Checkmate

6

Monday night Val was ready and waiting for her Uncle to pick her up. Not that she could not have walked next door and waited there for him but then it would not feel like a special night. She had convinced him to take her to the chop house that she missed out on Saturday. When he knocked on the door she answered instead of letting Gilbert. He laughed she seemed especially happy he had arrived. They did not waste time they went to dinner.

While eating Val decided to ask questions very personal ones.

"Uncle Justin can I ask you a personal question?"

"You may. But I will not guarantee I will answer."

"That is fair. I learned while I was in Scotland you and my mother were betrothed and you let her go. I know you love her it is written on your face every time you look at her. Why did you let her go I do not understand?"

"Who told you about our betrothal?"

"The king actually told Daphne and Victor during his visit to Scotland."

"I see, well the fact is I have always loved your mother. I loved your father also he was my cousin but, in my heart, he was my brother. When I saw they had fallen in love, instead of being angry and forcing her to marry me, I decided if the two people I loved the most could be happy then I could be the bigger man and walk away leaving them the freedom to be together. I will not lie to you it was hard, but over the years I saw I had made the right decision Charles was a good man and the best one for your mother."

"Does she know you still love her?"

"I am sure she knows Valerie. Now can we change the subject?"

"For the record I think you are wonderful and I wish I can find someone who could love me as much as you love my mother."

Just then Val looked over at one of the couples who were dining, and she saw Nathan with a beautiful young woman. Justin knew the moment something was wrong. The look on Val's face which had a romantic glow about it now was in pain. He turned to see Nathan and Mary Maxwell he braced himself for the outburst that would be coming his way. He was surprised to see she turned her attention to her dinner and started to finish her meal. He could tell she was upset had she set her cap on the Earl or was it just women being women and he was not going to figure it out no matter what.

"Are you alright?"

"I am fine it's a little hot in here is all."

She went to take her shoulder wrap off and he was surprised her neckline was so low. He knew it to be the style but for the ball room not the theater. He said nothing and continued eating. When the waiter brought their dessert, Nathan was getting ready to leave. He could not help but see her his eye bored into her like a moth to the flame he had lost all control. His eyes swept over the delectable Lady Valentine and noticed the cut of her dress. It was perfectly proper, but he was not please at the men who were passing by looking in the direction of her breast. He did not know why he was walking towards their table his feet were moving on their own. When they arrived at the table he was under a spell. His eyes never left Valerie's, but his words were directed at the Duke.

"Good evening your grace, your highness."

Justin watched as Val got out of her chair to curtsy to the Earl which was not necessary, other than the fact he was sure she was showing off the contour of her dress. Poor sod she was going to drive him crazy if she kept this up.

"Your Lordship what a pleasant surprise."

She turned to the other woman and glared.

"And you are?"