Simply Irresistible by Kate Pearce Page A

it seemed that James was dead, I didn’t want to bother you with details of a scheme that was no longer necessary and kept the information to myself.”
    â€œThen why did you take James to Scotland if you’d already concluded your scheme?”
    â€œBecause once I realized he was still alive, I decided using James’s real signature and persona would add a layer of authenticity to the proceedings that no one would ever be able to dispute.”
    â€œEven though he’d already been declared dead?”
    â€œI paid my coconspirators very well. They will all swear they met James before he returned to the West Indies and died.” Valentin’s gaze was steady. “Not that anyone will ask. I can assure you that no one will ever challenge this divorce.”
    â€œBut James . . .”
    â€œOnce 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€œBut why would the courts continue to deal with a divorce case concerning a man who was already dead?”
    â€œBecause 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. It’s just taken this long for them to produce the necessary documents.”
    â€œAnd tell the newspapers.”
    Val half smiled. “No, 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 James’s death.” He shrugged. “Most people know of James’s proclivities and will be sympathetic toward you. They will applaud him for doing the right thing.”
    Valentin sat back. “As 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 son’s parentage or concern over your continuing presence as Jamie’s trustee running this estate.”
    His glance flicked between her and Peter. “After you have completed your period of mourning, naturally.”
    â€œNaturally,” Abby said unsteadily. She looked down at the packet of documents in her hand. “Is this really true?”
    Val placed his hand over his heart. “I swear it is, Abigail.”
    She turned to Peter, who was watching them both, a troubled frown on his face. “What’s wrong, Peter?”
    â€œNothing. I just . . . can’t believe Val has done this.”
    Val frowned. “I thought that for once you would approve of my interference.”
    â€œI . . .” Peter rose and went to kneel at Val’s feet. He took his hand and kissed it. “I don’t know what to say.”
    â€œI do.” Abby came to join them, her eyes full of tears. “Thank you, Valentin. Thank you for everything.”
    He smiled at them both. “I want you both to be happy.”
    â€œAnd we will be.” Abby turned to Peter, who stood up and crushed her in his arms. “I can’t quite believe that I am going to get exactly what I want.”
    Peter kissed her hard. “Believe it, Abby. If Valentin has organized this, no one would dare to disagree with him.”
    â€œExactly.” Valentin stood and bowed. “And now I must get back to my wife.” He raised an eyebrow at Abigail. “She was fairly insistent that I return as quickly as possible because she has convinced herself the birth of our child is imminent.”
    â€œThen I will get my bonnet and accompany you both back to town,” Abigail said firmly. ”Let me just speak to my maid and Jamie.”
    She left the room, and Peter remained standing beside Val. After a quick glance at the closed door, Peter slid his hand around Val’s neck and leaned in to kiss his friend.
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œWhat, no arguing or telling me to keep out of your affairs?”
    Peter smiled into Val’s eyes. “Not