The Marquess's Christmas Runaway

by Josie Bonham

  Lady Overton smiled. “So, you took pity on him and agreed to a marriage?”

  “That did play a part. That and the way he made me feel safe.”

  Georgie felt suddenly weak and a sob escaped her. She found herself gathered into a perfumed embrace.

  “My dear, I hope you will forgive me for doubting you. I can see, now that I have spoken with you, that Max knows what he is about rather more than I gave him credit for. Come, I’ll send for some tea and then we had better look through my clothes to see what can be altered to fit you.”

  Lady Overton rang for a maid and Georgie tried to compose herself. It was silly but she felt bereft without Max to protect her. Did Lady Overton believe her? Even if she didn’t, there was nothing she could do. Was she making the best of the situation by befriending her? She drank her tea in silence before handing back the cup.

  “That’s better. There is nothing like tea to fortify one I find. I’m sorry we have started off badly together, Miss Sherborne. I do hope we can still be friends?”

  Lady Overton smiled a little tremulously at Georgie. Unless she was an extremely good actress, her offer of friendship was genuine. Georgie smiled back. “I would like that. It’s kind of you to offer me some of your clothes but I’m still in mourning for my aunt.”

  “Of course, I should have offered you my condolences. When did she die?”

  Georgie sighed. “At the end of May.”

  “I imagine you saw her almost as a parent so I can understand you wanting to wear dark colours for a bit longer although it would be perfectly acceptable for you to wear something paler now.”

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  “Forgive me for asking but is the gown you’re wearing one of your own?”

  “Yes, this is the only gown from my former life I managed to bring with me.”

  “I’ve seen you in it haven’t I? You’ve lost an awful lot of weight.”

  Georgie sighed. “There was never enough to eat at the Hutton’s, although they seemed to manage. They starved me for three days before I escaped.”

  “Max said something of the sort. You have had a bad time. Come, let’s see what we can find for you.”

  Georgie allowed herself to be led up to Lady Overton’s dressing room. “I hope I wasn’t given the room meant for you Lady Overton.”

  “No, you weren’t. Another sister and her family were due to join us but only if the weather was kind. They live farther away so I don’t think we will see them. I expect you have been given one of their bedchambers.”

  A maid appeared. “Ah Betty, how many dresses did you pack for me? Is there anything that could be altered to fit Miss Sherborne without too much difficulty?”

  Betty held her head on one side and screwed up her face. Her features relaxed as she smiled.

  “Yes, my lady. Are you thinking of something for Miss Sherborne to be married in?”

  Lady Overton nodded.

  “I’m sure I packed your cream satin evening dress. That might be suitable.”

  Betty rushed off to fetch the dress.

  “Since we are about to become sisters, Miss Sherborne, would you oblige me by calling me Eliza?”

  She felt a flush stain her cheeks. “Of course, if you wish. My family always called me Georgie.”

  “Georgie it is then.”

  Betty came back with a glorious satin gown draped over her arm. Georgie gasped. She had never worn anything half as fashionable. The gown was a vision of fine primrose muslin over a cream satin body, trimmed with blond lace around the hem.

  Eliza smiled. “We don’t have much time Betty. Would you be able to alter it to fit by Christmas Eve?”

  “Yes, my lady. I could probably do another one too.”

  Eliza waved away Georgie’s protest. “Two would be excellent if you can manage it Betty. See if one of Max’s maids can help. A darker colour for the second one as Miss Sherborne isn’t quite out of mourning for her aunt, which is why we are having a quiet family wedding.”

  “Leave it to me, my lady. I shall enjoy doing it.” Betty rushed out.

  “You will want something to wear on Christmas day Georgie. When the weather is better Max will have to take you to Town to replenish your wardrobe.”

  Georgie shuddered. “I’ve had enough of London after living there with the Huttons for months.”

  “You will have nothing to fear with Max by your side.”

  “I hope not. At least Cousin Mary won’t be able to marry me to her son, Algernon.” She shuddered.

  Eliza took her hand. “Did he scare you?”

  “Not him so much, except the time when I ran away. He was foxed and I’m sure he was even more afraid of his mother than I was. He must have been to go along with her plan to make me marry him. The maids all thought he was chasing a young widow from Gracechurch Street.”

  “I don’t see that your Cousin Mary could harm you once you’re of age, especially when you’re married.”

  “I know, but there is something sinister about her lawyer friend.” Georgie shrugged. “As you say, I’ll be safe with Max. I might even enjoy London.”

  Georgie tried to imagine what it would be like to spend time in the capital with Max. Would he become bored with her? Did he have a mistress in London? Rumours of him being rather wild had reached as far as Benfort. What had she done agreeing to this? Sought safety over all else that’s what she had done. She refused to be downhearted. She would be a good wife to him and perhaps it would work out well? Unless, of course, she didn’t bear him a son. She pushed the thought to the back of her mind as Betty returned with Martha in tow.

  “Now, Miss, we had better measure up and see how much we need to take these in.”

  Georgie stared as she saw the second gown being carried by Martha. It had a green satin body with an over-dress of a deeper green crape. The style was simple with almost a Grecian look to it but the overall effect was stunning. She was entering a world of which she knew very little.

  Chapter Six

  Max strode up to his bedchamber and rang the bell for Jepson. He walked around the room as he waited for him to arrive. Where was the man? He rolled his shoulders to try and remove the knot of tension that was settling at the back of his neck.

  At last Jepson appeared, looking flustered. “I’m sorry, my lord. I wasn’t expecting you to need me at this time of day.”

  “Of course not. Something urgent has cropped up and I need to go into Canterbury. I will stay overnight.”

  “I’ll pack your bag as quickly as I can, my lord.”

  Max made a few suggestions as Jepson selected clothes and packed them into his valise. He tried not to sigh as Jepson worked meticulously. This couldn’t be rushed if he wanted his clothes to arrive in Canterbury without too many creases. Eventually, Jepson declared himself finished.

  “Thank you. You’ve worked wonders. Have one of the footmen take it down to the stables to be loaded onto my curricle.”

  “You don’t want me to accompany you, my lord? I always keep a travel bag packed for myself.”

  “No. I’ll only be away for the one night and I think you deserve a holiday.”

  Jepson was silent as he helped him to change into travelling clothes. It would be quicker with only his tiger up behind. He would also have more privacy. His mind strayed to the purchases he intended to make for Georgie. She was a taking little thing and it wouldn’t do to expect her to wear someone else’s nightgown on her wedding night. Max felt his pulse quicken at the thought of Georgie in a frivolous nightgown.

  Then again, he didn’t want to frighten her. Something frivolous but not too revealing would be best. He ought to buy her a bridal gift as well. A string of pearls perhaps? He would have to be careful to shop where he was less likely to be recognised. Damn he should have asked Eliza. Jepson helped him into his greatcoat and he wrenched his mind back to the journey he had to make before he could shop for presents. The sooner he was there the better it would suit him but a few more minutes would
n’t hurt. He tore down the staircase and stopped a passing footman.

  “Do you know where Lady Overton is?”

  “I believe she’s in the library, my lord.”

  He found Eliza selecting a novel. Nat was reading in an armchair in front of the fire. They looked so comfortable together that Max caught his breath. Would his marriage work out as well as theirs?

  “Can you write down some names of good, but lesser known shops in Canterbury? A decent jeweller too.”

  Eliza sighed and walked over to a writing desk set by a window. “I can see there is no point asking you to slow down Max.”

  “It’s better this way and Georgie will feel safer once we’re married.”

  “There is that to it, I suppose.” Eliza blotted her list and handed it to him.

  Max tucked it into a pocket and kissed her cheek. “It will all work out, you’ll see. I’ll be off.”

  Nat rose from his chair. “I’ll walk with you to the stables if you don’t mind, Max,”

  He said nothing more until they were away from the house.

  “Eliza has remembered seeing Miss Sherborne in the gown she’s wearing today. She said the girl has lost a lot of weight since she saw her back in the spring and she’s convinced her story is true. I think she’s taken to her.”

  Max turned to look at his friend. “That’s good, but you didn’t follow me down here to tell me that.”

  “I can see why you feel you must save her reputation but the thing is the poor girl has been through a lot. Don’t you think it might be best to give her more time to adjust?”

  Max sighed. “I meant what I said about getting the deed done before Selina has time to make trouble. Once we’re married it will be easier for me to protect Georgie from the inevitable unpleasantness from that quarter.”

  “I suppose so. She did seem rather lost just now though. What if she changes her mind after the ceremony?”

  “I’m sure she won’t do that. Think of all the benefits she’ll get from the union.”

  “Max, this isn’t a business arrangement.”

  They reached the stable and Max’s curricle was waiting for him with a groom holding the horses’ heads.

  “Of course, it is. I’m sure we’ll become good friends and nothing more is needed to make a success of it.”

  Nat gave a roar of laughter. “For a man with seven sisters you have a lot to learn about women. I wish you joy but promise me you’ll be kind to the poor girl.”

  Max bristled at the anxious look Nat gave him. “Of course, I will. If you must know I’m extremely grateful to her for solving my problem.”

  Max jumped up into the curricle and signalled to the groom to let the horses go. They pranced and sidled for a moment as his tiger jumped up behind. He waved a whip at Nat in acknowledgement as they moved off. Their conversation lingered as he drove along. He wasn’t being unfair to Georgie, was he? No, of course not, she was grateful to him for giving her a safe haven. He couldn’t see her giving him much trouble as a wife.

  ***

  Max took rooms at the Blue Boar in Canterbury, rather than stay in one of the more fashionable hotels where he was more likely to meet someone he knew. He sent his tiger with a message to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office as soon as he arrived. There was a small, rather gloomy, sitting room attached to his bedroom. The worn, dark brown, leather armchair by the window was comfortable enough and he read the newspapers the manager of the hotel had sent up to him whilst he waited for a reply. He jumped when there was a knock at the door.

  “Enter.”

  The messenger touched his cap and grinned when Max handed him a generous tip in exchange for the sealed note he carried. The door had barely closed behind him before Max tore the missive open. He let out a relieved breath as he scanned the contents. The Archbishop would receive him in the morning. That would give him time to return to Hargreaves Hall in the light. His horses should be rested enough to drive them back by then.

  Everything seemed to be going to plan. Yet somehow Nat and Eliza had unsettled him with their advice to wait. But surely this was best. Georgie would be entirely safe from her cousins as his wife. He wouldn’t rush her once they were married so he couldn’t understand what they were worried about. In truth he couldn’t believe his luck. All his problems solved and a grateful wife who would be easy to please. It wasn’t the love match he’d dreamed of but he felt sure they would be friends. In many ways that might be easier.

  He ran down the stairs and walked out into the street to look for the jewellers Eliza had recommended. He found it quite quickly. The shop was busy. Max pulled out his card and an assistant ushered him past several wooden counters, each with a salesman dealing with a customer, into the private office of the proprietor.

  “What can we do for you, my lord?”

  “I’m looking for a good quality string of pearls suitable for a debutante.” He had so many nieces that would sound believable.

  “Of course. I’m sure we have exactly the right thing.” He rang a bell and instructed the assistant who came in response to bring a selection of pearls.

  Max suspected there had been some sign language going on and he would be shown the most expensive. Good, Georgie deserved a treat. He accepted a glass of wine and selected a string of pearls. His conscience hit him when he remembered that Cecilia was making her society debut after Christmas and he selected a second string.

  “I’ll have these as well. It’s an expensive business being an uncle.”

  There was a knock at the door and an assistant entered, carrying a rosewood jewellery box.

  “May I leave these with you for safekeeping, sir? My customer took the emerald set.”

  Max’s eyes flicked to the box. It would be lovely to buy Georgie something special. The shop’s proprietor must have seen his glance. He opened the box to display a glorious set of diamonds. The man lifted the necklace up and it glittered under the light of the chandelier directly above them.

  “These are the best diamonds I’ve seen in a long time, my lord.”

  “I’ll take those as well.”

  They would look wonderful on Georgie. Max felt colour flood his cheeks. He had to buy them even though it would look like he had a mistress in keeping. Something he’d never done near home, preferring to keep his amours to the anonymity of London. Thinking of which, it was fortunate he had paid off his latest mistress in the autumn, at the start of his unsuccessful flirtation with Lydia Winters. He was ready to leave his bachelor days behind him.

  Max left the shop after arranging for a draft on his bankers in Canterbury. The proprietor promised faithfully to have the jewels delivered to the Blue Boar that evening. He sauntered along the street. Finding women’s clothing was going to be harder. He turned a corner and came across exactly the sort of shop he was looking for. A linen draper that advertised some ready-made items. All of the assistants appeared to be male, which was a relief.

  Inside he could see no one he knew and none of the assistants paid him particular attention. It seemed he hadn’t been recognised. Wooden cupboards, arranged like shelves, lined the walls. Their round holes each holding a bolt of cloth, with the last few inches projecting into the room. The smell of cotton reminded him of the nursery. He enquired for ready-made garments and was ushered over to wait behind two other men in a separate part of the shop. There seemed to be quite a selection available. What size would Georgie be? He would have to guess.

  When it was his turn to be served, he pointed to a collection of gossamer thin nightgowns and various items of matching underwear. His pulse quickened at the thought of Georgie wearing them. He picked up a nightgown that looked about right and measured it against his hands. Thinking back to when he had lifted her and allowing for all the clothes she had been wearing, it was at least two sizes too large. She was bound to put some weight back on now she was being properly fed. The assistant gave him an odd look and he replaced it on the counter.

  “That should be perfect for my wi
fe.” He felt his cheeks heat up and was grateful for the poor lighting. “I forgot to pick up her list which had her measurements. I’ll take two sets of the whole range.”

  The assistant’s expression changed to a beaming smile. “Thank you, sir.”

  He needed something more modest for their wedding night, or he would struggle to keep his promise not to rush her.

  “She asked me to buy some warm nightgowns for her niece. I’m sure they needed to be two or three inches smaller.”

  The assistant fetched some in a thicker fabric and laid out three.

  “These should be the right size then, sir.”

  “I’ll take all three.”

  Max paid cash and opted to take the package with him to avoid giving his name. He sauntered back to his hotel feeling rather pleased with himself. The poor little thing had been through a lot. He must be kind to her.

  The next morning Max received a message from the Archbishop’s Secretary putting their meeting back to the afternoon. The door closed behind the messenger and he paced about his sitting room. Why the delay? It was probably nothing to worry about. Christmas was not a good time to approach an Archbishop after all. He already had some gifts for the family put by but perhaps he would buy some more presents for the children. He had better see what he could get for the Fordhams as well, in case they managed to make it through to the Hall. He spent the next few hours wandering around the shops.

  What to get for Georgie? He would give her the pearls as a wedding gift but it was probably too soon to give her the diamond set. He could save that for her first ball with him. Had she ever been to ball before? There was so much he didn’t know about her. It might panic her if he gave her the underwear and flimsy nightdresses straight away. She was probably quite an innocent having been brought up in an ecclesiastical family.

  He checked his pocket watch. There was still another hour to go before he needed to make his way to his appointment. He stopped short on the pavement and apologised profusely to the man who bumped into him from behind. He stiffened and screwed his hands up into fists. Could Georgie be known to the Archbishop? It was a possibility he hadn’t considered. He moved forward away from the press of people. It was fortunate that Georgie had already met Eliza. If the Archbishop, or whoever interviewed him, wanted to know more about the details of their courtship he would have to play on that relationship.