I shuddered. The fact that he’d arrived so quickly on our heels meant that he, too, had traveled by post chaise. I don’t know if he’d ever exerted himself in such a manner before now. My uncle was a man who appreciated his comforts.
I pushed back my emotions, forcing myself to embrace the stoic demeanor I wore as a cloak whenever I was in his presence. This time, I held the upper hand. I was safe.
I made my way back to the bedroom to retrieve my hair pins. I didn’t bother combing my hair. If I took too long, Clifton might slip out without me. I twisted the long strands and pinned them up, doing my best with the little time I had.
Clifton was leaning against the doorframe, watching me. He waited for me to finish before speaking. “Tuttleford can’t do anything to you.”
His expression was filled with the supreme confidence of a man who was certain of his position in the world. A man who would never back down from a fight.
That brought up an absurd image of the two of them engaging in a physical fight, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Uncle would never lower himself in such a way. There was nothing he could do to Clifton. He was merely a baron, and I was now a countess and above his station.
I nodded. “You are correct, of course. I am fine now. I just want this whole thing behind us.”
Clifton took both my hands in his. “You won’t have to see him again. This is the last time he will bother you.”
I nodded, knowing he was correct. I just wanted this whole thing behind me now. “We should get this over with.”
He was searching my face for any hint of doubt. “If you’ve changed your mind?—”
I shook my head. “No, I am coming. I need to see this through. I chose to go with you, and I will not be a coward now.”
He shook his head, smiling. “You’re a constant surprise, Diana.”
I tilted my head and gazed up at him.
“After we get through this and I’ve regained my strength with a hearty meal, I think I’d like to try a few of the other things Caroline told me about.”
The spark of interest in his eyes was unmistakable. “I’m hoping she hasn’t told you everything.” He tucked me against his side. “Come, we’re at the last hurdle now, then it will all be behind us.”
CHAPTER 22
CLIFTON
Diana was correct, of course. It would be best if we faced her uncle together so he could see for himself that he was too late. There would be no annulment of our marriage. But that didn’t mean I wanted to subject her to this confrontation.
I couldn’t forget the threat Tuttleford had issued against her, but at least she was safe from danger now. We were legally married, and her uncle would gain nothing from harming her.
We left the cottage and followed the path through the trees. I kept my arm wrapped around her waist, hating that with every step we took, she seemed to retreat more into herself.
As soon as we broke through the tree line, we spotted Tuttleford outside the inn, gesticulating wildly before the innkeeper. The man said something, and Tuttleford turned around. Even from this distance, illuminated as he was under an outdoor lamp, I could see that his face was haggard, his clothing and hair unkempt. He’d clearly felt every one of those miles he spent in furious pursuit of us.
His eyes narrowed as he took in the two of us, and rage had him turning an alarming shade of red. If I hadn’t been aware of the way Diana was holding herself unnaturally still next to me, attempting to pull away, I would have been amused.
I was glad when he stormed across the clearing. We were far enough away from the inn that we wouldn’t cause a spectacle for the guests. It wouldn’t be the first time an enraged family member had followed a couple to Gretna Green, but I wanted to shield Diana from any additional unpleasantness.
The innkeeper remained just outside the doors of the inn, his solid presence a reminder that he would step in to offer assistance if needed. But I was confident of two things. The first was that Tuttleford would be no match for me in a fight. And the second was that he wouldn’t be foolish enough to try.
“Listen here, girl—” Tuttleford started when he reached us.
“You will address her with respect. As my countess, she is above you.”
His head swung to me, his mouth working for several seconds. “If the marriage hasn’t been consummated?—”
I allowed a small, triumphant grin to spread over my face. Although what I really wanted to do was punch him. “I assure you that our marriage would pass every legal requirement.”
He turned to glare at Diana. “You would allow him to defile you?”
“He is my husband,” she said. “I would allow him everything, as is my duty under God and the laws of England.”
