Bronwyn Scott's Sexy Regency Bundle (246 page)

Scott

incident felt like more than just negligence on the part of an unobservant maid cleaning the room.

'Yes, our business.' Lucien nodded. 'I need to thank you for acting as hostess. Everything went splendidly, as I knew it would. I had time to talk business with my guests and you took care of the rest.

'I also need to apologise. I have not looked after our relationship as I should. I was reckless and self-centered. Such behaviour caused me to jump to poor conclusions.' Lucien reached for her hand and closed his fingers around hers.

His hand was warm and she thought the gesture was meant to convey reassurance. But she wasn't reassured at all. She had the distinct feeling they were being watched, and coupled with the fact that Lucien was not a man who would admit to such shortcomings, something was afoot, although she couldn't put a finger on it.

'You have nothing to apologise for,'

offered, hoping quick absolution would end the conversation. But Lucien wasn't finished.

'I have everything to apologise for. I didn't understand how close you and St Just were, that he was your friend as well as your brother's. I misunderstood your desire to simply spend time with an old friend. He had your time, Philippa, and I didn't. It made me a bit jealous and jealousy can cloud a man's judgement, make him see things that aren't there or put incorrect constructions on what is there. I am guilty of doing that. I spoke harshly to you on New Year's Day. You were right. Jealousy does not

116

The Viscount Claims His Bride

become me and, indeed, there is no place for jealousy between us.'

Lucien ended his pretty speech and reached inside his evening coat. 'I have something for you, Philippa.' He took out a square, blue velvet box and opened the lid to reveal a sapphire pendant on a thin gold chain, tasteful and expensive. It had not come from a local jewellers. 'I made a shambles out of things New Year's Day. No woman wants to be asked to wed in a haze of anger.'

'You don't have to do this. You don't need to atone for anything,'

began to stall. Right

now would be the perfect time for Mr Danforth to burst in and start babbling about his bank. The odd man hadn't bothered to follow any protocols of polite conversation at the dinner table, why not put all that lack of couth to good use and barge in now, when it would be useful?

Lucien was prosing on about his growing sentiments for her and she supposed she'd better pay attention. 'Although I regret my behaviour during St Just's visit, I do not regret what his visit has caused me to see. That is, I want to spend my life with you.

We are well matched in status and intellect. In you, I see more than a wife and mother to my heir. I see a partner. Would you consider doing me the honour of marriage?'

He was even down on one knee.

was

struck by how different her response to this scene might have been had it occurred a month earlier. She might have said yes immediately, as a logical conclusion of their long-standing friendship. Compan-

Scott

was worth marrying for, even in the absence of passion. Her first marriage had been based on mutual companionship and it had not been a poor experience. But now, everything was somehow different.

Still, she was not foolish enough to toss away a modicum of happiness and security on a whim.

Neither was she so much of a

that she would

ignore the assets of marriage to Lucien Canton. As her friend, he deserved more from her than
an
out-of-hand dismissal.

'Lucien, you pay me a great honour. It deserves thinking about. Rest assured that your proposal will be in the forefront of my thoughts as I return home to Cambourne.'

'Then take this pendant as a token of my esteem and my affection, Philippa. It will serve as proof that I am in your thoughts.' Lucien was too gallant to refuse as he fastened the sapphire pendant around her neck. 'Now, off to your packing, my dear. Rest well. I will be up to see you off in the morning.'

The wall panel to the left of the slid

open and Mandeville Danforth came out of hiding.

'That's quite a room you've got back there,' he chortled. 'Right out of Bonnie Prince Charlie's time .'

'That went well, I think,' Lucien said, uninterested in

thoughts on the priesthole.

'Yes, indeed. Although, she could have said

"yes",' Danforth was quick to point out.

'At least she didn't say no. St Just has turned her