by Quinn, Ella
They had arrived at the group of ladies. “Thank you.”
“Lady Euphrosyne.” Lady Theo broadened her smile. “I’d like to introduce you to Lady Maitland. Lady Euphrosyne is the Duke of Ross’s betrothed.”
One by one she was introduced to the other women present. Although, many of the ladies quickly covered their distaste for the coming marriage, a few of the younger ladies audibly gasped and did not even offer their felicitations. Well, it was no worse than what she was feeling. At least now she knew the marriage would never happen. The only question was how soon Charles could rescue her.
When it was time to leave, Lady Theo bent as though to kiss Euphrosyne’s cheek and whispered. “You will hear from me soon.” She straightened and addressed Lady Emily and Mama. “I hope you had a pleasant time. Your grace, I am more than happy to introduce you to my modiste if you are in need of anything.”
“Oh, but I was going to take them to Mrs. Kennedy,” Lady Emily objected.
Lady Theo raised one blonde brow. “My dear, Emily, I know you are devoted to Mrs. Kennedy, but you must admit that Madame Aufroy’s fashions are more stylish.”
“Thank you, both, for your suggestions.” Mama gave them each a diplomatic smile. “I see no reason why we cannot visit both dressmakers.”
“Yes, indeed.” Euphrosyne copied her mother’s expression. “I think that is an excellent idea.” The more time she was able to spend in town the greater her chances of escaping.
“Yes, of course.” Lady Emily smiled again. “You will most likely require the services of both modistes for your trousseau. I understand that you do not have a competent dressmaker near your estate.”
“How very true.” Euphrosyne linked arms with her mother. “I shall greatly enjoy the shopping in Edinburgh. How lucky you are to live nearby.”
Every minute until she heard from Lady Theo would seem like days.
The following morning, as Euphrosyne and her mother were breaking their fast in her mother’s parlor, a note arrived from Lady Theo.
Mama’s maid handed her the letter opener, and she popped slit open the seal. “It appears that Lady Theo has made an appointment for you with her modiste at eleven o’clock this morning.”
“I did not expect it to be so soon.” Euphrosyne’s heart began to thud so hard it was amazing no one heard it. It was all she could do to maintain her countenance. Perhaps she would learn more about how her escape would be made. “As much as I appreciate Lady Emily’s offer, I think the cut of Lady Theo’s gown superior.”
“It was more stylish.” Mama sighed. “We still must visit the other dressmaker. You do not wish to get on the wrong side of Lady Emily. I have the feeling she is not at all pleased with being supplanted as the mistress of this house.”
“You are probably correct. She has had charge of the duke’s houses for many years.” Not that the lady had to be concerned. Euphrosyne would not be here that much longer. “I should dress. It is already past nine.”
Setting down the letter, her mother rose. “I suggest you bring your maid. In addition to our visit to Lady Theo’s modiste, we shall take the time to do some other shopping while we are in town.”
“As you wish.” Euphrosyne looked forward to making her father’s guard follow her around in a more difficult setting. She would also make him carry packages, regardless of the accompanying maid.
When Euphrosyne entered her bedchamber, Turner was supervising a housemaid cleaning the room. “I have an appointment with a modiste this morning, and then I will do some more shopping. I would like you to accompany me.”
“Of course, my lady.” Her maid went to the wardrobe and took out a light blue cashmere gown and a Prussian blue wool spencer that Meg had sent. Euphrosyne was happy that its design made her pregnancy less noticeable. “I have a list of items you require. I shall bring it with me.”
Shortly after the appointed time, they arrived at the shop on the Royal Mile across from St. Giles Kirk—as she’d been told it was called instead of church.
A small bell rang as she, her mother and their maids entered. Sittle took up a place on the street to the side of the door.
“Your grace, my lady, welcome,” Madame Aufroy, a small woman with dark hair greeted them. “Would you care for tea or coffee?”
“Tea would be lovely.” Mama sank onto a sofa. “My maid has several items she must purchase. Perhaps one of your assistants could advise her as to which stores are better.”
“Mais naturellement, your grace.” Madame signaled to a woman who had been straightening up a counter. “I shall send Marie with her.” Before they were out the door, Madam turned to Euphrosyne. “Please, come with me. I must take your measurements.”
She followed the modiste into a good-sized closet warmed by a small tiled heater. Another woman began to undress Euphrosyne. The tension and excitement she’d been feeling ebbed, leaving her slightly depressed. She’d so hoped she would learn something more about her rescue, but it did not appear as if anything of moment would occur today.
“Elsie, you may go. I will call if I need you,” Madame said. Once the door closed, she addressed Euphrosyne in a low voice. “I will take your measurements as planned. Then we will spend one hour selecting fabrics and designs. After which you will beg some time to visit St. Giles to pray. Sit in the first pew and wait.”
Euphrosyne’s heart began to race. “Will I see Lo—him?”
The older woman smiled. “I think you can be sure of that.”
Euphrosyne selected several beautiful fabrics in velvet and cashmere as well as the gowns into which they would be fashioned, yet the clock moved at a snail’s pace.
Finally, the modiste signaled for the samples and fashion plates to be removed. “I believe we have had a productive day.” She inclined her head to Mama. “Your grace, I hope to have everything to you within a week. Fortunately, this is a slow time of year, and many sempstresses are looking for work.”
“At Christmas?” Euphrosyne was surprised to hear that.
“The Scottish do not celebrate Christmas like the English do. They save their parties for the new year.”
Euphrosyne noticed her mother’s maid and the other woman had returned, each bearing packages. “Mama, I would like to visit the church across the street. I need a few moments to myself.”
“That is a very good idea.” She took Euphrosyne by her shoulders and drew her closer. “Do what you must, and remember that I love you.”
“I shall.” Her mother’s eyes filled with tears, but the next second they were gone, and the placid countenance she showed the world was back. “I love you, too.”
“My lady,” Madame Aufroy said, “the front door to the church is always open. Whereas the side doors are frequently locked. You should enter that way.”
Euphrosyne held back her own tears. “Thank you.”
“Euphrosyne, take Turner.”
“Yes, Mama.” The maid followed Euphrosyne out of the shop and across the street. Sittle fell in behind them.
When they reached the thick, old-fashioned, wooden doors, her maid stopped. “Would you like me to accompany you inside?”
“If you would not mind sitting a few pews behind me, yes.” Euphrosyne glanced at the footman. She didn’t know what exactly would happen, but whatever it was he would be decidedly de trop. “Please wait here. I shall not be long.”
“My orders are never to let you out of my sight when you are not with her grace.” He was absolutely her father’s man.
Closing her eyes, she sighed. “Have it your way, but you will remain at the back of the church.”
Doing as she’d been instructed, Euphrosyne made her way to the first pew, bowed her head, and waited. She had just finished the Lord’s Prayer when a door opening echoed through the church, and a young man followed by Lady Theo, a gentleman Euphrosyne did not know, and Charles strolled from an inside door located to the side of the choir into the transept. Her heart must have stopped because she couldn’t catch her breath.
Before she could rise, he was with her, drawing her into his arms. “My love, we don’t have much time.”
Boots rang on the stone. “Stop! I command you in the name of the Duke—” A sickening crack sounded, and Sittle collapsed to the floor. Behind him stood an old man holding a club.
“Is he dead?” Even her whisper seemed loud.
“Ach, nay.” The old man shook his head sadly. “More’s the pity. I canna abide interfering Englishmen.” A grin split his weathered face. “Present company excepted, o’course.”
“Good job, Shamus,” the other gentleman said.
Lady Theo nodded. “Yes, well, let us get this wedding done. Lady Euphrosyne, if you do not mind, my husband, Lord Titus, will give you away.”
“That would be perfect.” This is truly happening. I’m going to marry Charles!
They took their places in front of the vicar. Reluctantly, she dropped her hand from Charles’s arm and placed her other hand on Lord Titus’s arm, only to have her hand returned to Charles a few moments later. This time it was for the rest of her life.
The service was much shorter than in any of the other weddings she had attended. She was pleased that her voice was strong when she said her vows, and Charles held her gaze until the vicar reminded them they had to sign the register.
“Lady Theo requested that you sign a separate register as well,” the vicar said. “It is not usually done, but I understand your father is difficult.”
“That is one way of putting it.” Euphrosyne glanced at her ladyship. “Where will you put it?”
“We are traveling to my father’s main estate for Christmas. I shall give it to the rector there for safekeeping.”
Shamus took the second register and nodded. “I tied yon Englishman up and put him next to the door. I wanted to douse him with whisky, but Lord Titus didn’t want the man losing his position.”
A laugh burbled up in Euphrosyne, but she managed to tamp it down. “That was very kind of Lord Titus.” She looked at her maid, who’d been standing silent. “Do you wish to come with me?”
“If I may, my lady.” Turner grinned. “The idea of living in Scotland never really suited me.”
Lady Theo removed her bright scarlet cloak and bonnet, handing them to Euphrosyne. “Wear these until you are in the coach. It is as close to the door as we could manage, but in the event anyone is watching, we do not want him to see you.”
“Where will we go?” Turner helped Euphrosyne don the bonnet.
“Back to my house for the night.” Lady Theo unwrapped a package tied in brown paper, drawing out an identical red cloak, while Turner folded Euphrosyne’s cloak and wrapped it in the emptied paper. “Tomorrow we will all travel south to my father’s estate before the weather sets in.”
“My coach is at a small inn off the London road.” Charles took the paper package and wrapped Euphrosyne in the red cloak. “I shall send our wedding announcement with the mail, but we’ll remain at the Duke of Gordon’s estate until I’m sure you are safe.”
“Believe me”—Lady Theo glanced at Euphrosyne over her shoulder—“there is no love lost between my father and yours. He was more than happy to help us.”
“I think he also owed Lady Featherton a favor.” Lord Titus laid the other red cloak across his wife’s shoulders.
“My sister-in-law’s mother?” Euphrosyne was confused. How had she become involved?
“Meg’s grandmother,” Charles said. “She is a fascinatingly scary old lady. I now know where your sister-in-law comes by her scheming.”
“We’ll tell you all about it on the way home,” Lady Theo said.
Chapter 11
Markville couldn’t believe Euphrosyne was finally with him again, finally his wife. But this wasn’t over yet. It was Scotland, and contrary to England, their marriage had to be consummated. He wanted to rush her to the waiting coach, but forced himself to make the short walk from the side door to the carriage at a steady pace. Nothing must appear strange. They knew of the one footman who had already been felled, but Hawksworth had warned there could be others.
Markville assisted Euphrosyne into the coach, then joined her. “Almost there.”
She snuggled next to him. “How will Lady Theo and Lord Titus get home?”
“We are collecting them from the back of a store.” The carriage turned down two narrow streets, then stopped. “Here we are.”
Lady Theo and her husband came out of the store and entered the carriage. “There is no sign the coach was followed, but two men were watching the kirk. It will not be long before your father knows you are gone.”
Euphrosyne nodded. “What happens next?”
“Next we take you to the mews behind our house, and you will enter through the garden. No one knows Markville is staying with us, so your father has no reason to search for you here. In the morning, you will enter the coach from the mews.”
“My maid.” Euphrosyne sat up, tension radiating from her. “How will she join me?”
“We’ve been very canny about protecting her.” Lord Titus smiled slyly. “She could not come with us without causing talk. Therefore, she will find the guard your father set on you and raise the alarm. She will then rejoin your mother and her maid, but instead of leaving with them, Shamus will fetch her from the alley in back of the modiste.”
She glanced at Markville. “My mother knows, doesn’t she?”
“She wrote to Meg and told us what was happening.” If it had not been for the duchess, he wouldn’t be here now.
A line marred Euphrosyne’s forehead, and he wanted to smooth it away. “Does the duke not read her correspondence?”
“We don’t know. However, it doesn’t matter. She writes in code.” He laughed when her jaw dropped.
“Code?”
“It was hard for me to believe as well, but it is, apparently, not as uncommon as one might think.”
Euphrosyne smiled up at him. “I’m very glad she did. Thank you for rescuing me.”
“I wish I could take the credit. My role as a hero has been severely limited. I have done nothing more than do was I was told to do.”
“And by ladies at that.” Lady Theo chuckled.
“Ah, well.” His beloved wife grinned. “Sometimes that is for the best.”
He would have liked to at least have punched someone.
Later that day, after he’d made love to her slowly, making certain she knew he was happy about the baby, they slept with his hand wrapped protectively on her stomach. Their child. They would not be able to hide how far along she had been when they’d finally married, but it didn’t matter. Not to him. And if anyone had the audacity to comment, he’d make sure everyone knew Somerset was responsible for the delay.
Shortly before dawn the next morning, her maid and his valet awakened them.
“Turner.” Euphrosyne yawned. “We have no clothing, you and I.”
“Not to worry, my lady.” The maid averted her eyes from the bed. “We have been well taken care of. I don’t know how it happened, but all of our clothing arrived this morning, and his lordship brought another trunk for you.”
His wife glanced at him. He didn’t know either, but he could guess. “I think Lady Theo’s and Lord Titus’s people have been busy.”
The one part Markville had planned was their procession south to Hull. Before he’d left for Scotland, he’d sent letters to friends he knew along the way. Instead of traveling covertly, as Somerset would expect them to do, they lodged with friends, most of whom were peers. Each time they stopped they were greeted with a warmth he had not expected, and enthusiasm for his marriage to Euphrosyne.
By the time they reached Hull, half of England would know he and Euphrosyne were married, making it almost impossible for her father to do anything other than accept the marriage.
They spent the first night at Howick Hall with Earl Gray. The next day, when they stopped for luncheon, Euphrosyne said, “Charles, why are we advertising where we are? I thought we did n
ot want my father to be able to find us.”
“My love, he won’t find out where we have been until after we are in Hull. He will be expecting us to be traveling by ourselves and staying in out of the way coaching inns. I would own myself surprised if his men ask about two carriages traveling together and visiting private estates. You will notice that we are not stopping at inns along the way for more than a quick bite and a change of horses. This way, by the time we do arrive in Town, everyone and their dog will know you are married. Those who for some reason have not been informed will see it posted in the paper.”
Euphrosyne had been worried, but the answer seemed to erase her fears. “That was an excellent idea.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
The Ross Estate outside of Edinburgh
“What the devil do you mean she’s gone?” The men Somerset had watching Euphrosyne blanched. “How the hell did she get out of your sight?”
Three of the men looked toward Sittle. “As I told her grace, Lady Euphrosyne went into the church. While she was praying, Lord Markville, another gentleman, a vicar, and a lady came out of a room. I was running to get her ladyship when I was hit on the head. When I came to, I was tied up and everyone was gone. Her ladyship’s maid found me and went to tell her grace.” He shuddered. “Her grace had everyone running everywhere looking for Lady Euphrosyne, but she disappeared.”
“Disappeared, hell.” Somerset couldn’t believe Markville had found her. Not only wouldn’t he get the land he wanted next to the Somerset holdings in Scotland, but what in damnation was he going to tell Ross? “You three”—he pointed at the men who were supposed to have been helping Sittle—“are sacked. You should have been watching all the doors in that blasted church. Get out of my sight.” The three men bolted out of the room. “Sittle, we need to find her.”
“Yes, your grace. I have already sent grooms out to taverns and inns. I’ll join them tomorrow. They must be heading to one of Lord Markville’s estates.” The man paused. “I don’t know how the team watching his place near Peterborough missed him leaving.”
