Epilogue
As their rented post-chaise halted outside the best hostelry in Gretna Green, Hugo pulled back from yet another of their kisses.
Penny reclined against the seats, warm and languid despite the winter chill of the air inside the chaise.
Hugo had kept her quite delightfully occupied the entire trip to Gretna, and she looked forward to returning every favor that night after they were safely wed.
They had planned their future as they traveled, with Hugo explaining the rigors and what she could expect. He still seemed worried she would dislike living aboard ship after living in luxury for most of her life.
Perhaps she would dislike it. But she was willing to chance it to be with Hugo.
Hugo leapt down from the post-chaise and extended a hand to help her down as well, placing her hand on his arm as he drew her towards the entrance of the hostelry. "I shall inquire about the best place to have the ceremony and then... "
He broke off as a traveling coach pulled up, a bare spot on each door where the hanging crests had been temporarily removed. The coachman started when he saw Hugo, but cautiously raised his hat to him, as did the footman who jumped to the ground.
Penny looked between the men. "What is going on?"
"That's Oliver’s coach,” Hugo said.
His arm went around her protectively, and she could not help but cling to him, her mind racing. It was impossible for Kendal to have discovered their plans so quickly and chased after them to stop them from marrying… wasn’t it?
The footman opened the door of the coach and let down the stairs. There was a pause before Kendal emerged, followed by someone even more familiar.
Penny’s jaw dropped.
"Pippa?!"
Read Pippa and Oliver’s story in “Snowed In with the Jilted Duke”