Robert was so full of pride for her in that moment that he wondered if his family could see his chest expand with it. “Why the change of heart?”
She looked deeply into his eyes. “You.”
It was all he could do not to pull her to him in a crushing embrace. God, how he loved this woman. It felt as if he had loved her since before he was born. “What do you mean?” he asked, knowing that his heart was in his eyes and not even caring.
She swallowed, then softly said, “Just knowing that you're with me, that I have you by my side. You would never let anything bad happen to me.”
His grip on her hand grew fervent. “I would protect you with my life, Torie. Surely you know that.”
“And I you,” she returned softly. “But such talk is silly. I am certain we are destined to live happy, uneventful lives.”
He stared at her with single-minded intensity. “Nonetheless, I would—”
“The Earl and Countess of Macclesfield!”
Robert and Victoria jumped apart as the Lindworthys' butler boomed their names, but the damage had already been done. It would be talked about for years to come—society's first glimpse of the new couple was of them practically devouring each other with their eyes. A hush fell over the crowd, and then some old biddy cackled, “Well, that's a love match if ever I saw one!”
Robert cracked a smile as he held his arm out to his wife. “I suppose there are worse reputations we could acquire.”
Her answer was a barely stifled grin.
And then the evening began.
Three hours later Robert was not feeling so cheerful. Why? Because he'd had to spend the last three hours watching the ton watching his wife. And they seemed to be watching her with great affection. Especially the men. If one more damned Corinthian came along and kissed her hand… Robert growled to himself, trying to stifle the urge to yank at his cravat. It was utter hell to stand back and smile serenely as the duke of Ashbourne—who was universally acknowledged as society's reigning rake—murmured his greetings to Victoria.
He felt his aunt's restraining hand on his arm. “Do try to contain yourself,” she whispered.
“Will you look at the way he's looking at her?” he hissed. “I have half a mind to—”
“Half a mind is exactly right,” Mrs. Brightbill returned. “Victoria is behaving beautifully, and Ashbourne has never been the sort to dally with married women. Besides, he's dangling after some American. Now stop complaining and smile.”
“I am smiling,” he said through clenched teeth.
“If that's a smile, I shudder to see you laugh.”
Robert offered her a sickly sweet grin.
“Do stop worrying,” Mrs. Brightbill said, patting his arm. “Here comes dear Basil. I shall have him take Victoria out for a dance.”
“I shall dance with her.”
“No, you won't. You have already danced with her three times. Tongues are wagging.”
Before Robert could reply, Basil appeared at their sides. “Hullo Mother, Cuz,” he said.
Robert only nodded at him, his eyes never leaving Victoria.
“Enjoying your first social engagement with your lovely wife?” Basil asked.
Robert eyed his cousin, conveniently forgetting that Basil had always been one of his favorite relations. “Shut up, Brightbill,” he bit out. “You know damned well I'm having a hellish time.”
“Ah yes, the curse of a beautiful wife. Isn't it curious how a maid is protected from lechers by her innocence, but a married woman—who has vowed before God to remain faithful to one man only—is considered fair game?”
“Just what are you getting at, Brightbill?”Robert looked at his hands, then at his cousin's throat, assessing how well the former would fit around the latter.
“Nothing,” Basil said with a mild shrug. “Merely that your plan to retire from society for a time is probably a wise one. Have you noticed the way men are staring at her?”
“Basil!” Mrs. Brightbill exclaimed. “Stop teasing your cousin.” She turned to Robert. “He is only joking with you.”
Robert looked about ready to explode. It was a testament to Mrs. Brightbill's courage that she didn't remove her hand from his arm.
Basil merely smiled, obviously thrilled at having so successfully baited Robert. “If you'll excuse me, I must pay my respects to my favorite cousin.”
“I thought I was your favorite cousin,” Robert said sarcastically.
“As if you could compare,” Basil said with a slow, almost regretful shake of his head.