Cadby’s face turned bright red. Landon was about to stand and pound on the man’s back when Waterford’s hand fell upon his forearm and kept him in place.
“Scotland!” Cadby bellowed. “Coin or no coin, ye will have to prove to us tonight ye are worthy of wedding our Bronwyn.”
Landon took a sip of his wine and faced Cadby’s angry visage. “I’m willing to meet every one of your demands, answer any questions you may have, but no one will be leaving until I’ve received your blessing to wed Bronwyn.”
The three ladies raised their goblets in the air, Landon followed suit, and then Waterford, Rutherford and Cadby did too.
Mrs. Barnwell toasted, “To new beginnings.”
Chapter Six
The rhythm of the carriage horses’ hooves hitting the cobbled road slowed, and Landon blinked away thoughts of a quick afternoon nap. He was accompanying Theo to Ms. Lennox’s store for another fitting. Pregnancy had not slowed his cousin down in the slightest. The woman was always on the move and hard to corner, but he needed her assistance. Landon covered his umpteenth yawn. He was about to reach for the door latch when Theo cleared her throat. He paused and glanced at his cousin, who sat primly on the forward-facing seat with her hands firmly clasped in her lap.
Exhausted after no sleep for two consecutive nights, he leaned back. “What’s the matter?”
Theo’s emerald green eyes blazed with anger. “I don’t understand why you insist on rushing off to Scotland. Archbroke obtained the special license you requested; why not have the ceremony here at week’s end?”
“I simply changed my mind.” He leaned forward to exit, but his cousin crossed her arms and glared at him. Obviously, Theo had more say on the issue and wasn’t about to leave the carriage until she was satisfied.
“I don’t believe you. You always have sound reasoning for every decision you make. Traveling to Scotland makes no sense.”
Landon shrugged. “Hmm. And what would you say if I told you it was one of three concessions Bronwyn extracted before she agreed to marry me?”
Theo raised her hand and tapped a forefinger over her lips. “Clever. At least four days of travel time. An opportunity for the two of you to become reacquainted. And she’s managed to avoid the prying eyes and gossip of the ton. An ingenious plan. Yes, as I said before, you’ve chosen wisely, cousin.”
Theo’s summation was enlightening. He hadn’t taken time to analyze Bronwyn’s demands; he’d simply been too busy ensuring he complied with them. Cadby was a keen negotiator, ensuring his daughter would be well cared for. Mrs. Barnwell had acted as a scribe, and he finally signed the marriage agreements as the first streaks of sunlight appeared.
Landon stared out the window at the modiste shop sign—the harped angel was cleverly interwoven into the design of a dress. Mrs. Lennox, mama to the proprietress, was extremely quiet during the negotiations, but when she did vocalize a demand on Bronwyn’s behalf it was immediately noted without further discussion. While the council was supposed to be equally balanced among its members, Landon noted both Cadby’s and Mrs. Lennox’s wishes carried extra weight.
“How long does it typically take to assemble a trousseau?” Landon didn’t want to incur Mrs. Lennox’s wrath or spur the woman’s ire by placing an undue burden on her daughter.
“I’ve not the slightest idea, but Emma is a miracle worker. Even with such short notice, I’m sure she has seen to it that Bronwyn will be well outfitted.” Theo tugged on her gloves and adjusted her skirts.
Taking her cue, Landon opened the door and exited. He held out his hand to assist Theo, but despite her husband’s concerns about a shift in the woman’s center of gravity, his cousin’s descent was as graceful as ever.
Before Theo reached the front door, Landon reached out and tapped her on the shoulder. He needed her help on a matter. There was little time left before he and Bronwyn set off for Scotland, and he hadn’t met all of the council’s demands. While it was unlike him to waffle, he also didn’t make important decisions on a whim. Landon sighed and asked, “What would be an appropriate wedding gift for Bronwyn?”
Theo twisted at the waist. “Aside from the preliminary reports I’ve managed to obtain, all of which were extremely complimentary, I’ve no knowledge of your bride.” She searched his features and said, “Not to worry. Fortunately, we are visiting Emma. She’s reported to be Bronwyn’s dearest friend. I shall make inquires, and Morris will see to it that a gift is packed along with your belongings.”
At his nod, she turned back and entered the quaint establishment. The bell over the door rang, announcing their arrival. Landon tucked his hands behind his back and shifted to the nearest corner. The shop was surprisingly spacious and appeared to provide multiple services in addition to dressmaking. Bolts of material he would have expected to find at the linen-drapers were stacked about the room. Ribbon and lace one would generally find in a haberdashery peeked out of one of the drawers built into a large table in the center of the room. How clever of Ms. Lennox to combine and offer all the related services.
A honey-blonde woman similar in age to Bronwyn appeared.
Theo stepped up onto the platform. “I’m not sure how you are going to hide the bump.” His cousin ran a hand over her rounded belly. “Can you fathom, no one has even made mention of my fuller figure.”
The woman snorted. “Lady Theo, I can assure ye, that’s not me doin’.”
Landon chuckled. Not a single member of the ton or the Network was willing to incur Archbroke’s wrath by upsetting Theo. The man was renowned for inflicting the most heinous punishments if disobeyed.
Theo’s suspicious glare landed upon him. Landon stood up straight and shook his head. “Don’t look at me. I’m not involved.”
“Humph.” Theo ran her hand over her slightly rounded hips. “If it wasn’t you, then the fault lies with my beloved husband. Oh, how rude of me.” Theo hopped down from the platform, rushed over, and extracted him from the corner. “Landon, this is Emma, Ms. Lennox. Emma, this is my cousin, Landon Neale, Lord Hadfield, and soon to be your best friend’s husband.”
Emma curtsied. “It’s an honor to meet ye, Lord Hadfield, and please call me Emma.”
“Then you must address me as Landon. I’m pleased to meet a close friend of Bronwyn’s.”
The modiste ushered Theo back up onto the platform. “I heard ye met me mum last night. Me sisters said she didn’t come home until the wee hours of the morn. Must have been some meetin’.” Like Bronwyn, Emma was direct.
“It was quite the experience,” Landon admitted.
“Well, the lads are loadin’ up the coach.” Emma waved her hands as she talked. “Ye didn’t give me much time, but Bronwyn will be ready for any event.”
Despite Emma’s lively tone, there was an undercurrent of displeasure. Revealing his dimple, Landon said. “I apologize, Emma, for such short notice. Please allow me to compensate you for the inconvenience.”
“Oh, me price ain’t coin. Oh no, that would be too easy for ye.”
Landon ignored Theo’s giggle in the background.
Damn. He wasn’t going to be able to charm his way out of this. “Name your price.” It was like he was negotiating all over again for Bronwyn’s hand.
“Hmmm…let me fink.” Emma placed her hands on her hips and turned to Theo and then back to him. “All right, I reckon ye’d agree to pay me anythin’ I ask for. But I love me Bronwyn more than anythin’ I need. All I ask of ye is to be patient with her. She might be smart and knows her p’s and q’s, but she’s blind and can’t see herself.”
Landon blinked. “Beg pardon? Blind?”
“Ye, know…she…” Emma swiveled to and looked to Theo for help.
Theo explained, “Cousin, Emma wants you to help Bronwyn discover her own self-worth.”
Hip cocked to one side, Emma waited for his answer.
Landon nodded. “I shall try my best to honor your request.”
Apparently satisfied by his response, Emma led The
o through a doorway and disappeared.
What had he done? How was he to aid Bronwyn in her discovery of self-worth when he hadn’t managed to find his own? Two years of turmoil had him questioning his capabilities and, at times, wishing he’d never inherited the damn earldom and the PORF family legacy.
Brow furrowed, he went to the store window and watched as footmen loaded one trunk after another onto the carriage. Not once since receiving the mark had he needed to see to the finer points of his travel plans. The Network worked like a well-oiled machine; everyone worked in unison for one purpose, ensuring the PORFs had every necessary resource to do their duties. He reached into his pocket, and his fingers grazed the edge of the rondure that symbolized his responsibility to the other PORFs and the entire Network. Every day he questioned whether or not he was worthy of holding such a position. Perhaps he and Bronwyn had more in common than he initially surmised. A warmth spread through his chest—yes, he had chosen wisely. All he had to do was convince his bride to be.
Chapter Seven
Lying on her side, snuggled under her covers precariously close to the edge of the bed, Bronwyn waited for the sound of her mum padding down the hall to start the day. Her mum was always the first to wake and the last to bed. Most of the night, Bronwyn’s mind was awhirl and sleep eluded her. Never having had a reason to become acquainted with any ladies of the ton, her knowledge of their customs was purely second hand and restricted to those within the Network who served in PORF households. The fashionable ladies would never deem her suitable to attend their afternoon teas.
Irritated with her train of thought, Bronwyn shifted. Her sister’s knobby knee poked her in the middle of her back. What would it be like to sleep without three other warm bodies in the bed? She’d shared a bed with her sisters all her life. The thought of sleeping as titled ladies were reported to do, alone and vulnerable, sent shivers down Bronwyn’s spine. Her husband would sleep behind a closed connecting door instead of next to her. How very remote. Her parents never slept apart even when her mum was irate at her dad. In less than a week, Lord Hadfield would be her husband. Not Landon Neale, the dashing barrister she once worked alongside, who caused her pulse to race as he rattled off case law, but an earl who secretly served the Crown. Bronwyn tugged the sheets up to her chin. Her mind continued to spin. Of all the women in London, why had Landon chosen her?
The chamber door softly creaked open. Barely opening her eyes, Bronwyn feigned sleep. Her mum snuck into the room with the most stunning traveling gown she had ever seen. Emma was indeed the most talented seamstress in town. Having never worn such elegant attire, Bronwyn clutched at the sheets. She wasn’t ready. This wasn’t the future she had envisioned.
Her mum leaned down and brushed back the hair from her face. “Love. It’s time.”
“I don’t want to go. He’s made a mistake in asking me.”
“Hush. Lord Hadfield knows what he’s about.” Her mum placed a kiss upon her temple. “Your dad and I are very proud of ye.”
She wasn’t a youngling. She was five and twenty—plenty old enough not to need her ma’s coddling. Bronwyn slipped her feet out of the covers onto the cold wood floor, padded over to the corner, and leaned over the washbasin. The cold water upon her face fortified her spirits. She had never failed to be a fully contributing member of her family or the Network, and she wasn’t about to start.
Sally, her youngest sibling, scrambled from the bed. “Mum, can I go with Bronwyn and be her lady’s maid?”
“Git back into bed. It’s way too early for ye to be up. There are three qualified maids awaiting Bronwyn downstairs.”
Bronwyn wiped her face with a clean linen. “Who’s down below?”
“Little Tilman, young Carrington, and Willa Peyton. You must select one of them to accompany ye. They will travel along with Lord Hadfield’s valet.”
All of the girls her mum mentioned were close to Bronwyn in age. The glaring reality of the situation had her mind reeling. She could have been selected to apply for the position of lady’s maid and bodyguard to Landon’s wife. Instead, she was to be his wife. She wasn’t any better than the three girls below. Was it pure happenstance?
Bronwyn considered her options. Tilman and Carrington’s older sisters served Lady Grace and Lady Lucy. Both would have excellent insight into being a lady’s maid. They would also easily identify Bronwyn’s shortcomings and missteps. She didn’t want her non-ladylike behavior shared with other households, plus Bronwyn considered Willa a friend. Willa was mature, trustworthy, and had a solid head upon her shoulders. It would also elevate Willa’s family within the Network if she served the head PORF’s wife.
With a decisive nod, Bronwyn said, “Willa is my choice.”
Her mum’s smile was that of pure pride. “I shall go fetch her now.” Embracing Bronwyn in a quick hug, her mum added, “A fine decision, and the first of many to come.”
An hour later, Bronwyn stepped out her front door to face her fiancé. Landon straightened away from the large, crested traveling coach but remained loose-limbed as he revealed bright white teeth and his irresistible dimple. The vehicle was impressive but not in comparison to the man standing next to it. Dressed in a dark blue waistcoat, pristine white lawn shirt, tan breeches, and a conservatively tied cravat, Landon was dashing, to say the least. The man was totally at ease and eager to begin their journey—the stark opposite of Bronwyn, who was a bundle of nerves and reservations.
Bronwyn curtsied. “I apologize for the delay, my lord.”
“No need to apologize. Theo and my mama have me well trained in the art of waiting on a lady.” The corner of his lips shifted, highlighting his roguish dimple. Sweeping a hand in the direction of the coach, he said, “I think it best if you call me Landon, don’t you?”
Bronwyn stared at the charming, relaxed man before her. Who was he? She was accustomed to the no-nonsense, matter-of-fact Landon. Bronwyn inhaled sharply as the realization that her request to travel to Scotland, born from her desire to become better acquainted with her betrothed, placed her in extremely close quarters with the man whose smile turned her knees weak and elevated her body temperature to uncomfortable levels.
Landon entered the coach close behind her. It was physically impossible to feel the heat of him through the many layers of clothing she had donned this morn, but her cheeks were flushed, and her entire body was overheated. Bronwyn adjusted her skirts as she sat upon the plush, forward-facing seat. She inhaled sharply as she took in the well-padded bench across from her, the interior lights, and the fine material covering the windows. This was no hackney.
Landon searched her features as he settled onto the rear-facing seat. “Is anything the matter?”
“No. It’s just Emma fashioned the traveling gown out of heavy velvet. I’m unaccustomed to such warmth.”
“I can wait if you care to change. We have a long day of travel ahead of us. It’s best you are comfortable.”
“Oh, no. I promise I won’t be bothersome.”
Landon’s brows snapped into a frown. “When I alter my decisions, do you find me bothersome?”
Without thinking, she replied, “Well, yes.” She bent her head and shook it. “What I mean is…”
Affronted but curious, Landon said, “Yes?”
“It’s our duty to serve you to the best of our capabilities, and when you change directions, it sometimes means people have wasted time and effort. We hate to disappoint you, or any of the other PORFs, for that matter.”
“Do you fear you will disappoint me as a wife?”
Bronwyn twisted her hands, bunching her skirts in her lap. “Yes.”
“Let me ask you this before I give the order to leave. Do you wish to marry me, or have you agreed out of duty?”
How was she to answer? She wasn’t in love with him, nor did she expect him to be in love with her. While she had a strong physical attraction to the man, it hadn’t been the reason she agreed to wed him.
Landon sighed. “That was unfair
of me to ask.” He drummed his fingers upon his knee. That habit indicated he was considering changing his mind.
A rush of anxiety rolled through her. “It is my wish.”
“Why?”
“Beg pardon?”
Landon arched one eyebrow. “Why do you wish to marry me?”
Blast. He had caught her unprepared. She’d have to list the traits she was aware he possessed and hope it would be sufficient to appease his curiosity.
“You are intelligent, honorable, and steadfast.” She clasped her hands in her lap and smiled up at him. “You take your responsibilities seriously and rule with fairness.” It wasn’t so hard to explain her admiration for him after all. “You care and protect your family with a fierceness that I find endearing.”
A blush rose in his cheeks as she continued to rattle off compliments.
“I suppose marriages have been founded on less.” He lifted his heel and stamped three times. The carriage rocked forward as the horses were set into motion.
Did she dare ask the same question of him? She wasn’t certain she wanted to know the answer, so she’d wait for another opportunity to ask.
Revealing a Rogue Page 5
