“On the contrary, my Dear. I would likely say something much more provocative,” he said with a smirk.
Despite the tight set of her mouth, Gabriel imagined she smiled. “You are incorrigible, Lord Godown,” she said with a not so convincing snit.
“Considering you know only the worst of me, Miss Nelson,” he said triumphantly, “I must endeavor to be on my best behavior for the duration of our journey.”
They finished their meal in companionable silence. A quarter hour later, he motioned Mr. Sanders to sit on top while he directed Grace to the forward facing seat. “I thought we should speak honestly,” he said as he followed her into the coach’s darkness. He slid the curtain open to admit in the weak winter sun.
He watched as she fixed him with an unflinching gaze. “As you wish, my Lord.”
His mouth took on a sardonic slant. “It appears our tenuous relationship has taken a divergent twist. Fate has determinedly thrust us into each other’s pockets.”
She shot him a look of disbelief. “Do you honestly believe Fate delivered your betrothed into Lord Abbott’s arms?”
“No, but I do believer the Fickled Lady has delivered you into mine.” He cocked an eyebrow.
Warmth spread across her cheeks. “Although I admit we hold an unusual connection…” Her voice broke with a poignant squeak of her usual husky tone, “I still must decline your offer to become your mistress, Lord Godown.”
He chuckled easily. “That is excellent, Miss Nelson, for I have no intention of renewing my offer.”
“Then you expect a brief affair before you deposit me in London? Is that how it is, my Lord?” She edged away from him. “You save me from the Brants, and I express my gratitude? If you recall, Lord Godown, I have already repaid you by exposing Miss Haverty’s duplicity.” Trembling fingers conveyed her fear.
Although her chin rose in rebelliousness, Grace could not hide her desperation or her pride. She had faced the worst life had thrown at her and had survived, but now she was afraid. Frightened over what would follow. Afraid of the control he would demand of her. Frightened she might concede dominion over her life. Afraid of him. To his utter disbelief, a protective mantel fell about her shoulders. He would kill anyone who hurt her. The realization shook Gabriel’s composure. “I do not expect a brief encounter, Miss Nelson,” he explained. His eyes narrowed.
“Then of what do we speak?” she snapped.
Gabriel turned his gaze to the passing landscape. “Have you noticed we have yet to connect with the North Road?”
Grace followed his gaze. She frowned in concentration; realization of what he indicated displayed upon her countenance. “Might I know of our destination, my Lord?” She took a quick, steadying breath as panic flitted across her eyes.
“Linton Park,” he said with more confidence than he actually felt.
“Lord Worthing’s home?” she asked in confusion. “Why would we set a course for Derbyshire?” A flash of vulnerability flickered across her expression,.
His mouth twisted to one side. “First, I feared upon reflection that either Abbott or Haverty or Brant would seek some sort of perverted revenge. If so, he may give pursuit on the road to London. And as my aunts are in residence at Gossling Hill, setting a course for Staffordshire did not appear prudent.”
She repeatedly uneasily, “But why Linton Park?”
Nonplused, Gabriel stared at her. “Other than Lord Worthing being one of my closest acquaintances, his father, the Earl of Linworth, once offered the Linton Park chapel to each of Worthing’s associates for his wedding.” He heard her quick intake of air. “Thornhill and Miss Aldridge followed Worthing and Lady Eleanor in taking their vows before the Linworth clergy. Recently, Lord Yardley and Miss Cashémere joined their lives before family and friends in the chapel. The structure appears to have brought my associates a certain amount of luck, and as I seem to have misplaced my own fortune, I thought to borrow what I can from the earl.”
She rasped, “And the bride, my Lord?”
Gabriel closed the space between them. Taking her hand between his two, he said, “Grace, permit to give you the protection of my name.”
“But you do not love me,” she protested.
“I did not love Miss Haverty, but I was willing to commit myself to her. At times, I did not even like the lady. At least, we have a mutual attraction upon which to build a relationship,” he reasoned.
“Yet, you have accused me of conspiring with those who would see you dead,” she countered.
Gabriel wished she had not reminded him of the evidence that said she had aligned herself with his enemies. During the night, he had convinced himself whatever her involvement, Grace had done so unknowingly or out of desperation. He picked his way through all the possible scenarios before he said, “I was mistaken. Our marriage will resolve those issues. We can build on the trust we experienced in Scotland. Together, we are good, Grace. It is only when others invade our privacy we begin to doubt.”
“I have never doubted you, my Lord.” Despite her best efforts to control them, tears escaped.
Gabriel fought to maintain his reserve. He wanted her. He wanted to take Grace into his arms and to lose himself in what she offered. To feel alive again, but he could not chance it. He would keep her at arm’s length, except in his bed that is. In his bed, he would enjoy her intimacy. “You have always been a better person than I, Grace, but we will work on reestablishing trust between us. Now, Miss Nelson, will you agree to make me the happiest of men?”
She closed her eyes as if to block out his presence. Leaving them closed, she said softly, “Upon one condition, my Lord. If you will assist me in saving my sister Mercy from my fate, I shall agree to anything you say. I shall have Mercy not know another day of uncertainty. At least one of us deserves happiness.”
“Perhaps both of you, my Dear. I promise as my marquise you will want for nothing.” However, as soon as the words escaped his lips, he thought, Love. You will want for nothing but love.
*
Lord Godown had gathered her in his arms, and Grace had permitted him to hold her. It felt so good to have his warmth surrounding her. The desire for an emotional attachment smothered her resolve, robbing her of her ability to breathe. Grace wanted this man; she did not think she could ever tire of his closeness, and that realization was dangerous one. She would be turning over her life to his control. For the past five years, she had thought herself independent, but with just one word she had laid herself open to whatever pain Lord Godown wished to do inflict on her. As he did not trust her, His Lordship would likely take some sort of revenge, and she would suffer greatly from his contempt.
Yet, she was totally helpless to stop him because the moment she had agreed to assist him with his wound, Grace had handed over her heart to Gabriel Crowden. He offered her endless possibilities: a place in Society, a handsome husband, a home of her own, and perhaps, even children. But how would she protect herself when just breathing the same air as he robbed her of her reason?
Escaping his embrace and sliding across the bench seat, Grace sat taller. Lord Godown had released her without protest, but she had the distinct feeling he would not agree to such a show of independence often. “I have some questions as to what you expect of me, my Lord.” Heat washed her face when she spotted the bulge pressing against his thigh.
He watched her carefully, and Grace lifted one shoulder to feign casualness. “I expect you will become the mistress of my houses and that you will present me with several children to inherit the title and the lands.”
“And are we to live together, my Lord?” She nudged her chin upward in a show of self-determination.
He shifted his weight closer, and Grace felt her chest tighten again. “We shall. Other than when I am in London for Parliamentary matters, we will dwell as one, Grace.”
“When will we marry? Obviously, we cannot impose on Lord and Lady Worthing throughout Christmastide,” she said in protest.
He smiled easily at her.
Grace suspected it was because she had acquiesced to his proposal by inquiring as to his plans. “Tomorrow, I will ride for London to secure a special license. Depending on the weather, it should take me four to five days. We will marry by the end of the week. You will celebrate the Festive Days in your new home.”
She murmured, “That soon?”
“Do you object?” he said defensively.
Grace’s expression said it all. “I do not object, my Lord. I just fear in disappointing you,” she said honestly.
Obviously, Lord Godown had not expected her candidness. His eyes narrowed. “I have a capable staff who will assist you with the running of Gossling Hill, or you may seek the advice of one of my aunts. As for our more intimate relationship,” he said huskily. “I anticipate the pleasure of introducing you to the marriage bed.”
Grace swallowed hard. God help her. She anticipated the pleasure also.
*
Within a half hour, his carriage rolled through the gates leading to Linton Park. He had always like the rolling hills and the shadowed lane leading to the manor house. It reminded him of the tales his mother had told him when he was but a lad. A magical place where a person could be happy. Today, he hoped some of the magic would rub off on his tenuous arrangement with Grace Nelson.
“It is quite magnificent,” Grace said from where she watched out the coach’s window. After his declaration that he planned to regularly visit her bed, they had sat in silence, each coming to terms with what they would sacrifice in order to know some degree of happiness.
“Hopefully, you will find Gossling Hill equally as appealing,” he said softly.
“I am certain of it,” she said with determination. “I shall know completeness in my new home.”
Gabriel prayed she would. That they both would. He glanced up to see Worthing standing on the entrance steps. Aidan Kimbolt, Viscount Lexford, stood nonchalantly beside him. “Allow me a moment to explain to Worthing,” he said as he stepped from the carriage. Knowing Grace would agree, he never looked back. She was as nervous as he regarding their reception.
“Ah, Godown. It is you,” Worthing called as he descended the steps. “When word came from the gatehouse of your arrival, I thought Ole Taylor had lost his reason.” He shook Gabriel’s hand and directed him to where Lexford came to greet him.
“You do realize this is Advent Sunday,” Lexford said with a lopsided grin.
Gabriel shook his friend’s hand. “I told John Coachman to take all the back roads. I had to escape Lord Brant’s party. I will explain in more detail later.”
“Well, let us go inside.” Worthing gestured to the open door. “Out of the cold.”
Gabriel glanced to the carriage. “I have someone with me.”
Lexford slapped him good-naturedly on the back. “You sly fox,” he said with a smirk. “You and Miss Haverty have decided to elope, and you require our assistance to outrun her relatives.” Lexford took several steps in the direction of the coach. “Well, come on, Man. We cannot keep the lady waiting.”
Gabriel stepped around his friend. “It is not what you think, Lexford,” he cautioned. Turning to the carriage, he extended his hand into the darkness. “Come, my Dear, we have explanations to make.” Gabriel turned his head to gauge his friends’ reactions. “Worthing. Lexford. You previously hold Miss Nelson’s acquaintance.” He assisted Grace to the ground and placed her on his arm.
Worthing recovered first. He bowed stiffly. “Of course. Miss Nelson, welcome to Linton Park.”
Gabriel could see the realization forming on his friends’ countenances. He and Grace had traveled together in the privacy of his coach. They knew him well enough to know he would not bring his mistress to stay at Linton Park. To assure them of his intentions, he said, “Miss Nelson has agreed to make me the happiest of men. We had hoped the Earl’s offer of the Linton chapel might extend to our joining.”
Chapter Seventeen
“Have you lost all forms of good sense?” Lexford demanded after Lady Worthing had graciously shown Grace to her guest quarters.
As Gabriel had expected, Worthing and his lady had done all that was proper in welcoming him and Grace to their home. After briefly explaining how he had discovered Miss Nelson at Lord Brant’s estate, Gabriel had excused Grace to Lady Eleanor’s tender care. “You have not heard the entire story.”
Worthing sipped his drink. “Then why do you not enlighten us?”
Gabriel took a deep breath. How could he make his friends understand something he could not define to his own satisfaction? Although he still held some deep rooted suspicions regarding Miss Nelson’s involvement in his attacks, he could no more walk away from the woman than he could sprout wings and fly. He had tried unsuccessfully to stay away from her. Therefore, he had come to the conclusion he would keep her close where he could watch her. Where he could have her any time he wanted. “I discovered Lord Abbott in Miss Haverty’s bed mere hours after the Brants had announced our engagement. I will not have a wife who prefers another man’s touch,” Gabriel said coldly.
“What part did Miss Nelson play in this caper?” Worthing said evenly.
“Upon discovering Abbott’s intent, Miss Nelson informed me of Miss Haverty’s liaison. Unfortunately, Lady Brant thought Miss Nelson’s allegiance misplaced. She discharged her governess without a reference. I could not leave the lady to possible ruin,” Gabriel summarized.
Worthing set forward. He spoke with sincerity. “Of course, you could not abandon Miss Nelson to Lady Brant’s retribution. But what neither Lexford nor I understand is why you would make the woman wife? Take her to London and leave her to her own devices or if you desire her, make the woman your mistress. But a wife is privy to a man’s every thought. Do you want a woman in your bed, who you believe to have conspired with your enemies?”
“Why not?” Gabriel said flippantly. “Would it not be better to keep my enemies close? Besides, I require a wife, and lady is willing. Who knows? Perhaps, my powers of persuasion will convince Miss Nelson to share her secrets.”
Worthing met Gabriel’s gaze. “This is truly your desire? To make Miss Nelson your wife?”
Gabriel refused to flinch. To even blink. It was important to sway his friends’ opinions. “I thought on it long and hard, and it is the proper course for me.”
An extended pause told him Worthing and Lexford weighed the honesty behind his words. “Then tell us what you require of us,” Worthing declared.
*
“How do I express my gratitude, Lady Worthing?” Grace said as Lady Worthing directed her maid to unpack Grace’s few belongings.
“Nonsense,” Lady Worthing insisted as she eased her weight into a nearby chair. “My husband and Lord Godown have a long-standing allegiance. We are thrilled you brought your suit to Linton Park to celebrate your vows.”
Grace watched as the woman cradled her enlarged abdomen with her hands. “Yet, it is an inconvenience, Viscountess, to address the needs of uninvited guests when you should be concerned only with your confinement.”
“I shall not permit Eleanor to over extend herself,” Lady Linworth assured. The countess lovingly looked upon her son’s wife. “Ella is quite strong willed and refuses her bed,” Lady Linworth continued. “Yet, she will do what is best for my grandchild, will you not, my Dear?”
Lady Worthing blushed thoroughly, but she smiled easily at her mother in marriage. “I will protect this child with my life, Countess,” the viscountess said contritely.
Lady Linworth said, “Besides, this will be our fourth wedding at Linton Chapel in less than a year. I imagine we can arrange a simple ceremony without taxing Lady Eleanor’s energies too much.” She turned to Grace. “When had you and Lord Godown planned to speak your vows?”
“His Lordship plans to ride to London tomorrow for a special license,” Grace explained. “In the carriage, Lord Godown spoke of a Friday joining.”
The Countess laughed easily. “All of my son’s friends are impetuous when it comes to
starting their new lives.” She pulled a chair closer to Lady Eleanor. “Just think, Ella, we shall have four days to arrange Miss Nelson’s nuptials.”
The viscountess sighed heavily. “Such a luxury.”
Grace sat on the bed’s edge. “Please, Lady Linworth. Nothing elaborate. In fact, I shall insist it only be Lord Godown and I.”
Lady Worthing gestured the maid away. “I fear Lord Godown has different plans. I overheard him tell Lord Lexford he meant to send his carriage to Staffordshire tomorrow to carry his aunts to Linton Park for the ceremony. Do you have family you wish to invite, Miss Nelson? If so, I am certain Lord Worthing will do his best to bring them to Derbyshire in time for the ceremony.” The viscountess paused awkwardly. “I am ashamed, Miss Nelson, that when you were last at Linton Park I never inquired of your family.”
Grace said honestly, “There was no need, Viscountess, for you to have bothered with Viscount Averette’s governess. I take no offense, Ma’am.”
“Yet, you are no longer a governess, Miss Nelson. You are betrothed to one of my husband’s closest associates. You are to be a marquise. I owe you my respect,” Lady Worthing countered.
Her words did little to ease Grace’s qualms. To feel comfortable with what she had agreed. When she married Lord Godown, she would be one of the highest-ranking aristocrats in the land. What did she know of Society? Although she was a baron’s daughter, she had had no experience in the ways of the ton. “There is no one, Lady Worthing.” Grace would love to have Mercy with her, but she would not chance Geoffrey learning of her nuptials until after the ceremony. “My parents passed some six years prior.”
“I recall your saying so at the Prince Regent’s party that your father was a baron,” Lady Worthing said.
“Yes, Viscountess. Baron Thomas and Lady Louisa Nelson of Lancashire.”
Lady Linworth said, “Then we shall keep the gathering very intimate. As it is nearing the Festive Days, I imagine many of my son’s fellow agents will be at their winter estates; yet, I will ask James how many guests to anticipate.” The countess rose to exit. “I shall carry the glad tidings to the earl. Perhaps, the news shall bolster Linworth’s spirits.”
Realm 04 - A Touch of Grace Page 25