Miss Caldicot greeted him in the entry hall.
His fingers curled around the brim of his beaver. “How is the patient today?”
“Olivia improves daily, my lord. She awaits you in the parlor.”
Relief washed over him when he found Olivia dressed and seated on the sofa. Her face was a better color. Her irresistible welcoming smile teased a dimple from her cheek.
“Should you be out of bed?”
“I’m much better. And I can hardly receive you again in my bedchamber.”
Dominic chuckled at her look of reproof and sat on the sofa beside her. “I’ve spoken to the vicar. We can be married in a sennight. I can get a special license from the bishop in York, but I must go to London to attend to a few matters. It will give you time to regain your health.”
Her gaze searched his. “My goodness. There is a lot to organize.”
“It must be a simple wedding, my love. Unless you’d prefer to wait and be married in London?”
Her eyes widened.
*
Olivia froze atthe frightening possibility of a grand wedding in St. Paul’s with royalty in attendance. She drew in a relieved breath when Redcliffe appeared as reluctant as she was. “A wedding in the village church will be perfect,” she said. “Helen and Meg have promised to be my attendants.”
“I’ve written to invite Charles and Nicholas. Although I doubt it will be possible for them to accept at this late stage. They lead busy lives.” He smiled reassuringly. “I know they will want to come. Nellie and Carrie will be eager to meet you.”
A duchess and a marchioness. Another surge of anxiety tightened her chest. What would they make of her? Would they think her a parvenu, after money and a title? Surely they would realize such a person could not fool Redcliffe. But there would be those among thetonwho would believe it. She drew her bottom lip through her teeth.
He moved closer and put his arm around her. “I want you to enjoy your life with me, Olivia. I don’t have the family rings, although they might be in the bank. If not, I’ll purchase one in London.” He smiled. “I hope you will approve of my taste.”
“I’ll love it because you gave it to me.” She gave him an indulgent smile, a little frustrated. Wasn’t it always like a man to disregard the most important things? “Redcliffe, I have no suitable clothes to wear.”
He looked surprised. “Can you have some made here? A London dressmaker will outfit you later. My sister or the duchess can recommend a good one.”
His words made her starkly aware of the challenges ahead. But Redcliffe would see her through the worst, while it was all new to her. She was determined he would never regret his decision to marry her. “Who will give me away?”
“I thought of Williams.”
“Oh, yes. Do you think he will agree?”
“Yes. I’ll ask him.”
“Redcliffe, please don’t order him.” She raised her eyebrows.
“You have such a poor opinion of me, my love.” He bent down to kiss her cheek, not in the least affronted.
“What is the news from the hall? Has your secretary arrived?”
“Yes. Grant has proved to be an asset. Oh, with everything happening, I forgot to tell you about Pike.”
She listened as he described his confrontation with Pike in Gateshead jail and how Mrs. Hobbs gave the game away.
“I’m relieved. They are villainous.”
He drew a letter from his waistcoat pocket. “Evelyn sent me this.”
His sister. Another bridge to cross. She would love them to be friends, but would it be possible? She took the missive from him and read it. When she finished, she sighed. “Oh, how your uncle must have suffered. But he wasn’t averse to you inheriting the earldom. He welcomed you and wished you to restore the family fortunes and standing in society. I wonder if the money is still there? Obviously, Pike couldn’t find it.”
“I want you with me when I open the desk.”
