Chapter Nineteen #2
“You are a pompous, spoiled little brat who is barely out of leading strings. You will not keep me from what I want.”
Arthur reached for the bell pull. “Thank you, my lord.”
“For what?”
“For proving why you aren’t fit to lick the dirt off my sister’s shoes. This matter is closed.”
Marina attempted to hide her gasp when Minto started toward Arthur, but at that moment Brooks entered the room with a couple of footmen.
“Brooks,” Arthur said as he rose from his chair, “please escort Lord Minto out of my home. He is never to be allowed admittance again.”
“This isn’t over,” Minto spat at Arthur when Brooks attempted to grab his arm.
“My sister has selected her husband, and the contracts are in place. Leave her alone and find someone else, as a true gentleman would.”
Marina didn’t think the contracts had been signed yet but would be resolved as soon as Evan arrived later.
Their servants removed Minto from the room, and Marina breathed a sigh of relief that her brother did as he said and ensured she wouldn’t be stuck with the vile man.
Arthur looked up at the vent. “Do you wish to join me, sister?”
“Yes. Be right there,” she called back to him. Marina scurried to her feet and made haste to seek her brother.
She burst into his study and flung her arms around his neck. “You are the best brother. You were brilliant.”
He patted her on the back, and she released him. “The sooner we get you married, the better. I know it’s short notice, but perhaps we move the wedding to this afternoon so you and your husband can leave town. I don’t want that odious man causing any problems for you.”
“You may be right,” she said. “I want to marry Evan as soon as possible, so we can discuss it with him when he arrives. Thank you for everything. I love you, brother.”
“I know.” He waved her off, but his smile wasn’t lost to her.
At least she knew she wasn’t incapable of speaking words of love, but she still needed to find a way to speak her heart to the person she loved most in the world.
Brooks appeared in the doorway and cleared his throat. “Lady Marina, you have a caller. Lady Tabitha.”
“Show her to the drawing room. I shall be right there.” She hadn’t expected Tabitha to come so quickly, but this could work out well if they moved the wedding forward. She shifted her attention back to her brother. “I will inform you when Evan arrives.”
He nodded in response, and she departed toward the drawing room.
Once she arrived, Tabitha stood just inside the doorway, waiting for her.
“Marina, dearest, I hope you are all right. I had your footman escort my maid and me right over to see you. I wanted to check on you with all that has occurred. Minto. Your father.”
They bussed each other’s cheeks and took seats next to each other on the settee, then Tabitha started again. “I have been so worried about you.”
“I am fine. More than, actually. I am to be married.”
Tabitha’s eyes widened. “I heard. To Minto. I wouldn’t think you’d be happy about that development.”
“No, no, no.” She waved off the notion. “Not Minto. Arthur took care of Minto. It was a beautiful thing to see.”
“Then who are you marrying?”
Marina smiled. “Lord Ockham.”
Tabitha’s mouth dropped open before she composed herself. “Is this why you were so against Diana setting her cap for the man?”
“That’s a long story. The important thing is that we will be married. Today, possibly. I wished for you to be my maid of honor.”
“Of course, dearest. I would be happy to. I can’t believe it.” She hugged Marina. When she pulled away, she asked, “Why are you marrying so quickly?”
“We are already going to be the subject of gossip with Papa’s death, and me jilting Minto in the eyes of the ton. We want to wed and leave town for a while.”
Tabitha nodded in understanding. “I’m happy for you. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”
“Thank you. He makes me happier than I would have thought possible. Now I know why Diana and Graham can’t stay away from each other.”
“Oh, do tell.” Realization washed over Tabitha, and her eyes narrowed in a knowing gaze. “So, you have anticipated your vows, then?”
Marina blushed. “I will tell you all about it soon. I promise. Right now, I need help to prepare for the wedding if we are to have it today. Do you think everyone can make it on short notice?”
“I would be sure of it. Diana and Hannah will be here. I’m uncertain about Juliana since she is in mourning.”
A frown formed on Marina’s visage. “Have you seen her? Is she all right? I hoped to see her before I left town.”
“I planned to do so today. I hope she is well.”
Sitting forward, Marina patted Tabitha’s hand. “Why don’t we go now? That will give me a chance to see her, and then we can return before Evan arrives with the special license.”
They rang for their maids to join them. Marina donned her bonnet, pelisse, and reticule, and they left without telling anyone they were leaving.
Marina and Tabitha walked along the road, with their maids following a few paces behind them.
Juliana only lived a couple of blocks away, so it was a quick walk to reach their destination.
When they arrived, they were shown into Juliana’s drawing room, where she greeted them a few moments later. Her smile didn’t quite meet her eyes, which were red and puffy.
Marina embraced her. “Oh, Jules, I’m so sorry.”
Juliana hugged her back with a sob. “I just can’t believe it.”
When Juliana released her, Tabitha embraced Juliana next.
They led her to the nearby settee and had her sit, with Marina next to her and Tabitha in the chair on her other side.
Once Juliana’s crying subsided, she shifted her focus to Marina.
“I’m sorry for only thinking of myself. You lost your father. ”
She waved Juliana’s concerns away. “Please don’t worry about me for a moment. It is awful, but I am doing all right. It is you I am concerned with. You lost your husband.”
“I will be all right. It’s just all such a shock.” She wiped her eyes with her handkerchief. “Please tell me the rumor that you are marrying Minto isn’t true. I can only take so much.”
“It is completely untrue. It is one reason we came to visit. I am marrying Lord Ockham.”
Tears formed in Juliana’s eyes. “I’m so delighted, dearest. I knew he was in love with you, and I hoped he would press his suit.”
“How? When did you know?” Marina asked.
“I’m quite observant,” she said with a watery laugh. “I could tell there was something between the two of you, and I look forward to hearing that story when you are ready to tell it.” She gave her a knowing glance.
“I promise, I will tell all of you the entire story when the time is right.” She wouldn’t even leave out any of the good parts, either.
“When is the wedding?” Juliana asked.
“Hopefully, today. Evan is purchasing the special license now. I wasn’t sure if you would attend since you are in mourning.”
She squeezed Marina’s hand. “I wouldn’t miss it. Send me word of when it shall take place, and I will be there.”
Marina hugged her, and they both cried. The tears danced down their cheeks, carrying the weight of happiness. “I must return home. Evan should be there soon, so we can confirm the wedding plans.”
They all rose and hugged each other. “I shall see you both soon,” Juliana said.
Tabitha and Marina were back on the streets of Mayfair, walking with their maids back to Sidmouth house.
“She looked better than I thought she would,” Tabitha said.
“I agree. I hope she doesn’t get lonely while she’s in mourning.”
A carriage passed by and continued down the street.
“I may ask Mama if I might stay with her for a few weeks to keep her company,” Tabitha said.
“That would be kind of you. I am sure Juliana would appreciate it.”
Another carriage approached them.
“Perhaps Hannah will come to stay, too, since you and Diana will be with your husbands.”
Marina shrieked in surprise when someone grabbed her arm. Before she could do more than scream, she was pulled into a carriage. The carriage sped away, and she could hear the cries of Tabitha and their maids calling for help. She turned her head and locked eyes with her captor.
Minto.
“Surprise, my dear.”
“Take me home right now,” she demanded. She sat in the seat across from him, ensuring she kept the maximum amount of distance possible between them.
He laughed at her. “I don’t think so. Your brother wouldn’t see reason, so I had to take matters into my own hands.”
“Where are you taking me?”
His smile was malicious, making her whole body recoil in disgust. There was no telling what the blackguard might attempt or do to her.
“Gretna Green.”