by Jane Charles
“It is about time you arrived,” her mother scolded as she came forward. “I’ve been worried sick about you.” She grasped Audrey’s wrists and she gasped. Though Jordan had shown great care in soothing lotion on her bruises, they were still a bit swollen and sore.
Her mother’s eyes narrowed and she yanked off Audrey’s gloves, exposing the greenish-brown bruising. Her mother gasped. “Did he do this to you?”
“Of course not!” Really, sometimes her mother was too much and Audrey realized another wonderful benefit of marring Jordan. She would never have to live with this woman again.
“Agnes, let them settle in and have some tea before you start hounding Audrey and this young man with questions.”
She turned to see her father approaching, arms out. He engulfed her in a hug that extinguished all irritation she felt for her mother at the moment. No doubt her mother would chastise him later for showing her such affection in front of other people.
“Papa, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Jordan Trent. He saved my life.” She added that part so that Papa would be more open to Jordan’s request, not that Papa would deny him but Audrey wasn’t about to risk anything at the moment.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir.” Jordan stuck out his hand.
Papa shook it but narrowed his eyes on Jordan. “We shall see how much of a pleasure you think it is later.”
Oh dear, Papa was going to give him a hard time. She just prayed Jordan didn’t mind.
Her father led her to the gathering before the fire. A tea service was set and Audrey recognized everyone except an older man sitting beside Mrs. John Trent. She quickly learned that he was the lady’s father and a vicar. Perhaps they wouldn’t have to wait three weeks to be married. How long did it take to get a special license?
John Trent moved from his seat and allowed Audrey to sit and her mother pressed a cup of tea into her hand. “I want to know everything that happened from the moment you left my sister’s house, without a chaperone or companion until now.”
Audrey’s face heated. She wasn’t about to tell her mother everything and glanced back to Jordan who gave an abridged version of the events.
“And that is why my wrists are bruised,” Audrey added when he was finished.
“The two of you have been traveling alone? From Bath to here without even a maid?” Her mother demanded. Audrey stiffened her spine and waited because mother was building up to one of her outrageous moments. “You are ruined.” The woman began to pace. “Ruined, I say. I will never be able to hold my head up again. What will people think? They will talk about us and our daughter. This is absolutely horrible.”
Jordan’s family watched her with mild interest and a bit of humor.
“He did save my life, Mother.” Really, would her mother rather save face and lose a daughter or suffer a bit of scandal in order to keep Audrey alive?
“Sir,” Jordan cleared his throat. “Might I have a private word with you?”
“I should hope so,” her father answered and led Jordan from the room.
“While they are talking and deciding what is to become of you, I insist you go upstairs and change. That dress is wrinkled beyond repair and you shouldn’t appear so when we have guests.”
Audrey stifled a groan and looked to Grace. “Would you mind coming with me?”
Grace hopped to her feet and moved toward the door before Audrey’s mother could mutter a word of protest.
Grace leaned back against the closed door and grinned once they entered Audrey’s chamber. “Well?”
“Well what,” she asked innocently.
“You blushed when your mother demanded to know everything that happened.”
Audrey fell back on her bed and laughed. “Swear you won’t tell a soul.”
Grace did so and skipped over to the bed. “You anticipated the vows!”
Audrey’s face heated. If it were anyone else but Grace she would deny it until she was in her grave.
“Do you think me wicked?”
Grace flopped down beside her. “No more wicked than me.”
Audrey sat up and looked at her closest friend. Her husband was a vicar, or at least had been at the time.
“Apparently none of the brothers have waited until their wedding night.”
Audrey’s mouth popped open in shock. “Even Bentley,” she whispered.
“Even him and given Jordan’s reputation, he was the least likely to wait until the vows were spoken.”
“Why is everyone here?” It seemed odd that Jordan’s entire family would travel to Grosmont in the middle of the Season.
“To see the two of you marry, of course.”
“But the banns need to be read.” She stopped speaking when Grace laughed.
“Jordan asked Bentley to get a Special License as soon as he was released from Newgate. When we received the note of what had happened, though there wasn’t much detail, we traveled here because nobody was about to miss Jordan Trent repeat the vows of matrimony.”
“But Papa hasn’t even agreed.” Though she didn’t expect him to deny Jordan, Audrey hated to assume all would end as she wished. There was still the chance they would need to travel to Gretna and she really didn’t care how she and Jordan married as long as they did.
“Your father has already agreed,” Grace announced. “He and Bentley spent a good deal of time in private discussion after we arrived. Your father simply wants to meet with your future husband and perhaps make him squirm.” Grace paused and looked up. “Yes, those were his words ‘I have but one daughter and I am going to make this as unpleasant for the young man as possible before granting permission’.”
“Oh, poor Jordan.”
“He will survive.” Grace jumped up from the bed. “Now it is time to get you ready.”
“Ready?” Audrey stood and stretched.
“I have no doubt you will be Mrs. Jordan Trent before the sun sets and you do want to look your best do you not?”
“My mother didn’t seem as confident,” Audrey said a moment later. The woman acted as if Audrey would need to be locked away and hidden from society for traveling alone with a gentleman.
“Your father didn’t tell her and swore us to silence.”
Audrey’s mouth popped open. “She doesn’t know I am to be married today?”
“He didn’t trust she wouldn’t say something to you or Jordan and thus ruin the torture your father wanted to put him through.”
Jordan grasped the glass of brandy Mr. Montgomery had given him, unable to take a drink as the man laid out his life before him. How did Montgomery learn so much about him? He knew his finances to a detail and his position as a solicitor and Jordan found himself confessing his desire no longer wishing to be a magistrate and why. He was going to help the accused innocent and he could not do that while prosecuting their cases.
“There is one thing you do not know, Sir.”
Mr. Montgomery studied Jordan and waited. He quickly filled him in on the truth behind Adele and Julia’s death.
Montgomery simply nodded before saying, “Sometimes we cannot help what has happened in the past and that which is out of our control.”
“But if the truth becomes known.”
“It will be handled by your family,” he assured Jordan. “I am assuming Audrey knows.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Then that is all that matters.”
“There is one more thing, Sir.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Another potential scandal brewing?”
“No,” Jordan quickly assured him. “I wish to purchase property in the area. I know Audrey would like to raise racers.”
The man’s face broke in a grin. “Yes, she would and you are a wise man to give that consideration.”
“I tended to my own horses growing up but know nothing about racers and training,” Jordan admitted. “Will I need to hire someone to help her, or does Audrey have enough experience. I am a bit concerned that she is a lady and this is a gentleman�
�s sport.”
Mr. Montgomery laughed. “Audrey knows a good race horse better than anyone I know. But you will have to be the one who joins the Jockey Club and arranges for the horses to race and all of the business. They will not allow a woman to do so.”
Jordan suspected as much.
“But, she will teach you all you need to know.”
“Then I shall leave it in her hands.”
“However,” Mr. Montgomery added. “You will not be buying property close to here.”
This rather surprised him. Jordan actually liked the idea. Besides Audrey being close to her family and Jordan being able to learn about race horses, Matthew and Grace lived in the area as did Madeline and Brachton when they weren’t in Scotland.
“My wife will not give Audrey a moment’s peace and chastise her for not being a lady and insist she attend to her wifely duties, entertain guests, go on visits, and certainly stay away from the stables.”
Jordan didn’t point out that she alread excelled at one wifely duty. He also hadn’t considered Mrs. Montgomery in his plans and after meeting her last fall, he really didn’t wish to be in the same county with the woman, but she was Audrey’s mother.
“My wife doesn’t know this, but I have land just outside of London. It will be my gift to you and Audrey. There is plenty of room to raise horses and build a track and you will be close to London so you can continue working.”
“That is very generous, Mr. Montgomery.” He hadn’t expected such a gift from her father.
“I also have a new foal, which I always intended for Audrey. She will be your first race horse.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
Mr. Montgomery leaned forward and narrowed his eyes on Jordan. “Just keep my daughter happy that is all I ask.”
“It will be my greatest pleasure, Sir.”
Audrey paused at the door, her hand resting on her father’s arm. Jordan waited at the end of the room beside Elizabeth’s father. The furniture had been arranged so that everyone would face her and Jordan as they said their vows. Beside Jordan was his brother, Matthew and across from him was Grace.
“Are you sure you wish to do this?” her father asked.
It was the silliest question she had ever heard. “Yes.”
“You love him?” Her father was studying her. Perhaps he just wished to assure himself before he gave her away.
“I love him with all of my heart, Papa.”
He smiled and tears glistened in his eyes. She had never seen her father cry ever. He was not an emotional man. While her mother could go from raging and ranting to a watering pot at a moment’s notice, her father had always been the steady one.
Her eyes grew damp as well. There was a bit of sadness because she knew she would be leaving here for good and starting a life with Jordan, but it was for happiness as well, and the love she had known all of her life and the love she had yet to experience.
Jordan turned and their eyes locked. His eyes shown with love and when he smiled, that darned dimple appeared. Audrey took her first step toward the marvelous adventure of becoming Jordan Trent’s wife.
Jordan approached the Rusty Nail inside Seven Dials. They needed to get this done quick so he could get home in time to change. He and Audrey were attending the ballet tonight. He had been trying to think of a way to suggest the outing, not sure what she would think about him wishing to attend as most men had to be forced to such events, when she broached the subject.
“I realize that most gentlemen do not enjoy the ballet but it is something I adore and I wonder if I might convince you to attend with me.” Jordan had simply grabbed and kissed her.
“We really are attending the ballet tonight?” Clayton asked.
“Yes,” Jordan answered.
“Why?” Matt asked.
“Our wives wish it,” Jordan reminded them. “Brachton’s good friend, Acker, sits on the board and arranged for us to have excellent seats.”
“We are sitting in the box we rent each Season,” John reminded him.
“Ah, but we all can’t fit in that one box and Acker arranged for us to have the one next to it as well.”
Matthew sighed. “If we must.”
“We must,” Jordan insisted. His brothers never understood why he enjoyed the ballet and he had given up trying to explain. “Then we will have a late dinner and it will be over.”
Acker was trying to bring more ballets to the theatre and Jordan was going to do his part to make sure that happened, even if it meant dragging his three brothers and brother-in-law with him.
“I hope it donna last lon’,” Brachton complained as they stopped before the drinking establishment.
“Are you sure he is here?” John asked.
“I am.” This was his first attempt to right a wrong. Thain Abbott’s uncle was known to drink here on a regular basis and Jordan had a lad watching the place. He was assured Ulger Abbot was inside at this moment. He just needed the confession and Thain would be freed from Newgate. As this was his first attempt at what Jordan decided was his newest line of work he had requested the assistance of his brothers and Brachton.
The gentlemen entered at uneven intervals so others did not realize they were together and settled in various seats around the establishment and ordered ales. Jordan waited longer than the rest and finally stepped inside and settled at a table by himself. He noted his family and the few Bow Street Runners who had agreed to this scheme sitting at various tables. A serving wench, wearing an indecently low cut dress approached. “I’ve got something that is more pleasing than a drink.”
Even in his most rakish days Jordan hadn’t taken up with bar maids. One was asking for a disease in such encounters.
He held up a coin. “Perhaps a bit of information instead.”
She plucked it from his fingers and settled onto his lap.
“What do you need?” she purred, rubbing her bottom against his manhood. It didn’t even stir let alone produce the result she was hoping for. “Is Ulger Abbott here?”
She made a disgusting face and nodded to the table in the corner. Only one man sat drinking. Jordan handed her another coin. “Are you sure you don’t want anything else.” She wiggled again.
“I am sure,” Jordan answered politely wondering how he could get her off of his lap. In the past situations like this were humorous but now that he was married to Audrey it wasn’t right. Besides, if she walked in right now she would likely kill him.
The barmaid heaved a sigh and rose before she sauntered away.
Jordan took a deep drink of his ale before he rose and walked over to Abbott. He stopped before the table. John was at the one next to him on the right in what appeared to be a deep conversation with a Runner Jordan had arranged to be here earlier. Brachton sat with another Runner at a table to the left. This couldn’t have been planned better.
The man looked up. “What the hell do you want?”
“Are you Ulger Abbott?”
“What is it to you?” The man slammed his glass of ale down on the table and stood. If this simple question made him angry Jordan wondered what response the others would get. Thank goodness he had brought his family along.
“Are you?” Jordan asked again.
“Yes.” The man swayed and his bloodshot eyes narrowed on Jordan. “Why you wantin’ to know.”
“I am acquainted with your nephew, Thain.”
“Ha, that welp.” The man picked up his tankard of ale and drained it. He stumbled to the side when he brought his head back down and tried to put the tankard back on the table. He missed and it bounced off of the floor. “You couldn’t be unless you’ve been in Newgate.”
“Actually, I have.” Jordan leaned forward and placed both hands on the table.
Abbott looked him up and down and snorted before he belched. Jordan turned his head away from the rancid smell of his breath.
“Thain tells me that it is you who killed his mother.”
Abbott laughed, which produced hiccups.
Abbott fell back in his chair. “As if anyone is going to believe him.”
Jordan straightened. “I do.”
The man snorted. “It doesn’t matter.”
“I simply want to know the truth.” Jordan leaned forward. “Was the lad telling me the truth or did the fact that he seemed so young and innocent draw me in?”
Abbott looked around as did Jordan. It appeared as nobody was listening to their discussion. Abbott leaned forward. “ “Bitch deserved the smack I gave her. I didn’t mean to kill her but these things happen.” Abbott grabbed the table to steady himself and leaned down to grab the tankard. He lifted it high, swaying in his seat, trying to get the barmaid’s attention.
The man was so unconcerned it sickened Jordan. “So you let your nephew rot in Newgate for a crime you committed?”
“Better him than me.” The man started to rise, looking beyond Jordan’s shoulder when a hand clamped down on Abbot’s wrist.
“Hey,” the man yelled and drew back, trying to break the hold of the other man.
One of the Runners towered over him. “Ulger Abbott, you are under arrest for the murder of Mrs. Tobias Abbott.”
“What is this,” Abbott demanded.
“I believe you just confessed to murder,” Jordan said with a smile as the second Runner joined the first at the side of Abbott.
“Thain will be released tonight”
The Runner nodded.
“Have him dropped at my home. The servants will see to him.”
Jordan turned his back on the man, ignoring the shouts and protests. His family followed him outside into the stench filled air that only existed in Seven Dials. As much as he wished to put this place behind him forever, he knew he would return several times until the innocent men were freed. Hopefully they would go as easy as this. If Ulger hadn’t been so deep in his cups, Jordan doubted he would have admitted his guilt so freely.
Audrey paced inside the foyer. Where was Jordan? Had he been hurt? What if the man wasn’t there? Had he gone looking for him? Were one of his brothers hurt?
The door opened and Jordan stepped inside, reeking of ale and stale perfume. She backed away from him waving a hand in front of her face. “Do I want to know where you found him?” She wrinkled her nose. “Or with who?”