“My thanks, gentlemen, and you in particular, Heathgate. I wasn’t expecting you, but you have hidden thespian tendencies.”
“Wilton is an ass,” Heathgate spat. “Are you sure you want to marry into that family?”
“Leah likely isn’t related to him,” Nick said, “but yes, I am sure, though I wish I could see the expression on dear Papa-in-law’s face as we speak.”
“He should be leafing through those IOUs by now,” Val mused.
“Those are negotiable instruments,” Nick said. “Ask any barrister, and because half of those IOUs are Wilton’s personal markers, and the other half Hellerington’s, I don’t see how the man can make a fuss.”
“Not accepting his own vowels in payment for a debt?” Heathgate smirked. “That would be a novel way to impugn one’s own character.”
“Are you ready for the wedding?” Val asked.
“Now that Heathgate has agreed to dragoon the doting papa,” Nick said, “I believe I am. Leah and I will be well and truly wed with a half-dozen titles on hand to make the thing proper and unassailably binding.”
Heathgate treated Nick to an assessing glance. “You sound pleased about that. Is this your friend?” He gestured toward the bold, dirty little duck waddling over to investigate Nick’s boots.
“My friend. He chaperoned some enjoyable encounters with my future countess.” Nick tossed a shower of crumbs to the duck. “I hope you both know how much I appreciate your assistance today.”
“I don’t mind in the least assisting,” Heathgate said, “but I am off to other appointments and will see you both tomorrow.”
“You’re going to go through with this wedding,” Val said when Heathgate was out of earshot. “It’s happening rather quickly, Nicholas. Are you sure this is the best course?”
“Brave of you,” Nick mused as they took the path circling the pond. “Trying to talk me out of this at the eleventh hour.”
“So you have an hour to reconsider,” Val said. “Leah can be kept safe simply by an engagement.”
“She can be kept safer by a marriage,” Nick retorted. “Much safer.”
“From her father, but what about from you?”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Nick resisted the urge to stop dead on the walkway, grab Val by his brave, well-intended lapels, and heave him into the pond.
“You are the terror of the demimonde, Nick,” Val said gently. “At least by reputation, though I know not all the talk can be true.”
“Leah knows what my reputation is, and she has accepted my terms.”
“For now, she likely has, but what about five years from now?”
“What is your point, Valentine?”
“You have the capacity to hurt her badly, Nicholas, and it will be unfortunate, when—not if—that happens. But Leah strikes me as a resilient woman, as most females tend to be, so that leaves me with you to worry about.”
“Whatever are you prosing on about?”
“I am your friend,” Val said, his gaze traveling around the lovely spring landscape. “As a friend, I am telling you that when you break her heart, it’s you who will suffer the worst.”
“I’ll suffer guilt. I’m prepared for that. Guilt and I are old acquaintances. You can’t cut the swath I’ve cut without having some regrets, Val.”
The mother of all understatements, that.
“I’m not talking about guilt, Nick.” Val’s smile was pained. “I am talking about having your very large and tender heart broken.”
Val sauntered off, leaving Nick to realize his scrappy little friend was honking indignantly around his boots, demanding even the crumbs remaining in Nick’s pocket.
***
“Greetings, ladies.” Nick walked through the parlor door, looking relaxed and pleased with himself. He kissed Della’s cheek, then surprised the stuffing out of Leah by stealing a quick kiss on the lips from her.
“Shame on me.” Nick smiled down at her. “But forgive me too, for I have irresistible provocation in the person of my bride. Grandmama, if you would excuse us, there are matters relating to Leah’s family I would like to discuss with her.”
Della wagged a finger at him. “You want to kiss her again, young man. Don’t think you’ll be fooling me when you do.”
“Of course I want to kiss her again, just for starters, but if you don’t trust me, you can leave the door open.”
“As if the threat of discovery would slow you down,” Della huffed, letting Nick draw her to her feet. When she swept from the room, he settled beside Leah and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
“You are bearing up?” he asked, his gaze traveling over her profile.
“Della is good company and very generous. She truly loves you,