Fairfax shrugged. “That is the beauty of Shakespeare. His wisdom can be applied to any number of situations.”
Rexford cleared his throat, gaining our attention. “Miss Atherton is good friends with Caroline, is she not?”
I nodded. “Yes, that’s why she was at the wedding today.”
“We’ll have to ask for her assistance, then, before she and Kendrick leave for their wedding trip.”
I’d been hoping to avoid bringing them into this, but he was correct. “Caroline is the only one among us who can call on Diana without rousing the Tuttlefords’ suspicions.”
“Yes,” Rexford said. “Kendrick plans to leave London two days from now. Caroline can call on Miss Atherton tomorrow and give her a note with instructions to slip from the house at an appointed time. You can speak to her in private then.”
I winced, imagining the worst. Surely this wasn’t our only option. “And if Diana doesn’t do it? Or if she can’t?”
Fairfax shrugged. “If she doesn’t come out, you’ll have to break into the Tuttlefords’ townhouse and steal her away. It would be much simpler to talk to her and convince her to leave town with you.”
I tried to imagine what I could say that would have her agreeing to this absurd plan. We’d barely spoken that morning, and before today, I hadn’t seen her in years. “I don’t think she’ll run away with me after one conversation.”
Grayson shook his head. “You’re not daft, man. Presented with an alternative, do you really think she’ll choose to stay with her guardians? She is clearly chafing under their rules. From the way Kendrick spoke about how she helped him when he wanted to speak to Caroline in private, she has a romantic streak. She’ll jump at the chance, even if just to gain her freedom. Until this point, she’s been without any say in her circumstances.”
I sincerely hoped he was right. But when I remembered the twinkle in her hazel eyes that moment when we’d spoken, I couldn’t help but think that the lively young woman I’d imagined she’d grow into hadn’t been completely crushed. She was still buried somewhere inside the walking shadow Diana had become.
“I’ll tell Moreland what’s happening,” Rexford said. “If you’re going to elope, there won’t be time for Diana to pack. My sister can help with that.”
I shook my head. “We’re the worst sort of bounders to bring their wives into this. And just one day after Kendrick’s wedding.”
“They’ll want to help,” Fairfax said. “They like Miss Atherton. Besides, what did they expect would happen when they each chose to marry a Legend?”
The meeting broke up then, and I made my way downstairs, emotions swirling within me. The stairs to Rexford’s office led down into the billiard room. It was afternoon now, but the room was empty. Members would be arriving soon, and everything would go on as it did every other day. But my life would never again be the same.
I informed Rexford’s club secretary that I would be heading home if anyone needed me. I had much to do before I could flee to Gretna Green tomorrow with the woman who would hopefully agree to be my wife.
Because one way or another, I had to get her away from the Tuttlefords.
CHAPTER 7
DIANA
Days at home always dragged on endlessly. I didn’t particularly like attending balls, where I normally stood off to one side, ignored unless I happened to be standing next to someone with whom a gentleman wished to speak. But at least it made the days pass more quickly. Preparing for the ball, spending evenings at an event that often ran into the early morning hours, then being allowed to sleep late the following morning.
Unlike every other season, Parliament was still in session this summer. Everyone was speculating about what would happen to Queen Caroline. Lord Tuttleford was angry at having to spend even more time in Parliament debating the Bill of Pains and Penalties, which aimed to allow the king to divorce his wife and strip her of her royal titles.
Aunt Matilda had already decreed several days ago that there would be no more balls for me, which meant I spent most of my days doing needlework and trying to avoid my guardians. Reading was seen as a frivolous pursuit, and I was supposed to spend my “free time” being useful. Honestly, if she could get away with it, I’m sure she would have had me helping the servants.
Yesterday had been particularly difficult. Fortunately, Lord Tuttleford had left again shortly after our return from the wedding breakfast. Aunt Matilda had gone upstairs, claiming the stress of the day had brought on a headache.
I pricked my finger for the third time that morning on my needlework and sucked at the small drop of blood that was forming on the tip. My brief conversation with Clifton weighed heavily on my mind. And despite the fact I knew he was merely being polite because of our former acquaintance, I couldn’t help wandering off into fantasies about him taking a fancy to me.
I glared down at the row of Xs I was embroidering and stabbed the material. Just because Caroline had married a Legend didn’t mean I’d suddenly find myself being pursued by one as well.
It was nice to indulge my imagination, though, as long as I didn’t allow myself to get too carried away by fantasies.
When my aunt swept into the room, I glanced at the mantel clock, surprised to see it wasn’t yet midday. She never came downstairs that early. But the red in her cheeks indicated she was upset.
“Is something the matter, Aunt?”
She planted her hands on her hips and frowned. “You have a caller.”
My mind blanked for a moment, and I was certain I’d misheard her. “A caller? Are you certain?”
