Page 89 of The Scandalous Love of a Duke
‘Would I!’ Phillip’s eyebrows lifted. ‘I had intended progressing a career in the courts, but this…’ He stopped, looking flabbergasted, and took a breath. ‘It is an opportunity I would be a fool not to take. Yes, John, thank you, I gladly accept.’
John smiled, pleased that he could progress his friend. In truth it was only fitting if Phillip was to be his brother-in-law.
‘Do you want a drink?’ Phillip asked, still in shock.
‘No, thank you. I have just come from White’s.’
‘Well, forgive me then, because I need one after that news.’
As Phillip turned to a corked bottle of wine on a nearby chest John glanced about the room. Phillip’s trunk was half packed and there were clothes on the chair beside it.
‘Are you going somewhere?’
Phillip turned, smiling broadly. ‘Home. Kate is getting married at last. She has accepted the reverend.’
The blood drained from John’s head and something sharp sliced through his gut. He could not answer.
Phillip sipped his wine. ‘I know, it stunned me too when I heard. I never thought she would settle, but it is true. They are to be married in three days. They announced it three weeks ago.’
John hardly heard Phillip’s words.I will not let the reverend have her.
‘I am leaving at first light,’ Phillip continued, oblivious to John’s turmoil. ‘The wedding is a small affair, so there is no reason you would have heard, I suppose. They are not having a wedding breakfast.’ The enthusiasm suddenly dropped from his voice. ‘I doubt Mother would have agreed to fund it. Anyway, I am sure you will wish me to pass on your congratulations.’
The hell I do.‘I will tell her myself, when I see her.’ His voice sounded as though it belonged to someone else.
Giving John an odd look, Phillip offered a drink again. John refused once more and made an excuse to leave. He felt like he was in a stupor as he returned home.
Within two hours, notes written to those who needed to know of his sudden absence, including Harvey, excuses made to his family for deserting them in town, and bags quickly packed by his valet, John was on the road, driving his phaeton.
He rode through the night, which, thank God, was clear, hurtling home to Pembroke Place.
He rested once he reached there, not sleeping but just waiting for daylight.
It was nine o’clock in the morning when he stood before the door of the Spencers’ little manor house, tired and anxious. The special licence he had acquired yesterday still rested in his breast pocket, but now he was not sure it would ever be used.
Behind him, he heard his horses whiney as his groom held their heads.
John took off his hat. He might beg her to take him if he must.
The door finally opened and John’s heart pounded as Mr Castle greeted him with surprise.
31
Katherine looked at the clock when the door knocker struck, it was only nine o’clock. Richard had formed the habit of calling each morning since they had announced their engagement. But this was early even for him.
Thank goodness her stomach was not too ill at ease this morning.
She checked her hair in the mirror and smiled at herself. There were only two more days to go. Two more days and her conscience would have to cease whispering that she should tell John.
She went into the hall. Usually Richard took her for a drive, so they might talk privately. But when she entered the hall she stopped.
‘Katherine.’
John! ‘What are you doing here?’
‘I need to speak to you.’
She walked into the parlour, leaving John where he stood. He followed. She had not invited him in. She did not want him here. ‘Go away, John.’
