it seemed that James was dead, I didnât want to bother you with details of a scheme that was no longer necessary and kept the information to myself.â
âThen why did you take James to Scotland if youâd already concluded your scheme?â
âBecause once I realized he was still alive, I decided using Jamesâs real signature and persona would add a layer of authenticity to the proceedings that no one would ever be able to dispute.â
âEven though heâd already been declared dead?â
âI paid my coconspirators very well. They will all swear they met James before he returned to the West Indies and died.â Valentinâs gaze was steady. âNot that anyone will ask. I can assure you that no one will ever challenge this divorce.â
âBut James . . .â
âOnce I explained how his attempts to be honest with you and Peter had led to your decision not to marry for several years, if ever, James was happy to help.â
âBut why would the courts continue to deal with a divorce case concerning a man who was already dead?â
âBecause they heard the case before James was officially pronounced dead. You know yourself that it takes time for all the formalities to be carried out. Itâs just taken this long for them to produce the necessary documents.â
âAnd tell the newspapers.â
Val half smiled. âNo, that was my idea. I wanted everyone in society to know that you had been on the brink of being free to marry again before Jamesâs death.â He shrugged. âMost people know of Jamesâs proclivities and will be sympathetic toward you. They will applaud him for doing the right thing.â
Valentin sat back. âAs far as the world is concerned, you are legally divorced from James and can now go off and marry Peter in Scotland with no slur on your character, your sonâs parentage or concern over your continuing presence as Jamieâs trustee running this estate.â
His glance flicked between her and Peter. âAfter you have completed your period of mourning, naturally.â
âNaturally,â Abby said unsteadily. She looked down at the packet of documents in her hand. âIs this really true?â
Val placed his hand over his heart. âI swear it is, Abigail.â
She turned to Peter, who was watching them both, a troubled frown on his face. âWhatâs wrong, Peter?â
âNothing. I just . . . canât believe Val has done this.â
Val frowned. âI thought that for once you would approve of my interference.â
âI . . .â Peter rose and went to kneel at Valâs feet. He took his hand and kissed it. âI donât know what to say.â
âI do.â Abby came to join them, her eyes full of tears. âThank you, Valentin. Thank you for everything.â
He smiled at them both. âI want you both to be happy.â
âAnd we will be.â Abby turned to Peter, who stood up and crushed her in his arms. âI canât quite believe that I am going to get exactly what I want.â
Peter kissed her hard. âBelieve it, Abby. If Valentin has organized this, no one would dare to disagree with him.â
âExactly.â Valentin stood and bowed. âAnd now I must get back to my wife.â He raised an eyebrow at Abigail. âShe was fairly insistent that I return as quickly as possible because she has convinced herself the birth of our child is imminent.â
âThen I will get my bonnet and accompany you both back to town,â Abigail said firmly. âLet me just speak to my maid and Jamie.â
She left the room, and Peter remained standing beside Val. After a quick glance at the closed door, Peter slid his hand around Valâs neck and leaned in to kiss his friend.
âThank you.â
âWhat, no arguing or telling me to keep out of your affairs?â
Peter smiled into Valâs eyes. âNot
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