CHAPTER 16
CLIFTON
I’d traveled long distances by carriage before, but nothing could have prepared me for the grueling journey north to Gretna Green by post chaise.
The small carriage swayed, and on more than one occasion, I was certain we were going to roll over.
But finally we crossed into Scotland, and soon enough, the carriage was drawing to a halt.
Diana was sleeping against me, and I envied her ability to snatch sleep whenever she could.
I was exhausted and had found it difficult to sleep more than a few hours here and there.
The threat of being overtaken loomed large in my thoughts, an ever-present reminder of my duty to protect the woman I was about to wed.
Logic told me we were in no danger of Tuttleford overtaking us. We were ahead of him, and at each inn along the way, I’d paid extra to hire the best postillions. Even if he’d been just behind us, he wouldn’t be able to overcome that disadvantage.
I’d also made a point of giving them extra coin and told them to dally while returning to their original inn. Much as I wanted to, I couldn’t order them to cause a carriage accident. I wouldn’t be responsible for the man’s death, not when I suspected he’d done something similar to Diana’s mother.
The carriage was slowing when Diana straightened and rubbed her eyes. The sun was beginning to rise over the horizon, painting the inn’s courtyard in a golden glow.
She stared out the carriage’s front window. “Is this Gretna Green?”
I nodded. “Are you ready?”
She grimaced. “I must look frightful.”
My gaze moved over her now-familiar features. She looked rumpled, yes, but in the best way possible. It gave me a glimpse into what she’d look like every morning when she woke. Her hair was up now, but it would be loose on those mornings. I couldn’t wait to see that.
I cupped her cheek and traced her lower lip with my thumb. “You look delightful.”
She dragged the back of her fingers along my own stubbled cheek. “I don’t know why you’re even more handsome now. It really isn’t fair.”
I pressed my face against hers and she giggled. “Let’s get married, Diana.”
After helping her from the carriage, we turned toward the stone inn. It looked much like every other inn we’d stopped at during our journey, but there was a weight to our arrival that gave this building a certain gravitas. Our lives were about to change.
Although to be honest, my life had changed the moment I overheard that conversation between Diana’s guardians. As had hers when she climbed into my carriage that first evening.
There was a bustle of activity in the courtyard as grooms ran out from the stables to see to the horses.
The inn door opened just as we reached it.
The broad-shouldered older man who greeted us—the innkeeper presumably—nodded his greeting.
His eyes moved between Diana and me. “You’ve crossed the border to wed? ”
“Yes, and we’re in a hurry.”
“Best come inside, then. I keep the fire lit.”
Even at this early hour, there were a few patrons in the common room. We followed the man through the room and down a narrow passage to the rear of the inn. He pushed open the heavy door, and we entered the small plain room where we’d be marrying.
I heard Diana’s breath catch. At the center of the room stood an anvil, dark and solid, its prominent placement making clear just what happened here. A forge fire glowed nearby, the low flames casting shadows on the surrounding walls.
“I’ll need two witnesses. My wife would have seen your arrival, so she’ll be along shortly with one of the maids.”
I glanced at Diana, who was still staring at the anvil. I wanted to ask if she’d changed her mind, but there was no returning. Both of us knew it. Yes, her guardians would gladly take her back, but I had no doubt they would do everything in their power to ensure she never escaped again.
Determination settled over me as I remembered Tuttleford’s threat.
The innkeeper’s gaze was fixed on Diana. “You’re here of your own free will?”
She straightened her shoulders and met his gaze squarely. “Yes.”
He nodded again. “Good. We’ll make short work of this. It will be quick, but proper.” He glanced at the door. “I don’t know what’s keeping Molly. I’ll be back before you can miss me.”
When he left, I turned to Diana. “No second thoughts?”
She smiled. “None.”
I squeezed her hand, relieved. I’d grown used to the idea of having Diana as my future countess. I didn’t want to examine why the possibility she’d changed her mind and wanted me to hide her away somewhere had filled me with dread.
Footsteps sounded at the door, and I turned to see the innkeeper returning, followed by a petite older woman and the promised maid.
They moved into place with a practice that told me this happened often.
“It is time to start,” the innkeeper said. “Please face one another and clasp your hands.”