“So that we can congratulate you!” Vivianna added, and came forward with her hands out, her face beaming. Francesca, not far behind, was laughing and saying that when she came to London she never expected to see Marietta agree to be a wife.
By the time he had been welcomed into the Greentree family by Marietta’s two sisters, and then by Lady Greentree, who arrived back from visiting Aunt Helen, and Mr. Jardine, who appeared to be more of a family friend than an employee, Max was exhausted. Oliver drew him aside for a glass of brandy, and to tell him quietly that Marietta was a dear girl and he was very fond of her. Which, Max supposed, meant that if he ever did anything to hurt her he’d be in for it.
“Cornwall will be a long way from her sisters,” Max said, watching the three women laughing and talking, already making plans for the wedding.
Oliver shrugged. “She can always visit them, and they can visit her. If she is happy she won’t notice so much.”
“Yes.” Max smiled.
Just then Marietta caught his eye and her face lit up. She did love him; he could see it. He was happy, truly happy, and if he hadn’t mentioned to her his father’s plans to reinstate him in the bosom of the Valland family, then it was because he had refused the offer.
Refused it irrevocably!
Besides, if she thought for one moment that he might be a peer again, then she wouldn’t marry him. And Max knew he couldn’t bear to lose her now she was finally his.
Chapter 17
A. is an astute businessman—unusual in a gentleman. We spoke of a dream I have had for some years, of setting up an exclusive club in London, where men like himself can come and be entertained by the most beautiful and the most accomplished women.
We have decided the club will be known as Aphrodite’s, and A. has spoken to his banker. Together we can run it, and I trust him to be my friend, even when the passion between us cool
s. He is the sort of man who will never betray me.
There is something I have not told him yet, I didn’t know how to. But I am carrying his child. I hope he will be pleased.
Another daughter. I am so happy. My little family seems complete, and although her father and I are no longer lovers, we are close friends and business partners. Aphrodite’s Club prospers. It seems that we are all the rage.
I woke up this morning and realized that I was happy. I have my girls and I have a new gentleman to tell me he worships me. Although I no longer believe such declarations so blithely, still it is very nice to be told one is beautiful and desirable. So, I am happy, and even the thought of Jemmy and what might have been cannot cloud my horizon.
Perhaps my life has reached calm seas at last.
The room was shaded, as if its occupant could not bear the sight of the bright sunny spring day. Marietta saw him, a dark shape slumped in his chair.
Aphrodite touched her daughter’s hand, and when Marietta glanced at her, nodded towards him. “He is in pain. The traveling is not easy for him. But he wants to meet you, Marietta, very much. You must be kind to him, and patient, oui?”
Marietta nodded and approached her father. She was glad now that she had read the diary last night. To know even that small piece of her father’s past, and that he had a long-standing business relationship with her mother. He had helped her to start Aphrodite’s Club, shared in the costs, but allowed her to run it as she wished. Aphrodite trusted him so completely that even when they were no longer in love she still thought of him as her friend, and asked his opinion on business matters.
He was watching her, his head resting on his hand, his eyes following every step. His legs, withered and useless, were covered by a woolen shawl despite the warm room. Marietta tried to smile but her lips were trembling. This was her father, she told herself, and she was to know him at last.
“Marietta,” he said, and she saw then that his eyes were blue, like hers, and his hair fair, though graying at the temples. “I am sorry you should see me like this, daughter. The journey to London was painful for me and I am not yet fit for company.”
“I am sorry to hear about your…troubles.”
He held out his hands and she saw that his fingers were long and elegant and he wore a jeweled ring on one of them. “Sit down with me, Marietta, and let me see you properly.”
She sat down on the sofa and felt her chin lifted, her features scrutinized as he turned her face to one side and then the other. Then he sighed. “What is it?” she whispered, wondering if he was disappointed in her. The possibility hurt her.
“You are so beautiful, daughter,” he said. “You have the look of my mother. She was a pocket Venus, too. A small whirlwind who my father adored. I will always remember her now when I look upon you.”
Aphrodite came forward and, smiling tenderly, bent to kiss his cheek, and Marietta realized anew how fond they were of each other. “My poor Adam,” she said gently. “I do not like to see you like this, mon ami. Should we go and leave you to rest?”
“No, no,” he murmured. “I want to gaze upon our beautiful daughter, Aphrodite.”
Aphrodite turned her smile on Marietta. “She is lovely, certainly.”
“And what are you going to do with all that beauty, child?” Adam asked. “You are twenty-one and still unwed, your mother tells me. I cannot believe the men of England are so blind. Perhaps you are waiting for the perfect man, eh? Well, believe me, you will never find him.”
Marietta glanced at her mother. She had not yet told Aphrodite about Max’s proposal. She had wanted to wait until they were together, her parents and herself, before giving them the good news.