Page 80 of A Secret Consequence for the Viscount

‘And what will you do?’

‘Keep looking for some clue as to who it is who hates me so much and then deal with him.’

* * *

Nicholas raised his glass, calling the small crowd before him to order, and Eleanor turned to listen. She had not spoken to him again after the signing of their names as witnesses, but instead looked about the room, seeing the club through the eyes of someone who had never been in this type of place before.

She’d been astonished by the large array of books on the shelves and if the statues and pictures were more than racy, then that, too, added to the character.

Nicholas looked at home here, she thought, the stuffy strictures of thetondisappearing completely and there was a freedom inherent in the place that was beguiling.

Cecilia and Oliver were now standing next to him and he smiled at each of them before beginning to speak.

‘I’ve had no true experience with marriage and what it entails, but it seems that love conquers all difficulties and any problems. It moves people on from one place to a better one where together they can solve life’s problems. It makes them stronger, more whole, more accepting, bolder. So here’s to adventure and courage and to faith in the future. Here’s to Cecilia and Oliver Gregory. To a long life together and a happy one.’

Faith in the future? He’d used those same words before they had slept together and look where they had got her. The wine tasted like dry vinegar in her mouth as she raised her glass along with the others. Another few moments and she would be able to slip away from such lies and go home to Lucy. Tomorrow she would make her preparations for returning to Millbrook. Away from Nicholas. Away from heartbreak.

‘They look so good together, don’t they?’ Rose’s words came through a tunnel and she nodded. ‘Bromley, however, looks like a brick has hit him, though. He keeps glancing your way when he is sure you are not looking.’

‘Guilt, I suppose.’ She ground the words out quietly even as Rose laughed.

‘His words on marriage are surprising for a man so frightened of commitment. Your brother looks less angered by him, too. I wonder if they have spoken?’

Without giving a reply, Eleanor tipped up the glass with the rest of her wine and finished the lot.