Page 141 of A Gentleman's Wager

She aimed a slap at him, but he easily evaded her clumsy swing. Bella scooped some of the pearlescent mess he’d left behind off her skin and flung it at him. It made him howl with laughter, even when it hit him. He dived on her, wrestling her into submission, then holding her pinned. “Hush now,” he leaned in and licked her clean, kissing her once he’d accomplished the task.

Afterwards, they climbed out of the window and sat outside on the stone steps together facing a wooded part of the garden. Vaughan rested his cheek on his folded-up knees, so that his long hair cascaded over his face in a reckless tumble. “If you sought him out, he’d forgive you, you know.”

Bella shook her head. “Not after what I said. I was needlessly cruel.”

“He loves you, Bella. He may not have said it, but he does. Nothing you have said could be bad enough to cure him of that. Although, I’ll admit, he’s rather hurt right now. It may take him a while to come around. Some grovelling might not be amiss.”

She shook her head, unconvinced. “He shouldn’t have asked me to ask you that.”

“No, he probably shouldn’t, but he did. I suppose, he must have felt it was the only solution left to him.”

They both mulled that possibility individually for a time, until Vaughan said, “I think you had better tell me what you actually said.”

“You mean, Lucerne has not already done so?”

“Bella, he’s almost as angry at me as he is at you. I may not have rejected him, but nor have I given him what he wants. Instead, I’ve let him stew for weeks.”

“Weeks?”

“Yes. Weeks. Since the night I returned from town if you wish to be precise.”

“You never did say what you were doing there.”

“Stop changing the subject.”

“What were you doing?”

“Arranging a wedding. Now, what did you say to Lucerne?”

Bella bit her tongue and closed her eyes. She wasn’t proud of herself. “I said that—” She rubbed the irritation in her nose. “—that I’d leave you to your perverted love and that I hoped you’d both hang for it.”

Vaughan sucked in his cheeks. “Scathing. Is that it?”

“Besides calling you Ganymede.”

His scowl collapsed into a grin. “Ganymede? Charming. I’ve never seen myself as a cupbearer.” When she dipped her chin, he nudged against her. “Don’t worry Bella, we can fix this.” He put his arm around her drawing her close.

“Can you? Why would you?”

“Were three little deaths not enough? Must I rouse you to a fourth?”

“You don’t love me. I’d rather you didn’t pretend.”

He held her head facing him, while holding her gaze. “No,” he agreed. “You’re right, I don’t. But I do love him, and you make him happy.”

Bella touched his lips, as though she could lift the sentiment from him. “Whose wedding? Also, you cannot count. Twas only two little deaths for me, three for you.”

“Then I guess I owe you one. Should I give you a note of hand?”

-76-

Bella

The following morning arrived like salvation day—crisp and bright. Having packed the last of her belongings ready to transport home, Bella met Louisa in the entrance hall, where Joshua was also waiting to escort them to the church. She had still seen nothing of Lucerne.

“You look radiant, Lou.” Bella hugged her tight, before swirling her around. “That dress is perfect.” Composed of cream satin, it was decorated with gold accents and a plethora of tiny seed pearls. A score of women in Reeth village had been working for a fortnight to make it in time. It was Lucerne’s gift to her, not that anyone was supposed to know that.

“I’m really nervous.” Louisa confessed, clutching onto Bella’s gloved arms. “Everything’s going to change, Bella. I won’t be Louisa Stanley anymore.”