Bronwyn Scott's Sexy Regency Bundle (238 page)

Scott

closer than brothers and vet Val had not confided in him. Still, such an omission from Valerian was apparently not amiss. He'd not shared his plans to join his uncle until the night of his departure.

Valerian straightened and turned to face him, this time not avoiding his gaze. 'I've loved her since we were young together. I was head over heels for her by the time she made her

'You didn't tell me,' Beldon said slowly, his mind whirring to adjust the pieces of this puzzle, how it fit against the backdrop of what had transpired. 'Did she return your affections?' There was a pit growing in his stomach. It was a horrible feeling to know that the two people he was closest to had fallen in love and he hadn't known or been told.

Valerian must have sensed the direction of his thoughts. His answer was simple. 'Yes.'

There it was. Valerian had not kept the secret alone. They had conspired together to keep the secret from him. 'Why didn't you tell me?'

Valerian shrugged. 'How could I? Cambourne had offered for her.'

'And you stepped aside?' Beldon asked sharply.

'That doesn't sound like your typical behaviour at all.' The Valerian he knew had championed the underdog at school, standing up for the principle of right, even when the odds were against him. He'd earned more than a few bloody noses for not knowing when to back down. In fact, the Valerian he knew didn't believe one ever backed down. What had changed that when it came to Philippa?

Valerian tossed him a

glance. 'Beldon, I

88

The Viscount Claims His Bride

must ask you to stop your inquisition right now. The hour is late. In my experience, late hours are good for confessions between friends, but not necessarily for understanding them. Be satisfied to know that I have loved

for years from afar. Be satisfied

also to know that I would still claim her if she would have me.' Valerian rose, putting an end to the conversation.

Beldon put out an

in a restraining motion. 'You

can't leave me on tenterhooks, Valerian.' He gave a snort. 'No wonder you were such a fine diplomat.'

'Go easy on me, Beldon,' Valerian said wistfully.

'I have the utmost confidence in your mind's ability to solve the rest of the riddle in short order and I will be waiting to confirm your conclusions. You know I value our friendship too much to ever cheat you out of the truth.'

Beldon nodded. 'I know. Sleep well, Val,' he said in all sincerity.

'Aren't you coming up?'

'No, I want to sit a while longer.' Beldon held up his half finished snifter. 'Wasting fine brandy is a sin of the highest order.'

'Enjoy,' Valerian said from the door. 'Remember, I did answer your question.'

'And gave me a hundred more to think about in return.' Beldon offered him a sardonic toast. He would sleep shortly. Valerian was right in one respect. Part of the riddle in terms of Valerian's dislike of Canton was appeased. They both wanted Philippa.

Beldon would wager it was for vastly different