No Place for a Lady
Page 30
"Yeah," chorused the boys. "Do it proper, guv. Right now!"
Beside them, Jacob merely shook his head. "You best do it, my lord. They's a fearsome lot."
Marcus stiffened, making himself imposing even from his knees. "Would all of you please excuse us a moment so that I may be private—"
"Not wise, my boy," cut in Wilberforce. "We cannot leave until the magistrate arrives. The criminals might rise up again, you know. I could not risk your safety or that of the lady's."
"They are bound and gagged!" cried Marcus.
"Nevertheless..." returned the MP, apparently enjoying the scene as much as everyone else.
"Go on, guv. Do it." That was Nameless again, looking threatening as he readied another kick at Marcus's shins.
Marcus tried to stare him down, but the boy did not flinch.
"Enough, Nameless," Fantine cut in. "I have no wish for you to terrify him into... into..." She could not get the word out.
"Proposing!" supplied Louise cheerfully.
Marcus cleared his throat. He made to rise up onto one knee, but a single glare from Nameless was enough to make him change his mind. Remaining on the floor, he drew her hands up to his lips. "I wish that this were a more proper place and time," he said, casting an annoyed glance about the room, "but nevertheless, I know the truth now and will not turn from it."
He kissed first her left hand, then the right before continuing. "You have given me such joy. Such terror and wonder and anxiety as well, but mostly you have opened my eyes. You make me a better man, Fantine Delarive. You teach me things and see things I cannot fathom. I love you. Will you do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife?"
Fantine felt a rush of emotion surge through her. It could not be true. Marcus could not be proposing to her, could not be saying he loved her. And yet he was.
Then she bit her lip, remembering everything he said, hoping she had heard right. Then she frowned. "You want Fantine Drake, do you not?"
He shook his head. "I want you. Not Rat, nor Fanny, nor Miss Drake. I want you, Fantine Delarive, to be my wife. And so I shall say in front of everyone if you will have me."
She opened her mouth to answer, but before she could, Louise stepped forward, tapping her on the shoulder. "Remember to get everthing out in the open. Negotiate first."
"But—" began Fantine.
"Do it. A girl 'as to remember business."
Fantine hesitated. This was a glorious moment for her, one that she never dreamed possible. But a part of her did worry. It could not possibly be true.... "I have talked to Mr. Wilberforce," she began slowly. "About working in the rookeries. There are a number of things I intend to do here."
Marcus just stared at her, his eyes wide and uncomprehending.
"I want to help Nameless and his friends—"
The boys cheered.
"Then there is Louise and some of the other girls who want a real future—"
"'At's right, Fanny," piped in the girl. "Make sure 'e understands."
"You will not try to stop that, will you?"
Marcus still just stared at her.
"I want to do these things," she repeated.
Marcus nodded. He made to get up off his knees, but Nameless kicked him again, so he cursed and stayed where he was.
"Marcus?" she asked.
He merely stared at her. "Fantine, what has any of that to do with marrying me? A simple yes or no would suffice."
"But I do not wish you to stop me—"
Marcus sighed. It was clear his knees were beginning to pain him. "Good Lord, Fantine, you have half the rookery here telling me how to propose to you and kicking me when I have not got it right. What do you think they would do if I tried to lock you up somewhere? I would fear for my very life!"
"Yeah!" That was from the boys. They liked the idea of striking terror in a gent.
"So you will let me do as I wish?"
"Haven't I always?"
The change came quickly, but Fantine felt every split second of joy as it grew within her, coursing through her veins, until she felt as if she glowed with it. She dropped to her knees, embracing Marcus with all the strength in her body.
"I love you, Marcus."
"I love you, Fantine."
Their kiss was as passionate, as heartfelt as all the ones before, but this time there was an added dimension. There was shared wonder and the expectation of a lifetime of adventures to come.
Then at last they separated, and Marcus made to get to his feet.
"Not yet, ye don't," cried Nameless. "She ain't said yes yet!"
Marcus turned imploring eyes on her. "Please, Fantine, for the love of God, say yes, or I shall be forced to stay like this until my legs break off."
Fantine grinned, finally speaking the words out loud. "Why yes, my lord, it will be my greatest honor to become your wife."
Then they were mobbed by everyone who was not bound and gagged. The surge was so quick and so overwhelming that Marcus was forced to remain on his knees for a full ten minutes more.
Epilogue
Marcus Kane, Lord Chadwick and Miss Fantine Delarive were married in St. Paul's Cathedral on April 1, 1807, with all the pomp and circumstance appropriate to the occasion. A particularly elegant bridesmaid added to the event by literally dancing up the aisle, charming everyone with her grace and style.
Beyond that, the event was characterized by a great deal of odd happenings. Guests were warned in advance not to bring or wear anything they would not wish to lose, and indeed, those who did not heed the warning found themselves lacking their jewelry in an amazingly quick amount of time, often before an army of small boys could usher them to their seat.
Mr. Wilberforce added his own personal blessing, his manner especially ebullient after passage of his bill banning slavery in the British Isles. It was rumored that his newest cause was the plight of chimney sweep boys.
Then, to the astonishment of a great many people, the bride announced that all their gifts would be sold to aid a charitable foundation designed to help children in the rookeries. The bride herself intended to run it! And if that were not enough, the young ushers then proceeded to pass around the collection plates demanding more "gifts" for the bride and groom.
One even threatened to kick the Duke of Ashbury!
Extortion notwithstanding, the bride was radiant, the groom handsome, and the champagne flowed freely.
Rumors that the couple escaped their wedding breakfast by climbing out of a second-story window carrying a sack of food were, of course, discounted as nonsense.
The End
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DEVIL'S BARGAIN
The Regency Rags to Riches Series
Book Two
Excerpt from
Devil's Bargain
The Regency Rags to Riches Series
Book Two
by
Jade Lee
USA Today Bestselling Author
DEVIL'S BARGAIN
Reviews & Accolades
"A luscious bonbon of a read—the education of an innocent—hot, sensual, romantic, and fun!"
~ Thea Devine, USA Today bestselling author
"Is this my room alone?" Lynette asked. "Or do I share?"
She detected a slight lift to his lips, but his eyes remained remote, his tone distant. " It is yours alone." Then he gestured to a doorway half hidden in shadow beside the bed post. " That leads to my bedchamber. I will thank you to knock before entering."
She stiffened, turning to him in shock. "I shall not enter it at all, sir! I am to be married, and I shall enter that state with my purity and my honor intact."
This time he did smile, though the expression seemed cold. He stepped into the room, folding his arms across his chest as he leaned negligently against the bedpost. "Your honor is not my concern. Your purity, however, shall be grossly torn by even the most lax standards."
His words shook her. He spoke as if it were
a foregone conclusion that she would be dishonored. But what were her alternatives? She could not run. She had no money to return to Kent, and even if she did, her family had already left for her uncle's. They thought her safely ensconced in a nunnery. What would she say to them? That she had decided to take a jaunt to London? Alone?
Her reputation would be in tatters. She had to make the best of her situation here. So she lifted her chin, deciding to salvage her pride, if nothing else.
"Sir, you are offensive," she said stiffly.
He nodded, as if that, too, were a foregone conclusion. Then he abruptly sketched a mocking bow. " Please, allow me to introduce myself. I am Adrian Grant, Viscount Marlock, and this is my home."
"Your home," she echoed weakly as her mind whirled. Had she heard tales of the Viscount Marlock? Even in Kent? Was he the one with a reputation for debauching young girls? She could not remember. So she took refuge in good manners, dropping into a demure curtsy.
"Perhaps you were told that I shall be assisting your education," he drawled.
Lynette was trembling. She did not know why, but she felt the weakness in her limbs and was powerless to stop it. If only she understood what he intended. " You will find me a husband?"
"You will have a bridegroom and a rich one at that. Indeed my fortune and yours depend upon it."
She shook her head, denying everything he said. "But—"
He cut her off with a single raised finger. " Do you know what a courtesan is?"
She bit her lip, trying to decide how she should answer. Her father would have flown into a rage if she confessed the full truth: that she had eagerly listened for any drop of gossip about such creatures. So instead of a full confession, she chose a partial truth. " I only know what little I have heard. I am sure none of it could be true."
"Of course it could be true. That and a great deal more," he drawled, his amusement obvious. "No matter. You, my dear, will be taught very much like those wonderful creatures."
She gaped at him in true horror. Her a courtesan? " But I was told—"
"Listen to the rest, Lynette. You will become a Marlock bride. Like a courtesan, you will be beautiful, accomplished, and knowledgeable in a variety of pleasures. But you will also be loyal, gentle, and of course, presentable. And for this, some man—likely an older, experienced man—will pay a great deal to wed you. So that you may grace his table by day and entertain him in bed at night."
"But, I don't understand. Why would they marry me? When a... a courtesan's pleasures can be had—"
"For a few gems? Until the man becomes bored? Or the woman unpresentable?"
She nodded. That is exactly what she meant. Why would a man wed what can be had for a few pennies?
"Because a smart man knows the value of paying once instead of monthly or at a lady's whim. Of tying a woman to him for the rest of his life—assuming she is the right woman—rather than for a few months. Of finding a bride who will nurse him kindly in his old age, rather than abandon him to seek her own pleasures."
"But you cannot promise that—"
"Of course, I can!" he snapped. " Because you will. Because I have done it six times before and my reputation stands on that promise." He stepped closer until he was looming over her, his breath hot on her face.
"My lord," she gasped, wondering what she could say to make him retreat.
"Will you be faithful to your husband?" he asked. " Will you please him at night, care for him in his dotage, even if he is a hundred years old with cold hands and rancid breath?"
She blinked, wondering why tears blurred her vision.
"Will you, Lynette?" he demanded.
"Yes!" she gasped, knowing that was the answer he wanted. Knowing, too, that it was the truth. For whatever reason she wed, she would not dishonor the man she married. " I could not break a vow made before God," she whispered.
He stepped back, his entire body suddenly relaxed, almost congenial. " Then I believe you shall be my best bride yet." He reached out, gently stroking her cheek with an almost paternal air. " You will fetch a high price indeed."
She jerked backwards, drawing her face away from him. " I don't understand—" she began. But he cut her off.
"Enough questions. It is all too new for you." Then he abruptly headed for the door. " There were be time enough after the initial evaluation."
That drew her up short. " Evaluation?" she asked.
But he was already gone.
Devil's Bargain
The Regency Rags to Riches Series
Book Two
by
Jade Lee
~
To purchase
Devil's Bargain
from your favorite eBook Retailer,
visit Jade Lee's eBook Discovery Author Page
www.ebookdiscovery.com/JadeLee
~
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Page forward and continue your journy with an excerpt from
ALMOST AN ANGEL
The Regency Rags to Riches Series
Book Three
Excerpt from
Almost an Angel
The Regency Rags to Riches Series
Book Three
by
Jade Lee
USA Today Bestselling Author
ALMOST AN ANGEL
Reviews & Accolades
"A refreshingly unique " time travel" (loosely speaking) for fans who delight in something rather different."
~Harriet Klausner, Amazon.com #1 reviewer
"Light, airy and sometimes deadly serious. An intriguing tale." ~Rendezvous Reviews Online
"I do not want love or a wife," James said firmly.
"Everyone wants love, James."
He looked closer, finally seeing the small red blood vessels in Carolly's eyes and the slight puffiness in her cheeks. Just as he feared. She had been crying. "What about you?" he pressed. "Do you want love?"
"I'm dead, James. Dead people don't love."
"You breathe," he whispered. Then he lifted his thumb to caress her beautiful neck. "Your skin is warm." He pushed aside her high collar to stroke the pulse at her throat, wishing he could press his lips to it instead. "Your heart beats. You are alive."
She pushed away from him, but not before he saw new tears form in her eyes. He moved to follow her, but her obvious pain kept him from doing so. He did not wish to hurt her by forcing his attentions on her; and so he watched helplessly as she walked unsteadily away from him, half falling into a large maple before steadying herself with one hand on its rough bark. When she spoke, her voice held such flat certainty that part of him wanted to believe her.
"In the last ten years, I have died six times. First in a car crash, then of TB. I've been beaten, stoned, and shot in the back. And I've suffocated from pneumonia." She turned, pinning him with her angry, wounded gaze. "I'm dead, James, and I will keep dying until I become an angel. And nothing you or I can do will change that."
Almost an Angel
The Regency Rags to Riches Series
Book Three
by
Jade Lee
~
To purchase
Almost an Angel
from your favorite eBook Retailer,
visit Jade Lee's eBook Discovery Author Page
www.ebookdiscovery.com/JadeLee
~
Discover more with
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Complete your journey with an excerpt from
THE DRAGON EARL
The Regency Rags to Riches Series
Book Four
Excerpt from
The Dragon Earl
The Regency Rags to Riches Series
Book Four
by
Jade Lee
USA Today Bestselling Author
THE DRAGON EARL
Reviews & Accolades
"...hypnotic... will easily attract you into the life of an Englishman drawn into the Chinese culture against his will ye
ars ago and who now finds it hard to give up, and unable to become English again."
~Romance Reviews Today
~
"An exotic and emotional historical romantic tale of self discovery... Stunning and highly evocative tale..."
~ParaNormalRomance.org
A Chinese monk was walking up the aisle at her wedding. Evelyn blinked to make the apparition go away, but there he was, bright yellow robes billowing out behind him as he strode the length of the Norman church. Right toward her.
Evelyn hadn't heard the commotion at first. She'd been waiting breathlessly for her moment to say, "I do." But a minute beyond "Dearly beloved," her bridesmaid sister had giggled nervously. Maddie often giggled inappropriately, so Evelyn ignored it. Moments later she'd heard at least four whispers, two creaks from the pews, and one gasp. The final blow had come when the Reverend Smythe-Jones faltered. His words stumbled and his mouth fell slack. That had been too much. She'd had to see what was behind her, no matter that it was her wedding and brides did not turn around in the middle of their ceremonies. So she'd turned her back on cleric and future husband, shot a warning look at her sister Madeline, then glared all the interruptions into silence.
That's when she'd seen him: the Chinaman. There were three of them, actually—two men and a boy—but the first seemed to dominate, with his ground-eating stride and his bright yellow robe.
This simply would not do. Evelyn shifted her gaze to her father and arched her brow. She could already see the Earl of Warhaven, her fiancé Christopher's father, rising to his feet on the other side of the aisle. But the earl was choleric in temperament; he'd likely make a bad scene worse. Thankfully, her father felt the same. He would get to the disruption before her future father-in-law. It would take only a moment.