Page 29 of A Marriage of Necessity

A carriage turned onto the street and slowed as they neared, then stopped. The door opened, and Kennedy’s uncle stepped to the ground.

He strode to where they stood. “Is everyone unharmed?”

Kennedy nodded. “Fortunately, we weren’t going fast.”

“Let me take you home,” Ranald said.

“Thank you.” Kennedy turned to the driver. “James, I will send Matthew back with a new wheel. You and Michael remain here until they arrive.”

James nodded. “Aye, my lord.”

Kennedy got the ladies into the carriage, then he and Ranald stepped inside and they started away.

At home, they gathered in the drawing room while Ranald sent his carriage for the doctor. Kennedy roused Matthew and instructed him to take men to deliver the wheel and repair the carriage.

The doctor arrived half an hour later. Despite Lady Kinsley’s insistence that she was fine, the doctor insisted on six stitches, then sent her to bed with a small dose of laudanum. The doctor left, and Anne sent Kennedy a grateful look, then went upstairs with her mother and sister.

“Would you like a drink?” Kennedy asked Ranald when the ladies had gone.

“Scotch, if you please,” he said. “I’m glad for this opportunity to speak with you, Kennedy. Congratulations on your marriage, by-the-by. I’m sorry I missed the ceremony. I had no idea you were to marry.”

Kennedy poured two scotches, then turned and motioned to the two hearth chairs. His uncle took the chair to the left. Kennedy handed him a glass of scotch and sat in the chair to the right.

“We had a very small ceremony by special license,” Kennedy said.

Ranald nodded. “So I gathered. I feel certain your father had something to do with the marriage. I saw him the day before yesterday. He isn’t looking well.”

Kennedy took a hefty drink of scotch. He shook his head. “Nae, he isn’t at all looking well.”

Ranald regarded him. “I should think that you would be rejoicing.”

“I will not be sorry when he is gone,” Kennedy said.

“What the devil is going on?” his uncle demanded.

Kennedy took another drink of his whisky. “What do you mean?”

“There’s too many strange things afoot. Pray, do not tell me you suddenly fell in love. Marriage was not on your agenda. And where is Rose? I didn’t see her at Chesterfield when I visited your father. When I inquired, he said she was away. What does that mean?”

Ranald was as different from his brother as Kennedy was from his father. Kennedy had always liked his uncle, who was far too intelligent for his own good. “The earl sent her away and won’t tell me where,” Kennedy said. “He forced my marriage to Anne by threatening to marry Rose to Granbury if I didn’t comply.”

“By God, that goes too far, even for him,” Ranald growled.

Kennedy nodded. “We both have underestimated my father for a long time.”

Ranald nodded slowly. “Now that you’re married, will Rose return home?”

Kennedy gave a harsh laugh. “Nae, there is more to the blackmail. I must produce an heir in the next year.”

A rare flush of anger darkened Ranald’s normally tranquil eyes. “By God, what is wrong with the man?”

“He is dying,” Kennedy said with more calm than he felt. “This is a desperate attempt at eternal life.”

“We all die,” the older man said with heat. “A moment ago, I would’ve said, in his own way, he loves Rose. Now, I’m no’ sure if even that is true. How long has she been gone?”

“Seven days.”

“It’s unlikely she’ll come to any harm.” His mouth thinned. “As long as he doesn’t die. Have ye any idea where she is?”

“The earl said she wasn’t in Scotland. Based on information I received from his servants, I’m inclined to think that’s true.”

Ranald nodded slowly. “France.”

Kennedy nodded. “France is a big country, however. I could search Paris for years and never find her.”

“Surely you plan to try?”

Kennedy grunted. “I have already begun. The only thing stopping me from going myself is the fact that I must immediately sire an heir.”

Ranald frowned. “Does Joseph intend to keep Rose hidden until your first child is born?”

“Kennedy nodded. “That is exactly what he intends. I demanded that he bring Rose home once it is confirmed that my wife is pregnant. In truth, he could just as easily not comply.”

Ranald leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. “Tell me how I can help.”