Chapter 26
Twenty-Six
The list for the fair on Victor’s desk was almost complete.
This morning Edward was to deliver everything that the Godderidges had stored for past harvest fairs.
including tables and stalls. The old awnings for the patio had been repaired—or replaced—and hung.
With the help of several twelve to fifteen-year-old boys and girls they hired for the task, Miss Jane and his darling Isabel had delivered the flour to every person who had signed up to enter the baking contests.
Between Victor’s order from the miller and that of the Earl of Whitstone, there was enough flour remaining to gift every village family, tenant, and farmer another five pounds at the wedding breakfast the morning of the fair.
This afternoon, all who could help would descend on Pittsfield to start preparations.
Even Barlow, who had returned late last week, agreed to help.
Four days to the fair.
Four days until his wedding.
The second list was nearly complete as well.
Barlow had brought the brooch with him when he returned, along with a plain gold wedding band.
He spent a week dispelling the rumors while spreading the news of Dalrymple’s impending nuptials, disclosing the full truth only to his father.
The Marquess of Blackridge was convinced enough of Victor’s innocence to send a handsome wedding gift of a silver tea service.
Careful perusal of the London papers proved Sir Lightwood’s lie never found its way into print.
Victor sent a strongly worded message through his solicitor to Lightwood warning him that he would be charged with trespassing if he came to the wedding at the village church, or the wedding breakfast that would launch the fair.
According to Miss Jane, her father had written to say he was prevented from attending this year.
Neither Miss Jane nor her sisters, Miss Alexandra or Viscountess Endelton, appeared to be upset by the news.
Viscount Endelton promised that if Sir Lightwood should unwisely enter the county he would be ejected immediately.
According to Grandma Grimes, the wedding breakfast would be the largest one ever seen in the area, as it was open to all who would attend the fair.
Though Victor thought the event might end up as one of Grandma Grimes’ tales one day, Isabel thought the massive wedding breakfast the best way to involve all her friends and neighbors.
Since it was not part of the fair, neither the bride nor groom had any problem hiring cooks and bakers from the community to help.
The bill was more than Victor ever thought he would pay for a wedding, however, knowing that everyone whom he employed would benefit, was a gift in itself.
A footman knocked on the study door and announced Lord Godderidge.
Godderidge entered the room looking much less harried than he had a month ago. “Dalrymple, or should I call you brother?”
“I hope you agree to call me both. When did you return?” Victor shook his hand and they sat in the chairs near the fire.
“Last evening. I have looked over the marriage agreement you and Edward made. I could not have done better myself.”
“You approve then?”
“As I wrote in answer to your first letter, I was not convinced of my sister’s heart. But after spending only a few minutes with her last evening, I could not say no. I have rarely seen my sister so happy.”
Victor could not help the smile that burst upon his face.
Godderidge laughed. “You look as muddleheaded as she. Best get you wed.”
“May I inquire as to Lady Godderidge’s health?” Enough clues had been given over the past month that he had no doubt of the reason for Godderidge’s departure.
“You shall see her later today. Susanna will be along with the others to help with the buntings and such. She is much improved. When I left this morning, she was in my mother’s parlor giggling with Izz and Edward’s wife. Something to do with the wedding, I believe. I had sense enough not to enter.”
“I made the mistake of interrupting our mothers and Isabel last week. They laughed at me for a full five minutes, and I still do not know why. My sister and her husband arrived the night before last, and I have been avoiding my mother and sister since. I am glad to have the harvest fair and ball as an excuse.”
Godderidge stood. “Speaking of which, we have wagons to unload if you and your wastrel of a friend care to help.”
“You don’t mind Barlow’s presence?” Victor had been worried about Lord Godderidge’s reaction to his friend since he had once warned him off.
“I am aware of the lengths he went to defend you and Izz. I also trust he will remain on his best behavior while in the village and for the harvest ball. Any man who would defend my sister’s reputation is more than welcome.”
A sunset ride. If she were not to be wed in the morning or unaccompanied by her groom, it would be the most scandalous of evenings Victor could offer her.
Isabel fastened her brooch to the shirt of her riding habit, not wishing to lose it, nor to be without it.
The brooch Victor gave her to mark their engagement, a delicate wreath of eight deep crimson garnets alternating with pearl clusters, all set in gold with fine beaded edges.
It was her favorite piece of jewelry that she had ever owned.
It matched her favorite pearl and garnet earrings, passed down to her from her mother to celebrate her coming out, which she wore often.
Though not as valuable as some engagement gifts her friends received, it showed that Victor had noticed her long before she had noticed him.
The very thought filled her with the warm comfort she had come to associate with him.
She looked out her bedroom window to see Victor atop his favorite steed, accompanied by his own groom. Isabel turned to her sisters-in-law. “Do I look ready?”
Deborah handed Isabel her bonnet. “You look like a woman in love.”
Susanna tied the bonnet ribbon. “That will not come off easily.”
Both sisters-in-law laughed.
“What?” asked Isabel, checking the mirror.
“I’m sure you will figure it out soon enough.
” Susanna’s smile filled her entire face.
Isabel was glad for the return of her sister-in-law’s health and humor.
Yesterday’s apology was accompanied by the return of several of Pappa’s favorite paintings to rooms throughout the house.
Susanna’s deep remorse over nearly ruining a painting was genuine, as was the promise not to remove Mamma’s birthday gift from the Blue Parlor when it was completed.
Isabel neglected the gift during the wedding preparations but vowed to finish it soon in the well-appointed room Victor had converted as her artist studio.
The conversation with Susanna healed parts of Isabel she had not realized were hurt.
Perplexed at Susanna and Deborah’s laughter, Isabel rushed down the stairs where Victor waited, talking with David. Victor turned to her. Those eyes. She could look at them forever. Outside, Victor helped her mount, ignoring the Godderidge groom. When they left, only the Pittsfield groom followed.
Victor suggested the ruins as a destination. He turned in his saddle and informed the groom, who answered. Grooms rarely spoke. Isabel turned to get a better look at the servant she would soon have as her own.
“Lord Barlow?” She looked to Victor. “What is this?”
“Barlow promised us five minutes out of his sight. Something I couldn’t ask a normal groom.”
“And only five.” Lord Barlow’s voice carried from behind them. “I am Miss Isabel’s self-proclaimed protector, and I will fight for her honor.”
Isabel was not sure if she should laugh or groan. There was no way she could spend five minutes alone with Victor knowing Barlow knew.
They crested the hill to the ruins. Something was different. Perhaps it was just the lighting. The warm glow of the sun on the stones. No, it was something else. As she neared the first wall, she reigned in her horse. “Where is the fence?”
Victor stopped beside her. “It turns out men are willing to be paid to fill in post holes as well as to dig them.”
“I do not understand.”
“There will be no fence.” He reached for her hand. “A wise woman convinced me of the folly of the idea.”
“Truly?”
Victor dismounted and passed his steed off to Barlow. He came to her side and helped her down. His hands didn’t leave her waist. “Definitely, she is very wise.”
Victor stepped back and offered his arm.
“You do not mind leaving them for public use?”
“Why should I? I no longer own them.”
Isabel stopped and let go of Victor’s arm. Trying to process something worse than a fence. “What did you do with them?”
Victor stepped closer. She stepped back.
He smiled.
Isabel frowned. “What did you do?”
“Did you not read your wedding contract?” He stepped forward again.
She took two steps nearer to the ruins. “No.”
“You should.” Once again, he closed in, his smile growing.
“Why?” Isabel took another step, bringing her close to the half-fallen archway in the wall that marked the opening of the ancient monastery.
He stepped forward, trapping her between the wall and his broad chest. He reached out and brushed his fingers down her cheek. “Because if you had, you would know I deeded them over to you.”
“To me?”
“Yes, as your wedding gift.”
“Gift?” The look in his eyes drove all thought away.
“Yes.”
She didn’t care if Lord Barlow saw. Isabel placed a hand on Victor’s shoulder and reached to kiss him. The brim of her hat kept her from the closeness she craved. Her fingers tugged at the bow. It remained stuck.
“I cannot untie the knot. Susanna—” A giggle escaped Isabel.
Victor looked at her with concern. “What did she do?”
Isabel stopped tugging at the bow. “She reminded me that until tomorrow, there would be chaperones lurking in the shadows and to enjoy this evening, lurking fake groomsmen and all.”
Victor took her hand. “Then shall we walk around your ruins?”
“Yes, I can hardly wait to paint them. Will you accompany me?”
“As long as we don’t need to bring a chaperone.”
Isabel laughed. She would enjoy being married to this man as long as she could.
From far behind them, Lord Barlow bellowed. “Your five minutes are over!”
Victor growled. “Remind me to kick him out of the house tomorrow.”
“If you remind me to teach Susanna and Deborah how to tie a proper bow.” Isabel tugged at her ribbons again.
“I have my penknife.” Victor produced the knife.
Isabel stepped back and shook her head. “I am afraid we will have to wait until tomorrow.”
Barlow shouted again.
Victor took her hand and yelled, “Coming!”