Sebastian experienced a jolt of pity for the man. Even under the direst circumstances, Sebastian and Helena could be together. They might have to endure stares and whispers behind their backs, but St. Ambrose was in love with a courtesan. Miss Kendrick would never be accepted in their world.
St. Ambrose addressed Helena. “I have offered marriage to your sister. She has denied me repeatedly, but I will not tether myself to anyone else.”
Helena’s mouth dropped open. Sebastian didn’t know what to say, but the marquess didn’t seem to require a response.
“I have spoken with my brother about my wishes, and he is aware he will one day inherit the marquessate. The title will pass to my oldest nephew after him. I will never marry unless Lavinia agrees to become my wife.”
What manner of insanity was this? A gentleman would shirk his duty for—for…
True love.
Sebastian had no call to pass judgment. Love made a man do any number of mad things. Even he had been willing to walk away when it came to a choice between his duties and Helena.
Helena shifted on the chair. “You own every gossip sheet in Town? How could that be?”
“I was willing to pay whatever price was presented. He who controls the gossip controls everything. Now Lavinia has no reason to worry about anything unsavory being printed in the papers when we marry.”
Helena’s hand covered her heart. “Has she agreed to marry you?”
“Not yet,” St. Ambrose said with a smug smile, “but I am told I can be very persuasive.”
Sebastian snorted softly. He had said something similar to Helena not long ago. Obviously, there was something about the Kendrick sisters that brought out a gentleman’s competitive instincts.
Suddenly, it dawned on him that St. Ambrose was not only responsible for saving Helena’s reputation, he had been shredding Sebastian’s the last few weeks. He scowled. “What was that nonsense about dragging up my past and questioning my sanity after Lady Gabrielle’s elopement?”
St. Ambrose’s grin spread. “They are gossip sheets, Thorne. I have to allow the papers to print something to keep everyone happy.”
“And I would feel happier drawing your cork,” he said as he rounded the chair and advanced on the marquess.
“Wait.” St. Ambrose held up a hand, laughing. “No more. I promise. We are as good as family now. You will never see your name in any of my papers again, nor anyone related to you.”
Sebastian halted in front of him and dropped his fist. He wasn’t likely to get a better offer. “I will hold you to that promise.”
He stuck out his hand and St. Ambrose shook it. “You have no cause for worry.”
After the marquess left, Sebastian had to see for himself that St. Ambrose was telling the truth. He retrieved the paper from Fergus and sat on the settee with Helena, flipping through the pages slowly. When they reached the last page without any mention of Helena or Prestwick, she closed it with a breathy laugh.
“That is it. We remain untouched by scandal.”
Sebastian’s lips curved up. “Is that so, Lady Prestwick? Untouched, you say. That will never do.” He tugged her on his lap and grabbed her bottom with both hands. She squealed and wiggled, making the task of touching her more enjoyable.
“Sebastian, the door is open. What if someone sees us?”
“You heard St. Ambrose. We can behave as scandalously as we wish without rumors of it ever finding its way into the papers.”
She stopped trying to crawl from his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I look forward to many scandalous moments with you, sir. I have heard you are worth the risk to one’s reputation.”
“Then I shall endeavor not to disappoint you.”
Her lovely eyes glowed and the dimples he had fallen in love with winked at him. “You could never disappoint me, Sebastian. In any way.”
And then he kissed her like a man who loves a woman should, with passion, tenderness, and a drive to always meet her expectations.
Epilogue
Olive had wanted to make a fuss over Helena’s wedding, but Helena took a stand and insisted the ceremony at St. George’s be kept small. There would be opportunity aplenty for Society to scrutinize her and Sebastian at the extravagant wedding breakfast being held at Eldridge House afterward. Now she just wanted to be around the people she loved most.