by Vikki Vaught
Although he would have liked to hug the boy, he offered his hand instead, knowing the lad would think hugging was unmanly. He hoped that once Gerrard had a tutor, he would begin to act as a youth. He was entirely too reserved for a young lad of twelve. After they shook hands, Cortland left the room and went downstairs.
Shortly before eight o’clock, he walked into the drawing room and found his sister and brother-in-law waiting on him. When he entered, Anissa came forward and hugged him. “Do you have everything in place for tonight?”
He returned her embrace. “I do. I appreciate your help with the children. I hate to leave them, but it cannot be helped. At least Mary’s maid will watch after them on their journey.”
His sister turned a troubled gaze his way. “Cortland, I know you want to help Lady Mary, and it’s very commendable…is this what you truly want? While I know you admire her, and I do as well, you have only known her for a few days. Marriage will last the rest of your life.”
His stomach twisted at her words, but it was too late to change his mind. His honor would demand no less. “I cannot stand by and allow her father to marry her off to that despicable man. My marriage will be good for the children, and I already know Lady Mary is a lovely person, inside and out. I believe that in time, we can learn to love each other.”
Anissa gave him a gentle smile. “If you’re sure, then I’m happy for you. I do wish you had time to properly court her first, but I know that’s not possible.”
“I wish I could have as well,” he replied, as a moment of regret tugged at him. “She deserves that, but it is more important that I save her. Once we reach my estate, we will have time to get to know one another better. I firmly believe I will find we are well-suited in many ways.”
Before they could continue their conversation, the butler came in and announced dinner. Once they were seated around the table, the conversation centered around the children, and the subject of his marriage did not come up again.
They spent a quiet evening playing cards. Cortland had difficulty keeping his mind on his hand, the apprehension over what he was doing occupied him too much to truly concentrate. At last, the play ended, and he hugged Anissa, wishing her and Alex a goodnight.
He went to his room and gathered his belongings, then made his way to the mews where a coach awaited him. Once he stowed his valise in the back compartment, he climbed in and knocked on the ceiling. The carriage jerked forward, taking him toward his new destiny, one he prayed he would not live to regret.
When he arrived in the alley behind Mary’s house, she was waiting for him with her maid beside her. The moonlit night made it easy to see her pale yet determined face. He felt a twinge of something in his chest, and his pulse sped up a bit as he stepped down from the carriage. He reached for her valise. “Here, I shall put this in the boot. Then we can be on our way.”
She gave him a tremulous smile as she handed him the bag. “Thank you,” she murmured.
Her voice wobbled slightly, so he could tell she was apprehensive. Trying to put her at ease, he smiled and spoke in a reassuring voice, “All will be well, I promise. Let me help you inside.” He placed her valise on the ground, then offered his arm and led her to the carriage steps. After Mary and her maid climbed inside, he laid the bag in the boot next to his own, then joined her in the coach and they were on their way.
After a quick detour to drop off the maid, Cortland patiently waited as Mary said her farewell to the young woman. Once the door was closed, he ordered the coachman to take them to the coaching inn on the North Road where they would meet the post chaise that would take them to Gretna Green.
Cortland tried to make polite conversation as the carriage traveled through Mayfair and toward Regent’s Park, but Mary was only murmuring one-word answers. “Are you having second thoughts?”
She looked startled. “Oh, no, not at all,” she assured him. “I just hate that you’re making such a huge sacrifice on my behalf. Perhaps I should actually do what I said in my missive to my father.”
He moved across the carriage and took the seat beside her, then gently touched her gloved hand. “Mary. He would find you. You are making a sacrifice as well. I’m sure you had dreams of marrying for love. Now that will never happen. Don’t be concerned for me. I will benefit greatly from our union, because you’ll be helping me with Gerrard and Aimee. They need a mother, and you will be an excellent one.”
She raised her chin, a lovely one at that. It was slightly pointed, giving her a heart-shaped face, which he found vastly appealing. She met his gaze. “I promise to love them as my own. I want you to know that I admire you and believe you are an honorable man. I also promise to see to your comfort and be a biddable wife. I shall make no demands of you.”
“I don’t need a biddable wife,” he told her. “I want us to have a congenial marriage. One where we discuss things and both agree upon whatever issues we encounter. While we are having to rush into this, once we’re at my estate, we can take time to get to know each other. I’m sure we will find much in common.”
“I would like that…C-Cortland.” She spoke in a soft, melodious voice, and he felt that mysterious twinge in his chest again. Her gentle nature called to him in a way that had never happened before. Even though she was obviously apprehensive over what they were doing, she still remained calm. That gave him hope that they could live in peace.
The carriage slowed and drew to a halt, ending further conversation of a personal nature. The coachman opened the door and lowered the steps. Cortland stepped out, then offered his hand. She took it with her trembling one, and he helped her out of the carriage.
Placing his hand on the small of her back, he guided her to the door of the inn, and they entered the common area, where he found her a seat. “I shall check on our post chaise, since it was not outside in the yard. I shall only be a moment.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Mary watched as Cortland approached the innkeeper. She looked around and observed a group of well-dressed men standing near the hearth through the open door into the tap room. Even though they were obviously gentry, if not peers, they were loud and appeared to be inebriated. They were singing a bawdy song and grabbing at the barmaid. One of them pulled the poor woman against him.
Good Lord.
The man pinched her breast.
Mary quickly lowered her eyes, not wanting to catch their attention. She glanced toward Cortland, and he appeared to be having an argument with the innkeeper. At last, the proprietor handed him a key. Uneasiness settled in the pit of her stomach. He turned and strode toward her. His forehead was crinkled in a frown, and brows were drawn together. She wondered what had him angry. It was the first time she had seen him that way.
He stopped in front of her. “The post chaise has been delayed and will not be here until four o’clock in the morning. Unfortunately, I could only obtain one room for the night.” He looked toward the rowdy men in the bar area. “I would offer to stay down here, but I don’t believe you would be safe without me to guard you. Those men are staying upstairs as well.”
She glanced up and saw the men were still detaining the barmaid, groping her and refusing to let her go. Although the man at the bar asked them to leave her alone, they just laughed and continued to bother the young girl. Then one of them looked in her direction and leered. “I think you’re right. In fact, one of them is headed our way.”
Cortland stepped in front of her and stood with his feet slightly apart. “Stop right there. Approach further at your own risk.”
The man just laughed and kept staggering toward them. He stumbled against Cortland, and he pushed the drunkard away. The man fell on his backside and roared up with his fist swinging, catching Cortland on the chin. He pulled his fist back, then hit the man, knocking him down once more. Another man came forward to help his friend stand.
Cortland declared, “If you are wise, you will get your friend out of here immediately before he suffers greater injury.”
That man gl
ared as he grabbed his friend and put an arm around the drunkard’s shoulder. “Come on, Hayward. Let us rejoin our friends.” He pulled the man toward the others.
Cortland helped her stand, and placing his arm around her, he led her up the stairs to the second door on the left. He opened it, and Mary stepped inside with him following, then he closed out the noise below. “Beg your pardon. I should not have left you alone while I talked with the innkeeper. Let me assist you with your cloak.”
She murmured, “Thank you,” as he took her cloak and laid it on the bed. Mary glanced around the chamber. There was a small oak dresser against the wall next to the window. Although the room was cramped, for the most part, it looked clean. The dark blue comforter on the bed was turned back revealing white sheets.
Someone knocked on the door and Cortland asked, “Who is it?”
A gruff male voice called out, “It’s me, sir. John coachman. I have yer valises.”
Cortland opened the door and took them from the man. He handed him a coin. “Thank you for driving us here.”
“Are ye sure ye want me ta leave ye?” he asked in a worried tone.
“We shall be fine,” he assured him. “The post chaise will be here in a few hours, then we will be on our way.”
The coachman bowed as he said, “Well, if ye be sure. I’d best return to Overton House.”
Her intended closed the door, then turned to her. “I’m sorry we find ourselves in this predicament.”
“It’s not your fault,” she consoled. “You couldn’t know our post chaise would be delayed.”
“I shall step out of the room while you make yourself more comfortable.” Cortland’s consideration for her modesty warmed her heart. “Just knock when you’re ready for me to come back inside.”
Once the door closed behind him, Mary picked up her valise and placed it on the chair by the dresser and opened it. Goodness, dare she put on her night rail, or should she just loosen her stays and sleep in her gown? The nightgown was quite thick, and she would be much more comfortable. Cortland was honorable and would not make any untoward advances. Besides they would be husband and wife in a few days.
Thank goodness her gown fastened in the front. She quickly took it off, then donned her night rail and thick woolen dressing gown. Then she moved to the dresser, where a bowl and water jug stood. She took the cloth laying there, dampened it, and wiped her face and her hands.
She stepped to the door and gave it a light tap. It opened and Cortland entered, then he locked it. “You must be freezing. Why don’t you get into bed while I build up the fire?”
His concern for her welfare never ceased to amaze her and caused a flutter in her belly. “I’m much smaller than you. I could easily doze in the chair until we depart in a few hours.”
“Don’t be concerned, my dear. I will rest in the chair,” he explained. “I don’t plan to sleep with those rowdy men below. I shall be quite comfortable.”
Oh, dear. He was bound to be terribly uncomfortable, but his gentlemanly nature would allow no other alternative. “Are you sure you’ll be all right?”
“I would not hear of it,” he retorted, his voice coming out gruff. “Please, take the bed.” His tone softened. He must have realized he had spoken abruptly. “I promise. I shall be fine.”
“If you’re sure.” Realizing she would not dissuade him, she climbed into bed and pulled the covers up. “Will you at least use one of the pillows? I don’t need both of them.”
“Since you insist.” He walked over and took the offered pillow from her hands. Their fingers brushed and her heart jumped. He pulled away as if he had been burned. Her cheeks grew hot.
“Try to get some sleep. We will have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Goodnight, my dear.” Cortland walked to the chair, removed his great coat and jacket, then sat in the chair and closed his eyes, after placing the pillow behind his head.
Mary snuggled under the comforter and shut her eyes. Although she did not expect to fall asleep, she realized she had when she heard Cortland softly calling her name. She cracked her eyelids and found him smiling down at her. “It’s time to get up, my dear. I ordered a light repast so you can break your fast.”
Cortland had changed into a fresh shirt, and his cravat was neatly tied. He had donned his jacket and waistcoat as well. She struggled to a sitting position. “How lovely. Is there tea?”
He grinned and nodded. “Also buttered toast and jam. It’s not much, but I had the cook pack us additional food to have later as well. I’ll be outside the door. Just knock when you are ready.”
Once the door closed behind him, she jumped from the bed. She found the food on the nightstand and quickly ate the toast. While she dressed, she sipped her tea in between removing her night rail and donning the same traveling dress she had worn the night before. While she would have liked to wear a fresh gown, she would have to make do since she only had two other dresses with her.
Once she was finished getting ready, she tapped on the door and Cortland stepped inside. “Shall we be off?” He picked up her valise; he must have taken his down earlier. “Our conveyance awaits, my lady.”
She giggled. “Lead the way.” She slipped her hand through his offered arm and let him lead her downstairs and out to a bright yellow post chaise. Once they were seated inside, the postilion cracked his whip, and they were off. Their great adventure had begun.
****
Cortland jerked awake when the vehicle rolled over something in the road, which caused him to hit his head. He straightened, then reached in his pocket and pulled out his watch. It was a little bit before eight o’clock. They should be reaching the first posting inn soon. He glanced over at Mary and noticed she looked slightly green. “Are you ill, my dear?”
She smiled wanly and murmured, “A bit of an upset stomach. I’m unaccustomed with riding in such a small vehicle or for long stretches of time. The roads have been quite rough. I don’t know how you managed to sleep.”
He laughed. “I learned to sleep in all kinds of conditions while in the Army. War does not give one the luxury of a feather bed. We should be stopping soon to change the horses.”
The post chaise slowed as it took a corner, then pulled to a halt. The postilion opened the door and told them they would be ready to depart in fifteen minutes, and suggested they use the time to their advantage.
After she put her bonnet on, Cortland helped her alight. “I believe you will find the necessary behind the inn. I’ll help our driver change the horses, then we can resume our journey when you return. I’m sorry we can’t have a longer stop, but we must make use of the daylight. Darkness falls early this time of year.”
“I understand.” She took a deep breath and clutched her belly. He hoped she would make it to the privy before she cast up her accounts. She straightened, then muttered, “I shall hurry.” He watched as she made her way toward the back of the inn, wondering if the privies were at least moderately clean. The inn looked presentable, so possibly they would be.
He went around the other side of the inn and took care of his needs, then helped the postilion get the fresh horses in place. By the time they finished, Mary was back, and she did not look as green.
He helped her into the conveyance and settled in beside her. The vehicle was so small, he could not avoid touching her. His arm and thigh brushed hers, and he had to focus on the road out the window to keep his urges tightly in check.
Since it had been a couple of hours since they had eaten, he asked, “Shall we partake of the sandwiches I had the cook pack for us?”
She sighed. “I’m not sure that would be a good idea for me. I’m still feeling a tiny bit nauseous.”
She needed to eat something. They had several hours to go before they would stop again. “If not a sandwich, perhaps a small piece of bread. It might help settle your stomach.”
While she did not look terribly enthused, she at last said, “I suppose I could try.”
Cortland opened the small basket and pulled o
ut two sandwiches and took a piece of bread from one of them, then passed it to Mary. She took it and began to nibble on it while he devoured all of his sandwich and what was left of hers. The cook had also packed a jug of ale, and they shared it. After they finished eating, Mary’s color improved. “Do you feel better?”
“A little bit. Thank you for suggesting I eat.” She shifted in her seat, causing their thighs to brush again. He sucked in a breath at the contact. This was going to be a very long trip. Once she was settled, she asked, “When will we arrive in Gretna Green?”
“It takes three days,” he explained, “as long as we ride each day from dawn to dark, and the weather remains clear. I hope we will arrive by Saturday, because if we don’t, then we will have to spend Sunday at a coaching inn since we cannot travel, making it Monday before we would get there.”
“I will pray for good weather.” Her worried tone came through. He wanted to put his arm around her and pull her close, offering her comfort, but that would not be wise, since his attraction for her grew stronger with each mile. “My father will return on Friday, and when he finds me gone, I hope he will search for me in Canterbury, since that is where I told him I was going in my missive.”
He met her gaze and smiled, hoping to put her mind at rest. “We should be wed long before he could possibly find us, even if he figures out where you actually went. Do you think your aunt will tell him I visited you?”
“If he asks the right questions, she will,” she mused. “I don’t believe she will connect your visit with me leaving, but my father might. He will probably hire a Bow Street runner instead of searching himself. The runner could go to your sister and ask to see you. Then he will find out you left town around the same time as I.”
“Even if the man does,” he told her, “Anissa will not tell him anything. The most she will say is that I have gone to my estate. Please don’t worry. By the time he finds you, it will be too late for him to do anything.”
