An Accidental Affair (8 page)

Laurence shook his head, his cheeks turning red at his suggestion that there could be an urgent reason to marry, like a babe in Lady Cecily’s belly already. “None at all, although I have been led to believe she would not be adverse to that. Cecily wrote me today and I am greatly concerned by her news.”

A much-folded letter was produced and promptly handed over. Merrick opened it and read the first lines, grimacing as he did so. Sugary-sweet sentiments slid from the page. No wonder Laurence was concerned. Cecily was very eloquent about her passion for his cousin. A letter like this, in the wrong hands before a wedding, could prove highly embarrassing to all parties. “I think this is perhaps too private to be shown to others.” He made to fold it and hand it back, but Laurence waved his hands and refused to take it.

“The worst news is at the end.”

Merrick didn’t like his chances of avoiding the cloying phrases, so he skimmed them as best he could until the letter became interesting. He sat up straighter and whistled. “That’s a surprise. I imagined Farnsworth might approve of someone younger, a man he could control.” He’d also thought Parker’s attention had been on Arabella, not the niece.

Laurence nodded. “And Parker’s cruel. Just last week he beat an urchin who’d stumbled into his path.”

“There is no reason to suspect he would show his wife so little consideration.” Merrick caught his cousin’s gaze. “Despite that, it could be a good match for her. She’s bound to outlive him and can marry whomever she pleases later.”

Laurence’s expression became distraught. “I cannot wait forever. You were correct last night that I had not considered her reputation, but eloping, as Cecily suggests, is bound to cause a scandal for the family. I love her and want to spend every moment making her happy. What should I do?”

“There is nothing that can be done.” Merrick had discovered fathers were quite an obstacle when a man had his mind on their daughter, even when he had honorable intentions. “Her father has the right to choose her husband, even if others may find the match disagreeable.”

Laurence stood and paced before the desk, long legs eating up the distance in jerky strides. It was like watching a windmill, limbs everywhere at once. He pulled his temperamental orchid out of danger again and moved it to a safer position behind him to prevent an accident.

“Can you imagine Cecily wed to that man?” Laurence exclaimed suddenly. “She’s far too spirited in nature to ever be truly happy with such a match.”

When Merrick had mentioned last night that it was ungentlemanly to steal kisses from an unmarried girl without there being an understanding, he had no notion that his words would be taken so far to heart and so quickly. That Laurence had attempted to propose impressed him, but he couldn’t fathom why he would want to be saddled with such a wild, untamed wife. There wouldn’t be a lot of easy companionship in the marriage. Laurence was not thinking sensibly. “Are you sure you want to be saddled with her? I hope your decision had less to do with the threat of Aunt Pen and that you are aware of every facet of Lady Cecily’s personality.”

A flush of color swept Laurie’s face. Anger or embarrassment, Merrick couldn’t tell. Laurence sat again and drew in a shaky breath. “She may have an impetuous nature, but we do have similar interests. As you can see from her note, it is her wish to elope and avoid marriage to Lord Parker, and I’m willing to go along with that. I do want her for my wife—with or without her dowry. I’ve never considered such a thing as a necessity before and hoped you might advise me of how to go on.”

Merrick leaned back in his chair. Making a potentially scandalous match, without the family’s approval or the anticipation of the girl’s dowry to sweeten the pot, raised Merrick’s estimation of Laurence’s character considerably. Only a man in love or a fool would go against such pressure. “What makes you think I could help with an elopement?”

Laurence colored. “My brothers have mentioned your experience with women on occasion, and you have come to Lady Farnsworth’s aid before.”

Merrick frowned. “What does Lady Farnsworth have to do with you eloping?”

“An unsuccessful elopement, rather than a successful one, is sure to cause Lady Farnsworth considerable embarrassment. We would rather avoid capture if at all possible.”

He stood, infuriated that he was being blackmailed by his own cousin with the threat of diminishing Lady Farnsworth’s happiness. There was no way Laurence had concocted this scheme on his own. This was Cecily’s influence at work. “I see Cecily doesn’t care one whit for her aunt’s advice. If you think I’ll help you simply on the threat of tarnishing Lady Farnsworth’s reputation, think again. I don’t believe we have anything further to say to one another.”

Laurence bounced to his feet and leaned over the desk, his voice dropping low. “On the contrary. Cecily cares for her aunt’s future a great deal and bemoans the fact that, as a chaperone, Lady Farnsworth has not been free to pursue her own life. She’s much too pretty to be alone.” Laurence’s throat worked as he swallowed. “And I’ve noticed Lady Farnsworth has caught your attention. Do you have a special license from grandfather, too? Are you considering proposing to her?”

Merrick cursed roundly under his breath. If this simpleton had detected his admiration for Arabella, then it was likely that others had, too. He stilled. Had his aunt come out to ensure that Arabella’s reputation remained intact last night?
 

The idea that his mother’s family was set against any association, even a harmless one, between himself and Arabella infuriated him. He had never done one reproachable thing in his dealings with the lady before except accidentally kiss her last night. Aunt Pen couldn’t have known about the kiss at the time. During the season, he had denied every impulse to linger near the widow because she was clearly uncomfortable around him. Last night she’d been flustered, but she would never willingly choose him over propriety. His family’s mistrust was the final straw.

If he could not have Arabella, then he would help someone else find their happiness by any means. He strode to the doorway and yanked it open. “Holland, have the new coach ready to make a long journey tonight,” he bellowed and then slammed the door shut.

Laurence was on his feet in an instant, towering over him. “You cannot leave now.”

“Of course I cannot leave.” He stabbed his finger into Laurence’s chest, momentarily surprised by the resistance he encountered. Life onboard a ship had hardened the boy. “You will have your heart’s desire. Tonight. Take my new coach on the journey north and you’ll have a better chance of slipping from London undetected. I’ll have a word with your captain and ensure you suffer no penalty. He owes me.”

Laurie gaped. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Probably because Lady Cecily has fogged your mind with her long-winded love talk. Return here at seven to collect the coach, pack sparingly, and carry sufficient funds for accommodation, food, and change of horse. I won’t fund this whole affair, but I can ensure you make it to the border.” Merrick held out his hand for Laurence to shake. “Best of luck to you and your true love.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

“You cannot leave like this.” Arabella’s throat ached from the arguments, but she had to stop her niece from throwing her life away. Night had fallen and the maid had returned with the news that Lieutenant Ford was in agreement and would arrange the elopement for that very night. They were to meet one street away, on the edge of Green Park.

Cecily snapped her portmanteau closed and sighed. “Father will not listen, and I love Laurie too much to wait another day. Do you have any idea how hard it is to see him and yet have to part each night? My soul is ripped in two by constant yearning. Were you ever so aware of another person that you simply did not care what happened to you if the feelings deep inside are so stirred again and again?”

Arabella looked down at her hands. She had never felt such a way and doubted she ever would. Given recent developments, she might have no idea what love even looked like. She’d been so sure that Parker was interested. Yet it was Rothwell she’d kissed and wanted to again. “’Tis only lust stirring your body, Cecily,” she whispered.

Cecily cupped her face with one hand, lifting her gaze. Steady, determined eyes met hers. The girl was reconciled to her decision. “Then I shall take lust and passion and forsake a cold alliance with a man older than my father. Wouldn’t you?”

Arabella wanted to nod her agreement, but she’d hidden the true state of her life and her heart from everyone for so long that she feared their pitying glances. One kiss with Rothwell was all the excitement life had sent her way. She’d never experienced further passion or more than a passing flutter of attraction with another man. The sensations Cecily extolled as essential to life were just a dream to Arabella.

She sank onto the side of the bed, letting her niece’s touch slip away. Who was she to deny Cecily a chance at happiness? If a border wedding was the only way to achieve the marriage Cecily wished for and there was love on both sides at the beginning, then surely she should offer what little support she could and hope for the best. It was more than she’d ever had. Lieutenant Ford might be young, but he was from a very good family. Perhaps their influence could control the girl where Arabella had only failed. “If you are sure this is what you want.”

“Oh, I am. I cannot wait to see him again.”

Since Arabella had nowhere else to go save Surrey, then the least she could do was help Cecily make it to the coach and her purported true love. She wrestled the portmanteau from her niece and opened it. “The sky is filled with clouds tonight. Do you have another shawl and a thicker pair of stockings in case the weather worsens?”

Cecily crushed Arabella in a violent embrace. “You are the truest companion a girl could want. Thank you. I will do as you suggest and add to what I have already packed.”

Arabella, moved to tears by the sudden display of affection, was unsure how far to push the girl and settled for merely patting her back. “My last act as chaperone will be to come with you to meet the coach. I cannot allow you to walk the streets alone, and your luggage is somewhat awkward. What if he is delayed? I couldn’t bear for you to stand alone on the street like a common strumpet.”

Cecily wiped at her eyes. “It is kind of you to say delayed and not that Laurie may not come at all. I am sure you are thinking that.”

Arabella squeezed her hand. “As if he would dare desert you. I’ll be right back.”

She returned to her room and collected her dark blue carriage cloak and fine kid gloves. As she donned them, she admired her niece’s bravery. Cecily had never balked at any obstacle life had thrown after the fall that had taken her mother’s life several years ago. She flew through society at her own pace, unmindful of the opinions of others or their dark looks at her daring. In Arabella’s experience, such strength of character was rare in women. She could never be so headstrong, but she wished her niece well.

A tap on her door drew her attention and Cecily’s pretty face peeked through the gap. She stood, portmanteau in hand, dancing on the balls of her feet in the hallway—a woman ready for the greatest adventure of her young life. Arabella checked the time. It was now or never—time to meet Lieutenant Ford and see if his heart was true.

She hurried to her niece and led her down the servants’ staircase, past the servants who peered at them curiously, and out into the dark rear square. The night was overcast with clouds that promised rain but hadn’t delivered, making the hour feel much later than it was. Cecily’s grip tightened on hers, but her steps did not hesitate as they hurried through to the mews and out onto London’s busy streets.

Mayfair teemed with fine carriages on their way to one engagement or another. Although the light was poor due to the clouds, Arabella felt exposed. “Pull your cloak closer about your face, my dear, and keep your head down. We don’t want
him
to hear of this yet.” By
him,
Arabella meant Cecily’s father. Farnsworth would chase his daughter down and drag her back by her hair to ensure she kept the bargain he’d made with Lord Parker. Arabella shuddered at the storm that would likely land on her head because of this when Cecily was discovered missing tomorrow morning. It would not be an easy time.

Arabella stopped as she spied a gleaming black carriage standing at the appointed place. The coach bore no crest that she could see but looked very new and fine. She held Cecily in place. “That could not be him.”

“I’m sure it is.” Cecily hurried forward, hood falling to her shoulders in her haste, unconcerned that she could be spotted by someone who knew them.

Heart sinking to her toes, Arabella had no choice but to follow.

“Wait,” she called, but Cecily was already beside the carriage. Lieutenant Ford owned only a phaeton that she knew of. She imagined he’d hire a coach for the journey, but how he could afford such a fine conveyance in just a day escaped her.

She hurried her pace then let out a relieved breath when she spied Lieutenant Ford beside the dark carriage, one hand on the door, one held out to Cecily. He had forgone his navy uniform for this excursion but still looked every inch a sailor. As if in a daze, Cecily moved to him without a second thought for Arabella.

Lieutenant Ford raised Cecily’s hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “My love.”

Cecily’s return smile was blinding.