Chapter 28
The Morning Post, London, April 15th, 1819.
The Morning Post is delighted to announce the engagement of Lady Hermione Eleanor Augusta Ellsworth, sister to the Earl of Ashby, to Baron Gregory Stone. This auspicious union brings together two distinguished families and has the noblest amongst us questioning their motives. Details of the forthcoming nuptials will be shared in due course. We extend our warmest congratulations to the couple on this joyous occasion.
Arnold, Greg, Hermy, and a man with an oddly shaped mustache gathered in the Pearler’s study.
“Are all parties ready then?” the solicitor said as he shuffled some papers. He was the only one seated.
“Arnold, a moment?” Hannah peeked in and then entered with a solemn look.
“We were just about to begin the paperwork,” Arnold said, but Hermy noticed the softness in his gaze at Hannah. It was as if he declared his love every time his eyes met his wife’s.
“Mrs. Ehrlich,” the solicitor said, “do you have information pertinent to the impending transfer of guardianship?”
“Yes, Wentworth.” Hannah joined Hermy’s side, which astonished her because she’d expect her to go to Arnold.
“What is the matter?” Hermy asked.
“Fave sent the coachman with a message to say he’s been held up.”
“By whom?”
“The Bailiff.”
“Nagy.” Arnold groaned and combed his hands through his hair. “How can he always be where we are?”
Greg turned to Hannah. “Wait, what did Fave’s message say?”
Hannah unfolded a paper and handed it to Greg. “Abeyance requires proof of residence.”
Greg furrowed his brow, but Hermy already knew what it meant. If she didn’t live at her ancestral estate, the abeyance may be voided. “I need to sit.” She reached for a chair, and Arnold pulled one from that had been facing the fireplace.
“What does this mean?” Greg’s annoyance was palpable. “Why does Fave send such cryptic messages?”
“He probably already attested to it,” Arnold said. “Fave won’t let you risk your family’s title. It’s your birthright.”
“Except the solicitor evicted me. He is in residence.” Hermy bent over, cradling her face in her hands.
“You mean, without proof of residence, you cannot pass on the estate under the rules of abeyance?” Arnold asked.
“Why would Nagy tell Fave that? What does he have to gain … oh no!” Greg grew ashen and cast Hermy a look. “Get up, let’s do this now.”
She rose and took his outstretched arm. “He might not let you take the Earldom!”
“I don’t care, let’s do this Arnold. Mister Wentworth, the papers, please.” Greg pulled Hermy’s arm tight. Her heart lurched. He wanted to marry her with great haste regardless of the Earldom.
First, Greg needed to ensure that he wasn’t the guardian. Next, he needed the guardian’s approval, Arnold’s, to marry Hermy for the special license Fave had almost secured for him. Hermy’s chest grew tight with fear of losing the ability to pass the earldom to Greg, but at the same time, her heart swelled with his action—he wanted to marry her regardless.
Less than an hour later…
“The Times,The Morning Chronicle, The Observer, and the Herald.” Arnold put a stack of newspapers on Greg’s desk after the papers were signed.
“Newspapers?”
“Filled with engagement announcements. The secret’s out, you’re back in society.” Arnold gave Hermy the look one reserved for a patient with a terminal diagnosis.
“And everybody knows where I am,” Hermy said.
“Exactly. We need to pack.” Greg clasped Hermy’s hand and placing a kiss on her knuckle. “I’ll be your guest.”
“But I was evicted.”
“Then your guardian will be in charge. That’s Arnold now.” Greg turned to Arnold. “You need to come with us and prove residence, so you don’t lose the estate and the Earldom.”
Arnold frowned at Greg. “I’m not going to treat Hermy as a child.” He turned to Hermy, “May I please bring my family?”
She smiled and nodded. Anything for the Pearlers.
Greg smiled. “That’s why I chose you.”
Arnold glanced in Hannah’s direction, who responded with an understanding nod. “I’ll get Izaac and Elke ready.”
“You’re all coming with us?” Hermy shook her head. “We’re not wanted. They took my home away from me, I cannot arrive with a new guardian and his family and you.”
Arnold put a hand on Hermy’s shoulder. “That’s exactly how you storm a fortress, with an army.”
Hermy swallowed, and Greg gave a warm look. “You’re not alone anymore. I won’t ever leave you alone.”
“But what if David is already there?”
“It’s possible.” Arnold raised his brows and shrugged. “If he read the papers, he’d know there’s a windfall for him should you not have preserved residence at Willowby Park.”
Greg pursed his lips. “It’s logical he’d come looking for you at your house.”
Hermy pulled away from Greg, hurt he’d take her toward the danger rather than away from it. “He has a claim on me, how can you be so calm?”
“We face our enemies. We face our fears.”
“That’s laudable but stupid.”
“It is a risk,” Hannah agreed.
“I don’t want to steal the bride.” Greg took a wide stance and put both hands on Hermy’s shoulders. “Not again. I don’t want to hide. If you’ll have me, do it in the open.”
Hermy gulped. How she’d longed for Greg to utter these words. She dreamed up every possible variation of them and yet now she’d heard them, they sounded like a threat.
“I might forfeit my inheritance if David aligns with Nagy and List.”
“Then you’ll just be my baroness. Would that be enough?”
“I don’t want to be David’s Countess.”
“You won’t unless it is your wish,” Arnold said. “I won’t agree to the betrothal under duress.”
The corners of Greg’s mouth built into a crooked smile. Arnold was her windfall now.
And Greg would catch her.