Eight Hunting Lyons (The Lyon’s Den Connected World)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

A License is Secured

A few hours earlier…

Ely, Cambridgeshire

C linging to her betrothed’s arm as they made their way into the office of the Bishop of Ely, Eloise Wilson wished she had worn a different gown. Wished she’d had her lady’s maid style her hair in a more elegant manner. Wished she’d worn a nicer pair of slippers.

Next to James, Earl of Leicester, she felt as if she would appear a poor substitute for her sister. Stephanie would have looked positively regal on the arm of the earl.

“Are you nervous?” James asked as they waited for the bishop to see them.

“I cannot but feel a bit anxious,” she replied. “I did not consider who we would be seeing today,” she added, sweeping her hand down her front.

“You’re perfectly beautiful,” he said at the same moment the door to the bishop’s office opened.

“His Grace will see you now,” a young man said as he stepped aside.

James led Eloise into the elegantly appointed office and paused to perform a bow. Eloise dipped a curtsy, the courtesy coming from years of training despite her stubbornness at not wanting to learn it.

She would have much preferred learning to bow. Then she and her brother could have practiced together.

Bishop O’Malley regarded the two of them a moment before a grin lightened his otherwise serious expression. “Lord Leicester,” he said as he held out his hand.

James bent over it, kissing the ring that adorned one of the bishop’s fingers. “Your Grace. May I introduce my betrothed, Lady El, daughter of the Marquess of Huntsford?”

Eloise stepped forward and kissed the bishop’s ring. “Your Grace,” she murmured. “It’s very good to see you again.”

O’Malley indicated they should take the two chairs near a fireplace. A roaring fire warmed the room. He took the chair opposite, adjusting his robes before regarding his visitors with an expectant expression. “I take it you’re here for a marriage license.”

“We are,” James replied. “Lord Huntsford has granted me his permission to marry Lady El, and he has encouraged a quick wedding, seeing as how Parliament is due to resume soon.”

“Has he now?”

Eloise nodded. “Mother is in agreement, of course. She practically fainted when she learned someone wished to marry me.”

“El,” James whispered, rather shocked by her comment.

The young man who had answered the door appeared with a gleaming tea tray, which featured a rather ornate silver set and an entire cake. While he was lowering it to the table in front of Eloise, she said, “I can serve, sir.”

“Very well.” The acolyte disappeared, and Eloise went about preparing the cups.

“Am I correct in assuming this will not be a marriage of convenience?” O’Malley asked, his gaze falling on Eloise.

James angled his head to one side. “You have the right of it, Your Grace. My intent is to make Lady El not only my wife and the mother of my children but also my best friend.”

The bishop chuckled. “And just how do you plan to do that?”

Eloise poured a cup of tea and handed it to the bishop.

“I thought we might start by playing with swords,” James replied, curious when he realized Eloise hadn’t asked the bishop how he took his tea.

At seeing the bishop’s rounded eyes, Eloise said, “Wooden swords, of course. Edward and I were quite accomplished in the sport before he had to leave for school. I’ve been hoping to find a suitable opponent ever since.” She lifted a slice of cake onto a plate. “Cake, Your Grace?”

O’Malley chuckled as he reached for the plate. “Don’t mind if I do.” He directed his attention back to James. “Do you have other forms of play in mind?”

James nodded. “Oh, yes. I expect we’ll enjoy kicking rubber balls about the garden and playing croquet and shooting arrows at unsuspecting targets,” he said before taking the cup of tea Eloise offered him. “Thank you, my sweet.”

“You’re welcome, James,” she replied. In a near whisper, she added, “I’d rather you not mention the frogs, dear heart.”

Eloise went about pouring a cup of tea for herself while the bishop stared at James. “Frogs?”

Alarmed Eloise would even mention amphibians in the presence of the bishop, James pretended nonchalance. “Her ladyship would rather I not mention the possibility that we might acquire a couple of frogs. We wouldn’t bring them into the house, of course,” he claimed. “We’d simply race them in the Leicester House gardens. Teach our children how to care for them as pets.”

“Were you aware she and Lord Edward lost track of two frogs inside of Excelsior Park?” the bishop asked, a gleam in his eyes.

“I am,” James replied, surprised the bishop would know of it. “And I understand Lady Stephanie is in possession of a scream capable of curdling blood,” he added with a smirk.

“One that could be heard all the way here in my office,” O’Malley said with a huge grin. After a pause, his bushy gray brows furrowed. “You do realize I’m not able to grant a special license for you two to wed on the morrow?”

“Of course, Your Grace. We’d have to go to London for that,” James replied.

“Which I suggested, Your Grace,” Eloise said, “But Leicester reminded me it would require an overnight stay and would be quite improper.”

“Quite improper,” O’Malley agreed. “But then, your trip here didn’t include a chaperone, now did it?”

James sensed trouble and said, “Lord Huntsford gave his permission for us to travel alone. Given his marchioness and oldest daughter are seeing to Lady Stephanie’s wedding clothes in Cambridge, I have reason to believe he wished to have Excelsior Park to himself for the day.”

O’Malley regarded Eloise for a moment before he said, “You once told me you’d never marry.”

Eloise straightened and regarded the bishop a moment before she grinned. “When I was ten years old,” she countered. “Back then, I never thought to meet a man who might exceed my brother in my estimation.” She glanced over at James. “So, imagine my surprise when Leicester admitted he liked racing frogs and playing with wooden swords.”

“I am convinced of his affections for you, my lady,” the bishop said. “But then, I was convinced of them even before you stepped foot into this office.”

Eloise inhaled softly.

“Your Grace?” James murmured.

“I saw you kiss her when you helped her down from your coach,” O’Malley claimed. “Now, shall we see to that license? You’ll have time for a quick luncheon here in town before you head back to Excelsior Park.”

James and Eloise exchanged glances, and they both grinned. “Will you do the honor of marrying us, Your Grace?” James asked.

O’Malley chuckled. “Oh, I insist on it. The chapel at Excelsior Park, day after tomorrow, eleven o’clock in the morning. Do be sure to remind your mother of my favorite bedchamber, won’t you?” he said as he turned his gaze on Eloise.

“Yes, Uncle Butch,” she replied. “And I’ll have the cook make your favorite meal the night before.”

Bishop O’Malley beamed in delight as James blinked with confusion. “Then best wishes to you both.”

James escorted Eloise from the office feeling bamboozled but ever so relieved.