by Ella Quinn
After she described the fabrics to her ladyship and confessed that, other than the date of the wedding, she knew nothing at all, Lady Markham raised her voice, “Harrington, I understand you have the license, but did you remember to speak to a clergyman?”
His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. “I knew there was something I forgot to do. I am an idiot.”
“Yes, well, we can discuss that later. However, I am quite certain both Elizabeth and I will have no trouble agreeing with you.” Elizabeth pressed her lips firmly together to keep a burble of laughter from escaping. She had laughed more today than she had since her mother had died. “My brother Richard,” her ladyship continued, “is in Town for a few days. I’ll send a note round to him asking if he will perform the service.” Lady Markham turned back to Elizabeth. “Please tell me that you will not object to having the service here. If it is nice we can have the service in the garden. One of the benefits of marrying by special license is that one can do what one wishes to do. It is a shame we will not have time to plan a large wedding breakfast, but I do understand the time constraints involved.”
She had been admiring the view of the garden. The flowers were all in bloom and the small fountain was perfectly placed. Like a jewel in a box. A garden wedding sounded lovely.
She wondered what her aunt would say. “Not at all.”
“Wonderful.” Her ladyship smiled broadly. “I shall write to my brother now.”
Putting her words into action, she immediately went to a cherry writing table, took out a piece of pressed paper, dipped a quill into the standish, and began to write.
Once she had finished the missive, she glanced at Elizabeth. “I would like to invite you and your aunt, whom I have not seen in years, to dinner, but I am afraid it is too late in the day.” Lady Markham pulled a face. “I learned never to upset one’s cook. Would she be willing to join us for tea this evening? Naturally, if your brother or father would like to come, they are welcome as well.”
“You’re right.” Elizabeth chuckled. “Our cook would not be happy. I do think my aunt would be delighted to join you for tea.”
“Excellent. I shall write to her as well.”
A few minutes later the letters were set off by a running footman and she and her ladyship settled in for a comfortable coze. Eventually, as all conversations seemed to do these days, the situation on the Continent arose. “Did you hear that our embassy people were denied passports to cross the frontier and had to flee?”
“I heard about it not long ago. I gather they all made it to safety,” Elizabeth replied. “I cannot imagine how dangerous that must have been.”
“I am immensely relieved that I never had to sneak out of a country,” her ladyship commented.
An hour and a half later, Geoffrey drove Elizabeth home. “I truly like your parents.”
“It’s clear they feel the same about you.” He pressed his lips together and his brow furrowed. “My father wants us to remain in Town for two more days after the ceremony. He also made arrangements for us to pause our journey overnight.” He let out a breath. “I do not know how to tell him we would prefer to leave immediately.”
“I do not believe you can.” She would actually like to spend more time with his mother, but he needed her comfort and support, so she placed her hand on his arm. “You said we have until the middle of June. Naturally, I would like to arrive before then as well, but we have time.”
“Yes, we do.” Glancing at her he grinned. “And we will be able to enjoy the bed again.”
Fortunately, before he could continue with a conversation that was bound to embarrass her—something he had promised not to do except when they were alone and only about one subject—they arrived at her house.
When they reached the door, instead of being told that her father wished to see her immediately upon her return, she was greeted with the news that he was out and would not be back before dinner. However, her aunt was waiting for her in the morning room.
“I shall see you this evening,” Geoffrey said, before placing a kiss in her palm and wrapping her fingers around it.
“I am looking forward to it.” She waited just inside the door as he drove away, then hurried up the stairs to remove her bonnet and gloves before attending to her aunt. Her marriage to Geoffrey would be perfect. How could it not be?
Chapter Twenty-One
A few minutes later, Elizabeth entered the morning room where she found her aunt reading a book. “Good afternoon. How was your day?”
“Good afternoon to you.” Her aunt glanced up from a book. “As soon as I heard your father and brother arguing, I found there were several things I had to do that took me out of the house. I understand you managed to escape as well and had a busy day. From Lady Markham’s letter, it sounds as if all went well. How do you feel about it?”
“Wonderful. Choosing the fabrics and paper for my room and the entry room was easy. Harrington has given me free rein to do as I wish.” Elizabeth perched on the chair closest to her aunt. “His parents arrived and I was made to feel very welcome. Lady Markham is a woman of great physical and mental energy. She said she knows you.”
“She is a few years older than I. Your mother and I were introduced to her when we came out. She was very kind to all the younger ladies. I do remember her as never tiring.”
It surprised Elizabeth that her ladyship was older than her aunt. Lady Markham seemed younger somehow. “Did you accept her invitation to tea?”
“Yes. As I have not seen either your brother or your father since their contretemps this morning, I did not include them in my response.”
“If Papa is in one of his moods, it is just as well that he not join us.” Elizabeth would have liked her brother to come.
“That is exactly my opinion as well.” Her aunt nodded her head once. “He seems to be getting worse.”
She worried about who would look after her father’s house and him when she was gone, but there was nothing she could do about it. Papa didn’t even want her at home anymore. It was in Gavin’s hands now. “I believe you’re right. He did not even greet me.”
Aunt handed Elizabeth a cup of tea. “I suppose I should discuss what goes on between a man and a woman with you.”
She considered telling her aunt that she’d had that conversation with Dotty and Louisa, but decided not to. Aside from that, Elizabeth wanted to know what her aunt would say, and if it was different from what she had heard and experienced with Geoffrey. “What do I need to know?”
“I gather you and Harrington have at least kissed.” Aunt’s brows came together slightly and Elizabeth nodded. “Has he been gentle?”
“I would say gentle and passionate.” Not that she would tell her aunt how passionate.
Her aunt gave her a considering look. “Has he scared you at all?”
“No. Quite the opposite.” Elizabeth’s cheeks became warmer.
“In that case, I am sure I can leave the rest of it to him.” Rising, Aunt said, “We must dress for dinner.”
Elizabeth stared at her aunt as she left the room. It was a very good thing her friends had explained what happened between men and women, and much sooner than a few days before her wedding.
* * *
Later that evening, after tea had been drunk, and the wedding discussed—Lord Richard had written a charming note to his sister claiming to be delighted to perform the wedding ceremony—Elizabeth, Aunt, and Lady Markham climbed the stairs to Elizabeth and Geoffrey’s apartments.
She opened the door to her future apartment, and stopped. The wallpaper had been removed from both rooms. In her bedchamber, the bed hangings and curtains had been taken down. In fact, only the furniture had not been touched. “How on earth did you manage this?”
Lady Markham fluttered her fingers. “It was not difficult. Our footmen assisted the decorator’s assistants. The new paper will be finished tomorrow, as will the hangings and curtains.” Her brows lifted slightly. “I trust the furniture will be recovered as
well.”
“But why?” Elizabeth couldn’t imagine the amount of effort that had been expended.
“Why?” her ladyship asked. “We want you to feel at home while you are here. It may not be for long, but this will be your home whenever you are in Town.”
She blinked in a vain attempt to keep tears of joy from overflowing. Blotting her eyes with her handkerchief, Elizabeth vowed not to turn into a watering pot. Yet, not since her mother had died had anyone done anything half as wonderful for her. Well, aside from her aunt sponsoring her come out. “T-thank you.”
When they left to rejoin the gentlemen, Aunt whispered, “I could not be more pleased for you. Harrington is behaving just as he ought. He has hardly taken his eyes off you, and her ladyship is already treating you like a daughter. Your mother would have been extremely happy.”
“I hope so. I am so happy.” Never in her wildest dreams could Elizabeth have imagined such a welcome from Geoffrey’s parents.
Not to mention the lovemaking she experienced with Geoffrey this afternoon. It was everything she had been told it would be. There was no doubt in her mind that they would have a wonderful life together.
* * *
When Geoffrey entered the breakfast room the next morning, he was informed that he would be spending the day with his father. Much to his displeasure, Mama had decided that she was taking Elizabeth around to her group of friends, which included the wives of current and former diplomats as well as other influential ladies, because, “You know, dear, that it is always better to know people that can assist you if needed. I fully intend that Elizabeth be well armed, as it were. Your grandmother did as much for me.”
It had not occurred to him before then how frightening ladies could be. Naturally, Lady Bellamny, one of the gorgons of the ton, scared him to death. As she did every other right-thinking male. But his mother? A shiver ran down his spine. How had he not recognized how powerful she was?
Even though he knew he would not be able to be alone with Elizabeth, he had thought they could spend time together today. He had developed a sensory need to see her, touch her soft skin, sink into her, and hold her while she slept.
“After you break your fast,” Father said, “we will go to Whitehall. There are several gentlemen I wish you to meet.” Geoff felt his father’s eyes on him. “Have you selected a wedding present for your bride?”
Damn. Another thing he hadn’t done. It was as if being with Elizabeth made him unable to think of anything other than being with her. “No. We can stop by Rundell and Bridge. I’m sure I’ll find something she will like.”
He knew the ladies would likely eat luncheon at home, but before he could mention returning to join them, his father said, “We shall have luncheon at White’s.”
“Am I not to see my betrothed until tomorrow?” He hated that he sounded like a peevish child.
Father’s lips twitched. “No. Your mother informed me that Miss Turley has a great deal to accomplish and very little time to do it. Your uncle will meet us for luncheon to discuss the ceremony. I suggest you bring the special license.”
That was yet another thing he hadn’t done. Elizabeth had wanted to look at the license, and he wanted to please her. If he knew Uncle Richard, and Geoff did, the man would take it with him. Nothing was turning out as Geoff had planned. His life was scampering off away from him, and he had no idea when he would be able to get it back under his control.
He spent the day meeting gentlemen he would be glad someday that he had met, and thinking about his betrothed.
Later that afternoon, when he and his father finally returned home, a letter from Captain Higgins, the skipper of the ship Geoff had hired, was waiting for him.
Lord Harrington,
I am at anchor in a bay just north of Harwich. Please send word when you depart London in care of the Ship in Felixstowe. I will arrange to meet with you.
Yr. Servant
J. Higgins
Thank God something Geoff had put in motion was working as he’d wanted.
When Nettle had made the arrangements, he’d assured Geoff that the ship was more than large enough to carry the horses, both his and his wife’s—well, she would be by then—hacks, two carriages, Elizabeth’s and his servants, and all their baggage in comfort. Still, he now wished he had toured the schooner himself. If only to satisfy himself the vessel was suitable for his soon-to-be wife.
Well, there was nothing he could do about it now. And, to be fair, Nettle had never given Geoff reason to question the man’s competence. Apparently, being denied Elizabeth’s company had put him in a contrary mood.
With nothing else to do, he looked in on her bedchamber. Even with the knowledge that his mother and grandmother had taken a hand, his jaw almost hit the floor.
The pale pink and white wallpaper had been hung. Several of the maids were at work hemming the curtains and bed hangings, and two men were re-covering the furniture.
“Oh, my lord.” The senior maid got to her feet. “It’s goin’ to be so pretty.”
“Yes, it is.” And light, and so like Elizabeth. Geoff strolled over to the bed. “You are doing fine work here.”
“Thank you, my lord.” The woman flushed with pleasure as did the four younger women. “We’ve been up since dawn working on it. We all want to welcome the new Lady Harrington to her home right and proper.”
The new Lady Harrington. His chest swelled like a bantam cock’s. The last Lady Harrington had been his mother. Now it was Elizabeth. “I am sure my bride will be pleased. I’ll leave you to it.”
“My lord,” his father’s under butler, Preston, said. “Mr. Turley would like to know if you are at home.”
Turley here? For what? They had already signed the settlement agreements. Geoff’s muscles contracted. Had something happened to Elizabeth? Surely his mother would have sent word. “I’ll be down directly.”
A few moments later, he entered the front parlor where Gavin Turley sat reading a newssheet. “As long as you aren’t here to tell me Elizabeth has cried off, I’m glad to see you. It’s been a devil of a day.”
“Cry off?” Turley barked a laugh. “Not likely. Your mother and my aunt have her firmly in hand. But you’re not going to see her until tomorrow morning. I’ve been sent to make sure that you don’t get into trouble.”
It was the night before his wedding, but Geoff had no desire to be with anyone but Elizabeth, nor did he wish to be cup-shot in the morning. When he said his vows, he would be sober. “As long as it doesn’t involve getting top-heavy, whoring, or excessive gambling. What do you suggest?”
Turley chuckled. “I’d be in grave danger if I tempted you to do anything more than dine at Boodle’s. As long as we stay away from the tables, we should come off all right.”
Before they had a chance to leave, Gibson stood at the door and announced, “The Marquis of Bentley, and Earl Endicott.”
What the devil? Had everyone thought about going out except Geoff?
“Met Bentley at the door,” Endicott drawled as he sauntered into the room. “Are we having a party?” Both Geoff and Turley must have appeared confused. “You know. Night before the wedding and all that.”
Bentley’s face lit up. “I didn’t know this was a party. Harrington, you’re getting married? I’m getting married, too. In Town with m’father and thought I’d come by. I wish Miss Blackacre was here. I’d introduce you. She is the lady I’m going to wed. Wonderful lady. Didn’t like to leave her. Have you met her?”
Geoff shook his friends’ hands, welcoming them. To Bentley, Geoff said, “I have not had the honor to meet your betrothed.”
The man was one of Geoff’s closest friends, but no one dithered more than Bentley. When Geoff had left Town to attend his father, Bentley had been in love with Lady Louisa Vivers—now the Duchess of Rothwell—since he’d first set his eyes on her. Yet, at some point after Geoff left, his friend became engaged to another lady. “I did hear about your betrothal. I wish you happy.”
“Yes, yes.” Bentley’s chest puffed out. “You must meet her sometime. Miss Oriana Blackacre”—he said her name as if it was a prayer—“and I shall marry next month. Excellent lady, and she won’t change the portrait gallery. Mama wouldn’t like that.”
What had the portrait gallery to do with anything, Geoff didn’t know, and he stifled any thoughts of asking for clarification. Bentley’s attempts to explain anything were often long, drawn-out affairs, with a fellow being no better informed at the end than at the beginning.
Instead, Geoff said, “I thought you were in the country until your wedding.”
“Father needed to take a bolt to Town because of something in the Lords, and I came along.”
Most likely the war funding.
“Are you marrying Lady Charlotte?” Bentley’s cheeks puffed out and he frowned. “Can’t be. Didn’t she just marry some fellow by the name of Kenilworth? I’m certain Oriana told me that.”
“She did.” Geoff’s tone was terser than he would have it. He did not like being reminded of his failure. Even though it all worked out for the best. He could not imagine anyone more perfect for him than Elizabeth. “I have the honor to be betrothed to Miss Turley.”
“Friend of the ‘Graces,’” Endicott said by way of elucidation.
“They were duchesses?” Bentley asked, completely confused.
Endicott rolled his eyes. “Lady Charlotte, Lady Louisa, and Miss Stern were the Three Graces. You were here all Season, Bentley. How did you miss that?”
Suddenly his countenance cleared. “Oh, right. I remember now. Well, she wasn’t a grace, but I’m going to wed Miss Blackacre. Perfect for me.”
“Turley and I were getting ready to go to Boodle’s,” Geoff said. “Would you two like to accompany us?”
“Don’t mind if I do,” Endicott said.
“Yes, of course.” Bentley nodded. “Must support a friend.”
A few minutes later, the four of them were off to Boodle’s. Endicott bemoaned not having had the foresight to court any of the ladies before they were snapped up this Season.