Higgins had just risen and smiled as he passed him in the hall.
Edward asked to have his bath drawn and braced himself for the day. Hopefully Ashford wouldn’t take the news too badly. He had ruined Alexandra, his own father’s ward, and he wanted to marry the girl whom he had despised his whole life. From Ashford’s perspective, it would sound lecherous. If he were Ashford, he would shoot him in the other shoulder. But now he truly loved the little termagant and, miraculously, she loved him.
Reliving the previous night, his heart soared as he again thought of her boldness, her passion. She was incredible. He was still amazed to think it was really Alexandra, not Ian, who was the brat, with such spirit and courage, and she rode a horse like a demon from hell.
And unbelievably, she was also Gabrielle. That was still a spider’s web to be untangled. He hoped he wasn’t marrying a criminal. But it didn’t matter. He would protect her however he needed to. She was his life now, and he would give his for her if need be. Apparently, she had already risked her own for him —and at the time, she thought he despised her.
Today would be an interesting day. It would be an interesting rest of his life.
“Good morning, Father.”
Ashford squinted from under his blankets. “Dash it, Edward? Is that you? What bloody time is it?” He peered at the clock on his mantle.
“Sorry to wake you, but I have urgent business. Jennings will be in to help you dress. I shall wait for you in the study.”
From his warm bed, Ashford rubbed his eyes and peered at Edward suspiciously. “It’s six o’clock in the bleeding morning and I’ve been up all damned night! Can it not wait?”
“No. I’ll meet you downstairs.” Edward turned on his heel and left the master bedchamber.
Ten minutes later, Ashford ambled into his study where Edward paced the floor in front of the fireplace. Higgins brought in a tray of tea and scones. Edward waited for Higgins to leave and closed the door behind him.
“Good God, Edward, what the hell is going on? Something terrible has happened, hasn’t it? It must be something bad.”
“Sit down, Father.”
Ashford poured some tea and sat at his desk.
Edward still paced. He paused and rubbed his hand across his forehead. He threw himself into the chair across from Ashford’s desk and looked at him. Then he cleared his throat.
“Oh, hell, Edward. Just spit it out. What the deuce is wrong?”
“Father, I’m getting married.”
Ashford choked on his tea. “What?”
Edward’s gaze was steady. “You heard correctly.”
“So you must have compromised an innocent girl.”
Edward exhaled. “Yes.”
“You couldn’t have just gone to Northlander’s like you used to do?”
“It’s a bit more complicated.”
“Obviously it is. Oh, this is just bloody capital.” Ashford leaned back in his chair and rubbed his forehead. “When did it happen?”
“Last night. I need a special license as soon as possible.”
Ashford’s face darkened with disappointment.
Edward’s heart sank. He hated letting down his father.
“Edward. This is so unlike you. Winston has always been the impulsive one. In fact, just last night, right after the debut, he actually offered for Alexandra.”
Edward froze. That bastard. “What did you tell him?”
“Well, naturally, I said I would talk to Alexandra. I’m not going to marry her off without speaking to her first. It simply wouldn’t be right. And of course there is the very real fact that she would shoot me.”
Hot rage filled him. As soon as his business was finished here, he was going to march down the hall and strangle Winston right in his own bed. Gripping the edge of his chair, Edward forced himself to remain calm.
“Now Son,” Ashford continued, “who’s the girl?”
“Alexandra.”
Ashford furrowed his brows. “Winston’s Alexandra?”
“She is now my Alexandra!” Edward bellowed. “And it seems to be just in the nick of time.”
Ashford’s face grew crimson as he put the facts together. “Are you telling me you compromised Alexandra on the very night of her debut?” he shouted. “How could you do this? She’s just a young girl! At least Winston had the decency to offer for her first.”
Edward’s jaw clenched. “I swear, Father, I did not mean for this to happen.” His voice shook. “After the ball, she persuaded me to give her a ride home. I didn’t want to because I know me.”
“It was her debut, for God’s sake! You gave her a ride home and compromised her—before or after you got her home?”
“Both.”
“That’s lecherous.”
Edward winced. “Father, Winston doesn’t love her. He doesn’t even really know her. She would be miserable with him.”
“Edward, you hate her. What in the blazes makes you think she’ll ever be happy with you?”
“Because she told me she loves me.”
Ashford’s mouth fell open. “She-she what?...She did? But you two have always fought like cat and dog. You always loathed her.”
“I never really loathed her. Well, perhaps sometimes just a little.”
Ashford scratched his head. “I don’t know, Edward. The way you two are, you would most likely murder each other. Perhaps Winston would be a more calming influence on her.”
Edward’s face tightened. A flash of desperation shot through him. He took a deep breath and exhaled. “Winston cannot and will not marry her. I…well, I love her. I think part of me always has.”
“You do?” Ashford eyed him doubtfully. “She really said that?”
Edward looked at him. His jaw twitched. “Yes, she did.”
Ashford stared at him, speechless. Finally, he took a gulp of his tea, and another. Then he snickered. Soon after, he crumbled with laughter.
Edward’s brows furrowed. “You find this humorous?”
Ashford snorted with more chuckles. “She finally snared you, Son! That girl has been in love with you since the first day she set eyes on you. As fond as I am of her, I thank the Lord that at last you are taking the little hellion off my hands!”
Edward stared, wondering if his father had lost his wits.
Ashford blotted his mouth with a napkin and continued mirthfully. “Of course, my sister is not going to be pleased. She has taken to doting on the girl. But I for one am thrilled.”
“I can’t believe you are saying this.”
“Oh, face it. When it came to Alexandra, you never stood a chance. She is just too bloody spirited. I knew it was just a matter of time before she either snared you or you murdered each other. And now you love her back. She is a beautiful girl; it would be difficult not to do. Good luck keeping up with her.”
Ashford chuckled and gave a casual wave of his hand. “Don’t worry about Winston. You are right. She’d be miserable with him. She’d probably end up giving him a heart attack, not intentionally mind you. She is a good girl. I think of her as my own daughter. But you, Edward, are the one she has always loved.”
“So I can marry her? I’d like to obtain a special license for next week.”
Ashford snickered. “Sorry, I don’t mean to laugh.” He dabbed the corners of his eyes with a handkerchief. “I just can’t believe she trounced you so soon. I’ll bet you didn’t even see it coming.”
Edward waited for his father to calm down. He shook his head and frowned. “She did indeed. I am pathetically besotted. I find I cannot live without her.”
“You’ll get your license. I suppose I must turn away those seven other offers I got for her as well.”
Edward’s eyes narrowed. “What seven bloody offers?”
Ashford drained the rest of his tea and took a bite of a scone. “Don’t fret. It was always you she wanted and I knew it. Although I still should call you out, you know.”
“I know. I’m a wretch. Truly I didn’t see it c
oming. But I cannot imagine my life now without her. How did you know?”
“Because I know our Alexandra.” Ashford chuckled and leaned closer. “I’ll tell you a little secret. I doubt no one but my sister remembers this.”
“What is it?”
Edward saw a spark in his father he hadn’t seen for years. “When I first met your mother, we fought like cat and dog. I used to dream about ways to torment her.”
For a moment, Edward seemed unable to move. Finally, his confusion transformed to understanding. “My God, you can’t be serious.” He was filled with melancholy warmth. “I miss her.”
Ashford’s eyes misted. “So do I, Son. Every minute of every day.” He coughed and cleared his throat. “By the bye, I just thought of a way you can atone yourself.”
“How’s that?”
“You get to be the one to tell Bertha.”
Edward narrowed his gaze at his father. “Coward.”
Chapter 31
At promptly nine o’clock that morning, Edward arrived at Bertha’s townhouse. He knew he should have waited later until proper calling hours, but he wanted to get the business done.
A huge bouquet of flowers was delivered while he waited in the drawing room. As a maid carried in the fragrant arrangement, Edward plucked off the card and shamelessly opened it: Congrats on your splendid debut. Yours, Stephen Helmsley, Marquess of Wallingford.
Edward crumpled the card and tossed it into the fire, watching it burn with a ridiculous amount of satisfaction.
Bertha entered the drawing room as Edward was leaning against the hearth. “Edward! Good morning. I say, you are certainly up with the sparrows.” She dramatically strode across the room and sank into a chair facing him. Her massive body was draped in a violet and gold silk, with her hair pulled up in a matching turban.
She gestured to a chair. “Do sit down, Edward.”
Long ago Edward had learned not to be shocked by his aunt’s eccentric wardrobe. “I hope you are not out of bed on my account,” he said, although he knew she was. He sat across from her.
“Oh, no, my dear boy, I have been up for hours,” she lied, stifling a yawn. She noticed the bouquet. “My, my, my. The flowers are already arriving. With all the excitement of the debut last night, I could hardly have slept anyhow. Alexandra was a smashing success, I must say. I expect we’ll be hearing from several more beaux before this day is out. Especially the young Wallingford. I do believe he was most taken with her. A fine match they would make. I’m quite sure he will offer.”
“Well, he’d better get in line. Father informed me he has received seven offers for her already.” Edward tone was chagrined, but he didn’t care.
If Bertha had seemed sleepy before, this latest development left her entirely alert. “Indeed? I am aghast.”
“And Winston is at the top of the list.”
Her eyes widened. “Winston? Our Winston? Good God, I had no idea he fancied Alexandra.”
“It was rather a surprise to me as well,” he grumbled.
“Dear heavens. I do hope Ashford hasn’t accepted any young man just yet. Alexandra has hardly come out. She certainly deserves more of a season before becoming shackled,” she said.
Edward winced at her choice of words, given he was the shackler doing the actual shackling. “Where is Alexandra?”
Bertha made a casual wave of her hand. “Oh, she won’t be up for hours. The poor thing must be utterly exhausted.”
Edward snorted to himself. If Bertha only knew.
“What do you think Ashford will do, my dear boy?”
“Refuse them all.”
Her brows knitted into distinct furrows. “Refuse them? I’m quite certain several are from very suitable families. Why would he act so hastily without even discussing it with Alexandra?”
“Because she is already shackled.”
“What?” Her voice squeaked. Her face blotched pink as she stared at him. “Are you saying Ashford accepted an offer of marriage for her already? I cannot believe my brother would do something so drastic. It is not like he wants to be rid of her. I had the impression he was quite fond of the girl. Does Alexandra know?” Bertha’s breathing became labored. “Please, dear boy, do tell me to whom she has been shack—promised.”
Edward realized he might as well take the bull by the bollacks. He drew in a deep breath and exhaled. “To some selfish rake who has ruined her, which is why Father accepted the offer so swiftly.”
“Ruined?” Her eyes bulged out of her face. “Whatever do you mean, ruined!” She stood up. Her face turned from red to purple. Her hands clenched into round fists at her sides. “Alexandra has been ruined? Ashford must be utterly furious. Who is the dastardly wretch? I shall shoot him myself!”
Edward stiffened his shoulders and braced himself. He had never before seen his favorite aunt so angry. It was a shame that he would be demoted to her black list. “He would be me, Aunt Bertha. I’m the dastardly wretch who ruined Alexandra.”
Bertha crumbled back in her chair and stared at him. “You, Edward? You ruined Alexandra? I had heard you did not care for her. In fact, she assured me you quite reviled her. Surely, you could not be so cruel as to ruin her for spite. Why ever would you do such a thing?”
Edward exhaled. “Because I’m a wretched cad and I could not resist her.”
Bertha’s mouth wavered slowly into a crooked smile. “So may I presume you don’t entirely detest her?”
He scowled. “Of course not. In fact, I…I find I am becoming rather fond of her,” he grumbled, shifting in his chair. “Father is procuring a special license so we can wed next week.”
“Albert!” she shrieked to her butler. “Come quickly!”
Albert entered the room a bit too hastily.
“Bring some brandy. Posthaste!”
“But it is morning, Madame.”
“I am quite aware of the hour, you dimwit. I am celebrating. My plan has worked famously; Edward is marrying our Alexandra!” she exclaimed. “My dear nephew, this is the best tidings I have had in years!” She rose to hug him.
Bertha’s embrace reminded Edward of a boa constricter, and he was her prey. He suddenly sympathsized with little rodents everywhere. Somehow, he had become a victim of invincible female forces. England could take lessons from Aunt Bertha. They could have won the war years ago. Father was right; he hadn’t stood a chance. Especially with Bertha and Alexandra as allied forces.
Alexandra left her room at dawn to go for a quick ride on Traveller. She knew she should have waited for Miss Hatfield to accompany her, but she was too restless. Just this one time alone wouldn’t matter. She so wanted to ride astride in trousers for a change, which she knew Miss Hatfield would never condone. With Ian’s old brown coat and buff trousers, and a cap to tuck up her hair in, no one would even notice her out at this hour. She would be back before she was ever missed.
Her hand reached into her pocket for the nice carrot she pilfered from the kitchen. Traveller nickered softly as she walked into the airy stable.
“Good morning, boy,” she said, walking up to Traveller’s stall where his head was perched out over the gate. She gave his glossy forehead a scratch and fed him the carrot. “Do you feel up for a ride this morning? You surely must be dying to get out of that stall.”
Traveller nudged her with his nose, as if he understood.
“I’m sorry I didn’t take you out yesterday, but it was my debut. Lady Bertha was in quite a state. She insisted I rest most of the day, and that meant no riding.” Then Alexandra paused and grinned, recalling the evening as she stroked the horse’s sleek neck. “I must say, it was fortunate indeed that I had my rest. Last night was the most wonderful night of my life…Remember Edward? The one who rides your friend Midnight? Well, I love him and we are getting married. But don’t worry, I shall always love you too.”
She slipped a halter onto Traveller’s head. “You’ll be able to see Midnight more often. Won’t that be nice? And you shall have more opportunities to ou
trun him when we race. I’ll just go fetch your saddle. This time it need not be that clumsy side-saddle. Then I’ll let you out of that boresome stall.”
Alexandra strode down the wide aisle to the tack room. The room smelled of leather and saddle soap. She pulled the polished brown saddle off its rack and set it on the floor and then took the soft leather bridle from its peg. “Now, where did I lay my hat?” she asked herself as she gathered her hair on top her head, preparing to tuck it into the derby. Realizing she must have dropped the hat, she spotted it on the floor outside the door to the tack room. She knelt down to pick it up. Something hard struck the back of her head. Then it was black.
Chapter 32
“What do you mean, Aunt, your plan has worked?” Edward asked, wondering if his ears were functioning correctly.
Bertha passed him a cup of tea spiked with brandy, his third cup. “Oh, pish-posh, Edward. Please do not be overset. Alexandra was so distraught when you were injured. She was utterly beside herself, the poor helpless creature. I simply had to assist her in snaring you.” Bertha’s eyes twinkled. “She’s such an innocent, still so unaware of the ways of the world.”
Edward smiled, wondering where his aunt ever got that notion about the brat. “So have I been truly snared now?”
She chuckled. “It would seem so. Why don’t you tell me, Edward dear. Are you?” She merrily munched on her fourth scone drizzled with Cook’s special lemon curd.
“Yes. I find I sympathize with the fox in the bag at the end of a hunt.” Edward gulped the rest of his tea, wishing it was laced with more brandy. “So what role did you play in this plan of yours?”
Bertha preened, gloating in her victory. “Why the gowns, my dear boy, and the soiree. They were meant to entice you.”
Edward coughed. “Oh, that they did indeed.”
“And of course, Winston had to offer for her to make you jealous.”
“…Make me what?”
“We couldn’t have any other man offering for her before you came to your senses.” She smiled at him with all the satisfaction of a cat just finishing off a canary. “Shall I continue?”
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