Slipped Knot - A Victorian Romance Novella (The Victorian Arrangement Series Book 3)

by R. G. Winter

  It was done.

  Jonathan spoke into her ear. “Shall we dance my lovely?’

  She looked down at the dance card she had dangling from her wrist. It was empty, as everyone had assumed she was already betrothed and so off-limits.

  Immediately several young men headed her way.

  She gave him an arch smile. “You had better take me on te floor now before we are overwhelmed with dance partners.”

  He spun her onto the floor. Soon the floor was packed with dancing couples. The orchestra played well and Madelaine smiled. Jonathan whispered, “I have wanted to dance with you for a very long time oyu know.”

  “And I you.” Her smile was filled with everything else she wanted to say and could not for fear of being overhead.

  “This is not so bad.”

  His body moved correctly as they kept time ot the music.

  “No, it isn’t.” She bit her lip and spoke in an undertone. “I hate to admit it but dressing up and dancing have always been two of my favorite things. Learning to dance, and the time it takes to dress is not.”

  “I wonder how long it will take to…”

  She gave him a reproving look before he could finish that query. He chuckled and then, as the song died, guided her off the floor. They headed for the chairs set up near a wall. Many a young woman smiled at Jonathan and a few young men gave the two quizzical looks.

  Madelaine said, “They shall say you are monopolizing my time.”

  “As is my right as we are now betrothed.”

  She nodded and flipped he rfan open to hide the silly smile lifting her lips. “Yes, as we arenow betrothed.”

  He sat her down near a few old dowagers who were watching the dancing. One o fthem gave her an arch look and asked, “How do you feel about your sister;s rather brilliant match?”

  “I feel wonderful about it,” Madelaine replied quite smoothly. “I am very happy for her and her betrothed.”

  Her mother appeared. Madelaine saw the looks he rmother was getting from many of the mothers and had to hide another grin behind her fan. If looks could kill her mother would be dead! Those women were angry at the way Victoria had suddenly appeared to snatch such an eligible bachelor away from them.

  Lady de Winter took a seat, fanning herself vigorously. Jonathan appeared, holding several cups of punch. “Lady de Winter.”

  His bow was low.

  Lady de Winter laughed and pointed her fan at him. “You must learn to call me Mama as you will be marrying my daughter.”

  Madelaine heard someone gasp out, “One landed an earl and the other a duke!”

  Jonathan smiled and said, “How correct you are. Have I said today how grateful I am that you and your husband have accepted my proposal?”

  He handed off the other punch to Madelaine who took it and sipped carefully before saying, “Only a hundred times sir.” The glow in his eyes told her she would pay for that later. She hid a smile behind the rim of her cup.

  Several young men approached and were waved off by one of the dragon-like dowagers.

  Jonathan bowed low and excused himself. She watched him go. The gossip was flying and she knew it but she didn’t care. The de Winter girls had landed good husbands and while there were some who might question how they had managed it none would speak loudly about it.

  The music began again and she was taken out on the dance floor by Jonathan. The music swelled and broke over them and she whispered, “Oh if only we could run off right now! Just elope!”

  His eyes twinkled, “What is stopping us?”

  She let him lead her through the next few steps before replying, “Everything.”

  He bowed and their feet found the steps again. “Yes but think of how delightful a start to our marriage that would be.”

  She laughed. “Indeed. Tell me, did you ever think that this would be happening to us?”

  He smiled and placed a hand on hers then they turned in a slow circle, “No. I mean I suppose I knew we muct, at some point, come back to this life. But the first time I saw you, at the Admiral’s Arms, I had this fantasy of building us a home high on the cliffs where we could always be together.”

  “Now we shall live on your estate instead.”

  They clapped their hands, moved past each other and back again. “I fear this dance is rather lively for such conversation.”

  She was rapidly running short of breath too. “I agree.”

  They finished the dance then headed for a quiet corner. She sat and he sat beside her, his face turned to hers. There were so many voices raised in conversation they knew they could speak without too much concern but she still kept her voice low.

  “I’m worried we might become dull and forget all the things we loved so much about who we were then.”

  “We are still those people.”

  She bit her lip and asked, “Just encased in different circumstances?”

  His deep eyes latched onto hers and he raised her hand to his mouth. He gave the back of her hand a lingering kiss then laid it back down. “What an extraordinary thing to say, and quite true. But yes. Just that. I am still me and there will always be a love for the sea deep in my bones. I have spoken to my brother and he has agreed that, for at least part of the year, the part that I do not have to be here our business might be better served by my being on the sea, or near it.”

  Her heart throbbed painfully. “What are you saying? That you wish to sail away from me?”

  He shook his head. “No, of course not. I must travel, and most of that travel for our family’s business will take me to the Continent, and even beyond. What better traveling companion that a wife who loves adventure as much as I do myself?”

  Joy ripped through her body, threatening her composure. “Oh! That would be lovely! Ever so lovely!”

  He added, “I know we muct be in residence at the estate part of the year, and here during Season as I have taken my place in Parliament as much as I dreaded to do so. But I would like, very much, to spend part of the year not only travelling for business but in a little house right above the cliffs, right above that lovely place where we met and all of our truest friends are.”

  “I should like that very much as well.” She would. She was overjoyed that he had thought of such a thing. “It might be a short stretch of freedom but it would be freedom anyway.”

  He nodded his dark head, “Exactly how I thought of it!”

  Reginald and Victoria came toward them. They had been dancing again and they were both quite flushed and out-of-breath. They also looked deliriously happy.

  Madelaine leaned back in her chair and gave Jonathan a smile that promised that that conversation was not over yet.

  The night flew past and they were herded into their carriages, exhausted but happy. Lord and Lady de Winter were even happy.

  Madelaine sank back against the cushions of the seat and said, “I think that was the best ball I have ever attended.”

  Lady de Winter nodded regally. Victoria, who had been so mature all night, burst into excited chatter about the gowns, the prince and the dancing.

  Madelaine stared out the window and thought about a tiny village by the sea, and being there again with Jonathan.

  CHAPTER SIX

  The church was small and quiet, tucked away between two large houses on a busy street in London.

  Madelaine let her mother fuss around her, her smile broadening as her soon to be sister-in-law and mother-in-law helped to arrange the crown of lilies and white roses on her head then carefully placed the finely woven veil over and under it.

  Victoria’s hands met in a burst of involuntary applause. “Oh you look so beautiful!”

  Madelaine smiled at her. “Thank you. I am imagining that, in a few days time, you shall look even more lovelier.”

  Victoria blushed. Her hair was up, and her dress was a pretty white and rose-colored thing dripping with lace. Slightly childish, yes, but the last time she would ever wear something like that.

  The shock that t
he de Winter daughters had given the tonne had worn off fast. There had been plenty of outraged dowagers and their daughters who felt Victoria had stolen the duke right out from under their noses, but as there was a notable plentitude in marriageable men that Season they quickly turned their attentions elsewhere as everyone began the long sprint from Season to matrimony in earnest.

  Time was of the essence as the Season marched on toward fall and so weddings were occurring all over the city. Madelaine’s would be sparsely attended as a result, and she was glad for it.

  Victoria’s on the other hand, would be a lavish and massive affair. Everyone who was anyone would be there, except her sister. Madelaine and Jonathan were to go on a honeymoon—although he had not yet said where. Madelaine had been worried that Victoria would mind her being absent but Victoria had reassured her that she would be fine without her presence, but she had taken, gratefully, the small blue garter that Madelaine had sewn for her with a smile and a sweet compliment for the sewing skill it showed.

  “Not that I imagine you will be spending most of your life sewing,” Victoria had added with a smile.

  No, she wouldn’t be.

  Lady de Winter stepped back, her hands clasped together and her eyes misty. “Oh how beautiful you look my dear! Well, that’s all then. It’s time.”

  Madelaine looked in the mirror. The gown she wore had been made hastily but it was still lovely, a long and solid white silk creation with a train that swept along the floor behind her. Lace filled the sleeves and trimmed the bodice and hem, and her face was covered by the voluminous veil.

  The flowers contrasted nicely with her hair and matched the ones in her bouquet.

  She took a long breath and then took her father’s arm. He looked both pleased and proud as he began to escort her toward the door that would lead her to Jonathan.

  Her heart thudded and pounded as they reached the outer part of the quiet church. Jonathan and his brother stood at eh top, near the pastor who would wed them. He looked so handsome in his dark suit and snowy cravat!

  She reached him and tears filled her eyes. She could barely hear the words being spoken, all she could think of was him. Her eyes swept over his chiseled features and body and desire pulsed and coursed through her body. Tonight! Tonight they could lie together and never again worry about being separated by circumstances.

  She was so impatient that’s eh shot her vows out on one rapid-fire breath. His words were equally rushed. His fingers lifted her veil and his kiss was long and deep, making a few in the audience clear their throats.

  They rushed down the aisle, laughing. As they got into the carriage she asked, “And where are we going?”

  Jonathan’s grin was filled with mirth. “Well, you see, I have a small respite from my duties and we both seem to have a love for a certain little village by the sea…”

  Her heart swelled with happiness. “Oh yes, yes please!”

  The horses trotted away from the church and she stuck her head out the window long enough to cry out a goodbye to her family then he pulled her back inside and across his lap. His kiss was even deeper that time.

  “I love you Madelaine,” he whispered. “I love you, my handsome sailor.”

  His hands skimmed along her skin. His grin turned roguish. “What do you say we start our honeymoon now?”

  “I say yes,” she breathed.

  “We might scandalize a few passersby.”

  “Then close the curtains,” she said with a laugh, her lips capturing his yet again.

  They rode away, toward the sea, laughter and heated passions rising.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Camoinhe flapped her hands at Madelaine and said, “Oh for heaven’s sake! Please tell me that you were not out riding in your condition!”

  Madelaine laughed and paced one hand on her belly. She had just discovered, days before, that she was with child and in the day since everyone had begun treating her as if she were some delicate and fragile thing that might shatter with a single word.

  Nobody in the village but a few knew that she and Jonathan were landed gentry. They assumed that the two young newlyweds were just like them, good, hardworking people.

  They were. Jonathan worked on the ships he owned and nobody was any the wiser and she worked, when she felt like it, at the Admiral’s Arms. It was a brief respite from their privileged life and they both enjoyed it.

  Her hands went to her belly. It had been two years since they had said their vows and she knew that many expected her to have a child much sooner but she had not, as of yet.

  Victoria had given birth nearly a year to the day of her own wedding however, and was not heavy with her second child. Madelaine was both exhilarated and a little frightened by the prospect of giving birth but she was also determined not be treated like an invalid either.

  She had seen many women in the small village do their tasks while far more heavily pregnant than she was herself and she had no intention of being treated any differently.

  In the morning they must leave. They had to return to the estate for a month before they could go to London for the season. As she and Victoria were both with child they would miss much of the festivities that would begin just as they began to show signs of being pregnant.

  Madelaine did not mind that at all and she knew that Victoria would not either, in fact they would both be glad for the company.

  Their mother would enjoy having both her daughters nearby as well. She often mourned over Madelaine and Jonathan’s habit of travelling, and was sure that one day they would be shipwrecked or something even worse.

  Colin stuck his head out and said, “Oh leave her be Camoinhe, she’s young and hearty and restless.”

  He came out of the kitchen holding a large wooden spoon covered with what looked like soup. Madelaine’s stomach rumbled and she said, “I was very careful too.”

  Camoinhe sighed and said, “Well then…you’d better hurry if you are going to see Jonathan coming back to shore.”

  Madelaine glanced down at the small watch pinned to her lapel. “Oh! You’re right!”

  She dashed up the stairs to the large room they shared while they were in residence and quickly changed out of her worn and stained gown and into a fresh one. She brushed her hair quickly and re-pinned it then washed her face and hands with a sweet-smelling soap.

  The windows were open to let in the early spring breeze and she smiled as she lifted her head to sniff the tangy salt air pouring through the casement.

  She headed back downstairs, her steps light and her smile wide. Colin called out, “I have fresh stew and ale, and there is fresh bread as well!”

  “I will be happy to see it!”

  She would be, her stomach was rumbling already!

  Her feet took her down the outer stairs and out. She made her way to the small hill that overlooked the docks and she stood there the wind whipping her skirt and cloak as she watched the small craft bobbing on the waves pull closer to shore.

  Everything they had ever wanted to do they had done. They had traveled far and wide, and this would be Jonathan’s last journey for quite some time. His brother’s wife had passed away unexpectedly from influenza and he had declared himself in need of something away from the estate so he was taking on the business travel that Jonathan had once done—with her at his side.

  Jonathan had proven to be surprisingly amenable to that, and she had a feeling that the news that he was about to be a father had had a hand in that.

  The news of Jonathan’s brother leaving the estate meant that this would be the last trip they could take to their beloved little village by the sea. That and the fact that infants did not travel well and were susceptible to all sorts of illnesses gathered during travel.

  Sadness filled her. Their lives would take a new turn now, one that would center on duty and the running of the estate. The sadness was not sorrow however, it was borne from the fact that she had such a sentimental attachment to the place.

  But she was ready to le
t it go.

  That thought came to her as the ship docked and was tied off. She was, she was ready for what came next. They had spent these first few years selfishly, and she did not regret it. They had loved each other wildly, just as she had suspected that they would and she knew that love would never die no matter the setting.

  Jonathan had gotten his share of adventure. So had she. They were about to be parents, and that was the greatest adventure of all!

  The crew left the ship and her heart leaped in her chest and she lost her breath as Jonathan’s broad shoulders and tall frame came into view. He came toward her, the setting sun glinting off his hair and plain clothes and the same uncontrollable sensation and emotion she had felt that first time she had seen him came crashing back in.

  She ran to him and he enfolded he rin his arms. He smelled like the sea and the wind and his jaw was rough with stubble. Her fingers found his coat and she tilted her head back for a lingering kiss before saying, “You look like a pirate today.”

  His eyebrow shot upward. “A pirate?”

  Yes,” her laughter rolled across the hills. “Do not ask me why but today you look like a pirate.”

  He rubbed his jaw with a slight grin. “I see. Well you, my dear, look very smug. Have you been riding?”

  She nodded. “I just know that once we are back in our lives I will be tossed into a bed and never allowed out due to my delicate condition.”

  Devilry made his eyes lighten. “I see. Well, perhaps we should practice you staying in bed. Just to ready you for the ordeal, of course.”

  They headed for the Admiral’s Arms. Colin smiled and waved and Liam came up from the dock behind them. They all gathered in the inn’s kitchen.

  Colin had closed the inn for an hour, setting up large tables outside so that the hungry and tired men could eat there while the five of them gathered for a quiet meal and a little time to say goodbye.