“We have managed to borrow three horses from the count.”
“Well, we could use four but I suppose three is better than none.”
Wyle blew out a tired breath. “Had I known you meant to capture prisoners I would have taken that into account.”
Marian glared at them. “Do I have to do everything myself? Is there nothing in the stable? I’ll go look.”
“I’ll go,” her father said. “I thought I heard old Becket trumpeting.”
They occupied themselves with carrying Cole to the horses. Between them they were able to heave him up onto the back of the sturdiest beast and tie him in place.
The major returned mounted. “Look, they did bring Becket with them. He’s a little underfed but eager for action.”
Marian mounted the smallest horse. “Good, now we must get our party together at the count’s house.”
“Won’t these fellows miss their leader?” Wyle asked.
“If I mistake not, they are three parts drunk already, assuming Cole won’t be down ’til morning. Still it might be best to take ship before dawn if possible.”
“Is she always like this, so managing?” Wyle asked.
“Only when at war. It’s like she has two people bottled up inside her.”
“Yes, I’ve met the prim one and she is formidable as well.”
“You’d think the prim and proper one would not let her fling her reputation away on a rescue in a foreign country,” her father quipped.
“My reputation?”
“Coming to France without a chaperone. Or I hope your mother is not lurking about somewhere.” Major Greenway made a show of looking out through the trees.
“Lurking? No, she is holding the fort at home. For your information, your rescue was a complete surprise to all of us. You are fortunate we found you. Besides, Wyle and I are already married. Mr. Hill performed the ceremony.”
Wyle chuckled. “My apologies for not asking your permission, Sir.”
“Hmm, I’m not sure if I should congratulate you, Wyle, or offer my condolences. Marian is a handful when she gets like this.”
“Now that that’s settled, could we be on our way?” Marian asked. “I want to be at the count’s house while it’s still night. Back to the river before dawn would be even better.”
The count’s horses were not kites, especially the black brute that carried Wyle, so they made good time on the roads but just when they were within a mile of Blaye, a troop of horses approached on the road from the south.
“Since I am wearing the only thing resembling a French uniform,” Wyle said. “I suggest I tell them you are my prisoner, Major Greenway.”
“In your deplorable French? Why don’t we make a run for it?” Marian asked.
“I don’t think either subterfuge will be necessary,” said her father. If I mistake not, those are English-shod horses.”
“You can tell?” Wyle asked.
“Who goes there?” a voice shouted as the cavalry troop pulled up.
“Major Greenway of the Light Division, just released from a French prison by my intrepid daughter and son-in-law, Captain Wyle. Is that you, Digby?”
“Yes, Sir. Just headed north to reconnoiter the fort above Blaye if the French have not cleared out already. Glad to hear of your escape. We feared you were dead or worse.”
“I must see these two to safety, then I will be rejoining my unit. If you encounter our dear general you may tell him so.”
“I shall deliver your message. Too bad you missed the last bit of fighting. Flogging the French ahead of us to Paris is no fun though the wine is good.”
“See you don’t take a fall because of it. Carry on, Captain.”
“Papa, do you really mean to stay and not even go home to Mother though she has not seen you in years.”
“She’s a soldier’s wife. She’ll understand. Besides, I’m sure you’ll say everything that’s proper.”
“Yes, you’re not dead after all and all your love. She’ll be touched.”
“Sir,” Wyle protested, “you cannot be at full strength. I’m sure a leave would be granted if you asked.”
“And miss everything? Elizabeth will understand. She can join me in Paris.”
“Don’t waste your breath, Wyle. He’s beyond reason when he gets like this.”
Her father and Wyle traded looks at this remark and laughed.
“What shall we do with Cole once we no longer need him, Father?”
He rubbed his bearded chin. “Cole might have dispatched me when he realized I was not dead. Perhaps even he could not bring himself to murder a helpless man. I’d let him go.”
“After all he has done to you and Charlotte?” Wyle asked.
“To expose him destroys her reputation and I don’t really want it known that my nephew is a smuggler or worse.”
Marian nodded. “And who would want to explain this tangle to the authorities?”
* * * * *
When they arrived at the house rented by Villars, it was in shambles with the two servants packing trunks and stacking them in the hall. Charlotte and Louisa were sitting on the sofa having tea and occasionally hugging each other while everyone crowded in and the Major was introduced.
The count rose painfully and came toward them. “So it is true. The Grande Armée is in retreat?”
“So it appears. We met a forerunner of British cavalry coming from Bordeaux,” her father said as he sat and accepted a cup of tea from Louisa.
Villars shrugged. “I must try again to get passage for Louisa to England.”
Marian nudged Wyle.
“Why don’t you come with us, all of you?” Wyle suggested. “We slipped out of England. We may be able to get back in. Besides, I’ve been told my French is deplorable. You could increase our chances of getting Charlotte safely home.”
“It is much to ask but could you take care of Louisa for me until the war is over?”
Marian stepped forward. “Sir, you are far too injured to fight again and the cause is lost. Please come with us yourself and your servants. With no outbound cargo, we will have plenty of space.”
“You are very generous, both of you but duty—”
“Henri, come say goodbye to Charlotte. The major says they mean to be back at the river before dawn.”
Marian noticed Wyle flinch. Louisa must have insisted on his son’s name.
“Your duty is to them,” Marian said.
“Not to put too fine a point on it,” Greenway said. “As the ranking British officer in the town it would be my duty to take you prisoner and compel you to come with us.”
Villars laughed almost with relief and undid the tassel of his sword.
“Keep your saber, Sir. We all may have need of it. I see the carriage is still here. How soon may we be ready?”
Villars glanced around the room. “With the packing finished, I should say we could leave almost instantly”
Marian reached her arm around Wyle’s waist and hugged him. “I don’t think you can help being a hero.”
He smiled down at her. “But I would like to give it a rest for a time.”
Chapter Thirteen
“You could at least untie me,” protested Cole. Now that he was conscious he was sitting upright on top of the coach but still bound at the hands.
“And have you use your men to take us prisoner?” Marian said from horseback. “That would be stupid indeed.”
“I would give you my word.”
“You kidnapped three people dear to me and probably would have murdered all of them if it had suited your purpose. Don’t speak to me about honor.”
“You obviously mean to go back on your word.”
“How so? We have no liking for the gossip that would issue if we had you charged with your crimes. You will be set free when we are safely landed in England. But I’d be stupid to free you until we are there. So don’t throw any rubs in the way of the voyage.”
The wizened coachman and his ancient horses set them d
own at the river, haggled for more pay—after all, he had been tied up—which Marian granted him. As soon as the coach was unloaded he left them. The two sailors from the ship’s longboat were too drunk to row, so Wyle and Greenway laid them out on the dock and helped Charlotte, Louisa and the count into the boat. Several small trunks contained all their baggage. The two French serving men took over the oars and Louisa’s maid crouched over the jewelry box. Hill held the tie rope and Wyle waited for Marian who stood on the shore with her father.
“I’m glad the count was willing to sell you his horses since you are determined to be back in the fray.”
“I’m glad Wyle is letting him escape to England. He’s not a bad fellow for a Frenchman.”
“You will be careful. Mother will never forgive me if anything happens to you at this point.”
“The war is nearly over. She would never expect me to miss the best part. Kiss her for me.” Greenway embraced his daughter and pecked her cheek. “And take care of the estate ’til I get back.” He mounted and rode away then with his new spare mounts in tow.
When they rowed out to the ship the real haggling began. The first mate, seeing Cole a captive was disinclined to take him on but agreed only with him as a passenger. Cole roared like a scalded pig over this but a passage was finally agreed with the understanding that the first mate would captain the ship. Marian did not care about anything except getting to England.
She was wrong about there not being a cargo. The hold was packed with wine and brandy which the crew had started to sample in Cole’s absence. While the count and Charlotte helped Louisa to the captain’s cabin, Wyle and Hill had to help the crew hoist the sails with Marian translating the mate’s orders. Cole was fuming on the afterdeck while the mate steered.
* * * * *
Several hours later Marian came up the gangway with mugs of coffee for Wyle, the mate and Hill who happened to be steering at the moment under the tutelage of the first mate. Of course Hill’s French was perfectly adequate though his accent was deplorable. Wyle moved toward the prow and settled on a grating there with Marian beside him. The day was as fair as the wind. It wasn’t exactly blowing to their advantage but if they tacked into it right they would reach home in a few days.
“The weather is calmer than I expected,” she said.
“Are Charlotte and Louisa sleeping?” Wyle asked.
“No, still talking, the count as well. They have a lot of catching up to do.”
“What a mad adventure. Who would have thought we’d find your father as well?”
“It makes sense now when I think back on it. Cole was looking for Papa to kill him but the more I refused him the less confident he was that his ace would work. He decided to hold Papa in reserve as a lever and abduct the children. What better way to lure me to France and he could have his revenge on you into the bargain.”
“And if you had willingly wed Cole in England?”
He would have executed Papa but your family would have been safe.”
“I tend to think marriage to you would not have been the fulfilling experience your cousin had expected. What will you do with him?”
Marian felt his arm snake around her waist and recalled that they were man and wife. If only there was one cabin on the ship where they might act on that. “Not prosecute. We don’t want the scandal either. I worry that news of Charlotte’s disappearance will cause remark enough. If she had social ambitions, this could well ruin them.” She glanced down at the skirt she had donned again. But her breeches were still underneath in case there should be another emergency.
“Yes, my divorce was almost enough.”
She glanced sideways at him. “Of course, there is always Mr. Hill.”
“Why are you looking at me like that? If they choose to marry I will approve.”
“Because you never looked any higher for Charlotte yourself.”
Wyle sighed and hugged her. “You have guessed she is Villars’ daughter.”
“Yes, there is a resemblance which could be noted by anyone who sees them together but especially the eyes.”
“Who in society will ever see them together?”
“Probably no one. Does Hill know?”
“I plan to tell him if it becomes necessary.”
“It won’t make a bit of difference to him.”
“I don’t think so either. I see no need to tell Charlotte. If she guesses someday, then she will have two fathers. The count has agreed to be my estate manager. Old Clawson can teach him the ropes and retire.”
“You seem to be putting a lot of faith into the man who stole your wife.”
“No, it was I who stole his beloved, though I did not know it at the time. Louisa’s parents were desperate to get her safely out of France, so they arranged the marriage. I realized she had come to me pregnant but could forgive her that.”
“The child was a girl.”
“Even if it had been a boy.” He drained the tin mug and put it down. “You know what I’m talking about. There is something so particularly fragile about her that you can’t help feeling sorrow for her.”
“And love?”
“No, there was never any love between us, just need and compassion. It turns out that isn’t enough for a marriage.”
“And what about us now that the war is over?”
“What do you mean? We are married and will be again after the ball.” He kissed her on the cheek.
“Will you resign your commission?”
“I already have.”
“When?”
“That last day I went to Woolwich. When I saw how unhappy it made you, I just made the decision. Or perhaps it was those nonsensical orders. The note made me miss our ride and I was angry. Why are you looking at me like that?”
“So you sold out before we were married.”
“Yes, of course. It’s what I promised.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“In all the excitement of leaving you in charge I guess I just forgot. Who is in charge now by the way?”
“I told you. My mother.”
“That’s a relief. I had visions of Aunt Alva taking the helm.”
“I wish I could warn Mother. This will come as almost as big a shock as Papa’s disappearance.”
“But a pleasant one. We are a ragtag group. You in that ripped and torn riding dress, me in a uniform I don’t even deserve anymore, Hill wounded. And we will have to sneak the count and Louisa to Fair Oaks.”
“By what the crew tell me, it will be dark when they row us in, so no one will even notice.”
“I find that I do not care who notices us anymore.” He pulled her to him for a kiss that caused the sailors on deck to whistle in appreciation. Hill and the mate chuckled at the wheel.
“Yes, life is all that matters. Though it would be well for us if we returned in time for Alva’s ball. Oh, no!”
“What?”
“I have missed my fitting.”
Wyle stared at her then burst into laughter. Finally Marian saw the humor in it and joined him.
“And you thought you would be embarrassed when I decamped. She is probably biting nails by now.”
* * * * *
Wyle adjusted his neck cloth and Alva tweaked Marian’s gown as they formed up in the receiving line. “Not even a single fitting but it looks well enough, I suppose. Wyle, why you should career off to Fair Oaks with the ball only a week away is beyond me. And to take Mr. Hill with you was unconscionable. I had to make all the final arrangements myself.”
“But Alva, you know you love to have a free hand with my ballroom. It’s beautiful. Roses everywhere. Are there any left in the whole city?”
“A few. It’s done now. We just have to greet the guests and behave with propriety. Charlotte, you are a vision.”
Wyle smiled at his daughter in white lawn with rose ribbons. She looked innocent, excited, dewy and wonderful.
When Alva went to confer with Trumby, Marian whispered to Wyle. “I wish the count
and Louisa could see Charlotte now.”
“So do I but they knew it would be unwise to appear with her, not to mention a little unusual. We were hoping people would get over the gossip of our divorce. Seeing her would bring it back again and ruin Charlotte’s chances. They will be able to see her anytime they wish and we will give a dinner at Fair Oaks where she can wear the dress again.”
“I’m so glad you insisted they come to England.”
“It’s easy to be generous when you are already the happiest man on earth.” He laced his fingers with hers and drew her hand up and kissed it. That is how the first of their well-wishers found them.
The dancing was a blur for Marian as she was introduced to one acquaintance after another. Cousins Bertram and Edward were both there and partnered her for a set each. Every time she glanced toward the dowager’s corner, Charlotte dutifully waved as did Aunt Flora. How dull for the child but better than being excluded. Contrary to what Alva said about keeping Charlotte under her wing, she had convinced Flora to look after the girl while Alva worked her way around the room talking to everyone.
When Morris appeared and asked Marian to walk to the refreshment table set up in the breakfast parlor, she realized Isabelle and Sophie must have come after all. Alva had reported a flare-up between them but had not elaborated on the cause or upshot except that they would not attend.
“Mother is in a strange mood.”
“How so?”
“She planned not to attend but that moped Sophie so much that she changed her mind. Still, I don’t think she is fit company.” He absently ladled two cups of punch and handed her one, glancing around to make sure they were not overheard.
“Will she say anything that will hurt Wyle?”
“What could she possibly say that would hurt him? He’s a soldier. But you, well, I thought I should warn you. I have tried to reason with her but she is convinced you are a fortune hunter who must be stopped.”
Marian shrugged. “Just so you know, your mother and I have already had words. I told her that if she were a man I would call her out for some of the things she said.”
“Ha, I bet that did not sit well. I wish I could stop her but I thought I should at least warn you.”
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