by Brenda Hiatt
"How very practical," Forrest had to agree. "But you are not taking Mrs. Winston-Fitts's determination to capture a title into account. I fear your plan, however sensible, will not work."
"Pray do not attempt to stop us," said Sir George warningly. "You must see that it is me Rosalind loves." Rosalind's head appeared at the carriage window to nod vigorously.
"Oh, I have no intention of stopping you," said Forrest jovially. "I plan to help you. The only way you can be certain of thwarting Miss Winston-Fitts's ambitious mama is to head for the. border."
"But... but her reputation!" Sir George and Rosalind exchanged open-mouthed glances, obviously taken aback by the earl's inexplicable attitude.
"As for that," continued Forrest, "all you need is a suitable companion for her along the way. Who better than her cousin, Miss O'Day?"
* * *
CHAPTER 17
ELLIE WAS wakened from a vivid dream, in which she and Forrest were on the verge of some understanding, by the sound of someone hammering on the front door. Blinking into near darkness, relieved only by the moon through worn curtains, she gradually remembered where she was. As the pounding continued, she also recalled that Mrs. Flynn and a kitchen maid were the only servants in the house, and that neither was likely to answer the door at this hour. Struggling into her wrapper, she left her chamber with a yawn.
Lighting her way with a taper, Ellie made her way downstairs, still half-asleep. The knocking, which had ceased briefly, started again with renewed force as she approached the door, startling her more fully awake. In sudden alarm, she fumbled with the latch, realizing that only some dire emergency could have brought anyone here at this hour. Yanking the door open with an anxious question on her lips, she froze at the sight of the tall, familiar figure on the doorstep, certain that she must still be dreaming.
"Forrest?" she whispered doubtfully.
Looking down at Ellie as she stood before him in her thin wrapper, dark hair tumbled about her shoulders, lovely grey eyes wide with concern and confusion, Forrest was conscious of an overwhelming surge of emotion. She looked so small, so helpless, so... precious.
He fought down an urge to sweep her into his arms and pour out his heart to her right then. If his kiss had frightened her into flight, there was no knowing what a sudden declaration, along with a suggestion that they immediately elope, might do. No, he must move carefully to avoid alarming her.
"Miss O'Day, I trust I find you well." Even as he spoke, Forrest was aware of the absurdity of the mundane words in such a setting. "Pray forgive me for disturbing your rest. Your cousin, Miss Winston- Fitts, has need of you."
"Rosalind? Is she ill? Hurt?" Ellie's eyes grew even wider.
"No, no," Forrest quickly reassured her. "She merely needs a chaperon —a companion."
Ellie felt as if he had dashed cold water in her face. She had no doubt now that she was fully awake. "A companion! Did Rosalind make that a condition of her marriage to you, my lord? That I be allowed to remain with her? You must be very eager indeed to wed her if you drove all this way to secure my agreement to the plan!" Ellie fairly panted in her sudden rage. How dared he appear on her doorstep, raising her hopes again, only to make such a request?
Drawing herself up to her full height, which barely reached the Earl's shoulder, Ellie said haughtily, "There are many things I would do— indeed, have already done —to ensure my cousin's happiness, Lord Dearborn, but this is not one of them. My grandfather, Lord Kerrigan, has invited me to live with him in Ireland and I mean to leave tomorrow. I am persuaded that I shall be far happier there than in the same house, or even the same country, with you!" She felt tears threatening and turned quickly to go, but the Earl stopped her with a hand on her arm.
"I fear you have misunderstood me," he said gently to her averted face. "There is to be no marriage between Miss Winston-Fitts and myself. She needs you to play chaperon for her flight to the border with Sir George Bellamy."
Ellie turned startled eyes on him. "Her... what?" she gasped. "I am afraid I still do not understand. Rosalind and Sir George are eloping?"
"So it would seem, though they needed some persuading. Sir George, however, is concerned for his future wife's reputation should she travel to Scotland with him unaccompanied. Therefore, I suggested your services as companion to expedite matters."
"Oh!" Ellie choked on a laugh. "That... that does sound very like Sir George, I confess. But how do you come to be involved? Are they not running away from you as much as from my aunt and uncle?" Ellie wondered again if she could be dreaming. This whole situation seemed wildly improbable.
"There were a few awkward moments on that score, I must admit," replied Forrest cheerfully, "but I managed to convince them of my willingness to help. I don't believe Sir George realizes, even now, that the elopement was my idea in the first place."
"Your idea?" Ellie was beginning to feel almost dizzy.
"I can explain later. Will you come? I confess I will not rest easily until those two have the knot safely tied. Mrs. Winston-Fitts is a most determined woman."
"Come? Do you mean right now?"
"Of course. Night-time is best for an elopement, don't you think? And though I don't believe anyone else is likely to come after them, I would as lief not take the chance. We can be well on our way to Scotland by morning."
There was much more that Ellie knew she should ask, but the thought of accompanying Forrest into the night, even with Rosalind and Sir George along, was too tempting to pass up. "I'll go and dress," she said.
"Excellent! I knew we could count on you. I shall return with the intrepid couple in a quarter of an hour," said Forrest heartily.
He left the Winston- Fittses' small park in high spirits. It had cost him an effort to keep his tone light while all the time longing to crush Ellie to him, but he knew that the result would be worth it. She was coming with him to Gretna Green.
* * *
"Is it true?" Ellie asked Rosalind as soon as she saw her cousin. "Are you and Sir George really to be married?"
Rosalind nodded happily. "It was the most romantic thing, Ellie! Sir George proposed to me in the gardens yesterday and asked if I would go away with him. He explained everything so clearly... and when he kissed me, I felt so... so comfortable, so safe! I don't think I realized till that moment how much I loved him. But how do you come to be here in Warwickshire, Ellie? I thought you back at Huntington Park with the headache."
Ellie was momentarily at a loss for words. Her real reason for leaving seemed rather silly, given subsequent events. "I, ah, I wished to make arrangements for my trip to Ireland," she finally said. "My grandfather wrote to invite me, and even included enough money for the journey, as well as for travelling clothes. I had planned to return in time for your wedding. That is—" She broke off as it finally sank in that the wedding she had so dreaded would now never take place. "Oh, Rosie, I am so happy for you!" she suddenly cried, throwing her arms about her cousin.
Successfully diverted, Rosalind returned the embrace and then talked cheerfully of her expectations for happiness with Sir George— expectations that Ellie considered completely reasonable. She still did not understand quite how Forrest fit into the present scheme, however, and determined to find out all the details at the first opportunity.
An entire day passed, however, without that opportunity occurring. Rosalind slept much of the way, while the Earl and Sir George took it in turns to drive the coach. When Forrest was not driving he mostly napped as well, while Rosalind's presence in the coach further inhibited Ellie from asking questions, though she was far too curious to sleep. Likewise, when they stopped for breakfast and nuncheon at posting inns along the way, there had been no chance for even a moment of private conversation with him.
By the time the carriage finally stopped at an inn late the next evening, having covered more than half the distance to the border, Ellie found herself too tired to ask Forrest any of the questions she had rehearsed.
In the morning, E
llie thought as she wearily followed Rosalind into the room they were to share for the night. I shall definitely speak with him in the morning.
* * *
In the morning, however, Ellie was the last one to awaken. By the time she was dressed and had a bite to eat, the others were already at the carriage. Still, she made an attempt.
"My lord," she called sweetly up to Lord Dearborn as he mounted the box, "did you not promise to explain everything to me later?"
"Yes, and I certainly will, for I never break a promise," said Forrest with a grin. "If we are to reach the border by nightfall, however, we need to be off at once, miss sleepyhead!"
Ellie treated him to a withering look, but climbed into the coach without further delay.
* * *
Forrest was well satisfied with their progress. At their present rate of speed, they would reach Gretna Green well before dark. He was less satisfied with his handling of Ellie, however. She would not allow him to put her off much longer, he knew. The truth was, after coming so close to ruining his happiness once, he wished to be secure of her before taking any more chances. Once across the border, he could simply declare her his wife before witnesses and have no further fears of her escaping him. It was underhanded, even cowardly, he admitted, but it was also nearly foolproof.
He recalled what Ellie had said about leaving for Ireland and was doubly grateful to Sir George for his timing. If he had waited until even the next day to follow Ellie to Warwickshire, she might already have been gone! No, he would play it safe this time. Once she was wedded to him he would have ample time to court her properly. Besides, he did not think she was indifferent to him, in spite of her present —and justifiable —irritation. He chafed for the moment when he could have her all to himself, to hold her, to... He urged the horses faster.
Ellie, meanwhile, decided that in spite of the frustration of not knowing exactly what was going on, she really had little cause for complaint, considering how bleak her future had appeared only two days earlier.
Rosalind was to marry Sir George rather than Lord Dearborn. She could still scarcely believe it, after so many weeks of attempting to reconcile herself to the other match, but there it was. Not only was Rosalind likely to be far happier now, but she herself was free to attempt to win the Earl's heart, poor though her chances might seem. And if she were unsuccessful, which seemed likely, she still had the option of going to Ireland. Yes, either way, her future looked far rosier than it had before, when her only choice was between a loveless marriage or living indefinitely on charity.
As the carriage rumbled northwards, Ellie began to plan how she might impress upon Forrest that he would be as happy with her as she knew she would be with him. She was not beautiful, she knew, or especially accomplished, but she and the Earl appeared to have many common interests. Surely that must count for something! He seemed to enjoy her company. She refused to put too much hope in that one kiss they had shared, despite the tingle that still ran through her at the memory. It might have meant nothing at all to him, she reminded herself.
Briefly, she even considered the idea of trapping him into marriage, which would be absurdly easy across the border, but quickly discarded it. No, she had to know first what his feelings for her were. If he regarded her merely as a friend, as she suspected, he would never forgive her for such a step —and that would certainly not be conducive to a happy marriage.
Sighing, Ellie tried to settle herself for sleep. She would simply have to trust that he would make an opportunity to speak to her privately once they were in Scotland. Then she might have a chance to discover just where she stood. One thing she was determined upon: she would not leave for Ireland before she made an attempt to achieve her happiness here in England.
* * *
Although the summer days were exceptionally long so far north, the sun was nearing the horizon when Forrest pulled into the yard of the first inn across the border, in the little town of Gretna Green. He had never been here before, but he felt sure there would be a blacksmith on the premises willing to marry Miss Winston-Fitts and Sir George over the anvil for a fee.
As proper as Sir George's notions were, he would surely prefer that more formal ceremony to a simple declaration before witnesses. Forrest was not so particular.
Jumping down from the box, he stretched, wondering again if he had been wise to insist on leaving Sir George's coachman behind. He opened the door to the coach and paused. All three of the occupants were soundly asleep, and his gaze lingered on Ellie where she half reclined against the far side of the coach, her head pillowed on her hand. Just as before, when he had appeared on her doorstep, he was aware of an overwhelming surge of protectiveness —a need to shield her from every danger or worry that might threaten her.
Watching Ellie as she slept peacefully, Forrest abruptly knew that he could not carry out his plan. Suppose he were mistaken about her feelings for him? He might be condemning her to a life of regret. If she would have him, he would marry her at once, but if she would not, he would try his best to forget and go on with his life. Forrest realized that he loved her too well to rob her of the choice. He could not take his own happiness at the possible expense of hers.
"Do you mean to sleep through your own wedding?" he asked in a loud, hearty voice, waking the sleepers. "We're here!"
Rosalind and Sir George stirred and sat up, blinking blearily. Ellie, Forrest noticed with pleasure, woke much more prettily, looking bright and refreshed, with a smile on her face."So this is Scotland!" she said, looking about her. "I've always wanted to visit it."
The innkeeper came out to greet them a moment later, and arrangements were quickly made for a wedding in an hour's time. Rosalind hurried inside to change into the dress she had brought along for the occasion, with Sir George solicitously at her side. Both looked excited, happy and a little frightened at what they meant to do. When Ellie would have followed Rosalind into the inn, Forrest detained her with a touch on her arm.
"I believe I promised you an explanation," he said with a smile.
"Well, it's about time!" replied Ellie, turning to him eagerly. "Now perhaps you can tell me how you came to be so intimately involved in Rosalind and Sir George's elopement. I confess, I have not been able to puzzle it out at all."
Forrest grinned down at her fondly. "Have you not? Surely you know your aunt well enough to realize that she would not relinquish a prize like myself without a struggle. As long as she was able to thrust her daughter under my nose at every opportunity I would have little chance to look elsewhere for a bride." He regarded Ellie hopefully at that point, but she was frowning.
"It was not all Aunt Mabel's fault, you know, my lord. You did display more than a passing interest in Rosalind. You cannot deny that."
The Earl gave an exaggerated shudder. "Well I know it! My own foolishness over a pretty face nearly cost me dearly. Pray do not take offence, but I fear that your cousin would have made me a most inadequate wife."
"Poor Rosie!" said Ellie. "She isn't extremely intelligent, if that is what you mean, but she does have the sweetest disposition imaginable. And she is beautiful." She regarded the Earl questioningly.
"Granted," he said. "But I've come to discover that I want more in a wife than mere beauty."
As he gazed down at her with a tender enquiry in his eyes, Ellie felt the breath leave her body. "What... what do you want in a wife, my lord?" she managed to ask in a faint voice.
"I want someone who can truly share my life —its joys, its sorrows, even its absurdities. Someone I feel in tune with. I want... you, Ellie, if you will have me."
Ellie's lips parted in wonder. "Are... are you sure? You... you are not saying this just to be kind, are you, Forrest?" She began to speak more quickly, before she could lose her nerve. "I really have had a letter from my grandfather, you know, and fifty pounds besides. I can go to Ireland whenever I wish, and not be dependent on my aunt and uncle any longer. Besides, how can you possibly... ?"
He silenced her with
a kiss that left her no doubt about his feelings.
When they parted at last, he said, "I feared that you might prove stubborn. I should tell you that I am fully prepared to shout before all who can hear me that you are my wife. Then you will be quite trapped."
Ellie dissolved into giggles. "No, would you really?" she gasped. "You may not believe it, but on the way here, I considered doing the same thing to you!"
Forrest stared at her for an instant, then burst out laughing. "Suppose... suppose we had done so simultaneously. Imagine..." His words were lost in laughter. They clung to each other until they had laughed themselves out, finally catching their breath and wiping the tears from their eyes.
"May I take it then, that you will do me the honour of becoming my wife, Miss O'Day?" he asked when he could speak again.
Ellie nodded silently, her eyes still dancing, afraid that if she opened her mouth she would begin laughing again. "You... you may," she managed shakily.
"Well then." Forrest was suddenly brisk. "We had best speak to the innkeeper at once to see if we can make this a double wedding."
He took Ellie's hand and she accompanied him into the inn, her heart light as a feather.
* * *
CHAPTER 18
IT WAS a very contented quartet that headed south late the next morning. Forrest and Sir George had decided to hire a coachman for the return trip, so that both of them could spend the entire journey inside with their new brides. Ellie and Rosalind were radiant, each revelling in the other's happiness nearly as much as in her own.
During the first day's drive, Forrest explained how he had prompted Sir George to elope with the story of his fictitious friend and all of them enjoyed a good laugh over it, though Rosalind never seemed to get it all quite straight. For her part, Rosalind declared that she had known from the first that Forrest and Ellie were perfect for each other.
