Edith Layton (17 page)

“I
’ve got the special license,” the earl said, patting his pocket. “Everything’s been signed and stamped, and is ready to use.”

Leland nodded, then kept moving his head one way and another as he stared into his mirror. “Not too high,” he finally murmured, “not too formal, but certainly not so casual. This will not work,” he told his valet, who was hovering behind him. He stripped off his neck cloth. “Bring another, please. The trick will be to get the fall just right,” he told Geoff.

“You will, you will,” the earl said absently, still patting his pocket. “Have you the ring?”

“Of course,” Leland said, as he lowered his chin into the crisp, clean white folds of the neck
cloth his valet had just handed him. “Ah. Perfect! Thank you. Have you my bags packed?” he asked the valet.

“I’ll just make sure all is in order,” the man said, bowed, and left his master and the earl alone in Leland’s bedchamber.

“Are your bags packed?” Leland asked the earl.

“It’s all done,” he said. “I’m not so fastidious as you.”

Leland cast a critical eye over him. “Obviously. That waistcoat will do for the coach ride, but you can’t mean to wear it in the chapel.”

“No one will notice,” the earl said impatiently. “I’m not posing for a painting. It’s a marriage ceremony, over before you know it. It’s not as though there will be throngs of invited guests. Just a few people we both know. Anyhow, I’ve been through it before. Trust me, nothing is noticed but the bride.”

“
I’ll
notice,” Leland said.

“Damn it, Lee, but a sorry, hurried, hole-in-the-wall sort of ceremony it will be, too,” Geoff said, ignoring the comment about his clothes. “I know it’s necessary, but I can’t help but wonder. Are we doing the right thing, after all?”

“No, of course we’re not. We ought to have the ceremony in Newgate, with the bride carrying her chains instead of a bouquet, and the jailers as bridesmaids, blotting tears from their cheeks with their truncheons. How novel. It might start
a new style,” Leland said caustically. Then he sighed.

“Don’t you think I’ve been over this in my mind for a week now?” he asked in a softer voice. “It isn’t the right thing, but it’s the only thing. Whoever laid information against her is adamant. Someone has either paid a great deal of money to the right people in high places, or else he or she lives in them. As it is, now there’s enough reason for Bow Street to keep her in prison ‘pending investigation.’

“They can’t prove anything but they don’t want her getting away until they do,” he went on. “It would be a hideous experience for most young women even if it were only for a few hours. But once they have Daisy, it could be for longer. They might say they have to bring witnesses or evidence or whatnot from the Antipodes. You of all people must know what that could do to Daisy, even if we paid to have her kept in the best apartments at the place.”

The earl nodded, but didn’t look happy.

“I know it’s a scrambling sort of affair, and I know she deserves better,” Leland said. “But there’s nothing better to be done for her right now. Once she has that ring on her finger, and a new name to go with it, she’ll be untouchable. Or at least she will be unless there’s much more compelling evidence than simply one person’s word against another’s. We haven’t found out who that person is yet, either.” He frowned, and
turned to meet the earl’s eyes. The earl looked away.

“You don’t think she did it, do you?” Leland asked incredulously.

The earl shook his head. “No. I admit I pondered it. But no, I don’t think she did.”

“Nor do I. And once she’s titled, with wealth and position behind her, her accuser will have to slack off. She’ll be free.”

“But married,” the earl said.

“Well, yes, that’s the point,” Leland said.

He turned back to the looking glass and brushed a tiny speck from his jacket. It was a sober blue jacket, worn over a light blue waistcoat, and it looked simple but elegant with his slate gray breeches and black half boots. His hair was brushed back; he had a single sapphire pin his neck cloth, and a single gold signet ring on his right hand.

The earl, reflected in the mirror behind him, wore a dark blue jacket, blue waistcoat, black breeches, and a troubled expression.

“You look like you’re going to a funeral, not a wedding,” Leland remarked over his shoulder. “Having a change of heart? If you want to change your mind along with it, do so now. Once we get into the coach and head into the countryside, it will be much too late. Riding away with the pair of us for an overnight trip will certainly ruin her even if the charges against her don’t. And remember, the slightest hint of a loss of resolve on
either of our parts will send Daisy running on her own. You saw her face when she agreed to this. It’s not what she wants, either.”

“Do you think she’ll come to wanting it,” the earl asked nervously. “Or at least reconcile herself to this marriage, in the days to come?”

Leland turned away from the mirror. His expression was sober. “I do, so much so that I’ll lay a wager on it, if you like. Daisy wouldn’t agree under
any
circumstances if it went against her deepest desires, and you know it. She’s a very opinionated creature,” he said with a small smile. “In fact, I think this is the best thing for her, however she came to it. I also think that one day she’ll thank that nameless informer. Because instead of ruining her, this will make her happier than she’s been in years. At least, so I earnestly hope.”

“Yes, so do I, of course,” the earl said. “I just wanted to be sure you’re totally in agreement.”

“Oh no,” Leland said. “It’s merely a whim on my part. Every so often I just feel the need to cancel all my engagements, throw my clothes in a basket, get into my coach, and leave London in the middle of the night, to ride off into the west. I’m funny that way, I get these mad impulses…”

“Don’t jest, Lee!” the earl said sharply. “It’s not just inconvenience for her; it will change her life forever.
I,
at least, worry about that. I love the girl and don’t want to see her make a bad choice in
order to avoid what might or might not be a worse fate.”

Leland stood still and lifted his chin so it seemed as if he were looking down his long nose at the earl. “Firstly,” he said frostily, “she is not a girl. She’s a woman. Once married and now widowed, in fact. Secondly,
I
at least don’t happen to think it’s a bad choice for any reason. And thirdly, if you have so many doubts, then I don’t think you should be part of this in any way. If you leave now, that likely
will
break her heart. But if you do go on with this, I’ll ape the ceremony and ask you to speak now, or forever hold your peace. Well?”

The earl sighed and held out both hands in a gesture of surrender. “I have spoken; I won’t do so again. I have doubts, but you know my reasons. However, I agree. This is for the best. I can think of no other solution. It would be better if she’d come to the decision of her own free will instead of having to accept in order to preserve her freedom. But good things can come from necessity as well as from free choice. It’s the right thing, it’s only that I tend to worry. I raised a child, you see, and took on two others, so I’m in the habit of it.”

“Don’t,” Leland said gently. “It will be for the best, my lord, you’ll see. So,” he said, squaring his shoulders. “The Runner has been sent on a false trail, we’re in readiness, and it’s dark as it will get tonight. Shall we get on with it?”

Daisy hesitated.

“Afraid of making a misstep?” Leland asked, at her side. “Don’t worry, I’m here, it won’t happen.”

“But it’s like stepping into the dark,” she said.

“The coachman can’t light his lamps,” he whispered. “We don’t want to be seen. It’s best that whatever enemy you have is unaware of this step you’re taking. But take my arm, I won’t let you fall.”

The carriage had come around back of her hotel, to the servants’ entrance, near the stables. There were lanterns burning on either side of the rear door, and some by the stables, but they didn’t illuminate the scene. Daisy leaned on the viscount’s arm, and then with him to guide her, she ducked into the coach.

“Good evening, Daisy,” Geoff said from the darkness of the interior. “And a good evening to you, too, Mrs. Masters,” he said as Helena stepped in behind Daisy. “I’m sorry that we have to meet in such a clandestine manner, but we don’t want to be observed. Good,” he told Leland, who followed Helena into the coach. “Now we can leave; we have a long way yet to go.”

The coach rattled down the side alley, over the rough cobbles, and then turned into the high street.

“It sounds like thunder,” Daisy said nervously. “Anyone can hear it.”

“The hotel gets deliveries at night,” Leland
said. “They’ll take no notice. Anyway, the coins I left with the staff will muffle the noise. Just sit back. Sleep if you wish.”

“Sleep?”
she asked incredulously.

“Yes,” he said. “No one expects scintillating conversation now. Sit back, close your eyes, and when you wake, we’ll be there.”

“I couldn’t sleep!” she declared. “What sort of a person do you think I am? I’m sneaking out of London to escape the Runners, off to marry a man in order to save my neck, and you say ‘sleep’?”

“Doze, then,” Leland said calmly.

“Well, you may sleep if you wish,” she said heatedly. “But I could not, not for anything.”

“Very well, fight then,” he said equitably, lay back against the leather squabs, and closed his eyes.

Daisy could see him do it. It was a soft, late spring evening. Even though it was full dark, fair skies and a half moon made it bright enough to see, once her eyes had adjusted to the dark. “We should have left on a cloudy night,” she said moodily.

“And risk getting our wheels mired if it started to rain? I think not,” Leland said, without opening an eye.

“The farther we go, the easier it will be,” the earl told her. “The coachman is taking a side route for a while, and there’s a footman on back of the carriage to see if we’re being followed.
There’s our other coach, following slowly, with your maid and our valets. So you may rest easy, Daisy. We’re here to watch over you. And you’re doing the right thing.”

“I wish I was sure of that,” she said. “Oh, I’m not complaining. I know what I must do, and believe me, I’m grateful for your sacrifice and cooperation. But when I think of the future…”

“So don’t,” Leland said lazily. “Such a lot of trouble anticipating trouble. Just live for the moment and let the next ones fall into place. You’re getting married. You’re ensuring your freedom.”

“I have come to see that is a contradiction in terms,” she said coldly.

“Daisy!” Helena gasped. “Excuse me, but I must tell you that’s rude. Think of your groom, and how he must feel. He’s doing a brave and noble thing.”

“Yes,” Daisy said, abashed. “I’m sorry. That was rude. I am fully aware of the honor being done me.”

“Now
that
sounds worse,” Leland commented, opening an eye.

“Well, I meant it,” she said angrily.

“My dear, we know it,” the earl said. “Stop teasing her, Lee.”

“Oh yes,” Leland said. “I beg your pardon. I ought to let her sit and stew and worry, instead of lacing into me, which, by the way, seems to elevate her mood considerably.”

The earl turned in outrage to stare at Leland,
but before he could say anything, he heard a giggle.

“Too right,” Daisy said, her voice filled with laughter. “I’ve a terrible temper. I suppose I use it too much these days, but you’ve no idea of what a luxury that is! It’s so nice to quarrel without being afraid of being slapped. Forgive me, I didn’t mean to snap your head off.”

“Quite all right,” Leland said graciously.

“But marriage is a big step,” she said, “especially being married in such a hurry. Although, mind, I’m grateful, I really am. So, I’m nervous. But I’d be a sight more so if I thought Bow Street was going to clap me in jail. They can’t now, right?”

“They can’t and won’t,” Geoff reassured her. “I’ve spoken to many people in power, as has Lee, and even if Bow Street were to stop us now, they couldn’t put you in jail, not right away. And once you’re married, they likely never can. We have some influence, you know. You won’t be an obscure ex-convict anymore, but a woman married to a gentleman of standing, with friends in the right places. Someone wants to make trouble for you. We’ll find out who it is and they’ll be in for a surprise. It’s a crime to give false witness. Don’t worry. We’re here, so are you, and so you will remain. I promise that.”

“Thank you,” Daisy said softly.

But nevertheless, the earl sat on the edge of his seat until the coach had left London and was rolling along the road west.

No one spoke for a while. Daisy could see Leland, across from her; his eyes were closed again, his hands folded in his lap, his long body relaxed. In time, Helena closed her eyes, and by her deep and even breathing, Daisy could tell she was sleeping, too. The earl also finally closed his eyes, and Daisy soon heard him accompanying Helena with light, regular snores.

She felt like the only person awake in the world. She stared into the darkness outside the coach. The coachman had stopped to light the lamps once they’d left Town, and now she could see their bright, intermittent flare.

“Any last requests, any last wishes?” a soft low voice asked.

Daisy sat up. The viscount was awake and watching her; she could see the lamplight reflected in his eyes.

“I’d like a beefsteak, that’s what all the lags ask for before they’re marched to the sheriff’s picture frame. And a trifle, I think, a big one, made with sherry,” she said whimsically. She was nervous, and it felt good to jest.

“I didn’t mean for your last meal,” he said appreciatively, with laughter in his voice. “But you’ll have it, if you want. Only I believe it will have to be at your wedding breakfast, because the thing must be done as soon as the sun rises. Do you really think of it as an ending?” he asked suddenly, in a soft, sober voice.

“Oh, I don’t know,” she said on a gusty sigh. “I
don’t know anything anymore. I was so full of plans when I set sail for England, I didn’t look to the left or right. Now I have to act, and fast. How can I say if it’s wrong or right?”