Chapter Eighteen

It was many a merry time in Boston. Thanksgiving was fast approaching, the only holiday which many Americans could claim as their own, even the haughtiest of Bostonians. Each day turned as the overcoats and warm muffs and gloves came into place. As the season grew more exciting and the ladies dressed in their finest.

The snow covered Boston gently, like a clean, pure white blanket. On the surface, nothing seemed to really change. There were still the merry balls, the new fashions and hairdos, the new debutantes and the new gentlemen. Babies were born and children grew. Some of old members of the Guard passed away as silently as they came.

However, there were changes. Changes that really were inevitable. Friendships were not kept with the same intensity, especially Victoria's and Sarah's.

Sarah's wedding date was to arrive in less than a year. Her parents were proud of her for making such a splendid match. She was happy herself; she loved Gerard very much. Outwardly, she still had the same, serene expression, although her eyes now shined with love and she seemed to have grown even prettier. But something was missing from her happiness, and always being truthful with herself, she acknowledged this.

Sarah knew who it was, but she sighed and went on. The circumstances prevented her from speaking. Sarah, as honest as she was, knew why Victoria had grown distant. But she could not fight the person, because the person had left in body. Besides, it was not Vernon. It was Serena.

Victoria hurried up the stairs as she entered the Simmons' home. She knocked on Sarah's door before entering, her eyes glowing and her cheeks a brilliant pink, having just come in from the cold.

Sarah rose from her chair and embraced her friend with much warmth. She took Victoria's wraps and placed them on her bed. Smiling, she kissed Victoria on the cheek and motioned for her to sit down. She herself sat down in a chair across from Victoria.

"I haven't seen you for ages," Sarah scolded, hugging Victoria again.

Victoria returned the embrace and laughed gaily. She was the first one to pull away. "Oh, Sarah, I've missed you dreadfully. You've missed so much not being in Boston the last few months. But I suppose duty calls."

Sarah smiled warmheartedly. "Yes. Gerard had to go New York to see his parents, and papa and mama suggested that I go with him -- "

"Alone?" Victoria asked teasingly.

Sarah looked positively shocked before turning pink. She burst into laughter. "Not alone, silly. I went with my spinster cousin, of course. As usual, I had a boring train ride. Cousin Stella is not good at conversing."

Victoria nodded sympathetically, pressing Sarah's hand lightly. "How is Gerard? I heard he has not returned yet."

Sarah shook her head, but smiled at the thought of Gerard. "Gerard is fine, and he sends you his love. He will be back in time for the Thanksgiving ball that your ladyship is giving. I had to return early because mama told me my ball gown was ready, and she wanted to make the necessary adjustments."

Victoria studied her friend and nodded. Sarah was wearing her hair in a new way that made her seem older... more mature... more distant. "That's a new hairstyle, isn't it?" Victoria asked softly.

Sarah's hand went up to pat her hair. "This? Oh, well, Maman -- that's what I call Gerard's mother -- thought I would look nicer with my hair styled like this." She looked anxious. "Does it look all right? I was so sure it looked fine in New York, but now that you mention it -- "

Victoria shook her head, silencing Sarah. "No, no, it looks wonderful," she interrupted a bit forcefully. "You just seem different, that's all."

Sarah raised an eyebrow and laughed. "Nonsense, Victoria. I'm the same person. Perhaps I am so much happier, but I will always have time for you and our chats. I don't think I would ever want to give that up."

Victoria nodded, a lump forming in her throat. Some time ago, there would never have been a need for such assurances...

"... and how is Vernon?" Sarah asked, interrupting Victoria's thoughts.

Victoria looked up absently. "Vernon? Oh, he's fine. Perhaps a bit tired after all those examinations, but otherwise he is well."

"How are your studies?" Sarah asked in genuine concern and curiosity. "I heard you're graduating earlier than expected."

"Yes, I am," Victoria said proudly, forgetting about her earlier grievances. "Father is so... thrilled, and so is everyone else."

"And your mother?" Sarah asked softly.

Victoria shrugged uncomfortably. "Mother? I'm not sure mother really cares, Sarah. She never thought I needed an education in the first place. However," she said firmly, her face brightening. "I have some wonderful news to tell you, and it has made me realize how old we're becoming."

Sarah held up her hands, shaking her head. "I am not old, Victoria. I am only seventeen."

Victoria laughed. "Yes, that's true. But you remember Serena, don't you?"

Sarah's lips closed as she looked at Victoria blankly. "Yes, who could forget Serena?" she asked with a forced lightness.

Victoria nodded, unaware of her friend's sudden lack of color and expression. "Well, Serena... she's with child, Sarah," she said excitedly. "Can you imagine that, Sarah? Serena, my dear old cousin Serena, is going to become a mother in six months! I think it's positively -- "

"I'm flabbergasted," Sarah interrupted, looking at her friend with a sad smile. "Did you come here to tell me that, Victoria?"

Victoria nodded, surprised by Sarah's lack of sentiment. "Why, Sarah, I thought you would pleased to know that," she said in surprise. "I thought -- "

"I am pleased," Sarah said firmly, wondering where on earth a spurt of jealousy was coming from. She glanced at her hands. "Is she coming home?"

Victoria shook her head in sorrow. "No. She's returning to New York. Aunt Grace was... somewhat disappointed not to see her daughter, but she's so glad she is going to becoming a grandmother, Sarah. Oh, Sarah, I'm going to become an aunt," she exclaimed, forgetting about her friend's recent lack of emotion at the announcement. She threw her arms around Sarah, hugging her fiercely. Sarah was limp in Victoria's arms.

Victoria watched Brian as he chatted brightly with his nurse. She sat in a corner, smiling lovingly at her nephew. Her only nephew. However, that was soon to change if Serena gave birth...

Victoria shivered as she turned her eyes towards the warmth of the fireplace. When would she have a child of her own? she wondered. Yes, she was engaged, but she was not going to get married until she was nineteen or twenty. If mother ever gets around to wedding preparations, she thought wryly.

The knitting laid in her lap, unfinished. Victoria sighed softly, shaking her head. Even if she were to marry Vernon and have children... he would never love her, although she would love him... and the children...

"Of course, the children must never know," Victoria thought aloud to herself.

"The children must never know what, Lady Brown?" Brian's nanny asked, looking up expectantly.

Victoria turned, startled. Did she just say something aloud? "No, nothing," she objected feebly. "I was just thinking, Nana."

Nana clucked her tongue gently. "Too much thinkin' isn't good for the soul, Lady Brown."

Victoria smiled feebly and turned her attention to Brian. "I remember Teddy's telling me that he would not bring Brian over till he married a suitable woman," she remarked, starting to knit again.

Nana sighed. "It isn't easy findin' a wife and a new mother for Brian. Very few young ladies want to marry a taint'd widower, Lady Brown."

"But Teddy isn't tainted," Victoria objected, laughing. "He didn't do anything wrong."

Nana shook her head, looking at Victoria's eyes. "It wasn't Mr. Wilson's fault, Lady Brown. But marrying a betrothed lady isn't a good idea."

"Amanda broke off her engagement before she married Teddy, Nana," Victoria answered quietly. "There was no reason for a scandal to brew."

Nana looked defeated and tired. "I dunno, Lady Brown. I wish I could tell you more, but I think that his earlship's lack of approval caused the scandal. I dunno."

Victoria did not listen to Nana; she had returned her gaze to the fireplace, her eyebrows meeting as she frowned. She laid one hand on the armrest of the armchair, disturbed. She turned her head slowly to glance at Brian, who was happily playing with his toys. A wondering and thoughtful expression entered her eyes.

"But, father, this is ridiculous," Victoria objected vehemently. She abruptly turned her face away, angry at her father's intractable position.

Father and daughter were seated in the study, sipping their evening tea. Unbeknownst to Gilbert, the main topic of their conversation had somehow turned into an argument about Theodore. He knew that Victoria spent her afternoons looking after Brian, but as far as he knew, he thought Theodore had not been home. Maybe he had been wrong.

"What is so ridiculous about my not wanting to have close relations with Teddy?" Gilbert demanded angrily. "And why on earth would I want to bestow my approval on Teddy of all people?"

"Because he is the father of your only grandson," Victoria pleaded, literally sitting on her knees in front of her father. "Because if you don't, Brian will never have a good mother."

Gilbert narrowed his eyes. "Where did you hear this, Victoria? What are you talking about?"

Victoria looked away, keeping her hands in her lap. "Nana, Brian's nanny, spoke to me about this. She told me that the earl's lack of approval made it impossible for Teddy to marry anyone decent." She turned to her father and met his eyes. "Why must you do this, papa? Amanda has been dead for the past four years, father. Everyone has forgotten about Amanda's scandalous behavior. They all blame Teddy -- "

Gilbert rose from his seat and walked steadily towards the fireplace. Victoria turned to watch her father. "Father?" she whispered softly.

Gilbert held his back to Victoria as he spoke, this time in much quieter tones. "I never knew how your sister could have come about from a lady as well-bred as your mother," he remarked. He shook his head. "From the day your sister was born, I knew that our family would be disgraced by her. Of course, your mother knew nothing of my thoughts, and she loved her very much." He glanced briefly at his daughter over his shoulder. "Now that you are seventeen, I thought you might like to know -- "

Victoria interrupted her father quietly. "Please, father, there is no need."

Gilbert nodded. "Your mother was blind to all of Amanda's faults. She could not understand why all her other children could not get along with her. She coddled her, protected her when obviously Amanda did not need any of those things. Then when you were born..." he paused before continuing, "things became even worse. I remember seeing Amanda's eyes when I told our family that everyone had a new baby sister." He smiled sadly at the recollection. "All your brothers were thrilled, especially Ken, who had always begged for a younger sister to dote on, Victoria. But Amanda... she had daggers in her eyes. She knew what a younger sister would mean... even at the age of four."

Gilbert sighed tiredly and rubbed his forehead. Victoria looked up, her expression concerned. He continued. "I doubt I need to tell you anymore, Victoria. You know the rest."

"Can you not say something in Teddy's favor?" Victoria asked imploringly. "Think of it for Brian's sake."

Gilbert pressed his lips tightly together. "I already did, Victoria," he answered softly. "Right after Amanda was married to him. Of course, gossip being what it was -- "

"No one bothered to acknowledge it," Victoria finished softly. She raised her eyes. "No one would bother to acknowledge it now, either, would he, father?"

Gilbert shook his head mutely. "No, I'm afraid not," he said apologetically with a smile. He held out a hand to his daughter, who accepted. "I'm afraid not," he repeated without hope.

Guenevere pressed a light hand on her husband's shoulder, causing Gilbert to look up at his wife and smile. Guenevere kept her hand on her husband's shoulder and seated herself in a chair next to Gilbert's. Gilbert placed his hand over Guenevere's and lifted it from his shoulder to kiss it lightly.

"You were in deep thought?" Guenevere inquired, smiling.

Gilbert nodded, keeping his hand over Guenevere's. "Yes. I had a brief talk with Victoria today."

Guenevere's hand stiffened, although the expression on her face did not change. "And? What was it about?"

Gilbert turned to look at his wife. "It was about Teddy."

Guenevere gasped sharply, but Gilbert shook his head. "No, no, dear, Teddy has not proposed to Victoria. No,

Victoria wanted to know why Teddy could not marry again."

"Did Teddy give her a reason?" Guenevere asked quietly. She pulled her hand away from Gilbert and put her hands in her lap.

Gilbert smiled wryly. "She did not hear anything from Teddy. It seems that Brian's nurse told Victoria of his situation."

"Well, the solution seems simple enough," Guenevere said with a forced calm. "You can give out a notice stating your approval -- "

Gilbert rose from his chair and placed both of his hands on Guenevere's shoulders. "Guen, do you remember what I did right after Amanda and Teddy were married?"

Guenevere glanced down at the floor, nodding. "Yes."

"Did it work?" Gilbert asked softly, leaning down to place his mouth next to her ear.

Guenevere shook her head. "No."

"Do you think it will work now?" Gilbert asked softly again.

Guenevere turned to look at her husband. "People will think you are trying to marry Victoria off to Teddy," she said slowly, as if something dawned on her.

"Exactly," Gilbert agreed, squeezing Guenevere's shoulders gently. "And the gossip would not be pleasant, Guen."

"No, gossip is never pleasant," Guenevere said in resignation. "But Teddy has to get married, Gilbert. Brian needs a mother and -- "

Gilbert sighed, pushing one hand through his hair. "Yes, I know the situation quite well, darling. But I sometimes wonder if Teddy is ruining his own image -- "

Guenevere looked horrified. "Gilbert, why would Teddy do that?" she interrupted. "It makes no sense. I do wonder where you get such ridiculous ideas, Gil."

Gilbert hid a smile. He knew that his wife secretly harbored the hope that Teddy would never remarry, although she said otherwise. But that was an impossible proposition for a young widower who had a toddler son on his hands. Of course, he needed a wife and mother, especially a young creature who would tend to Brian and bear more children. Pressing a light kiss on her head, he said calmly, "Of course, Guenevere, that is a ridiculous idea."

Victoria walked down the stairs on her father's arm. Grace looked up, smiling serenely. She placed her hand gently over Guenevere's arm, urging her to look at her daughter. Guenevere ignored Grace's hand and intentionally looked away.

Victoria paused at the bottom of the stairs to hug her aunt warmly. "Oh, Aunt Grace, I cannot thank you enough for this ballgown," she remarked, smiling.

Grace pulled away slightly and examined Victoria closely. All she saw was a beautiful golden-haired young lady dressed in an ice blue silk-satin gown. Her hair had been put up elegantly and her blue-green eyes were sparkling as she smiled at the cozy circle around her.

"When is Vernon coming to pick you up?" Gilbert asked, patting his daughter's hands.

Victoria laughed gaily and glanced at the grandfather clock. "In about five minutes, father," she answered. Noticing her father's concerned glance at the clock, she smiled wryly. "Father, Vernon is never late."

Grace smiled. "I can attest to that, Gilbert. For that boy, punctuality is his middle name." She turned to Victoria. "I do not think I have seen anyone more lovely than you are this present minute, Victoria." She pressed a kiss on both cheeks.

Victoria hugged her aunt again. "Thank you, Aunt Grace." She frowned. "But Aunt Grace, why can't you come? There will be such chatter at the ball now. You have not missed one since you immigrated to the States, Aunt Grace. Are you really that ill?"

Grace smiled reassuringly. "No, no. I just have a bad head cold, darling. Now enough of this ridiculous nonsense about my not going. I want you to have a splendid time."

Leaning closer to her aunt, Victoria whispered, "Is it Serena?" she whispered sympathetically. "If it is, then I understand. I miss her terribly too, and I had thought we were going to see her at Thanksgiving."

Grace glanced at her niece, startled by her perception. Forcing a laugh, she nodded and embraced her niece again. "Yes, you could say it is Serena. I do not have the heart to go, and this cold is a good excuse," she whispered softly.

Guenevere gazed at the exchange between her daughter and her younger sister sharply. Gilbert comfortingly placed an arm around Guenevere's waist, smiling dryly. Guenevere pressed her lips tightly together and kept her head down.

Stern cleared his throat. "His dukeship is here, Mrs. Watson."

Grace released Victoria from her embrace, turned around and nodded. "Send him in, Stern." She held Victoria's hands, smiling affectionately. "I know that this particular lady has been waiting for him eagerly."

Stern nodded and motioned for Vernon to enter the main hallway. Vernon, attired elegantly in his black evening suit and blue waistcoat, handed Stern his top hat and gloves. He shook hands cordially with Gilbert, Guenevere, and Grace before extending his hand to Victoria. Instead of hugging Vernon in her customary fashion, Victoria coolly accepted the hand also. Vernon raised an eyebrow in surprise, but was unable to make a comment.

"So when will we be able to announce the engagement?" Guenevere asked rather briskly.

Vernon glanced at his fiancee, who had her eyes demurely averted to the floor. No help from her. "Well, it is Victoria's choice. She did not want to announce the engagement until... the circumstances were fitting."

"What is wrong with the situation right now?" Gilbert asked his daughter, trying to discern his daughter's feelings.

Victoria looked up at her father, smiling briefly. "Nothing, father. But... will you please allow me to decide?"

"What are you planning to do? Elope?" Gilbert demanded in mock sternness. Eyeing Victoria's horrified expression, he chuckled and leaned over to give his daughter a light kiss on the cheek. "Your mother and I will see you a bit later at the ball. I hear Adelaide Byons is trying something new at the ball. I should like to see it," he remarked to no one in particular.

Vernon nodded and bowed. "Then I will see you in about half an hour, sir?"

Gilbert nodded, smiling fondly at Vernon. "Will do, lad. Now off you two lovebirds. I am not going to be a meddling father, you know," he said firmly, gesturing for Stern to escort Vernon and Victoria out of the main hallway.

Victoria impulsively pulled away from Vernon and ran to her father. Gilbert paused, looking down at his daughter. Now... she wasn't his little girl anymore... she wasn't his... Victoria stared at her father and suddenly threw her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes. How she had missed him.

There were whispers in the ballroom as Vernon entered with Victoria on his arm. Vernon glanced around the ballroom and stiffened when he saw that Theodore was present. Victoria, who had been greeting the other guests at the ball, was aware that the muscles in Vernon's arm had unexpectedly grown taut.

"Vernon, is something wrong?" Victoria asked softly, leaning over.

Vernon felt Victoria's breath on his ear. He shook his head. "No, no, Victoria. Everything is fine."

Victoria glanced around the ballroom, determined to find out the source of Vernon's discomfort; her eyes widened imperceptibly as she recognized Theodore. As they continued to walk through the ballroom, greeting more guests, she leaned over again and whispered, "I did not know your aunt invited Teddy."

Vernon glanced sharply at Victoria. "Would you like to join him?" he asked quietly.

Victoria shook her head, smiling. "Vernon, where do you get such ridiculous ideas? I am not interested in Teddy. You are my only interest, and don't you dare forget it," she teased.

Vernon smiled crookedly in an effort to seem nonchalant. "I appreciate that."

"Good," Victoria whispered, squeezing Vernon's arm affectionately. She pulled away from Vernon and curtsied deeply. Observing Vernon's surprise, she smiled impishly and inquired, "But Vernon, have your forgotten that your name is the first one on my card?"

Theodore sipped his champagne, smiling sardonically at the various guests. Why did he come here? He did not like Adelaide Byons nor did she like him with good reason, of course. But of course, Adelaide Byons wanted to seem like the epitome of charm and graciousness. Hence, she had invited Theodore. He took another sip of his champagne. Lovely, here was Adelaide now.

Adelaide smiled charmingly. "Why Mr. Wilson, you are here after all. When I realized that you accepted my invitation, I was somewhat surprised."

Theodore had the rim of his champagne glass to his lips and raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Could it be because I am Amanda's widower?"

Adelaide looked somewhat astonished at the lack of tact in his remark, but quickly giggled, if an old lady laughing as Adelaide did can be called giggling. "Why Mr. Wilson, I am not offending you. It is just that you rarely go to any parties that I remarked upon it." She tapped his arm lightly with her fan and fluttered her eyelashes. "You haven't danced once this evening, and I am requiring every young male guest to dance with a young lady." She lifted her arms and curtsied. "Shall we?"

Theodore reluctantly followed Adelaide to the dance floor and started dancing with her. Adelaide closed her fan and tucked it in the side of her evening gown. Looking absolutely friendly and guileless, she asked coyly, "What do you think of this part of Boston?"

"Charming," Theodore answered blandly, wondering when the music would end.

Adelaide raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "Oh? Do you really think Boston is that simple, Mr. Wilson?"

Theodore glanced at Adelaide's face. "I never said it was simple, your ladyship. I merely said I thought it was a charming city."

Adelaide wrinkled her nose in disdain. "Venice and Paris can be called charming, because they are such old cities with such history. But Boston, I will remind you, is still a young city. I do think that charming is an inappropriate word to use."

Theodore smiled faintly. "Have you any words to describe Boston then, your ladyship?"

Adelaide nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Brilliant. Splendid. Tasteful."

Theodore nodded more out of courtesy than out of agreement. "If you say so, your ladyship."

Adelaide glanced around the ballroom, eyeing Vernon and Victoria, who were dancing gaily together. Turning her attentions back to Theodore, she remarked ever so casually, "Ah, there is Victoria and Vernon. They seem to be having a lovely time, don't you think, Mr. Wilson?"

Theodore glanced at them briefly before shrugging. "If you say so, your ladyship."

Adelaide studied Theodore's expression from under her lowered eyelids. "After Lady Amanda married you, the whole family remarked that perhaps it was fate. After all, it was obvious to everyone who was anyone that Amanda was not suited for Vernon, but that Victoria could be. What do you think of that, Mr. Wilson?"

Theodore merely raised an eyebrow, allowing Adelaide to continue. "Of course, there have been such rumors about Victoria's and Vernon's supposed engagement." She glanced at them again. "Not that I can blame people for gossiping about them. They look so golden together, don't they?"

Theodore winced imperceptibly as a pin pricked his heart. Yes, he had to admit that they looked quite good together. Both had the same coloring. He could not help but think that they were engaged by the way Victoria threw her head back and laughed. But no, he told himself firmly. If they really were engaged, then Gilbert would have said something. Gilbert had always thought highly of Vernon and Victoria was his favorite child...

"Has his earlship made any announcement?" Theodore asked quietly.

Adelaide shrugged. "Well, if he has, I haven't heard anything." She raised an eyebrow, smiling sweetly. "But I'm sure they are just friends. Vernon has not mentioned anything to me."

"And Victoria?" Theodore asked, his glance involuntarily straying to her.

Adelaide noticed this with a satisfied smile. "Well, one never knows what goes on in her head, Teddy. She says so little."

Before Theodore could speak, Vernon and Victoria walked over. Victoria kissed Adelaide lightly on the cheek and smiled. "Good evening, your ladyship. I am sorry that I was not able to greet you earlier in the evening."

Adelaide turned to look at Victoria, surprised. Never had she heard Victoria speak in such cordial tones to her. "No need, dear," she said lightly, returning the kiss. "You are looking lovely tonight. Have you been having a joyous time?" she asked slyly, glancing at Vernon.

Vernon tucked Victoria's hand in his arm as he laughed. "Yes, we have, at least Victoria has. She has been torturing me the whole evening, Aunt Adelaide."

Adelaide threw her head back and forced a delicate laugh. She grasped Theodore's arm and turned towards Victoria and Vernon. "Teddy has been kind enough to dance with me," she remarked, glancing at him.

Victoria smiled. "That was very generous of you, Teddy. Wasn't it, Vernon?"

Vernon glanced at Theodore and nodded slowly. "Yes, it was," he answered with a light tone that was forced. "Thank you, Theodore."

Theodore bowed his head down slightly. "No need to thank me, Vernon," he said in a somewhat sarcastic voice.

Victoria glanced from Theodore to Vernon and smiled brilliantly. Theodore was observant enough to notice that Victoria leaned against Vernon ever so slightly as she whispered something in his ear. Could the rumors be true? Could they?

"Well," Vernon started. "Victoria and I will get some drinks. Would you like anything, Aunt Adelaide, Theodore?"

Adelaide shook her head, shrugging. "I must greet my other guests, Vernon, but thank you for the offer, dear. Nice having danced with you." She flitted away, turning to slip her arm in another gentleman's arm.

Victoria laughed, watching Adelaide. "You would think that she was a debutante the way she flirts, Vernon."

Vernon smiled. "Yes, you could say that." He turned to Theodore. "Would you like to join us?"

Theodore shook his head. "No, no, I wouldn't want to intrude." He leaned over to press a kiss on Victoria's cheek. "You look lovely tonight, Victoria. I will see you later."

Victoria nodded, watching Theodore leave before turning to Vernon. There was a questioning look in her eyes, but that was virtually gone when she returned her gaze to Vernon, smiling cheerfully. "Where was it you wanted to take me?"

Sarah watched her best friend from across the room thoughtfully. Her observant eyes followed Victoria's every move and her every expression. Shaking her head ruefully, Sarah scolded herself lightly. Could she, Sarah Simmons, have expected to take first place in Victoria's heart when she had Vernon... and Serena? Sarah winced. The thought of Vernon taking first place in Victoria's heart did not pain her, but Serena... she frowned.

"Sarah Simmons?" a familiar voice asked incredulously, interrupting Sarah's thoughts.

Sarah turned around, surprised. "James Callahan?" she asked, frowning a little.

James nodded, eagerly holding out his hand. "Yes, it is I, Sarah. How are you?"

Sarah felt herself laughing freely. "I am fine. I have not seen you in ages. And you?"

James shrugged, glancing around the ballroom. "I... well, I've been all right, I suppose. I must add my congratulations."

"For what?" Sarah asked, looking up at James.

James smiled. "Your engagement to Gerard Valois. Many of us never thought he would get married, you know."

Sarah colored, forcing a laugh. "Well, you may be assured that we love each other very much, and that we are looking forward to married life."

"Are you really?" James asked a bit wistfully. He seated himself next to Sarah, allowing his gloved hands to hang between his legs.

Sarah looked puzzled. "Well, aren't you? I imagine you must love Rose somewhat if you are engaged to her."

James laughed bitterly. "I am fond of her, Sarah," he admitted. "But I do not love her."

"Victoria?" Sarah guessed, looking out into the ballroom. "It has always been Victoria, hasn't it?" she asked softly, turning her head to gaze at James' profile.

James nodded miserably. "Yes, it has always been Victoria," he answered, mimicking Sarah's gentle voice. "But there is no hope now. She is happily engaged to Vernon."

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Then you know?"

James nodded in resignation. "Yes, I know. Rose told me. Victoria seems secure and content for the first time in her life since I have met her." He laughed again harshly. "What a fool I was to have thought that I could give her the happiness she desired when I knew nothing of her past."

Sarah glanced at Victoria, who was undoubtedly oblivious to the conversation she was having with James. "You cannot blame yourself, James. It was fate, and there was nothing you could have done," she said sympathetically.

"Unless I had been born and bred in England," James remarked wryly.

Sarah shook her head gently, her voice soothing and comforting. "Has Victoria seen you yet?"

James shook his head. "No, I haven't. I've taken care not to," he answered hoarsely.

Sarah impulsively glanced at Victoria again. "You're getting married next November, aren't you?"

James nodded, surprised by the sudden change in subject. "Yes, I am, Sarah."

Sarah smiled slightly. "Does Rose know how you feel?"

James shrugged. "She is still on her European tour, and we've never talked about it. But she might."

Sarah laughed softly. "She does know. Perhaps that is why she is on her tour. To give you time to reconcile with your feelings." She glanced at James shrewdly. "Your time is almost up, James."

James nodded in agreement. "I know."

Sarah sighed, shaking her head. "I wish I could do something to ease your pain. But to be frank, I never thought you were right for Victoria, and I always told her that myself." She placed a capable, gloved hand on James's arm. "Some part of you will always love Victoria, but you have to let go. You cannot let yourself haunt Rosemary with your memories of something that will never be. Something that destiny will not allow you to have." She squeezed James's arm.

James glanced up at Sarah, whose eyes were brimming with sympathy and understanding. Placing his solid, gloved hand on Sarah's, he nodded. He understood, he had always understood. But he had never been acknowledged it until now.

Vernon grasped one of Victoria's gloved hands and led her into one of the rooms in his house. Keeping one arm around her waist, he locked the door behind him and slipped the key into his pocket. In the darkness, he could feel Victoria arms wrapped around his neck.

"I have decided something, Vernon," Victoria announced in a soft voice. "We will announce our engagement on my birthday."

"Oh?" Vernon asked, amused.

Victoria nodded gleefully. "Won't the dowagers be so pleased? We pulled the wool over their eyes."

Vernon closed his eyes and pressed his lips on Victoria's forehead. "You take pleasure in the oddest thing, Victoria."

Victoria pulled away from Vernon and laughed. "Yes, I do, but I really cannot wait to announce our engagement. How everyone will be horrified!"

Vernon stiffened. "If you really cannot wait to announce our engagement, what is taking you so long?"

Victoria rested her head in the hollow of Vernon's neck and answered soothingly, "Vernon, you know that we cannot be married before I am nineteen or twenty. People would have bothered us incessantly had we announced it earlier. Surely you are not doubting the extent of my affections for you, are you, Vernon?" she asked softly.

Vernon was doing exactly that, but did not say so. "No, of course not," he lied.

Victoria smiled; Vernon could feel her lips on his neck. "That's good. You wanted us to enter our marriage with no doubts or recriminations. That includes Amanda, I hope?"

Vernon pulled away and looked into Victoria's eyes. "Yes, that especially includes Amanda."

Victoria nodded seriously. "To be honest, Vernon, I did not believe you when you told me that you never loved Amanda."

"I don't," Vernon objected, wondering why Victoria was so obsessed with the topic of her late older sister.

Victoria smiled sadly. "I still don't believe you, but now I know it was foolish of me to expect so much out of you. You have lived longer than I, and you have probably experienced so much more than me." She shook her head and closed her eyes. "What I'm trying to say is that I have come to terms with Amanda and your love for Amanda. I wouldn't be as fond of you as I am right now if you had never loved Amanda in the first place. In another words, I realized how selfish I was being."

Victoria looked up and pressed a kiss on both of Vernon's cheeks. "You probably cannot imagine the extent of my joy," she said in a husky voice. "Because probably you are not feeling the same way."

Vernon glanced down at Victoria and pressed a light kiss on the top of her head. Drawing her into his arms further, Vernon placed his chin on the top of her elegantly coiffured head. Victoria closed her eyes, smiling. A lump in his throat prevented him from saying anything more.