Page 61 of Dare to Risk it All

“Oh, hush,” Bonnie responded, shaking her head. “My daughter is brave and resourceful, and you’re going to need her help. If you think a crumbling old house is going to scare her off, you really don’t understand what you’re in for, my boy, and it’s about time you learned.” Her expression softened, and she reached out to pat his cheek. “Besides which, it's obvious how well suited you are, and we both agree it would be cruel to keep you apart when there is no need for it.”

Still too stunned to find words, Raphe stared down at the paper.

“Bainbridge got the licence for us,” Jerry explained, answering the question Raphe had been pondering. “Or, at least, he persuaded his father to sort it out. Marvellous thing, having the ear of a duke at one’s disposal.”

Raphe laughed ruefully. “Oh, lord. Now I’m going to owe Bainbridge a bloody big favour. He’ll be sure to call it in, too.”

“Am I not worth it?” Greer demanded, hands on hips, her green eyes flashing with challenge, though her lips were twitching.

Raphe could not resist the urge to lean down and whisper in her ear. “I suppose I shall soon find out.”

She blushed scarlet, making everyone laugh, though they did not know what he’d said to her.

“We thought perhaps the day after tomorrow,” Bonnie said, looking every bit as excited as her daughter. “The servants must have their day off tomorrow, but Elspeth assures me we have food enough to feed an army, and you’ve got your lovely green silk gown that will serve, Gee. Oh, and Arabella and Laurie have promised to come, too.”

“Oh, Mama!” Greer exclaimed and ran back to hug her mother again.

“Well, that’s done it,” Dare said, patting Raphe on the back and grinning. “Welcome to the family. There’s no escaping us now.”

Raphe laughed, still stunned by the turn of events but content to let things play out as they would. For once in his life, the universe seemed to be on his side and treating him kindly, and so he would enjoy it to the full.

“By the way,” Dare murmured, pulling him to one side. “Bainbridge has also offered you a private suite of rooms at Royle House for the wedding night. Seemed to think you might not want to look her parents in the eye the next morning. Bit awkward, eh?”

With a snort of laughter, Raphe nodded his agreement. “Christ, yes. I really am going to owe Bainbridge this time, but damn, he’s going to deserve it. He’s saved me from a very uncomfortable situation, not to mention months apart from Greer.”

“Thought you’d appreciate the gesture,” Dare said, amused. “And if there’s anything I can do for you with your estate, any advice or help. You need only mention it.”

Raphe smiled, nodding. “I will,” he promised, realising, perhaps for the first time in his life, that he did not need to do it all alone. It had taken him a long time and walking a hard road to learn the lesson, but there was no shame in accepting advice or practical help from people who had his best interests at heart. “And I appreciate it. You and Bainbridge, these past months—well, I don’t think I’d have survived without your support.”

“Oh, Lord, don’t start that again,” Dare said, appalled. “You’ll have me blubbing and then where shall we be?”

“True. Doesn’t bear thinking about,” Raphe agreed. “But thank you. I’ll tell Laurie myself, God help me, but if there’s anything either of you ever need from me.”

“I know, old man, I know,” Dare said, his tone soothing. “Now, let’s go and annoy Mrs Grigson and see if she’s planning on starving us to death. I want my roast goose, and those splendid roast potatoes she cooks in the fat. God, I’m famished just thinking about it.”

With a laugh, Raphe accompanied Dare out of the room, aware that his friend derived great enjoyment from teasing his starchy housekeeper.

It was not until late that evening the Raphe finally got his fiancée alone. They slipped away while everyone was playing a raucous game of cards and paying them little attention. Not that he believed for a moment her parents hadn’t noticed them leave, but he was coming to understand that this branch of the Cadogan family lived life by their own rules, and the rest of the world could go to the devil if they didn’t like it. He could not have found a more perfect family to call his own if he’d searched his entire life.

Taking her hand, they ran through the deserted corridors, avoiding the staff and teasing each other about ghosts as they kept to the darkness.

“This way,” he said, tugging her up a narrow flight of stairs.

“Where are we going?” she demanded, breathless with laughter as she struggled to keep up with him, her heavy skirts rustling madly as she climbed.

“You’ll see.” He knew the old place well now, though he doubted anyone would ever discover all the ins and outs of the vast, higgledy-piggledy building. He hurried her along another corridor, through a small room and out the other side, before moving silently down another corridor and turning right.

“Oh,” Greer said, recognising where they were. “This is your room,” she whispered, staring at him with interest.

“It is,” he agreed. “And don’t go getting any ideas. You’ll be a virgin when I marry you if it kills me.”

“It might kill me,” she sighed, which made him smile. He pulled her into his room, closing the door and pushing her up against it, caging her in with his arms.

“Such a wicked girl,” he murmured, leaning down to nip at her ear.

She shivered, sliding her arms about his waist. “I never pretended otherwise,” she said, staring up at him.

Raphe stroked her cheek, entranced by its softness. “There is a devil in you, my wicked darling, and it calls to the devil in me. That’s why this happened so fast. Why I fell so hard. Like calls to like.”