by Ella Quinn
Whereupon Bentley astonished them all by saying, “You haven’t met the right lady. Once you do, you’ll court her properly.” Then he promptly fell into his usual way of things. “Good to make notes and have one’s valet remind one.”
Geoff was about to join Endicott’s and Turley’s laughter, but remembered the list his grandmother and cousin gave him. He would not be marrying Elizabeth without their help.
After dinner, they formed a set for cards, playing for penny stakes. None of them were heavy gamblers. They were all, except Endicott, reliant upon their sires for their incomes, nor did they have fathers who would happily pay their gambling debts. Geoff had learned his lesson his first week on the Town, which had been his last week until the next quarter day.
He returned home before midnight still relatively sober. The next morning he woke at dawn. In a matter of hours, he’d be a married man, and he looked forward to it more than he thought was possible.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The day before her wedding, Gavin called to Elizabeth from the drawing room. “Lizzy, come in and meet Captain Sutton. He was with General Ross’s forces going to the Americas and is on his way to Belgium.”
Her brother had been receiving visits from some of his former school chums who passed through Town on their way to Holland to join the Duke of Wellington’s army. To a man, they were excited to be fighting with the Old Hooky again, as they called him, referring to the duke’s prominent proboscis. Even though there was concern about other seasoned officers and soldiers who would not make it in time. She’d listened closely to everything Gavin related about their conversation.
The captain, who had risen, bowed. “A pleasure, Miss Turley. I understand felicitations are in order.”
He took the hand she offered but did not attempt to kiss it. “I am glad to meet you as well, and thank you.” She lowered herself onto the sofa opposite the men. “What unit will you join?”
“Second battalion of the 95th Rifles, my old unit.” His exhilaration at going was clear and for several minutes the discussion revolved around who would be taking what commands, and the gossip about the Earl of Uxbridge being sent to command the cavalry instead of Cotton. “Well, he’s Lord Combermere now, but that was a change no one expected on account of Uxbridge running off with the duke’s sister-in-law.”
“I hope it doesn’t cause problems,” Elizabeth remarked, wondering who would have made such a decision.
“Not from what I’ve heard.” The captain glanced at her brother. “Gavin tells me we may see you over in Belgium as well.”
“Yes, indeed. We will depart soon after our wedding.” She rose. “Speaking of which, I still have much to do, and I am going out with Lady Markham soon. Please remain seated. Captain, I hope to see you again.”
By the time she’d had the final consultation with her maid about the packing for the journey, approved the final list of her items from the town house that would be taken to her new home, as well as sending for some pieces of furniture her mother had given to her that were still in the country, it was time to change for her outing with Lady Markham.
Elizabeth and her aunt were in the hall when her ladyship arrived.
“How lovely you look.” Lady Markham beamed at Elizabeth. “I am so looking forward to our day together.”
“I am, too.” She returned her smile.
* * *
It wasn’t long before the outing with her soon-to-be mother-in-law and aunt could be deemed a complete success. Elizabeth hadn’t had so much fun in ages.
They shopped until packages filled the inside of the coach and the boot, had ices at Gunter’s, and tea with several of the ladies Lady Markham knew in the diplomatic corps who imparted several pieces of advice to Elizabeth.
“At all times be discreet. There will always be someone who will attempt to acquire information by listening to conversations. Therefore, you should never say anything you do not wish the whole world to know,” one of the ladies said as she selected a lemon biscuit from the plate. “I have every confidence that the duke will prevail over his opponent. Still, the situation in Paris will be difficult for a time.”
“Excellent advice,” Lady Markham said. “I shall add that you must not be too ambitious for Harrington. This posting is by way of an experience for him. It is not his vocation.”
“I had that impression.” Elizabeth wondered just how long she and Geoffrey would be overseas.
Aunt Bristow invited Lady Markham to dine at Turley House that evening. “It will be pot luck I’m afraid, and we shall sit down early. My brother-in-law plans to close the house and return to the country after the wedding.”
“I would be delighted.” Her ladyship smiled. “I only wish I had more time to spend with Elizabeth before she and Harrington depart.”
“Can you tell me, my lady, how long Harrington and I will be abroad?”
“Until you give birth to a son.” Lady Markham pulled a face. “I was fortunate to have two girls before Harrington was born. When you become enceinte you must pray for a boy. That will ensure you have daughters.”
“He has never mentioned his sisters.” In fact, the only other family member he talked about was a younger brother.
“I should not wonder at that. They are both several years older than he is. One married a diplomat and is in Russia, and the other prefers the country.” She heaved a sigh. “I do not expect to see either of them in Town until their daughters come out, and then only if they cannot persuade someone else to sponsor the girls. He and his younger brother, Edmond, are much closer.”
After tea that evening, several minutes after her ladyship took her leave, Elizabeth’s father joined her and her aunt in the drawing room.
“I haven’t seen much of you,” he said in a morose tone. “And it occurred to me that after today I might not see you for a long time.” Awkwardly, he patted her shoulder. “I’m proud of you for marrying so well. Harrington might not be a marquis yet, but he will be in time.”
What a thing to say! Elizabeth hoped it would be years before he became a marquis. She was coming to care about her future in-laws a great deal. “Thank you, Papa.”
“That’s all I have to say. I’ll see you in the morning.”
She glanced at her aunt after he’d left the room. “That was rather odd.”
“As we all know, he has not been the same since your mother died.” Aunt shrugged. “There is nothing any of us can do about it.”
“I suppose so.” At least Elizabeth had not been able to do anything to help him. She stifled a yawn. “I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Sleep well. You have another busy day tomorrow.”
Her whole life would change tomorrow, and for the better. She was marrying a gentleman she loved and who loved her as well.
* * *
When Elizabeth woke the next morning a sliver of weak sun slipped through a crack in the curtains, making a line across the Turkey rug. She glanced around her bedchamber. It would be the last morning she would ever awaken here, but she could feel no sense of loss or regret.
Knowing she might not return to her father’s estate, she had brought almost everything of importance to Town. Her books and a few small paintings were now packed, and would remain that way until she and Geoffrey had their own home.
In a few hours, she would be married to the man she loved, and whom she was sure loved her, even if he hadn’t said it yet. Then again, neither had she proclaimed her feelings and that did not make them less true.
Vickers entered the room carrying tea, toast, and a baked egg. “I thought you’d want to break your fast up here this morning. When you’ve finished, I’ll wash your hair.”
A few hours later, Elizabeth sat before her mirror as Vickers placed pearl-studded pins in her hair.
A knock came on the door. But before Vickers could answer it, Charlotte, Louisa, and Dotty entered the room. What a wonderful surprise!
“I do hope we are not disturbing you.”
Dotty bussed Elizabeth’s cheek.
“Not at all.” She began to rise, but her maid pushed her back down.
“You’re not ready yet.”
She met her friends’ laughing eyes in the mirror. “I thought you would all be in the country. I’m sure the knocker at Stanwood House was off.”
“Grace has taken the children and the dogs to Stanwood,” Charlotte explained. “Worthington is here for some last-minute business at the Lords. There is some quibbling about paying for the coming war that must be halted. That is the reason we are here as well. We have discovered how effective ladies can be at swaying the political tone.”
“We are staying at Merton House,” Louisa said. “There was no point opening Rothwell House again for such a short time.”
“As soon as your dresser has finished”—Dotty’s eyes twinkled with joy—“we have some things we would like to give you.”
A few moments later, Elizabeth was allowed to stand.
Charlotte scrunched up her nose. “I thought you might wear pink, but you need something blue, so I brought you a pearl bracelet with aquamarines.”
“Oh, dear.” Louisa pulled a face. “I should have given this to you when you were sitting. This is old. My mother-in-law found it, and I immediately thought of you.” She handed Elizabeth a heavy silver comb decorated with pearls and diamonds.
“Thank you. It is perfect! Vickers?”
“Leave it to me. It won’t take much to replace the one I have in your hair.”
Once that was done, Dotty grinned. “And this is borrowed.” She pinned a small pink cameo broach onto Elizabeth’s bodice.
“I cannot thank you enough.” Her vision blurred as she hugged her friends.
“No crying.” Louisa handed Elizabeth a handkerchief. “You will set us all off. And I for one am not a pretty crier.”
“She said the exact same thing to us.” Dotty and Charlotte laughed.
The door opened again, and her aunt strolled in. “I was told you had company. My ladies.” Aunt inclined her head. “Your grace.” Aunt curtseyed. “Elizabeth, your mother gave these to me for you to wear on your wedding day.”
Her aunt held out a leather box. Elizabeth set it on the table and opened it. Nestled in velvet was a double strand, pale pink pearl necklace with a diamond clasp. “They are beautiful! I’ve never seen anything like them before.”
Her friends, leaning over Elizabeth’s shoulder, nodded their agreement.
“They are from the Far East, and were your great-grandfather’s wedding gift to your great-grandmother.”
“Vickers?” Elizabeth said again.
The maid removed Elizabeth’s pearl necklace, replacing it with the pink pearls. “There are earrings here as well, but I think they are better for evening wear.”
She looked at the elaborate pearl and ruby earrings, and nodded. “I’ll put them away.”
“I know it is late,” Dotty said. “But who is attending you?”
“My aunt—”
“Elizabeth, my dear,” Aunt protested, “I only agreed because all of your friends had retired to the country, or so we thought. I am perfectly happy to sit and watch the ceremony.”
“In that case, I would dearly love it if one of you could stand up with me.”
“Oh”—Charlotte’s eyes twinkled merrily—“I am sure we can do better for you than we three married ladies. Oriana Blackacre arrived in Town this morning. She and her grandmother are staying at the Pultney. I know she is not as close to you as we are, but you do know her, and it is tradition to have an unmarried lady attend you.”
“And,” Louisa said, “at some point it is inevitable you will become better acquainted with her. Harrington and Bentley, her betrothed, are best of friends. He is in Town as well, and I will wager anything that he will attend Harrington.”
“But will she agree?” Particularly at this late date.
“I am quite sure she will.” Charlotte said. “I shall write her a note.”
For the first time Elizabeth was happy the wedding would take place at eleven and not at an earlier hour. Geoffrey had argued for eight o’clock, but Lord Richard and his grandmother had objected to being ready before eleven. Naturally, they won. Elizabeth and Geoffrey could not have the wedding without his uncle.
Oriana was ushered into Elizabeth’s bedchamber an hour after the note had been sent by a running footman. “What a surprise this is!” Oriana hugged everyone including Elizabeth. “And such an honor. Bentley visited this morning, and told me about the wedding, but I never expected to be asked to attend you.”
“I do not know how you could have expected it when you’d left Town before Harrington even started courting Elizabeth,” Louisa retorted.
“Very true,” Oriana said, ruefully. “I was not in Town at all long.”
“Everything has happened so quickly.” Once Geoffrey had started to actually court her, it had not taken long at all for her to decide to marry him. “This has become a bit harum-scarum. Although, I do think we shall have a decent number for the wedding breakfast. Lady Markham took my aunt and me to visit all of her friends currently in Town yesterday and asked them to attend.”
The other ladies began to talk, and Dotty pulled Elizabeth aside. “Do you love him and does he love you?”
“I do love him, and I believe he loves me as well. He”—Elizabeth searched for the words—“he has done everything we discussed. At the last ball he glared at every other gentleman, and”—she certainly wasn’t going to tell even Dotty everything. That was between Geoffrey and Elizabeth—“remained with me throughout the evening. He has not said the words, but he wants to be with me all the time. And he talks to me as if he respects my opinions. Doesn’t that sound like love to you?”
Dotty was silent for several moments before saying, “It does sound like he loves you.”
Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. It was too late to change anything now, but having her friend’s reassurance relieved the small part of her heart that was as yet unsure.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Geoff glanced at the clock for the twentieth time in the past five minutes and continued to pace the morning room. Father’s lips, indeed his whole face, were set in grim lines.
“What the devil can be keeping her?” Geoff had done everything he could to ensure this marriage took place. Had something gone wrong? “She should have been here a half hour ago.”
“She certainly does not appear to be a particularly timely lady,” his father grumbled.
“Piffle.” Mama swept into the parlor, her silk skirts swishing with her movement. “Heaven forfend a lady wants to look her best on her wedding day.” She glanced at the burl and gilt mantel clock. “It is only twenty-five minutes to the hour. Richard has not even arrived yet, and your grandmother has not come down.” Mama fisted her hands on her hips. “You absolutely cannot expect your bride to be here a minute before five of the hour.”
That was another twenty minutes, if Elizabeth was not later than that. Refusing to comment, Geoff hunched his shoulders and resumed his circuit around the room.
“I do not recall you being so late,” his father mumbled.
“In that case, you have a very poor memory.” Mama lifted one regal brow. “I kept you waiting for a good fifteen minutes after the appointed time.”
“Fifteen minutes!” Geoff was sure he would never have survived it. He’d have been at her door tossing her over his shoulder and carrying her to the altar.
“I am positive that cannot be correct,” his father said.
“Merciful Heavens.” His grandmother walked into the room followed by his cousin. “Have a glass of wine, but stop making such a fuss. Markham, I remember exactly how disgruntled you were waiting for Catherine. You had called for your horse as if you’d go to her father’s house and fetch her to the church.”
Geoff grinned to himself. At least he wasn’t the only one who would have carried off his lady.
“Harrington, pour me a glass of c
laret and have one yourself. You are going to wear yourself out at this rate.”
He handed his grandmother a goblet of wine, and said as loftily as he could manage, “I don’t wish to be in my altitudes when I wed.”
“If one glass of wine is going to make you cup-shot you’ve got more problems than you think,” his grandmother said acerbically.
Geoff groaned, poured a glass of wine, and took a sip.
At five to the hour, his uncle, Bentley, and Gavin Turley arrived.
Had Turley come to tell Geoff the wedding was off? Good God! Despite everything they had done, and how happy Elizabeth seemed, he had become obsessed by the fear she would jilt him. “Where is Elizabeth?”
“She was coming down the stairs as I was leaving.” Her brother pointed to Geoff’s glass. “Is that claret?”
“Yes.” He poured glasses for everyone.
The under butler his father brought with him appeared at the door and bowed. “The Duke and Duchess of Rothwell, the Marquis and Marchioness of Kenilworth, and the Marquis and Marchioness of Merton.”
“Elizabeth invited us to the wedding ceremony,” Lady Merton said as the party strolled into the room. “She is on her way.” She turned her attention to Bentley. “Your betrothed will be her witness.”
“Oriana here?” The man beamed. “Had breakfast with her but she didn’t mention it. At least I don’t think she did.” The next second he was frowning. “Should I have escorted her?”
“Not at all.” Lady Merton smiled reassuringly. “She is supposed to come with the bride.”
“Well,” Uncle Richard said. “It is time for us to take our places in the garden.”
Several footmen carried more chairs out to the area to set up for the wedding. As soon as they were put in place, the housekeeper tied ribbons on them. Tables dotted the terrace and garden, all decorated with flowers and ribbons. The ballroom was full of tables as well. How many people had his mother invited?
Soon everyone was seated. Uncle Richard stood in front, and Geoff and Bentley took their places in front of Uncle Richard.
