Page 20 of The Lady
“Elope?” Margot had settled most comfortably in her chair, but even she looked disappointed by this idea. “I did hope you might have agreed to have the wedding here, although I am sure with this babe—” She momentarily rested her hand on her belly and then smiled up at Flora. “I soon might not be the best of hostesses.”
“I would like to speak to the duke if I can.” Philip moved away from Flora as he helped the twins take down and arrange their chess set. The boys started to play.
“Surely, it would be appropriate to call on my future brother-in-law and ask for his blessing.” Philip asked.
“Just the neatest course of action,” Langley said. He moved closer to his wife, squeezing her shoulder affectionately. “Then there would be no waiting around for His Grace’s approval or a chance he might discover what my mother has been up to?—”
Flora interrupted him. “I am of age. I no longer have a guardian. So, I don’t need my brother’s approval,” Flora added. “Although I am sure he would raise no…” She caught the dubious look that both Langley and Philip were giving her, and so continued a little more cautiously, “serious objections to the match.”
“Given His Grace raised objections to his wonderful but illegitimate cousin marrying me,” Langley said, “no matter how much I stressed that certain compromising activities had certainly already taken place and?—”
“What does compromising mean?” one of the twins called out from the chess set they were playing with. His green eyes, alive with curiosity, stared at his father and then his mother.
Hastily, Flora covered her mouth with her hand to stop herself from laughing.
“Besides,” Langley continued as he shook his head at his son, “I am sure it will be a great deal more romantic withouttwo boisterous twins, an expectant mother, and me about your ankles. If it’s a matter of money?—”
“No,” Philip said. He slipped his hand into Flora’s, and she was grateful for the renewed connection. For the strength of his grip, and the sense of purpose that seemed to emanate from him. “I have enough for us to be comfortable. However, there is the outstanding issue of the dowager.” He lowered his voice and added, “Not to mention the matter around the Turbots. Nonetheless?—”
“Surely,” Margot said, leaning forward in her seat so she could look at first Philip and then her husband, “you must know we will do all we can to support Mrs. Turbot and her son. Until the dowager has been located, and locked up if necessary?—”
“I have hired a good man for the job,” Langley cut in smoothly. “From everything I could gather from my connections in London, the two of them made it to Dover. In which case, once they have been found, I will journey down to our mother.” He paused and made a sort of pained movement with his head as he looked at his wife. “Well, not until the infant comes. Do not fear Maggie, I will come to a solution which will suit all. No matter what the costs. The dowager’s suggestion that you fall on the sword of anonymity is frankly absurd. I will not allow it.”
Philip fidgeted at his brother’s speech, then Margot added in a much kinder tone, “I am sure all Silvester meant was we will not allow anything to spoil your happy union.”
“So, will it be Gretna?” Langley looked so boyishly curious that Flora could not help but laugh.
“Yes, I think Gretna would be the best thing for us.”
“Excellent, let me show you a few different inns along the way you may wish to frequent.”
“If they can be as hospitable as the one we stayed in last night, I would have no objection.” Flora was pleased to see a warm, blush colour Philip’s cheeks as Langley setabout discussing the route north to Scotland, merriment at her allusion highly amusing the earl.
CHAPTER 10
They arrived promptly at Gretna Green. The small town was spread before in the summer heat, heady blooms of flowers lining the pathways, and decorating the sides and fronts of the cottages.
Philip looked sideways at his sleeping fiancée, Flora. Her head was nestled on his shoulder, his arm around her waist as he kept her securely next to him. It was a nice comforting thought that they were at least, in this regard, a more traditional couple.
“My love.” His voice was low as the carriage came to a stop. With his brother’s seal and permission, Philip had written ahead to informThe Lucky UnionInn of their arrival and their requirements. He hoped with an earl’s backing the establishment should have no trouble securing the necessary wedding items.
Sentimentally, Philip had already purchased the rings en route, and Margot had insisted Flora take her veil, so a great deal of it should be done. How lovely to think he may just be able to relax and simply enjoy his wedding—at least, that was the plan.
Flora opened her eyes, her gaze warming and her cheeks heating as they rested on him. “I hope I wasn’t snoring.” She modestly set about straightening her gown.
“I don’t think I would care if you had.”
“Surely it would be deemed unladylike.”
“As a future doctor’s wife, you can be as unladylike as you like,” Philip said. He climbed out the carriage and helped her down, noting the sudden grin that appeared on Flora’s face.
“Oh, I knew there would be distinct advantages to marrying you.”
The innkeeper had been talking to the driver, and he hurried forward on spotting Philip.
“Sir”—he bowed—“and my lady. Everything has been arranged for the wedding. We weren’t certain when you would arrive, but we took the liberty of arranging a service for you this very afternoon. I hope that was a liberty?” The man’s round face looked nervously between the two of them, and Flora shot him a reassuring smile.
“I like this idea. It will give me enough time to find a bouquet, set up our rooms, and hopefully partake of some respite?”
