“Brilliant.”
“I rather thought so, and quite effective as well. It was a quick way to procure the special license.”
“But the vicar?”
“It took a few pounds, but again, money can do much.”
“Truly, I would have expected it to be harder,” Heathcliff remarked.
“One would think.” Lucas shrugged.
The food arrived, and Lucas took a seat beside the small table in the center of the library. The maid carefully uncovered several dishes, revealing a tray of cold meat sandwiches, a plate of biscuits, and not one but two pots of tea with the steam swirling around them in a most inviting manner.
“Would you care for me to fix you a plate?” the maid asked.
Lucas waved her off. “No, I’m quite self-sufficient.”
When she turned to Heathcliff, he declined as well, preferring to serve himself. No longer needed, she bobbed a curtsey and left.
“Damn, I’m hungry,” Lucas muttered, then took a large bite of a sandwich.
“Clearly.” Heathcliff chuckled but understood the sentiment. His stomach had been rumbling as well. Breakfast seemed so long ago.
Heathcliff poured himself a cup of tea, then lifted the pot slightly higher, in a question aimed at his friend. He arched a brow as he waited for Lucas’s answer.
“Yes, please. Thank you.” Lucas held out his cup, and after Heathcliff poured Lucas’s cup full, he set down the pot and selected a sandwich. The ham was cold and salty, the perfect match for the soft and slightly sweet bread. He savored the bite, then turned to his friend. “What did you speak of once we left?”
Lucas swallowed the last bit of his sandwich and held up a finger, indicating for his friend to wait. After a moment, he answered. “It was rather difficult to continue to plan a wedding with the bride and groom not present, so we moved on to the masquerade. I gave Mrs. Keyes strict instructions on notifying the servants. She wasn’t too keen on the idea I set forth.”
“Why?” Heathcliff asked, curious to know why his very accommodating housekeeper was suddenly reluctant.
“It may have been because I asked her to reveal it in a manner that looked as if she’d slipped up and mentioned something she should have kept a secret.”
“Ah, that makes perfect sense. She’s rather prideful on her tight-lipped household. She’s been around me for far too long to let gossip flourish here. With so many of the rumors from London following me here, she’s made it quite a career in stomping out whatever does, at least within Kilmarin. I quite appreciate it.”
“Indeed. Such assistance is invaluable, but I was able to convince her that revealing the news in such a way would benefit you and Samantha. After that, she was quite willing to help.”
“She’s a godsend.”
“She’s a saint to have put up with you for so long,” Lucas teased.
“I could say the same for your servants,” Heathcliff remarked in return.
“True, true,” Lucas agreed, then sipped his tea. “Regardless, that is the summary of events after your departure.”
“Thank you. You’re most helpful.” Heathcliff gave a wry grin.
“You’re still an arse.”
“Don’t see that changing much.” Heathcliff shrugged.
“Pity, that,” Lucas replied. “I take it, based on the profitability of your earlier conversation with Samantha, you are more than amenable to the haste of your nuptials.”
“That’s quite a way to put it.” Heathcliff arched a brow. “So proper,” he teased.
“One of us has to pretend to be the gentleman.”
“Better you than I,” Heathcliff answered. “But yes. After I finish my tea, I’ll take my horse and go to speak to the local vicar. It shouldn’t be too difficult to schedule the wedding tomorrow morning.”
“I think I’ll join you. I’m quite liable to fall asleep if I remain here in your quite comfortable library, and I’d much rather be active.”
“If you wish,” Heathcliff replied. “I’ll have Mrs. Keyes notify the ladies. I’m sure they are making preparations of their own.”
“A wedding in a day’s notice? They are probably fluttering about like hummingbirds. It would be best for us to remain out of their way.” Lucas gave a sharp nod.
“Agreed. Then it’s settled.” Heathcliff stood and went to ring the bell. Shortly, the maid appeared and was bid to fetch Mrs. Keyes. In no less than a quarter hour, the gentlemen were off to Edinburgh.
As the sunshine warmed Heathcliff’s wool coat, he cast a glance back to Kilmarin, wondering just which room held Samantha. He smiled, because, in looking back, it was a way of looking in to his future. And for the first time in quite a long while, loneliness didn’t follow him.
Hope, however, did.
