“But there was still concern, still hesitation – ”
“And there still is, admittedly,” Rupert answered. “If your father finds out anything about my sister or the present situation, then he might pull back but – ” Seeing the tears fill her eyes, a sudden determination struck him and, leaning down, he looked straight into her eyes, caring nothing for who saw them. “If he does, if such a situation should happen, then I will take you to Scotland and marry you there.” His heart burned with a sense of relief and of victory, his decision final and his happiness determined.
“You – you would?” Stars shone in her eyes as he nodded, pressing her hand as he fought not to throw his arms around her.
“If you would be willing,” he answered, as she nodded fervently. “There may be difficulties ahead, Eleanor. It may be that we do not have our answer, that my cousin – if it is she – reveals the truth about my sister to all, and even elopement in itself would cause scandal but – ”
“I care not,” she breathed, as Lady Catherine turned her head away, giving them both a moment together. “Oh, Finchley, I love you so. I want nothing more than to share the rest of my life with you.”
“And I with you,” he answered, his heart beginning to pound as desire to kiss her began to swarm him. “Eleanor, if I might, I – ”
“Brother, if I might steal a moment, I have found Howerton and – oh.”
Rupert, irritated at the interruption, sent his brother a sharp look. “Preston, Lady Eleanor and I are in conversation and – ”
“There is something in your pocket.”
A little confused, Rupert twisted around and tried to look at the back of his coat, to where the hidden pocket was, only for his brother to pluck it out and hand it to him.
“A… a note.” Lady Eleanor clutched at his arm, her eyes wide. “How did – ”
“A gentleman knocked into the back of me when I was walking with your aunt,” Rupert remembered, unfolding the note. “Not a lady.”
“Do you know who it might be?” Lady Eleanor asked, keeping her voice quiet as Rupert read the note. “You mentioned before that she was connected to a gentleman who does not have a great deal of coin.”
Handing the note to his brother, Rupert scowled. “Lord Howerton and Lord Wishart, brothers to Emma, informed us recently that Emma is pursuing and being pursued by a gentleman less than suitable, Lord Wigton. They do not think well of him, and yet, Emma continues to insist that he is the gentleman she desires. They have not accepted that, of course.”
Understanding flooded Lady Eleanor and Lady Catherine’s faces at once. “Then,” Lady Eleanor said, slowly, “this demand for money comes from them both. As a way to either prove that Lord Wigton is soluble enough for them to wed, or simply because he has urged Miss Gladstone to do such a thing, because of the affection and connection they share.”
Rupert nodded. “Precisely. So it might well have been Lord Wigton who knocked into me and placed the note there. He is not a gentleman I am acquainted with as yet, so I did not recognize him.”
“Might I ask what the note says?” Lady Catherine wanted to know, as Lord Preston frowned. “Is it very bad?”
“‘All carriages require repairs,’” he read aloud, as Rupert grimaced. “‘My own without exception. Therefore, I require a substantial sum for a new carriage, which you are to have readied for me tomorrow morning. You will set it at the marble arch of Hyde Park and return to your home without delay, else – ’”
“Else the threat of revealing all to society will be carried out, yes,” Rupert muttered, shaking his head. “The time they write atthe end of the note is very early indeed. No one else will be about but – ”
“But is this not good news?”
Rupert frowned, looking back at Lady Eleanor. “In what way?”
“You have opportunity to take a hold of whoever comes to collect your money,” she said, her eyes shining with hope. “You may have to return home, yes – or you can make a show of it, at least – but I can be present. Your brother also. So long as we are hidden away, then we will not be seen.”
“I can have Howerton with me,” Preston suggested, with a shrug. “I can take him to Whites after the ball and keep him there until that time.”
“You will have to sneak out of the house, Eleanor,” Lady Catherine said, although she did not sound in the least bit upset at the notion. “Will you manage to do so?”
Lady Eleanor nodded, returning her gaze to Rupert. “What say you, Finchley?”
Rupert pressed his lips together. He did not want Eleanor to be in any sort of danger, but at the same time, he could see that this was a way for them all to secure not only the truth but to throw aside the threat, once and for all. “It could be done, yes. I will have to make arrangements to have the money prepared but – ”
“Brother, you could set rocks in the bag rather than coin!” Preston exclaimed, as Lady Catherine and Lady Eleanor laughed softly, bringing a fresh relief to the situation that had not been there before. “Our intention is not togiveany more money but to discover the culprit!”
“You are quite right.” Rupert drew in a long breath, then set back his shoulders. “Then we have a plan.” His stomach swirled with nervousness, worried that all might not go as planned.Setting it aside, he bowed towards Lady Eleanor, then offered her his hand. “But for the moment, let us dance.”
Her face split with a bright smile, and she accepted him without a second of hesitation. “I would be delighted, Lord Finchley. I would dance every dance with you, should it be permitted.”
“As would I with you,” Rupert promised, leading her to the dance floor, unable to take his eyes from her. “We are so near to the end of this, Eleanor, and then, I hope, we will finally be able to find our own happiness, free from fear, worry, and concern.”
