Page 140 of The Wallflower Takes All

Then Count Bellarosa said, with a wounded expression perched upon his face, “I should like to clarify that my intentions are entirely honorable.”

Gabriel turned toward him. “Your intentions involve an invalid ceremony conducted by a man who has not taken holy orders.”

The count waved his hand in the air. “Unimportant details.”

“And what, precisely, do you intend to offer Lady Montague after this unimportant detail has been completed?” Gabriel pressed.

The count lifted his chin. “My name.”

“Which name?” Gabriel asked.

Count Bellarosa looked offended.

Gabriel set the fraudulent license upon the table. “You have no title, no accessible estates, and no means of supporting Lady Montague.”

“I have prospects,” the count insisted.

“Do any involve money?” Gabriel barked.

The count drew himself up to his full height. “Money is the least imaginative measure of a man.”

Gabriel’s nostrils flared. “It is not the least relevant measure when the man wishes to marry a widow because he believes she possesses it.”

Lady Viva’s eyes widened.

Poppy looked at her.

Gabriel’s tone remained level. “You believed Lady Montague had a fortune.”

Count Bellarosa seemed to realize that silence might have served him better some minutes earlier.

“Madam possesses an air of abundance,” he said at last.

Mama stared at him. “You thought I had money?”

“I thought you had resources.”

“You told me you had resources,” Lady Viva pointed out.

“I have charm.”

“So do I, darling. One cannot pay a wine merchant with it. I have tried.”

Despite herself, Poppy nearly laughed.

Count Bellarosa’s wounded grandeur deepened. “Then we have both been misled by appearances.”

Mr. Pottle edged toward the door.

Gabriel glanced at him. “Do not attempt another ceremony.”

“I had begun to think better of it.” Mr. Pottle vanished into the passage with an alacrity that suggested undeclared talents in escape.

Count Bellarosa swept up his hat. “Lady Montague, I regret that the universe has once again placed vulgar obstacles in our path.”

Lady Viva turned, and, for one terrible moment, Poppy thought Mama might defend him.

Instead, Lady Viva removed the enormous ring from her finger and held it out. “You forgot your paste, darling.”