A Devil Named DeVere (The Devil DeVere)(46)

"But they are two women alone in London," Hew answered. "Even if you do not feel it your duty to pay the initial call, I do."

"Far be from me to stop you then, brother mine. As for me, I have a prior engagement at Tattersall's this afternoon, and then I am off to see to some things at Epsom. Care to defer the duty call and join me instead?" He raised his chin for the first swipe of the razor.

"No, thank you, but I'll be sure to make your excuses. When do you return from Woodcote Park?"

The valet paused to allow his answer. "I haven't given it any thought. Must you always plan everything?"

"It suits me to do so," said Hew. "I find a measure of comfort in routine."

"And I find it excessive tedium," said DeVere. "But have it your way. I should be back the day after tomorrow. We'll sup together then."

***

"There is a messenger for you, my lady," announced Diana's stony-faced butler.

"Already? But who can even know we have arrived?" Jenkins presented Diana a card on a silver salver. Diana took it up with a frown. "Captain Hewett DeVere?"

"Yes, my lady. He awaits in the withdrawing room. Are you at home?"

Her pulse sped and her eyes narrowed. "Is he alone or accompanied?"

"He has come quite alone, madam."

She slowly released the breath she hadn't even realized she was holding. "Then pray convey that I will be with him shortly, and then tell Polly to send Vesta down as soon as she is made presentable."

Diana performed a brief but critical inspection in the mirror, pinned up an errant curl, and smoothed her gown before descending to greet her caller. He turned from the window when she entered, regarding her first with a look of surprise and then with a charming smile full of white, even teeth that drew attention from the deep scar on the right side of his face, now marring his once boyishly handsome features. When he strode toward her, she also noticed his uneven gait.

He bowed and took her hand in both of his. "Baroness," he said. "I am stunned. Ned said a female relation would chaperone Vesta, but I had no idea it would be you."

"It is because I asked Edward not to name me. To avoid awkwardness, you see."

"You refer to my brother?"

"Indeed, captain. I truly should like to avoid his company. It would only conjure unpleasant memories."

"But he is Vesta's godfather. You cannot expect him to shirk his duty."

"I fully expect him to shirk anything resembling duty." She laughed and then suggested. "Mayhap you can stand in for him?"

"It would be my great honor to do so, but meeting him again is an inevitability now that you are both in town."

"La! I think not, Captain. For your brother and I surely dwell in vastly different circles. His reputation for debauchery extends even as far as Yorkshire. But I suppose you are right." Diana sighed. "If he were to take it upon himself to call, it would be discourteous of me to turn him away, but I beg that you would do all possible to discourage him."

"And if you should otherwise meet?"

She gave a noncommittal smile. "Then I will deal with that eventuality as the occasion warrants."

"You are all that is gracious, my lady… and as lovely as I recall." He still hadn't released her hand. Diana felt heat tinge her face when he raised it unexpectedly to his mouth, brushing it softly with his lips. "Our past acquaintance was cut short by tragedy. I can only hope you will allow me to renew it."

He studied her for a long, questioning moment. Diana had seen that look before, but while Hew, even scarred, was a handsome man, his deep blue gaze seemed a pale imitation of his brother's. She hastily shook off the thoroughly unsettling image of Ludovic DeVere.

She retrieved her hand. "I thank you for calling, Captain. I am only sorry you did not have the opportunity to meet Vesta. She is a lovely girl."

"Then I shall call again at the first opportunity." Although he spoke in farewell, he hesitated, as if reluctant to depart. He opened his mouth to speak again but then Vesta appeared at the threshold.

"Ah, here is Vesta now!" said Diana, glad of the interruption. "Come forward, my sweet. We have a caller whom you must meet. This is Captain Hewett DeVere, brother to your godfather."

Vesta offered her hand and dipped into a graceful curtsey. Hew took her hand with a formal bow. "So you are little Vesta?"

"Lady Vesta, sir," she corrected with an effected hauteur. "I am now eighteen. Old enough for my come-out...old enough to wed."

Diana watched their exchange with a mixture of sympathy and bemusement. Although she desperately wanted to be regarded as a woman, Vesta was still so young, and awkward in her attempt to play the coquette. Of course she would be smitten by the captain, for even Diana was not unmoved by his dashing good looks and fine manners.

With charming good humor, Hew chucked Vesta under the chin. "And no doubt you will charm them all."

"I saw you this morning," Vesta blurted. "On the parade grounds at Hyde Park."

"Did you now?"

"Indeed, you...I mean your horses...they were magnificent."

"I am humbled by your encomium, Lady Vesta. Do you enjoy early morning rides?"

"Indeed, I do!" she said. "I go every day, rain or shine, when I am in Yorkshire."