“Oh, this and that. Unimportant things, mostly. But I made certain to explain about the terrible tragedy that almost befell Lady Lydia, and how it was only Lord Paxton’s heroic behavior that saved her from death in the river below.” Julius paused, casting a sideways glance at Vincent to see if he was following along. “By and by, they came around and readily agreed that Lord Paxton’s appearance was odd, but certainly fortuitous.”
“And what of the talk of their marriage? Everyone heard him, Bronson. And worse, they saw Lady Lydia stand idly by and not protest.” Vincent was softening, but still looked unconvinced.
“Ah, but I have even paid a call to Lady Medvale,” Julius said. He paused, letting Vincent think on his words.
Vincent’s eyes went wide. “You didn’t. How did you ever find the nerve to show your face there after what happened?”
“It took great courage, let me assure you. But I spent a good deal of time with the Countess,” Julius said, clearing his throat to cover his lie, “and she even said that Lady Lydia would be welcome to pay her a call very soon for some pleasant conversation.”
Vincent was stunned into silence. Julius could practically see the thoughts swirling in the Viscount’s head, and soon enough, he knew that he’d won him over.
After bidding the Viscount goodbye, Julius headed for the docks of the London harbor. His passage on a boat heading up the western coast of England was to depart before noontime, and there was little time to waste. The onslaught of smells from the boats coming in and the muck that clung to the Thames hit Julius before his carriage ever reached the ports.
“Not many passengers, eh lad?” Julius asked as he boarded the small vessel.
“No, My Lord, only some goods we be carryin’ to the northern lands,” the ship’s hand who showed him to a humble stateroom said. “Fact o’ the matter, the captain gave up his own quarters to ya since yer the only payin’ passenger.”
“Good, glad to hear it. With no other passengers, we should arrive in good time,” Julius said with a happy nod. This news was the first thing that had gone his way in days, and he would celebrate whatever good fortune he could get at the moment. “Tell the captain I’ll pay double my fare if we get there in a hurry. And if we continue to make good time, the rum shall be on me, as well.”
The ship’s hand grinned broadly and he did a little jump of excitement. “Aye, My Lord. I’ll tell him straight away!”
That should ensure there’s no dallying,Julius thought gleefully. He looked around the quarters as soon as the door closed behind the lad, noting the low ceiling, narrow bed, and small table for taking his meals. It was certainly not luxurious, but what it lacked in comfort and fine amenities it made up for in lower weight and sleeker design.
Soon enough, a great shaking and scraping of the hull’s exterior signaled that they had shoved off and were on their way. They eastward journey on the river would take them to the open sea much sooner than crawling through the locks and waterways of the winding Thames, but it would still require a number of hours before the waves could carry them around the southern coast.
Though Lydia had a significant head start, Julius was certain he would reach his destination before she did. And when he did, he would lie in wait for the pair of them.
* * *
“It hasn’t let up, I’m afraid,” Matthew said, leaning his elbow against the window frame of the room and staring out into the torrential downpour. “I’m sorry, but though we may be pleasantly dry in the carriage, I cannot ask the driver to endure a ride such as this.”
“Oh of course not, we couldn’t think of such a thing,” Lydia readily agreed. “And with the chance of the carriage wheels becoming mired in the mud, there is no reason to chance it.”
“I’m sorry,” Matthew said again, “but it will delay our arrival in Scotland, and delay our… well, making things between us proper and official.”
“I understand. There is no hurry,” Lydia replied, “other than returning to find Elsie again, that is. I hope she is not too distraught at my absence. By now, surely Abigail has told her the truth of my disappearance and put her little heart at ease.”
“You know,” Matthew said, turning from the window and sitting down in the chair opposite where Lydia sat on the bed, “I’ve told you already that I intend to return to my business affairs abroad and that your sister would be welcome to remain with you. As such, there is no reason why your sister could not come to stay with you at Paxton Hall at once. Immediately and permanently, that is.”
Lydia’s face lit up, looking as though someone had handed her a fine gift. “Truly? You wouldn’t mind it? Oh Matthew, that would be wonderful! No matter whom I married or under what circumstances, it always weighed heavily on my heart that I should have to leave her. After all, she is but a child and she hardly knows our uncle. I confess, I rather feared he might pack her off to some miserable girls’ school where she should wither away in her loneliness.”
“Well, that cannot be allowed to happen,” Matthew said. “I remember all too well the horrible nature of my own school. It would be unthinkable to send a little girl to such an unloving place. We shall make arrangements for her to come to Paxton Hall as soon as possible.”
Lydia beamed, but then suddenly her bright smile began to falter. “But I have to wonder… will my misdeeds bring such shame on her that she should have no prospects when the time comes? My reputation could sully hers for all time. And then where would she be?”
Matthew looked thoughtful, nodding his head as he pondered it. “That is a true concern, however, in my admittedly limited experience, time and money soothe plenty of hurts. Though she might not marry someone of higher nobility, undoubtedly there will be a well-moneyed man of business who finds her quite suitable. Never fear, I’m certain between my title and our combined wealth, your sister will be well cared for.”
It was Lydia who now looked pensive. “That is another matter that I fear we have not broached.”
“What is that?” Matthew asked genuinely.
Lydia looked embarrassed for a moment, then took a deep breath. “Our wealth. Or I should assume to say, your wealth—as you will be given all of my inheritance upon our marriage.”
“In truth, I had not thought of that,” Matthew confessed, though Lydia looked at him skeptically.
“Honestly? You had not spared a single thought for the fact that all of my property becomes yours by this time tomorrow?” She looked to the window, then added, “Or whenever it is that we might depart?”
“Lydia, I promise you, it had not even crossed my mind. So far as I’m concerned, your money is yours. At the risk of sounding like a hopeless braggart, I certainly have no need of it.” Matthew looked at her intently, then added, “But do you even know the amount you inherit? Is it paid to you—well, your husband—in full, or do you have an annual sum that is provided to you?”
