Gulping in air, he opened his eyes and eased back to meet her gaze. Her cheeks were flushed and damp, her hair awry. He brushed a thumb over a lip made plump from his kisses.
“I love you, lass. And I cannot wait to make you mine.”
“I love you, Niall.” She closed her eyes and rested her forehead against his chest.
He held her there while their breaths steadied and uttered up a silent prayer. If he had to wait much longer to make her his wife, he’d end up addled in the head.
Chapter Thirteen
“Why do you not come and star gaze with me tonight?” Catherine forcibly hooked her arm through Lavinia’s as they followed the road that led from their house to the village.
The inclement weather seemed to have cleared and left the road dry and easily walkable. Not that Lavinia really wanted to walk to the village. In truth, it was hard to persuade herself to do anything. It was preposterous really. Mama was slowly healing and she would only be delayed in going to London by a few more weeks.
She would see Niall again.
But all the waiting and being apart was making her sick to her stomach.
“You could learn a piano duet with me!” Emma suggested, tugging on her other arm.
Julia, who was walking alongside Amelia, shook her head. “Lavinia needs fresh air and sunshine. Why do you not come aid me with the garden when we return home?”
Amelia sent Lavinia a sympathetic look. “I think Lavinia is entirely capable of keeping herself occupied.”
Catherine snorted. “So why has she spent the last two weeks lying around as though she’s been told the world is ending?”
“I—” Lavinia started.
“Can you blame her?” Julia countered. “She has you for a sister, and you are utterly useless at comforting the brokenhearted.”
Lavinia shook her head. “I am not—”
“And you are better?” Catherine wrenched her arm from Lavinia’s and glared at Julia. “Was it not you who kept saying not to fear, another titled handsome man would be along soon?”
Julia made a face. “I was joking. Humor is an excellent way of dealing with heartache.”
“I doubt she found it very funny,” murmured Emma.
“I do not suppose any more gentlemen will descend upon our doorstep. Why would they? There’s nothing of interest here. At least there will not be once Mr. Bentley travels to London today.” Catherine scrunched up her face. “I might not like his books but it was rather entertaining to see all the people marching around our little village and admiring Mrs. Green’s scruffy house as though it was the Palace of Versailles.”
Amelia giggled. “Mrs. Green was none too happy about it. I heard she kept having to chase people away with a broomstick and has threatened to sue Mr. Bentley for using her house as inspiration.”
Lavinia’s lips curled at the image. Mrs. Green would do nothing of the sort but it was amusing to think of the old lady chasing away the elegant men and women who had come to the village. Most left for London when Niall had but the few who had lingered behind would leave this week now that Mr. Bentley was ready to leave and meet his wife in Town.
Her heart gave a rapid, sickly thud, as it was want to do recently. She had heard nothing from Niall but it was what they had agreed. Until Mama was entirely healed and able to tolerate the information that they were practically engaged, it was too dangerous to have letters in strange handwriting arriving at the house. Mrs. Holmes would surely tell Mama and she was too weak to tolerate any stress.
If only Mama could see how good a man Niall really was. Then they could have declared their intentions before he had left and Lavinia would not have suffered so.
“I do wish we could put a proper smile on your face, Lavinia.” Emma squeezed her arm. “Mama is out of danger and it will not be long before you can see the laird.”
Somehow, she had managed to keep the main details of their clandestine meeting quiet from her sisters. Catherine especially did not need to hear such things. She was far too young. Lavinia did not regret it for one moment but it did make missing Niall all that much harder. How could it not after such a life-changing time together?
“Come, let us see if the corner shop has some sweetmeats. Mama would enjoy them, as would I,” suggested Amelia. “A little bit of sugar will perk you up, Lavinia.”
Lavinia nodded. Her sisters were trying their best and the last thing Lavinia wanted to do was pine for Niall like a lovesick heroine from Mr. Bentley’s books. She would have to do her best to cheer up, especially as it was going to be several more weeks until she could leave for London. Mama needed to be completely and truly healed before she dare tell her anything or leave her side.
The village seemed empty now that most of the visitors had gone to Town or returned home. People strolled up the main street leading through the village and a horse and cart rolled gently past Lavinia, the man driving it giving them all a quick tip of his hat. Everything had returned to normal.
Lavinia made a face to herself. If only she could feel normal.
“Oh, Miss Amelia.” Mrs. Barnes scurried over from the haberdashery and placed herself in front of Amelia, effectively forcing them all to stop. “How is your mother? We have all been thinking of her. I hope you received my basket.”
Amelia issued a polite smile. “We did indeed, Mrs. Barnes. She is much improved, I’m pleased to say, but still a little weak.”
“Oh you must tell her I have been thinking of her. We have missed her greatly at our little gatherings. I could always rely on her as the font of all knowledge. Do be sure to tell her I said as much. Oh...” Mrs. Barnes drew in a breath. “She will be astonished to know that Mr. Wilkinson...most people refer to him as Wilkie...tell her I said Wilkie...” She waved a hand. “Anyway, he has only taken up with Mrs. Stanford, who some of you may recall, was widowed only six months ago. Do tell your mother as I just know she will be startled to hear.”
Amelia’s smile grew strained. Julia rolled her eyes while Catherine had given up on appearing polite at all and had wondered off to peer into the window of the haberdashery.
“Of course, Mrs. Barnes.” Amelia motioned for Catherine to follow. “Now we must—”
“Oh goodness, I almost forgot.” Mrs. Barnes moved in front of Amelia again. “That Scot—the one practically every girl was fighting for, except of course my Maisie. She is far too sensible to think about taking up with a man in a kilt for goodness sakes...Anyway, your mother shall be mightily interested to know that there is news that he is already engaged. Can you imagine? Barely a fortnight in London and he has already found himself a bride.”
Amelia swung a glance Lavinia’s way, her face ashen. If Amelia’s was pallid, Lavinia hated to think what her own had to be like. Her stomach tightened to the point of pain and a sudden swell of sickness washed over her. She drew in a long breath and Emma tightened her grip on Lavinia’s arm, when she found herself wavering.
Whatever Amelia muttered to the nosey Mrs. Barnes, Lavinia had little idea. Her sisters moved as one, drawing Lavinia over to the park and depositing her on a bench. Lavinia fought to draw in breaths while her pulse pounded in her ears.
“She has to be wrong, silly old biddy,” Catherine muttered.
Amelia sank down next to Lavinia and squeezed her hand. “Yes, she’s wrong to be sure. Niall would never look at another woman, not after meeting you.”
“If he has, I’ll give him a good kicking, I swear.” Catherine curled her delicate fists at her sides.
“Mrs. Barnes is a terrible gossip and frequently wrong. I do not think you should listen to her,” Emma said while she rubbed Lavinia’s back.
“Emma is right,” agreed Amelia. “Until we hear the words from his mouth, we should not think her words the truth. She is as bad as Mama when it comes to gossip, and you know how muddled these stories become.”
But Lavinia had to wait to find out for certain. She could not fathom that Niall would really become engaged to another woman. It meant
every second would be agony until she knew for certain.
“We need to be sure.” Julia tapped a finger against her lips. “We need to get Lavinia to London.”
Lavinia shook her head rapidly. “Not until Mama is better. She is too weak to handle the news. You know how much she disapproves of Niall. What if—”
Catherine clamped a hand over Lavinia’s mouth, muffling any further words. Lavinia scowled at her sister and tried to pry off her hand but Catherine was surprisingly strong so she gave up.
“For once, think about yourself, Lavinia,” scolded Catherine. “How can we ensure Mama is happy and get Lavinia to London?” she asked the others.
“Mr. Bentley is going to London today.” Emma’s smile was coy.
Julia grinned. “Yes. I am certain Amelia can charm him into playing escort for Lavinia.”
Amelia flushed. “Well, I—”
“You can be charming when you want to.” Julia waved a hand at her. “Then it is just Mama we need to deal with.”
“I think I have an idea.” Emma stood. “Catherine and Julia, why do you not return Lavinia home and ensure she is all packed? Amelia can see Mr. Bentley and I shall worry about Mama.”
Julia shrugged. “If you are certain.”
“Mmpph,” said Lavinia against her sister’s hand.
Emma gave Lavinia’s arm a reassuring rub. “Just leave it all up to us.”
Catherine eased her hand away from Lavinia’s face.
“But—”
The hand flew back over her mouth and Lavinia glowered at her sister.
Catherine lifted both brows. “Promise you will not protest?”
Lavinia nodded reluctantly. Whatever her sisters had planned, she had no choice but to go along with it. Trust her to have the most stubborn, strong-willed sisters in existence.
“Excellent.” Catherine removed her hand and clapped them together. “Let us secure this laird for Lavinia.”
Chapter Fourteen
Beneath her gloves, Lavinia’s hands were clammy. She kept her focus on the passing scenery. Smoke wrapped itself about the grand buildings and the rattle of carriages seemed to echo the thud of her heart in her ears. Beside her, Julia rocked with the motion of the vehicle, her arm offering a sort of reassuring support every time they knocked into one another. It had been decided that Amelia should stay home with Mama to reassure her and as Julia was the next oldest, she had been sent along with her. Lavinia supposed at least she could gain some courage from Julia—nothing ever scared her.
“Nearly there, Miss Lavinia,” Mr. Bentley assured.
She gave him a thin smile. Mr. Bentley had done his best to rally his spirits and really she had to be incredibly grateful to him for escorting her down to London at the last minute. What her sisters had said to persuade him, she did not know, and she was too terrified to ask. With how determined they were to send her on her way to see Niall, it might well have been anything.
“I hope I have not inconvenienced you too much,” she said, her voice coming out reed-like and fragile. She swallowed the knot clogging up her throat but it refused to budge.
Nearly there, nearly there, nearly there. Only a few more minutes and she would be able to see Niall. And ensure that there was no truth to these rumors.
There would not be. There could not be.
And yet...she could not help but fret. Niall would be surrounded by beautiful young women with riches and a lot more to recommend them. She might be thought of as the belle of the village but in London, she really was insignificant, no matter what her Mama thought.
“It has been pleasant to have company.” Mr. Bentley smiled.
“We shall be forever in your debt, Mr. Bentley,” said Julia.
His smile expanded. “I suspect it might be the other way around. I get a hand in a great young love story. It will be wonderful fodder for a story.”
Lavinia opened her mouth then shut it. Apparently her sisters had told him everything. She peered at her hands and laced them together, aware of heat flowing into her cheeks.
“Do not fear, Miss Lavinia, I will say nothing, but I hope you will permit me to say that your intended is an impressive man. I can see why you would fall for him.”
Mouth dry, Lavinia could find no response so she merely smiled again. Lord, what a journey this had been. Though they were only a few hours from London, it had felt like the longest journey she had ever done, full of strained smiles and reassuring touches from Julia.
“Holderness House is just around the corner. I think it most likely you will find the laird there,” commented Mr. Bentley. “My wife said there were invites for most of the ton tonight but it was assumed I would still be in Hampshire. I suspect Mary did not want the temptation of a party to get in the way of my much-needed rest.” His lips tilted in amusement.
Lavinia absorbed the information. She could wait, she supposed. Find out where he was lodging. Even remain around the building until people departed, but that could be the early hours of the morning and it was hardly the safest thing to do.
“How do we get in if we were not invited?” Lavinia glanced out of the window. Stone buildings lit by lanterns were rising steadily higher, growing grander and grander. Elegant folk strolled along the pavement, arm in arm, stopping to greet friends and acquaintances. Lavinia had been to enough balls and grand parties to know that she could hardly just wander in.
Julia squeezed her arm. “We will think of something.”
Mr. Bentley rapped his cane on the top of the carriage and it drew to a halt. Lavinia’s stomach had to be tied in a hundred knots and would likely never come undone. What had she been thinking? Yes, she was mightily fed up with playing by the rules all the time but fleeing to London in search of a man? This might be too much even for her.
“There’s Holderness House. Mr. Bentley indicated to the building dominating the square. Carriages were lined up in front of it, preventing them from getting any closer. “I will keep the carriage close by in case you need anything.”
“Oh no.” Lavinia shook her head. “Your wife will be expecting you.”
“I promised your mother I would keep you safe, so keep you safe I will.” He opened the door to the carriage and stepped out to hand Lavinia and her sister down.
Offering him a shaky smile, she murmured her raspy thanks. Julia did a better job of expressing their gratitude but he waved it away with a hand. “Make haste now. I’m certain the laird would not want to be kept waiting.”
Amelia looped her arm through Lavinia’s as they made their way toward the sizeable sandstone building. “Do you have any ideas?” she said, her voice low as a couple in their finest clothes passed by.
Eyeing the building, Lavinia noted the footmen on the door. She drew in a breath. “We came here last season, I think.”
Julia nodded. “Though I cannot remember much of it. I spent most of the time trying to avoid dancing.”
“There are vast gardens at the rear. And several more entrances.”
“Ah.” Julia grinned. “We can sneak you in the back.”
Lavinia drew in a long breath. “What if he’s not there? What if...?” She could not bring herself to say the words.
“He will be. And he will be overjoyed to see you.”
Lavinia hoped so. After hours of travelling, she was creased, mussed, and her features probably revealed her exhaustion. Her dress was not really designed for grand balls and it would be obvious she was not meant to be there once she stepped inside. It would be awful to make such a scene if Niall did not even want to see her.
It would be worth it, though.
Julia unlooped her arm from Lavinia’s and took her hand firmly, picking up the pace. “Come, let us get you in this ball.”
They made their way around the building to the tall trees that lined the gardens. Conversation filtered through the air and Lavinia spotted the glimmer of lanterns lit along the garden path through the gaps in the hedges.
Julia paused and glanced up and down t
he length of the hedge. “Is there no rear gate?” she asked.
Lavinia shook her head. “I do not believe so.”
She eyed the hedges again. “I think you could squeeze through. It will not be comfortable, though.”
Lavinia followed her sister’s gaze. There was a thin gap between each plant that someone could squeeze through—if desperate enough. And she was.
Nodding, Lavinia undid her Spencer jacket and shrugged it off before handing it over to her sister. She might regret the lack of protection from the branches but the jacket would just get in the way. As would her bonnet. She plucked out the pins and dropped them to the floor then undid the ribbon and tossed it to Julia.
“I should come with you.” Julia scowled at the bundle of garments in her arm.
“Both of us will draw more attention than just me. Besides, someone needs to hold my belongings.”
And she would rather Julia did not get into trouble. Not for her sake.
“They might think you are a thief,” Julia whispered. “Be careful.”
Lavinia swallowed hard and nodded. “Go and wait with Mr. Bentley in his carriage,” she ordered. “It is not safe to be here alone.”
Julia made a dismissive noise. “I am going to wait around at the front of the building in case you get thrown out on your bottom.” Her eyes widened. “Which I am certain you will not,” she added hastily.
“I hope you are right.”
Giving her sister one last weak smile, Lavinia drew in her stomach and pressed into the thin gap. Branches clawed at her hair like a wild beast trying to drag her back but she forged forward, wincing when they came into contact with her arms and having to wrench away as others grabbed her hair and clothing.
The light of the lanterns and the sound of conversation strengthened, drawing her closer. She pushed through and spilled out abruptly as the last branch let her go.
“Oh!” Lavinia caught herself and straightened.
“Goodness.” A woman pressed a hand to her chest while the gentleman she was strolling with gave her a sour look.
Lavinia and the Laird (Bluestocking Brides Book 0) Page 10
