Page 153 of Thief of the Ton
“No,” Lavinia said sharply. “She’s quick-witted, intelligent, and caring—and the best friend anyone could have. She just doesn’t like company, and is misunderstood by those who favor the superficial.”
“I find myself chastised,” Peregrine said. “I would be delighted to know her better, perhaps on a less formal occasion when she feels more at ease.” He dipped his head and placed a kiss on her lips. “Forgive me?”
“Perhaps.”
“Is there anything I can do to atone for my sin?” His eyes twinkled with mischief.
“Why, sir, I believe there is,” she replied. “I shall collect my payment as soon as we’re alone.”
“Then I await my punishment with eager anticipation.”
Her belly curled at the low growl in his voice.
“In fact,” he continued, “I believe it’s almost time to leave if we’re to reach the inn before nightfall—but we mustn’t depart before speaking to the guest of honor.”
He gestured across the path toward a man in a bath chair, a thick blanket over his knees, Mrs. Bates standing at his side. His half-closed eyes opened as they approached, and his face cracked into a broad grin.
“Dearest Papa!” Lavinia cried. “I trust the breeze isn’t too much for you?”
“No, daughter, the fresh air has done wonders for my health these past weeks—and Mrs. Bates’s cooking, of course.”
“Oh, you’re a charmer, sir!” The housekeeper laughed. Then she bobbed a curtsey. “I’ll leave you to take care of him, Miss Lavinia”—she blushed—“beg pardon, Lady Marlow it is, now. I must see to the tea.”
Lavinia crouched beside her father and took his hands. “Dear Papa,” she said. “I’ll miss you—but we promise to visit as often as we can.”
He shook his head. “You must life yourownlife, Lavinia,” he said. “Today was the proudest moment of my life, ofanyfather’s life—to be able to give my beloved daughter away at her wedding to a fine man who’ll love her”—he gestured to the bath chair—“even if you did have to wheel me in this thing. After years of caring for your foolish old papa, you now have another to take care of.”
Lavinia glanced at Peregrine. He nodded, his eyes shining with love, and mouthed,Tell him.
“Papa,” she said, “I have some news for you, though I fear you may be somewhat shocked to hear it. I’ll soon haveanotherto take care of.”
“What do you mean?”
Slowly, she lowered her hand and placed it over her belly. Her father frowned, then he lowered his gaze to her hand, and understanding dawned in his eyes. He blinked, and a tear rolled down his face.
“Oh, Papa!” she cried. “I didn’t mean to distress you. Forgive me.”
Peregrine kneeled beside her. “Lord de Grande—sir—you must forgiveme,” he said. “I love your daughter—with every fiber of my being. But it was wrong of me to compromise her before our marriage.”
Papa looked up at him. Then he glanced toward Lavinia, and her cheeks warmed with shame under his scrutiny.
Then his mouth curled into a smile.
“Well—if that isn’t wonderful news!”
“You don’t disapprove?” Peregrine asked.
“I’m delighted!” Papa said. “I must confess that I weakened with my beloved Lily on the eve of our wedding. But when you’re in love with the best of women, where’s the sense in waiting?”
He placed his hand over Lavinia’s and caressed her skin with his thumb. “Dear child,” he said. “I promise I’ll do my damnedest to delay my appointment with the Almighty so I can welcome my first grandchild into the world.”
Another breeze rippled through the air, and Lady Betty approached.
“Dickie, it’s time we took you inside. It’s getting cold, and Dr. McIver wouldn’t thank me if I let you catch cold.”
“Stop your fussing, Betty!” Papa muttered, though he shivered.
Ignoring him, Lady Betty continued. “We should let Lavinia and Lord Marlow be on their way. They’ve a long journey ahead of them.”
