Page 64 of To Dare the Devil

“Hart!” Kathy said, the temptation to hit her brother like she would have done when she was eight years old growing harder to ignore.

“No, love,” Max said, earning himself a sharp look from Papa at the endearment. “I mean, Miss de Beauvoir. It’s a fair question. I think, or at least I hope I am different, because I have learned how to see from another’s perspective. I spent some time with the man who saved my life after I was stabbed, living and working as he did in the Seven Dials. In part because my memory was shattered, but even after that, because I was too ashamed to return to my own life. I learned a great deal during those months. Burt Clump taught me it costs nothing to be kind, and that generosity—not just financial generosity, but a generosity of spirit—gives a man peace. I have tried drinking and losing myself in debauchery to quiet my demons, and nothing ever worked. But this does, and I don’t mean to go back. I’m happy for the first time in my life, and Miss de Beauvoir has played an enormous part in finding that happiness.”

He turned to smile at Kathy and her heart turned over at the adoration she saw in his eyes. She thought Mama had seen it too, for Kathy heard her give a wistful sigh.

“That’s all well and good, Vane,” Papa said, bringing them back down to earth with a bump. “But you’re a nobleman. An earl, no less. Kathy is worth ten times any woman you care to mention among the ton, but the rest of your kind won’t see it that way, because she was born in the workhouse. People can be cruel, as you know. Would you really submit her to that, all the sly comments and the snubs?”

Max frowned and Kathy felt a tremor of unease as he turned to look at her. “Your father makes a valid point, love. I’ve no particular desire to socialise on a grand scale, but the position comes with certain responsibilities and some things are inescapable. Would you be happy, do you think? I would protect you as far as I can, that goes without saying, but women can be cruel to each other too, and I won’t be able to stop them.”

Kathy snorted, rolling her eyes. “Everyone knows my background and I’ve survived this long. The season is akin to swimming in shark-infested waters. I’m no shrinking violet and, if I can manage a lot of unruly builders, I think a few catty comments will not bring me to my knees. Besides, I’ll be the Countess of Vane, and if they’re too horrid I shall be a terrible snob myself and remind them of that fact.”

She put her nose in the air and adopted a snooty expression with the express intention of making him laugh, for he looked so worried and serious.

It worked, and he grinned at her. “You are a marvel. I do believe you’ll have the ton eating out of your hand in no time at all.”

Papa grunted, exchanging a glance with Mama. “She would, I swear,” he agreed, amusement in his voice.

“You’re not thinking of agreeing to this nonsense?” Hart demanded, incensed.

Her father regarded her for a long moment and went to sit on the edge of his desk.

“Looking at this logically,” he said. “If I do not agree, Kathy will make our lives hell on earth until we give in, or she runs out of patience and forces Vane to elope with her.”

Kathy smothered a giggle as her father sent her a wry smile before turning to Mama.

“Minerva, my dear. You’re the only one with any sense around here. What do you think?”

Mama looked back at Max. “You love her?”

Max nodded. “With all my heart. I won’t let her down, or you, if you give me this chance. I cannot change my past. What is done I cannot undo, and I cannot promise that… that things will not emerge in the future that will make you think ill of me, but I promise you I will devote my future to your daughter’s happiness, to being worthy of her. She makes me a better man, Mrs de Beauvoir.”

Mama smiled, and Kathy felt the tension in her shoulders ease.

Max looked a little uneasy as her mother stood close to him, forcing him to meet her eyes as she studied him closely. “He reminds me of you, Inigo,” she said after a long moment. “He needs looking after.”

Her father snorted. “That’s it, Lord Vane, you’re done for now. Once Minerva has decided you need looking after, there’s no escape.”

“Oh, Papa! Thank you, thank you!” Kathy cried and flung herself into her father’s arms.

“I don’t believe I gave my consent just yet, my love,” Papa said gently.

“Oh, but—”

Papa silenced her by putting a finger to her lips.

“I think your mother and I would appreciate a few words in private with his lordship.”

Kathy turned back to look at Max, who nodded, giving her a small smile. “Very well, then,” she said reluctantly, before lowering her voice. “But don’t be too hard on him, Papa. I’m not a fool and he isn’t the spoilt boy he once was. Please give him a chance.”

“And if I get it wrong, and my beloved daughter is married to a man that makes her unhappy?” he asked, his eyes implacable, though his words were kind.

“He won’t,” Kathy said, putting her heart and soul into the words, hoping he could hear the belief she had in Max.

“We shall see,” Papa replied.

Kathy sighed and went to Max, squeezing his fingers in silent encouragement before heading to the door. “Come along, Hart,” she said, gesturing for her brother to leave.

Max did not need him here stirring up trouble.