“I’d be delighted,” her friend said promptly. “After all you did to make my wedding special, I’m happy to return the favor!”
Simon said, “I need a man to stand at my side, also. Masterson, are you willing? Since you thanked me for almost getting you killed, that seems only fair.”
Masterson laughed. “I’m not sure I follow your logic, but I’m honored to accept.”
Tears stung Suzanne’s eyes as she saw the genuine pleasure everyone felt for her and Simon. Would their marriage live up to these good wishes even though it was made without passion? She hoped so.
* * *
As the women’s wedding discussion became animated, Kirkland strolled to Simon’s side. “You’re a lucky man, Colonel.”
“I know.” Simon’s gaze lingered on his bride-to-be. She sparkled with laughter, and the sight made him happy. “I wasn’t sure I could coax her to the altar.”
“Is she also willing to join your investigation of the émigrés?”
“Yes, and the business will be more enjoyable with her on my arm.” Simon sipped at his tea. “I’ve heard that a good number of émigrés have returned to France in the months since Napoleon’s abdication, presumably to reclaim their former lands and wealth.”
“Which makes one wonder about the ones who have remained in London,” Kirkland observed. “Some have put down roots here, others may be waiting for the situation in France to stabilize, but I’d be surprised if there aren’t a few gathering intelligence to support Napoleon if he decides Elba is not a large enough kingdom for a man of his talents.”
“Which of the remaining émigrés do you think bear watching?”
Kirkland’s brow furrowed. “I consider Roubaix, de Chaurry, and Moncoutant most likely. I don’t know that they could be considered spies, but they may know interesting things. I’ll also let some influential émigrés know of your arrival so that you can be added to invitation lists.”
“I’ll see what I can discover.” Simon couldn’t restrain his smile as he gazed at Suzanne. “But just now, I’m far more interested in the fact that I’m getting married.”
* * *
By the time Simon collected Suzanne to take her home, she was tired but happy. She’d been scarcely more than a child at her first marriage and she’d had no voice in planning it. Organizing a wedding with a small group of supportive new friends turned out to be much more rewarding.
Because of the damp, bitterly cold weather, Simon had hired a closed carriage and driver for the night. After handing her into the vehicle, he tucked a soft wool blanket around her.
“Are you warm enough?” he asked as he took his seat beside her.
“Between the blanket and the hot bricks for my feet, I’m cozy as a kitten in hay,” she assured him.
“What wedding plans have emerged?” he asked.
“Lady Kirkland has offered their home for the wedding breakfast. She said they entertain often so it’s easy for her to arrange. Does that suit you?”
“Very generous of them,” he said. “Do you wish for the ceremony to take place there as well? With a special license, we can do that.”
She considered that, then shook her head. “I want to be married in my parish church. They’ve been welcoming to poor émigrés like me.”
“A church makes a wedding seem more official,” he observed. “After the service, I can arrange to have carriages take your friends to Kirkland House for the wedding breakfast, then drive them home again later.” He glanced sideways at her. “Do you want to move out of the boardinghouse tomorrow? I’m sure the Kirklands would be happy to have you as a guest until we marry.”
She shook her head. “The boardinghouse has been my home and it seems right that I be married from there.”
“As you wish. What about your wedding gown? From the bits of conversation I overheard, that was a major topic of the discussion.”
Suzanne laughed. “Indeed it was. The consensus was that the green silk Callie suggested would suit me well. She has a modiste who can produce a fine gown in mere days. I’ll have to have fittings and buy things like slippers and shifts and a bonnet, though. It will be a busy week!”
“We also need to visit my solicitor for the settlements. Shall I engage a separate lawyer to protect your interests?”
She blinked. “Is that necessary?”
“I’ll tell my lawyer to write the document in language clear enough for a normal person to understand, but I can also arrange for you to have your own advocate to ensure that you’re treated fairly.”
She studied his calm, handsome profile and realized that she couldn’t imagine him cheating her on this matter. “As long as the language is clear, I don’t need a second lawyer.”
