Page 66 of To Dare the Devil

“Oh, Inigo,” Mrs de Beauvoir said with a sigh. “I believe him.”

She turned to her husband, who was still looking deeply unhappy. Mr de Beauvoir got up and moved towards Max, who stood too, uncertain whether the man was going to break his nose or shake his hand.

“Listen to me, Lord Vane,” he said, his voice dark and threatening.

“Max,” Max croaked. “Call me Max.”

“Hmph. Well, Max, if you ever give me cause to regret this decision, I will come for you. I’m a scientist, you know, and I can make a body disappear, bones and all. No one would ever know. You have a think about that.”

“Oh, Inigo!” Mrs de Beauvoir bustled over and sent her husband a look of fond exasperation before turning to Max. “Welcome to the family, my dear. I only hope you don’t live to regret the association.”

Max gave a startled laugh, disbelieving. “I never shall, but… but you mean it? I have your blessing?”

“You do. Doesn’t he, Inigo?” she said, elbowing her husband.

Mr de Beauvoir grunted, a noncommittal sound but one that Max was only too happy to take as acceptance.

“Thank you,” he said, his heart thudding erratically in his chest. “I won’t let you down.”

“See that you don’t,” Mr de Beauvoir said gruffly, and held out his hand.

26th June 1842, Vane Hall, Chiswick, London.

They were married a week later at Vane Hall. It was to be a quiet affair, which they all agreed was for the best. Max had no close family he wished to invite, but the staff were all welcomed to attend the ceremony in the family chapel, and Max had ensured they would have their own celebration below stairs, too.

Stuck for a choice of best man, Max had taken a chance and gone to see Louis César. He’d only just returned from Scotland but had seemed touched by Max’s request and had happily agreed. At this moment, Max was relieved he had. The Frenchman’s calm presence was a balm to his jittery nerves as he stood waiting for his bride.

Mr Franklin had evaded capture, a fact which was disturbing, but Max had put security in place now, both for him and Kathy, to ensure the man would not get near them again. Now Franklin’s words about another Frenchman being obsessed with Louis came back to him, and Max resolved to mention it to him… but not now. Today was for celebrating, for marking a new beginning in his life, one he did not deserve, but that he intended to do all in his power to come as close to deserving as possible.

“Et la voici,” Louis murmured, smiling at Max and gesturing to the aisle.

Max turned, his heart leaping into his throat as he saw the most beautiful sight he’d ever laid eyes on, dressed in ivory silk. His chest felt tight, pride and love and too many emotions fighting for predominance.

“I’m not worthy of this,” he whispered, his voice rough. “I don’t think I ever will be.”

The Frenchman returned an understanding smile and shrugged. “Mais non. Of course not. None of us are, mon ami. But we must turn our backs on the past and do the best we can. And remember, those of us who have survived the worst of human nature, and the worst of ourselves, know just how fortunate we are. A better man may never appreciate the gift of such a woman as we can.”

Max let out a breath, wondering who the woman was the Louis did not deserve.

“Yes. Thank you, Louis. You’ve eased my mind, and I wish you all the best too, whoever the lady is.”

Louis inclined his head, accepting his good wishes. “Merci, my friend, and you are welcome.”

Max’s heart leapt as the little chapel fell silent, and Kathy took her father’s arm and walked down the aisle.

Kathy stared at Max as he raised his hand to wave goodbye to her parents as their carriage pulled away from Vane Hall. Hart was with them, his distrust of Max obvious, though he had grudgingly accepted this was Kathy’s decision to make and held his tongue. As a peace offering to her, he had provided her bouquet. White roses for purity, peonies for compassion and a happy marriage, and orange blossom for eternal love and faithfulness. Kathy had cried when she’d seen it and her brother had hugged her, enfolding her in his bearlike embrace.

“If he hurts you, I’ll kill him,” he said simply, before kissing the top of her head and walking away to join her mother in the chapel.

And now she stood beside her husband, on the steps of Vane Hall, as the last of their wedding guests finally left. They were alone. Well, apart from about fifty servants, but she supposed she would get used to that. Besides, they were all celebrating below stairs and the upper house was empty.

“Your father looked like he might burst with pride when he walked you down the aisle,” Max said, sliding an arm about her waist as the carriage turned the corner and out of sight.

Kathy nodded. “I know. He’s such a darling man. I could not have asked for a more wonderful father. And Mama,” she sighed, smiling. “Mama is quite taken with you, I think.”

“She’s been so generous, welcoming me as she has. Even your father looked less like he wanted to murder me today.”

“You’ve made me a countess. I’m wealthy, my future secure, and he thinks I’m more than capable of handling you,” she added dryly.