Page 11 of When We Touch

“Once more, I’m telling you both that it will be quite fine. Lord Charles is not a ridiculous, stinking old lecher. He is a man of dignity. I’m quite convinced that he is seeking companionship, and I will be happy to be his friend, his very good friend, until the end. And I will pray that he has a long and happy life,” Maggie informed them.

Mireau and her brother exchanged looks.

She sighed deeply. “Honestly! He barely walks, barely moves.”

“It looked as if he walked quite fine to me,” Mireau commented.

She shook her head impatiently. Justin stared at her. “I repeat.You are free to back out of this, Maggie, until the very last moment, do you understand? I don’t give a whit for what scandal we may create.” He almost smiled. “Might as well go to Newgate with a reputation!”

She stared back at her brother. No, she was not going to back out! Because she would never see her uncle with Justin’s title, the family title! Never!

“I know, Justin. I am decided. The marriage will take place.”

“She has a point,” Mireau said. “Imagine the woman Angus might find if he felt obliged to see that you were married off, Justin!”

“I shudder to think of it,” Maggie murmured dryly.

“How much worse could it be?”

“Let’s just be glad that we will not have to find out. Now, listen to me, Justin, because you will be handling the arrangements, of course. I must have my own allowance. I intend to be a good wife, and I believe that he’s a charitable and good man. But if I’m going through with this, I want to pursue some of my own interests,” Maggie said.

“Best not let Sir Jamie hear such sentiments,” Mireau said softly.

“Sir Jamie may fall in a lake and rot,” Maggie said sweetly.

“I’m aware that you merely wish to feed every wretched little street urchin in London,” Mireau said. “But come, Maggie, you must look at this from the eyes of the Viscount’s family!”

“I did not seek out Lord Charles; Lord Charles came here. Justin, I intend to be kind to the man, loyal, and trustworthy in every fashion. But . . .” She hesitated. “Oh, good God, let’s face it. I have just sold myself—you didn’t do it, Justin, I did. But the point is that, ugly as it may be, this is a financial arrangement. And I expect you to see to my part of it.”

She wasn’t sure what he said then. But he was very unhappy, and she knew it. He started to depart the room, but paused, slamming his hand flat against the wall.

For a moment he looked like a very old man himself.

Maggie rushed to her brother and turned him around to face her. “Justin, stop. Listen, this isn’t a tragedy, and it isn’t so horrible. I loved Nathan. I will never, ever love again. This will not be a bad life for me, do you understand? He can provide so much that I so desperately want. He is a decent and charming old fellow. I am well pleased with this arrangement, and it will please me greatly if you don’t keep walking around as if you had signed over my eternal life to the devil.” She swung around, glaring at Mireau, who looked as if he had been about to speak. “Do you both understand? There will be no more pity, no more discussion, no more guilt. It is done, and that is that. I am happy.”

Justin straightened.

He made his way out of the room. This time, she heard the word he swore beneath his breath quite clearly.

“Bullshit!”

Once again, she swung on Mireau. “Not a word from you!”

His mouth had already opened. He snapped it shut. “I was just about to say . . . Congratulations!”

Maggie turned and fled up the stairs.

* * *

Three days later, Jamie reached the coast of France. Disembarking at Caan, he made short work of renting a horse, and riding the two hours inland to Arianna’s school.

As any proper young lady in her position, she was being given an education in all the arts that would perfect her position as a young woman of great quality. She was taught how to walk, how to pour tea, how to converse in French without the least trace of an accent, how to sing, and how to play the piano.

Since she was definitely a free-spirited soul, and her father’s beloved and much-spoiled child, she was also humored greatly, and therefore studied Latin, geometry, history, and the sciences as well. Jamie mused that her education was hardly a waste, for Arianna was a bright child, with an inquisitive mind, and a great intelligence. She also had a stubborn streak within her that stretched for acres.

He had sent ahead to say that he was coming; informing Arianna of the upcoming wedding had been his first priority after the legal machinations had been set in place. Talking Charles out of taking the taxing journey himself had not been easy, but in the end, Jamie had managed it. He was anxious to speak with his cousin himself and quickly—he didn’t want her to hear about her father’s intentions from another source.

Arianna met him in the drawing room of the elegant old palace where the girls were housed. She hugged him warmly as Sister Sara brought them together, her delight at seeing him childish, despite the fact that she was hardly a little girl anymore.