“Raven, you can’t know how happy I am to see you up.” She smiled at the fresh shaven Raven. “You look quite fit today.” She kissed him on the forehead and bent over him..
“You’re a vixen,” he said. “Sit in your usual chair, otherwise I’ll be tempted to do things that will affect my return to health.”
“Your Grace, is this how you speak to your nurse?” She sat in her chair. He wondered if her obedience was a good or bad sign.
“I would speak to your brother about many matters, and I’d like you to leave the room, Samantha. First, I’ve made arrangements for our marriage. With ample time to think about everything, my dearest wish is that we marry tomorrow or the day after. My family is here so the occasion will be joyous for us. My barrister will apply for a special dispensation so there will be no need to post banns.”
She was about to say something, but he interrupted, “Now be quiet. Before you protest, listen to me.”
She nodded.
“I honor, cherish, and love you with all my heart. I’ve been given a second chance, but I need you to know I want you, my true love, Samantha; but we cannot allow our child to be born out of wedlock.” His steel colored eyes locked with hers. “I am not so foolish to think that with such a wound, the situation could not reverse itself, or that other attempts may occur. My duty to us is more important than any obligation I had to the dead. You and my child need my protection, and you cannot deny me to do so. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Raven.” Her words were soft and obedient.
“What, no protest? I’m not used to your compliance in matters other than bed sport with each other. I do hope you’ll revert to your usual complex self. Are you sure you and the doctor have told me everything? Am I yet to die?”
“No, heaven forbid, but you cannot exert yourself. Yes, I will marry you if that is your wish.” This time, he noticed her smile was coquettish.
Raven told her that he would like to return to his London townhouse because there were necessary arrangements to be made, and he could no longer take such advantage of the Winston hospitality. “I’m embarrassed to say I have a deep need to talk to my family and explain the circumstances for this immediate marriage, and this would be best done in my house to my family in my way. I must do this. You do understand?”
She looked down, her eyes respectful, yet concerned.
He sensed her embarrassment. “We haven’t done anything shameful, my lady. I’m delighted at the news of our child. I confess my family may not believe I was so reckless, but they will be happy for us. He smiled, “Come here, Samantha, let me gaze upon the soon-to-be mother of my child.”
She arose, went to him, and sat at the foot of his chair, reached to hold his hand.
“You radiate happiness with the glow on your cheeks. You’ve given me the most precious gift ever. One of the first things I will do is have the family christening gown prepared for our child. It will hold such meaning. Bear with your besotted lover.”
A tear escaped her eye. He rubbed it away. “No, this is a time for elation. Return to your chair, my lady. I expect your brother at any moment. However, obviously, I’ll continue to worry about a safe birth for both of you. You must take every precaution. No foolish antics. No imprudent notions.” He paused to inhale air into his lungs. “Take comfort in the irreversible fact that you are my twin soul, and I do not want to live without you.”
Tears formed again in her eyes as Winston walked into the room.
“You wished to speak to me, Your Grace. It is good to see you look well again. You gave us quite a scare.”
“Yes.” He looked at Samantha. “I would speak to your brother alone. Close the door behind you, my lady.”
She rose and brushed by her brother, smiled, and left.
Raven fidgeted in the chair. “Winston, sit for a moment, I do wish to speak about the circumstances regarding my pending marriage.”
Winston sat and looked Raven in the eye. “It is not necessary. I’m aware of the details since Samantha did explain all to me. My sister is a complex woman.”
Raven smiled. “She is more complex than most, and also most persuasive. Suffice it to say I was under the impression your sister was a widow. It’s my belief we were fated to be together. Circumstances as they are now, we drew our lines in the sands of time.” He looked away. “Nonetheless, I look forward to this marriage.”
“Raven, so do I. The two of you belong together. There is no need for you to be uncomfortable with me. I will not challenge you to a duel.”
“In this condition, you’d have the advantage, since I can’t raise my right arm with ease.”
He outstretched his good hand. “I do not know how to thank you, Winston. You and your family have done much for me.”
Raven turned his head toward Winston “This is such a delicate matter, Winston. I don’t know where to start. Right now, I’d rather face a firing squad.” Damnation.
“Except that in consideration of the situation, I would like to be married tomorrow or the next day if this is acceptable to you. I am an honorable man. Samantha and I…I cannot explain any rationale. We…I…conceived a child without knowledge of certain facts. There is no doubt it is mine. My concern and anxiety are to establish the legitimacy of this relationship with everyone, for Samantha and our child. I do want to inform my family. There may be more attempts on my life, neither am I foolish enough to believe this is the last, although I would hope so.”
Raven exhaled in relief of the sensitivity of the events. “However, my marriage to your sister is paramount. I am weary, but must not tire until all the arrangements are concluded. No child of mine will be born a bastard.” He held his gaze to Winston. “Since I am a man of caution, I profess the child to be mine and will sign a document attesting to the fact, duly witnessed.”
“Raven, I understand and appreciate your concern and would expect nothing less of you.”
He cleared his throat. “The surgeon informs me you’ve paid for his services. I would like to reimburse you, Winston.”
“That is not necessary, brother-in-law.”
Raven liked the way the intimate salutation rolled off Winston’s tongue. “The doctor has agreed I may leave here and return to my townhouse…perhaps tomorrow.”
“Is that wise?” Winston asked.
“I insist,” he said with all the strength he could muster in one breath.
“Well then, you must take precautions. I’ve had guards posted at each entrance, and you should arrange to do likewise at your residence. As you stated, we do not yet know if there will be other attempts on your life or ours. If you wish, I can arrange this for you. By the way, a messenger delivered this note earlier this morning.” He reached into his vest pocket and handed it to Raven.
“Read it for me. There are no secrets I would keep from you.”
“I relish those words of trust from you.” Winston took the note and removed the royal seal. His eyes skimmed the contents, then a bright smile crossed his face. “Your Grace, this is from the Prince Regent. He’s changed your appointment and confirms he will see you. He must have addressed this before your injury and it has found its way to you now.”
“When and what time?” His mind filled with implications and worry for the cartel.
“Two days hence, at three in the afternoon. Shall I reply and tell the Regent you cannot attend?”
“No, let me think on this.”
Winston read further. “Raven, this is monumental news. “The Prince Regent advises that Sir Henry Preston has been arrested and incarcerated. His fate is in the hands of the Regent. There is a detailed report to be sent to you by his Deputy Minister of Defence. It seems the thug who shot you confessed all. He was paid two hundred pounds by Sir Preston to kill you.”
“So it was Preston, the head of the gas light company, my old nemesis.”
“Winston, call in your sister and aunt. All of this must be put to an end.” His hand went to his now throbbing temple. During the past few ho
urs, he’d experienced a return to life, joy about his fatherhood, trepidation about Samantha’s pregnancy, concern for his recovery, and now—justice.
Winston arranged for Samantha and Lady Minerva to enter the room. It did not take long as they were in the corridor waiting for further news.
Samantha settled herself on the edge of his bed. Minerva sat in a tufted chair as Winston stood. “Raven has information he wants to impart. We have a letter from the Regent. He wants you to hear all. “Shall I read what he has written and then you can add your thoughts?”
“Yes, Winston. Please do. It is time long overdue.”
Winston repeated the words in the Regent’s letter.
Raven looked at the Winston family. “It would appear that old enemies die hard. I long suspected him, but could never prove his guilt. So let me say that Preston and I have been sworn enemies for many years. Ten years to be exact. Some facts may not be known to you.” Raven explained Preston had been a medical physician. The duchess’s baby was earlier than expected and they summoned Preston to come with haste. He explained the details once again.
“He was in a drunken stupor and the midwife’s skills were not sufficient to save my family.”
Samantha gasped. Raven looked into their eyes and proceeded to tell the tale of vengeance, and how in a short time, the doctor’s reputation was beyond repair.
“So he regarded you as his enemy because you ruined him once and did not want to give you the opportunity to do it again with your cartel? Is that so, Your Grace?” Lady Minerva asked.
“Yes, while I disliked Preston, I am not one who would set out to ruin a man. I wanted him out of the profession so some other person would not suffer at his hand. That is why Ravensmere has its physician in attendance at all times. We are too far from London to have to wait three hours for a doctor in an emergency.”
Raven shook his head. “Some things never cease to amaze. Two hundred pounds is not a huge sum of money. Do such factors determine a man’s worth? If my attempted assassination helped the situation, so be it.” He paused, then continued, “At this moment I feel my life is worth so much more, perhaps not in money, but in the richness of the love Samantha and I have sworn to each other.” He grinned at them, “And I am going to be a father!”
He held Samantha’s gaze and winked. “As soon as the nuptial is official, Winston, we will need to meet so you can update me as to the cartel’s activities.
“Now, ladies, if you please, I have further words with Winston. Will you allow us men this privacy? I would be most appreciative and I feel my strength waning. There is much yet to do.”
Samantha leaned over to kiss him. “I’ll be nearby. I am happy you are now safe. Come, Aunt Min, let’s leave the men to their business.” They arose and left the room.
Raven spoke in a weary voice. “This entire experience is one that I would not wish on anyone. It is so complicated. Tell me, what else do we have to address?”
Winston cleared his throat. “As for the conglomerate, I took the liberty and prepared a document updating information on events regarding the cartel for your review when you were better. You may read at your leisure. If you wish, Prince Nicholas and I can attend on you for any direction.”
Raven nodded and asked Winston to reply to the Prince Regent’s note and to tell him he would be in residence at his townhouse. “Also, advise him of my pending marriage to your sister. Extend an invitation to him and his lady as soon as we know the wedding day. Mention that I may have to designate someone else in my place for the appointment, but will let him know the details. Thank him, etc.” He surveyed the sick room he lived in for the past several days and sensed the return of his strength, even though he was now fatigued. All in good time. All in good time. At least he had time. “I need time to think, brother-in-law. I don’t know if I can endure the long trip to the palace along these cobbled streets. Our Regent respects stamina and strength. I don’t have a strong dose of either at the moment.”
“Your majordomo brought clothes for you. Full dress clothes will require movement of your wounded arm. You still want to be careful, but perhaps your dressing gown? I will assist you.”
“Such attire seems improper to me,” Raven said, “but perhaps with my boots and a cravat?”
“Where is Randall?” Winston asked in a casual tone.
“Out and about in preparation for the marriage and some other tasks I assigned him. Time is of the essence,” he pronounced without hesitation.
Winston and his personal valet proceeded to dress Raven. It took a long time and tasked his limited strength, but the result pleased. He looked peaked but still handsome. Winston instructed his valet to shave the duke and arrange his hair so that his appearance was proper.
“I don’t know if you can make it down the corridor without assistance, Raven. I will get help for us. Prepare yourself for me on one side and my valet on the other, but you must allow me a moment or two to warn my staff. I would have you seated in comfort when we arrive in the drawing room.”
“Yes, I want to surprise everyone, and that includes your sister. I don’t want to appear as an invalid future bridegroom.”
The walk made him a little woozy, but soon he was clear headed. Just to be out of the bed walking, stretching his legs, was a boon to his body. He was much aware his strength was not of long duration. What to do about the appointment with the Prince Regent? It was too important not to keep it, but how? He wasn’t that strong yet. Nor did he feel he could postpone its importance.
As servants opened the door to the drawing room, there was a deep silence, along with tears from the ladies, as they all rushed to greet him.
He sat in a high back velvet wing chair.
Needless to say, his arrival caused joy.
Yes, I am better. I will get well because now I have everything to live for, a special love who carries my child. Ah, the wonderful power of love, and all this because of one night, one passionate night, one glorious night with Samantha.
Chapter Fifty-One
En route to the Duke’s London Townhouse
With little fanfare and an abundance of caution, Raven survived the transport to his townhouse. Winston and Samantha sat in attendance with the surgeon in the coach.
“If all of you continue to look at me as if you expect me to expire at any moment, I shall have to worry. I am weak, but I am somewhat recovered.”
There was a silence in the carriage.
“Aren’t I?” he asked the doctor.
“You do well, Your Grace. We need you to remember you cannot strain yourself as your body heals. Even your marriage ceremony will be a trial for you,” he added with somberness.
“I’m aware of the fact, Sir Clemons.”
The ride to his townhouse seemed longer than usual and the bumps encountered over wet cobblestones were torturous. He came to the final realization he couldn’t keep the appointment with the Prince Regent, despite that it took so long to obtain one.
“Winston,” he said, “I don’t know if I’m able to take the long ride to the palace in this condition, yet I don’t want to cancel my appointment. I wonder if you and I were to take up the specific advantages of the cartel application, that you could make the presentation to his Royal Highness.”
For a moment, Winston’s face blanched. “It’s a fearsome request. Already, I feel the palpitation in my heart. I have so many questions. How…”
“Nonsense,” replied Raven with encouragement. “I read the paper you prepared for me after I was wounded. You have a good knowledge of what we attempt to do for England, for the cartel and us. You are also my protégé on the Agricultural Committee I head. Except for myself, I can think of no one better suited to the task. Don’t be nervous. I am sure you will do quite well. As an aside, you are a role model, a representative of the new young lords to the Regent.”
Samantha smiled at the great honor Raven bestowed on her brother, yet she sensed her brother’s apprehension. She reached for his hand. “What an ho
nor, Brandon. I am so proud of you.”
Raven couldn’t help but notice the admiration in Samantha’s eyes and then thought, Why not? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. It was a trite cliché, but true.
“My lady, would you be amenable to attend the presentation with Winston? We practice this afternoon.”
“You would allow me?” she asked.
Raven saw excitement blaze in her eyes. “Yes, you will attend as the future Duchess of Ravensmere. The Prince has an eye for beautiful women.” He noticed the slight tremor Samantha tried to hide. “My dear, I can read your mind, but you would not be an ornamental decoration. The Regent is fond of women with beauty and intellect. I would wager you have read the portfolio, and have memorized it in detail.”
“Yes, I have, Raven.” She smiled eagerly, and adjusted her gloves.
“Then today we shall divert some time from my busy schedule, and you, Winston and I will practice. It will be a fantastic experiment if we can pull it off.”
“What about our attire? Will it suffice for a meeting with His Highness?” she asked.
“I dare say so. Both of you represent the future of England. The Regent is not one who fusses about day coats and frocks when there is important business to discuss. He doesn’t like sycophants who fawn over him. He’ll be impressed with your deportment as well as your knowledge and information.”
“We will do our best, Raven,” Winston said.
“Ah, we are here at my townhouse. The footman and doctor will assist me to depart the carriage. Give me a few moments, and we’ll arrange to meet in the library. “Samantha, my family is in the drawing room. I am sure they would like to greet you and Winston again. Then I will summon you both, and we shall practice.”
He turned jocular. “Samantha, have you given thought to which subject you would like to address?”
“Oh, yes, and if you approve, I would like to talk about the Minerva pistol. I think I can regale him with the backstory of how my aunt received it. If the Prince Regent is the ladies man he is made out to be, he will find it an amusement.”
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