By nine in the morning, Ramsey was on his way to Lucas’s house down the street in Mayfair. It was his job to procure a vicar to perform the ceremony. Ramsey dearly hoped he had found a different one than the poor soul who had performed Lucas’s wedding. The man looked hostile as he led the vows. Of course, that he was marrying a notorious rake to a duke’s daughter, presumably without the permission of said duke, likely contributed to his sour disposition.
Belatedly, Ramsey wondered what dirt Lucas had over the vicar’s head in order to provoke him to risk the wrath of a peer of the realm. He’d have to ask later, if he remembered.
But he had the suspicion that he wouldn’t be remembering to do anything but lavish his attention over his new wife.
And could anyone fault him?
No.
And if they did, he had no use for them anyway.
As the carriage pulled up to Kilpatrick House, Ramsey felt a rush of anticipation mixed with a slight tinge of fear overwhelm him. A thousand what-ifs flooded his mind, but he pushed them all aside, straightened his coat, and alighted from the carriage.
John was already opening the door, an unusual smile on his normally stoic face. “Good morning, my lord.” John nodded respectfully.
“It is indeed a good morning, John,” Ramsey returned.
John chuckled. “Indeed it is. And I have some final good news for you, my lord. The carriage incident was simply wear and tear. Nothing nefarious as far as I can tell, and I can speak with great authority since I went over every inch of the carriage myself, sir.”
Ramsey nodded. “There is no more thorough man than you, John. Thank you for investigating. It is good news that there was nothing to it.”
“I thought you’d appreciate the information on such a celebratory day,” John returned.
“You were correct.”
“I’ll not detain you longer, my lord. The viscount is awaiting your arrival in his study.”
“Then I shall not keep him waiting,” Ramsey replied, gave a wide grin to John, and started down the hall.
Once he reached the door to Heathcliff’s study, he noted it was already open and so he strode in. “Good morning.”
“Ach, look what the dog dragged in.” Heathcliff grinned, standing from behind his desk.
“You really need to talk with your butler. He will let anyone through that door,” Ramsey returned, grinning widely at the irrationality of the statement. John was the most vigilant and formidable butler in all of London; he’d put money on that bet, and win.
Heathcliff gave a chuckle at Ramsey’s words and then approached him, giving him a firm handshake. “So, today’s the day?”
“Today is the day,” Ramsey returned.
“Never thought I’d see it.” Heathcliff sighed. “It’s a good day, Ramsey.”
Ramsey gave a disbelieving shrug. “Miracles happen.”
“Don’t they, now?” Heathcliff shrugged. “Lucas and his wife will be here shortly. My wife has been in a dither all morning and I lay the blame squarely at your feet.”
Ramsey tipped his head. “Why? What crime have I committed?”
Heathcliff leveled him with a square expression as he took a seat behind his desk. “You agreed toherharebrained idea. Never have I heard of such a wedding.”
“Then perhaps you need to get out more,” Ramsey said, grinning unrepentantly. “And I find I can’t apologize for taking your wife’s excellent advice.”
“When you put it that way, I cannot fault you either. Damn it,” Heathcliff said without heat.
“Does Grace suspect?” Ramsey asked, glancing furtively at the open door.
“No.” Heathcliff gave a decisive shake to his head.
“Good.”
