Once and Always @FOREVER.

Chapter ten.

The moment the Collingwoods left, Jason headed straight for the library, where Charles had vanished an hour before.

Charles laid his book aside at once and beamed at Jason. "Did you observe Victoria's demeanor at supper tonight?" he asked eagerly. "Isn't she splendid? She has such charm, such poise, such understanding. I nearly burst with pride watching her! Why, she's—"

"Take her to London tomorrow," Jason cut in shortly. "Flossie Wilson can join you there for the season."

"London!" Charles sputtered. "But why? Why must we hurry?"

"I want her away from Wakefield and off my hands. Take her to London and find her a husband. The season begins in a fortnight."

Charles paled, but his voice was determined. "I think I'm entitled to an explanation for this sudden decision of yours."

"I gave you one—I want her away from here and permanently off my hands. That's explanation enough."

"It isn't as easy as that," Charles protested desperately. "I can't simply advertise in the newspaper for a husband for her. We have to go about it properly—by entertaining and formally introducing her to society."

"Then take her there and get started."

Raking his hand through his gray hair, Charles shook his head, trying to dissuade Jason. "My house isn't in any condition to give lavish parties—"

"Use mine," Jason said.

"Then you can't stay there," Charles objected, searching wildly for obstacles to throw in the way of the plan. "If you do, everyone will assume Victoria is another one of your conquests—and a brazen one, to boot. The fact that you're supposedly betrothed to her won't carry any weight."

"Whenever I'm in the city, I'll stay at your house," Jason said briskly. "Take my staff from here with you—they can be ready for a party at a day's notice. They've done so before."

"What about gowns and vouchers to Almack's and—"

"Have Flossie Wilson take Victoria to Madame Dumosse and tell Madame that I want Victoria to have the best— immediately. Flossie will know how to go about getting vouchers to Almack's. What else?"

"What else?" Charles burst out. "To begin with, Dumosse is so famous even I've heard of her. She won't have time to outfit Victoria, not with the season almost upon us."

"Tell Dumosse I said to use her own judgment on Victoria's wardrobe and to spare no expense. Victoria's red hair and petite height will be a challenge for her; she'll outfit Victoria so that she outshines every insipid blonde and willowy brunette in London. She'll do it if she has to go without sleep for the next two weeks, and then she'll charge me double her usual exorbitant price to compensate herself for the inconvenience. I've been through all this before," he finished briskly. "Now, since everything is settled, I have work to do."

Charles expelled a long, frustrated sigh. "Very well, but we'll leave in three days, not one. That will give me time to notify Flossie Wilson to join us in London, not here. As an unmarried man, I cannot live in the same house with Victoria unless a suitable chaperone is present—particularly in London. Send your staff ahead to see to your house and I'll send word to Flossie Wilson to join us in London the day after tomorrow. Now I have a favor to ask of you."

"What is it?"

Carefully phrasing his answer, Charles said, "I don't want anyone to know your engagement to Victoria is off, not right away."

"Why not?" Jason demanded impatiently.

Charles hesitated as if at a loss, then brightened. "Well, for one thing, if members of the ton believe Victoria is already betrothed to you, they won't watch her so closely. She'll be able to go about with a little more freedom, and to look over the gentlemen at her leisure, before deciding on anyone in particular."