by Buck, Gayle
“I am glad,” said Sir Frederick simply. He kissed her again, then regretfully set her a little away from him. “I love you profoundly, Guin. But we cannot be wed. We have not your mother’s consent, and you are underage.”
“But Percy, who is head of the family, gives his approval, and my uncle has brought a special license, and Lady Smythe is sending for a bishop,” said Guin with triumph. She laughed breathlessly at the bewilderment crossing his face.
Sir Frederick threw up his hand, shaking his head. “A moment! You go too fast for me, Guin. What is all of this?”
Guin moved apart to pull on the bell rope. She looked at him, her eyes gleaming with laughter. “I see that I must have Lady Smythe and the others help me to explain it to you. I think it only fair to warn you that I have every intention of wedding you out of hand, sir!”
When Lady Smythe and her guests came into the sitting room, it was to be greeted with the sight of Guin sitting quite close beside Sir Frederick on the sofa, her head on his shoulder and her hand clasped in his.
Lord Holybrooke whooped and stepped forward. As Sir Frederick rose, he enthusiastically grasped his hand and shook it. “Sir Frederick, I wish you and my sister very happy.”
“Thank you, but—” began Sir Frederick.
“Well, my dears, it turns out very well indeed,” said Lady Smythe approvingly, stooping to kiss a laughing Guin on one blushing cheek.
“As to that—” said Sir Frederick.
“I’ve got the special license right here,” said Colonel Caldar, patting his pocket. At his shoulder, Mrs. Caldar nodded and smiled.
“But, sir, I cannot wed your niece out of hand,” said Sir Frederick, finally able to get out a full sentence.
“Pooh! Nonsense!” said Colonel Caldar. “No such thing. Nothing more respectable than having myself and my wife and her brother in attendance.”
“I am head of the family. Besides, I will talk my mother round to accepting it afterward,” said Lord Holybrooke breezily.
“Nothing could be more respectable than a private ceremony, performed by a bishop of the church, with family and friends in attendance. Lord Holybrooke shall send a notice to that effect to the Gazette,” said Lady Smythe. “It is already widely known you have accepted a post in Paris, Sir Frederick. If you and your bride choose to honeymoon in the French capital, I am certain none shall wonder at it.”
Sir Frederick burst out laughing. He drew Guin up to stand beside him. With his charming smile, he said, “It appears that we are to be wed willy-nilly, my dear. Shall you dislike it?”
“Oh, no! I am quite, quite ready,” said Guin with a blazing smile. “But I must tell you that I do not wish Mama to reside with us once we are returned to England. I do not think that would be at all comfortable.”
“No, by God!” exclaimed Sir Frederick, struck forcibly.
“I shall take care of Mama,” said Lord Holybrooke, squaring his shoulders manfully.
“Thank you, Percy,” said Guin, bestowing a luminous smile on her twin. “I knew I could count on you.”
The butler entered for the last time, to convey a whispered intelligence to Lady Smythe. Her ladyship turned once more to the assembled company. “The bishop has arrived!”
With great presence of mind, Lord Holybrooke plucked a bouquet of roses and baby’s breath out of a vase and handed them to his sister. Colonel Caldar straightened his coat and took his wife’s hand. Lady Smythe ushered in the bishop.
Sir Frederick clasped his bride’s hands, and together they faced the future.
A month later, in Paris, Guin received a letter from her brother. As she perused it, a smile on her face, her eyes widened in astonishment. She looked up, seeking her husband’s face across the breakfast table. “Freddy! You will never guess! Mama is to be married!”
Sir Frederick paused in buttering his toast. He looked his interest. “Indeed? Who is the unfor—I mean fortunate fellow?”
Guin started laughing, tears actually starting to her eyes. Through her mirth, she exclaimed, “Why, none other than Mr. Howard Lloyd! Freddy, Mama will one day be a marchioness!”
“Will she, by Jove! And she will have any number of residences of her own, I expect! I always liked that fellow Lloyd!” exclaimed Sir Frederick.
Other Books by Gayle Buck
The Righteous Rakehell
Mutual Consent Willowswood Match
The Demon Rake
Love’s Masquerade
The Fleeing Heiress Cassandra’s Deception
Belle’s Beau
Magnificent Match
Honor Beseiged
Lady Althea’s Bargain
Love For Lucinda
Frederica’s Folly
Chester Charade
Cupid’s Choice
Lord Darlington’s Darling
A Chance Encounter
The Waltzing Widow Tempting Sarah
Lord John’s Lady
Lord Rathbone’s Flirt
The Desperate Viscount
Hearts Betrayed
The Hidden Heart
Miss Dower’s Paragon Lady Cecily’s Scheme
Regency Tales
Old Acquaintances Holybrooke Curse
Christmas Cheer Season of Joy
Regency Tales: Christmas Collection