Realm 04 - A Touch of Grace

by Regina Jeffers

  Pennington nodded aristocratically. “In that matter, we agree, my Dear.” He came to join her on the settee. “Now, tell us if Godown’s letter announces his upcoming nuptials to the fair Miss Haverty,” he said teasingly.

  “I must wait for my sisters,” Bel insisted.

  “We are here,” Lyn announced as she assisted Lía into the room.

  “Godown’s news must be important. He sent it in Mr. Sanders’ care. I understand Gabriel’s valet prepares proper clothing for our nephew,” Lía shared as she settled in a wing-backed chair.

  Bel chuckled. “It is always a source of delight when I realize how quickly you are privy to the latest rumors in this household, my Dear.” She reached for a knife on the tea tray to break the letter’s seal. Bel unfolded the letter and began to read, but when her color paled, Aris snatched the message from her hands.

  “What is it?” Lyn demanded. “Has something happened to Godown? Pray sat nothing is amiss.”

  Pennington scanned the letter for details. “It appears your nephew plans to marry on Friday. He and his bride will pronounce their vows in the Linton Park chapel. Godown wishes for you to attend.”

  Lía stammered, “But…why Linton Park? Surely, Godown did not compromise Miss Haverty. Why the speed of the nuptials?”

  Pennington returned the letter to Bel. “Miss Haverty is not Godown’s future bride,” he announced. “The marquis has somehow reunited with Miss Nelson, and your nephew has proposed to the lady.”

  Lía and Lyn broke into full smiles. “It is as we had hoped,” the twins said together.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Pennington swore under his breath. He turned on Bel. “Would you care to explain your sisters’ reactions to Godown’s news?” he said testily. “Pray tell me, you three have not interfered with your nephew’s life again.”

  Bel’s ire rose with his tone. “We have done nothing, but even if we had, it is none of your concern, Sir,” she snapped.

  Pennington turned to the twins. “Please understand if what my investigation proves true, an alliance with Miss Nelson is a foolhardy decision.”

  Lía snorted her contempt. “What you do not comprehend, Mr. Pennington, is Godown is in love with the girl. He may not realize it, but our nephew has found his great love.”

  “And what if you are wrong?” Pennington pleaded.

  Lyn assured, “If we have erred, then Gabriel’s instincts will tell the tale. We believe in Godown, and because we love him so dearly, we wish his happiness above all others.”

  Pennington shook his head in denial but he said, “Then forgive my outburst. I feared in your unconquerable spirits you had maneuvered Miss Nelson into Godown’s way.”

  Lyn said smartly, “If we had known of Miss Nelson’s whereabouts, we may have sent Godown on a purposeful journey, but we did not intervene. Our nephew found his lady love in his own manner.”

  Pennington asked, “You three honestly believe Godown and Miss Nelson should be together?”

  Bel said with a snit, “Perhaps that was the question you should have asked before your accusations.”

  Pennington appeared shamefaced. “I am accustomed to being kept informed of every detail where my men are concerned. I spoke out of turn. Please accept my deepest apologies.”

  Bel’s temper had not completely dwindled, but she said in a softer tone. “I suggest we speak to Mr. Sanders to learn what has occurred. Then we should prepare for the journey to Derbyshire. We have a wedding to attend.”

  *

  Gabriel returned to Linton Park on Wednesday only to be informed by Linworth’s staff that Grace had accompanied the countess on Lady Linworth’s estate calls. The news greatly disappointed Gabriel as he had hoped to maneuver her alone for a few moments. The thoughts of the kiss they had shared before his departure for Northumberland had haunted him.

  “It was a great kindness,” Lady Worthing assured Gabriel as Kerrington assisted his wife to a settle. He lifted her feet and covered Lady Eleanor’s legs with a wool blanket before he kissed her forehead. “Obviously, in my condition, I can no longer assist Lady Linworth.”

  Gabriel nodded his agreement, but he considered ordering his horse to go in search of his wayward bride to be. However, before he could act in earnest, the Linworth butler announced, “The Dowager Duchess of Granville, Lady Gibbons, Lady Hyatt, and Mr. Pennington.”

  Kerrington rose, but he motioned his wife to remain seated. “Your Grace. Lady Gibbons. Lady Hyatt. Welcome to Linton Park. We are pleased you could join us.” The viscount extended his hand to Aris. “Pennington?” he said with a raised eyebrow.

  The Realm’s leader said sardonically, “You are too wise, Worthing, to think my name to be Shepherd.”

  Worthing chuckled, “But it fits. You gather lost souls.”

  Gabriel caught Lyn’s and Bel’s gloved hands and brought them to his lips. “I am pleased you came with such speed.” He leaned forward to kiss Lía’s cheek. “I pray the journey was not too tedious.”

  Lía said in an amused chastisement. “You gave us little notice, Godown.” But she patted his cheek in a loving gesture.

  He caught Lía’s arm to support her step and seated his aunts close to the hearth. Pennington stood behind Bel’s chair in a possessive stance. Small talk filled the first few minutes as Worthing ordered refreshments and talk of the odd weather for a wintry day.

  Finally, Bel said, “And when are we likely to meet your future bride, Godown?”

  Lady Worthing explained, “Miss Nelson has accompanied Lady Linworth on her cottager rounds.”

  Bel said, “I see.” Gabriel watched as his aunt accessed the situation. “Then as we wait for Miss Nelson’s appearance, perhaps you might enlighten us as to how this marriage proposal came about. When you departed London, you were to escort Miss Haverty’s family to Lincolnshire.”

  Worthing asked, “Would you prefer privacy, Godown?”

  Gabriel waved away the offer with a flick of his wrist. “Although I prefer a certain amount of privacy, I waived that privilege when I intruded upon your hospitality three days prior. What do you wish to know, Aunt? Perhaps Mr. Sanders did not explain how I discovered Miss Haverty in bed with Lord Abbott. Or would you prefer to hear the tale of how in an alliance with the Havertys the Brants dismissed Miss Nelson without a credit simply because she allied herself with me?”

  Bel kept the floor. “And you are certain you wish this joining? If not, we can still support Miss Nelson financially without your making the woman your marquise.”

  Gabriel’s eyes darkened. “I am not an errant schoolboy, Aunt. I understand how my decision will affect the title’s future generations.”

  In her usual diplomatic way, Lyn attempted to assuage what could easily become an argument. “Please believe me, Godown, we hold no objection to your choice. Your Aunt Bel speaks only of our desire to see you well satisfied.”

  Since his arrival at Linton Park, Gabriel had repeatedly answered the question regarding his choice of Miss Nelson, and, truthfully, he was tired of explaining to others what he could not explain to himself. He could not understand his loyalty to a woman who had repeatedly practiced deceit, but he could not control the spell she had cast over him. “I had planned a marriage of convenience with Miss Haverty. I have simply transferred those ill-placed plans to Miss Nelson.”

  *

  When Grace had returned from her outing with the Countess, the Linworth butler informed them of the arrival of Lord Godown’s family. Therefore, Grace had rushed to her quarters to freshen her clothing. One of her new gowns had arrived, and Grace had wanted to surprise Lord Godown with the cut of the garment. However, as she reached the open drawing room door, she overheard His Lordship say, “I have simply transferred those ill-placed plans to Miss Nelson.”

  Grace paused to steady her uneven breathing. “What more did you expect, my dear girl?” she chastised her foolish heart. She straightened her gown’s seams. Over the past two days, as she had shared confidences with Lady W
orthing, Grace had permitted herself the glimmer of hope that some day she would hold a measure of Lord Godown’s affection. “It is not to be,” she told herself as she set her shoulders to an aristocratic slant. With a deep breath, she stepped into the open doorway and waited for those in attendance to acknowledge her presence.

  *

  Although she made no sound, Gabriel’s body was well aware of Grace’s entrance into the room. He looked up to find a woman who on first glance he did not recognize, but then a familiar countenance sent his heart reeling. Chocolate brown eyes narrowed as she surveyed the gathering, and Gabriel wondered of her opinion of the “lion’s den” of which she was about to become a member. The royal blue day dress clung to Grace’s well-developed curves, and her hair, containing hundreds of shades of red, brown, and blonde, clung loosely to her nape’s neck in a flattering twist. Whoever had played to Grace’s femininity in her dress and her appearance would know his gratitude. “Ah, there you are, my Dear.” Gabriel extended his hand to her. “My family has arrived for our nuptials.”

  Despite his easy greeting, Grace’s chin rose, and she stayed him with an unnerving stare. Gabriel dropped his hand. “Are you certain, my Lord, I am not interrupting a heated discussion of ‘ill-placed plans’?”

  Silence filled the room. Finally, Aunt Lía barked out a hearty laugh. “I like the lady’s mettle, Godown. Miss Nelson will add spontaneity to family gatherings.”

  Gabriel answered his aunt, but his eyes remained on Grace’s upturned chin. He had not wanted her to hear his reprimand to his family. “I agree, Tantine. I have earned the regard of an exceptional woman.” He extended his hand again, and this time Grace accepted it. “We knew, my Dear, we would face some censure, but I assure you any qualms my family holds are not a reflection of your worth, but rather a condemnation of my previous ways.”

  Lyn rushed forward to encircle Grace’s waist with her arm. “Please, Miss Nelson. You must permit us to learn more of you. We are truly pleased our nephew has chosen such a beautiful woman.” She edged Grace toward the group. “I am Lady Hyatt, and these are my sisters.” She gestured to where Bel and Lía waited their turns. “This is our family’s matriarch, the Dowager Duchess of Granville.” Grace dropped a curtsy. “And this is the Dowager Viscountess Gibbons, the youngest of the former Crowden sisters.”

  Again, Grace offered a common courtesy. Gabriel joined Grace and brought her knuckles to his lips for a brief kiss. “Trois Tantes,” he said affectionately, “this is my betrothed, Miss Grace Nelson.”

  “Come, Miss Nelson,” Lía said as she tugged on Grace’s free hand. “You must sit beside me.” Grace accepted his aunt’s gesture, and Gabriel was pleased the tense moment had past.

  “I should also make you acquainted with Mr. Pennington,” Gabriel said evenly. His eyes held a rather watchful expression. He certainly did not need the Realm’s leader to question Grace before his aunts.

  Grace inclined her head aristocratically. “Thank you, Mr. Pennington, for agreeing to share Lord Godown’s and my wedding day.”

  “It is my pleasure, Miss Nelson.” Pennington resumed his position behind Bel.

  Grace glanced to Lady Worthing. “You will be pleased to know, my Lady, the countess and I finished the task of tending to the estate’s cottagers.”

  “And the countess is…” Lord Worthing’s voice rose in inquiry.

  Grace finished his sentence. “Is seeing to the earl and will join us shortly.”

  Worthing added, “My family expresses its gratitude, Miss Nelson. Your kindness to the countess is greatly appreciated.”

  Gabriel breathed a bit easier. He had worried over the necessity of leaving Grace at Linton Park while he sought the bishop, but his resourceful Grace had risen to the occasion. He was not certain why he had doubted her ability to survive. The woman had proved herself repeatedly. He sat across from Grace. With a smile, he said, “Miss Nelson and I will gladly answer any questions you possess regarding our arrangement.”

  Lady Worthing said, “I, for one, believe this is a brilliant match.”

  Gabriel could kiss Kerrington’s wife. She held great sway, and Lady Worthing had announced her support for Grace. He said, “Thank you, Viscountess. I thoroughly agree.”

  *

  Later, after Grace had seen Lady Worthing and the countess to their quarters, Lord Lexford joined the group. Without watering the details, Gabriel took it upon himself to explain to all involved how the Havertys had objected to his association with the Realm members, how he found Miss Haverty in bed with Lord Abbott, how he had discovered Grace under the Brants’ employ, and how he had spent many hours considering how best to proceed.

  “I am pleased God has again placed Miss Nelson in your path,” Lyn said. “I believe I speak for both my sisters when I say we shall make Miss Nelson’s transition to Gossling Hill as smooth as possible.”

  Bel, who had been excessively silent during his explanation added, “We failed you, Godown, by steering you toward Miss Haverty. You have done well by using your instincts. With the Festive Days approaching, it will provide Miss Nelson several weeks to adjust to the running of Gossling Hill.”

  Pennington cleared his throat. “I do not wish to dampen everyone’s hopes, but what of Miss Nelson’s connections to this mysterious Lord Spectre? Or worst, yet, to the opium shipments?”

  Gabriel had expected the singular-minded Pennington to voice his objections. As none of his aunts appeared surprised by Pennington’s line of questions, Gabriel supposed his life had been a regular topic of discussion between the Realm’s leader and Gabriel’s Aunt Bel. “I realize we have more questions than answers. However, I will not tolerate Grace being subjected to a harsh interrogation.”

  “Of course not,” Bel assured. “All will show itself in the end. Ours is a brief acquaintance, but I am pleased to welcome Miss Nelson to the family.” Gabriel noted how his aunt had leveled a warning glare on Pennington. At least, for the moment, the Realm’s leader’s determination had been diverted.”

  *

  The next two and forty hours had passed more quickly than Gabriel could have imagined. His aunts had rallied around Grace and had taken the last minute details for his nuptials from the countess’s willing hands. The local seamstress had delivered half dozen gowns, along with accessories, for his bride-to-be, and Lady Worthing’s personal maid had brought a sense of style to his betrothed’s appearance. When Grace had stepped into the dining room surrounded by his aunts, Gabriel had belatedly realized how terribly wrong he had been. Grace Nelson was not simply pretty: She was stunning. His groin tightened immediately. Lady Eleanor’s dresser had styled Grace’s hair in an up do that framed her oval countenance and her décolletage revealed the delectable swell of the breasts he had vividly recalled from his fevered dreams. He would enjoy bedding the woman again.

  Those had been his thoughts last evening when Grace had surprised him in the Linworth dining room. Now, all he could see was the spectacular glory of the woman as she approached on Lord Worthing’s arm. A soft copper gown with a bronze trim brought radiance to her skin. Gabriel found it difficult to breathe. She robbed him of all reason, but he welcomed the diversion. Worthing placed Grace’s hand in his, and they turned as one to face Doctor Perry.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony…” Gabriel expected panic to set in, but somehow this felt right. As if he had found his way home.

  Perry continued, “And therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men’s carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God, duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.” Gabriel suppose his earlier wanton thoughts had no place in a chapel; yet, he desired Grace in a way he could not describe, even to himself.

  “First, It was ordai
ned for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to praise his holy Name.” Gabriel wondered if God would bless his and Grace’s joining with children. Had he tempted the Fates one too many times? In the background, Perry’s voice continued to drone on. “I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do confess it.”

  Doctor Perry spoke of previous marriages and the like, but Gabriel immediately thought of the lies and deceit that lay between them. Staring deeply into Grace’s eyes he could find no trace of her involvement with his enemies. She displayed no signs of her mind dwelling on her duplicity. He saw only the absolute joy of the moment. Gabriel swore in that instant he would move the heavens in order to keep that expression on her face.

  “Gabriel Luis Crowden,” Perry interrupted Gabriel’s thoughts. “Wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”

  Gabriel had never removed his eyes from Grace’s countenance. Evenly, he said, “I will.”

  The vicar made a similar demand of Grace. Her lip trembled, but his new wife spoke her vows as if it was truly her heart’s desire, and for a moment, Gabriel permitted himself to believe in the dream. There was time enough for reality. For now, he would embrace happiness.

  When Doctor Perry pronounced the final vows, Gabriel broke with tradition. He leaned forward and placed a brief kiss on his wife’s lips, marking her as his. The flush of color to her cheeks made her look years younger, and he chuckled to see her look away. “Not so bold,” he whispered into her ear as he placed Grace on his arm to lead her to the registry. Afterwards, he escorted his bride outside, where his family and friends awaited them. Rose petals rained down upon them as he threw coins in salutation to Worthing’s tenants.