As you have likely learned, Her Ladyship and I were wed in recent days and have returned to the home we share at Paxton Hall. We would delight in receiving you at a time of your choosing.
It is my intention—with your permission and blessing—to marry Lady Paxton in the Chapel of St. George at Paxton. Though our marriage is one of great honor and is binding abroad, we would be delighted to be married also in the Church of England, for which we require your approval.
Thank you and sincerely,
Matthew, Earl of Paxton”
A great anger built up inside Julius but it burned itself out like the discarded end of a candle within only moments. In its stead, a broad smile spread across his face as a new thought occurred to him, one that he had never given so much as a moment’s credence to.
This would change everything, and Julius had much to do.
Throwing off the bedcovers and scattering much of the contents of his tray in the process, Julius climbed out of bed and hurried over to his writing table. He scribbled out a reply as quickly as he could, then rang the bell pull.
“Green, this must be delivered to Paxton Hall at once,” Julius said, thrusting the letter into the butler’s hand. “And send someone to tell Lockwood not to go out today, I will be there shortly to speak with him.”
After Mr. Turval aided Julius in grooming for the day, Julius gathered up Matthew’s letter and shoved in his waistcoat pocket. He looked around as though to see anything else he might have need of, then opened the door to his chambers to leave.
“Gaaah!” Julius shouted, leaping backwards in surprise. Elsie stood in front of the door, looking up at him with a haunted visage. Deep purple half-moons rested beneath her somber, fatigue-hooded gray eyes. Long black lashes framed them, giving her very much the appearance of a cat and causing her alabaster skin to appear even more ghostly white.
“Uncle,” Elsie said calmly.
“Lady Elsie,” he replied, watching warily as he waited to hear what she needed.
“Where are my parents?” she asked slowly.
Julius began to fret, feeling a sweat break out on his forehead. He mopped at it with the palm of his hand. Looking up and down the hallway for any sign of Claudine, he finally said, “I believe you know where they are.”
“I know they are in the cemetery,” she said, “but I mean the parents I hear at night. They are in the house, and I cannot find them. I thought perhaps you had seen them.”
“Claudine!” Julius bellowed, never taking his off from Elsie. “Claudine, where are you?”
A rainfall patter of footsteps sounded from the staircase and Madame Saunier’s head appeared at the top stop, reminding Julius very much of a disembodied specter. It was disturbing at first, then he heaved a great breath of relief.
“Would you please take this child somewhere?” he demanded, now angry at how frightened he’d been.
“Lady Elsie! I have been looking forvous!” the woman said sweetly. “Come, it is time to have some cake on the terrace.”
“Cake? Are there no lessons?” Julius asked, frowning.
“What lessons? Zat is for zee governess when she is employed. I am only to watch Lady Elsie and keep her safe from harm,” Madame Saunier replied, leading Elsie away by the shoulders. “And to me, cake is zee safest fun of all!”
The whole world has gone mad,Julius thought bitterly as he straightened his waistcoat and steadied himself against the wall.The sooner my life returns to normal, the better.
Chapter 28
“Lydia! Wake up!” Penelope cried, still in her shift as she threw herself into Lydia’s bedchamber excitedly. “It is the day before your wedding day, we have so much to do!”
Lydia opened one sleepy eye before pulling the pillow over her head. “I’ve already had my wedding day. Now it is time to sleep.”
“No, goose,” Penelope said, pulling the pillow out of Lydia’s hands and flinging it to the corner. “Your real wedding day, the one with a beautiful new frock and a stylish bonnet, with your family about you, with the most beautiful young lady in the land to be your attendant…”
Lydia shot Penelope a look and laughed. “So you’re telling me that all of this is real, and that my dreams are about to be true?”
“Yes,” Penelope said, falling on the bed next to Lydia with a breathless laugh. “At last, everything you deserve will be yours, and your happiness will be unmatched.”
Lydia grinned, shivering slightly at the thought. These two weeks had been a blur of joy and anticipation. Her uncle had readily agreed to a wedding and it was finally to come true.
“Hurry, your family is to arrive today and we must make ready,” Penelope said. “I am so glad to have them here, for your sake. I cannot tell you how it does my heart good to know they welcome you into their lives.”
