Chapter Forty-One
In the earlyevening Graham was called away to meet with Mr. Chase, who had been ensconced in the drawing room by the butler. He held out a small piece of folded parchment to Graham when he entered.
“What is it? Graham asked warily before taking it, as if the paper might strike him. It didn’t sit well that Amelia had signed an ambiguous contract in her brother’s place. He should have read it himself before any deal was struck.
“A wedding gift.”
Graham frowned.
“I suggest you hurry and use it. Even now, the aunt, Mrs. Clark, and her annoying son are planning Lord Alston’s funeral. Neither have any understanding of the worddiscreet. They’re telling everyone within hearing distance that Lord Alston is on his deathbed, and that Lady Amelia and you have been living together unmarried.”
Graham almost crumpled the paper. “How do you know this?”
“I have eyes and ears everywhere. Even the shadows report to me.” He flashed a smile.
Graham took the parchment and unfolded it.
I am loath to lose yet another stud from my stable, but I never could resist a love match. I will one day collect on this debt with interest.
BDL
Along with her brief note was another piece of parchment, and Graham couldn’t believe what he saw. How was this possible? The very idea that the power the Widow held not only in her club but in all of London could reach all the way to the Archbishop of Canterbury? Diabolical. The woman should be in politics, but instead she ran a gaming hell and enjoyed crass betting games. He shook his head, blinking at Mr. Chase as if he were about to disappear in a puff of smoke. Shadows, indeed.
But the evidence was right here in his hand. A special marriage license. He and Amelia could marry immediately. All they needed was a priest.
“Shall I procure a priest?” Mr. Chase asked, as if reading his thoughts.
Graham scoffed. “What will that cost me? It seems I now owe a heavy debt already.”
Mr. Chase smirked. “A good bottle of whisky will be my fee. I’d also require being present for the wedding and for much of Lord Alston’s recovery. In fact, my employer insists I be given leave to come and go as I please, ensuring all parties hold to the bargain.”
Graham only stared at him. “You think he’ll live?”
Mr. Chase shrugged. “I’m not a betting man, but fortune does favor the bold, and the Clark family is certainly full of boldness.”
Graham’s chest tightened. He couldn’t draw breath, and yet something warm and glowing floated in his chest. He could marry Amelia right now. She would be safe from her aunt and cousin’s machinations and protected from the apparently rapidly unfolding scandal.
“Fetch the priest.” Mr. Chase tipped his hat and hurried off.
Graham’s heart pounded. He was going to marry Amelia. Tonight.
Well, hopefully. After all that had passed between them this afternoon, he was now sure of her affections, but he wasn’t certain she’d want a rushed wedding at her brother’s deathbed. But Graham could not see it happening any other way. Alston had to be there.
He took the stairs back to Alston’s room, his feet heavy but his heart light.
Amelia looked up from her vigil over her brother. “Is everything all right?”
Graham went to her and cupped her cheek, tilting her face up enough so that he could bend and kiss her.
“We can marry tonight.”
She blinked and leaned back. “I beg your pardon?”
“Mrs. Dove-Lyon purchased a special license for us. Mr. Chase just delivered it. I know it’s soon and far from the romantic wedding many women dream of, but I fear we don’t have the time. I want your brother to be with us, and I know you do, too.”
Her bottom lip trembled as she nodded in agreement. “I do.”
“You can still refuse. We can wait. But Mr. Chase also informed me that your aunt and cousin are at present spreading word of Alston’s inevitable death and our shared accommodations. I think Nelson intends to ruin you out of spite.”
