Chastity, who hadn’t been privy to the earlier conversation as a result of their discovery of Witherspoon’s whereabouts, frowned in confused concern. Surely, they could simply send someone to arrest the blackguard and be done with it? She determined to ask her husband-to-be as soon as they were alone. And if he thought to keep anything from her… Well, he hadn’t reckoned with the fact that she’d had years of honing her prying skills from her six older sisters.
‘I assume the wedding taking place at Blackmore will necessitate keeping it reasonably small?’ questioned Christian.
‘Yes,’ agreed Chastity with relief. ‘Please. I don’t want a large affair like Hope or Patience.’ The Earl turned and finally smiled at her, once again eliciting the butterflies that so plagued her in his presence.
‘I’m not sure if you are aware, Miss Shackleford,’ he stated after a second, ‘but I have yet to begin the repairs to the Cottesmore Estate. However, that’s something I hope to rectify as soon as the weather begins to improve.’ He paused before continuing carefully, ‘Once the refurbishment is complete, it is my plan to spend the majority of the time there. With your father’s permission, I would very much like to take you for a visit, given that it will be your home too.’
Chastity swallowed a sudden lump in her throat as she nodded. Then she gave a slight chuckle, murmuring, ‘Though I have to admit, my lord, I have no idea where it is.’
‘It’s near Ringwood. On the borders of the New Forest,’ he answered. ‘Not so far from your sisters I believe.’
‘While I applaud your intention, Kit, could I request that you postpone such a visit until our mutual friend is safe and sound inNewman’s Hotel.’The Duke deliberately used the diminutive term for Newgate Prison. Even the youngest ears were familiar with London’s most infamous gaol.
The Earl nodded grimly. ‘That would be wise, I agree…’ He paused before continuing, ‘Would it be appropriate for Miss Shackleford to accompany me for a stroll in Hyde Park? Unfortunately, it will have to be on foot as I’m not yet in possession of a curricle.’
‘Can I come too, Papa?’ piped up Mercy, showing clearly she’d been listening to the conversation.
‘I’d be happy to chaperone you,’ Prudence added with an impudent wink.
‘I’m entirely certain a sixteen-year-old would not be considered a fitting escort,’ countered Felicity drily. She turned towards the Earl, adding, ‘I would be delighted to act as your chaperone, my lord, and of course, a companion to Prudence and Mercedes should they accompany you.’
In the end, it was agreed that Lord Cottesmore would call for Chastity at two p.m. on the morrow and they would be accompanied by not only Felicity, Prudence and Mercy, but also the Duchess, Peter and Jennifer. Fortunately, Anthony was to attend a fencing lesson.
‘A veritable family outing,’ muttered Chastity sourly. Overhearing her, Christian fought to hide a grin. She’d sounded much more like the woman who’d gone as far as climbing a tree to speak with him. To his abrupt surprise, he discovered he actually wanted to get to know that side of his wife-to-be. How odd. He gave a bemused shake of his head.
Soon after, he spied Mercy giving a particularly large yawn and reluctantly took his leave. Nicholas wouldn’t hear of him hiring a hansom carriage, insisting that the evening was still early, and his coachman would be more than happy to do the honours.
As they were leaving however, Grace took the Earl aside to confess that the coach driver’s skills were somewhat erratic. A ride in Joseph’s carriage was always stimulating but very often unpredictable and took a little getting used to. She therefore advised his lordship to sit Mercy next to him and hold on to her tightly, otherwise she could well end up in the gutter.
Her grace didn’t feel now was the time to mention the driver only had one leg…
∞∞∞
‘What the deuce is bothering you, Percy Noon, and don’t you dare say nothing, you’ve been Friday faced all night? Reverend Shackleford finally cornered Percy halfway up the stairs on his way back from letting Freddy out for his last wee. ‘Is it the widow?’
‘She’s not a widow,’ retorted Percy dully continuing up the stairs.
The Reverend raised his eyebrows. ‘Well that’s good isn’t it?’ he demanded in exasperation. ‘I mean, at least if she’s still got her old one, she’ll stop looking for another, so you’ve had a reprieve.’ He paused before adding a rueful, ‘Though it likely won’t last long, given the fact her husband looked as though he’d been dug up.’
‘He’s an ivory turner,’ declared Percy vehemently as they reached his bedchamber. Augustus Shackleford frowned. ‘Yes, well, he was a Jack tar and most of ‘em aren’t noted for their noble bent.’
‘What if he’s violent?’ Percy insisted.
‘He’s only got one arm,’ Reverend Shackleford countered. ‘I doubt very much he’d be able to get the better of Lizzy Longshanks even if he didn’t have one foot in the hereafter.
‘And what about this Witherspoon fellow?’ Percy’s voice was getting louder. ‘He’s even worse.’
‘He’s also her brother,’ the Reverend reasoned. ‘Look, lad, I think Lizzy Fletcher is more than capable of looking after herself. She might be a bit bracket faced, but she’s no fool.
‘And anyway with a bit of luck, old Withers’ll be for the morning drop before he gets the chance to do any damage…’ He paused and looked round before lowering his voice. ‘I think Malcolm’s going to set a trap for the blackguard.’
‘What kind of trap?’ queried Percy, pushing open his bedchamber door.
‘I don’t know yet,’ the Reverend retorted, following the curate in, ‘but I’m certain they’ll need our assistance once they’re ready to spring it.’ He waited until Percy sat down on the side of the bed before seating himself next to the smaller man.
‘So why is all this troubling you so much… really? Come on Percy, don’t give me any deuced moonshine.’
There was a silence, only broken as Freddy jumped up onto the bed between them and made himself comfortable. For once, Augustus Shackleford didn’t say anything, content to simply wait until the curate was ready to unburden himself.
