Page 56 of A Lady's Heart Deceived
But if he could get her to Denford Park, if they could build on their fledgling romance then maybe, just maybe, he might be able to find a way to explain things.
“I don’t want to lose her. Maggie Radley is the best thing that has come into my life in a very long time.”
His brother sighed. “If you take her home, you must understand that it will create expectations. Not just on her part, but that of our parents. I know you are concerned about your heart and finding a way to keep the woman you are clearly in love with, but don’t let that be at the expense of the Denford family.”
“They are not going to try to court martial me without having a fight on their hands. I’ve decided that when I get back to London, I am going to call on every person in a position of power who can help me. I’m not going to write any more letters. I am done with that. Instead, I will be knocking on doors. And if that fails, I am quite prepared to get on a boat and sail all the way to Ostend and then head to Amsterdam. The time for waiting for the Prince of Orange to get off his pampered arse and write me a letter of support is well past.”
Jonathan unfurled his arms and slowly clapped. “About bloody time. And if the British Army come after you and try to charge you with desertion, Elizabeth and I will stand out the front of Westminster Palace every day with large placards in our hands protesting your innocence.”
Piers grinned. He could just imagine his brother and sister-in-law doing something like that; they weren’t the type of people to back down from a fight for justice. He could only pray that if it did come to that, Maggie would be standing right alongside them.
Chapter Thirty-Five
“Icannot thank you enough for allowing me to stay. And I am so sorry for all the trouble I have caused,” said Maggie.
Elizabeth brushed a kiss on her cheek. “It was a pleasure to meet you. I’m just sad that your journey here ended with more heartache and disappointment.”
Maggie met her eyes. As she expected, they were full of deep concern. Instead of heading back to London and into the loving arms of her family, Maggie was venturing into the wilds of Northamptonshire with Piers.
“I want you know that it was my decision to go with Piers to Denford Park. He didn’t do anything to compel me into agreeing,” she said.
“I know. Just take care. You are both in a vulnerable state at the moment. I would just hate for either of you to make a mistake,” replied Elizabeth.
Elizabeth stepped away as Piers came to Maggie’s side. “Are you ready to leave?” he asked.
“Yes.”
After another round of hugs, farewells, and giving her solemn promise that Maggie would one day return, she climbed aboard the coach. As soon as Maggie had taken her seat, Piers had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders and another one placed across her lap.
“Can’t have you getting cold. My mother would never forgive me.”
When Maggie and Jonathan exchanged a look, Jonathan simply shook his head. Piers was fussing, and only a fool would get in the way.
While Piers was saying his final farewells to the Denford children, Jonathan leaned into the coach. “Take care, Maggie. I am sincere when I say that I hope to see you again. And a small piece of advice: don’t let my brother remain his own worst enemy. He is a good stick, but sometimes he forgets to ask for help.”
“Thank you. And yes, I can see he tends to let things lie rather than confront them. This army business—Piers hasn’t told me much, but I was wondering if perhaps my cousin Will might be able to help. He is well regarded, and he has powerful connections in the war office. Do you think it might be worthwhile me raising Piers’s case with him?”
Jonathan glanced at his brother. “Perhaps. But first, you have to get Piers to tell you the whole story of what happened in the lead up to and during the battle of Waterloo. There are people in the army who would gladly stand back and let him fall. Your cousin might have friends, but my brother has enemies. Some of those are unseen.”
He stepped aside as Piers came to the door. “Safe travels, brother. I hope to see you in London and out of uniform very soon.”
They embraced in a final hug, then Piers climbed aboard. He and Maggie both waved to the Denford children as the coach pulled out of St. Mary’s Street and headed toward Gosford Street. A short time later, they reached Far Gosford Street before finally leaving the city of Coventry behind them. Wide green fields slowly replaced the houses, and the stone streets fell away to gravel roads.
“Well, that was Coventry. I think we managed to survive our stay,” said Piers.
“Thanks to you. I don’t know what I would have done if I had arrived by myself and then discovered Robert was still alive.”
The mere thought of travelling all the way back to London on her own in a state of distress and shock made Maggie shudder. With Piers by her side, she had made it through some of the worst days of her life.
And now, he is taking me to his family estate.
That raised a whole new set of questions in her mind. What would Lord and Lady Denford make of their son bringing the daughter of the Bishop of London home with him? Would they think it strange? Or would they accept it, but then demand that he offer for her?
Maggie could think of a million things worse than being compelled to marry Piers. Hopefully, he felt the same.
At least I know he won’t fake his death to avoid marrying me.
Chapter Thirty-Six
