His sister raised an eyebrow. “Not to death. Just until she complied.”
“Poor Kate.”
“Poor Kate? I’ll have you know I was talking to her for at least two hours. You might have some sympathy for your sister.”
“Yes, of course I do. And I appreciate your efforts to remedy the situation we find ourselves in. I do apologize if our hasty wedding has caused you any embarrassment or trouble.”
His sister waved off the comment. “You did what had to be done. Darington was in trouble and you had to render assistance. I only wish you could have done so without taking Kate along.”
“I wish I could have too. But she knew what the coach looked like and I did not. Besides, there was very little hope of convincing her not to go. I believe she felt more strongly about running after her brother than you do about wedding clothes.”
“Well then, it would have been hopeless for you to try to discourage her,” said his sister with a small smile. “In any case, I believe with the correct handling of the situation, we may be able to come out all right. I have been busy with my correspondence, telling the tale we need to distribute amongst our friends and relations, in the hope that it will be disseminated and believed.”
“Perhaps you should let me know what the story is, that way I can be more ready to confirm.”
“Yes, yes, that would be wise. I have told my friends that Darington was called back to service on an urgent matter and was on his way to Portsmouth to meet with his ship when he was attacked by robbers. He defended himself bravely, dispatching several and chasing off the rest, but in the process was shot. He lay at death’s door, and missives were sent to his sister and best friend—that is you, my dear brother—to come as soon as may be to render aid and potentially hear his last words.”
“Very dramatic. I do hope we arrived in time.”
“A little drama does a lot in misdirecting attention,” explained his sister. “Given the dire circumstances, Lady Kate and yourself, who had recently become engaged but had held off announcing it so as not to overshadow Jane’s wedding, set out at once. You found Darington and nursed him back to health at the Darington family seat at Greystone Hall. Once he recovered, you were married in her local parish with his blessing. After spending the wedding night at Greystone Hall, you will travel to Brighton for the honeymoon before returning to London.”
“Sounds like you have considered most everything.” John was much impressed. “And Miss St. James?”
“I saw no need to mention her. Though we are most indebted for her assistance, it seems embroiling her in this particular adventure would in no way be of service to her.”
“Yes, I agree. What are the possibilities of honeymooning in the Lake District instead of Brighton?”
Anne shrugged. “As you wish, but you must return to London as soon as possible and show yourselves to be man and wife.”
“Yes, I suppose you’re right.”
“You suppose I am right? Of course I am right. Honestly, Brother, when will you learn to accept that I know all?” The last was spoken with a humorous twinkle in her eye.
John gave her leave to gloat. Considering how much trouble they had brought themselves in this adventure, she had very neatly devised a story that accounted for their actions and would be satisfactory to all except for the true high sticklers, but they weren’t very good company anyhow.
* * *
Wynbrook stood at the front of the church, facing the local rector who looked even older than the ancient stone chapel. There were more people in the chapel than he’d expected. He had anticipated only his siblings and the household staff. Clearly, the elderly rector had let slip that a wedding of some magnitude was to be held, for many people from the sleepy fishing village had arrived to witness the public splendor of such an event. Even Kate’s old housekeeper, Mrs. Hennings, along with her daughter, had managed to make an appearance.
Tristan stood next to him, and Anne acted as the matron of honor for Kate. Even Ellen made a rare public appearance in the front pew, the wheeled chair tucked out of sight for the proceedings. Despite the number of people in their Sunday best, it was a considerably smaller wedding than anything he had imagined he would have. He knew if Anne had had her way, he would have had a grand society wedding with hundreds of guests. To be able to marry in a small chapel with the lady who had stolen his heart was an unexpected blessing.
He knew the moment Kate entered the chapel. The air around him crackled and he ached to turn and look at her. Tradition, however, mandated that he remain looking at the rather ancient rector instead of turning to see his bride. It was agony to wait for her to walk up to him where she belonged. She had decided no one could take Robert’s place, so she walked herself down the aisle.
“She’s beautiful,” whispered Tristan.
“I know.”
“You haven’t seen her today,” returned his brother.
Yes, I have. But John kept that observation to himself. They may have anticipated their wedding vows, but he was well and truly married to her in his heart.
At last, Kate stood beside him. She was quite beautiful. He saw his sister’s hand in the simple elegance of the silver dress with intricate beaded lace and the ancient lace veil that had graced the heads of many Lady Wynbrooks back through the generations. Anybody could look pretty in an expensive gown, but Kate had something more. There was a flash in her eyes when she looked at him, a spark that was only for him.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God…” The rector began his traditional recitation of the order of marriage. He spoke in a monotone voice of deep reverence—or possibly boredom, having performed the office countless times.
John met Kate’s eye. She was lovely. She was brilliant. And she was his.
“I love you,” he whispered.
Kate’s eyes opened wide. The rector continued on, clearly not hearing him.
“Truly?” breathed Kate.
“Truly. Thought you should know.”
Kate said nothing more, but the light in her eyes shone brighter as a smile grew on her lips. She was the happiest and most beautiful he had ever seen her. He returned her smile. He had spent so many years hiding behind a mask of cool detachment, but when she looked at him and smiled, there was no hope of pretending it did not shake him to his core. He had always hidden his insecurities at being thrust so quickly into the role of the earl after his father died. He feared he could never quite fill those shoes. But if Kate, his most vocal critic, could find in him something she liked, it gave him confidence to feel worthy of her and the title he had inherited.
“Therefore, if any man can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace,” intoned the rector. He paused the traditional few seconds. Wynbrook smiled at the true, honest smile Kate gave him. He turned to the rector to continue.
Instead, a voice rang out from the back of the church. “I know cause why these two cannot be wed.”
Kate gasped. Everyone turned to the back of the chapel. The rector began to continue and then paused, his words trailing off. Clearly, he was unaccustomed to anyone interrupting him at that particular juncture.
A young man strode boldly forward into the chapel. He was dressed as a gentleman, with short, curly black hair and blue eyes. Beside him was a more burly man, dressed in a rough fashion.
“Forgive me for the interruption. I know it must be quite unwanted, but I have a paper you will want to see before you speak your vows.” The young man and his companion strolled boldly down the aisle.
“State your name, sir, and your business,” demanded Wynbrook, stepping in front of Kate to protect her.
“Forgive the intrusion, but I have just been informed that my father and the late Lord Darington had created a marriage contract between myself and Lady Katherine.�
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“What?” cried Kate, her happy face turned to anguish. John hated the man for that, hated him for ruining his bride’s wedding day.
Everyone save Ellen were on their feet. People were talking in an excited manner. The rector tried to calm the overall din of the chapel. Wynbrook tried to find something to say. How could this be happening?
“May we see the document?” Wynbrook asked. The parchment was produced and Kate snatched it out of the man’s hand and read it over.
“I cannot believe this. What was your association with our family?” demanded Kate.
“Apparently, our fathers made an accord long ago,” stated the young man. “Perhaps we should withdraw from this public place and discuss it more privately.”
John looked around at the church packed with eager townsfolk, whispering excitedly at the strange goings-on. “Yes, perhaps you are right.” He did not wish to be a show for others, particularly because he knew how much Kate would hate it. They could read over the contract in detail when they were alone.
“I have my carriage outside, if it is convenient,” suggested the man with a gallant air.
John was about to comply with the suggestion when he caught Ellen’s urgent gesture. Hobnail boots, she mouthed to them.
Both he and Kate looked down at the footwear of the gentleman’s companion. The man who stood a bit behind the young gentleman was wearing a pair of poorly constructed hobnail boots.
Kate leaned in quickly and whispered in his ear. “That is the man who kidnapped me.”
Wynbrook fought the desire to shout to have the man arrested. He could not charge the villain with abducting Kate without revealing something they did not wish made public. He needed to remain impassive. “I beg your pardon. What did you say your name was?”
“Perhaps we should withdraw so as not to embarrass the lady further?” suggested the man in a polite undertone.
“Your name, sir, for in truth you look familiar to me. Have we met?” asked Wynbrook.
“No, no, I am certain we have not,” said the man. “I am Captain Silas Bones, at your service.” He gave a credible bow.
“The son of Dr. Bones?” Kate’s words were like ice; her face had returned to the frozen mask she wore.
“Yes. He treated your father in his illness.”
“He killed my father, you bastard!” shouted Kate.
Villagers gasped. One woman fainted to the floor and others rushed around her to fan her back to sensibility.
Captain Bones grew a shade paler, but his countenance did not change. “I understand sometimes families can blame the physician when their loved one departs this earth too soon—”
“No more lies, Captain Bones, in this holy place,” said Wynbrook, struggling to maintain his civility and control. “The truth is your father poisoned the late Lord Darington.”
“Poisoned? No, I assure you—” Bones backed down the church aisle, his man behind him.
“He poisoned my father out of revenge, because your father is none other than the traitor to the Crown, Captain Harcourt!”
The villagers again gasped in shock.
“Who told you that?” Bones asked, his eyes narrowing.
In the pews, Mrs. Hennings opened her mouth in an anguished, silent scream.
“The truth always comes to the fore,” said Wynbrook in a cryptic manner. He would never betray the former housekeeper, nor would Kate.
The man’s lips were tight, his eyes narrow. “Whatever the sins of my father, I think you will find the contract legal and binding. Do keep the papers. I have another copy. Of course I do not wish to break up such a happy couple, so all I ask is for you to follow the terms of the contract.”
“The contract states if I do not wed you, you are entitled to my entire dowry,” cried Kate.
Silas Bones shrugged. “I did not write the terms of the agreement. But it was signed by both our fathers.”
“My father was blind in his last days,” said Kate. “He had no idea what he was signing.”
“So you say,” returned Bones.
“’Tis true!” Mrs. Hennings rose shakily to her feet. “He was blind at the end and grievous ill.”
Another gasp and titters arose from the villagers. Wynbrook considered it a shame they had not sold tickets for such a show. At least they were giving the village something to talk about for years to come.
“Thank you,” said Kate to Mrs. Hennings, who held her head higher.
“You will find the contract was also signed by your legal guardian, General Roberts,” said Captain Bones with an arrogant smirk. “There can be no question of it holding up in court. Good day to you all. I am staying at the Captain’s Rest. I will expect you soon to discuss payment.” He gave them a mocking bow and strolled out of the chapel to the hisses and boos of the villagers.
Wynbrook watched him walk away. There was something strangely familiar about him, but he could not quite place it. He turned to Kate to provide comfort, compassion, but any softness of her expression had been replaced by the steely eyes and rigid expression that had ruled her countenance when they first met.
His Kate was gone.
Thirty-eight
Kate watched the unfolding drama of the ruination of her wedding as if she was attending some tragic play. A cold numbness spread through her and all emotion slipped away. She retreated inside herself. Back where it was safe. She should never have tried to trust, never allowed her heart to feel such emotion—never allowed herself to hope. Was that not what Emma had said was produced by hardship? Hope, the worst of all emotions. It left one vulnerable and shaking when it all went wrong.
“Reverend, we must afford these two some privacy,” said Anne in an undertone, taking command of a situation gone completely awry.
The rector ushered them out a side door and into the rectory, a comfortable cottage only a few feet away. Kate, Wynbrook, Anne, and Tristan carrying Ellen quickly followed, leaving the capable butler, Mr. Foster, to dispel the boisterous crowd.
Tea was offered and accepted, and the rector graciously left the family alone in the rectory drawing room to collect themselves in private. Kate sat on a low couch and wondered if her legs would have the strength to lift her up again. Ellen was deposited beside her and patted her shoulder in sympathy, her eyes moist. Anne sat by the tea service, staunchly pouring tea while Wynbrook and Tristan paced the room.
“So what if he has a marriage contract signed by your father and this General Roberts so many years ago?” said Wynbrook, striding back and forth. “It doesn’t prevent us from getting married.”
“If we wed now, he can sue us for breach of contract. He could be entitled to my entire dowry.” Kate rubbed her temple; her head was starting to pound.
“So give him the dowry. I’m not marrying you for financial gain. All I want is you.” Wynbrook knelt down and took both her hands in his. “Kate, all I want is you.”
“That is easy for you to say,” said Kate briskly, releasing his hands. “Considering you have nothing to lose. If I marry you now, I have nothing.”
“Nothing?” Wynbrook turned silently and walked to the window. It was unusual for him to appear so somber and not to have a witty retort.
“We cannot marry if it means forfeiting my entire dowry,” said Kate, addressing his back. “Only a fool would do that.”
He turned to her, but his face was a distant mask she was unaccustomed to seeing on him. “Apparently, I am that fool.” He stalked out of the room.
Everyone was silent. Ellen became fascinated with a piece of lint on her gown. Anne arranged the biscuits on a plate. Tristan just stared at the contract, which had been tossed on the table.
Now she truly had lost everything. Losing her dowry was one thing, but the thought of losing John… She put a hand over her heart, for it hurt. She had heard the term “heartache” before but had not kn
own that it actually hurt.
Ellen handed her a handkerchief with a look of empathetic concern that only made the ache worse.
“I am not inclined toward tears,” said Kate, refusing the white cloth.
“Then you are leaking,” Ellen said gently.
Kate took the handkerchief and blotted her eyes. She never cried. Never. She had the need to blot again. Strange.
“Thank you for alerting us to the danger. Whatever made you look at the man’s shoes?” asked Kate, trying to focus on something other than her pain.
Ellen gave a small smile. “Force of habit. I always notice people’s shoes, for I have none of my own. I suppose the habit was helpful today.”
“Indeed it was!” said Kate with sincerity. “I was almost ready to go into his coach and put myself at his mercy. I do not wish to think what would have happened without you here.”
Wynbrook entered the room once more. “May we have a moment alone?”
His family vanished like smoke—even Ellen, which was impressive.
“I’m sorry,” said Kate. She was not exactly sure why, but she knew she had hurt him, pushed him away once too often.
“No, it is I who am sorry.” John sat next to her and held her hand. It felt good, but there was a stiffness to his manner, a reserve to him that had not been there before.
“I simply cannot enter into a marriage without my dowry. Without any protection. Robert and I worked so hard to rebuild our lives. I cannot walk away with nothing.”
“Of course not. What if I paid the amount? You keep your dowry.”
“Give fifty thousand pounds to the son of the man who murdered my father? To the family who tricked my father into signing this marriage contract and then killed him? Unthinkable!”
“Unthinkable,” John agreed with resignation.
“We shall just have to fight it in court,” said Kate firmly. She looked up at him, a cloud coming over her eyes. “This is more drama than even your lurid novel could endure. I understand if you wish to walk away.”
“You must know that is impossible.” John squeezed her hand.
If the Earl Only Knew (The Daring Marriages) Page 29