The Lady Travelers Guide to Happily Ever After by Victoria Alexander

Author:Victoria Alexander
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: 2019-06-27T13:28:36+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“WELL, THAT COULD have gone better,” Marcus muttered.

“Sarcasm, Mr. Davies,” Lady Blodgett reproached, “is not helpful at the moment.”

Marcus winced. “Sorry.”

Life had indeed been going quite nicely until the moment James walked into the parlor. Certainly Violet was upset about his revelation, but that would pass. She had forgiven him, after all, even if that forgiveness came before she knew the truth of the matter. But last night he had kissed her and she had kissed him back in a most enthusiastic manner. He had felt that kiss right down to his toes, which had nothing to do with the fact that he hadn’t kissed anyone for quite some time and everything to do with the woman in his arms, the woman who should always have been in his arms. It had also triggered the most delightful dream last night that no longer seemed entirely far-fetched. He’d been confident that kiss was a turning point as well as a first step toward the future. Apparently, he was wrong.

“Ladies.” James eyed the elderly trio. “What do you know about all this?”

“Lady Ellsworth has business to see to in Paris.” Mrs. Higginbotham gestured in an unconcerned manner. “Although she did mention something about a party she had planned to attend. A birthday celebration and something of a charitable event, I believe.”

“She’s risking our future for a party?”

“There was a time...” Marcus said under his breath.

“I would say you’re the one risking it,” Mrs. Higginbotham pointed out. “You can’t expect her to totally upend her life simply to save yours. And you have thus far. It’s unreasonable and arrogant of you.” She paused. “And your uncle, as well.”

“Men.” Lady Blodgett huffed.

James aimed a hard look at the ladies. “Does she plan to be back within fourteen days?”

“She didn’t say. I had the distinct feeling she hasn’t decided.” Mrs. Fitzhew-Wellmore’s brow furrowed. “But she did mention she might go on to Florence and Athens after Paris. In which case, no. I would think she wouldn’t return within fourteen days.”

“What are you going to do?” Marcus asked James.

“I don’t have much choice, do I?”

“I believe she gave you three choices,” Mrs. Fitzhew-Wellmore said.

James thought for a moment. He didn’t like this one bit. And there was something about her itinerary—Paris and Florence and Athens—that seemed significant, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

“Choice number two, then,” James said in a hard tone. “I’m going to follow her.”

“Excellent, my lord. So much better than accompanying her, really. This way, your appearance will be a surprise, as if you’ve had a change of heart. Women do like it when men come to their senses.” Mrs. Fitzhew-Wellmore beamed. “We knew you’d do the right thing.”

“I’ve been trying to do the right thing since this all began,” James said sharply. “I’ve done my best to be thoughtful and gallant and the perfect bloody husband.”

“And it’s been hardly any effort at all for you.” Lady Blodgett’s voice sharpened. “At some point you are going to have to decide what is more important to you—your inheritance or your wife.

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