Chapter 21
Everything worked out exactly as Roman had planned. He’d obtained the special license the day after becoming betrothed to Ellis, and they’d married the following day at St. George’s in Hanover Square.
It was very different from his first wedding at the St. Marylebone parish church, and that wasn’t because there were more people in attendance, but because of the joy and love filling his heart.
He would be forever grateful that Ellis had been driven from her family and found safety and comfort in his employment, in his household, and most importantly, in his arms.
Roman had been particularly happy to have Josiah standing beside him as he took Ellis’s hand in marriage. Ellis was equally thrilled to have her sister Min with her. Indeed, Roman marveled at the bond of friendship not just between the two of them, but within their larger circle.
Now, five days later, they were gathered for dinner at Henlow House, as organized by Lady Shefford. The ladies were all in attendance—eight of them, he realized. Even the Duchess of Wellesbourne had returned to town, though she hadn’t been able to arrive in time for the wedding.
The friends were seated together on one side of the drawing room.
Roman walked over to where their husbands had collected on the opposite side.
He glanced toward the lot of them—Sheff, Evan Pierce, the Viscount Somerton, the Duke of Wellesbourne, and Baron Droxford.
“What are they doing over there? Should we be worried?”
They all laughed, even Droxford, who was generally rather stoic.
“I want to say they’re harmless,” Wellesbourne said. “However, the truth is, if they put their minds to it, they could likely set London, and perhaps all of England, on its axis.”
Somerton coughed. “I think you meant to say the world. Do not underestimate their power.”
“Hear, hear,” Droxford said, lifting his glass of wine. They’d finished dinner, and the gentlemen had only taken port for a short while before joining the ladies in the drawing room.
Aside from the group of friends, they’d also invited family, which included the Duke of Henlow and his love.
Ordinarily, it would be scandalous for a nobleman to bring his mistress to an event and expect people to interact with her, however, no one here stood on that kind of nonsense.
It was clear that no one in the family or their close circle referred to her or thought of Mrs. Welbeck as simply his mistress.
It was also obvious to anyone with eyes that she and the duke were absolutely smitten with one another. This was not a fleeting affair.
The Laceys were there, of course, including Margot and her betrothed, Oliver Pritchard. They would be married after the new year in Marylebone.
Pierce inclined his head toward the ladies. “I’m sure they’re presenting your wife with her copy of the Rogue Rules. It’s a tradition they have when one of them marries.”
Roman had heard about those. In fact, he knew precisely which rule Ellis had broken, though it seemed there were several. “It doesn’t appear those rules have worked out well for them. Haven’t they all broken one or more and are now married to—well, I suppose former—rogues?”
“Former is the key,” Wellesbourne said with a faint smirk. “I think we’d all agree that we’ve been exceptionally fortunate to gain our wives.” He lifted his glass, and everyone followed suit.
After swallowing a sip of port, Roman shot a glance toward the circle of ladies. “Will it be a problem if I go over there and interrupt?”
The men regarded him with a mix of wariness, apprehension, and pity.
Somerton arched his blond brows. “If you dare.”
“Not sure I would,” Droxford said. His had been the expression of pity.
“Wish me luck, then.” Roman started toward that side of the room but was intercepted by Margot.
She gave him a tentative look. “Are you going to speak to the ladies?”
“I had planned to, yes. Do you plan to warn me against doing so as the men did?”
“Oh, no,” Margot said. “I would like to join you. I felt nervous walking over there by myself. It’s a rather intimidating group—a duchess, a countess, a viscountess, a baroness, the daughter of a duke, and your marchioness.”
“You needn’t feel intimidated,” Roman said. “They’re just people, and you know Ellis well enough. They’re all her friends. They will be your friends too, I’m sure.”
“Come.” He walked with her to the group of ladies as Ellis finished unwrapping a package. She smiled at the framed item on her lap.
“I can’t say I’m surprised,” Ellis said.
“To receive it, I mean. I’m still rather shocked that I’m in a position to do so.
I never imagined I would be married.” She glanced warmly at Roman before shifting her gaze to Pandora.
“You’ve outdone yourself. I love all the personal touches.
” Pandora had personalized each set of rules for the bride with decorative details along with the text. “Thank you.”
“Your Rogue Rules had to have books, and I couldn’t resist stitching the beard and mustache up in the corner.” She winked at Ellis, who laughed again.
“May I see this?” Roman moved to stand next to his wife’s chair. She held it up to him.
“Pandora always embroiders a copy of the Rogue Rules for the bride,” Ellis explained.
“I’ll never wed, so I’m delighted to be the one to make them,” Pandora said with a mischievous grin
“Never say never,” Roman advised. “I think Ellis and I can both tell you that the best intentions don’t always happen.”
“Agreed,” the Duchess of Wellesbourne said. “I’m certain plenty of others here would say the same.”
Several of the ladies nodded.
Roman gestured to Margot. “I believe you’ve all met Miss Lacey.”
Min smiled warmly at Margot. “Yes, of course. We were remiss in not inviting you to join us.”
“It’s all right,” Margot said. “Mama and I did not come directly to the drawing room after dinner.”
“You must sit with us,” Lady Somerton, who was Pierce’s sister, insisted. “There’s always room for more. Just ask Iona. She’s the newest to our group and the only one besides Pandora who is left unmarried.”
Though Miss Shaughnessy smiled, Roman detected a hint of nervousness in her features. Margot sat down beside her. They appeared to be of a similar age.
Miss Shaughnessy turned to Margot. “Is it true you and your betrothed fell in love writing letters?”
“Yes, over several months, though I knew after the first letter he was special.” Margot beamed.
“And no one knew this was happening?” Miss Shaughnessy seemed most intrigued.
Margot blushed faintly. “No, but it did come out, of course, now that we’re betrothed.”
“It’s a splendid idea,” Miss Shaughnessy said, sounding almost contemplative.
“Well, I don’t think we planned it as an idea, exactly.” Margot’s brow briefly pleated before she smiled. “But it did work out rather wonderfully.”
Roman looked down at Ellis. “Would you join me for a moment?” He held out his hand to her.
“Of course.” She set the Rogue Rules down on her chair as she stood. “Pardon me, ladies.”
“And there she goes,” Pandora said with a sigh. “Choosing her husband over us.”
“Not entirely,” Ellis said. “You’re all of very great importance to me, and I’m sorry I didn’t rely on you sooner.”
“We understand.” Min gave her a caring smile. “And we love you.”
Ellis took Roman’s arm, and he led her to where Josiah and Harriet were speaking with Henlow and Mrs. Welbeck.
Mrs. Welbeck was a delightful woman and was, in fact, the granddaughter of an earl.
Josiah turned to Roman. “Ready?”
Roman nodded before addressing Ellis softly. “We’re going to make an announcement now.”
“What is this about?” she asked, appearing concerned. “I’ve already said I don’t want to be the librarian in Bath. I can’t do that.”
Josiah chuckled. “No, no, but you will be instrumental in helping us choose a location, if you agree to what we’d like to announce.”
Harriet beamed at her. “We’d like you to be secretary of Lacey and Company. You will have your own stake in the company and be an integral part of its operation and success.”
Ellis sucked in a breath, her eyes glowing with surprise and joy. Roman delighted in how happy she was.
“I don’t know what to say.” Ellis beamed at the Laceys, then at Roman.
“I say it’s well deserved,” Henlow replied proudly.
Ellis met Henlow’s gaze. “Thank you for believing in me and supporting me when others would not.”
Roman knew she thought of the duke as a surrogate father in ways that she would never consider Rowland Harker.
They had not invited Harker to the wedding but had glimpsed him loitering outside the church when they’d left.
Time would tell if he lived up to his promise, and, truthfully, they weren’t paying close attention, nor did they plan to.
“Are you ready for me to make the announcement?” Roman asked.
Ellis nodded. “Though, you needn’t make a fuss.”
Henlow looked at her with mock admonishment. “My dear, you must become accustomed to fuss. You are the Marchioness of Keele now, and there will be much fuss over you from now on.”
Ellis laughed. “I will try.”
Roman took her hand and gave it a squeeze, then turned to address the room.
“I have an announcement to make,” he said loudly.
“Lacey and Company is proud to announce the appointment of our new secretary, Lady Keele. May we all lift our glasses and toast to the extreme good fortune of Lacey and Company to have such an amazing woman in this role.”
He lifted his glass, and there was a round of huzzahs.
“We didn’t all have drinks,” Ellis said.
Roman quickly handed her his port. She met his eyes over the rim of the glass as she took a sip. There was something seductive about the way her lips pressed against the glass, and Roman had to steel himself against becoming aroused. Now was not the time.
“When can we leave?” he whispered.
She laughed at him as she handed the port back. “Not for a while yet. You’ll have your time alone with me, my lord.” Her eyes gleamed with promise. “All the time you could ever want.”
He shook his head and gazed at her with overwhelming love and gratitude. “Forever wouldn’t be enough.”