She waved off his compliment. “Hardly. I simply know how these mothers think.” She gave him another searching look. “You are sure you still want Lady Mariel, I mean, Beaumont?”
“I have never wanted any other.”
At his mother’s pleased smile, he turned and strode from the room. There had to be a special place in hell for sons who lied to their mothers, and he would no doubt end up there. But for now she was happy.
Chapter Five
Marcus glanced overthe aisle at the pew across from he and Mariel. Two young misses, who should be attending to the vicar’s reading from the New Testament, looked at him and frowned as they spoke in whispers, far too quiet for him or the vicar to hear. He hoped the other ladies attending church also noticed he had escorted Mariel into the pew.
A tap on his thigh had him bringing his attention back to her. She scowled at him, and he quickly pretended an interest in the words coming from the pulpit. She didn’t realize how difficult it was to pay attention to the church service with her sitting next to him. Her scent and appearance were enough to distract him from just about any task. But listening to the vicar drone on and on made it hard to focus on anything but her.
Finally, they stood to recite the Apostles’ Creed. Though he tried to keep his concentration, hearing her voice had him tripping over the words which garnered him another disapproving look from her expressive green eyes. Upon finishing the recitation, they sat again, her lavender skirt brushing against his legs. If they hadn’t come to church under false pretense, he would have enjoyed her presence next to him, but the experience was more like torture.
Part of him found the entire situation humorous, but when he’d chosen the Sunday service as the first place for them to make a public appearance in Northampton, he’d done so purposefully. What better way to make it clear that he was very serious about his attentions to the Lady Beaumont. He had no doubt that by the time they left the service, everyone in church would know whom he’d brought. That there was no special occasion for his presence made it that much more impactful. Now, if the service would end, they could be on their way.
Though Mariel was a widow, he’d been surprised that her acceptance of his invitation made clear only she would join him and no other. They had always been so careful to ensure her reputation remained as pure as she. He’d want it no other way. The change in her position reminded him that she had shared with another what had been meant for him. Even as the old anger surfaced, it dissipated. It hurt that they would never know the intimacy they’d expected. He had to be satisfied with the sweet agony of being near her.
Finally, the vicar ended the service, and he rose. After pulling down on his black tailcoat, he offered his arm to Mariel. Ever the lady, she gracefully took it as she exited the row, but before they could turn to exit the church, the vicar accosted them.
“Lord Blackmore, what a wonderful honor you do me by joining us today.” The young clergyman couldn’t be more than a score and ten, a significant change from their last vicar, who appeared on death’s door for over ten years.
“Mr. Elkins, I wished to meet you sooner, but taking on my new position as viscount has taken all my time.”
“Oh, I am most sure. I would very much like to call on you. I believe there are some improvements we could make here in the parish.”
He swallowed a groan, anxious to change the subject. “May I present my betrothed, Lady Beaumont. She is the sister of the Duchess of Northwick.”
The young man’s eyes rounded before a too-large smile filled his narrow face. “My lady, it is an honor.”
“It was a lovely service, Mr. Elkins.”
The young man blushed. “I will hold your praise close to my heart. I have been here such a short time, I have only heard how I am not up to par.”
“They just need to become accustomed to you. Do not despair.” She smiled before making her voice louder. “I know not of the past vicar, but I do know that I thoroughly enjoyed your sermon.”
Marcus was not unaware that Mariel did so to influence those in the parish. Her kindness toward the man was very typical of her character and one of the reasons he’d fallen in love with her. She’d opened the world to him while a young, selfish man. If not for her, he never could have appreciated his friendship with Anthony.
“Thank you, my lady. I will take your words to heart.” Mr. Elkins turned back to him. “My lord, there is one item that does need your immediate attention.”
Keeping in mind Mariel’s kindness, he nodded. “Of course, please feel free to call on Thursday. I will be happy to entertain all your suggestions.”
The man glanced at Mariel then back at him, clearly uncomfortable. “It actually would be best if you could come with me now.”
Surprised by the request, he looked about wondering if they were in danger and if it was a ruse to get them to safety, but scanning the church, he found it still filled with all the parishioners. Why had they not filed out yet?
“My lord.”
At Mariel’s low-voiced appeal, he turned back and lowered his head. “Yes.”
“Might I suggest we follow the vicar. Not only would it take care of his immediate need, but it would also help us avoid a crush.”
Enlightenment dawned. The parishioners remained to greet them on their way outside. “Mr. Elkins, Lady Beaumont and I would be pleased to accompany you.” He made sure his voice carried.
For his effort, Mariel gave him a small smile of approval.
He should have known. It wasn’t the crush she hoped to avoid, but she wished to make Mr. Elkins appear important. As they followed the man to a door near his pulpit, he whispered in her ear, “Your judgement is as always impeccable.”
She didn’t respond in any way, but he noticed she took a deeper breath, her chest in the somber grey dress rising beneath her white shawl.
