Chapter 21

Chapter 21

The music began to play again, but it wasn’t loud enough to drown out Vivianne’s thoughts. Reginald stood before her with his usual air of entitlement, fixing her with a determined look.

“We need to talk,” he reminded her.

“We have nothing left to talk about,” she told him, much less agitated than she’d thought she would be.

That first time, he had caught her off guard. But now, she was ready. More importantly, she had reached the point of indifference. He held no power over her, not in the face of her blossoming emotions for Edward.

There was no more room in her heart for Reginald, and there was no more room in her mind for the anguish he had caused her. He would be relinquished to the past, where he belonged. The very thought soothed her beyond belief.

“We should discuss what we left unresolved,” he urged, although she could not have disagreed more.

She knew she had to be cautious regarding her private conversations, for a place like this one had walls with ears. It would be all too easy for them to be overheard and for their conversation to be misconstrued.

She looked at him with what she hoped looked like mild exasperation. To be quite honest, she had hoped to simply avoid any further interaction with him, but now, confronted by his persistent demeanor, she felt an unexpected sense of resolve, which could only arise out of her own emotions for Edward. She wanted to get her point across and make herself perfectly clear.

“Reginald,” she said, her voice steady and cool, “we’ve been through this before. I have nothing more to discuss with you.”

His eyes widened slightly in surprise, as if he were hearing it for the first time—as if he had not done all he had done. She would have been flabbergasted if she hadn’t been so indifferent, and proud of herself for it.

“We had something special, Viv,” he reminded her again. “I know mistakes have been made, but I believe we could still find a way back to that.”

Vivianne rolled her eyes, her patience thinning. “Special? Perhaps. But that was a long time ago, before you decided to… live your life the way you saw fit without taking anyone else’s emotions into consideration. Those mistakes you talk about, they were solely yours. I know now what true respect and affection looks like.”

His face hardened with frustration. “You’ve moved on so easily? Just like that?”

Vivianne shook her head, clarity washing over her. “It’s not about moving on easily. It’s about knowing what you deserve. And I deserve so much better than you.”

Her words were firm and unyielding, so different from the conversation they had had before. It was a newfound strength that surprised even Vivianne. The scars from her past with that man, which had once seemed so deep, were now healing without her even realizing it. Edward’s presence had brought a sense of emotional renewal, helping her move beyond the pain of her previous relationship.

“I think it’s time for both of us to move forward separately. I wish you well, Reggie, but I’m not interested in revisiting the past, especially now that I am practically engaged.”

She used the familiar name to prove to him that nothing was tying her to their past any longer. The tumult inside of her had finally calmed down. The acknowledgment of her own emotions for Edward had brought her peace.

“Is it because of that rake you think loves you?” he asked with a tone of malice. He let out a venomous chuckle. “That is truly a man of honor and integrity.”

She frowned. “Do not speak of Edward like that—you, of all people.”

His laugh was sharp and dismissive, but his words were even sharper. “So, you are truly planning to marry a rake who has no ability to remain faithful to a single woman? Do you really want to tie yourself to someone like that?”

Vivianne’s eyes flashed with anger. “You would know a lot about unfaithfulness, wouldn’t you? It seems rather rich coming from you.”

Reginald’s expression darkened, and without warning, he took Vivianne’s wrist in a firm grip. “Come with me,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. “I need to show you something. Something that will reveal the true nature of your earl.”

Before Vivianne could protest, Reginald was leading her through the crowded ballroom toward the closest door. The sudden commotion and their heated exchange attracted curious glances, but Reggie’s determined pull and Vivianne’s reluctant compliance drew them toward a quieter, more secluded part of the manor.

He led her into a dimly lit corridor, his grip on her unyielding.

“Reginald, what on earth are you doing?” Vivianne asked, trying to keep her voice steady while her mind wrestled with what was happening. “This is entirely inappropriate.”

Ignoring her protest, he continued to lead her, his face set in a grim expression. “Just trust me, one last time. I need to show you something important. Something that will make you question everything you think you know about Edward.”

Vivianne hesitated but followed, her curiosity piqued despite her anger. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but she felt determined to confront whatever he was trying to reveal.

***

Edward followed the instructions in the note to the last detail. He had no idea why his uncle was being so mysterious, but the note stated that he needed to see him urgently. Edward arrived at the private sitting room where the note directed him.

His uncle was good friends with the hostess and her late husband, so if he wanted a private audience with someone in their home, it was very easily arranged. However, the moment he arrived there, Edward was taken aback by the unexpected sight before him.

Inside the sitting room, he didn’t see his uncle, but rather Lady Catherine Ashbury, an old consort of his. She lounged gracefully in one of the plush chairs, her posture exaggeratedly elegant. He had been in those situations enough times to know that she had been waiting for him.

He hesitated to close the door behind him, but eventually did so. It was best to deal with whatever this was swiftly and privately. He had to admit that her presence was as striking as ever, her gown a cascade of rich silks that seemed to shimmer under the soft light of the room. She greeted him with a flirtatious smile that awakened past memories of wild nights. But strangely enough, they awakened only that… memories.

“Edward,” she said, rising to her feet with an air of drama. “How delightful of you to come. It has been far too long.”

Edward couldn’t help but be slightly amused by her affected demeanor. He raised an eyebrow, his tone light and teasing. “Catherine, this is quite the surprise. I wasn’t expecting to find you here. What brings you to my uncle’s private sitting room?”

Catherine stepped closer, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, Edward, always so direct. I simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to see you again, and to do it in the same way as we’ve done before. It’s been ages since we’ve had the pleasure of each other’s company.”

He regarded her with a bemused smile. “I must remind you Catherine, that our affair is long over. We ended it amicably and mutually, if I recall correctly.”

Catherine’s smile didn’t falter. Instead, it widened playfully. “Oh, I remember. But some things are never truly forgotten, are they? I’ve always cherished our time together, and I thought a little reunion might be in order.”

Edward chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You haven’t changed a bit. Your enthusiasm is as overflowing as ever. I must admit, I’m curious as to why you’ve sought me out now and in such an unexpected manner.”

She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I simply wanted to see how you’ve been, Edward. And perhaps I missed our little escapades more than I’d like to admit.”

Her flirtation was clear, and while Edward appreciated the gesture, he remained firm. “As flattering as your attention is, I’m afraid I’m in a committed relationship now. What we had is a part of the past, which is where it shall remain.”

“Oh, don’t be a spoilsport,” she purred, walking over and placing her hand tantalizingly on his shoulder. “I see you’re quite the eligible bachelor now. I have to find a husband, and since you’re on the market…”

Edward’s amusement began to wane as he realized the direction of her intentions. He maintained his composure, though his patience was tested. “Catherine,” he said, his voice firm but polite, “I must remind you that I am not available. I’m already spoken for.”

Catherine’s eyes sparkled with mischief and she pressed closer, her movements suggestive as she tried to settle herself as close to his body as possible, pressing her breasts to his chest. “Oh, but Edward, surely there’s room for a bit of old-time fun? Just a small distraction?”

Edward tried to maintain his composure, his hands resting gently on her arms to guide her away. But as her movements became more insistent, he felt a growing discomfort and frustration. The flirtatious, nostalgic game she was playing was no longer amusing; it was becoming intrusive.

He tightened his grip, his voice taking on a more authoritative tone. “Catherine, please. This isn’t appropriate. I’m with Vivianne now, and I have no desire for anything or anyone else.”

Catherine’s eyes widened in surprise, but she didn’t relent. She pressed against him with even more determination, her actions clearly aimed at provoking a reaction. Edward’s resolve, however, was steadfast. His feelings for Vivianne were clear and unwavering.

“Oh, but she won’t mind if I borrow you just for an hour or so, will she?” she asked seductively, whispering into his ear. “I think you have forgotten what good times we had, Edward. Let me remind you. I promise, you will forget about everything and everyone else…”

But before he could push her away, the door to the private sitting room suddenly burst open. Reginald and Vivianne stood in the doorway, and the look in Vivianne’s eyes broke him.

Before he could even call out her name, she turned around and started to run away.