Bronwyn Scott's Sexy Regency Bundle (286 page)

Valerian' s barrister intervened. 'Viscount St Just has an exemplary record of loyal service to England in the discharge of his duties abroad.' The man skill-fy began laying out Valerian's career. 'He was responsible for critical negotiations in Morea that mitigated the civil war there.. . '

The list was long and Valerian was well familiar with it. From his work in Port

to prevent

an Egyptian invasion of

to the sinking of the

Egyptian navy, which ended Egypt's bid for power in the area, to the

issue and ultimately his

latest participation in the London Protocols, he'd participated deeply in what had once seemed to him a noble calling.

Even after the harsh realities of his work had become apparent to him, he'd stayed involved, no longer for the sake of lofty philosophical principles,

Scott

but in the hopes that he could do something practical. He no longer ascribed to the battle cry of 'make the world England' but to his own heartfelt calling-make the world better.

The barrister had set down his list. 'I submit to the committee that this is a man who hasn't a dishonourable bone in his body, who has spent his life serving England most nobly. To even suggest that what happened on the battlefield in Negush is akin to treason is an absurdity and waste of our time.'

Valerian watched the group for a reaction. Beldon had found a deuce fine barrister. He almost believed his work had been useful once the man had finished with the list. The group seemed to think that, too, except for Montfort.

'We are splitting hairs over an issue that can only be black and white. We cannot start forming grey areas where national security is concerned,' Montfort began. 'We cannot begin establishing different standards for different situations. He

allies who

were acting in British interests. He did it deliberately in an attempt to protect the enemy. By doing so, he put a rebel's concern above the needs of his country.

If he'd

Englishmen to save the children of rebels, I think you'd feel quite differently about where the line is drawn in the sand. Our sands cannot shift .'

One of the ministers nodded his head slightly and Valerian began to wonder how many of these men Montfort had in his pocket. Montfort meant to take the high ground and argue from a philosophical standpoint. It would come down to philosophies

262

The Viscount Claims His Bride

against practicalities. Reality against theory. Honour against dishonour, and what constituted either.

'If that is all, the committee will deliberate,' the chairman said. 'Viscount St Just, you'll be informed of our decision as soon as it is made. It could be hours, or days.'

Valerian rose and nodded to the group. 'I thank you for your time, gentlemen.'

guard came forwards to escort him from the room. He fought back his disappointment. He couldn't allow himself to think of going back to the tiny room. If he dwelled on it, he thought he might go mad. The precarious nature of his safety while at made it impossible to wander about the yards. Even with Beldon's presence, he felt it was too dangerous to risk his friend. It would be all too easy for one or both of them to fall prey to a subtle knife as they walked passed. He wouldn't allow the committee, most of all Montfort, to see how the thought of going back affected him. He didn't dare look back at

and Beldon. He didn't have the mental fortitude left to manage that as well. More than he wanted daylight and sun and clean air, he wanted Philippa.

In the hall, there was a patter of heels purposefully clicking on the flagstones. Philippa's voice called out in its most imperious tone. 'Guard, I'll need a minute with the viscount.'

'I'm afraid I can't allow that. I have orders. . . the guard stammered, clearly weighing the haughty woman in front of him against the orders of his supervisor at

who was across town, tucked

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away in his office fleecing bribe money from unfortunate patrons.

'There's a room right here. I just want a moment,'

said, gesturing to the small room off to her left. She didn't wait for the guard's approval. Instead, she took Valerian's hand and marched into the room.

She slammed the door in the guard's face, hearing him pro test and then Beldon's smooth tones reassuring him all would be well.

threw herself into his arms, her own arms going about his neck, and

him with all the

emotion she owned. He met the

with his own

intensity, his mouth pressing hard against hers, hungry and desperate, and yet somewhere in its depths was reassurance. In spite of all that had happened, their love still stood.

'Val, I've missed you,'

gasped, touching

his face as they drew apart, tracing the lines of his with her hands.

'You're well? And the baby?' His hand dropped to her waist, framing her stomach with his fingers as if he could feel the baby already.

'We're well. There won't be anything to see for a few months yet.'

gave a tremulous laugh.

'I am so happy about it,' Valerian whispered.

'Promise me, you'll keep the child safe. Don't do anything foolish, Philippa, promise me.' His voice was urgent, desperate to wring a vow from her.

'I won't need to. You'll be free as soon as the committee makes their decision,'