Page 107 of Wicked Designs
The Leagueof Rogues convened in the dining room that morning to discuss the upcoming London trip while Emily slept.
Godric sipped his coffee. “Once we reach London…” he paused, enjoying the strained looks of his companions. “I have decided that Emily and I shall be married.”
The dining room was silent for several long seconds before Ashton and Cedric exhaled in obvious relief.
“I was worried I would have to twist your arm to convince you to marry. I will be happy to procure a marriage license for you.”
Godric nodded. “Yes. See to it we have everything necessary to arrange a quick ceremony.” He turned to the marquess. “Lucien, it’s up to you to lead Blankenship down a false trail, lest he try to interfere.”
Lucien grinned.
Charles scooted forward in his seat. “And me?”
“You’ll be with Cedric, as part of Emily’s protection. Never let her out of your sight, unless one of us is with her.”
Charles had always viewed himself as a protective knight, and now he would play the part.
Cedric tossed a piece of crust to Penelope, who sat at his heels, tail swishing back and forth. “You know, Godric, you could just whisk Emily away to Gretna Green. It would save you the trouble of having to confront Parr. For all we know he might warn Blankenship of your plans.”
Godric frowned. That was not the wedding she deserved. He didn’t want his future duchess marked by further scandal. No. He would meet and speak with Parr, and get the wretched man to accompany him to the church for the marriage ceremony. Bound and gagged if need be.
“I am the Duke of Essex and I will not run off with my tail between my legs. We will avoid Blankenship if possible, and if we cannot, he will be dealt with.”
There were nods all around the table.
“Ashton, can you arrange for the ceremony to be at St. George’s in Hanover Square?” That was all the rage in London now. It was a lovely church, well known for its impressive front portico supported by six tall Corinthian columns and a tower just behind the portico, near enough to the League’s various residences that the trip would not prove risky.
Ashton grinned. “I suppose. I do have some pull with the bishop. He owes me a favor ever since that incident last year, during Michaelmas, you know.” The other men laughed with him, knowing what trouble the bishop had gotten himself into.
“When are you planning on telling Emily?” Lucien asked.
“Not until after we have all our plans settled and her tucked away in Cedric’s townhouse. I want her to be at ease and feel safe when I propose. She has endured too much these last few days and a rushed proposal will not make her happy.”
Suddenly the dining room door opened and Jonathan entered. An awkward hesitancy marred his steps. He’d never dared to intrude on Godric or the others before.
Godric watched him silently, curious to see what he would do.
Jonathan cleared his throat, “I know you and I have not spoken of our new situation…as…brothers, Your Grace, but—”
“If you are my brother, then you can stop addressing me as Your Grace. Now what do you want?”
“I wish to go to London with you and help with Emily.”
The newly discovered brothers stared at each other for a moment before Godric said, “Very well. She is to be your sister-in-law soon enough. You ought to have some say in all of this. You shall accompany Cedric and Charles. Three is better than two for Emily’s protection.”
Godric didn’t smile, but his tone was calm and accepting. If Emily could forgive him, then he could certainly forgive his brother.
Jonathan visibly relaxed. Clearly he’d expected a fight.
“Sit down and eat.” Godric gestured to the fine breakfast on the sideboard.
Jonathan flushed, but bravely filled a plate and chose a seat next to Ashton, who smiled and gave a warm nod.
“You any good with a pistol, Jonathan?” Charles asked.
“More so with a flintlock rifle, but yes.” Jonathan swallowed a bite of jam-covered toast.
“Excellent. We’ll make a fine team, the three of us,” Cedric said.
