Chapter 7
Thomas hated to wake Dory, but they were on the drive at Kerburghe Castle. She fit against him like the piece he’d been missing all his life. He squeezed her shoulder. “Dory, we are arriving in a moment.”
She sat up, stretching.
There was something missing as her touch fell away from him. He was in deep trouble.
“The sun is up.” She squinted out the window.
With a quick look at his pocket watch, he said, “It is five minutes before eight o’clock.”
“Goodness, I slept a long time. You must have been horribly uncomfortable with me crowding you all night.”
Telling her how much he loved having her close would not help his situation. She need time to adjust without him crowding or frightening her. “Not at all. I managed a few hours’ rest as well.”
“Look at that.” She gaped at the castle.
It was impressive from a distance. The rundown castle the king had given Michael along with his title was something out of a fairytale, complete with moat and machinations. At least the moat no longer stunk of bile. Michael must have had that cleaned out in the last year.
The Dory of London was always so in control and aloof, it was strange to see her amazed by anything. Actually, the Dory he’d swept away from Southerton’s did not resemble the woman he’d watched grow into a stunning young lady. She hesitated more and worried far too much. “You knew it was a castle, did you not?”
“Yes, but this is far grander than I imagined.”
“When I was here last year, it was run-down, the moat reeked, and Michael blew up the servants’ entrance in the rear.”
Her smile set him afire. How she managed to muddle his brain with just a look, he didn’t know.
The carriage slowed and crossed the bridge. They went through an arch that had once been the portcullis. It was less foreboding with the gates no longer in service. As they pulled into the yard, the Duke and Duchess of Kerburghe stepped out the front door. Elinor ran down the steps, clapping her hands. Michael had a more reserved approach. He waved and followed his wife.
As soon as the steps were down, Dory flew from the carriage and fell into her friend’s embrace. The two women cried.
Thomas stepped down and shook Michael’s hand. “I suppose that is happiness?”
“I have only been married a year, but I believe they are quite happy.”
“Will I ever understand women?” Thomas didn’t know if she was crying for joy at seeing Elinor or if she was just glad to be out of the carriage. His chest tightened at the possibility that she was overjoyed to get away from him.
“No. I don’t think so.” Michael’s grin spoke volumes about his current state of happiness in marriage. “I got your message. Is it improper to say I was somewhat stunned?”
Thomas slapped Michael on the back. “No. I should have written more details. Were you able to do as I requested?”
The women broke from their tearful embrace. Dory curtsied. “I apologize, your grace. Good morning.”
“It would be a much finer morning if you would not call me by my title. We have known each other since you were a baby, Dorothea. I hope you will do me the honor of using my Christian name.”
She smiled and her shoulders relaxed. “Thank you, Michael.”
He smiled at her. “I have the vicar waiting in the chapel as requested.”
Dory’s smile faded and she bit her lip.
Elinor frowned, shuffling her feet.
A boy with blond hair and long legs ran down the steps.
A wild scream followed him from within the castle.
Carrying a toddler, a woman in a black dress and white cap rushed out the door. “Jimmie Rollins, you come back in here this minute. You haven’t finished your meal and your face needs washing.”
Jimmie careened into Michael’s legs and Michael scooped him up. “I think your nanny is calling you.”
He was lanky and a smudge of dirt marred his cheek. “She wants me to eat porridge. I hate porridge.”
“That is a problem, but I think if you asked for spoonful of jam for the top, you will find the porridge much more to your liking.”
Jimmie’s eyes lit up. He lowered his voice, but the whisper was still loud enough for everyone in the yard to hear. “Do you think Mrs. Douglass would let me do that?”
“I am sure it can be arranged. Now, do you think you can act the gentleman and meet my friends?” It was amazing how Michael, a soldier, had fallen into the roles of husband and father. It suited him. He placed Jimmie on his feet. “Jimmie Rollins, this is Lady Dorothea Flammel and Mr. Thomas Wheel. Mr. Wheel and I have been friends since we were younger than you.”
Wide-eyed, Jimmie stood straight and offered Thomas his hand. “Mr. Wheel.” He bowed to Dory. “My lady.”
“It’s good to meet you,” Thomas said.
With more energy than he could contain, Jimmie shuffled from foot to foot.
Mrs. Douglass stepped down and curtsied.
Elinor made the introductions to both the nanny and Sarah, their three-year-old adopted daughter. Sarah leaned over and reached for Thomas as if they were old friends.
He took her. “Hello, young lady. What are your feelings about the porridge?”
Sarah scrunched up her nose and patted Thomas’s cheek. “Play?”
“Perhaps later. Right now, Uncle Thomas has an appointment he cannot miss. Do you think you’d like to play this afternoon?”
A wide grin spread across her face showing off several new teeth. “Play!”
Mrs. Douglass took Sarah back from Thomas. “John went back to sleep, my lady.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Douglass. Perhaps you can take Jimmie and Sarah in to break their fast and ask Cook for some of that jam she made the other day. It seems the porridge is somewhat bland.”
“Yes, my lady.” Frowning all the way, Mrs. Douglass trudged up the wide stone steps with the two children.
The party followed and Michael led them into a parlor to the right of the towering foyer. The furniture was old and faded but everything was clean and orderly compared to Thomas’s last visit.
Thomas turned to Elinor. “You are looking well, my lady. Motherhood seems to agree with you.”
Several strands of pale blond hair escaped around her flushed face. Elinor beamed. “It has been a wonderful year. We’ve adopted Jimmie and Sarah. Jimmie is so bright and Sarah is the sweetest child. John was a surprise, as we didn’t think we would have any children of our own. It has been quite a year.”
“I can only imagine.” Thomas had thought Elinor silly when Michael began courting her. She had shown herself to be extraordinary when Michael needed her and again when kidnapped by a dangerous enemy. The new Duke and Duchess of Kerburghe smiled and looked at each other as if all the constellations had aligned. Under normal circumstances, the sight would have been repulsive, but he hoped Dory would look at him that same way. He was sure his fate was sealed even if the lady didn’t notice.
Dory put her arm around Elinor. “Are you going to adopt more children?”
Elinor nodded. “I think so. There are so many who need homes. I want to enjoy these three for a little while, though. Jimmie still has nightmares over losing their parents. He wakes up screaming. If Michael or I am away from the house for too long, he panics.”
Michael sat next to her and patted her hand. “It will pass. He has come a long way already.”
Dashing away a tear, Elinor smiled. “He has.”
Dory fiddled with the edge of her bodice.
“Shall we call for tea? Are you hungry or do you want to go directly to the chapel?” Michael held his wife’s hand.
Since all of this was at her request, Thomas looked at Dory for a response.
Blushing, she asked, “Do you think there is time to relax before we see the vicar? I would not mind a walk in the garden. It has been a while since I have been out of that carriage.”
Thomas couldn’t tell if she was sincere or if she was stalling. “I do not know. Michael, what have you heard?”
“Dory’s parents have sent runners to Gretna Green to stop you. Even if they make Kerburghe their second stop, they will not arrive for another day or so.” Michael looked from Thomas to Dory.
Dory ran a finger over the faded red brocade of the chair. “I cannot imagine they will go to much trouble. Father will be angry but only because his debt will go unpaid. Mother will only be angry that I am disobedient.”
Michael opened his mouth, but a quick jab from Elinor and he closed it again.
Thomas looked at his watch. “I suggest you rest and do whatever you need, Dory. I will await you at two o’clock at the chapel.”
She gave a nod and rose.
Elinor got up. “I will show you to your room, and then we can take a turn around the garden. I want you to meet John.”
Without looking back, the ladies left.
Michael crossed to a desk but sat in one of two chairs in front. “Are you sure about this, Tom?”
Thomas sat opposite him. It was good to have Michael there to share some of his burden. “Do you know Lord Hartly?”
He pulled a face. “Unfortunately.”
“I could not let her fall to that fate.” He tugged off his jacket and tossed it on the back of the chair.
“But to marry a woman because you want to save her from a miserable marriage to someone else is not a great recipe for a successful marriage. I know she’s Markus’s sister, but that does not obligate you to save her.”
“That is not why.”
“Oh, are you fond of her beyond your responsibilities to a childhood friend?”
“I have admired her for some time. She is above my station so I kept my feelings to myself. There was no point in pursuing the daughter of an earl.” Thomas hated the truth even as he spoke it.
“Yet you intend to marry her and expose yourself to censure.”
Thomas couldn’t stand the chair’s confinement. He stood and walked to the window. The sun streamed through, warming his face. “She showed up at my door and proposed. I did the right thing and said no. Then I saw that lecherous pig drooling over her and my idea of the right thing changed. Sometimes the right thing is wrong.”
Michael nodded. “A lesson every good soldier learns the hard way.”
“Yes. I think so.”
A maid walked in with a tray of coffee. The bitter scent warmed him. “You’re an excellent host.”
With a laugh, Michael poured two cups. “I know how you love your coffee and I expected you would not have any yet this morning. If you are going to be married, we need to get you feeling your best and maybe knock some of the road dust off you.”
* * * *
“When that note came from Thomas, I was sure Michael had misread it. I made him read it aloud, no less than ten times, and then read it myself. You really plan to marry Thomas Wheel?” Elinor tucked Dory’s hand through her elbow and they walked the garden path.
There was a lovely winding path through a kind of wilderness in back of the house. “It’s either this or I must marry the Earl of Hartly and pray every day for his demise.”
“Your mother cannot have approved Hartly. She’s always been difficult, but she had your best interest at heart.” Elinor moved them away from a pile of rubble that looked to be part of the castle, which had collapsed.
“I am not certain Mother had any say, but she jumped on board just the same. Father’s debts have put them in a bad position and his unwillingness to change his lifestyle will continue to hurt them. Markus was smart to make a few of his own investments years ago.”
“It is unfortunate you do not have the same opportunities.”
“Indeed.”
Elinor squeezed her arm. “Still, I hate to see you marry this way.”
She shrugged. “Mr. Wheel is a nice man and I think he holds me in high regard.”
“And you? What do you feel about him?”
The path wound away from the house. It was good to be out of the carriage, but she longed to think of anything other than her impending nuptials. “He is nice, loves music, and most women find him handsome.”
“Is that enough?”
“It must be. I cannot go back. Besides, look how thoughtful it was for him to bring me here instead of Gretna Green. I was sure he would rush me up there and marry me before I had time to change my mind.”
“I, for one, am thrilled to have you here and be able to attend your wedding even if it is untraditional. Thomas is very accommodating and will be kind to you. I am sure you can be happy with him if you wish.”
“Perhaps he hopes I will change my mind and get him out of this mess.” Dory forced a laugh.
Stopping in the path, Elinor jerked her to a stop. “First, you realize he is getting the better end of this marriage. You are not only wonderful, but the daughter of an earl. Second, Thomas Wheel is a wealthy and well-respected gentleman. He has no reason to commit to you. He risks his own reputation by doing so. If he did not want to marry you, he would not have agreed or rushed in like a knight in shining armor to rescue you.”
It was a fair description. Tom was her hero. So why was she so afraid of the next step? “I do not wish to cause his ruination. He was the only man I could think of when faced with my situation. He always likes to listen to me play. I thought perhaps I had some value in that, at least with him.”
“I doubt he is marrying you so he can have more opportunity to listen to the pianoforte. Besides, I understand he can play very well.”
“I have not heard him play, but I have seen him watch me. I thought without a dowry, my playing and my body might be trade enough for his protection.”
Elinor gaped at her. “Is that how you put it to him?”
“No. Not quite so crude as that, Elinor. This is a strange arrangement, but I had little choice. Who else would take me without any dowry?”
Putting her fists on her hips, Elinor stared Dory down. “You chose him, which says you must like him at least a little. He has always been very kind, even dancing with me when I was ruined and no other men would talk to me. Thomas offered for Sophia when it looked as if Daniel would turn his back on her. He made me save Michael from himself when he’d gone to duel last year. Shall I go on?”
“You and your lists. No. I know he is virtuous. But, Elinor, I am not in love with him. I do not think I can ever love anyone. He is a safe harbor.” She pulled her shoulders back.
Elinor raised her eyebrows. “If you say so. I suppose if you are going to marry Mr. Safe Harbor we had better get you inside and dressed for your wedding. I have ordered you a bath.”
Her heartbeat sped, but not at the idea of her wedding. The thought of a bath was wondrous. “Yes, a bath. I would love a real bath.”
Laughing, Elinor led her back inside through an odd door that was newer than the rest of the castle. They passed the rubble again and walked up several stairs in what must be the servants’ area before coming to a long hall and returning to the room made up for Dory’s and Thomas’s wedding night. She brushed the idea aside at the sight of the deep copper tub steaming in the center of the room. Emily brushed out Dory’s pale blue gown.
Elinor left her at the door with a pat on the shoulder and a kiss on her cheek.
* * * *
A week ago, Thomas had no intention of marrying. Standing at the front of the Kerburghe chapel with Michael and the vicar, he panicked with the idea that Dory would not show up. He had given her time to change her mind. Instead of taking the shortest route to Scotland and marrying in a traditional elopement, he’d taken her to her friend. The last thing he wanted was for her to back out, but he also wanted her to be sure.
He flinched when the door opened.
Michael put his hand on his shoulder. “Steady, Tom.”
Dorothea and Elinor stepped inside. Dory’s pale blue gown shimmered in the afternoon sun shining through the windows. Her hair rested in curls around her shoulders with much of the soft tresses braided with pearls and tiny white flowers. Her green eyes shone as she met his gaze.
Thomas rushed toward her, passing Elinor, who headed toward the altar.
Dory’s eyes widened the closer he got until she looked up at him as if he were the wolf and she the lamb. “I think you are supposed to wait at the front.”
“You look beautiful.” His heart pounded and excitement boiled inside him.
“Thank you.”
Taking her hand, he tried to calm his breathing. “I wanted to tell you that if this is not what you want, we shall seek another answer. Just the fact that you have gone to this extreme might be enough to change your parents’ minds. I do not want you to do this if you are not sure.”
Her deep breath pushed her breasts up and accentuated the low neckline of the gown. “Do you want me to say I have changed my mind, Tom?”
“No. I want to marry you.” He had never wanted anything more.
A hint of a smile pulled at her lips. “Then I think you should offer your arm and walk me up to the vicar.”
Heart in his hand, he did just that. Twenty minutes later, they were pronounced man and wife.
Elinor and Michael congratulated them and said they would have Cook prepare a special dinner.
He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Michael told me of a lovely walk along the river. Will you go with me?”
She nodded.
Hand in hand they exited through a door in the garden wall and walked across a pasture to the river. The water bubbled by and the sun created diamonds in the ripples. “Is there anywhere you would like to go for a honeymoon?”
“I had not thought about it. It would be nice to stay here for a few days, if that would be all right with you. Though, I expect you must have business to get back to. I do not wish to hinder you.”
He slid her hand through the crook in his elbow and they strolled along the river. “You do not hinder me, Dory. You are my wife.”
“Thank you.”
Where the river turned, he stopped and knelt in front of her. “I feel we did this out of order and it should be corrected.”
“What are you doing?”
He pulled his mother’s ring from his pocket. A diamond surrounded by emeralds, it gleamed in the sun but paled in comparison to Dory. “This is the ring my father gave my mother. She gave it to me a few years ago, in hopes I would find a woman who I wished to share my life with.”
“And instead I lured you into a notorious elopement.”
“I cannot be lured, Dory. If I was opposed, no amount of pressure would have forced me to marry you. Will you honor me by wearing the ring?” An enormous weight pressed against his chest and his shoulders ached from the strain of waiting for a reply.
“The honor would be mine, but you are too good to me.”
He slid the ring on her finger. “Hardly.”
“If you do not stand up, I will have to join you on the ground and ruin this dress.”
He laughed and stood. “We cannot have that. You are even more stunning in this dress than you are in any other.”
“Will you always be so good?”
Leaning down he kissed her lips and brushed her hair back from her shoulder. “I will try.”
A gasp escaped her and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling herself against him.
Everything he could have ever dreamed of was wrapped in his arms and he worshiped her lips with his own. Her sighs and moans thrilled him and his reaction reminded him they were in the woods and she was an innocent. “I think we should return to the house before I ravish you on the ground.”
She stepped back. “I am your wife, Tom. Your property.”
How he hated that notion. “I will protect you with my life, Dorothea, but you need not subjugate yourself. I like you as you are: strong, talented, and formidable. Please do not feign some simpering twit because you think it is what I want. The woman who brazenly came to a bachelor’s townhouse and proposed marriage is the woman I want.”
“I do not make the rules.” Her eyes narrowed on him.
“Why can we not be in this together? Must it be me conquering you?”
“I have no idea what you want of me.” She stepped away her back straight as the tall oak she leaned on.
His temper flared and he cursed himself. “Forgive me. I am not angry at you. Hopefully, with time and trust, you will see me as your partner and not your master. I do not wish to master you, Dory. I do not wish to change anything about you.”