I miss the sun and the light in Tuscany. As soon as we are married then Olivia and I can travel to Tuscany to the villa.
For the first time in many years his heart felt light, and he savored the pleasures of a ride through the countryside on a summer’s day.
Lord Ludlow was due to arrive at Tewkesbury Crescent later in the day.He’s going to be stunned to find I’m betrothed before he is.
As he arrived at the mews behind his townhouse, he insisted on helping the grooms care for, and cool down, Hector.
Leaving Hector and walking round to the house he heard a welcome bark, and Hera appeared, bounding towards him and then sitting expectantly, tongue lolling out. Reaching down, he ruffled the spaniel’s ears and felt its raspy tongue licking his hand.
“You and James got here before me then,” he said to the dog. Sure enough James followed Hector out from the garden door of the house.
“We were looking out for you, My Lord. We arrived a couple of hours ago.”
“With Lord Ludlow? All’s well with him?”
“Yes, we took the turnpike south to London, and it proved to be a speedy journey.”
Farthing, the butler, ran out to greet him, accompanied by two footmen. “Welcome back My Lord. There is a meal prepared to serve as soon as you are ready. Cook has prepared a beef wellington to celebrate your return.”
“Cook knows my favorite meals. I’ll be down very soon. I’ll just change out of my riding gear.”
As James helped him out of his riding boots and leather coat Marcus felt the first signs of muscles tightening after the long ride. “I think I’ll take a hot bath after supper,” he told James.
“I’ll get that set up for you, My Lord.”
“Thanks James. I feel the need of a hot soak in a tub. Have you heard anything more about the gossip which was circulating about me and Lady Olivia?” he asked.
“It’s not good. There’s been no new gossip, but the original slurs are still circulating. Cook told me that the baker’s boy had mentioned it when he delivered the loaves yesterday.” He paused before continuing. “Rumor has it that someone paid a great deal of money to make sure this gossip reached the farthest corners of the city.”
Marcus took a deep breath, and shared his news with his valet and confidante. “I’m to be married James.”
James almost dropped the clothes brush he was using on Marcus’ velvet frock coat. “Married?”
“Indeed yes.”
“May I ask the name of the fortunate young lady?” he continued.
“Of course. Lady Olivia Sherwyn,” he confided. “She’s a strongly independent minded young lady, who has already faced much tragedy in life. I can’t leave her facing ruin in society.”
“I think you will be happy,” said James, and Marcus knew he was sincere.
“I suspect you may very well be right there James. It isn’t what I planned, but I think she will make a wonderful countess.”
“We all liked her at Belvedere Abbey. That’s only true of a few guests,” he laughed.
“We need to set a date, but it will happen very soon.”
***
Next morning Marcus and Lord Ludlow set off to call at Swanbourne Place.
“You’ve been on tenterhooks all morning,” Marcus joked to his friend.
“I had to leave so suddenly, and all I could leave was that letter. I don’t know how Lady Jocelyn felt about that,” replied Colin.
“Your mother had an accident and was close to death. She will understand you had to leave immediately. We’re all glad she made a full recovery.”
“It’s remarkable,” confided Colin. “Though I’m not sure she should be mounting a horse again this soon. I had to hold my breath while she walked her horse around the paddock this week.”
