A Wild Night's Bride (The Devil DeVere #1)(36)

“DeVere? Viscount DeVere?” Diana couldn’t help the twitch of distaste his name brought to her lips. It had been five years since she’d last seen him, and never would be too soon for her to encounter him again. “I assure you we shall need nothing from him. Indeed, I fear even the remotest association with that wastrel might bar Vesta from the better drawing rooms.” It was a plausible excuse and the one she would stand by.

Edward frowned. “Don’t you think that a bit harsh, Di? He is Vesta’s godfather, after all.”

She laughed. “I only wonder what my dear cousin Annalee was thinking to have ever allowed such a thing!”

His frown deepened to a full-blown scowl.

“Oh, don’t look so thunderous, Edward! I know he is your friend, but you know as well as I that his reputation is the lowest, and he revels in it. Vesta may be his godchild, but the less made of it the better.”

“You shouldn’t believe everything you hear about him.”

“Lackaday! I only need believe half of it to be reviled. Besides, I do not base my opinions purely on hearsay. I have had sufficient dealings of my own with the man to have his full measure.” She almost bit her tongue on her poor choice of words. His full measure, indeed. The remembrance of it still shook her five years later.

“Surely you don’t still hold him to blame for— “For Reginald? Not completely.” Diana strolled to the window and gazed out at the vast expanse of park. She sighed long and deep. She chose her next words carefully in the knowledge that the truth of her past connection with the viscount would never be revealed. DeVere had, at least, promised her that much. “We both know Reginald had long made a habit of going for wool and coming home shorn. DeVere was merely the devil’s agent who accomplished the inevitable. Still, one cannot touch...excrement.” She looked to Ned with a meaningful curve of her lips. “And not be defiled. I’d much rather avoid any contact with DeVere.”

“Regardless of your low opinion of him, I would be remiss beyond redemption to allow two women alone in London without benefit of male protection. I would entrust my own life to DeVere and will notify him of your arrival.”

“But—” She spun around, but his darkening look squelched further protest.

“If you wish Vesta to accompany you, I won’t hear another word.”

Though she felt like she was sucking on a lemon, she forced a smile. “Very well. I see I have no choice. If in need, I will call upon DeVere.”

When pigs take flight...