The Virgin Huntress (The Devil DeVere #2)

The Virgin Huntress (The Devil DeVere #2)

Victoria Vane



CHAPTER ONE




Thornhill Park, Yorkshire, 1783

“I just can’t believe it!” Vesta wailed. “Papa just pops off to London one day and returns a sennight later with a wife? How could he? And without even consulting me! And that...that...hussy is barely older than I am!”

“Vesta, dearest, I quite understand how you feel after having been his only joy for so long, but it’s hardly the end of the world,” replied her godmother Diana. “You must not despise your father for remarrying. After all, he’s mourned your mother far longer than most men would have done. Besides, he’s still a young man and no doubt has renewed hope for an heir...especially given such a young bride.”

Vesta curled her lips in repugnance. “Is that why he’s wed her, do you suppose? Simply to sire an heir?”

“I don’t doubt that’s part of his reason.”

“But why must he act such a besotted fool over her?” Vesta asked, her eyes burning with welling tears. “Phoebe this and Phoebe that and my darling, sweet Phoebe. It’s enough to make me cast up my accounts!”

“I know, darling.” The elder woman soothed and stroked Vesta’s hair. “But by all indications, it does appear a love match.”

“But it means so very much change! She has already turned the entire household upside down.” Vesta noted with particular rancor her father’s abrupt change in habits, his late risings, early retirement, and his lessened enthusiasm for estate business. “Why did he go and do such an addlepated thing when we were so happy before?”

“I know, I know.” Diana closed her petite body in a warm, maternal embrace. “It must be terribly hard on you, my lamb, but you must at least try to be happy for your father’s sake.”

“But what about you, Aunt Di? I hadn’t even considered how greatly this alters your position. I just can’t bear it!” Vesta’s lips quivered. “Here, you have virtually run the household since Mama...” She broke off with a sniff. “I was certain that in time, Papa would ask you...” Vesta hiccupped.

Her Aunt Diana, in reality her godmother and second cousin, had been a surrogate mother to her for the past three years. She had also helped to run the household and frequently acted as hostess for her father. It only made sense that Papa would eventually wed her. “And now Papa no longer rides with me in the mornings because darling Phoebe doesn’t ride. Nor does he play backgammon before bed because we can’t play as three. He’s ruined it all!” She flung herself onto her bed to fully indulge her histrionics.

“And what about my come-out? Has he forgotten all about it?” Her body shuddered anew. Her father’s stated purpose in going to London a fortnight ago had been to secure a house for the upcoming season. Instead, he had returned with his own bride in tow after a mere three days acquaintance. Vesta was truly and tearfully bewildered why any man nearing forty years would do such a foolish thing as taking a young bride like that detestable Phoebe. The circumstance filled her with resentment and rage.

There was only one answer for it. After several more minutes of racking sobs, Vesta bolted upright. “I will just run away!” Vesta cried. “I hate her! I hate them both!”

Diana retrieved a lace-edged, linen handkerchief from her sleeve and patted Vesta’s tear-stained cheeks. “There there, dearest. Surely some better arrangement can be made. It is time for your introduction to society, and your father has already secured a house for the season. Perhaps you and I could go to London together? What would you think of that?”

“Do you really mean that, Aunt Di?” Vesta blew her nose loudly. “Just you and I?”

“Why not, dear lamb? I have not been to the capital in nearly five years. I would certainly relish the change in scenery after being buried in the country for so long. Imagine the shopping, the sights, and of course, there is much to do to prepare for your come-out.”

“It would all be such a pleasure, don’t you think?” Vesta said. “But, Papa? Would he ever allow it? I’ve never been farther than Leeds without him and never anywhere overnight.”

“Don’t worry about your father.” Diana stroked Vesta’s cheek. “I shall speak with him at once and convince him it’s the best solution for all.”

***

“Are you quite sure about this, Diana?” Sir Edward asked when she put forth the notion. “Vesta is a headstrong girl and may prove a greater responsibility than you wish.”

Although his sentiments were all well and proper, Diana couldn’t help thinking his demeanor suggested as much eagerness to remain in his love nest as Diana felt to escape it.

“I foresee no trouble with Vesta,” she said with confidence. “She and I have developed a very good understanding over the past three years. You know, she has become almost a daughter to me.” Or, better said, the daughter I almost had.

He studied her in a long moment of thoughtful consideration. “You aren’t really leaving because...” He looked flustered. “You see, I had hoped you and Phoebe...”

“Would become friends?” she finished with a forced smile. “But of course we shall!” When hell doth freeze over.

“I am so pleased,” he said. “You have been such an important part of our lives. I had feared...” He gave a helpless shrug.