Beck said. “She’s had little say in things, and I insist she have the final word in this.”
Sir Martin emerged from the room with Lavinia walking a bit meekly behind him. He looked exceedingly perturbed.
The baronet sized Beck up with a grim expression. “I understand congratulations are in order.” He sent Balcombe a distasteful stare. “You might have mentioned she had additional suitors.”
Lavinia’s father smiled briefly and apologetically. “I’m afraid you both came up to scratch at almost precisely the same moment. Unfortunately, you endeavored to speak to me first, and Lord Northam went directly to Lavinia to ask for her hand. And in the end, it is her choice.”
Beck glanced toward Lavinia and saw her gaze soften toward her father. He was glad for her.
“Good day, then.” Sir Martin didn’t bow to anyone nor did he even look toward Lavinia before he left.
The countess frowned again. “Well, that wasveryawkward.” She turned to Lavinia. “You are in a heap of trouble, my dear. Sneaking out to meet a gentleman!” She speared an angry glance at Beck.
“Myfiancé, Mother.” She kept her serenity rather well, but then Beck supposed she’d had years of experience with her mother.
“And what’s this nonsense about a special license?” her mother continued. “You’re my only daughter, and you’ll be married at St. George’s. The banns will be read tomorrow. If you’re in such haste, you can wed two weeks from Monday.” Her lips jutted into a pout. “But you will not deny me the pleasure of a church wedding and celebration breakfast.”
Beck said nothing as he waited for Lavinia to decide. She looked at him in question, and he barely lifted a shoulder, silently communicating that he would do whatever she wanted.
Lavinia exhaled and lifted her gaze briefly toward the ceiling before turning to her mother. “Fine. Two weeks from Monday, and not a day more.”
The countess visibly relaxed. “That barely gives us time, but I’ll try to manage. We’re going to be very busy, Lavinia.” Her tone held grave importance. One would think she’d been asked to solve a national crisis.
Beck stifled a laugh.
“Excuse us for a moment, please,” Lavinia said with considerable authority. “I need to speak with my fiancé.” She took his arm and dragged him into the room where she’d gone to see Sir Martin, closing the door behind them.
“That is one nice thing about being engaged,” he said wryly. “No one cares if we’re alone together anymore.”
She winced. “That makes me think of Miss Lennox. I do hope she’s not ruined after calling off her wedding to Sainsbury.” She looked up at Beck in horror. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”
He inwardly flinched. “No, it’s fine.” Was it? He still felt responsible and likely always would. He clung to the happiness of the past hour to keep any disquiet away. “I do want to make sure she’s all right.”
“I’ll pay a call on her this afternoon,” Lavinia said, touching his arm reassuringly.
“Will your mother allow it? It sounds as though your time may be occupied with planning our wedding.”
Lavinia rolled her eyes. “Not all of it. She’ll prefer it if I let her handle most of it, believe me. I’ve never been as interested in that sort of thing.”
“Perhaps it should be geology themed.”
She laughed and brushed a kiss across his lips. “I adore you.”
