Chapter Fourteen
Excitement buzzed at the base of Mary’s spine, for the nuptial ceremony would begin shortly. As she held Charlie on her lap and let him play with the diamond and amethyst necklace she wore that had been a Christmas gift from Gabriel’s brother last year, she glanced over at her husband.
“I’m proud of you,” she whispered while leaning toward him.
He frowned even though amusement reflected in his brown eyes. “How so?”
“In the early days of our relationship, you would have thought nothing of going haring off to solve the case and put the final touches on it to bag the culprit.” She squeezed his fingers. “But now, you are quite content to sit here, watch your son’s nuptial ceremony, and put the case in the background.”
“I have found that this time around, family is what is most important to me.” He slipped an arm about her shoulders. Against the shell of her ear, he whispered, “Because of you. I learned from you as well as my mistakes in the past. After everything, I don’t want to lose all that I have now.”
Quick tears sprang into her eyes as a shiver tripped down her spine. “Oh, Gabriel.”
Charlie chose that moment to butt in. “He’s a hero, isn’t he, Mama, even though he doesn’t have a sword?”
Of course the boy was obsessed with the fairytales she read the children before bed. “He is, indeed.” She hugged the boy to her while an indulgent chuckle sounded behind her belonging to Viscount Stanwick—Gabriel’s brother. Was he even now thinking about his own second family that would begin when the new babe was born in the late autumn?
Then a hush fell over the guests gathered in the drawing room. Mary glanced backward at the opened double doors. Priscilla stood there beside her father, and she was an ethereal bride.
A gown made of ivory silk trimmed with pink glass beads on the skirting draped her body as if she were born to it. A rope of small pearls graced her elegant neck and matching earbobs rested at her ears. Her blonde-brown hair had been upswept to showcase her slender neck. Another strand of small pearls was woven through her tresses. The smile she wore completed the ensemble, and quite frankly, she only had eyes for Henry as he stood at the top of the room, clad in his evening clothes complete with a tailcoat.
Mary’s heart gave a large thud, for she well remembered what the young couple was feeling; her own marriage was only six months old. “They make a lovely couple.”
“They do.” Bright squeezed her fingers in support. Did he remember as well?
A rotund man, who had been introduced as Mr. Everest, greeted her with a smile as her father escorted her to Henry’s side. “Is everyone here?” He scanned the room from over the top of his half-moon spectacles.
“I believe so.” Henry’s tenor seemed to echo in the space as the guests settled into all available chairs and sofas.
“Very well. Let us begin.” The clergyman took a well-used book from his clerk and opened to the page he wanted. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this gathering, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’s innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church…”
Mary’s attention wavered slightly from the rest of Mr. Everest’s speech, for Charlie was rather wiggly, so she passed him onto Gabriel, who settled the boy with ease into his lap, promising him a treat after the ceremony if he would behave.
Then the clergyman focused his gaze on Henry. “Wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
While Mary held her breath, in a clear voice, Henry answered, “I will.”
Mr. Everest turned his attention to Priscilla. “Wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded Husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”
“Yes.” Her answer came out breathless and in a whisper that made Mary smile. Saying vows was always such a somber experience.
Henry was instructed to take her right hand in his right one while peering into her eyes with a faint grin that was reminiscent of his father.
The clergyman gave them a look of indulgence. He cleared his throat and continued. “Mr. Bright, repeat after me… ”
“Don’t do it, Henry!” Charlie called and completely interrupted the ceremony as he sat up straight on Gabriel’s lap. “She won’t let you play with her toys like Cassandra does to me!”
The statement was met with glad laughter throughout the room.
Cassandra glared at her little brother. “They are my toys, not yours,” she hissed with daggers in her eyes.
Oh, heavens.
Henry, dear boy that he was, turned his head and rested his merry gaze on his little brother. “Thank you for the warning, Charlie. Sharing is a big part of marriage, though, and I feel Priscilla will be quite lovely in that way.”
“If she doesn’t, you can have my new ball. It is bul… Well, it is quite lovely.”
Again, laughter went through the room before the clergyman once more cleared his throat. “Mr. Bright, please repeat after me.”
“I, Henry James Bright, take thee Priscilla Christine Davenport to my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, ‘till death us do part. According to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.”
They were directed to release hands, and Priscilla was told to then hold Henry’s right hand with her right one. The clergyman addressed her. “Miss Davenport, repeat after me.”
“I, Priscilla Christine Davenport, take thee Henry James Bright to my wedded Husband.” She clutched at his fingers. “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, ‘till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And thereto I give thee my troth.”
They were instructed to again release their hands. Henry proffered a plain silver band to the clergyman, who then laid it upon his open Book of Common Prayer along with a small leather pouch for payment to the clergyman and his clerk. Then the older man returned the ring to Henry, who slipped it onto the fourth finger of Priscilla’s left hand.
The clergyman directed him to repeat another set of words.
“With this Ring I thee wed, with my Body I thee worship, and with all my worldly Goods I thee endow.” Henry’s voice broke, but he grinned at Priscilla, and her answering smile was the most beautiful thing Mary had ever seen.
“In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Now, let us all say a prayer for this couple’s new union.”
Henry and Priscilla both kneeled in front of him while the clergyman prayed.
At the conclusion of the prayer, the young couple stood. The clergyman intoned, “I now pronounce thee husband and wife. If you could both sign the registry in front of my clerk, we can make everything official.”
Polite clapping followed as Henry led his new bride over to a table at the rear of the room where the clerk sat with an open registry book and a pen at the ready.
Mary brushed at a tear that escaped to her cheek. “That was beautiful.”
“Mama,” Cassandra laid a hand on her knee. “Why are you crying?” Alarm reflected in those ice blue eyes.
“Because it’s silly, and weddings make my heart happy.” She grasped Cassandra’s hand. “I’m quite all right, really.”
“You are adorable.” Gabriel grinned. “Our boy is wed, sweeting. Let us go congratulate him.” After he put Charlie onto his feet, he escorted both Mary and Cassandra across the room to where Henry and Priscilla were holding court.
The fact that he considered Henry her son as well never failed to make her emotional. She took Cassandra’s hand while he wrangled Charlie. Lord and Lady Titterford greeted them then left them alone with the bridal pair.
“The wedding breakfast will take place out on the terrace. If everyone will make their way there, we can commence with the meal and the festivities,” the viscount said with a jovial voice. No doubt he was counting down the days until he could have his manor to himself.
While many of the guests exited the room, Gabriel frowned as he scanned the area, for what she didn’t know. But then Henry was there, and she hugged him. Mary did the same to Priscilla.
“The two of you look so smart and lovely,” she enthused while brushing a piece of lint from Henry’s lapel. “I wish you many happy years ahead.”
Thank you, Mary.” His grin was so much like his father’s it was uncanny. “It means so much to me that you were here, every step of the way.”
Priscilla nodded. “I agree. Henry has taken great comfort in knowing you have supported him in everything he has done in his life since knowing him.”
Heat went through Mary’s cheeks. “Any mother would do the same.”
“No, sweeting, they wouldn’t,” Bright said against the shell of her ear. “You are quite extraordinary in that regard.” He straightened and shook hands with his son. “You made a fine showing today, my boy, and an even finer choice of wife.” With a grin directed at the bride that made her blush, he nodded. “Now, if you will all temporarily excuse me? There is someone I need to talk with before I gorge myself on the lovely breakfast this morning.”
“Who? ”
“The Earl of Kendrick. I just thought of something that requires immediate clarification.”
“All right.” Mary frowned, for he’d not told her about those plans, but she nodded. “We shall see you soon, then.” As her husband loped off, calling for Kendrick’s attention, she sighed. Before she could say anything else, Cassandra tugged on Henry’s hand.
“Will you come visit me now that you are wed?” The girl and he had become close since she’d been adopted into their family a year ago.
“Of course I will, poppet.” Henry went down on one knee in order to be at eye level with her. “Did you think I’d ever forget my favorite lady?”
Cassandra shrugged. “Nanny Louise says she wouldn’t be surprised if you distanced yourself from the lot of us now.”
Though Mary wished the governesses wouldn’t gossip in front of the children, there was nothing she could do about it, especially when the one in question didn’t work for her.
“Why would I ever do that?” Though Henry’s words were soft and gentle, annoyance flashed in his eyes. In that respect, he was much like his father. “I adore my family, as well as my new brother and sister. Nothing could tear me away from any of you.” When he glanced up at Mary, he winked. “I think Nanny Louise is a bit bitter about her own life.”
The smile Cassandra bestowed upon him could light the night sky. “I’m glad.” Then she slipped her thin, delicate arms about his neck and hugged him.
“So am I.” Henry hugged her back. When he released her, he stood. “This afternoon, Priscilla and I will take the two of you into the maze where we shall run about as if we haven’t brains in our heads. Would you like that?”
“Yes! And Mama said I could stay up late tonight so I can see all the ballgowns.”
“Excellent. I’m sure Priscilla will come by so you can see hers especially,” he said as he tweaked the little girl’s nose. Then he turned his attention to Charlie. “Once we’re all back in London, the first fine day you and I will go sail boats on the Serpentine.”
“That’ll be bully fun!” Charlie was so happy that Mary didn’t bother to admonish his use of the slang.
“Good.” Henry’s grin widened as he slipped an arm about Priscilla’s waist. “We’ll teach my wife how to sail as well.”
“Oh, I think that is something you should exclusively do with Charlie. I’ll take Cassandra shopping, though, because a lady always needs a new ribbon or fan.” She smiled at the little girl, who tentatively returned the gesture. One had to be quite extraordinary to find affection with her .
“Even better.” Henry laughed. He glanced toward the door. “Ah, look there, Miss Wright is here to collect the both of you for your breakfast.”
Charlie’s face lit, for if there was one thing the boy loved above all others, it was eating. “I hope there are jam tarts.”
“So do I, my boy,” Henry said in response. To Mary, he added, “Priscilla and I will see you on the terrace. We are rather late, and it simply won’t do to have the nuptial couple absent.”
With a laugh, Mary waved them off. “Go enjoy yourselves.” With a hand on Cassandra’s shoulder and one on Charlie’s, she urged the children toward the door where their governess waited. “Charlie, behave yourself today.”
“Except when I’m running?”
“Yes, of course, and look after your sister.”
Cassandra huffed. “I can take care of myself.”
Mary smiled as she stopped in front of Miss Wright. “I think, perhaps, I’m raising her to be too independent.”
“Never think that, Mrs. Bright. Young girls need to grow into strong women if they are to survive in this world.”
“I agree.” Once she saw the children led away by their governess, Mary sighed. Already, it had been an emotional day, and it was only a quarter to eleven in the morning.
Wanting nothing more than to eat breakfast while watching Bright charm his way through the company, she made her way down to the rear terrace, where two long tables had been set up that accommodated at least twenty people each. Several other round tables, much smaller, dotted the lawn with a handful of people around them. Everyone laughed and talked, and there was an atmosphere of gaiety and celebration in the air. Unfortunately, she didn’t see her husband, and that was quite odd. However, she smiled, for Francis and his wife seemed to get on well with Lord and Lady Titterford. Patricia and Robert looked more relaxed than she’d seen them since the horrible discovery of the murder. Of course, once the house party concluded, no doubt that couple would go into a bit of mourning, but for now, it was a merry time.
For a bit, she wandered over the terrace, talking with members of the house party while drinking a cup of tea and enjoying a pastry here or there. When Bright still didn’t make an appearance, she began to worry. Where the devil had he gotten off to?
She drifted over to the Earl of Kendrick, for he had been an interest to Gabriel and the reason why he’d left the drawing room early. “A moment of your time, Your Lordship?”
When he turned to face her, a slow grin broke across his face. “Of course, Mrs. Bright.”
“How are you feeling after your ordeal?”
When he shrugged, a faint wince crossed his face. “Well enough. I didn’t want my injuries to keep me from seeing my friend wed this morning, though.”
“Good man.” It was lovely knowing Henry had so much support from members in every level of society. “Did the inspector talk with you before breakfast started? I can’t seem to locate him just now.” She didn’t let it show, but knots of worry pulled in her belly.
Surely, he was safe, wasn’t he?
“I did, actually. Your husband is quite congenial.”
She chuckled. “That he is. If you don’t mind, what did the two of you discuss?”
“Nothing of much import, I’m afraid. He wanted to know which way I vote in the Lords and whether it was opposite of what Edwin would have voted once he came into his title.” He blew out a breath. “Then he wanted to know if I was imprisoned in the same cell as Quentin during our time in Newgate.”
“Were you?”
“In the beginning, yes. The three of us were together for a month, but then my father used his influence to spring me. I don’t know what happened to the other two after that. I visited a couple of weeks later, but I wasn’t able to see either of them.”
She nodded. Then her gaze fell to the signet ring on his pinky finger. “What is the significance of those signet rings? I noticed the twins had them too.”
“Yes, all five of us had them. Midway through our Cambridge years, we had them made to represent a brotherhood as sorts, as pact members. Anything that occurred between us stayed secret with us all. We supported each other no matter if one of us fell into scandal.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Until the incident with the Regent’s home and stealing the painting.” It wasn’t a question.
“Oh, yes. That was such an ill-advised night, but we’d drunk way too much and were quite reckless. Throw boredom into that, and we knew it wouldn’t end well.” The earl shrugged. A certain ruefulness lined his face. “It was stupid, of course, but then, young men don’t think clearly when in groups.”
“Did you speak with the twins once you left Newgate?”
“Not immediately, no.” His expression sobered. “I suppose I was embarrassed, and my father kept me under a tight guard. The twins were banished to the estate in this county anyway, so they weren’t in London.”
Slowly, Mary nodded. “Did Mr. Forsythe serve his whole sentence?”
“As far as I know, he did. I’d no idea he had been released until I saw him at this house party.” Some of the color leeched from the earl’s face. “To be honest, I hadn’t given him any thought, for with my father dying and me assuming the title, I haven’t had time to do much. Parliament takes much of my time as well.”
“I can imagine.” She pressed her lips together. “One last question, is your brotherhood pact still in effect?” That ring she’d found must belong to Mr. Forsythe, which put him squarely in the parlor where Edwin was killed, and since he already knew the man had used the window to exit the room when scandal was in the offing, he might have utilized that as well.
“No.” He shook his head. “That disbanded after Stuart’s death, I think. We all wished to put the past behind us, yet I still wear this stupid ring.” Quickly, he removed it and then threw it far from himself, where it landed in the grass. “I should have done that long ago, but perhaps I didn’t wish to let it die.”
“Perhaps it’s for the best now that Edwin is gone as well.” Her mind whirled and worry slammed into her chest. The only man who seemed to care about the pact the five had made was Mr. Forsythe. Would the discontinuance of said pact bring out the need for revenge? “About Mr. Bright, where did he go after he talked with you?”
“From what I could tell, he was arguing with Quentin. I couldn’t see them because they were moving along the back corridor, but neither was happy with each other.”
Oh, dear Lord. Mr. Forsythe killed Edwin.
A warning screamed through her mind while icy fear twisted down her spine. “If you will excuse me, my lord? I need to find my husband, posthaste.”
“Of course, Mrs. Bright. Good luck, but if you are thinking what I’m thinking?” One of his eyebrows rose. “Perhaps you could do with some assistance?”
She put a hand over her heart, that felt all too tight. “That is such a lovely gesture. Thank you. We’ll need to search the manor from top to bottom.”
“Well, you and your husband rescued me from being tortured and probably killed. I owe you my allegiance in this at least.” The earl put a hand to the small of her back. “Let us not rush, for that would ruin Henry’s celebration. I’d rather not have his wedding day marred with the ugliness we are certain to find when we locate the inspector.”
Mary nodded but was too frightened to say anything else. Glad for the company, though, she let him guide her over the lawn. Wherever Bright was, she would come at the killer with a vengeance.