‘I married his daughter without seeking permission. I wrote him a brief letter soon after our marriage, but it was remiss of me not to visit him in person.’
‘I’m sure he’ll appreciate that.’ She leaned over to kiss him. ‘So will I. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure my brothers don’t hurt you.’
‘Is that likely?’
‘Well…’ She scrunched her mouth up to stop herself from smiling. ‘Like you said, youdidmarry me without my father’s permission. And theyareall quite large, not to mention protective.’
He looked mildly alarmed. ‘Just how large and how protective exactly?’
‘Nothing you can’t handle, I’m sure. And I’m certain everything will be all right once you tell them what a wonderful marchioness I am.’
‘Why am I suddenly having second thoughts about this trip?’
‘Too late.’ She grinned. ‘You’ve suggested it now. We’re going to Cumberland, even though it means spending a whole week in a carriage together.’
‘A whole week?’ He found her lips again before rolling her over onto the bed. ‘Whatever will we do to pass the time?’
‘Was that a knock?’
‘Mmm?’ Leo prised his eyelids open, vaguely aware of Florence shaking him awake. They’d made love twice that morning, before eating a hamper picnic in bed and then dozing off in each other’s arms.
‘I think somebody just knocked on the door.’
‘Ignore it. Hopefully they’ll go away.’
‘There it is again.’ She lifted her head. ‘It must be important.’
‘It had better be.’ He groaned and swung his legs over the side of the bed, pointing a stern finger at her as he pulled on his dressing gown. ‘Don’t go anywhere.’
‘I didn’t intend to.’ She gave him a coy look before snuggling back under the eiderdown.
‘Rimmer?’ Leo found his butler standing outside the door. ‘What can I do for you? And why aren’t you taking the day off?’
‘I thought it best for one person to stay on duty, my lord.’ Rimmer cleared his throat, looking more than a little awkward. ‘Some guests have arrived.’
‘Guests? Please don’t tell me they got the wrong date for the fair.’
‘No, my lord, it’s nothing like that. However, they say their business is quite urgent.’
‘Of course it is.’ He ran a hand over his face, stifling a yawn. ‘I suppose that means I should get dressed. Did they give their names?’
‘Yes, my lord. Major and Mrs Vaughan.’
‘Vaughan…’ He drew his brows together. The name sounded familiar, but he was still too sleepy to place it.
‘Apparently they’ve just arrived from Ireland.’
‘Ireland?’ That also sounded as though it should mean something to him, but… He shook his head. ‘I’ve no idea who they are.’
‘I do.’ He looked over his shoulder to find Florence standing behind him, wrapped in a sheet, her face as white as…well, that same sheet. ‘It’s Amabel.’
‘Amabel?’ He stared at her for a long moment before turning back to Rimmer. ‘Put them in the drawing room and tell them we’ll be down shortly.’
‘Very good, my lord.’
‘And offer them some refreshments, if you can find anyone in the kitchens.’
‘I’ll make tea myself if necessary, my lord.’
