by Quinn, Ella
Before the other man could react, Frank had her in the curricle, and headed back to Town at a much faster pace then he’d arrived. “Are you all right?”
“I am now.” She pressed her lips together. “But you are not going to be happy.”
“Who was that man?”
“He is Major Reginald Upton, late of His Majesty’s House Guards. Your father hired him to abduct and marry me.”
It was as if Jackson himself had punched Frank in the gut. His vision blurred, and a red haze colored the landscape. He had never wanted to murder anyone before, but this time his father had gone too far. Upton was probably a half-pay officer who’d needed the money and had willingly become his father’s tool. “Blo—blasted bas—old man!”
“Please feel free to curse him as much as you please. I assure you, I have heard worse around the docks.”
Bloody, bloody, hell. “You may have heard it, but I am not going to . . . rubbishing commoner.”
She cracked a laugh. “That is probably the worst insult you could give him.”
He slid a glance at her and was amazed to find her grinning. She had just gone through what would have terrorized any other lady of his acquaintance, with the possible exception of his sister-in-law, and she was laughing. “Jenny MacGowan, you are the most remarkable woman I’ve ever met, and—and I love you.”
She swung her head around, so quickly her long slender neck might have snapped. “What did you just say?”
“I said I love you, and I want to marry you if you’ll have me. I’d get down on one knee, but I’d rather put some distance between the good major and us. If he’s got any brains at all, he’ll figure out who I am before long.” Frank turned off the main road toward the market town his brother Quartus had recently moved to.
“Where are we going?”
“To one of my brothers whom I believe will help us.”
“And defy your father?”
“Quartus and my father are not speaking at the moment.” Frank thought about the argument his brother and father had had before the duke had gone to Scotland. “My brother is a vicar, and had one of my father’s livings. When my father wanted him to use his position to support a bill in the House of Commons my father was attempting to further, Quartus refused. The duke threatened to remove Quartus from the living, then departed for the north, obviously thinking he would come around. About a week ago, Damon received a letter informing him that our brother had taken another living and was residing not far from London.” Frank wished he could study Jenny’s face but, unfortunately, the pair needed his attention.
“At the rate your father is going,” she commented drily, “he might find himself alone.”
“There are fifteen of us. One can only hope he’ll become more intelligent with time.”
They reached a toll booth and Frank blew the horn. As soon as Jenny handed the keeper the two pence, they were on their way. If the major was following, they would not be hard to find. He just prayed the man didn’t find out until he had her safe.
After two or three miles, Frank slowed the horses. He didn’t want to stop to take the time to change them, and blowing them would do no good at all. The sun was directly overhead. With luck, they’d reach the town in another hour.
Then he remembered that instead of giving him an answer, she’d changed the topic. Tension and fear infused him. He had never thought he’d love anyone as much as he did her, and didn’t know what he’d do if she rejected him. “Jenny, will you marry me?”
Her jaw dropped, and she began to laugh again.
What in all of damnation was so funny about his proposal that she’d—
“No, no, don’t scowl so. Yes, I’ll marry you.” She placed her slim fingers on his arm, and he started to relax. “I love you, too, and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. It is just that this fleeing business has muddled my brain a bit.” She kissed her fingers, placing them on his cheek. “Now, what is your plan?”
“When we get to my brother’s house, I’ll write Damon and Meg. He will be able to secure a special license so that we can be married immediately.” Jenny nodded. “Meg can go to the hotel and fetch some clothing for you.”
“Then what?”
“Then . . . then we can reside with Damon until we make other plans or your father’s ship arrives.”
“I agree we must tell Damon and Meg what has happened, but I think the message should go to my aunt.” Frank opened his mouth to argue, and she held up her hand. “What if your father is having your brother’s house watched? You said the major might figure out that you are not Lord Quimby.”
“In fact, both the house and hotel might be watched.”
“I agree, but Geoff can come and go as he pleases, and he has more of a reason to procure a special license than Damon has. Sarah can contact the office that handles my father’s ships’ schedules in London, and ask if the Elizabeth has arrived. If not, she can book passage for us on another vessel.”
For some reason, this was the first time Frank had thought about actually sailing away. It was a strange feeling, and he did not quite know what to do with it. He’d be leaving everything he knew. Yet, if he wanted Jenny, and he did, that was exactly what he was agreeing to, had already agreed to. It would be a new start for him. A chance to discover if he had what it took to make a go of a business. In America no one would defer to him because of his father’s rank. In fact, having a title would do him little good at all. “You are right. We should contact your aunt first. However, the messenger must remain in Town until we are wed.”
“Yes, that way no one can follow him to us. After we marry we can slip into the hotel.”
He mulled the plans over again. “I’ll have my trunks sent there.”
“There are so many guests coming and going, no one will notice.” She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment. “This is a perfect plan.”
And everyone knows what happens to perfect plans. Frank sent a prayer to the deity.
An hour later, Frank and Jenny arrived at the rectory to find his brother surrounded by boxes. Yet, instead of removing items, he was putting them in the crates. This was not good. Jenny glanced at him and he shrugged.
“Shouldn’t you be unpacking?” he asked after the door had been closed.
His brother glanced up scowling. “You, of all people, ought to know what has occurred.”
Frank raised his hands warding off his younger brother’s ire. “I have been in London for the past two or more weeks. I only knew you were here because of the letter you sent Damon.”
“Then someone else told Father.” Quartus swiped a hand down his face. “I’ve been sacked from my new position and ordered back home.”
For a few seconds, Jenny was silent, then she scowled. “No one should be allowed to have that much power. Your father should be horsewhipped.”
There was his democratic American! Tugging her against him, Frank barked a laugh.
His brother stared at her for a moment before a slow smile formed on Quartus’s face. “Horsewhip a duke. What an interesting idea. Frank, would you care to make the introductions?”
Taking her hand, he said, “My love, allow me to introduce my brother Quartus. Quartus, this is my betrothed, Miss Jenny MacGowan of New York.”
“Oh, Lord.” He plopped himself on a crate. “It needed only that. Does our father know?”
“Yes. Unfortunately. Probably not that we are actually engaged, but he has expressed his disapproval of the idea.” Frank grimaced. “I had to rescue Jenny from a man who said that our father had ordered him to abduct and wed her. We came directly here. I had hoped we could remain here with you until I was able to obtain a special license and you could see us married.”
“Are you mad? What would you do?” Quartus’s brows had drawn together as he scowled, and Frank prayed his brother was not going to oppose them. A rift with one family member was enough. “How would you live?”
“That is the easy part,” Jenny said. “We are going bac
k to New York.”
Quartus gazed at her for a moment, a grim look on his face. Then he glanced at Frank. “How did you arrive?”
“I have Damon’s curricle and pair.” Frank slipped his arm around Jenny’s waist, and she stepped closer to him.
This was so much worse than he had ever thought it could be. His father was treating peoples’ lives as if they were his to play with. He had always known the duke could be ruthless, but had never seen it directed at him or his younger brothers and sisters. Damon had always seemed to be their father’s sole focus.
“I have to leave in the morning.” Quartus raked his fingers through his hair. “I suggest you take the mail coach to London. You are less likely to be followed. I’ll bring the carriage and horses to Town tomorrow. There is nothing suspicious about me visiting my brother before heading west again. As soon as you are able to get the special license, I shall be honored to perform the ceremony.”
Frank let out the breath he’d been holding. “Thank you, but won’t it make your situation harder?”
Quartus grinned. “If it becomes insupportable, I shall merely hop a ship and come to you.”
“You could join us, if you’d like,” Jenny said unexpectedly. “I’m sure your credentials will be honored in America.”
“Thank you. It is a generous offer.” He shook his head and stood. “Come, I’ll make sure the horses are settled, and walk with you to the inn where you can catch the mail.”
Chapter 9
An hour and a half later, after eating a hasty meal at the tavern, Jenny and Frank were on the crowded coach heading toward London. She had been able to obtain a seat inside the conveyance, but Frank was on the roof. Taking his advice, she sat next to the window, but was still crowded by a large man who smelled strongly of onions. The woman across from her held a basket with a chicken in it, which would not have been bad if the animal had not felt it necessary to relieve itself. Perhaps when they stopped, she would join her betrothed. A little fresh air would be nice.
She grinned to herself as she thought of Frank’s ruffled feathers when she insisted on paying for their fair.
“I should be taking care of you,” he said in a hushed tone as they finished their meal.
“You are protecting me. I just happen to have the ready funds. Pay me back when we get to London.”
“I won’t continue to take your money. I have some put aside, and I shall earn enough to support us.”
“I know you will.” She softened her tone. Male pride could be hurt so easily.
He’d harrumphed, but stopped arguing. She prayed that the money issue would not be a problem for them in the future.
Tucking her reticule between her skirt next to the side of the coach, she closed her eyes, and to her surprise, slept.
The next thing she knew, the coach was stopped and Frank was there.
“Jenny.” His hand cupped her jaw. “Come on, sweetheart. We’ve arrived.”
She rubbed her eyes. “I can’t believe I slept so soundly.” Touching her skirt, she found her reticule. “Where are we?”
“The Bull and Mouth in the City. We’ll take a hackney from here.”
“To the Pulteney?”
“Yes.” He helped her out of the coach and into an odoriferous old carriage that had most definitely seen better days. “The Pulteney Hotel,” he ordered, before getting into the coach. “Around in back.”
“You got the fare?” the driver shouted.
“Oh, for the love of God,” she grumbled. “Yes, now go!”
The hackney lurched forward, jerking her back against the seat. Frank, who had taken the bench across from her, fell, landing almost on top of her. She moved to one side of the coach. “Sit next to me. He doesn’t seem to be a very good driver.”
“As long as he gets us where we’re going, I’ll be satisfied.” He placed his hand over hers. “I never imagined getting married would be quite this fraught with danger.”
“Danger?” Surely the hackney driver wasn’t that bad.
Turning his head, he glared at her. “Need I remind you that a mere few hours ago, you were abducted?”
“Oh.” There was that. She cuddled next to him. “I have decided that I don’t like your father.”
“I don’t like him much at the moment either.” He snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her closer.
Jenny enjoyed his warmth and being held by him. She’d like being kissed even more, but that would mean removing her bonnet. She sighed. Kissing would have to wait. She felt a slight tug, and the ribbon under her chin loosened. The hat lifted from her head and stopped.
“What’s holding it on?”
“A hat pin.” She pulled it out, affixing it to her bodice. A moment later, her bonnet landed on the opposite bench.
Just as she was about to ask how much time they had before arriving, Frank’s warm, firm lips covered hers, teasing and nibbling until she opened to him. His tongue tangled with hers. Her blood heated as he lifted her onto his lap. When he cupped her breast, she gasped with pleasure, wanting more. Wanting him.
“We’re here,” the jarvey called.
Jenny scrambled off Frank’s lap, jammed her hat on, and tied the ribbon. “That will teach us.”
Tossing the hackney driver some coins, he lost no time getting them out of the carriage and in the back door to the hotel. “Where do we go from here?”
Biting her lip, she glanced around, seeing a plain set of stairs. Much better than going up the main staircase. “This way. Sarah and I have rooms on the third floor.”
“That’s almost in the attic,” he said, as if he’d been insulted.
“My third, your second.” She grabbed his hand as they ran up the steps. Yet another difference for him to become used to. They might both speak relatively the same language, but there was still room for many misunderstandings. It was a good thing they’d decided to always be truthful with each other.
When they reached the floor her rooms were on, Jenny glanced around. “I don’t see anyone.”
“Perhaps Fate has chosen to be on our side after all.” His voice was barely a whisper.
“It’s the third door on the other side of the main stairs.”
This time he took the lead, moving so slowly she thought she’d scream. “I hear someone below. Run. Quietly.”
She opened the door to the parlor she shared with her aunt and pulled Frank through, closing the door behind them. “Thank God, we made it without being seen.”
Frank leaned against the door, bringing her against him. They’d not run far, but their hearts beat rapidly, and their breath ragged.
“Jenny, Lord Frank, what is going on?” Geoff rose, striding toward them.
“Oh, thank heavens.” Aunt Sarah reached Jenny before Geoff could and embraced her. “Your maid came back saying you had been abducted. “Then”—she waved her hand in the direction of the fireplace where Meg and Damon had risen—“Lord and Lady Hawksworth arrived. We were just about ready to call the Bow Street Runners.”
“Lord Frank.” Geoff pressed a glass into his hand. “The two of you look as if you’ve had quite a time of it.”
Jenny took the other glass in Geoff’s hand. “You might need one as well.”
“Meg, Damon,” Frank said after taking a sip of wine. “Father had Jenny abducted with a plan to marry her off.”
Within a few minutes, they’d told their relatives what had occurred and what they planned on doing.
“Quimby?” Damon laughed. “That was brilliant thinking, Jenny. Though you realize as soon as Father hears the name he’ll know you were rescued and by whom.” He leaned against the mantel. “Thank you for not abandoning my cattle. I’ll ensure we have a room ready for Quartus.” He held his hand out to his wife. “Meg?”
“Give me a moment.” She glanced at Sarah. “May I write a note?”
“Yes, of course.”
A few minutes later, Meg handed Geoff the letter. “Have this delivered to Featherton House. My father
will be able to notify the Elizabeth’s captain or make other arrangements for the passage more easily than Sarah can.” She glanced at Jenny. “I’m glad you are safe. I wish the circumstances were better, but we are dealing with Somerset.”
“There is no problem in securing a special license.” Geoff drained his glass. “I’ll go now.”
“If you take my advice,” Damon said, “you will not wait for our brother to arrive. I have someone in mind that could perform the ceremony almost immediately.”
“And who will not suffer later for it,” Frank replied. Quartus was going to have enough problems as it was. “I’d like to go with you.”
His brother seemed to study him for a few seconds. “Very well. It will also give you an opportunity to change. Your clothing is rather worse for wear.”
“The only seat I could procure was the top of the mail coach.”
“That explains it.” Damon grinned. “Ladies.” He bowed to Jenny and her aunt. “We’ll see you in about three hours. If not less.”
“I shall remain here,” Meg said. “That gives you an excuse to return, in the event your father is having our house watched.”
“And give us just enough time to prepare,” Sarah said as she ushered the men out the door.
“What are you thinking?” Frank asked his brother as they made their way down the corridor.
“How did you enter the hotel?” Damon asked.
“From the mews.”
“Good. We shall depart that way as well.”
“Even me?” Warwick asked.
“Yes. If my father is having us watched, they will most likely be looking for us to leave from the front. The longer we can keep the old man guessing, the better.” When they reached the mews, Damon and Warwick called for their carriages. Luckily, Damon had brought his town coach, enabling Frank to hide his presence.
The mid-afternoon sun streamed through the window of the Duke of Somerset’s study as he tapped his fingers on the massive old walnut table that had been handed down through six generations of dukes. He narrowed his eyes at the filthy specimen before him. “You are certain that neither of my sons is aware that chit from the colonies has been abducted?”
