He had his men meet him in the back garden where the acting company was set up. Chairs had been placed in the long rows. Iron posts had been set out. The lanterns that hung from them were already lit, which would illuminate the way to the chairs.
The stage had been set and an orchestra sat beside it. It was slightly extravagant for a house party, yet Cass never disappointed.
Over in the gardens, he spoke to his first officer about the thirty men who would be on duty tonight. Cassius’ mansion was away from town and set on a large plot of land. There would be soldiers on the grounds as much as they’d be walking through the house.
Milly, who usually only had one guard assigned to her, always had three for parties. Two she was never to be aware of or she’d grow upset and confront Cassius. It was Remy’s job to keep Milly happy where her security was concerned.
A soldier would also remain with the nursemaid in the baby’s room.
Remy and Cassius had discussed moving the baby to another location for the event, but in the end, Cassius wanted to keep his son close.
When he was certain that everyone knew where to go, he dismissed the men and started for the open field where the actors were rehearsing. He wouldn’t say anything, but he would make his presence known.
His assignment with Vita hadn’t been the first time Remy had been asked to intimidate people. With a look, most people stayed out of his way. With a stare, they would cower and think twice before stepping out of line.
He met with the manager of the acting company to make sure they were aware that anything they saw tonight was not to leave the party.
Their lives depended on that.
He left the manager pale and then walked down the side of the empty rows that the guests would sit in that evening. Two of his soldiers checked the chairs for weapons. Cassius’ guests knew to leave their pistols and guns at home, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Remy crouched by a seat when he thought he saw something suspicious, but upon seeing it was nothing more than the gleam from a lantern, he stood.
Vita stood only a few yards away.
Her soft skirts billowed around her, and she moved forward.
She wore white and it was an unpleasant reminder of her innocence and how that innocence had once belonged to him.
There were ribbons in her golden hair and the sleeves that hung off her shoulders.
She looked lovely. With the outside of the rows being in shadows, he could not make out her eyes until she was close.
She came to a stop just a foot away from him. “Hello.”
“Good evening.” He hadn’t expected her to approach him. He was caught off guard but managed to get his mind in order by the time she spoke again.
“I thought we should speak before the guests began to arrive. When I heard you were coming, I wanted to make sure we didn’t do anything that upset the party.”
“What could we possibly do to upset the party?”
She blinked. “Oh, I don’t know. Many things.”
Like slip away into the shadows of balconies? Touch you in a way I know you’d enjoy? Kiss your lips and other softer parts of you?
“Like argue,” she said.
“You made your choice. I won’t argue against it.”
She gave him a small nod and then smiled. “In a few weeks, I’ll be wed and I doubt we’ll see one another again. It will be as it once was. I will no longer be living with Van Dero. I’ll live with Dunst.”
“That is the normal arrangement for married couples.” But there was a chance he’d have many occasions to see her in the future. If Dunst turned out to have the sort of connections he was claiming to have, Cass could bring him into the fold and if Dunst came, Lady Dunst would follow.
And Remy would see her everywhere.
Her smile grew, and her eyes crinkled. “I also wanted to thank you.” It was then he noticed something in her hands.
A leaf could have blown him over.
It was a bottle of wine.
He knew what kind even before she held it out.
“It’s Life Bringer. You were honest when you said it was your favorite, weren’t you?”
He kept his eyes on the bottle as he worked to slow his breathing.
Anger lapped at the back of his neck.
How dare she?
Was she foolish enough to think he’d want a reminder of their time together? He all but hated that wine now.
But he wouldn’t tell her that.
“Keep it.”
Her brows rose. She was startled.
“Share it with your husband,” he said.
“But I bought it for you.”
“I don’t want it.”
She frowned. “I went through quite a bit to get this for you.”
He lowered his face until it was close to hers. “I thought you said you didn’t want to argue with me.”
“I don’t. I just want you to take the wine.”
“Set it in the kitchen. I’ll take it before I go.”
“You’re lying,” she hissed. “You have the bad habit of doing that, you know? Lying.”
His eyes widened. Was she still upset with him? As though any of this was his fault. She shouldn’t have tried to find him on her own. She was the one who’d landed herself in Dunst’s lap.
“You should return inside,” he said.
“Why? Am I not safe out here? Are you no longer willing to protect me?” Her gloved fingers tightened around the bottle.
He narrowed his eyes. “You didn’t come out to make peace. You want to argue.” But why?
“I don’t,” she sighed. “I wish you’d just be agreeable, is all.”
Was she out of her mind? Remy’s mind was unraveling. All his well-laid plans were falling around him and leaving his inner emotions exposed.
Her lips parted, and his gaze rested there.
Hunger burned in his gut.
“Are you not losing your mind as much as I am?” she whispered finally. “I’m scared.”
He frowned. “What?”
She swallowed. “I don’t know who else to talk to about everything that’s happening. I thought I could speak to you. You, more than anyone, must understand why I’m doing this.”
Remy took a step away from her. “I can’t discuss this with you.”
“There’s no one else, Remy. I want us to be friends.”
He cursed. “I’m sorry about what happened with your mother.” He’d been wanting to say that for some time. He wanted to rip Holly’s head off.
He wanted to rip his own head off for what he would do.
Abandon her.
A tear slipped from her eye. “Thank you.”
“But you have to stay away from me, Vita. Stay away from me.” He passed her and ran toward the house.
∫ ∫ ∫
4 4
* * *
Vita knew she’d gone about making amends with Remy all wrong. She’d told herself to keep it simple. To give him the gift and then depart. She’d told herself not to speak too much and not to explain herself, yet the moment they stood toe to toe, it all fell out.
She’d vomited words on him, and he’d walked away.
Stay away from me.
She closed her eyes tight and told herself not to cry.
But she missed him for more than she’d thought possible. She thought she’d known what she was giving up until she’d actually given it up.
But what other choice did she have?
Dunst had met with her and Van Dero. The earl had made it clear he had many things to offer the duke once the wedding night passed.
A secret Van Dero had been hunting for but had yet to find.
And all of it now rested on Vita’s shoulders and her willingness to follow through with what she’d agreed to do.
At first, it had been about saving the lives of those she knew, now it was so much more.
“Vita, what are you doing with that bottle of wine?” Belle approached her. She wore a
red gown that not only announced her presence but forbid anyone from looking away from her.
She took the bottle, read the words, and then sighed. “Did you try and give this to Remy?”
Vita bit her lip. How transparent was she? “He hates me.”
“Of course he does, dear. You’re breaking his heart.” Belle pressed the bottle to her outrageous bosom.
Vita began to shake.
Belle passed the bottle to a footman and then grabbed Vita’s arms. “What do you want? Tell me and I shall make it so.”
She wanted Remy, but what was the point of saying so? She needed to pull herself together. Dunst would be arriving soon. She needed to prepare. She took a deep breath and said, “I want to do the right thing. I want to do what’s best for everyone.”
Belle made a sour face. Then her expression shifted to something that was positively naughty. “You could have them both.”
Vita considered it. She truly did. “Remy would never take a woman who didn’t belong to him.” And she admired him for that. She would never ask him to dishonor himself in such a way.
Belle stepped closer. “I could show you how to convince him otherwise.” Belle lifted a brow. “If it’s truly what you want.”
It... wasn’t. She would never be that woman. She never wanted to be that woman.
Belle saw her resignation and became firm. “Then you have to let Remy go. He has a job to do and that’s keeping everyone here safe, including Milly and the baby. You can’t distract him with your feelings.”
It was the cold hard truth that Vita needed to hear.
She asked, “Do you ever miss having normal days? Shopping for parasols and not pistols? Gossiping in corners of ballrooms about men and not murder?”
Belle lifted a brow. “Can’t say I do.” She linked her arm through Vita’s. “Come now. I’ll teach you how to survive a night like this. It starts with getting into character, much like those actors on the stage.”
“Character?”
“Who is Lady Vita?”
Vita thought. “A sad woman who is about to lock herself into a loveless marriage.”
“No, she is a vibrant woman who demands respect from everyone.”
Vita didn’t feel like that at all. In fact, she never felt that way.
Belle said, “If you wish to get through this night without falling into tears, you’ll need to forget who you were ten seconds ago and become who you need to be. Trust me, it is how I’ve managed to survive most of my life.”
“What is it you’ve survived?” Vita truly wanted to know.
“No, not tonight,” Belle said. “You’ve already been brought me close to tears.” Belle smiled. “Now, demand my attention.”
Vita just stared at her.
“Straighten your spine. Stand tall. Give me a hard stare. Add a smile. A softer smile. More secret. There you go.”
Vita followed Belle’s every command. She did feel different.
“Now, let’s go have an amazing night, shall we?”
* * *
“She said what?” Oliver asked, sitting on the edge of the balcony.
“She wanted to be friends.” Remy tossed his drink back and then looked down at the crowd below in the garden.
Everything was moving as it should. His men executed their jobs well. He watched the comings and goings of the ladies and gentlemen who were called to slip from their row to meet with the duke or the head Forager, Lord Nicholas Childs.
The play went on. Everyone laughed.
Including Oliver, though the marquess wasn’t watching the play at all. “Women are the most confusing creatures.”
Remy shook his head and leaned against the rail. He didn’t want to think Vita confusing. It only tempted him to try and understand, and he didn’t want to understand. What he wanted was distance.
Perhaps, Noel had been right to tell him not to come this evening. His men were good. They knew the protocol. Van Dero’s events were nothing new to them.
He could still see the pain that flashed across her face when he’d told her to leave him alone. How in the world was he feeling guilty when she was the one who’d pushed him away first?
You, more than anyone else, must understand why I’m doing this?
He understood her motives. Now, more than ever, he was certain that she didn’t prefer Dunst over him.
If they lived in a world of peace, she would be with him.
He looked for her even as he told himself not to.
She wasn’t hard to find. In her white gown, she was easy to spot. She sat in the front row close to the end. Dunst was at her side.
Dunst bent to say something to her and as her head drew close to listen, Remy turned away.
“No one likes him,” Oliver said. “We’re all on your side even if none of us can kill him.”
Remy knew Van Dero had declared a truce with Dunst… at least until he knew what Dunst knew.
Remy had been greeted by more than one man and woman who’d declared they’d be the one to end Dunst the moment Cassius lifted the ban from doing so.
Remy had been touched. He hadn’t known just how many people cared for him until that moment.
“Where’s she off to?”
At Oliver’s question, Remy turned back around and searched the crowd.
Vita was not in her seat but already halfway down the row.
He looked around for the guard he’d assigned to her and calmed when he saw the man step out of the shadows the moment Vita passed him.
Another look ahead and he noticed Dunst get to his feet as well and start in the direction Vita had gone.
Remy’s heart pounded. Where were they planning to meet? It could not be a coincidence that they both would leave the play at the same time.
Remy kept his hand anchored on the railing.
“You’re not going to follow her?” Oliver asked.
“Dunst won’t hurt her.” His voice was cooler than he’d thought he’d be able to manage.
He stiffened when he noticed another figure move from the shadows and follow Dunst.
Noel.
What was his nephew up to?
Remy groaned.
“Do you want me to deal with it?” Oliver asked.
“I’ve got it.” Remy left the balcony to pursue them.
∫ ∫ ∫
4 5
* * *
Vita splashed water on her face and then wiped it away before looking at herself in the mirror. She was trying to be the woman Belle had told her to be, but her heart was not in it. She wanted Remy so badly she thought she’d scream in frustration.
There had to be another way.
But it was too late.
The wedding had already been announced in the paper.
As she stared at her reflection, she imagined herself as Lady Dunst, because in a fortnight that was who she would be.
There was a knock on the door, and she moved to open it.
She was shocked to see Dunst. “What are you doing here?”
“May I come in?”
“No.” She blocked him when he moved to enter. “This is my private chamber.”
He smiled. “Vita, we’re engaged. To Society, we are already wed. It wouldn’t hurt to show me your room.”
She swallowed. “Have you forgotten that this is Lord Van Dero’s home? He’ll not be pleased to know you’ve disrespected him in this way.” Not even Remy had seen it.
He pushed at the door, and she stumbled back with the force of it. “Don’t be a prude, dear. I’m about to make you a countess. I’m owed a favor or two, aren’t I?”
Vita’s heart jumped at the mention of favors.
She remained by the door.
Dunst moved toward her table and picked up one of her books. He held it close to his good eye. The room was dim, and he likely struggled to see. “Close the door.”
When she didn’t move, he looked at her and smiled. “Vita, you’re not acting like a woman who wishes to be my wife.”
But she didn’t wish to be his wife. Were they not both aware of that? She didn’t dare say it outright. She knew better. She’d gathered every lesson her governess had taught her and stayed as mute as possible around the earl.
Dunst put down her book and straightened. “I believe I should inform you how I wish this arrangement to work. I know you didn’t wish to marry me, but I vow that if you pretend well enough you shall reap great benefits.” His smile widened. “I can be a very generous man. Very generous.”
Vita lowered her gaze.
“And I’m not talking about gifts, darling, though you’ll get those as well. I mean freedom, the opportunity to do as you please, to go where you wish. I have no ambition to keep you caged to my side, but I will if that is what it takes to get you to like me.”
She looked at him again and thought about all he’d said.
“Close the door, Vita,” he called.
Her fingers shook as she pushed against the wooden door.
It stopped before it could close completely.
She turned and saw Noel there.
“Vita, have you seen my uncle?” Noel asked. “I’ve been looking everywhere for him.”
Vita frowned. “No, I haven't seen him.” It was a boon that Noel had interrupted when he had. Vita feared what would have taken place if he’d been a minute later.
“Are you returning to the play?” Noel asked. “I can escort you.”
She smiled.
“Who are you?” Dunst came up behind her.
Vita gasped. “My lord!” He’d been impossible to see when he’d been by her table. Vita cringed and wondered what Noel thought about seeing the man in her room. She’d done nothing.
“It’s all right.” Dunst put a hand on her shoulder. “As I said, we’re practically married. There’s no harm if we slip away for a little fun.” He smiled at Noel. “I’m sure you can keep a secret, can’t you?”
She wondered if Dunst actually wanted it kept a secret or not.
“Noel.” Remy’s voice rang down the hall. “What are you doing on this floor?”
“I was looking for you.”
“Odd that you would knock on Vita’s door in search of your uncle,” Dunst said.
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