Page 35 (1/2)

As was her , narrow cha the walls were nuarded visitors with frozen disapproval And froantly 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 ied wryly

Stepping forward, she nearly faltered as the tall handso, blue eyes rose to his feet At his side a dark-haired woman still beautiful in an aloof fashion also rose

There was noexpressions of shocked disdain as they realized that their daughter had dared to defy their stern coain 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 ether the older couple turned their attention to the tall, handso 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 reentle the tainted daughter wholanced toward his wife "Did you hear, Mrs Kingly? Our daughter is to wed Mr Valin"

The cold expression faded as Mrs Kingly swiftly considered thethat 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 ," she twittered in playful tones "However did you ible bachelor?"

Jocelyn sulf 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 allwoly widened her eyes at the open display of affection An affection that was quite foreign to her cold heart

"Ahyes," she muttered

"Never have I encountered a woenerous nature"

The older woentleenerous nature, but she was cunning enough to realize she desired to win his favor

To have her daughter wed to such a proentleman would not only cleanse the stain upon Jocelyn’s reputation, it would also enhance her oer

"Indeed"

Lucien smiled into Jocelyn’s eyes "It shall be the happiest " With an expression of anticipation Mrs Kingly turned toward her silent husband "Weplans at once The cerely, 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 fa up to this woman’s impossible standards threatened to rise, only to be fiercely diser If her parents could not accept the woman she had become, then so be it She would not allow thee will not be a social event I desire a simple private ceremony"

"Do not be ridiculous, Jocelyn," her mother snapped in annoyance "After your unfortunate incident, it is vastly iain the support of the prince If he attends the wedding, then no one else will dare stay away"