Lady Brittany's Love (8 page)

Chapter Fifteen

With a smile, Brittany glanced over to Samuel as they rode down the drive to the Sexton mansion. For the past two days they’d been out talking with the tenants alerting them of possible strangers in the area.

In the evening they reviewed several of the books on Africa she’d brought from London. Slowly, she’d noticed a pattern developing which she brought to his attention.

“M’ lord, do you believe my godmother and Lord Cole will arrive today?”

“If everything goes as planned I can’t think why not. The other question, when is someone going to make another attempt on the book?”

That had been something which had weighed on her mind ever since they’d arrived. Of the tenants they’d spoken with and the staff who lived in or around town no strangers had arrived. Could this person believe the book to be enroute and wished to wait its arrival? But to what end? Wouldn’t it be easier to grab the tome while bringing it to the estate? That is, if they knew who’s possession it was in.

“My dear, they must be aware the tome isn’t here. I believe they need to set certain events in motion before they try to relieve you of it. Before you ask, I’ve no idea what they could be? We’ve done everything possible to ensure its safety,” Samuel said, as he leaned over, patting her on the hand.

Then she had an idea. Where might they obtain another copy without having to return to London? The closest large town where they could purchase one was about three hours from here. Who, though, could they trust to make the trip?

“M’ lord, I might have a suggestion on how to protect our copy when it arrives but I wish to discuss this plan with my parents first,” she told him, then tapped her heel against Patti’s side sending the mare into a comfortable canter.

The sound of hooves catching up brought a smile to her lips. As they raced up the drive and not until they were about to enter the courtyard did she slow to a walk. There, she saw not one, but two traveling carriages. Examining the seals on the doors she knew one was her godmother’s, while the other belonged to Sally’s parents.

“It would seem Cole is going to be occupied if Miss Sally Crocker traveled with her parents,” Samuel said, swinging off Tempests’ back, he turned the reins over to a groom then marched over to Brittany still seated on her horse.

With a smile Brittany waited for him to free her left foot from its stirrup, then gently grasped her around the waist and he lowered her to the ground. Everything seemed to slow. Her breathing. Her thoughts. They became the only two in the world. Standing so close to him, she had to tilt her head up to look at him, becoming easily entranced in his lips. How would they taste? Granted, she’d never been kissed, but now more than ever she wished he would put aside appropriate behavior and do what she longed for. Yes, she’d read about kissing in some of the romance novels she loved to read. Could it be as heavenly as the characters suggested? Unfortunately, a joyful squeal brought Brittany back to reality.

Released from Samuel’s gentle grasp she spun around just as Sally rushed up. Brittany found it interesting that Lord Cole trailed behind Sally, as a puppy dog would.

“Yes, it seems your friend is smitten by mine,” she whispered, earning a chuckle from Samuel.

“On that you’re correct, but he refuses to admit it,” he replied in a low voice, before stepping aside so the two ladies could hug.

Once separated, Brittany stepped back.

“I hadn’t expected you for a few more days. Why the early arrival?”

“Dear Brittany, your mother recommended I come down earlier than planned. I suspect to keep young Lord Cole occupied, within proper bounds, of course,” she answered, then curtsied to Samuel.

“Wonderful. Are your parents here also?”

“No, with the countess and Lady Wallace in residence they felt I would be well chaperoned. Their arrival isn’t until a few days before the ball, as planned.”

Brittany gave her a warm smile then turned her attention to Cole.

“Welcome, m’ lord. It’s a pleasure you and Lady Wallace will be joining us for the Christmas ball,” Brittany said, giving him a curtsey.

“Lady Brittany, I wouldn’t miss this event for the world.”

With a regal nod she recommended they retire inside so she could greet her godmother.

“And before you inquire, the Hersey book is in the earl’s safe keeping,” Cole told her and Samuel.

Stepping in they were greeted by the butler.

“M’ lords and ladies, the earl, countess and Lady Wallace, await your pleasure in the family sitting room,” he said, bowing the four into the mansion.

“Thank you, Peter. Please show Miss Crocker and Lord Cole the way and inform my parents Lord Samuel and I will join them shortly after we refresh,” Brittany ordered.

“Certainly, m’ lady,” he answered.

With Samuel at her side she led everyone up to the first floor then continued up one more flight. She went right while she watched Samuel take the left hall. With a sigh, if things worked out, soon they’d be going to the same suite.

Walking into her suite, she smiled upon seeing Aggie already had a simple brown day dress laid out along with fresh undergarments.

“We must hurry. I don’t wish to keep my parents or godmother waiting any longer than necessary,” Brittany instructed, then turned so the back buttons on her riding habit could be undone.

After shrugging out of the outfit she stepped into her private room and took care of her needs then returned. Climbing into the dress held for her Brittany took a seat at the dressing table.

“A simple braid curled at the base of my neck is the quickest.”

Accepting a nod from Aggie, Brittany sat while her maid carried out the restyling.

With her hair done she wiggled her stockinged feet into a pair of slippers. With a final glance in the mirror she started for the door, collecting a matching shawl as she went.

“For dinner, I’ll wear the deep blue silk gown and yellow shawl. I’m not sure what time I’ll be up to bathe and dress.”

“M’ lady, worry not. You will be seated at seven so I’ll have everything ready for you by six.”

Not surprised her maid knew of the goings on in the house, Brittany shook her head then departed her suite. Whether by design or sheer luck she arrived at the top of the stairs as Samuel did.

Instead of accepting his proffered arm she slid her hand in his, intertwining their fingers while enjoying the warmth of his gentle touch.

Together they made their way downstairs in a comfortable silence allowing her to study his expression. Relaxed.

Making their way down the hall, she heard deep male laughter, mixed with feminine titters, coming from the parlor. She tried to think back to the last time she’d heard her father laugh.

“I wonder what Father heard which has him chuckling.”

“I’d wager something Lord Cole said as he tends to act the fool at times,” Samuel said.

Entering, and with polite nods to her parents, Brittany released her hold on Samuel’s hand, stepped over to Lady Wallace, curtsied, then gave her a kiss on a proffered cheek. “It’s always a pleasure having you visit, especially at this time of year,” Brittany declared, before gracing Cole and Sally with smiles.

“Thank you, my dear. However, I do believe I should have left my wayward son home. He has been regaling us with certain antics Lord Samuel and he partook of while at Oxford. At least he had the decency to not go into great detail.” Lady Wallace finished with a mild scowl to her son.

Not sure if she should believe her godmother, but considering the lady had always cared for her, Brittany turned her attention to Samuel. The sheepish expression he wore told her everything Lady Wallace had said was correct.

“M’ lord, before you answer think what you’re going to say for your fate lies in the balance.” Not waiting for any form of acknowledgment she continued. “Granted, we don’t know what Lord Cole said, but mayhap is whatever he spoke true.”

To help drive her point home she refrained from looking to her parents. Crossing her arms over her breasts she settled a glare on Samuel as she’d never done before. To add intensity to her words and actions she started beating out a tattoo with her fingertips on her elbows.

“Well?”

“As you said, not being privy to what Lord Cole said, but from the expression my supposed friend is wearing I’m aware of the incident he referred to. I should point out Lord Cole not only joined me on the event but suggested we do it. Then, when the time came to execute the joke he seemed to have disappeared. However, Lady Brittany, I should point out the event happened in my youth and have led a rogues life until I met about you.

“I only pray you forgive me for my prior actions and accept me for the gentleman you have come to know over the past weeks. Some say change is impossible for a rakehell, such as myself, but I assure you it’s possible as you, with Lady Wallace and the earl along with the countess have witnessed. To that end and with His Lordship’s knowledge, I wish to ask for your hand in marriage.”

Stunned by his words, then seeing him withdraw a ruby ring from his vest pocket she could feel the vapors overtake her.

Chapter Sixteen

What hadn’t surprised Samuel was Brittany’s reaction. He replaced Lady Wallace on the settee then took Brittany in his arms.

“I knew my proposal would come as a shock to you. Alas, I couldn’t think of any easy way to request your hand. As Peter has arrived with champagne might I suggest you have a sip or two? It should help calm you so you can answer my question.”

A tap on Samuel’s shoulder brought his head around as a partially filled champagne coupe was handed to him. Looking up he saw a smiling Eli. With a nod he accepted it and pressed the glass’s edge to Brittany’s lips.

“Here, my dear. Take a taste. You’ll feel better,” he said softly.

He waited while she did as requested then moved the glass away, setting it on a table which had suddenly appeared at his elbow.

“Let me help you sit up. There are several who would wish you congratulations that is if you accept my offer?” he said.

“Of course my answer is yes. Why would you think otherwise?”

“I wasn’t sure, considering how we first met and the hostility between us,” he admitted sheepishly.

He then slipped it on her left ring finger.

Until now, Samuel noticed, the room had been silent but with her reply everyone started talking at once. He let Barbara step in since his duty for the moment was over. Standing, he glanced at the others, all wearing wide grins.

Before he could voice his request for something stronger, to calm his nerves, Eli handed him a glass of brandy.

“Well done, my boy, even if this did come as a bit of a surprise to a few here.” Eli said.

“I should point out the earl had given his approval,” Samuel proclaimed to everyone.

“My boy, you’d best take excellent care of my goddaughter or you’ll be answering to me. Do I make myself clear?” Lady Wallace, declared from the settee where she’d joined Brittany.

“Charlotte, you can have what’s left of Lord Samuel after I finish with him,” Barbara interjected.

Not amused, he watched Lady Wallace nod her understanding. Now, he had a reason to truly worry Brittany might learn of his original need to review the Hersey book. If she did then there would be three very angry ladies after his hide.

Turning his attention back to Brittany he stepped up and accepted her invitation to sit beside her, now that the space had been vacated by Lady Wallace. He wrapped an arm around her waist and smiled down at her upturned beautiful face.

“My dearest, if I may be so bold to use that term of endearment, as we’ll be here through Christmas I was wondering, how would you feel getting married on that day?”

“I believe that would be wonderful as the mansion will be filled with guests from the previous evening’s ball. Most of them I’m sure we’d be inviting anyway. But, with Christmas less than a week away how can the banns be read?”

With a wide smile he reached into his jacket and withdrew an ornate parchment. “With this. Before we left London, I visited with the Bishop, who is my oldest brother and obtained a special license. This way we may marry now but I know, or at least as I understand, ladies need a little time to get ready. Thus my recommendation for waiting a few more days.”

Samuel, then leaned in close for her hearing only, “And we have a mystery to solve.”

“Yes, we’ll wed on Christmas morn,” she announced.

“Daughter, we will need to hold the ceremony in the afternoon. The ballroom will still be decorated which will make the perfect venue then a lavish dinner,” Barbara suggested.

“Now, with that settled shall we celebrate this wonderful event? After which, retire to our suites in preparation for dinner,” Eli said, passing refilled coupes around.

Samuel stood, took the glass offered and handed it to Brittany. Once everyone had champagne he glanced down at her, smiled and raised his.

“To Lady Brittany Sexton soon to be Lady Brittany Palmer, Countess of Brockworth.”

Turning his attention to her parents and godmother he smiled.

“On my word as a gentleman I do hereby swear and promise no harm will ever befall Lady Brittany.”

****

A few minutes before the appointed hour Samuel stepped from his suite, head down, deep in thought. Earlier, he’d heard Cole slip from his room which had Samuel wondering if his friend might be seeking a little private time with Sally. Making his way down the hall he noticed a large footman guarding the corridor to the family wing. Samuel suspected to keep him and Cole from sneaking down to visit their respective ladies. Behind the man his eyes took in a vision of absolute beauty floating toward him.

As the ring he’d bestowed on Brittany had been a ruby, surrounded by diamonds, he was pleased she’d chosen a gown in a light red. Around her neck, a throat he couldn’t wait to kiss, she wore the ruby and emerald necklace he’d given her in London. Samuel noticed her maid had taken extra care with Brittany’s hair. He loved how a few tendrils hung loose framing her face and barely touched her shoulders.

“M’ lady, you are without a doubt the most beautiful lady in all of England,” he declared, giving her a sweeping bow. Straightening, he caught the last vestiges of a pinkening to her cheeks.

“Thank you, m’ lord. You are lucky that neither the countess nor Lady Wallace are within earshot or you would be answering to them. Of that I’m sure,” she answered, giving him a curtsey.

Offering his arm they started for the first floor.

“Before you mentioned about having a recommendation on how to trick the thief. When would you like to discuss your suggestion?” he asked, keeping his voice low.

“I’d originally planned on bringing it up earlier but something seemed to have distracted me.” She peered at the ring on her left hand. “Also with Sally here I’m not sure how much to reveal about the questions we have regarding the book.”

“I can assure you, as Lord Cole has more than a passing interest in Sally we can trust her implicitly. I know you enjoy reading and studying Africa, are you aware of her particular pursuit?”

“Yes. She finds all things to do with the sea fascinating, especially ships. Sometimes, I think she might have been a sailor in another life. Why, may I ask?”

“Simply put, I believe some of the margin notes might have something to do with the sea. As such, she could be of great assistance.”

“I’d suggest we ask father to adjourn to his office after dinner. This way we can better explain what our search is about,” she said with a soft smile.

“Agreed. If you wish I will make the request. Now, shall we join the others before a hue and cry is set upon us,” he teased.

Strolling into the parlor Samuel guided Brittany to Lady Wallace, who’d settled herself on a light brown settee. With Brittany comfortable, he turned to see Eli and Cole standing next to the fireplace.

With a nod to Brittany he stepped over to the men.

“Eli, earlier today your daughter mentioned she had an idea which might help protect the Hersey book. What exactly she has in mind I’ve no idea as she hasn’t informed me. After dinner she suggested we retire to your office where the tome is being kept and she’ll tell us her plan. As I know Cole has already evaluated Miss Crocker we can easily discuss our findings in her presence.”

“That would make sense. After which with the ladies permission I’ll bring out the brandy.”

Before Samuel could make a comment Peter stepped in and announced dinner.

After dinner and everyone settled comfortably in the earl’s office Samuel explained the purpose for meeting here rather than the sitting room.

“We’re all aware of the several attempts at breaking into the Sexton townhouse. Lady Brittany and I suspect they were after the book written by Lord Hersey. We came to this conclusion upon examining it and we have found undecipherable handwritten notes in the margins. To that we are calling on you Miss Crocker to assist us, but more on that later.

“Earlier, Lady Brittany told me she had a possible way to throw the thieves off. To explain the plan I defer to her,” Samuel said, in finishing with a bow to her.

“Thank you for laying the plan out partially. For some reason these people insist on obtaining this particular copy. From Mr. Winterbottom, I learned there have been many copies printed. Without returning to London, thus tipping our hand, the nearest book emporium which might have one is in Sheffield. I would recommend we send someone to collect an edition and return. Once back, we leave it out while hiding ours safely away.”

As she continued explaining her plan Samuel studied everyone’s expression, wondering if there might be a naysayer. Much to his pleasure no one indicated their disapproval. What he did find interesting, Cole and Sally seemed the most alert when Brittany mentioned a trip to Sheffield. Something told him they would request to make the journey to which he and Brittany would agree, accompanied by a chaperone.

“When will I be able to look at the book to see if I can make sense of these notes,” Sally asked eagerly.