The Virgin Huntress (The Devil DeVere #2)(12)

“It’s simple, really. If Diana cannot be sent home, then Captain Hew must be taken away from her. It’s the only way as I see it. And it’s purely for his own good.”

“Then you have only my brother’s best interests at heart?”

“Of course I do, godfather!”

“And that would be...”

“Because I love him.”

He turned his head sharply in her direction.”You are in love with Hew?”

“Madly. Desperately. Passionately.”

“Does my brother know of his good fortune?” he asked. “Moreover, does he share your sentiments, Lady Vesta?”

“But how can he when he is blinded by her?” Her voice quivered. “He hasn’t even had a chance to look in my direction.”

“So in truth, you seek only to enlighten him of the treasure that lies under his very nose?”

“Yes! Do you not see that this is the only way?”

“But of course I see, my pet.”

“Then you will help me?” Vesta asked with the same wide-eyed look that always worked with Papa. She was unsure how to read the twitch of her godfather’s mouth until he turned a brilliant smile upon her.

“My dear, should I search the world over, I can’t imagine finding a more perfect match for my revoltingly straitlaced brother, Hew. Moreover, I have considerable—some would even say nearly infinite—resources, all of which I am willing to unwaveringly place at your disposal.”

“You would? How positively lovely of you!” Vesta cried, throwing her arms about his neck with a kiss on the cheek. “Papa said he could always count on you in a pinch! I am so happy he was right!”

***

“I can’t imagine where she could have gone.” Diana worried her lower lip. “We’ve searched the park and the local shops.”

“It surprises me she should have ventured out alone, but I can’t imagine she has gone far,” Hew said. “She struck me as such a timid child.”

Diana regarded him with an incredulous look and then laughed outright. “Vesta? Timid? I fear you are sadly mistaken in your impression, captain. Vesta is a willful, highly spirited, and intrepid girl who has been accustomed to running wild since her mother’s passing.”

Hew frowned. “The child wants for discipline.”

“Her father indulges her every whim, and yet I am as much to blame. It is all we can do to keep a rein on her.”

“Yet you chose to conduct such an ungovernable hoyden to London?”

“There were circumstances, changes that made things vastly uncomfortable for her.”

The exchange was interrupted by the butler’s appearance. He gave Diana an apologetic look. “Beg pardon, madam, but a message is arrived from Lord DeVere’s running footman.”

“From Lord DeVere?” Diana accepted the missive with a look of surprise. Hew noted the slight tremble of her hands as she broke the seal. He strode to her side as she scanned the contents and then collapsed in a chair. “Thank God! She is safe!”

“She is with my brother?”

“Yes. He has taken her for a drive.”

“Then you know Vesta is safe.”

In only seconds, Hew saw fury replace her relief. “That is small consolation considering the company she is in. Mighty high-handed of him, don’t you think? To have absconded with the girl without so much as a by your leave!”

“Yet he shows you considerable favor in having sent the dispatch.” Hew gave a wry smile. “For my brother generally answers to no one.”

“He is an abominable man!” Diana said with a scowl.

“Inarguably.” Hew chuckled. “My lady,” he began, suddenly sober. “You were speaking only a moment ago of your reasons for coming to London. Am I to suppose it was due in part to Ned’s remarriage?”

“Yes. Vesta is vastly displeased about it. One can hardly blame her for being unsettled, given the suddenness of it.”

“I pray you would indulge my impertinence, but might I assume the marriage made you uncomfortable as well?”

“Perhaps,” Diana answered evasively.

“You have feelings for Ned?”

“Only of a platonic nature,” she said. “I have known Edward for half my life. He is a good and kind man. I think sometimes had he asked, I might have been persuaded to assume a legitimate, rather than surrogate role as Vesta’s mother, but now there is no longer a need. She is grown.”

“But what of yourself? Do you not desire security?”

“What woman does not?” She laughed. “Yet, I have a home for as long as I wish and an income sufficient to my modest needs.”

“What of companionship?” he asked.

“I have had that with Edward and Vesta.”

“And affection?”

Diana briefly met his inquiring gaze and turned away. “Surely every woman desires all those things, Hew, but they are not always to be.”

“I shan’t hedge any longer,” he said with growing impatience. “You must know I wish to pay my address to you, Diana. I can offer you security, my affection, and utmost fidelity.”

“Priceless gems,” she answered with a sad smile. “But do you not seek passion in a marriage?”