Chapter 20 #2
“Yes, well, I suppose the gossips will have more than enough fodder for their hungry tongues after today.” Branford glanced at Hammerton’s lifeless form.
“Would you and Chilton—or should I say, the real Lord Hammerton— be kind enough to summon the magistrates and settle matters here. There is another cur out in the stables who must be dealt with as well. I would like to attend to … a more important matter.”
Ashton’s gaze moved from Justin’s face to the pistol in his hand. “I take it, we have you to thank for keeping Sebastian from sticking his spoon in the wall today?”
Justin allowed a glimmer of a smile. “I received some very wise advise about putting pistols to more honorable use, sir. And it is I who owe both you and Lady Ashton thanks. Without your counsel, I fear things would have turned out very differently.”
Ashton’s reserve finally melted away. “The Earl of Hammerton is it? Hmmm. I like the sound of that, young man. I think you will be a credit to the title.” He grinned at Branford.
“The new Lord Hammerton and I would be happy to straighten things up here. I’ll send my coachman to fetch the authorities right away. ”
Branford nodded his thanks. “I would like Simms to drive Alex and me back to Town as soon as possible. She’s had enough excitement for the day—and I’m sure her aunt is sick with worry.”
Ashton nodded. “No doubt. Pray, don’t worry about a thing.” He repressed a little chuckle. “Have a most pleasant—and unexciting— journey.”
“Miss Chilton,” called Lady Ashton. “I look forward to some very long, comfortable cozes with you. I believe we have much to discuss—I consider myself something of an expert on the matrimonial state.”
Ashton rolled his eyes at Branford. “You have no idea what you are getting yourself into.”
Branford tightened his arm around Alex. “Oh, but indeed I do, Henry.” The shadows in his eyes gave way to a fire-bright light. “Indeed I do.”
Branford settled his bruised and weary body into the carriage seat with a deep sigh.
Next to him, Alex sat silently, her gaze focused on the landscape flashing past the carriage window.
Now that the first fierce heat of danger subsided, he felt unsure of himself. What if Alex truly didn’t wish to marry … But then he recalled Cecilia’s advice and knew that he must summon his courage and plunge on, regardless of the uncertainty.
He cleared his throat. “Alex, we must clarify a few things.”
She turned warily towards him.
“First of all, about that damnable wager—”
“I know all about how it happened,” she said. “Hammerton couldn’t resist telling me about it.” Her eyes still were averted. “How …”
He held his breath, waiting for her to go on.
“How can you ever forgive me for not believing in you,” she blurted out in a rush.
He dared to breathe again.
“I mean,” she continued, “I thought I understood what I saw in your eyes that night in your townhouse, but afterwards you seemed so cool and distant. It made me think that perhaps you regretted what had happened between us. And then …” Her voice wavered for an instant. “You left without a word.”
“You never received my letter?”
She shook her head.
He muttered an oath. “That must have been more of Hammerton’s evil. I remember now that his carriage was outside the club.” He shook his head. “No wonder you thought me the worst sort of blackguard.”
A ragged sigh rose from the depths of his throat. “But it is I who should wonder whether you can ever forgive me. I was distant that night because, well, it frightened me that I could care so much for someone else. I had sworn to myself I would never let that happen again.”
“Would you truly have wished not to have loved your cousin? Yes, the possibility of pain is there. But without taking a chance on love, there can be no happiness, or warmth or friendship.”
“And I, in turn, hope you will realize that you don’t have to solve everyone’s problems for them.
It can be nice to have a shoulder on which to lean.
” Branford put his arm around her and drew her closer.
“I think you would like Riverton very much, my love. The gardens are magnificent and you can fill the rooms with your wonderful paintings. For I trust you know that I would never interfere with your passions—though I hope they include me.”
She leaned over and kissed him. “Can you doubt it?
Branford felt his heart swell with joy.
“And I have the first painting ready to hang on the walls,” she continued. “Your hibiscus.”
He smiled. “I hope you won’t make me work quite as hard for all the rest.”
They both laughed softly and then Branford reached up and framed her face between his palms.
“Alex, my love. My life would be colorless without you. Will you marry me?”
She stroked her thumb along the line of his jaw. “Yes,” she whispered.
He captured her lips before she could say anything more.
“Sebastian, you’re hurt. A man in your condition should not …” she managed to say a few minutes later.
“A man in my condition needs immediate attention,” he murmured as his lips traced a path along the line of her jaw.
“It’s a long journey back to Town …”
“Yes, but Love is a healing balm for both spirit and body.”
“Ah. Well, in that case …” Alex nestled closer. “Kiss me again.”