Bronwyn Scott's Sexy Regency Bundle (274 page)

He didn't want people making the mistake of thinking he'd been a modern-day knight, dashing around broken kingdoms and restoring peace with his diplomacy.

Scott

Beldon toyed with the stem on his brandy snifter.

'Unless, of course, one was

with Prince Otto

about overseeing an independent Greek Then German might come in handy.'

'Yes, well, perhaps I had a small hand in that. The German delegates needed an escort and it seemed as good a time as any to return home.'

Beldon chuckled. 'You're positively astounding, Val. Why so shy about your accomplishments? Why did you let the gossip paint you in another light?'

'It suited my cover at the time. It's not all untrue, at any rate. In the beginning, my uncle needed me to act as a host and I needed to learn quite a lot about the business of international politics. I spent a vast amount of time at parties, listening and learning, becoming self-educated about alliances and the people behind them. I'm sure from the outside, it appeared that I was doing little but enjoying myself.'

'Well, I am proud of you

Father would have

been too,' Beldon said charitably.

'I think its time to join the ladies.' Valerian swiftly redirected the conversation. He didn't want praise.

Beldon couldn't realistically give it to him anyway.

Beldon only knew a tiny portion of what he'd been involved in. Beldon only knew that he spoke several languages and had participated in a few high-profile negotiations. Beldon didn' t know about the diplomacy conducted at knifepoint, gunpoint, or sword point. Beldon didn't know about the men he'd killed.

He wondered what Beldon's reaction would be if he knew about the night in Negush when Valerian

218

The Viscount Claims His Bride

had turned his blade on British allies to save rebels.

For that matter, what would

think?

In the music

was chatting easily

with Lilya and it did Valerian's heart good to know that

and Lilya had taken to each other so well. He hoped

would be able to guide

Lilya through a Season next spring. Lilya would be eighteen and it would be high time to help her find a husband and settle her life in England.

Valerian played the piano for a while, letting the ladies talk. Beldon read quietly, casting a furtive look at Lilya every few moments. Valerian had never seen his friend quite so taken with a woman before and he found it amusing. Beldon spent so much time studying others and watching the drama of their lives unfold; he seldom gave his own life the same consideration. It would serve him right to finally have some drama of his own. Perhaps while

was

matchmaking for Lilya, she might do a little matchmaking for Beldon.

This time next year was promising to be very interesting. Valerian stumbled over a stanza, nising certain assumptions about that claim. He was assuming

would be married to him. This

time next year, she'd be the Viscountess St Just and in a position to help his young ward come out. It was time to ask her. There was no more reason to put off proposing. Her actions today proved that she had no further reservations about him.

But he should wait a few days, let the excitement of Lilya and Constantine's arrival wear down. She needed to see the proposal as something between

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them, born of their love. He didn't want her to think for a moment he wanted to marry her because he needed help with his wards. Lilya would shortly move on to be mistress of her husband's home. But Constantine was young. He'd be a

respon-

sibility. Valerian

such a responsibility would

be asking a lot of Philippa, but she'd been generous with the boy today and she'd genuinely enjoyed the children at the St

Day fair.

The situation with his wards wasn't the only reason for delay. There was one last secret to share with

before the path was clear to claiming her. And he had to share that secret soon.

He smelled lavender and knew

was

behind him before she laid her hands on his shoulders. 'Your playing is lovely, but it's been a long day.

Lilya and I are going to bed.'

Valerian stood to wish them goodnight, noting that

did look fatigued tonight. She was usually so energetic, but the day's exertions had left signs of weariness about her eyes and she seemed paler than normal. It was all understandable given the demands of the day.

'May I come to your room?' Valerian asked, gave him a wan smile. 'I think it would be best if you didn't.' She gave a slight nod, indicating Lilya.

want to be available if she or Cons tantine need anything during the night. Sleeping in new places can sometimes take getting used to.'

'I will miss you.' Valerian covered her hand with his where it rested on his sleeve.