“Whatever helps, m’lady.”
“I’m not a lady.”
“You could be.”
“Leave it alone, Michael. I don’t need you harassing me about this as well.”
“Fine.” His lips formed a straight line.
The carriage came to a stop.
Michael was first out the door and assisted her down. He walked by her side into the building and down a long hallway. Entering a suite of rooms, he nodded to the secretary who motioned for them to go through the next door. Michael saw her to the door. “I leave you here.”
She grabbed his arm. “No. Come with me.”
“This isn’t my place, and I have my own orders to follow.” He tapped her nose with his finger. “You’ll do swimmingly.”
He opened the door, and with a gentle push from behind, she found herself in the room with the heavy oak door closing behind her.
Lord Hughes rose. “Miss Allendale. What a delight. I’m glad you could come on such short notice. I hope I didn’t inconvenience you.” He walked around the desk, took her hand and led her to a chair.
He walked back around the desk and when she sat, he did so as well. He made a motion to one side of the room and from the shadows emerged Lord Percy who came to sit in a chair that matched hers.
“We have a dilemma that needs to be resolved quickly.”
“I—”
Lord Hughes’s hand came up to stop her. “Listen closely, Miss Allendale. I’ve long appreciated the information you’ve gleaned from social functions. But given recent events, I possess only two choices before me with regards to your service to the crown. The first is that you retire to the country for a time. Your services won’t be needed while you are there, and it would take time for your social standing to be well enough to grant you the access we need for you to be of further use.”
“And second?”
“Yes. Second, you could join forces with Lord Percy. Together you would have even more cachet amongst the beau monde. He tells me you long to visit the continent. As a married couple you could go and provide a valuable service. And perhaps see your brother, Captain Allendale, if he’s in the area.”
“That’s it? I can go to the country alone and in disgrace or marry this man here, serve the country, and go to France on holiday?”
“You forgot elevating your social standing,” Lord Hughes said as he tapped a pencil on the table.
She turned to Charles. “You put him up to this, didn’t you? That’s quite underhanded.”
Charles held up both hands and shook his head.
“Lord Percy has not been in communication, but the reality is the Black Diamond has you in his sights, and I would prefer to keep you alive and working for us instead. Lord Percy is your best option for both of those things happening.”
“May I think about this?”
“Pray about it, Miss Allendale. Lord Percy will visit you again tomorrow, and you can give him your answer at that time.”
“That’s it? My one chance?”
“Second,” Charles said.
Heat rose in her cheeks. He was correct as he’d already offered once.
She gulped and rose, forcing the men to their feet. “Is Sir Michael taking me home?”
“Yes. He’s waiting outside.”
“Thank you.” She made a dip of a curtsey and turned, pulling open the heavy door and leaving the room. She spied Michael waiting against the wall. “Take me home, please.”
Without a word he escorted her to the carriage and home.
Once back in her room she knelt by her bed. Prayer. For all her proclamations of her faith, how long had it been since she’d really sought God about any of this? She’d been running ahead on her own strength and in her own fallible wisdom. She needed far more. Lord, I don’t know what to do. I feel as if I’m betraying my very heart and ideals to accept marriage to Charles, and yet I think I love him. He offers me all I never dreamed of for fear of being disappointed, and now when You’ve handed me my heart’s desire, I question it? Please lead me. Guide me. I can’t take this step without You telling me what to do.
She took dinner in her room and pored over Scripture, falling asleep with her hopes and dreams resting in the arms of her Savior.
10
The morning was overcast and wind blew the stench of the Thames to their side of town.
Charles spent the evening praying and seeking God. Was there another solution he’d failed to see that would give Henrietta her freedom and protect their reputations? If there was, he couldn’t think of it. Short of him dying and thus sparing her the need to reject him.
A sense of dread overshadowed his every step as he struggled to hold on to his umbrella for the short, damp walk to the Lord Remington’s home.
Once inside, he handed off his hat and umbrella to Edwards and was ushered into the sitting room.
“Hello, Charlie!” Peaches said.
“A little too smart for me, Peaches. Good morning to you.”
“Good morning. Pish, posh!”
Charles grinned as he scratched the back of the bird’s head, who purred with delight at the attention. Both turned to observe Henrietta enter the room.
“Give me a kiss!” squawked the bird.
She gave a small smile. Charles would have even been tempted to label it shy if he didn’t know her better.
“You came.” Her voice was soft. She motioned to the chairs. “Shall we sit?”
“Sorry, Peaches. Another time, perhaps?”
“Balderdash and fiddlesticks!” The bird shook herself until she was fluffed up to twice her size.
He turned to sit in a chair adjacent to Henrietta. “Are you well?”
“Tired. I spent much of the night praying and reading my Bible.”
“And?”
“I have an answer for you if you ask me again.”
He gulped and reached for her hand. “I didn’t do this very well yesterday, so I’m grateful for another opportunity. Miss Allendale, since the day I’ve met you, you have occupied my thoughts, and our conversations have brought me more delight than I have ever experienced with another human being. Every day I’ve fallen deeper in love with you, and that was not what I desired or planned. But it happened in spite of myself, and I can no longer fight it. I love you, Henrietta Allendale, and desire to spend the rest of our lives together proving that truth to you. Will you do me the honor of accepting my hand, my heart, my home, and my future?”
She blinked back tears. “With all my heart, and with a deep sense of gratitude for the honor you bestow on me, I accept your generous offer and pray that with God’s help I will return the same love and devotion to you.”
“Did you decide how you wanted to proceed? Banns read or Special License?”
“Special License. How soon could we wed?”
“Within four days if you wish. Is that enough time for you to prepare?”
“You’d be surprised at what I can accomplish in so short a time.” She gave a sly grin.
“May I post a notice in the paper today?”
She nodded. “One more thing.”
“Yes?”
“Will you kiss me again?” She leaned forward.
“I would be delighted, but I already promised you that wouldn’t happen again until our wedding day. Four more days. Trust me; the wait will be agony for me.” He lifted her hand, kissed the palm, and folded her fingers over it. “You can hold that as a promise of far more.”
Her cheeks grew pink.
“I need to leave and make arrangements for everything. I will meet you at Rose Hill in four days.”
“I’ll be there.”
“I’ll be in touch, my love.”
He rose, and she stood with him. He drew her into his arms and held her close. Soon, but not soon enough, she would be his to protect and love. He could barely contain his delight. He left with a spring in his step in spite of the gloomy day. His future held more joy and promise than he’d ever dreamed of.
Only four more days before it was complete.
11
Back at home to prepare for the wedding, Henrietta experienced a wide range of emotions. At times she stared, unseeing, into the fireplace. And other times she was in a flurry of packing. A gown she’d never worn was the designated dress. But were the shoes right? Who really cared anyway? She longed to be with Charles again and feared something would happen to him to keep them apart—forever.
Peaches came home to Rose Hill with her occasional “pish, posh” exclamation to make Henri smile.
“Balderdash and fiddlesticks. I’m beyond ridiculous.” She sat with her Bible and opened to the verses in First Corinthians that Charles had referenced when trying to convince her to believe his love was true.
Charity suffereth long.
Charles had suffered for her and was willing to do so again if need be.
And is kind.
He’d always been kind to her even when she was exasperating.
Charity envieth not.
She envied Charles the freedom to serve as he wished, unencumbered by the societal strictures she faced. She could learn much from him.
Charity vaunteth not itself, it is not puffed up.
The man had abandoned his title and never used it to impress her. His character was impressive enough. Why had she ever doubted him?
Doth not behave itself unseemly.
Even when faced with danger he’d refused to do anything that could upset her. Now he knew her better. She suspected if that first ruffian were to choke him again she’d be a witness to the power of the man she loved. She’d seen it a few days ago when a gun was pointed at his head.
Seeketh not her own.
What did Charles ever seek for himself? He served his country and other than requesting a kiss believing he might die, he’d been willing to do anything to see her happy and safe. She blinked back tears at her own selfishness.
Is not easily provoked.
Was there ever a man calmer in a crisis than Charles? She was the one who always seemed to be ready for a battle. Usually of wits, but still. Why did she always need to fight? To prove herself superior? A serious defect of character, indeed, by her own standards.
Thinketh no evil.
Charles saw only the good in her. She was ready to think ill of everyone. She wiped away a tear.
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.
This was the part Charles used to try to convince her he loved her and his love was true. She believed him now.
Beareth all things.
She was not fit to be any man’s wife. Would Charles be able to bear with her? He was her equal in many ways but she was quickly realizing she was the one who needed a change of heart and character.
Believeth all things.
He held a great hope for the work the two of them could accomplish together. She lacked his certainty of faith. Was his big enough for the both of them?
Hopeth all things.
Hope was a powerful thing and she had many. She hoped her love would be big enough for whatever was in front of them. She hoped they would have a long and blessed life together. She hoped…for children. She had hoped for love and God answered.
Endureth all things.
Attacks and almost dying and then fighting to win her heart. Charles had endured. She was weak.
Charity never faileth.
When set against that standard who could ever stand? Charles hadn’t failed her thus far.
She knew these areas were more an example of the purest love of Christ, and it humbled her even more to realize that Charles emulated their Lord to such a degree. Perhaps he could help her grow in those areas too. She didn’t want to be an uncomfortable wife or for him to ever regret making promises to her.
She knelt in her room, letting her Bible slide to the floor, and prayed for God’s grace and peace as she prepared to take the biggest step of her life. Marriage to a man who surpassed all others and who held her heart.
~*~
Charles tucked the Special License in his pocket. He’d sent his valet ahead to Rose Hill the day before. Now he started his own journey west. Tomorrow he would be a married man. The thought amazed him, and the image of Henrietta rose in his mind to make him smile and urge his horse into a faster gait.
They would spend a few days at his estate before heading to the coast and to France. Sir Michael promised to arrange passage across the channel but stated it would not be the most comfortable journey. By staying away from major ports they hoped to avoid any of the Black Diamond’s minions. Hopefully, with Henrietta as his wife, their enemy would abandon his pursuit of her.
But the Black Diamond was crafty. The devil personified. Charles suspected he would not take his loss well. Perhaps Henrietta would be safe, but himself? He’d put himself in harm’s way, and while fear rose up to mock him for his foolishness at marrying a woman to save her, his love rose up to defend himself. Love was worth the risk and sacrifice. If all he had were those few nights of bliss and days of verbal sparring with Henrietta, it was enough. She would be protected. He prayed that somehow God would grant them far more than that.
Just east of Didcot he spied another theft in progress. He pulled his weapon and urged his horse into a gallop. The miscreant saw him coming and aimed at him. Before Charles could pull the trigger, the driver, who was behind the thief, pulled his gun and blew the man’s head off.
A scream emanated from within the carriage.
Charles searched for any accomplices and managed to catch the panicked horse. He leapt from his saddle to the road to check on the occupants of the carriage.
“Are you unharmed?”
Two older women inside were shaking with fear.
“Your driver effectively dispatched the criminal. You are safe to go on your way.”
“Thank you,” one of them sniveled.
He shut the door and proceeded to haul the dead man’s body over the horse’s saddle to take to town. One more obstacle on his journey.
He arrived at Rose Hill late, covered in dust.
Lord Remington met him at the front door.
Charles looked around. “What a lovely home you have, Marcus.”
“I’m glad you made it. Henrietta has been beside herself in her eagerness to see you. I’m not sure what you said to keep her in such happy anticipation of your nuptials tomorrow, but I’m grateful.”
“God has favored me. I’m here but exhausted. Have you eaten yet?”
“Yes, we have. I’ll send a bath up for you and a meal. You may see Henrietta in the chapel in the morning. All has been made ready.”
Charles grinned. “Wonderful. You’ll let her know I’ve arrived?”
Marcus nodded. “I’m surprised she hasn’t flown down the stairs already.”
The stunning vision of his bride-to-be appeared from a doorway. “Flying down the stairs? Marcus, I’m shocked you would think of me as such a habble-scrabble girl as to do something like that.”
“Habble-scrabble adequately describes your younger years, dear Henri.” Marcus left to give instructions.
Henrietta came to stand before Charles. “You made it.”
“But of course. Did you doubt it?”
She shook her head. “No, but fear crept in. We have an enemy.”
“We have several, but God is more powerful.”
Her smile lifted his travel-weary spirits. “You must be exhausted. Let me take you to your room. Your valet arrived yesterday and has made everything ready for you.”
“Marcus is ordering a bath and food to be sent.”
“My brother is a good man. I feared I would never find one his equal or better.”
They had arrived at the top of the stairs.
“And have you?”
“I believe so. There is so much I long to share with you, but our time is short.”
“We will have a lifetime to share those thoughts and tomorrow, after you have become Lady Percy, I will be making time to listen
to them all.”
“I hope you plan to do more than listen.”
His eyebrows rose. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve greatly enjoyed our verbal sparring, and I hope that never ceases.”
Charles let a grin grow wide. “I doubt you would ever be able to stop, and it is one of the things I adore about you.”
“You do?”
“But of course. Why?” he asked.
“I’ve come to realize that I’m not your equal in character, and I have much to learn.”
“I don’t understand.” He held her hand in his. “You are a woman of exceptional worth. I admire you greatly.”
“But you are…” She sighed. “I cannot explain it well, but I’ve come to realize the wonderful gift God has given me in you. If any man could exemplify the love of Christ, it is you.”
Charles blinked several times as she gazed at him with eyes the color of dark chocolate.
“I’m honored that you think so highly of me, but I am human. I’ve blundered more than I like on my journey to win your heart. A destination I hadn’t even planned. God knew what we both needed more than we did ourselves.”
“And I have been thanking Him often for that.” She leaned forward and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Rest well, Charles, and I will see you in the morning. I love you.” She stepped back.
He pulled her into his arms and held her tight. “And I love you as well, dearest Henrietta.” He let her go and with great effort stepped into his room and shut the door. He leaned his forehead against the wood. Tomorrow. Tomorrow he would have no need to shut her out of his room. The thought made him smile, eager for this night to pass so his new life as a married man could begin.
His valet strode into the room. “Your bath is almost ready, m’lord.”
“Thank you, Jenkins.” Charles began to untie his cravat and the valet assisted him in removing his coat and boots.
Soon his body was clean, his stomach was satisfied, and he climbed into bed. His last night alone. He fell asleep with a smile as he thought about the future with his beautiful wife by his side.
~*~
The next morning, Henrietta had eaten and was dressed and ready.
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