Lady Archer's Creed 02 - Georgina

by Christina McKnight

  Felton took a look, then set the parchment aside with a grin. He had put most of his coin into getting the first mine underway and the venture, while profitable, took a fortune to begin leaving him with little to reinvest. Now, it seemed, his future would be secure. “Have them start mining it at once.” He stood. “I have something pressing to attend to.”

  The solicitor stood. “Good day, sir.”

  “Indeed it is.” Felton exited his office, the solicitor in toe.

  Coming to the entry, he bid the man ado, then ordered his horse readied and brought round. There was nothing he wished for more in that moment than to share his good tiding with Georgie.

  He walked out to the drive with an extra spring in his step and when his horse was brought round, he swung into the saddle. He could have walked to the duke’s residence, but did not want to waste a moment in reaching Georgie.

  Pushing the horse into a gallop, he grinned like a fool over his good fortune. At the root of his joy lay the opportunity to see Georgie, to share something so profound with her. He’d been longing to go to her ever since she exited his carriage. The kiss they’d shared haunted his every waking moment.

  Would she kiss him today?

  He drew his horse to a stop in front of the old mansion, dismounted, and tossed his reins to a nearby lad. Taking the steps two at a time, he reached the door and knocked.

  His chest tightened when the door opened and the grey-haired butler peeked out. “Mr. Crauford. My master has left orders that he does not wish to see you,” the butler said, his tone stiff. “Have you a message I might deliver on your behalf?”

  “I am not here for His Grace.” Felton stepped over the threshold. “I have come to call on Lady Georgina.”

  “I am afraid she is not receiving either.”

  Felton’s hopes crashed. “Is she well?”

  “Lady Georgina is not in residence, sir.” A flash of annoyance crossed the butler’s face before he once more schooled his features.

  “Then perhaps you might tell me where she can be found?”

  “I am afraid not, sir.”

  Felton stared at the man for a long moment before turning and exiting the house. Where the devil could she be? He strolled toward his horse not ready to give up. Reaching the lad, he pulled a shilling from his coat and held it out. “Tell me where Lady Georgina has gone and it is yours.”

  The boy’s brown eyes rounded as he looked at the coin. “I wish I could, sir. No one knows where she went.”

  Felton furrowed his brow. “How can that be?”

  “His Grace would string me up if he knew I were telling you. All the same, mama is beside herself with worry. She is Lady Georgina’s maid, you see, and cares a great deal for her mistress.”

  Felton nodded in a way he hopped encouraged the lad. “I, too, care a great deal for the lady.”

  “All anyone knows is that she was gone this morning. Mama found her window ajar and a stack of pillows where Lady Georgie ought to have been sleeping.”

  “You have been most helpful.” Felton dropped the coin into the boy’s dirty palm. “Do not spend it all at once.”

  “I promise not to, sir.”

  Giving the boy a smile, Felton swung onto his saddle.

  “Sir?”

  He turned to the boy. “Yes?”

  “Might we keep this between the two of us?”

  “It shall remain our secret.” Felton nudged his mount into a fast gallop, heading for London. He was thankful for the close proximity of their country estates to the city, for on a fast horse and in good weather, he’d reach the city in twenty minutes.

  A cloud of dust trailed him all the way to London and up Lady Josephine’s pebbled drive. Felton jumped from his horse and swiped at his clothing in a vain effort to make himself more presentable before going to rap on the door. His lungs hurt with the effort to control his breathing as he awaited an answer.

  The door opened to reveal a girl of about fourteen bearing the same coloring as the lady he sought. “Sir.” She dropped into a clumsy curtsey.

  “I’ve come to call on Lady Josephine.”

  Her smile widened as she ushered him in. “I’ll fetch her at once.”

  The girl walked to the end of the hall, then burst into a sprint no doubt believing he could no longer see her.

  “Josie, do hurry. A gentleman has come to call on you. I do hope you are presentable.”

  Her voice carried back to Felton, and he could not help but chuckle at the girl’s enthusiasm—though his concern for Georgie grew by the moment. Any number of terrible things could have happened to her—all of which had materialized in his mind as he raced into town. What if she had been attacked along the road, beaten and bruised, or worse… He shook his head, chasing the thoughts away. Felton had been told Georgie had placed her pillows in her bed to make it appear she still slept. Yes, the hellion had departed of her own accord.

  She was safe and well, she had to be. He ran his fingers through his hair as he paced the entryway waiting.

  “Mr. Crauford. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

  He turned, meeting Lady Josephine’s eyes. “Is Georgie here?”

  She arched a brow, her face flushing. “I’ve not seen Lady Georgina since the tournament.”

  “Where else would she go?” he asked, closing the distance between them.

  “What is wrong? Has something happened?” Lady Josephine rung her hands, worry twisting her features.

  “It seems she ran away sometime last night. I must find her at once.” Felton reached out to still the lady’s hands. “Please tell me where I should look.”

  “Adeline’s.” Her flush deepened. “I meant to say Miss Adeline Price’s. But the family is in mourning. I cannot imagine—”

  “Never mind that.” Felton let his hand fall away as he was clearly adding to the lady’s discomfort. “Where precisely does Miss Adeline reside?”

  “With Mr. Alistair Price. Or I suppose it would be Viscount Melton now that his father has gone to the hereafter.”

  Price, Mr. Price, Alistair…Melton. None of it resonated. “You will have to show me.”

  “I-I couldn’t possibly.” She shook her head.

  “Georgie’s wellbeing may depend on it.” Felton stared at the girl, willing her to accept. “We must locate her—she is missing and could be in danger.”

  She sighed. “Very well. Shall I have my horse saddled or have you brought a carriage?”

  “Ready your mount.” Felton turned to go back to his own horse, noticing for the first time how threadbare the residence was. Not a stitch of furniture, nor as much as a portrait decorated the entry. Nothing more than the worn rug he stood upon was in place to welcome guests. Though the lack of a proper butler, should have altered him sooner. It was no wonder the shy lady competed.

  He made a mental note to help the family if he ever could, then stepped back into the day light. Ready to depart, he squinted against the sun seeking Lady Josephine.

  “Let us be off.” She called from atop her mount, which much to Felton’s surprise, looked healthy and fit.

  He swung into his own saddle and allowed her to lead the way. After several hours of hard riding, he led them up the drive to an inn. The horse’s had to be rested leastwise they throw a shoe, or worse, perish along the road, leaving him and Lady Josephine to walk the remaining distance.

  “How much farther?” He handed his reins to a stable boy.

  “A few hours at best.” Lady Josephine said.

  Felton kicked at the ground, sending up a plume of dust. “Give us two fresh horses,” he addressed the stable boy, then silently thanked God that Lady Josephine was a more than adequate horsewoman, as she had proved by spending so many hours in the saddle.

  “Yes, sir.” The lad disappeared into the stable, returning a few minutes later with matching grays.

  Felton handed him a few coins, then mounted. In minutes, he and Lady Josephine were racing toward Miss Adeline’s once again. Felton hoped a
nd prayed Georgie would be found safely within. After changing mounts once more and riding hard for the better part of the day, Lady Josephine slowed her mount and looked at him.

  “Miss Adeline, and the entire Melton clan, resides there.” She pointed at a sprawling country house.

  Felton nodded, then without a word, raced toward the home. He did not glance back at Lady Josephine until he’d reached the large oak door he prayed once opened, would reveal Georgie.

  “I am coming.” Lady Josephine called as a footman assisted her from her mount.

  A pang of regret struck Felton. He should have helped her, at least waited for her. Being overset about Georgie was no excuse for behaving in such a poor way. He needed to pull himself together at once.

  The door opened to reveal an old man in livery, no question, the butler. “Lady Josephine. Do come in.”

  “Thank you.” She entered and handed her cloak to the servant. “I know the timing is most inconvenient, however, I must speak to Adeline at once. It is a matter of great importance.”

  The butler nodded, then took Felton’s hat and gloves before turning to a footman. “Tell Miss Adeline that Lady Josephine has come to call.” He turned his concerned gaze back to her. “You may wait in the parlor.”

  Lady Josephine nodded. She motioned for Felton to follow. By the time they reached the parlor, several voices could be heard down the hall. None of which he recognized as Georgie’s. He entered the room, then began pacing while Lady Josephine seated herself near the fireplace.

  “Do try to relax. I am certain all will be well.”

  Felton ceased his pacing, coming to stand near Lady Josephine’s chair. “I pray you are correct.”

  The swoosh of skirts caught his attention and he looked to the doorway in time to see a blonde woman dressed in mourning garb sashay through the door.

  She paused, her gaze locking on him. “Felton.”

  “Who is Felton?” A masculine voice asked from somewhere beyond the doorway.

  Another lady draped in black entered the room with a man beside her. The new Viscount Melton, Felton assumed. His attention went back to the blonde. “How do you know my name?”

  She waved her hand dismissively. “It does not signify.”

  Lady Josephine got to her feet and walked over to the group. “Georgie has gone missing. I hoped you may know her whereabouts,” she said to the blonde.

  “Whatever would give you such an idea?” She smoothed her black skirts.

  Could the blonde be Lady Archer One?

  Lady Josephine turned to the darker haired woman and man that stood beside her. “Theo, Alistair, do help. Georgie could be in real danger.”

  Theo…the dark haired woman was Lady Archer One. Had the blonde assumed her role in East End? That would explain how she knew his name. The devil with it, he cared not who was who or what they did. He only wished to find Georgie. Felton approached the group. “Lady Georgina appears to have climbed from her window and disappeared sometime last night. If you know anything…” He stared at the blonde, noting her peculiar smirk. “You must tell us.”

  The man turned his full attention on her, and Felton recognized the familiar features between the pair. “Adeline.”

  “Do not look at me in such a way.” She squared her shoulders.

  The one Lady Josephine had addressed as Theo moved to place a hand on Adeline’s shoulder. “Fetch her straight away.”

  Adeline glared at the couple. “And if she does not wish to be found?”

  The man turned, exiting the room with haste. “I will fetch her myself.”

  “No, Alistair. Don’t.” Miss Adeline chased after him.

  Before Felton could determine what was happening, the other ladies fled the room in pursuit of Melton and Miss Adeline. No way would he stand here while Georgie ran off again. Felton ran after the group and in minutes, followed them into a lady’s bedchamber. No doubt Adeline’s.

  “What the devil.” Georgie stood and stared at the lot of them. Her gaze at last met Felton’s and she smiled briefly. “What are you doing here?”

  He stepped forward, taking her hands in his. “I came for you.”

  “I’ll not go back. Father cannot force me to wed Lord Qinnly.”

  A collective gasp filled the room. “Lord Qinnly?”

  “Yes. Father has ordered me to marry the man at once.”

  Adeline came forward. “Now you know why I am sheltering her. Kindly see your way out.”

  Felton ignored the girl, his mind racing as his heart seemed to be breaking He could not allow Georgie to wed the old fool either. What the hell was the duke thinking?

  “Felton, you cannot save me this time, not from this.”

  The devil he couldn’t. He took her chin between his thumb and forefinger and stared into the depths of her green eyes. “Marry me. We will go at once to Gretna Green.”

  Her eyes sparkled for a moment, hope written within their depths. Then, she pulled from his hold and turned her back to him. “I cannot.”

  “Let us give them a moment of privacy,” Miss Adeline said, ushering everyone from the room.

  Felton waited for the door to close. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back against his chest. “Lady Bug, you are my every waking thought. At night, you dance across my dreams endlessly. I am not sure when or how, but at some point I fell deeply in love with you.”

  She turned in his arms, tears sparkling in her eyes. “Truly?”

  “Beyond the matter of a doubt.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Say you will marry me, Lady Bug.”

  “What of my father’s decree?”

  “I will speak with him, declare my affection for you. He will have no space to deny us. Regardless, we will already be wed. I intend to sweep you off to Gretna Green.”

  She studied him, the shadow of a smile tilting her pink lips. “What of my archery?”

  “You can compete as often as you please in whatever tournaments you choose. I only ask that you allow me to come along and protect you.”

  Her smile widened, the joy of it lighting her eyes as she kissed him fully. Possessing him as he possessed her.

  “Does this mean you have accepted?” Came a voice from behind them.

  Georgie broke the kiss, turning back to the door where four curious people looked at them. She glanced up at Felton. “Yes.”

  He pulled her into his arms, lifting her off her feet and spinning her around. “Say it again.”

  She laughed, holding onto his shoulders. “Yes, I will wed you.”

  Epilogue

  Georgie could not recall a time in her life where she’d experienced half as much joy as she did while exchanging vows with Felton over the famed Gretna Green anvil. A sennight had passed since their arrival back to London as husband and wife.

  Her euphoria had not diminished in the least.

  She’d settled nicely into Felton’s townhouse, and they had fallen in to an easy pattern that suited them both.

  During the day, he rode out to the mine while she shopped on Bond Street or practiced her archery with Josie in Hyde Park. Now that she resided full time in London, she sometimes missed the country, but it was never more than a short ride away and Felton often invited her to come along when he went to the mine.

  Come nightfall, she found herself in Felton’s arms as they explored their never-ending passion and talked into the wee morning hours. She could not imagine a more perfect match than theirs.

  She smiled as she snuggled against him, toying with the patch of fine hair blanketing his chest. “Felton?”

  “Yes, Lady Bug.” He stroked the tender flesh on her side. Sending warmth and longing through her.

  “Father came to see me today.” She dropped a kiss on his chest.

  “Oh?”

  Georgie nuzzled against him, inhaling his soothing male scent of sandalwood. “He said he had come to accept our match. And after seeing how pleased and well cared for I am, wanted to extend his congratulations.”
>
  Felton pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head. “I told you he would come around. Despite his behavior of late, I know he loves you.”

  “How can you be so certain?” She propped herself up to look into his grey eyes.

  “Because I love you.” He reached up to stroke her cheek. “I can recognize it in him as well.”

  She smiled. “He also told me that he intended to release my dowry and asked me to give you something as well.” She pulled from his embrace and went to fetch the note she’d left on a nearby table. Returning, she sat beside him on the mattress. “Read it.”

  Felton accepted the parchment, his gaze roaming over the scrawled words. “He is returning my family’s land—to me.”

  “I know. Isn’t it wonderful?” She grinned down at him.

  He pulled her into bed, rolling on top of her. “It is but icing on the cake. You are the real gift.” He brought his lips to hers, kissing her gently.

  Georgie had no doubt she’d been made for this man and he for her. She melted beneath him, pouring all of her heart and soul into him as he did her.

  About the Author

  USA Today

  Bestselling author Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. When she is not writing she can be found reading, crocheting, traveling, practicing her photography skills, or spending time with her family.

  Visit www.amandamariel.com for more information on Amanda and her books. Sign up for Amanda’s newsletter while you are there to stay up-to-date on all things Amanda Mariel and receive a free eBook!

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.