Two days later, Garrett arrived at Burtis Hall braced for an uncomfortable and humbling afternoon. He followed the butler like a man headed for the gallows into the drawing room, where Lord Ravensdale and his four sons awaited the womenfolk.
Joseph, recently returned from his wedding journey, looked utterly pleased with himself in his newfound connubial bliss. Garrett reached out a hand and offered his congratulations. The fresh-faced husband was relaxed and happy whereas the remaining men were gripped in a slow hum of tension. Of course, they were aware of the unpleasantness that lay ahead of them this evening.
Most likely they were bracing themselves for Natalie’s reintroduction as well. All the troops had been rallied, and the Spencer boys were prepared for battle. Lord Ravensdale offered Garrett a brandy, which he refused. He would go through this afternoon sober.
“Beautiful weather we’re having.” Stone broke the silence and grinned. “One would think if the sky were falling, there would at least be a few clouds hanging about.”
Peter and Joseph Spencer laughed out loud. Darlington scowled.
Garrett merely shook his head at his friend and tugged at his cravat.
“Nothing to worry about.” The earl didn’t look nearly as concerned as his sons. “I’m considering investing in a few ships, Hawthorne. Tomorrow, perhaps you’d come down to the docks with me to look one of them over. I always appreciate your sound opinion.”
“Of course.” How could the man be thinking about business today? Perhaps it was a clever excuse to lure him down to the docks and throw him into the river.
The gentlemen made stilted conversation until they heard a rustling of silk and taffeta in the foyer.
Along with a hint of feminine perfume, the women brought with them smiles and laughter, carefully descending the stairs in their afternoon finery. Behind Lady Ravensdale, a young girl immediately attached herself to the arm of Mr. Joseph Spencer. He’d been informed this was the duchess’s niece or stepdaughter? Was she, too, then some relation to him? Before Garrett could turn his attention to Natalie, introductions were made. Ah, yes, Mrs. Joseph Spencer was a second cousin of his.
Finally, finally, he could turn to Natalie. Although beautiful, as always, she looked pale and drawn. Not exactly the blushing bride, Garrett thought, feeling his heart drop slightly. Oh, but she did look lovely. He took her hand and raised it to his lips. He could not take his eyes off her. It had been too long. Emotions he’d denied for several weeks came roaring to life.
Dear God, for but a moment he could pretend they had a future! He would spend his life loving her and society could hang!
“Good afternoon, my lady.”
She smiled and curtsied prettily. “My lord.” Her smile wasshy, but holding her hand in his, he watched as the sparkle he loved appeared in her eyes.
As the two of them gazed longingly at each other, he realized the room had become awkward and quiet.
Lady Ravensdale saved the moment. “Are we ready to depart, then?”
Three carriages waited outside. Garrett had brought his own and led his betrothed and her parents toward it. After handing his future mother-in-law and then Natalie in, he waited for Lord Ravensdale to board before climbing in himself. Ah, Natalie sat facing the back of the carriage. Alone. He was to be allowed to sit beside her, then.
A vision in a cream-colored dress with a lace overlay of gold and light blue threads, she looked stunning. Everything looked beautiful on her, even that pink confection she’d worn the day she fell in the lake.
Her hair, twisted and braided, was tucked under a tiny hat which matched the lace perfectly. A few escaping curls invited him to caress the soft skin of her neck and shoulders—with his eyes, of course. When he took his seat on the leather bench, he allowed his hand to rest alongside his leg. Her own hand was hidden, lost in the folds of her dress. Until it wasn’t.
She wrapped cold fingers around his.
He squeezed them lightly.
Lady Ravensdale spoke, piercing the clanging silence. “The duke has hired a steam-powered yacht for this party. I understand it’s one of the largest of its kind, all very modern. Everyone in town will be in attendance.” Eyeing Garrett, she added, “Should be quite a squeeze.”
Garrett nodded. “Yes, I have considered this possibility.” Natalie’s hand took on some of his warmth.
“Lilly looked so happy when she visited,” Natalie spoke up. With a wicked smile, she added, “True love, apparently.”
Garrett knew Lord Ravensdale would not wish to hear ofthis. He wondered that the relationship between the two men was not strained.
Lady Ravensdale smoothed the moment by taking her husband’s hand. “True love has its benefits.” She smiled over at the earl. Garrett allowed himself a glance at Natalie. Her gaze caught his, and she blushed prettily. He would enjoy the time he could spend with her now. For he’d no idea how long or short a time they would have before she put a halt to everything. Or if they did go through with the wedding, how long it would be before she began to resent being tied to him.
He needed to speak with her alone, but not today. Well, perhaps afterward. Perhaps everything would have revealed itself then.
A long line of phaetons and open barouches inched their way toward the end of the dock. It was crowded, both with other vehicles and mingling guests waiting to board the yacht. Several partygoers, holding flutes of champagne in their hands, had already stepped onto the vessel and lined the rails.
Arriving at the cordoned-off entrance, they pulled to a halt, and the coach bounced as the outriders and drivers jumped off.
It was then that Garrett felt a tremor run through the lady beside him. She was not so confident as she’d like him to believe. She was simply being brave.
