“What do you have in mind?” asked Arthur.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time. I have neglected my estates and my family. I would like to try to make it up to them, which means spending less time in London. I was hoping the two of you could work together as my deputies in the Home Office. There would be no more field work for either of you – you’re now too well known to be of much use there. But you could be invaluable in organizing operations and keeping me apprised when I’m away. Are you interested?”
Arthur looked at Vanessa. They now knew each other so well, they could answer without conferring. “Yes,” said Vanessa.
“But only after our wedding trip,” added Arthur.
“Excellent,” said Willingham. Then he filled them in on the missing pieces of their recent mission. “I had a feeling Dumbarton would try something that night, which is why I didn’t go to the ball. And when I received Arthur’s note to meet him at the docks, I knew my suspicions had been correct.”
“How did you know it was Dumbarton?” asked Vanessa.
“I had an advantage over you,” he said with a slight smile. “I knew I wasn’t guilty, so that narrowed the field considerably. Sir Lawrence didn’t have the brains for such an ingenious plot.”
Arthur did a poor job stifling a laugh at that comment.
“I…I’m sorry I suspected you,” Vanessa told Willingham. “But I was only doing my duty.”
“I know,” he said. “And once my pride recovered I recognized that. It’s one of the reasons I offered you the promotion. You’re dedicated to this job.”
“Almost as much as I’m dedicated to Arthur,” she said.
Arthur shook Willingham’s hand. “We look forward to the adventures ahead.”
EPILOGUE
Arthur Kellington and Vanessa Gans were married in the Lynwood Manor chapel in Hertfordshire. They shared their ceremony with Marcus Redmond, Marquess of Riverton and Lady Elizabeth Kellington, who’d decided to forego the pomp of a ton wedding for the intimate setting, shared with only family and close friends.
Now that Arthur had a regular source of income in addition to his trust, he gave up cards and gaming. He and Vanessa would be staying at Lynwood House in London until they found a home of their own, which he hoped wouldn’t be too long in coming.
Lizzie was looking forward to being mistress of Riverton House and couldn’t wait to move in, especially since she suspected the queasiness she was experiencing in the mornings had something to do with all those nights Riverton had been sneaking into her room.
The reception was a very pleasant affair. Cook had created two magnificent wedding cakes, each of which was big enough to feed the nearby village. Since it was a family affair, the servants were much less formal and had a celebration awaiting them belowstairs.
After a few glasses of champagne, the Kellingtons were gathered in the sitting room, exchanging stories.
While Aunt Agatha had refused to attend the ceremony – much to everyone’s relief – Aunt Prue and Mariah had been invaluable in helping plan the day. “Arthur,” said Aunt Prue, “you never did tell us about the Gypsy woman’s predictions. We know what she said about you, but what about your brothers and sister?”
Arthur smiled, as he kissed Vanessa’s hand. “Well, for Lynwood…” He looked around the room, only to find that his eldest brother wasn’t there. “For Lynwood, she said true love would not run smoothly.”
“I can believe that,” said Lizzie quietly.
“For Ned, she said he would go over the sea, face danger and meet the love of his life. And, obviously, all of those predictions came true. For you, sweet Lizzie, she said you would be safely delivered of six children…”
“Six!” said Riverton with a mixture of fear and awe.
Arthur continued. “And one day Lizzie would speak before Parliament.”
“What a lovely future,” said Lizzie, as her hand went unconsciously to her stomach.
“What about me?” asked Hal.
Arthur grinned. “I’m afraid she was wide of the mark there. She said you would tell people not to drink.”
At that, everyone in the room laughed, including Hal. But then he suddenly remembered the dark-haired beauty with a courtesan’s stockings. He blinked. He blinked again. He had another glass of champagne.
Stapleton finished his drink. “Unfortunately, I need to leave for town. I have to prepare for a meeting with the head magistrate. Has anyone seen Miss Carson?” Rosalind had been given permission to attend the wedding, provided she returned as soon as it was over. Stapleton had escorted her and her maid from London.
The Kellingtons looked around, but there was no Rosalind in sight.
Lizzie hoped it was a good sign.
But a moment later, a flustered Rosalind Carson entered the room. As the others turned to look at her, she blushed.
“Are you ready to leave?” asked Stapleton. “I have only to say my farewell to Lynwood, then we can go.”
At that moment, a distracted Lynwood entered the room. While the man was always impeccably dressed, he seemed disheveled – by ducal standards – and out of sorts. A short time later, when Stapleton and Rosalind were waiting beside the carriage, Lynwood handed Rosalind in.
“Miss Carson,” he said, nodding. The formality of the farewell was in direct contrast to how long and how tightly he held onto her fingers.
“Your grace,” she said in barely more than a whisper, before she looked at him one more time then entered the carriage.
Lynwood barely muttered a farewell to Stapleton before turning and heading into the Manor, looking for all the world like he wanted to break something.
Neither Stapleton nor the Kellingtons said a word, although they exchanged knowing looks.
* * *
Since Arthur and Vanessa needed almost a full day to travel to the port where they’d leave for the continent on their wedding trip, they spent the night at Lynwood Manor in Arthur’s old room. As Vanessa lay snuggled up against him, safe at last in his arms, he uttered a prayer of thanks that the prophesy of long ago had been thwarted. He also thanked God that neither of them would be alone again.
“Arthur,” Vanessa said sleepily, rousing from the sated slumber she’d fallen into after the first time they’d made love. “Thank you for rescuing me.”
“And thank you,” he said, kissing her temple, “for rescuing me, too.”
Then they spent the rest of the night celebrating their love.
Never Wager Against Love (Kellington Book Three) Page 26