“Tea it is. In the parlor within moments. If you would follow me?”
Harriet led them into the room, pleased to see the fire burning. Once settled, she excused herself. “I will see to tea.”
It wasn’t until she had set the kitchen to preparing tea and delicacies, that she realized she’d left them alone, and all she could do was hope Letitia would remember the current masquerade she and Paul were playing. Walking back into the parlor, with measurable apprehension, she was relieved to see the conversation had turned to London matters, politics and politicians uppermost in their minds.
Letitia smiled and jumped up as Harriet came in. “Thank goodness. I was about to come and find you and ask if I could roam around this charming house.” She reached out casually and touched Harriet’s arm, but that touch hid a pinch.
Harriet took the hint. “It would be my honor to show you around. I believe we have a few minutes while the tea steeps. And there’s not a lot to see.” She glanced at the men. “If you will excuse us?”
“Of course,” said the Earl. “Leave us to our boring stratagems for the next election.”
Letitia laughed. “I would say willingly, but I’m sure your stratagems are never boring, my Lord.”
He chuckled as the two women left the room.
As soon as the door closed, Harriet turned to Letitia. “Why are you two here? You’ve been married…what…twodays? For the love of God, Letitia, you should be on your honeymoon, at least.”
“And I will be, my dear. We’re on our way up to town, but it was vitally important that I see you first.” She looked around. “Where can we be private?”
Harriet nodded, and led the way down the hall to a small ante room, most often used for hats, coats, boots and other hunting equipment. “Here. The house party is out getting a Yule log at the moment.”
“And Paul’s with them?”
“Yes,” replied Harriet. “And you must also know that circumstances made it imperative that we appear…er…well, the thing is…”
“What?” Letitia stared at her friend. “Tell me…”
Blushing, Harriet explained the events that led to a pretense of marriage between her and Paul.
“Very wise,” nodded Letitia. “Always knew Paul was more intelligent than he like people to think.” She touched Harriet’s arm once more. “This is actually perfect. And I’ll tell you why.”
Reaching into her pocket, she produced a small, folded slip of paper. “Harry, this is very important. One of the guests at the wedding, a friend of James’s from long ago, happened to mention one of the currenton-ditsmaking the rounds. It concerns you.”
“Me?” squeaked Harriet. “Impossible.”
“I’m afraid not. The rumor is that the Selkirks are pronouncing you dead. They say it’s such a tragedy—their poor niece was abducted and murdered. Her body has not been found, but they were told by your ex-maid, who witnessed your death. You were, according to her, thrown lifeless into the Thames.” Her lips twisted in disgust. “The maid, of course, has since disappeared, due to the extreme fear she experienced at the possibility of being asked to identify your murderer.”
Harriet was at a loss for words, simply staring wide-eyed at Letitia.
“My response too, when James told me.” She leaned forward. “The problem this raises is that the Selkirks are not about to welcome you back with open arms if you decided to return to London. It is now crucial to them that you actuallybedead.”
Harriet’s head was spinning. “Oh God.” She took a breath and forced her heart back down her throat. “So they will be actively trying to find me now, and when they do…” She shivered.
“I’m afraid so.” Letitia’s expression betrayed her concern. “As soon as James heard this, he called a family conference. Edmund and Rosaline, Simon and Tabby and me and James.”
“Goodness…really?”
“You’re family. Paul is family. If you’re in danger, so is he.”
“Of course. You’re right, dammit.” Harriet clenched her teeth, torn between fury and fear, not for herself, but for Paul.
“So here’s what we decided.” She held up the paper. “This is a special license.” She paused. “For marriage.”
Harriet blinked.
“Think, Harry. This whole mess is because of your inheritance. You’re still a couple of years away from getting the bulk of it, so they have time to hunt you down and dispose of you.”
“Thanks for pointing that out so clearly, Letitia. I do understand the situation.” Harriet shivered.
