After escorting her to the door, and making a show of bowing over her hands, he said in a low voice. “We will be by at eight o’clock to fetch you and Mrs. Potter. Your maids will be picked up by Meg and Hawksworth’s personal servants about a half an hour earlier.”
“We shall be ready,” Sarah assured him with more confidence than she’d had a few minutes ago. “With luck, my brother will still be asleep.”
Several minutes later Quartus entered Hawksworth’s house, and was almost to the morning room when his brother’s bellow seemed to bounce off the walls. “I am going to roast the blasted scoundrel over a spit!”
What the devil? He entered the room stopping by the door on the off chance he was the one in trouble. “Roast whom over a spit?”
“Our father.” Damon bit out, resembling nothing so much as an enraged bull.
“What has he done now?” The duke should be under the impression that everything was working out as he had arranged.
“He is attempting to blacken your name,” he replied through clenched teeth.
“But why?” Meg took Quartus’s arm, leading him to the sofa. “I do not understand. He cannot possibly know that Lady Sarah and I will not wed.”
“Thank God for that,” his brother snapped. “The Lord only knows what he would do if he suspected his scheme was in danger of coming to naught. It must be his way of ensuring your marriage takes place. If you do not marry Sarah, then no other woman will have you.”
Quartus knew his father had behaved in a dastardly manner to Hawksworth, Frank, and their wives, but he had a difficult time believing the duke could be so reprehensible for no apparent reason.
“But how do you know he is responsible?” Not that Quartus could think of anyone else that would start rumors, unless it was Markville, but he thought Quartus was marrying Sarah. He took the glass of wine Meg handed him.
“Aside from no one else wanting to cause you harm? Anna Wharton told me that a maid who works at a certain house on Hill Street started the rumors at the market this morning. The house is currently occupied by a Mrs. Grayson”—his brother glanced at Meg for a moment—“the duke’s former mistress.”
Grayson?” Air rushed out of him as if he’d been punched in the gut. “If she is a lady around thirty or so, she introduced herself to Anna and me at the museum.”
“The effrontery of the woman.” Damon scowled. “She probably thought to ingratiate herself with the duchess and spread her lies in private.” He headed swiftly toward the door. “I’ll take care of this immediately.”
“If you are going to confront her, I’m coming with you.” Quartus followed his brother into the corridor. “It is me she is trying to slander.”
Damon stopped and turned, a wicked look graced his face. “And have her lie to me? I am going to speak with her current protector, and the conversation will be short in the extreme.”
“Oh. I see.” The idea of women being bought and traded sickened Quartus, and he was not at all sure he wished to be part of the discussion. That his father had betrayed his mother was even worse. Yet, now he knew where he must have heard the name Grayson. Frank had to have mentioned the woman when paying the duke’s expenses. Shrugging, Quartus straightened his shoulders. Nevertheless it was his reputation at stake and he would not stand by and watch everyone else protect him. “I am still accompanying you.”
“While you do that—” Meg rose from the writing desk—“I shall pay a visit to my grandmother. She will know exactly how to stop this talk from going any further.”
The next day, Anna met the Hawksworth’s, Quartus, and Lady Sarah at an inn for luncheon, the journey to the Huntley’s estate near Long Medford in Suffolk took on an almost festive atmosphere. As the weather was fine, the gentlemen decided to ride and the ladies invited Anna to join them in Meg’s coach. Mrs. Potter, Lady Sarah’s companion snoozed against the corner of the coach, and the afternoon passed quickly. Sooner than Anna had thought possible, they were stopping at the inn Caro Huntley had recommended to break their journey.
Mrs. Potter retired to her chamber after they had finished an excellent dinner, and shortly thereafter Sarah began to fret. “What if something has happened to Jeremy?” She wrung her hands together as her brow pleated with worry.
“I am sure everything will be fine,” Meg responded. “You should not borrow trouble.”
“But I have not heard from him in several days.” Sarah’s tone wrung Anna’s heart. She knew what it was like not to hear from the man she loved and to fear the worst. Though, in her case the worst had happened. Aaron had died. Anna doubted the same fate would befall Jeremy.
The younger woman looked to be working herself into a passion when Quartus took her fingers in his much larger hands. “Sarah, if he has been following the plan, he will have been traveling hard during the past few days.” His serene, sympathetic tone seemed to immediately calm her nerves, and Anna was impressed at his ability to so quickly reassure the lady. “It would have been difficult to write to you. I am sure he will arrive at Lord and Lady Huntley’s estate shortly after we do.”
“Do you truly think so?”
“Yes. Else I would not have said it.”
Lady Sarah nodded, appearing to accept Quartus’s assertions. “I should not worry myself so.”
“I think your feelings are normal. After all, you and your Jeremy have not traveled an easy road.”
She nodded again, the straining slipping from her features as she gave a slight smile.
Quartus patted her hands and rose. “Shall we seek our beds? A good night’s sleep will help us to arrive rested in the morning.”
Anna waited until there was only she and Quartus in the parlor. “You did a very good job of comforting Sarah.”
He tucked Anna’s hand in the crook of his arm. “I have always been able to calm people and situations.” He shrugged. “I believe that is the reason my father thought I would be a good clergyman.”
It was also a skill needed useful for a politician and in a man who would help her run her duchy. And although he seemed drawn to her, the difficulty might be in convincing him that he was the right gentleman for her. “There are many ways to put such talent to work.”
He looked surprised. “I have never really thought about it.”
“Perhaps you should. Being a rector is only one option you have in life.” Should she mention the parliamentary position she had coming open? Would she want him around if they were not to marry? She did not think she could stand the idea of him being with another woman. “There might be an opportunity for you to run for the House of Commons.”
“I appreciate you trying to help me, but one must have property in order to run for the Commons. Even if I found a peer to support me for the office, I have no property.”
He would if they married. “Forgive me. I did not know.”
They strolled to the stairs and climbed them. When they got to her room she reached up on her toes and kissed him softly on the lips. “Good night, Quartus.”
His arm circled her waist, and he pressed his lips to hers. “Good night, Anna.”
He opened the door and she walked in backwards, watching him as he made his way down the corridor. Touching her lips she sighed. She was definitely kissing him again.
It Takes a Hero: Chapter Nine
Their party arrived at Stout Manor, named for the river marking one boundary of the Huntleys’ estate, just before noon the next day. As their coaches drew up before the large portico, Caro and her husband came down the steps to greet them.
She appeared perplexed. “Are you missing someone?”
“My father.” Anna felt like rolling her eyes. “He discovered he has a friend not far from here and has ridden over to visit for a while.”
“Ah. It is not a bother. He can arrive when he chooses.” Caro’s smile widened as Sarah was assisted from the carriage. “This must be Lady Sarah. My lady, there is a gentleman who has been anxiously awaiting your arrival. I believe he told me his nam
e is Mr. Bellingham.”
Sarah’s eyes widened as her jaw dropped. “Jeremy? Here? How did he arrive so soon?”
“Come with me.” Taking her arm, Caro led the younger lady into the house as the rest of them followed. “I was once told that there is nothing a gentleman in love will not do for his lady.”
A man with burnish brown hair who looked to be in his middle to late twenties stood in the hall.
“Sarah,” he breathed as if his breath had been stolen. “You are even more beautiful than I remembered.”
“Jeremy, how I have missed you!” The next moment she was in his arms. “You are much broader than I remember and as brown as a nut.”
“I was afraid your brother would do something to keep you from coming.”
“I, as well. Yesterday, I was so worried, but”—she firmed her chin—“I never would have let him. I would have disguised myself and climbed out of a window.”
“Thank God that didn’t happen,” Meg murmured.
Thank the Lord indeed. Anna glanced at Quartus. “I am so glad you helped her.”
The corner of his lips tilted up, and she felt as if he held her more closely than before.
Slipping one arm around Sarah’s waist, Jeremy guided her to a front parlor. “I would have stolen you away before I let you put yourself at risk.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “Jeremy, we are being rude.”
His eyes followed her gaze, he gave a rueful smile. “And after Lord and Lady Huntley have been so kind to me. I beg your pardon, my lady, my lord.”
Caro’s fingers fluttered as if to dismiss his need to apologize. “Ladies, allow me to introduce Mr. Jeremy Bellingham. The second son of Mr. Bellingham of Bellingham Court Northumberland.”
“Mr. Bellingham, the Duchess of Wharton, and Lady Hawksworth.”
Without letting go of Sarah, he managed to bow. “Lord Quartus, Lord and Lady Hawksworth, I cannot thank you enough for your assistance. We will be beholding to you for the rest of our lives.” He turned to his betrothed. “My love, Lady Huntley has arranged for us to wed tomorrow if it is not too soon.”
“After all the years we have waited, this very moment would not be too soon.”
“Especially if she was ready to climb out a window,” Quartus whispered in Anna’s ear.
“In disguise,” she whispered back.
“Well then,” Caro said. “I shall confirm our appointment with Mr. Fulton, the vicar. The ceremony will take place here, if you do not mind.”
“Not at all,” Sarah said, her eyes suddenly shining with unshed tears. “Here is perfect.”
Huntley closed the door behind them and looked at Hawksworth. “He brought the settlement agreements and the proof of his income that was required in them. I understand that he also provided you with the information, but since the wedding will take place here, I did not want to be in a position where I could be accused of misguiding a minor. I am happy to say all is in order.”
“Did he happen to mention where they would go after they have wed?” Quartus asked.
“To his parents,” Huntley replied. “Apparently Bellingham’s father is not at all happy about Markville’s behavior and thinks the pair would be better off with family if there is any talk. Naturally, the Bellinghams would have preferred that the wedding take place there, but it is a long way for an unwed couple to travel.”
“Much better that they wed sooner than later.” Anna was more than pleased that Huntley and Hawksworth had taken it upon themselves to ensure Sarah’s safety, but she did not understand why the wedding would be at the house. “Is there a reason they should not marry in church?”
“We are not all that far from Town”—Caro led them down a corridor to the back of the house—“and we have some very well-connected gossips living close by. They could not fail to note a wedding. Huntley and I agreed with Mr. Bellingham that they will need as much time as possible to get north before Sarah’s brother discovers they have defied him.”
“I understand.” Then another thought occurred to her, and she glanced at Quartus. “Your father will be unhappy as well.”
Hawksworth made a harsh harrumph. “That, I believe, is an understatement. Not only will he be enraged, but he has spiked his own guns by attempting to ruin my brother’s reputation.”
“What did happen to the maid?” Anna did not approve of gossip, but, at the same time, she did not wish to see a servant harmed.
“The maid was only doing what she was told to do,” Hawksworth responded. “Her employer had a stern talking to with his mistress who was hired to spread the rumor. It will not happen again.”
“I am not quite sure I understand.”
Quartus thought Anna’s confusion, the way she drew her brows together, was adorable. Yet he would not be the one to tell her that a high-flyer had shamelessly approached her, and he hoped his brother did not do so either. She may be a duchess, but she was still an unmarried lady.
He and Hawksworth stole glances at each other. Finally, Meg huffed. “One of the duke’s former mistresses was hired to do the deed.”
“You told me he was behind the slander. Yet, how horrid!” Anna gasped. “I have to say that it never occurred to me that a father could treat a child in such a terrible fashion.”
“That is not all.” Quartus decided it was time for Anna to know the whole truth. If they were to have a future together, and after the two, albeit short kisses last night he thought they might. She must know everything. After finishing he said, “Now you know why your aunt detests him so much.” Quartus kept his tone dry, but she was correct. What did it say about his father that the duke would attempt to ruin one of his children, and for no good reason? It wasn’t as if Quartus had always defied him. He had rebelled when his father had tried to force him to coerce some of his parishioners. And what did it say about his family that his father was not the only Duke of Somerset to behave in an unconscionable manner?
“What do you suppose he will do now that his scheme has failed?” She worried her bottom lip as she always did when she was thinking about something.
“He does not know yet.” Not wanting to think too much about his future if it didn’t include Anna, he shrugged. “We have no idea what he’ll do when he does discover he was tricked.”
“But what will you do?” She had halted, causing him to stop walking as well. “He will not be pleased that you helped Sarah marry another.”
“I am not yet sure. I will not go back and allow him to play with my life again.” They had reached a sunny room where tea and trays of food were laid out. It had been a long time since breakfast. And situations always seemed better on a full stomach. “I’m famished.”
“Yes, of course.” Her voice was quiet as if her attention was elsewhere.
Doubts about her feelings toward him assailed Quartus again. He wondered what she was thinking. Was she upset simply because the duke had tried to harm someone, or was she truly concerned about him because she cared what happened to him?
If only he had not pulled back from her thus encouraging Markville to pay attentions to her. Yet, that was the only way he could help Sarah, and, after seeing her with Jeremy Bellingham, Quartus was more than happy he had aided the lovers.
He had a week. Something was bound to occur to him. Suddenly it was the most important thing in the world that she fall in love with him the way he was falling in love with her.
The following morning, the Huntleys, Eveshams, Beaumont’s, Rutherfords, Anna and Quartus stood as witnesses to the marriage of Lady Sarah Martin and Mr. Jeremy Bellingham. Two hours later, the newlywed couple was bid a safe journey to Northumberland.
Three days later, Quartus strode into the small front parlor where Sarah’s brother was wearing a path in a plush Turkey carpet. “How may I help you?”
Markville turned, grim lines that had not been there previously scored his face. “Where is my sister?”
“On her way to the Bellinghams. She and Jeremy Bellingham were married three
days ago. They left immediately after the wedding breakfast.”
Covering his face, Markville dropped onto a hard looking couch. After several moments, he raised his head. “Why did she not tell me he was back?”
Quartus refused to let himself feel sorry for the man. “So you could do what you could to stop them from wedding?”
“No. So that I could be there when she married.” He leveled a perplexed look at Quartus. “Did she truly believe that I did not wish her to wed the man she chose?”
“Yes. Why else would you agree that she marry me?”
Groaning, Markville ran a hand down his face. “Because I did not believe he, Bellingham, would make it back before her twenty-first birthday. He never attempted to contact me. I knew your reputation as a kind and caring man, and when the duke approached me I thought I could secure her future for her with someone for whom she could come to have affection. Her entire inheritance, including a tidy property in Surry, is tied up in marrying by the time she turns one and twenty. As her guardian, I could not countenance Sarah losing everything for a man who would never return.” Hanging his head, he shook it. “I do not understand how she could have thought . . . did she tell you?”
Quartus poured two glasses of claret and handed one to the marquis. “From the first day, she told me she was already betrothed and that you did not wish her to marry Jeremy. She said letters had gone missing, and she thought you had something to do with it.” He took a sip of wine. “I had no reason to disbelieve her. She had a copy of the settlement agreements signed by him, his father, and your father. There also appeared to be some bad feelings on your part concerning one of his older sisters. I discussed the problem with my sister-in-law, and we agreed to help Sarah. Quite frankly, it did not occur to any of us to speak to you about the matter.”
“No.” Markville grimaced. “I can see why you would not. I promise you, I did not interfere with her mail. Ships go missing and the post is lost. I would not have attempted to hide Bellingham’s letters from her. I did not even know she was receiving letters. Had I known he had been faithful to her, I would not have agreed to the match with you.”
Her Perfect Gentleman: A Regency Romance Anthology Page 38
