The Viscount's Salvation (Honorable Rogue Book 3)

by Vikki Vaught

  A thrill went through her as she shyly replied, “All right…Cortland.”

  “Now, when is your father supposed to return?” he asked in a take-charge tone.

  His directness helped calm her fears. “I’m not sure. I was just told he would return later this week. Since he left yesterday, I would think he couldn’t possibly return before Thursday.”

  “That is excellent news. I will procure a conveyance, and we will leave tomorrow night. That will also give me time to make arrangements for Gerrard and Aimee.” He glanced at Ella who stood by the door, then asked, “Can you trust your maid to help you?”

  She spoke with confidence, “Ella is aware of my situation, and she will be more than willing to assist me. Would it be possible for her to come with me? She will be turned out if my father finds out she has helped me.”

  Regret flashed across his face. “As much as I would like you to have her with you, there will not be enough room in the post chaise, and we must travel quickly. I will work it out for her to stay with my sister. Then she can accompany the children on their journey to my home and meet us there on our return from Gretna Green.”

  His straightforward attitude helped to further settle her jumping pulse. “Thank you. I’m sure that will work out well. I’m sorry to take you away from the children like this, but I’m eternally grateful. I promise to be a good wife to you, and a loving mother for Gerrard and Aimee.”

  Concern warmed his amber eyes to melted toffee, sending her heart skipping. “I’m sorry we don’t have time for the proper courtship you deserve, but time is of the essence if we’re going to succeed. Can your maid manage to get the bulk of your belongings to the mews by three tomorrow afternoon? I can send a footman from my sister’s house to help her. You can only take a small valise with you.”

  “We shall manage.” Mary spoke with more conviction than she felt. “Ella is quite resourceful.” Then trying to sound as cool as he, she asked, “How will we get away tomorrow night, and what time?”

  “I’ll have a carriage in the alley behind this house at midnight,” he explained. “Will you and your maid be able to get out of the house?”

  Gathering all the courage she could muster, she replied, “We’ll be there waiting for you, but I thought my maid couldn’t come with me?”

  “She can’t, but we will ensure her safety by taking her to my sister before we depart for Gretna Green.” Cortland offered his arm to her. “We’ve been in here long enough, and we do not want your aunt growing suspicious. Shall we return to her so I can take my leave?”

  She slipped her hand in the crook and smiled at him. “Again, thank you. I will pray that all goes smoothly for us, and we succeed.”

  He touched her hand. “I’ll make sure of it.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  London

  Early November 1803

  After Cortland thanked her aunt for allowing him to visit, he departed, leaving Mary to set her part of the plan in motion. Quivering inside, she climbed the stairs in a bit of a shock. The impact of what had just happened had not fully set in. She returned to her chamber and filled her maid in on what would happen and how it would take place, still slightly dazed by it all.

  Ella clasped her hands to her breast. “Oh, milady. I’m so thankful you’ve found Mr. Wallingford. I will pray for your happiness, and never fear, I’ll do everything I can to assist you. I promise to look after the little ones and make sure they come to no harm on the journey to your future husband’s estate.”

  Mary smiled. “I have all the confidence in the world in you.” Then wanting to reassure her maid, she told her, “By helping me, you’ll lose your position in my father’s household, but you will always have a place with me.”

  “I’m humbled by your concern for me.” Her maid dashed away a tear. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, but Ella, you are the one who is willing to sacrifice for me. I’m eternally in your debt.” Her tears also threatened, so she quickly swallowed the lump in her throat, then declared, “Now, shall we prepare for my journey?”

  “Certainly, milady.”

  They spent the rest of the day packing her trunk with as much as she dared take. Once she left her father’s house, she would never be able to return for anything else. The earl would surely disown her, if not worse. Thank goodness her brothers were away at school. That should keep them safe. By the time they returned for the holidays, their father should have recovered from his wrath for the most part, she hoped.

  As she climbed into bed that night, her thoughts turned to Mr. Wallingford’s proposal. She was still amazed that Mr. Walling…no, Cortland—she must remember to call him by his first name—had offered to help her. By the first of next week, she would be a married woman, and to such a kind and handsome gentleman. She would make sure he never regretted his decision. She would see to his every need.

  Goodness! They had never even kissed. What would it be like? She had no notion, since she had never been kissed before. Would Cortland expect to consummate the marriage right away? A thrill of anticipation shot through her at the very thought of what that would entail. She had a vague idea of what would happen from a book she had discovered in her father’s library, but she could not begin to imagine how it would feel.

  Could they grow to love each other? Of course, she did not have the luxury of waiting for love. This was her only chance to escape from what her father had planned for her.

  Oh, but she longed for the type of marriage Kathleen had with her husband. They were head over ears in love with one another. Could she get Cortland to fall in love with her? He did seem to like and even admire her. He certainly wanted to save her from a fate worse than death. That was a good sign.

  Perhaps she could visit Kathleen in the morning and discuss this with her. Her friend would be so happy and excited for her. Of course, the only problem would be that she would be so enthused over the plan, she would want to be involved. It might not be prudent to share the part about them eloping. She could just tell her that Cortland had asked if he could court her.

  That would surely be all right. She would only ask Kathleen about what happens in the marriage bed. That she wanted to calm her nerves in case she brought him up to scratch. Settling against her pillows, her eyes grew heavy as she yawned. Then, losing her battle, sleep took her away to dreams of the kind and handsome captain, a man who would soon become her husband.

  The following morning, Mary awoke to the sound of her maid pouring water behind the privacy screen. She climbed from the bed and donned her dressing gown. “Good morning, Ella,” she called out.

  Her maid peeked her head around the screen. “Oh, you’re awake, milady. You asked me to make sure you arose by nine. I have your water ready. What gown would you like to wear today?”

  She sighed, wishing she could wear one of the dresses Kathleen had purchased for her, but her aunt would have a fit if she knew they were back in her possession. Besides, those were already packed in her trunk. At least she would be able to wear one the next day. “My dark blue walking dress, I suppose. We’re going to Lady Billingsley’s house after breakfast.”

  “Yes, milady.”

  Once she completed her morning ablutions, she donned her gown and told Ella to meet her in the entry hall in thirty minutes, then made her way to the breakfast room. She entered and found Aunt Mildred already seated, eating her food. Mary filled her plate with a coddled egg, a piece of sausage, and a slice of toast, and took a seat across from her aunt. “Good morning, Aunt. I hope you had a good night’s sleep.”

  Her aunt retorted sharply, “How could you expect me to sleep with that terrible storm last night. Why are you dressed to go out?”

  Mary placed her napkin in her lap. “I must have slept soundly, because I didn’t hear the storm. I’m sorry it disturbed you. I thought I would visit Lady Billingsley this morning. I hope that is not a problem?”

  Aunt Mildred looked at her and drawled, “I suppose it’s all right. Mind you return in
time for tea. I sent that gentleman an invitation to call on us at four o’clock. Mr. Wallingford’s connections are quite good, even if his sister did marry that dreadful American sea captain. I looked Mr. Wallingford up in Debrett’s, and his uncle is Viscount Hardesty, very good ton. It’s past time you have a suitor. See that you do not say anything to scare him off.”

  Should she act interested in Cortland or pretend indifference? Perhaps just agreeing would be best. “When Mr. Wallingford comes today, I shall act as you would expect, Aunt.”

  “Very good.” She pushed her considerable bulk back from the table and stood. “I need to dress. I am going shopping with Lady Aston this morning. I shall see you this afternoon, and do not be late.”

  If her aunt approved of Mr. Wallingford, then perhaps her father would as well. She might be willing to convince the earl that the match was a desirable one. Maybe an elopement would not be necessary.

  No, I dare not risk it. Her father never listened to his sister, considering all women too dim-witted to make wise decisions. Besides, there was still the matter of the gambling debt. The marquess would be terribly angry if her father gave her hand to another after promising it to him. He would demand the money immediately upon hearing of her engagement, or worse.

  While Cortland probably had a decent income and his own estate, he did not need to pay her father’s debts, especially when the earl could easily afford to cover his own vouchers. It was best to go through with the elopement. Who was she kidding; she wanted to wed Cortland. Butterflies flitted around in her belly at the very thought.

  Mary finished munching on her toast and drank the last sip of her hot chocolate, then lying her napkin on her plate, she rose and went to the entry hall. Once she joined her maid, they set out for Kathleen’s house.

  When they arrived at her friend’s home, the butler led her to the drawing room where she found Kathleen playing with Arianna. Her friend stood, placing the adorable toddler on her hip, and gave her a hug. “I am so glad you came over this morning. How did it go with Mr. Wallingford yesterday? Did your aunt accept his call?”

  Mary nodded. “She did, and she actually likes him. She says he’s good ton and seems pleased I have a suitor. She has even invited him for tea.”

  Kathleen raised her brow. “I must say I’m surprised. Your aunt never likes anyone. What in the world did he do to gain her favor?”

  Mary giggled. “He acted interested in her horticultural abilities and wanted to see her conservatory. You know how she takes pride in her gardening endeavors.”

  “That’s excellent. Do you think he’s interested in you?” Kathleen asked, as she placed Arianna on the carpet and handed the child a rattle from the toy basket.

  Mary felt her cheeks grow warm. Although she hated to mislead her friend, too much was at stake to risk telling her the truth. “I believe he is. When we were in the conservatory, he asked if he could court me.”

  Kathleen squealed and pulled her into another embrace. “Oh, Mary, that is splendid news. This could be the answer to your prayers. If you have your aunt’s support, then surely your father will accept his suit. Maybe Mr. Wallingford will speak to your father this afternoon when he comes for tea.”

  Mary told her, “That can’t happen because my father left for his estate yesterday morning and will not return for a few days.”

  Her friend continued to crow over the success of her plan to find her a husband, and how much she thought Cortland would be perfect for her. Just as Mary began to think she was slowing down, Kathleen launched into several suggestions on what Mary could do to bring him up to scratch.

  Guilt nudged at Mary. She hated deceiving her friend and could no longer keep the truth from her. When her friend at last took a breath, Mary met her friend’s eyes. “Kathleen.” She hesitated. “I haven’t been completely truthful with you, but what I am about to tell you must be kept in strictest confidence. Do I have your promise to not get involved in any way?”

  Her friend huffed, “You’re certainly being mysterious. Of course you can. Now, tell me why you’ve been less than truthful. But before you do, take a seat, and I’ll ring for tea. Then we can talk.” She rang the bell and a footman entered. Her friend requested refreshment, and once the servant left, she declared, “Tell me.”

  Mary proceeded to tell Kathleen about Mr. Wallingford’s plan to elope. “I’m sorry I misled you, but no one can know what we have planned. I hope you can forgive me.”

  Kathleen folded her arms over her chest and a thundercloud adorned her pretty face. “You. Do. Not. Trust me. I would never say or do anything to keep you from this. I do believe it’s a brilliant plan, but I’m still mad at you!”

  Mary wanted to crawl under a rock. Her friend had been nothing but kind since they had met last season. “I would be mad at me as well. In fact, I am. You’re my only true friend. I should have realized you would never betray my confidence. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

  Kathleen appeared mollified as she said, “Oh, I suppose, but never do it again.” Before she could say anything else, a maid entered with the refreshments. Once the servant left, her friend asked, “Now, what can I do to help?”

  Mary gripped her skirts as she tried to find the courage. She had come this far; she would not allow her embarrassment to keep her from getting answers. “Since I’m soon to be a wife, I would like to ask…” She paused, then blurted out, “Will you tell me what happens between a husband and wife on their wedding night? I don’t have anyone else to ask.”

  Her friend’s face softened. “Of course I will. You don’t have anything to fear. While I don’t know Mr. Wallingford well, I do know he is an honorable gentleman.” Then she proceeded to explain the marital act, and by the time she finished speaking, Mary’s cheeks burned.

  She looked away, unable to meet her friend’s gaze. “Thank you,” she murmured. “At least I know what to expect.”

  Kathleen reached over and touched her trembling hand. “I think the two of you are very well-suited. Try not to worry. All I will add…the act of making love is beautiful and can be quite pleasurable. I’m sure Mr. Wallingford will take into account your inexperience and be gentle. Just try to relax and let him be your guide.”

  Determined to move beyond her fear, she replied, “I do know Mr. Wallingford is a kind man. I will take your advice and try not to dwell on what will happen.”

  Kathleen poured the tea and handed it to her. “The timing could not be better for your elopement with your father out of town. By the time he returns, the two of you should be well on your way to Scotland. I suggest you leave a note that will throw him off your trail. Perhaps tell him you are taking a position as a governess east of here. Perhaps Canterbury. That way he’ll look for you there, which should give you enough time to wed in Gretna Green.”

  “Oh, Kathleen, that’s an excellent suggestion. I’ll do that.” Feeling even better about what she was doing, she relaxed against the sofa drinking her tea and nibbling on a chocolate cream cake. After she spent another hour with her friend, and talking and playing with Arianna, she took her leave.

  ****

  Cortland spent the morning at the War Office, and at last, the Secretary of War released him from his service with the understanding that if he recalled anything else, he would immediately let the department know.

  He’d told Anissa and Alex what he proposed to do the previous evening, and while they were shocked, they agreed to help. The first thing he did after returning to Overton House was to arrange for a footman to meet Mary’s maid and retrieve her trunk. Alex offered the use of a carriage for the trip, but since he did not want to use a conveyance that could be recognized, he went through with his plan to secure a post chaise, and made those arrangements.

  Once he had all his plans in place, he tried to relax and get some rest for the night ahead, but his mind was too unsettled. Was he doing the right thing? Elopement was such a extreme measure, but it was the only thing that could save Mary from her fat
her’s machinations.

  They would not even have the luxury of waiting to consummate the marriage. The deed had to be accomplished to truly keep her safe. While he found her enchanting, she was an innocent, so he would need to be gentle when he took her. Surely he could keep his baser urges in check. Not that he was a rake, but it had been an age since he had taken a woman.

  Mary’s lovely countenance flashed through his mind and peace settled over him. He was doing the right thing for her, and the children would benefit greatly by having her as their mother. He had no doubt that she would be a good one, based on her concern for his wards’ welfare.

  He rose from his chair and after a quick wash, he donned his evening clothes. He made his way to the children to wish them a good night. After he bade Aimee goodnight, he stepped into Gerrard’s room. The young lad was sitting in the window seat gazing out the window, his face drawn into a worried frown. He hoped the boy would relax once he was at his estate.

  When Gerrard turned his head toward him, Cortland said, “I wanted to see you before I depart. I know you will take good care of your sister on your journey to my home. I’m sorry I can’t travel with you, but as I explained this afternoon, I need to go to Scotland on business. I’ll explain further when I see you at the end of next week.”

  He would have liked to tell the boy he was getting married, but until the deed was accomplished, it would be prudent to keep that fact to himself. After all, until they reached Gretna Green and were wed, anything could happen. Then he would have needlessly told the children something that did not come to pass. They had too much upheaval in their young lives, and did not need more.

  Gerrard stood and walked toward him. “I understand, monsieur. Aimee and I shall be fine. We are excited about seeing your home, and will await your arrival with great anticipation. Will we be traveling alone?”

  He heard a slight trace of concern in his ward’s voice. “No, a young woman named Ella will be traveling with you and Aimee. I’m sure you will enjoy her company. She will be acting as Aimee’s companion until I can find a governess for her. Well, I must go down to dinner. Take care, Gerrard, until we see each other again.”