My Lord Eternity (Immortal Rogues #2)(48)
Author: Alexandra Ivy

"I am here," he whispered softly as the door to the house was opened, and a starched butler regarded her with barely concealed amazement.

Drawing in a deep breath, she forced herself to climb the stairs to enter the marble foyer.

She had lived among the most desperate thieves and murderers in all of London. She had walked paths at night that the Watch would not dare tread. She had been stalked by a crazed vampire and managed to kill him.

Surely to goodness she could face her parents.

Unconsciously squaring her shoulders, she turned to face the servant she had known since she was a child.

"Good afternoon, Scowly. I trust you are well?"

Although harshly trained by Mrs. Kingly, the butler allowed a faint smile to curve his lips. He had always been fond of Jocelyn when she was young and had often slipped her treats that were forbidden by her parents.

"Quite well. It is good to see you again, Miss Kingly."

"Thank you." She glanced toward the ponderous staircase that boasted a finely carved balustrade. "Are my parents at home?"

The silver-haired butler gave a slight nod. "Yes, they are in the front salon."

The rather cowardly hope that her parents were dashing about London with their usual need to see and be seen was abruptly crushed. Thankfully, however, her smile never faltered as she felt Lucien place his hand on the small of her back.

She would not be feeing her parents alone.

This wonderful, glorious man was at her side.

For an eternity.

"I will show myself in, Scowly," she managed to say in firm tones.

"I…" A gleam of approval entered the old servant’s gaze. "Very good."

With her head held as high as Lucien had commanded, Jocelyn swept her way up the stairs, rather absurdly relieved that she had allowed her fiancé to convince her to purchase a new gown in a lovely shade of pale blue. It would be difficult enough to confront her parents without concerning herself that she appeared a ragamuffin.

Reaching the open landing that offered a stunning view of the foyer below and the landing above, Jocelyn turned to enter the front salon.

As was her mother’s custom, the long, narrow chamber was entirely decorated in ivory.

Along the walls were numerous niches that supported large Greek statues that regarded visitors with frozen disapproval. And from above, a painting of Zeus floated arrogantly in clouds. Even the furnishings were in an ivory satin with a collection of rare Greek urns upon the various tables.

It was a lovely, elegant room but cold and utterly impersonal.

Much like her own parents, she acknowledged wryly.

Stepping forward, she nearly faltered as the tall handsome gentleman with silver hair and piercing, blue eyes rose to his feet. At his side a dark-haired woman still beautiful in an aloof fashion also rose.

There was no missing their matching expressions of shocked disdain as they realized that their daughter had dared to defy their stern command never to return.

Then once again Lucien reached out to touch her softly, filling her with the warmth of his love.

"Good afternoon, Father. Mother."

There was a sharp silence before Mr. Kingly stepped forward. "Jocelyn," he rasped. "What are you doing here?"

She smiled wryly. It was obvious that the years had not softened her father’s icy anger.

"Do not fear, this is only a passing visit. I wished you to know that I am soon to wed Mr.

Valin."

"Wed?" her mother demanded in shrill shock. Together the older couple turned their attention to the tall, handsome gentleman standing at Jocelyn’s side. In silence they considered the expensive cut of his bottle-green coat and luster of his Hessians. There could be no doubt that he was a gentleman of both means and consequence. It was in the set of his broad shoulders and upon the proud countenance. Then her father’s eyes abruptly widened in amazement. "Mr. Valin?

But… I know you. You are a cousin to Mr. Ravel."

Lucien offered a faint bow of his golden head. "Yes."

"Well. Well, I say. What a remarkable thing." Pondering the astonishing fact that a gentleman of Mr. Valin’s standing would consider marrying the tainted daughter whom he had evicted from his home, Mr. Kingly glanced toward his wife. "Did you hear, Mrs. Kingly? Our daughter is to wed Mr. Valin."

The cold expression faded as Mrs. Kingly swiftly considered the meaning of such a marriage.

Clearly deciding that her lofty place in society could only be enhanced by such a fortunate connection, she determinedly forced a smile to her lips as she turned toward Jocelyn.

"Why, you sly minx, what an extraordinary thing," she twittered in playful tones. "However did you manage to capture such an eligible bachelor?"

Jocelyn smiled wryly, reaching out to allow Lucien to engulf her cold fingers in his own.

"Luck, I suppose."

"No," Lucien denied, lifting her hand to boldly brush her fingers with his lips. "The luck was all mine. Your daughter is quite simply the most amazing woman it has ever been my privilege to know."

Mrs. Kingly widened her eyes at the open display of affection. An affection that was quite foreign to her cold heart.

"Ah … yes," she muttered.

"Never have I encountered a woman with a kinder heart and a more generous nature."

The older woman smiled weakly. She might not comprehend why a gentleman of society would be concerned with a kind heart and generous nature, but she was cunning enough to realize she desired to win his favor.

To have her daughter wed to such a prominent gentleman would not only cleanse the stain upon Jocelyn’s reputation, it would also enhance her own power.

"Indeed."

Lucien smiled into Jocelyn’s eyes. "It shall be the happiest moment in my life when I can call her wife."

"A wedding." With an expression of anticipation Mrs. Kingly turned toward her silent husband. "We must begin making plans at once. The ceremony will be at St. George’s, of course. Mr. Kingly, you must speak with the prince. His presence will be vital to ensure that the wedding will be considered a success."

Jocelyn abruptly stepped forward. She was not about to allow her parents to turn her wedding into a carnival.

"No, Mother."

Mrs. Kingly turned to regard her with an expression of arrogant disapproval. "No?"

The familiar fear of not measuring up to this woman’s impossible standards threatened to rise, only to be fiercely dismissed.

Jocelyn tilted her chin. No. She was a child no longer. If her parents could not accept the woman she had become, then so be it. She would not allow them to force her into a life she did not desire.