A Season in London (Timeless Regency Collection Book 6)

by Elizabeth Johns

“There is one advantage to people assuming you are a lazy lord. No one suspects I know anything about anything!” He chuckled.

  Emma had thought much the same thing herself, but she would be most grateful if he proved her wrong in this instance. There happened to be the minor detail of her marrying Shelton in the morning. If only she had the luxury of better knowing the man she was to marry.

  Chapter Five

  The next morning felt much like any other day as Emma dressed for the wedding ceremony. It did not feel like any of those wedding days she had sometimes dreamed of; her closest family was not present, and she had no joy or expectations of this union. Her aunt had presented her with a beautiful puce-coloured gown, trimmed with pearls and dark maroon ribbons, and Smitty had curled her dark hair to frame her face.

  In the empty chapel at St. George’s, her uncle escorted her to her betrothed’s side. Jane and an unknown man were standing with Shelton, who was looking stern.

  The reverend performed the ceremony without any embellishment, and both bride and groom recited their vows without hesitation. Emma supposed each of them had resigned themselves to the union.

  After the registers were signed, Shelton’s man quickly disappeared. Perhaps he had no one to stand up for him and had asked a stranger. Perhaps it was his batman? She had little time to ponder as she was ushered into the carriage to return to her aunt and uncle’s home for a small wedding breakfast.

  Emma sat across from this handsome stranger, not feeling any different but trying to convince herself her name was now Shelton.

  “I wish this had been the wedding of your dreams, Emma. I cannot change it, but I do want you to know what a beautiful bride you are.”

  Emma blushed and struggled with the compliment. She managed a soft, “Thank you,” which was followed by a few moments of self-conscious silence. Shelton did not appear to notice.

  “Where is Lofton? I had heard Jane say he was out of town. Not that I am disappointed, mind you,” Shelton asked as he sat next to her in the carriage.

  “He told Jane he had business in the north.”

  “In the north? That makes no sense. His estates are in the east, adjoining my brother’s, in fact. What could he be about?” Shelton muttered, seemingly to himself.

  “Perhaps he did not go anywhere at all. Could it be a diversion?”

  He looked at her as if she were a celebrated wit. “Indeed, it could. My contacts said nothing at all to me of any movement.”

  “You are having him watched?” she asked with astonishment.

  “I am not having him watched. But yes, he is being watched. I had several visits this morning concerning Lofton. You did not heed my advice to be silent,” he gently chided.

  “You refer to my uncle.”

  “And your cousin, Jane.”

  “Surely you do not suspect Jane?”

  “No, but I do not trust her ability to hold her tongue around Lofton. He has a way of manipulating a person into saying things they did not intend.”

  “I had told her of Christopher’s letter long before I met you.”

  “Christopher’s letter?” He looked at her, incredulous. “What did he write? I must know at once,” he insisted.

  “Would you prefer to see it before the breakfast or after?”

  He let out a sigh of exasperation. “After. My apologies, my bride. We will have to delay our trip to Dorsetshire for a few days, I am afraid.”

  “I think it best as well, sir. I would prefer to remain with Jane until this is resolved, or at least until Lofton is cleared.”

  “Perhaps you will glean some information about Lofton’s whereabouts if she receives word from him.”

  “Shall I continue to stay at my uncle’s house, then?” she asked with a blush. They had not spoken of their living arrangements after the marriage.

  “Yes, yes, of course, I had planned on leaving for Dorsetshire, not taking you to my rooms.”

  She tried not to look as relieved as she felt. She needed more time to come to terms with her sudden change in name and all it entailed.

  Her aunt’s cook had prepared a lovely breakfast for them to include kippers, bacon, sausages, potatoes, kidneys, and fresh rolls, followed by a plumb cake, but it seemed no different from any other meal—certainly not her wedding celebration. It was not how it should have been.

  “I would like to take a look at the letter before I go,” Shelton leaned over and said to her as the family was rising from the table.

  “Of course. Please follow me.”

  They went into the hall, and both felt the awkwardness of the situation.

  “Shall I wait for you in the parlour?” Shelton asked.

  “Do you think it private enough? There is a small sitting room adjoining my bedchamber, if you prefer.”

  “I suppose that would be wiser. Lead the way.”

  She retrieved the bandbox, which held her precious letters—all those she had received since their uncle had purchased Christopher a commission.

  “He was a dutiful brother, was he not?” Shelton remarked as she pulled out the thick packet of correspondence.

  “Yes, he was,” Emma said softly. “Most of them were full of stories about you,” she told him as she sorted through the letters, searching for the one she wanted. “Here it is.”

  She handed over the last letter—the one she treasured most.

  “If you would prefer to point out the necessary part?” he asked. She was touched by his consideration.

  “If you wish.” She leaned across his arm to find the appropriate part, and a tantalizing waft of sandalwood assailed her nostrils. She almost forgot about the letter.

  I am to deliver an urgent missive to F tomorrow for S. Take heart, S believes this will be over soon and I may return home.

  Shelton read and reread the fateful line.

  “The devil!”

  “Does it help?” she asked, removing the paper from his hand to preserve it, since he appeared in imminent danger of crumpling it within his fist.

  “It only confirms he delivered my message to the wrong person, or he was intercepted and a note was planted on him to throw us off the trail.”

  She whimpered at the mention of her brother’s demise. “What note?”

  “Forgive me. That was heartless of me to speak so callously. A note was found on your brother’s body—not the one I wrote.”

  He tentatively reached out a hand to her.

  “I must go now and let my contacts know of this.”

  She nodded and with a small, perfunctory bow, he left her alone.

  “Be careful,” she whispered.

  Chapter Six

  Jane was rather glum after her cousin had been married by special license earlier in the day. She considered the matter as she was out for her daily walk with her maid. How had Colonel Shelton been able to obtain one when Lofton could not?

  “Lady Jane!” She heard a man’s voice hiss from behind the shrubbery.

  “Lofton?” she asked in confusion.

  “Yes, come quickly!” he said quietly.

  “But—my maid!” she protested.

  “Send her away so you can speak to me for a few moments.”

  Jane agreed and told Sally to wait for her near the fountains by the garden. Sally objected to leaving her mistress unattended, but went reluctantly as Jane returned to the path behind the hedge.

  “Whatever are you doing in Hyde Park when you told me you were going north?” she chastised.

  “My plans changed. Is it not good news?” he said. He sidled up to her and placed his arm around her waist, making her nervous.

  “I suppose it is, but I confess myself to be cross. Colonel Shelton was able to obtain a special license,” she said, puffing out her lower lip in a pout.

  Lofton scoffed. “Yes, he would have. I hope your cousin does not live to regret her choice.”

  “One could argue she had little choice. I applaud him for taking care of his lieutenant’s family. Why do you and Shelton disli
ke each other so?” She looked up at him and tried to push him back to create some distance between them.

  “I have good reason, Jane. I know him better than most. We were essentially raised together, did you know?”

  She shook her head.

  “He will do anything to get what he wants. He even tried to run away with my sister and steal her from his own brother!”

  “I had not heard. What a horrid thing to do! Poor Emma,” Jane said, though she had seen nothing but generosity from Colonel Shelton.

  “Indeed. Now you may begin to understand the sort of man he is. I pray your cousin will know none of it.” He pulled her back to him and planted a rough kiss on her lips.

  “I still do not understand. Why must we run away?” she asked. Twisting, she pulled out of his hold and tossed her head. “As if we were ashamed or had done something improper!”

  “Jane, dearest,” he said, taking her hands in his and drawing her back to him. “You said yourself your parents wanted to wait for a grand wedding, and my duty to the Crown will not allow me to wait much longer.”

  “But the scandal, Melvyn. It would so distress my parents, and I cannot bear to hurt them.”

  He pulled her into a passionate kiss, and she began to grow worried he would not stop.

  “Melvyn!” She pushed him away again.

  “You must speak to them. I cannot resist your charms much longer, dear Jane. Perhaps, if we put a notice in the papers, it would seem less scandalous. Certainly everyone would understand I must return to my duties with the army.”

  Jane sighed. “I will speak to my parents again.”

  “There’s a good girl,” Lofton said as he brushed her cheek with his fingertips. “Have your maid bring a note to my man. And Jane, do not tell anyone I am still in town.”

  “But . . .” She attempted to question him, but he sneaked away without another word. She was cross and felt none of her previous joy. She walked back to her maid with many heavy questions on her heart.

  Jane entered the sitting room, removing her gloves and bonnet as she walked.

  “Emma, I did not expect to find you here!” she exclaimed.

  “Yes, we decided it best to remain in London for a few days,” Emma replied. “Where have you been?”

  “Oh . . .” She hesitated. “For a walk in the park. I confess I am glad you are still here,” she hurried on.

  “Has something happened?”

  “Yes, but I was told not to speak of it. I wish I knew what to do.”

  “You may tell me,” Emma said gently, rising and taking her cousin’s hands. “However, if I think you to be in danger, I will go to my aunt and uncle.”

  “It is Lofton. He is still in London,” Jane blurted out.

  “Why ever did he tell you he was leaving, then?” Emma asked, wrinkling her nose.

  “He said his plans changed, but he begged me not to tell anyone he was here. I do not understand. He asked me to speak with Papa and Mama again about publishing notices in the papers.”

  “He thinks it will force their hand?”

  “Mayhap,” Jane said with a frown. “He still thinks we should marry before he leaves. He thinks society will understand a quick wedding, given the circumstances.”

  “I believe he is correct in that assumption,” Emma agreed, however little she wanted to encourage this match.

  “Would you believe he told me he could not obtain a special license because of a family disagreement with the bishop?”

  “The bishop is Colin’s uncle and godfather,” Emma informed her.

  “Is he? Melvyn did tell me he was Shelton’s neighbour and grew up playing with the brothers. He also proceeded to blacken your new husband’s name.”

  “Pray tell,” Emma said with growing interest.

  “He said your husband was disinherited because he tried to steal his brother’s wife, who happens to be Lofton’s sister.”

  Emma sank down into her chair. “No, I do not believe it.”

  “I would think it would be easy to ascertain whether it was true or not. Grandmama is an inveterate gossip. She is bound to know.”

  “I suspect I am the only fool who was unaware of it.”

  “Melvyn shall be gone soon.”

  “Not soon enough, if what you say is true.”

  “Therein lies my quandary,” Jane said. “I do not know that I fully trust Melvyn. It is a feeling I have inside.”

  “I understand. I always trust my instincts to guide me. Although now I am less certain.”

  “I think perhaps we should find out more information.”

  “And I think your father is to be trusted. He would never hold you to Lofton if he suspected anything amiss.”

  “My parents did discourage a hasty nuptial; in fact, they forbade it. They do not even wish for an announcement until he returns and sells out.”

  “Wise, indeed. Yet you say Lofton wishes to place an announcement? What is to stop him from doing so?”

  “He seemed urgent about it. My vanity would like to believe it is simply from his eagerness to be my husband.”

  “Oh, Jane. I do hope it is.” She reached over and squeezed her cousin’s hand. “However, your prudence now will possibly prevent you from a disastrous marriage.”

  “Will it? Or will it make me undesirable for any future matches?”

  “Not if we play our hand well. Lofton may be vindicated. It may be that I was the imprudent one. I will never forgive myself if I have married my brother’s murderer.”

  “Father, we must disturb you once again,” Jane said, entering her father’s study unannounced and without checking if Emma was behind her.

  “You never disturb me, Jane. Has something new occurred?” he asked, removing his spectacles and setting them carefully on the mahogany desk.

  “I suppose it has,” she said hesitantly.

  “I know that look, daughter. You had best tell your papa everything.”

  Jane proceeded to tell her father about Lofton’s supposed journey north, accosting her in the park, his not wanting anyone to know he was in London, and his desire to place an immediate announcement in the papers. She carefully omitted the possibility of elopement, Emma noticed.

  “I see,” her father said distractedly. Getting to his feet, he walked to the window. Lighting his pipe, he stood there smoking and staring outside, deep in thought.

  “Uncle, may I also add that Viscount Lofton was intent on maligning my husband to her?” Emma put in from where she was standing just inside the door.

  “Is this true, Jane?” he asked, looking up at his daughter.

  “Yes, Papa, it is true.”

  “I cannot condone his ungentlemanly behaviour, Jane. Under no circumstances are the notices to go in the papers. There is no official betrothal. He only asked for permission to pay his addresses to you. We have discussed no settlements. Do you understand?”

  Emma saw the astonishment show on her cousin’s face.

  “But I thought . . .” Jane protested half-heartedly.

  “I am certain you did, dearest,” her father said gently. “And I take responsibility for it. However, with a fortune such as yours, there have been several men request to pay their addresses. I confess, I had hoped for more from Lofton, since he is the first one to have taken your fancy. I do believe, in light of what you have said, we should exercise caution. I have also spoken at length with Colonel Shelton, and until the circumstances surrounding Christopher’s death are resolved, I will refuse to give your hand or your fortune to Lofton. Do I make myself clear?”

  Jane nodded. The tears were streaming down her face, and Emma noticed the struggle Jane had to keep her lips from quivering. Her father rarely spoke harshly to her.

  “I am sorry, dearest, but after you begged to be married by special license the other day, I was under the suspicion you might act rashly.”

  “But—But Emma was,” Jane objected through her tears.

  “The circumstances were entirely different!” he declare
d. “Colonel Shelton behaved honourably by marrying Emma and supporting Christopher’s family. There is nothing honourable in Lord Lofton’s rushed courtship and efforts to persuade you into a hasty marriage!”

  “But he has a respected title and estates,” she argued in obvious disbelief. “What else was I to suppose, other than that he is an excellent match?”

  “I know this is difficult to understand, Jane. It does appear to be a grand match, but he has not been forthright about his income or encumbrances. The circumstances are not clear, and we must therefore step back and be prudent.”

  “But he could be killed in battle!” she pleaded.

  “Would I wish a widowhood upon you in your youth? If his estates are not in good order, you could find your entire fortune gone with nothing to provide for you. Is that what you would wish?”

  “No, Papa,” she whispered. She clearly could not control her sobs; her breathing was rapid and ragged.

  Emma came over to her and placed her arms around her. Jane leaned on her cousin’s shoulder.

  “Jane, I must have your word you will do nothing rash,” Lord Wetherby said. “It would be most painful, but I will not release your fortune to Lofton until I can be certain the offer is honourable, and I do not consider elopement to be honourable. Do I make myself clear?”

  With a brief nod of her head, she pulled back from Emma’s embrace and ran, sobbing, from the room.

  Emma and her uncle looked across the room at each other. Incomprehension was etched upon his kindly face.

  “This is my fault, Emma. I should never have let it go so far. In view of all your husband has told me and also my preliminary investigations, Lofton worries me.”

  “I, too, have reservations, Uncle. I must speak with my husband, however, and ask him to explain the accusations against him.”

  “I would not do so yet, Emma,” he advised. “There is a dangerous game afoot, and I would let it play out before I made judgements that could alter any chance for a happy marriage.”

  She sighed. “Yes, Uncle.”

  However, she reflected, if she saw her husband at the moment, she might tear him limb from limb.

  “Do you join us at Lady Easton’s charity ball tonight?” he asked as she turned to take her leave.