Avenging the Earl’s Lady: Book Five, Sons of the Spy Lord
Page 20
When he’d disappeared from their bedchamber to set his own plans in motion, she’d summoned Fox, Bakeley, and Lloyd, and finalized her own.
Today, Shaldon watched the proceedings impassively.
Or so everyone would think, everyone who didn’t know him as she did. His hooded eyes sparkled at the events transpiring, and one could almost discern excitement in the way he glanced once or twice at his timepiece.
When she squeezed his hand, his lips twitched.
A long prayer in Latin brought his attention back to the altar. Accompanied by close family and friends in this small private ceremony, Charley and Graciela received the blessings of the Roman Church upon their marriage, as well as those of Graciela’s father, Captain Kingsley. It had been the Captain’s only requirement for final approval of the union, one he insisted was necessary to honor his late wife.
* * *
No wedding breakfast followed, but later that evening, the family and close friends, plus a few carefully selected notable gossips of the ton gathered for dinner at Shaldon House. The distant cousin who had performed Charley and Gracie’s Anglican wedding was present. Jane’s cousin, Lord Cheswick also joined them, appearing by himself, his wife claiming illness. Cheswick allowed the introduction to Quentin, and Jane was happy to see him speak cordially with her son.
In a rare lack of protocol, La Fanelle and Barton also sat down to dinner with them. Shaldon had invited them, in deference to Jane, and probably in part as a poke at his old friend, Kincaid. La Fanelle had wisely been seated down the table from the Scotsman.
When they reached the dessert course, Captain Kingsley toasted the bride and groom, and Charley spoke, and then each of his brothers.
And then Kincaid rose.
Jane gazed down the table where Shaldon sat and caught his eye. He sent her a rare public smile.
“To Charley and Graciela,” Kincaid said. “May the best you’ve ever seen, be the worst you’ll ever see.” Glasses clinked all around, but instead of sitting, Kincaid beckoned for more drinks to be poured.
“Now.” He cleared his throat. “We come to another matter. Lord Shaldon, ’tis said that a righteous heart makes a beautiful character and a harmonious home. And a harmonious home will give order to the nation, and that in turn, my friends, will make for a peaceful world.”
“Get on with it,” Shaldon said.
Kincaid grinned. “Aye, so I will. My friends, raise a cup to a righteous heart and a beautiful character who will bring peace to the Earl of Shaldon’s world. To Lady Jane Montfort, as of this afternoon, the new Countess of Shaldon.”
The warm gaze of her husband stretched the length of the table drawing all of her attention—though she was swimming in surprised congratulations and good wishes. A handkerchief was pressed into her hand.
Blast it, she was weeping.
And she must not. She had things to say.
She dabbed at her eyes and nodded to Lloyd.
Two footmen carried in an easel with a draped canvas and placed it near her. She stood and signaled everyone to remain seated.
Shaldon, of course, didn’t obey. While the footmen worked, he sauntered down the table to stand beside her, his eyes gleaming.
“I have another announcement,” she said. “And your duty, each of you here tonight, is to share this news far and wide.”
Lloyd brought a salver with a letter, presenting it to Shaldon.
He picked it up and raised an eyebrow. “It has been opened.”
“Of course,” she said. “You have a wife now, my lord.”
The guests burst into laughter.
“The King’s seal—broken” he said, clearing his throat and unfolding the paper with a flourish. He held it at arm’s length and studied the short message.
“What does the King say, Father?” Charley called out. “We are waiting with bated breath.”
Shaldon raised his eyes and his level gaze held hers.
“Word will be carried to the clubs tonight, and will appear in tomorrow’s papers,” she whispered. “He will be livid.”
“Or the King will be,” he murmured.
“No. Fox and Bakeley met with the King and his advisor, Sir Charles Long, to review the provenance. His Majesty found the story of the painting—and the treasure—enthralling.” She leaned closer. “The whole story.”
“I see.”
“It is mine, you said, Shaldon. Both the painting and the revenge.”
She held her breath while he studied her, his gaze growing warmer, his lips finally twitching.
He nodded to Lloyd, and the curtain came off.
Guests further down the table leaned sideways or turned in their chairs for a look.
Fox had performed miracles cleaning and refurbishing the painting, a task he said he’d wanted to do ten years earlier for the first Lady Shaldon. The figures crouched in darkness but caught the unearthly glow of the paradise they would soon enter. It was exquisite.
Shaldon lifted the letter again and read. “His Majesty will be pleased to accept the gift to him of the priceless Spanish masterpiece, The Martyrdom of Saints Felicity and Perpetua, by Sebastian Lopez de Arteaga, in honor of his coronation.” He passed the parchment to Lloyd and reached for Jane, studying her.
Some of the guests rose and left the table, crowding closer to view the canvas.
Shaldon drew her aside. “This is my revenge?” he asked.
“Indeed it is. As I said, the Duque will be livid. He will not try to wrest it from the King of England. And no weapons were needed.”
A long moment passed, a smile blooming on his lips. “Remind me never to cross you, my lady.”
He wrapped her in his good arm and pressed his lips to hers for a long moment that brought a hush to the room.
Straightening he peered down at her. “Shall we retire?”
Cheeks burning, she nodded.
“Do enjoy the rest of the evening,” he said to the rest of the company. “Lady Shaldon and I are beginning our honeymoon.”
* * *
The End
Afterword
If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a review at Goodreads, Bookbub, or Amazon.com
A Note from the Author
Lady Jane Montfort first made an appearance in The Viscount’s Seduction and I knew immediately that she would be a perfect match for Lord Shaldon, once I got all of his children out of the way. I hope you’ve enjoyed this “mature” romance—because really, love is ageless!
In 1821 when this story was set, dueling was illegal, but gentlemen still engaged in the practice to settle disputes of honor. My favorite resource on the topic is an 1836 book called The Art of Dueling, by “A Traveler”. You can download it free from GoogleBooks.
As usual, my characters and story are entirely fictional, and any historical errors are mine alone.
Many thanks go to editor Tessa Shapcott, and to cover designer Cami Brite.
As ever, I’m grateful to my husband for his unfailing support and enduring patience.
I love hearing from readers! You can contact and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads, and at my website, https://AlinaKField.com. For special notices about sales and other news, please consider signing up for my newsletter at my website. I promise I won’t spam you or sell your email address!
Best regards and happy reading!
* * *
Alina K. Field
Also by Alina K. Field
Sons of the Spy Lord Series
* * *
The Bastard’s Iberian Bride
Book One
2017, Havenlock Press
For a chance at true freedom, a spy’s daughter dodges an arranged marriage to an earl’s illegitimate son and seeks the fortune left by her inscrutable father.
The Viscount’s Seduction
Book Two
2017, Havenlock Press
Lady Sirena Hollister has lost everything, even her fey abilities. But when the fairies hand her a chance at a London Se
ason, her schemes for revenge stir up an unknown enemy, and spark danger of a different sort, in the person of a handsome Viscount.
The Rogue’s Last Scandal
Book Three
2017, Havenlock Press
Falling—literally—into the arms of the ton’s most outrageous rogue seems a risky path of escape, but Maria Graciela Kingsley y Romero has no other choice. Only England’s greatest spy lord can help her, and he is not to be found—so his son will have to do!
The Counterfeit Lady
Book Four
2018, Havenlock Press
Vowing she’ll never submit to an arranged marriage, an earl’s daughter bolts for the seaside cottage that will someday be hers.
But she finds her quiet refuge occupied by the last man she ever wants to see—an American artist, who’s also a thief.
And quite possibly one of her father’s spies.
OTHER TITLES BY ALINA K. FIELD
The Marquess and the Midwife
A Christmas Novella
Finalist, 2016 National Reader’s Choice Award
2016, Havenlock Press
Uncovering a lie drives a new marquess back from a self-imposed exile at Christmas to find the only woman he’s ever loved. Finding her turns out to be easy, uncovering her stunning secrets, a bit harder. But winning her back will be the greatest challenge of all.
A Leap Into Love
A Sweet Regence Romance Novella
2018, Havenlock Press
Can a gentleman be too charming? The ladies of Upper Upton think so.
When the single ladies of the village conspire to teach their charmer a lesson that might bankrupt him, the town’s loveliest young widow—who’s sworn off marriage forever—steps up to warn him.
A Leap Into Love is a short sequel to The Marquess and the Midwife
Liliana’s Letter
2015, Havenlock Press
The Matchmaker Meets the Matchbreaker
Liliana Ashford’s future as a professional chaperone depends on her wealthy charge’s successful marriage, but her own close encounter with a scoundrel years ago makes her determined to save the girl from the same kind of rogue.
The Ghost of Depford Hall
A short, sweet Halloween sequel to
Liliana’s Letter
2017, Havenlock Press
It’s her mother’s last All Hallows' Eve.
When family, friends, and tenants gather, goblins, ghouls, and ghosts are banned from this All Hallows' Eve party.
Only, no one told the Ghost of Depford Hall!
Bella’s Band
2014, Soul Mate Publishing
A spinster’s secrets tempt a killer—and steal a soldier’s heart.
Saddled with his brother’s title and debts, nothing about this new life makes the Earl of Hackwell want to stay—until he meets a lady with a secret that can change everything.
Rosalyn’s Ring
2014 Book Buyer’s Best Winner, Novella Category
2013, Soul Mate Publishing
When a young woman is put up for auction in a wife sale, Rosalyn Montagu seizes the chance to rescue her—and to recover a treasured family heirloom, her father’s signet ring. Her plans are thwarted by the newly anointed Viscount Cathmore who finds her provoking beauty, upper crust manner, and larcenous streak intriguing. Her secrets rouse his jaded heart, including the truth of her identity—she is the woman whose home he has usurped. But more mysteries swirl around Rosalyn’s past, and Cathmore is just the man to help her uncover the truth.
Coming in Fall 2019, two new holiday romances!
Find out more at https://AlinaKField.com
Copyright © 2018 Mary J. Kozlowski
ISBN No. 9781944063153
Havenlock Press
PO Box 1891
La Mirada, CA 90637-1891
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