“When we discovered Diana gone this morning, I rode to your estate to help organize a search. When Lettie informed me you hadn’t passed the night in your bed, I assumed the worst. We all did. Liam is ready to call you out.”
“I hope we can avoid bloodshed considering how close the two of us came to losing our lives last night.” Cole ran a hand over his jaw, his stubble. “We narrowly avoided being tossed over the cliff.”
Pier’s face blanched. “Were they locals?”
“Not the men who took us. I wasn’t recognized and neither was Diana.”
“Was Diana… hurt in any way?” Piers cleared his throat, his gaze on the church steeple.
Cole understood what Piers was asking. “They did not rape her.”
Piers let out a long breath. “No matter the truth of what happened, Diana’s reputation will be in tatters.”
Cole’s mind circled the multitude of problems facing him. “Speaking of the truth… I don’t want word to get out about the smugglers.”
“Why not?” Piers asked incredulously.
“Because I don’t want to drive the ring down the coast. I want to stamp them out here.”
“But where will that leave Diana? By this afternoon, all of Ottery Saint Mary will know she emerged from the crypts looking like she was ravished. Perhaps Hamish will still marry her, but—”
“No! I will marry Diana. It’s only right.” He hadn’t meant the words to burst forth quite so vehemently.
Piers’s gaze narrowed on him. “Your uncle has other ambitions for you, Cole. And if nothing happened, as you say, then perhaps Mother can mend things with the Hambridges. The banns can be read next Sunday. That will minimize the worst of the talk.”
“Do you really think Hamish is good enough for Diana?”
Piers gave a little shake of his head. “The spring spent in society proved she’s too outspoken and wild for London’s swains. Hamish has inherited a good living. In your own way, you will be providing a solid future for her.”
“Not every peer believes her too outspoken and wild.” Cole ran a hand through his hair, sticky with dirt and his own blood, and gave a mirthless laugh. “I love her, Piers.”
Piers mouth dropped open, and he blinked dumbly at Cole. If the moment hadn’t been fraught with such emotion, Cole might have laughed. Instead, he met Piers’s gaze head-on and without flinching. Finally he could tell the truth. “I’ve loved her for years. If tragedy hadn’t befallen my family, I would have already offered for her. Inheriting the earldom complicated matters, but my feelings for your sister have remained steadfast.”
Piers gathered himself enough to ask, “And Diana? Does she feel the same?”
“I believe so. I hope so.” Cole glanced toward the chapel. “The bishop is inside. A license can be obtained without delay, and the wedding can take place forthwith.”
The ruckus at the front of the chapel swung Cole’s attention around. The Gramblings were piling into their carriage. Diana was the first inside, followed by Rose, Mr. and Mrs. Grambling, and the children. Cole made it two steps before Piers stopped him.
“Don’t make things worse with a scene.”
“I need to speak with her about everything.” Cole was desperate to keep Diana at his side.
“No. You need to speak with Father.” Piers adjusted his gloves. “I’ll tell him to expect you this afternoon before the fete, shall I?”
“Indeed, but we need to concoct a story to cover for the circumstances in which we were found.”
Piers shook his head and sighed. “The truth is hard enough to swallow.”
“Perhaps I was overcome with grief over my brother and father and Diana accompanied me into the crypts as a friend, and we were trapped?” Cole winced hearing himself. “Tell Diana not to mention the smugglers, and I will be with her as soon as I’m able, will you?”
“I will, old boy.” Piers’s countenance softened. “I can’t believe I once thought you infatuated with Rose.”
“While I hold Rose in great esteem, and she will make some gentleman a biddable wife, she’s never challenged me and delighted me the way Diana does. While this situation isn’t ideal, it does gain me my heart’s desire.” He and Diana would be married in mere hours. Excitement and relief crashed through him.
Piers offered his hand for a shake, and Cole took it. The gesture encompassed their past friendship and their future attachment as brothers. Cole smiled, then pulled Piers into a half hug.
After they broke apart, Cole asked, “Where’s Liam?”
“He rode the cliffs in search of Diana. He is likely back at the manor by now.”
“Good. I need to speak with him too.”
“I’m sure he’ll be as pleased as I am about the outcome.” Piers smiled.
“I hope so,” Cole said, although his thoughts were on a different matter of discussion entirely. Liam still needed to explain his midnight ramblings.
Cole watched Piers take his leave on horseback. Unable to face the bishop or the congregation in his current state, Cole slipped around the back of the chapel to a path that would take him to Linley House to clean up and dress before his meeting with the Gramblings.
It took a quarter hour to assure Lettie he was well enough after his ordeal and confirm the plans for the fete were completed. Although he promised to return to make a short speech, he had faith she and the rest of the staff could handle the afternoon’s entertainment as they’d done for many years.
As he bathed, he considered the problems facing him. Besides Diana, he had to clear the air with Liam and a set of smugglers to worry about. The smugglers seemed the least of his worries at the moment. Yes, they had abducted him and Diana and had no doubt wiped the cliffs of any evidence of their cache during the night. If they were smart, they would never return. In the meantime, he would inform the guard to keep a close watch on the coast and pursue his own inquiries as to the ringmaster.
If Liam had been foolish enough to get involved with smugglers, Cole would put the fear of the law into him to stay out of trouble. Liam’s imminent departure would take care of the problem. Which left Diana as his most pressing issue.
Once his valet was finished with him, Cole looked mostly presentable. A purpling bruise bloomed at his temple and was spreading across his cheek and forehead, and his left eye was swollen. It would incite questions, no doubt, but he couldn’t hole up at the house until he was healed. Not with Diana’s family waiting and the fete scheduled.
With Diana on his mind, he set off on horseback for the vicarage. The bishop was staying with the Hambridges. He dismounted and left Tucker in the small stables alongside the Hambridges’ shiny black carriage and one of the bays.
Cole rapped upon the door. A maid answered and led him into the drawing room where the bishop was taking tea and refreshments with Mrs. Hambridge. Hamish was absent. After the initial greetings were made, Cole settled into an armchair with a cup of tea.
An uncomfortable silence befell them. Neither the bishop nor Mrs. Hambridge met his eyes, which confirmed his fears everyone assumed the worst even when faced with his battered face.
Cole set his teacup down and cleared his throat. “Actually, I’m here to beg a service, Bishop Everly.”
“What’s that, my lord?” The bishop’s voice was cool.
Cole scooted to the edge of his chair. “I wish to obtain a common license for marriage.”
The bishop’s gaze finally rose to meet Cole’s. “This very moment?”
“This very moment. I’m sure Hamish has the necessary documents.” At the bishop’s hesitation, Cole added. “Of course I’ll include a donation.”
A smile slowly spread across the bishop’s face, and he clapped his hands together, rubbing them. “Very good. I knew your father was the honorable sort, but I wasn’t sure after this morning if you followed in his footsteps or not.”
“I shall endeavor to live up to my family’s reputation, Bishop.” Both men stood.
Mrs. Hambridge looked confu
sed before her face contorted into anger. “You cannot marry Diana Grambling, my lord.”
“I can, and I will,” Cole said coolly.
The bishop cleared his throat. “Mrs. Hambridge, surely you understand after the display in the chapel, Miss Grambling and Lord Linley must marry.”
“No!” Mrs. Hambridge popped up, her teacup clattering to the floor and leaving a dark stain on her skirts. “Diana has been promised to my Hamish.”
“My dear lady, the only honorable way forward is for Lord Linley to sacrifice his name.” The bishop held up his hands as if the decision were in the lap of the Almighty.
“Marrying Diana is no sacrifice, I assure you.” Ignoring Mrs. Hambridge, Cole tried to mask his impatience. “With the fete starting shortly, I have much to do, Bishop. If we could handle the business of the license?”
“Let’s repair to Hamish’s study to complete the business.” The bishop led the way as if it were his house, and Cole followed.
Mrs. Hambridge was on their heels, stuttering out protests. “Hamish will not like you in his study. You should wait until he returns to discuss the matter.”
“The matter is decided, Mrs. Hambridge. I’m marrying Diana,” Cole said firmly but not unkindly.
“It’s the girl’s decision. Not yours,” Mrs. Hambridge said.
“I heartily agree. I will offer my name and protection to Diana, and if she accepts, we will be married posthaste.” He turned to the bishop. “If Bishop Everly is willing to perform the ceremony, that is.”
“It’s too late.” Mrs. Hambridge crossed her arms and blocked the doorway.
A whisper of foreboding crept across the nape of his neck.
Chapter 8
“What do you mean?” Cole’s lips went numb.
“Hamish has already gone to claim the girl. He’s wanted her as wife for some time now, and he means to have her. No one will question her purity once they are wed and she is his helpmate.”
While Cole didn’t for one second believe Diana would accept Hamish’s proposal, even if she did sense ruination nipping at her heels, Cole had doubts as to Hamish’s honor. Would he cede the field so easily after a rejection? Even though the ruthless man they’d encountered on the cliffs didn’t mesh with the bumbling Hamish, the puzzle Cole’s subconscious had been attempting to fit together clicked into place.
“It’s Hamish,” he said with both dread and wonder. “The new carriage and matching bays.”
Mrs. Hambridge’s hand clutched her neck. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
But she did. Cole could see the truth in her eyes, which meant she condoned Hamish’s nocturnal activities.
The bishop held the license in his hand. “What is this about?”
“Hold on to that, sir. I’ll be back.” Cole grabbed his greatcoat and hat and was galloping toward Grambling Manor in seconds. He tried not to let himself dwell on the what ifs. Surely Diana’s family would keep her close after her ordeal the night before.
Seeing no evidence of Hamish along the road, Cole left his horse on the pebbled drive and pounded on the front door. Piers opened the door with a smile. “Impatient, my lord?”
“Where’s Diana?” Cole didn’t remove his coat.
Piers lost his smile. “In the garden with Hamish. I believe she’s breaking his heart.”
Cole muttered a curse and pushed his way past Piers to the double doors leading to the garden. He burst into the garden. “Diana!”
Nothing. The garden was empty.
Piers glanced in all directions. “Perhaps they took a stroll to the cliffs.”
Suddenly another possibility revealed itself. More malevolent than Cole had imagined. Was Hamish capable of murder? What man wasn’t if the circumstances forced him to defend himself? In this instance, Hamish was defending his life and livelihood, and Diana and Cole knew too much. Cole had no doubt once an accident befell Diana, Hamish would turn his attention to eliminating Cole.
“I have no time to explain, but I believe Diana is in danger. Find Liam and come to the cliffs. Bring a pistol.” Cole left Piers to gather reinforcements.
It took only minutes for Cole to reach the rocky path along the cliffs. He dismounted, knowing he could move faster and quieter on foot than horseback. He crouched as low as possible as he made his way over the rocks, keeping close to cover. The mists were rising and acted as both help and hindrance. White eddied around his boots, obscuring the ground and muffling steps.
He hoped he was wrong about Hamish’s intentions, but his instincts hadn’t failed him as a solider, and he trusted them now. His heart thumped in his ears, and fear turned bitter in his mouth. What if he wasn’t in time?
He slowed as he approached a sharp curve where the trail followed the jagged coastline. If Hamish knew Cole was following him, he might try an ambush of his own. A yell carried to him.
Diana. His muscles tensed to spring forward, but he stopped himself. Rushing in would only put her in more danger.
The next section of the cliffs was steep, the sea below a pounding surf against jagged rocks. He crept closer, but an internal tremor made Cole’s movements jerky. Diana and Hamish came into view. The mists obscured the edge of the cliff. They could be feet or mere inches away from the edge. Hamish had hold of Diana’s upper arm. Her bonnet was gone, her hair blowing around her face in wild disarray.
“Let. Me. Go.” Her clipped, angry words cut through the gusty wind coming off the sea.
“Why did you have to stick your nose where it didn’t belong? We could have been happy together.” He looked over the edge of the cliff. “Now I’m afraid—”
“We can still be happy, Hamish.” Fear had worked its way into her voice even as she put a smile on her face. “I won’t say anything. Especially as your extra ventures will buy me the best silks.”
“If only you and Linley hadn’t burst from the crypt when you did. Your reputation has been tarnished beyond repair. It wouldn’t do for me to marry you, my dear. I’m sorry to say, but you have turned into an inconvenience.” The utter calm in Hamish’s manner skated through Cole like a winter’s gale.
“What does that mean?” Her words barely carried to Cole.
“It means you must die.”
Cole had to make a move. He stepped out from behind the rock. “Hambridge!”
Hamish swung toward Cole but didn’t release Diana as he’d hoped.
“Cole,” she said on an exhale.
“Linley. How unfortunate,” Hamish said.
“Unfortunate for you.” Cole shuffled toward them. “Why did you have your men stash us in the crypt?”
“That was an unlucky stroke, I’m afraid.” If anything, Hamish’s voice turned even colder, but closer now, Cole could see the nervous sweat across his brow. Hamish wasn’t nearly as confident and in control as he would have them believe.
“Unlucky because of the service or because we escaped?” Cole asked.
“Both. My men didn’t realize the chapel would be in use this morning. By the time I found out you were there, it was too late to move you. While I was confident no one would hear you, I wasn’t expecting you to escape.”
“Now what? You kill us both to cover your tracks? You think you can get away with murder?” Cole took another step toward them. He was only a few arm’s lengths from Diana now, but Hamish was even closer to the edge of the cliff.
Hamish’s laugh held an edge of hysteria. “But I already did.”
“What do you mean?” Cole asked.
“I killed your brother.”
A cannonball went off in Cole’s chest, followed by trembling weakness in his knees. The only way he knew he still breathed was the puffs of white on the air coming faster now. “You killed John?”
“He stumbled upon my nightly activities just as the two of you did. I’m afraid I had to bash him over the head. It was easy enough to stage his death as a riding accident.”
Diana spoke, her voice low but strong. “Hamish, you can’t cover up our d
eaths. You’ll surely hang.”
“I’ve changed my mind.” Hamish looked back and forth at them. “I’m thinking your arrival is most fortuitous, Linley. A lovers’ spat turned deadly, and poor me caught in the middle. I’m not sure how I’ll recover.”
Cole met Diana’s gaze. The two of them could overpower Hamish. Before he could do more than scoot one foot closer, Hamish pulled a pistol out of his pocket and pointed it at Cole. He froze.
“Distraught lady shoots earl for ruining her and then leaps to her death. Who would question a vicar who swears on the holiest of books?” A rivulet of sweat streaked down the side of Hamish’s face.
“Perhaps the bishop who holds a marriage license for Diana and me,” Cole said solemnly.
Diana and Hamish gasped in a strange unison. One in surprise and one in outrage.
Her narrowed gaze met his, as determined as he’d ever seen her. She swooned, turning limp in Hamish’s grasp. Cole didn’t tarry in indecision. He leaped toward Hamish, his goal to free Diana and knock the gun away.
He grabbed Hamish’s wrist and forced the barrel of the pistol to the sky. Hamish had to release his hold on Diana in order to fight Cole. When he did, she didn’t crumple to the ground but dropped to her knees and circled her arms around Hamish’s boots, yanking him off-balance. It was enough.
Hamish went down on his rump, and the gun skittered out of his grasp, devoured by the mist. He scrambled away on all fours. Cole grabbed his ankle. Hamish turned on his back and kicked out at Cole with his free foot, catching him in the chest. Their grunts and the ping of rocks clipping down the cliff filled the air.
Hamish’s cry of relief rang out. The cock of the pistol froze Cole.
“Get back, Linley.” Hamish kicked out again, this time catching him square in the chin.
Cole’s head rang, amplifying the pounding echoing from the night before. Where was Diana? If she had any sense, she would have run for safety. She stood a few feet away with a rock in each hand as if she could do anything to defend them from the modern atrocity of gunpowder and lead.
With his hair disheveled and his coat ripped at the shoulder, Hamish rose, the pistol wavering in his hand, but at least it was pointed at Cole. To stand a chance, Cole needed to get his feet under him and prepare to go on the offensive. Slowly he straightened and took a step toward Hamish.
A WICKED WEDDING Page 8