by Cheryl Holt
She didn’t believe people ever truly changed. They didn’t suddenly become cold and unfeeling. He could be oblivious and detached, but he was never deliberately cruel, so what had produced his dreadful behavior? She had to unravel the mystery, and she hoped he wouldn’t disappoint her.
“Amelia!” He entered the room, and he was grinning. “This is such a surprise.”
“Hello, Peyton.”
He walked over and clasped her hands, and he actually leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. In all the years she’d known him, he’d never done such an intimate thing.
“Will you sit?” he asked.
“No, thank you.”
“I’d offer you refreshments, but I’m not sure I could track down a servant to order them.”
“Your man, Mr. Cummings, mentioned that you’d suffered a disruption. May I inquire as to what happened? Or should I mind my own business?”
“I had a quarrel with my in-laws, Barbara and Richard.”
“Barbara was Neville’s wife?”
“Yes, and Richard is her brother. I kicked them out, and I sent all their servants with them. Barbara had brought them from her father’s house when she initially wed my brother. They spied on me and annoyed me, and I decided to rid myself of all of them in one fell swoop.”
“My goodness! That must have caused an enormous ruckus.”
“Yes, it will involve enormous effort and energy to recover. I have some men here with me, but they’re all retired soldiers. They’re proficient at managing the horses and the cattle, but they’re not very adept at cooking or polishing the furniture. I have to hire new people, but I can’t seem to get it accomplished.”
“You need to marry,” she proclaimed without thinking. “A wife would deal with all of that for you.”
“Well…ah…ah…”
They both blushed ten shades of red, and she hurriedly insisted, “I wasn’t suggesting you marry me. I’m not interested.”
“I’m sorry for everything that occurred between us. I wish I could go back in time so I could—”
She couldn’t bear to discuss their history, and she cut him off. “Since you’re not wed yet, you should retain an employment agency. They could drum up some excellent candidates for you. Once you have a basic crew in place, they can help you to gradually add others.”
He assessed her, his regret clear, and he nodded, accepting that she wouldn’t confer about the past. She didn’t want any apologies and wouldn’t listen to any.
“I will hire an employment agency,” he said. “That’s a terrific idea.”
She glanced at his leg. “You’re limping. Evan told me you’d injured yourself. Is it bad?”
“It was bad. It’s better now. I was riding to London, and my horse was startled when we were crossing a bridge. We burst through the railing and plunged into the stream below.”
Her jaw dropped in shock. “No!”
“The worst part was that we had to put the animal down. He was too hurt to save which was a crushing blow.” He forced a laugh. “I survived though.”
It was her turn to say, “I’m sorry.”
“I’m fine though. Fine.” He waved away any concern and gestured to the sofa. “Won’t you sit? Please?”
“No.”
He scrutinized her, years of remorse bubbling to the surface, then he shrugged. “All right.”
“If anyone learns about my visit, I’ll get into so much trouble.”
“I certainly hope not.”
“I’m only here to ask you a question.” She whispered a quick prayer for strength, then, out of the blue, she inquired, “Did you love Jo Bates?”
She thought he might equivocate or deny any relationship, but he firmly asserted, “Yes, I loved her. I still love her. With her being another man’s bride, I probably shouldn’t admit it, but it’s the truth.”
“Then why would you jilt her?”
“I didn’t mean to. I had my accident the day before the ceremony. It’s why I was racing to London, and I was so excited I wasn’t paying attention.”
“I see…” she murmured.
She’d assumed there would be a valid reason, but Evan—in his usual brusque manner—hadn’t pressed Peyton to explain. Men could be such idiots!
“For several days,” he said, “I was in and out of consciousness. After I was lucid, I wrote to Jo—over and over—to tell her what had happened, but she never replied. Eventually, I sent a footman to check on her, but she’d vacated the premises without a word and hadn’t left a forwarding address. I figured she was furious and had given up on me.”
“She didn’t vacate that house of her own free will.”
“I realize that Barbara and Richard were the culprits. When I heard about it from Evan, I traveled directly here and evicted them as punishment.”
“You didn’t!”
He chuckled. “I did.”
“If you could still marry Jo, if that was still an option, would you?”
“I’d marry her in an instant. The first time I saw her I was doomed.” In light of his history with Amelia, he recognized how appalling the comment would sound, and he blanched. “I shouldn’t have confessed that to you, but I suppose we should be honest with each other.”
“Yes, we should be honest.”
Her conscience was ringing a strident warning bell. Her next sentence was on the tip of her tongue, and once voiced aloud, it would shatter the peace of her world. She would betray her splendid, devoted brother, would prove herself fickle and disloyal, and she’d do it all for Peyton who didn’t deserve any consideration.
But she wanted Evan to pick a girl who adored him, a girl who thought he walked on water. She wanted him to stare at a girl the way Peyton stared at Jo. Evan didn’t think it mattered, but Amelia believed it mattered very, very much.
Jo would wed him to save herself from shame and disgrace, to show him she was grateful, and Amelia didn’t doubt that Jo would try her whole life to repay him for his many kindnesses. But Jo would never love him. They would have a cordial, tepid marriage, but it would never be more than that.
And despite what both of them imagined, after she birthed her baby, the child would be like a huge boulder in the middle of their existence that would constantly remind them of Peyton. Amelia was convinced it would eat away at any chance they might have had to be happy.
“Evan claimed he and Jo are husband and wife,” Amelia said, “but it was a cruel lie.”
Peyton frowned. “What part was the lie?”
“He and Jo aren’t married. Not yet anyway.”
He looked so surprised she might have punched him.
He gaped with astonishment. “Not married?”
“No. He just told you that because he was anxious for you to leave her alone.”
“It definitely worked. It never occurred to me that it wasn’t true.”
“So…they’re not shackled yet, but they will be soon. Unless you’d like to do something about it?”
“When is the ceremony?”
“Saturday at eleven. They’ve obtained a Special License so they can hold it immediately.”
“Where will it be?”
“In our church—the one our family has always attended.”
“I know it well,” he mused.
She eased away from him, needing to exit the room so she could take a deep breath before she fainted. “Now then, I’ve said what I came to say, and I should be going.”
“Are you sure you won’t stay for supper? Or could you spend the night? I have plenty of empty bedchambers.”
“No, I should get home. Jo and Evan will be worried about where I’ve been all day, and I would hate to have to explain.”
She started out, and she was trembling. The entire meeting had been much more difficult than she’d expected it would be. Maddeningly, he hadn’t furnished the tiniest hint of his opinion.
Would he visit Jo? Would he stop the wedding?
Would he ride into the church like a berserker and make off with her during the recitation of the vows?
Amelia had tried her best. If he didn’t intervene, then she’d have to accept his decision. She’d never mention their conversation to a single soul, and she’d welcome Jo as her sister-in-law. She would never regret her brother’s choice of bride.
But…Jo belonged with Peyton.
Amelia reached the foyer, and at the last second, she glanced back. “In case you were wondering, Peyton, Jo still loves you. I think she always will.”
“How can you be certain?”
“I asked her.”
“Then why is she marrying your brother?”
“You know why—because she’s having a baby—but it would be insane for her to bind herself to Evan, and you’re the only one who can prevent it.”
She whipped away and kept on. He didn’t call out to her, didn’t follow her out which was a relief.
She rushed down the steps and climbed into the carriage. In a quick minute, she was headed to London. She stared blindly outside, debating whether she’d done the right thing or the wrong thing.
Who could guess? Time would ultimately provide the answer.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
“This is my third attempt to get to the end of my wedding,” Jo said.
She was seated in a carriage with Evan and Amelia. They’d just pulled up in front of the church.
“I thought you’d done it once previous,” Evan said.
“No, twice. On the first occasion, I was eighteen.”
“But you’re not a widow. What happened to your husband? Or your fiancé? Or…or…? Gad, I can’t figure out what to call him.”
“I was jilted at the altar.”
“No!” the Boyle siblings gasped in unison.
“Yes.”
“You have the worst matrimonial luck ever,” Evan pointed out.
“I know. Not only did he jilt me, but my sister, Maud, handed over my dowry right before the ceremony.” Jo blushed. “He absconded with it.”
They were stunned, and Amelia said, “That’s the most hideous story I’ve ever heard. Was he caught? Was he arrested?”
“No. We didn’t have the funds to mount a search and had we located him, I’m certain the money would have been spent.”
“You’d have received some satisfaction from having him jailed though.”
“Yes, I definitely would have liked that.” Jo grinned. “It’s why I insisted we all ride to the church together. I realize it’s customary for the bride and groom to remain apart before the service, but I’m not taking any chances with Evan.”
“Are you scared that I’ll disappear when you’re not looking?” he asked.
“Yes,” Jo firmly stated, and they all laughed.
Evan peeked out the curtain at the building. “It’s a little late for me to sneak away.”
“Well, Fate has proved that any bad conclusion is possible for me,” Jo said, “so I intend to keep you in my sight until your leg-shackle is tightly attached.”
“What is that old adage?” Amelia asked. “Third time’s a charm?”
“I hope so,” Jo replied.
“I hope so too,” Evan concurred, “but could I please request that we not mention your failed weddings or Peyton today? It’s my wedding, and it’s Jo’s wedding, and I’d rather not waste my breath talking about the idiots who didn’t want her.”
“I agree,” Jo said. “I won’t mention them again.”
Evan climbed out, and he helped Jo and Amelia out too. Mrs. Boyle had left earlier to arrange some flowers and candles, so she was already inside.
It would be a small gathering, with just a few neighbors and servants invited to attend. Evan had finally been assigned to a new ship, and he was leaving England in a fortnight. They had many tasks on their plate, and they couldn’t fritter away effort or money on a huge event.
They started in, and Evan entered ahead of them. Jo was walking with Amelia, and Amelia paused and gazed down the road—as if she was watching for someone.
“Are you expecting a special guest?” Jo asked.
“Ah…no, no one special.”
Jo stepped toward the door, but Amelia continued to tarry. She was frowning, as if in dismay or consternation. Then she forced a smile. “Are you sure about this, Jo?”
“Very sure, Amelia. You constantly pose that question. Why? Are you afraid I’m not sincere about your brother?”
“I’m not doubting your sincerity.”
“Yes, you are, and you have to stop.” Jo clasped Amelia’s hands in her own. “I’ll be a good wife to Evan. I swear it. I’ll always try to make him happy.”
“I know you will. I’m just…worried I guess.”
“About what?”
“This all transpired so fast, and a few weeks ago, you were in love with Peyton. I’d hate to have you regret this.”
“I will never regret marrying Evan,” Jo staunchly declared. “Yes, I assumed I loved Lord Benton, but my affection wasn’t reciprocated, and I can’t wallow in the past. With my baby on the way, I have to move forward.”
“Is this the best path though?”
“Yes. I’m saving myself from disgrace, Amelia. Evan is saving me, and I’ll be eternally grateful. I plan to show him—each and every second—how thankful I am.”
“I think gratitude is a paltry reason for a marriage.”
“You’re wrong, Amelia. It’s a grand and wonderful reason, and remember Evan’s request? We’re not talking about Lord Benton today. Now let’s join your brother, so I can speak my vows and become your sister.”
Amelia’s shoulders drooped. “I’m not as much of a romantic as I thought. I can’t wait for this wedding to be over.”
“Neither can I.”
They went inside, and Evan was up by the altar, standing with the vicar and his mother. On seeing Evan, Amelia chuckled. “I’m delighted to report that Evan is still here. He didn’t tiptoe out the back to escape your marital noose.”
“There will be no reprieve for him. His bachelor days are over.”
Amelia didn’t look thrilled about that fact, and Jo would have liked to pry into her friend’s odd mood. From the morning Evan had initially suggested they marry, Amelia had seemed fine with the idea, and it was Amelia’s comments more than Evan’s that had persuaded her. Yet Amelia was suffering many qualms which was hilarious.
Jo was the person who should have been awash with jitters. She’d been in this spot twice prior, and it was a precarious place—in her experience anyway. It wasn’t easy to finish the service and walk out of the church with a husband.
“Are you ready?” Jo asked Amelia, as if Amelia—rather than Jo—was the bride.
“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
They linked arms and marched down the aisle. There was no organ blaring, no choir singing. Their guests were scattered, so the seats were mostly empty, and their strides echoed off the ceiling. It was a lonely sound, and it would have been nice to have had some relatives to invite. They would have winked their encouragement from the pews.
Amelia laid Jo’s hand in Evan’s—as if she was giving Jo away—and they all smiled.
“I wish my father were still alive,” Evan said, “so he could have joined us. He’d have liked you, Jo.”
“I’m flattered that you think so.”
Evan drew her to his side, and he entwined their fingers. She was trembling, and he noticed. “Are you frightened?”
“No.”
But she was. He’d never previously touched her in an intimate way, and so far in their abbreviated courtship, she’d been able to pretend that nothing extraordinary was occurring. She’d been able to conveniently ignore that—once the wedding was over—she would have to engage in the martial act with him.
Could she do it? She’d have no choice really.
“Shall we start?” the vicar inquired.
E
van and Jo stepped closer to the altar. The vicar gazed out at the tiny crowd and offered introductory remarks. He’d barely begun when the doors were flung open so widely that a rush of cold autumn wind blew in. The abrupt chill in the air had her shivering as if it were delivering an ill omen.
“Aunt Jo! Have we arrived in time to stop you?”
Jo froze, then whipped around to observe Daisy running to her. In Daisy’s excitement, she’d completely disregarded the notion that she was in a church.
“Daisy? Where did you come from?”
“Aunt Jo! You won’t believe what happened to me!”
Daisy hurled herself into Jo so hard that they almost fell down. Jo collapsed to her knees and hugged her niece as tightly as she could. She whispered endearments as she stroked her hands over Daisy’s body to ensure she was unharmed.
Evan had notified Lord Benton about Daisy being missing, and he’d ordered Lord Benton to search for her. He’d promised he would, and she’d accepted that promise, figuring he could force his in-laws to provide information Jo could never have retrieved. Apparently, he’d quickly located her. It was the greatest gift Jo could have received.
Suddenly, everyone’s mood changed. She glanced up to find Evan glaring, his mother frowning, and Amelia biting down a grin. They were peering down the aisle, and Jo peered down too.
Of course Lord Benton had brought Daisy to the church—she wouldn’t have come by herself—and he was swaggering toward Jo.
“Hello, Jo. Fancy meeting you here.” He nodded to his old friends. “Evan. Amelia.”
“Get out of my sight, Peyton,” Evan said. “Your presence at this ceremony is neither wanted nor necessary.”
The two men huffed and puffed and stuck out their chests—as if they might brawl. Jo released Daisy and stood, positioning herself between them.
She was irked to note that her pulse was racing, but with elation. She was so glad to see him! Her strident reaction was bewildering and appalling. Had she no pride? No sense?
He’d ruined her and broken her heart. He’d vanished just when she’d needed him the most. He’d proposed, then hadn’t bothered to show up for the wedding. He hadn’t contacted her later, hadn’t tried to explain. He’d let his in-laws kidnap Daisy, then move against Jo without consequence.
