Chapter 27

The Proposal, St James, London

V ictor knew tonight was the night he would propose to Briana. The special marriage license weighed heavily in his breast pocket, and the heirloom ruby ring felt like lead in his trouser pocket. He also had Office Charlie Maxwell’s approval.

It had been two weeks since the ordeal, and during every spare waking moment he spent in Briana's company, he yearned to make her his wife—to solidify their union, to have her under his roof permanently instead of moving between households as they led chaotic lives. He had taken care to dress meticulously, and though nervous as hell, he was ready.

His mother had worked a miracle putting together a small twilight garden party in his home and garden. From his study window, he spotted Allissa Drummond, Caitlin's younger sister, climbing a tree barefoot alongside Nicholas, his younger brother, who swung from a tree branch, equally shoeless. In their company was Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington's son, running about with a makeshift wooden sword. The three were inseparable in their adventurous spirit. When Caitlin Drummond had married into their family, she had brought with her rather eccentric relatives who added their own unique flavor to the mix.

Caitlin's brother, Gareth, was also expected to attend later in the evening.

Victor watched his mother glide about with baby Lilith perched on her hip, checking that all was well with the catering and guests while chatting with Millicent, Caitlin's stepmother. In another corner, he saw Brenton, Miles, and his father standing by the sweets table, subtly sampling all the food. Lucas, Sebastian and Charlie Maxwell stood nearby, laughing at something Thomas Walsh had said, while in the midst of it all, Briana, Caitlin, Dr. Barry, and Mrs. Elizabeth Fry stood with their heads together, talking animatedly about some great social cause—no doubt about Betsy's invitation to speak at the House of Lords about Prison Reform. He noticed his mother indeed became a little befuddled in the woman's presence, which was most likely why she held Lilith close as a comfort blanket to control her nerves.

Adding to the throng was Mr. Mason with his arm in a sling, talking to Giles, Lucas's man, and Renwick. Meanwhile, Serena and Laura were pointing at several cakes while sipping gin-ade. Victor had invited them because they were part of Briana's family and would quite literally take a bullet for her. He had wanted the party to be just close family and friends. He looked out at the gathering and grinned because this was his crazy, chaotic, unconventional family. He had always intended to live a quiet orderly life, but since meeting Briana, he had realized he would have been bored with that ideal. This version was so much better.

All that remained was for him to propose and formally add Briana to the fold. He hoped desperately she would say yes because his heart already belonged to her. There could be no other. And to think, if he hadn't been forced to attend bloody Almack's that fateful night, he might never have met her. Perhaps there was something to be said for his mother's scheming and planning after all.

Victor finally made his way down the hall and out to the garden. As he approached her, Briana gave him a beaming smile. It was filled with love, and he felt it deep in his soul. He hoped to pull her away from the others and have a moment of privacy in the study.

Victor had just reached her when he sensed a commotion at the back garden gate.

"Oh, it's Gareth! He has arrived!" Caitlin whooped with joy and instantly ran toward the patio gate. Allissa leapt from the tree and took off running after her. There was much tittering, excitement, and laughter as everyone anticipated meeting Gareth for the first time. They had all heard so much about him. He had recently returned from Spain a war hero, but had been adjusting to London life and remaining quite reclusive.

Victor decided he would wait until introductions were made before spiriting Briana away to propose.

Gareth

CAITLIN APPEARED AND clasped Briana's hand. "Bree, you must come immediately and meet my darling brother! I have told him so much about you in my letters—he cannot wait to meet you."

Victor stiffened slightly at that statement and wondered why the devil he had added Gareth to the invitation list.

"Why, I'd love to. I have heard so much of his exploits," Briana replied with a beaming smile. She absolutely adored her best friend Caitlin, and any family of Caitlin's would be dear to her as well.

Briana stood in the garden, enjoying the time with Victor's family, anticipating this final moment when she could at last meet Caitlin's brother for herself.

When Caitlin moved aside and the crowd parted, Briana saw a tall gentleman step forward. Their eyes locked. For the briefest of moments, Gareth Drummond's eyes flashed with surprised recognition, just as Briana stilled completely. Her face paled slightly as the entire world swirled around her. She only just managed to contain her composure and wipe the startled expression from her face. He appeared to do the same.

For Briana was staring directly at the face of a man she had only ever known as Mendoza—the pirate, King of the London Dockyards. Her client.

Gareth immediately stepped forward with a wide smile and firmly clasped her hand, conveying a subtle message to play along. "Miss Bree, I have heard so much about you from my beloved sister. She referred to you only as Bree in her letters, that I feel—at least, I hope you do not mind if I call you that as well? You have no idea how much I have wanted to thank you for everything you have done... for her."

Briana stammered slightly, then smiled. "I am at a loss for words, my lord. To finally meet the beloved brother whom my best friend adores. I am certain we shall become very well acquainted, for I have wondered so about your... adventures and travels."

Lord Gareth Drummond could not believe that he was staring at Agent X. How could he have missed it? Caitlin's best friend was Briana Walsh the private investigator—someone she had only ever referred to as Bree in her letters. He had never made the connection. But here she was, in his inner circle, the inner sanctum.

They stepped aside for a private chat.

Briana sipped her lemonade. "Does Caitlin know?"

"No, and I prefer to keep that part of my life private."

"Understandable."

"How is your investigations venture coming along?"

"Rather well, thanks to you. The Earl of Rochford is currently in Newgate awaiting trial for treason."

"Well done, X. I knew you had it in you."

"I had no choice, seeing as you were my only client."

They grinned at one another then.

"By the way, you were right about the Carthage. Very clever indeed."

"You found it then? Oh my goodness. That is wonderful news!"

"Absolutely. That is why my crew and I have returned very wealthy men."

"Then congratulations are in order."

Gareth said, "I paid a visit to your West End office this morning, but you were not in."

"Oh? What for?"

"To pay you your share, of course. The Carthage was full of treasure, and I am a man of my word."

"I had no doubt." She hesitated. "Did you... hear anything of my father in your travels?"

Mendoza shook his head. "I believe the good captain perished at sea."

Briana nodded.

"I think we best move along before your beau skewers me alive with his glare."

Briana turned her head to see Victor glaring at Gareth.

"Does he know what you do for a living, Miss Walsh?"

This time she turned and beamed at him. "He knows everything, and he loves me for it."

"Then I congratulate you, for it is rare indeed to find love in our line of work."

Briana smiled then excused herself.

Victor clenched his fists. He hated Gareth Drummond on sight, for no other reason than Briana Walsh's reaction to the man. Not only was he handsome with his fair share of charisma, but he was also a good man who had done incredible service to his country. Yet Gareth Drummond had remained by Briana's side for a whole ten minutes. Victor was itching to challenge him to pistols at dawn and demand that he name his second. He suddenly began to question whether he should propose at all. Perhaps Briana was better off with a man like that. He wondered if they were lovers, if they knew each other before. He wondered if they shared secrets that he would never be privy to. Victor suddenly felt unsure of himself. He loved the woman to distraction, but he would never want to force her to be with him if she did not wish it.

He was interrupted when Caitlin appeared beside him. "I am so pleased Briana and Gareth seemed to hit it off immediately. It feels like one big happy family."

Victor gritted his teeth. "Oh yes, we're all just bursting with joy."

Caitlin looked at him, then grinned. "Victor, do you mind if I give you some sound advice?"

"By all means do."

"Briana Walsh is madly in love with you, just as you are desperately in love with her. Do not let petty jealousies get in the way of that."

"Forgive me, sister, you are quite right. I am insanely jealous when it comes to Briana, and therefore I best put a ring on her finger before she realizes she can do far better."

Caitlin gasped and gave him a soft look. "You're going to propose?"

"I am."

Victor watched as Caitlin's eyes glistened with unshed tears. She smiled at him and choked out the words, "Then you best get to it so my best friend will truly become my sister by marriage."

Victor squeezed her hand and said, "Wish me luck!" Then he made his way to the love of his life.

Engaged

MOMENTS LATER, VICTOR found himself distracted. He and Briana were alone in the study, and the moment the door closed, she attacked him with fervor. They were locked in a passionate kiss. When they came up for air, Briana said, "Guess what? I have a major secret to tell you that you cannot breathe to a single soul."

"Go on."

"It's about Gareth."

"Oh," Victor said, stiffening slightly.

"I've met him before, many months ago."

"Really? But how?"

"He was my first client! Gareth is the first person who believed in my investigation skills. His contacts helped me replicate the jewels."

"Ah, so that's how you know him."

"Yes, but no one knows about the work he does, and as my client, I am not at liberty to widely discuss his business."

"But he is the one you mentioned who sailed off to find the Carthage?"

"Yes, and it turns out, he found it. I have a share in some of the treasure that was discovered."

"Well, that is certainly good news. But why are you telling me this?"

"Because Victor Cambridge, I have fallen desperately in love with you, and I want there to be no secrets between us. You looked as if you were ready to challenge him to a duel, and I could not have the man I love imprisoned for such a misadventure."

Victor burst out laughing, then became serious. "Well, it's interesting you speak of love, because you see, I have brought you here because I need to tell you that I have fallen madly and deeply in love with you. I want you permanently living under this roof, with me, as we create a family and battle nefarious enemies together for an eternity. I have a question I need to ask you, Miss Walsh."

Briana held her breath and tried not to cry. She could barely breathe as she waited for Victor to continue.

Victor dropped to one knee and reached into his pocket. Then he opened an exquisite box containing a stunning diamond and ruby ring. "Would you put me out of my misery and do me the honor of becoming my wife, my partner, my equal in life?"

Briana was so shocked and surprised, her mind reeling. She was crying happy tears and nodding her head when the door burst open and Vincentia announced, with an audience behind her, "My Victor and Miss Walsh caught in a compromising position! They shall have to marry now."

"Mother!" Victor growled. "I was just proposing to Miss Walsh, and you ruined the perfect moment. Now I'll never know for certain if she would have accepted me."

Vincentia replied, "Oh, my dear, I'm so sorry. It was just taking so long and I was worried you would ruin it and—"

"YES!" Briana screamed, startling them all. "A million times, yes!"

Victor’s face transformed into sheer happiness. He forgot everything else, stood and grabbed Briana about the waist, kissing her deeply as if his life depended on it. She flung her arms around him and returned his kiss with passion, not caring that his mother and Elizabeth Fry were standing in the doorway.

Somewhere in the distance, they heard clapping. When they broke apart, Victor looked out the window to see it crowded with the faces of his family, waving and cheering.

Victor and Briana burst out laughing, and everything felt right with the world.