Married By Christmas (Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 3) Read online

  Strolling up to his valet, Nash saw the man frowning which wasn’t a good sign.

  “M’ lord, welcome. It seems the ride with the maids was interesting, to say the least, enlightening at most.”

  “Let’s wait until we’re out of earshot then you can tell me,” Nash stated.

  He accepted a nod from his valet, then followed Ryan into the tavern and up the stairs to the first floor then down the opposite hall from the ladies. The fact they were a distance away made him happy.

  Nash shrugged out of his jacket followed by his cravat and shirt. After he dropped them onto the bed he took care of his needs. With his hands washed, he splashed water on his face then ran his wet fingers through his unfashionably long hair. Dried off, he returned to where Ryan awaited.

  Accepting a clean shirt, he fastened it then waited while a new cravat was tied. That done he turned to his valet. “All right what had you distraught earlier and still does.”

  “What I’m going to tell you was told me in confidence but with permission to inform you. It would seem the true reason for Lady Amelia to travel in your company wasn’t to see how you both dealt with it but something more sinister. Her Grace didn’t collect Lady Amelia but the other way around.”

  “I don’t understand, why did Her Grace say it differently?”

  “The eldest son of an earl, close to being in the dun, is trying to marry her under his father’s direction. They are hoping the dowry will rescue them from debtor prison.”

  “So, by sending Lady Amelia to London with me, her parents are hoping to throw the son off the scent?” Then, he remembered the note from his father. Stepping over to his jacket, freshly brushed out, Nash retrieved it, broke the seal, and read.

  Son,

  I’m sure by now you are aware of why Lady Amelia is traveling to London with you and your mother. Both myself and The Duke of Appleton have complete faith in you protecting her, your future bride.

  I’ve remained behind but will shortly be joining you all.

  Finally, might I give you a piece of advice, which I pray you’ll heed?

  We men, in general, tend to forget important days in the lives of our wife. On that, I would suggest you marry by Christmas, if not on that date. This way you’ll never have to worry about overlooking your anniversary.

  Thomas

  Now it all made sense. The strange worried look in her eyes two days ago. Not to mention what the ladies had talked about when he’d returned to the sitting room before luncheon.

  Nash marched over to the fireplace, took a lucifer stick, rubbed it against the stone mantle’s rough surface then touched the flame to the paper. He waited until the paper was almost engulfed, before throwing it in the hearth and watching the rest of it burn.

  “Thank you. Now help me into my jacket as I don’t wish to keep Her Grace or Lady Amelia waiting.”

  “First, m’ lord, you should wash your hands again as the smell of the match and paper can be detected.”

  Sniffing a hand Nash realized Ryan was correct so he returned to the private room and did as suggested. Stepping back in he was greeted by his valet holding his jacket. After shrugging into it Nash checked himself in the mirror and glanced back to Ryan.

  “Make sure you behave while having luncheon with the maids. I’ll expect to receive a good report about your deportment.”

  “I promise.”

  With a nod, Nash marched out and down to the private dining room. As he started in he heard the ladies talking as they descended the stairs. Turning, he smiled as they swept up.

  How Amelia, in the short amount of time permitted, had been able to change into a deep-blue traveling gown which fit her perfectly he’d never know. He did know seeing her in it made his blood boil with desire for her. Nash appreciated the way her maid had redone her hair so several strands hung down to frame her heart-shaped face. It reminded him of how ladies would wear their hair for a formal occasion, so why the change he wondered.

  When Nash noticed a faint blush coming from her, he realized he’d been staring at her for too long. Giving her a bow, he offered Amelia his arm which she accepted. Guiding them into the room, Nash seated each lady as they’d done at his estate. He took the chair at the head of the table as the tavern owner’s wife and a maid entered with several platters.

  Nash waited until the plates were set in the center of the table and covers removed before nodding to the woman, who guided the young girl out.

  “Ladies, it would seem we have a lovely meal prepared.”

  As they made their way through luncheon, Nash kept focusing his attention on Amelia. A sharp wrap on his knuckles forced him to look over to his mother.

  “Son, will you stop gazing at Amelia. Can’t you see you’re making her uncomfortable?”

  Ashamed at himself for getting caught he nodded to his mother then turned to Amelia.

  “M’ lady, please forgive my unseemly behavior. I didn’t realize what I was doing.”

  “M’ lord, your apology is graciously accepted.”

  After finishing their meal, Nash escorted the ladies out to the carriage and helped them in. Taking his seat, he retrieved his book. With a knock on the roof to signal the coachman to head out, he started to open Candide but stopped when Amelia tapped him on the leg with her fan.

  “Yes?”

  “Her Grace and I were discussing this earlier. As we will be getting into London at a reasonable hour will you be staying in tonight?”

  Nash found himself discouraged at her question as he’d hoped she would mentioned the danger to her. This way they would be able to discuss ways to keep her safe. He had already decided that whenever she left her parents’ townhouse, except for the garden, he’d be escorting her. If asked why, his explanation would be simple. To show the ladies and gentlemen of the ton he wasn’t afraid to even enter a dress shop.

  Without even having to look over to his mother he knew she’d stay in their palace and most likely have dinner in her suite. As for him, it would depend on Amelia’s answer, if she desired to attend a ball then so would he.

  “Let me toss the question back to you, Amelia. Do you have plans?”

  “Nothing specific at this time. It will all depend on how tired my parents are after making the journey. Given a choice, I’d prefer to stay in and assist my mother, if she’s up to it, sort through the invitations received,” she declared.

  That was what he had hoped she’d say as it gave him the opportunity to possibly visit sometime in the evening. With permission of course. His main focus would be to speak with the duke and receive permission to offer for her.

  “As it stand now, I’m at loose ends but will probably review any posts which have come for me. I plan to ignore the invitations as I feel it would be best served if we attended the same events,” Nash told her.

  He knew this would serve two purposes. Be seen with her and let the other gentlemen know she was spoken for, while providing protection without her becoming aware of it.

  After a few minutes he watched Amelia pick up her book and start reading which was his cue to do the same.

  Several hours later, Nash climbed out of his traveling carriage as The Duke and Duchess of Appleton stepped from their London palace. Bowing, Nash turned back and assisted his mother then their daughter out and escorted both up to them.

  “Your Graces.”

  “Thank you, m’ lord. I do hope your journey was uneventful.” the duchess stated.

  “Completely, Your Grace,” Nash replied.

  “Wonderful. Now, would you and Her Grace care for tea or rather make your way to your palace?” the duke asked.

  “Your Grace, I can’t speak for Lord Nash, but for myself I would love a cup,” his mother declared.

  Later, Nash and his mother bid their good byes and departed for the Fenwick palace with a promise to return at eight for dinner.

  Chapter Three

  Exhausted from a long day but at the same time happy it was spent in the company of Nash, Amelia s
wept into her suite to be met by Wendy.

  “Help me out of my gown while I start taking my hair down, then give it a simple braid. As I’ve got several hours before dinner with Her Grace, The Duchess of Renfield and Lord Nash I need to rest. Please have my bath water ready at seven as we’re dining at eight,” Amelia directed her maid.

  So tired and wanting to close her eyes, even if only for an hour or so, Amelia turned so Wendy could undo the tiny buttons on the back of the traveling gown. At the same time she started removing the pins from her hair, letting it fall down. It amazed her when she and Wendy finished almost at the same time.

  With her hair braided loosely she slipped into a dressing gown then dismissed Wendy with instructions to have her pink evening gown ironed. Starting for her bed, she was stopped by a delicate knock on the door. Knowing it could be only one person she swept over and opened it.

  “Please, come in. What can I do for you, Mother, or do I already know what you wish to discuss?”

  “I just wanted to have a few words with you regarding this evening. Once we rise from the table, Lord Nash and your father will retire to the ducal office. There, from what I suppose, His Lordship will ask for your hand in marriage. As we all know it’s a forgone conclusion so this will be a formality,” her mother said.

  “Yes, I suspected as much when I saw Lord Nash’s eyes brighten when Her Grace accepted the invitation. I also don’t think he will offer for me immediately either, but wait a few days to do so.”

  “Why do you believe so?”

  “If I don’t miss my guess, he’ll wish to squire me around the city to several balls and drives in the park.”

  “That would seem reasonable, considering his previous reputation. He’ll wish to be seen as a gentleman who’s not only won your heart but also has the permission of your father,” her mother stated.

  “Also, to see if that obnoxious Lord Smedley has arrived to bother me. And before you say anything, I instructed Wendy to tell his valet about the threats to me. He was also told to make sure Lord Nash doesn’t say anything.”

  “But why? What if something had occurred on the trip here?”

  “That was a risk I had to take. I had wished to enjoy the ride and not be interrogated by him. Now that he’s learned the true reason for traveling in his company, we will have to explain what we know. Which, I might add, is very little. Don’t forget, he used to work for the Crown out of London, so he should know people who are able to assist in learning more,” Amelia explained, hoping her mother would understand.

  Patiently, she watched and waited while her mother digested her words. Amelia never suspected the earl was in the dun but rather, had deep pockets. Her question was why the ruse?

  “I agree. After their private conversation they will join us in my parlor. Then we need to make sure Lord Nash is aware of what we know, and as you said very little. Now, I want you to rest as it’s going to be a long and interesting evening,” her mother said.

  Amelia walked with her mother to the door and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Alone, she glided over to her bed and smiled on seeing the covers had been turned down, which she’d not noticed before. Slipping out of her robe, she climbed between the sheets and thought back over the past few days as she felt her lids grow heavy.

  She felt someone’s hand on her shoulder giving her a gentle shake then she heard, “M’ lady, it’s time to wake.”

  Slowly, Amelia opened her eyes then, with a hand, rubbed the sleep from them.

  “Is it that late already? I feel like I just lay down.”

  “I waited for Her Grace to leave then peered in, and you were sound asleep. Let’s get you ready as your bath water is here. I wasn’t sure which oil to use. Her Grace suggested you wear the cream gown. I do hope that’s all right with you?”

  Amelia wasn’t surprised Wendy was aware of what was going to happen later. With a head bob she agreed with the gown choice. It was also one of her favorites and would go lovely with the five-strand pearl choker her parents had presented her on the eve of her come-out several years ago. It came with matching earrings and bracelet.

  “Yes, that’s perfect.”

  After tossing the covers off Amelia slid from the bed and walked over to her private room. She studied the row of small vials containing bath oils and tried to decide which would be perfect for the evening. Finally, she settled on the jasmine as its scent would go nicely with the gown. After putting a few drops in the water, she swirled it around with her hand enjoying the fragrance as it wafted up.

  Stepping into the hipbath, she leaned back and let the warmth help relax her, not that she needed to be as she already was. Her nap had consisted of a pleasant dream of Nash. When she woke she couldn’t believe she’d not blushed. It had seemed so real even when she dreamed of his hand caressing her nakedness.

  “M’ lady, are you all right?” Wendy asked, stepping in.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, yes. What were you planning on doing with my hair? I was thinking something simple but at the same time elegant.”

  “I agree. Since you’ll wish to wear the pearls why not take the long single strand and weave it in. That would definitely make a statement with His Lordship,” her maid said.

  Taking up a flannel square, Amelia applied the bar of soap to it until satisfied with the lather. She proceeded to wash leaving her hair for last which would need Wendy’s assistance. Handing her maid the soap, she closed her eyes while part of the bucket of warm water was poured over her head. Once finished, Amelia stepped from the tub and into a large soft towel.

  Dried off, she slipped her robe back on and with a smaller cloth strolled into her suite and took a seat by the fire. With the towel she continued to rub her hair to get as much water off as possible. Once satisfied, she accepted the silver-backed brush and started to detangle it, she hoped. Beginning at the ends, slowly she moved her way up until the brush ran through it smoothly.

  Pleased, she stood then walked over to her bed where clean undergarments awaited. With help from her maid she climbed into the chemise then slipped on the stockings fastening them with garters just above the knee. Next, she slid her feet into slippers that matched the gown she would be wearing.

  Stepping over to her dressing table, she smiled on seeing the jewelry all laid out.

  “Wendy, as Lord Nash seemed pleased in the way you did my hair at luncheon let’s do it again. This time let’s not have any tendrils framing my face. If anything, it will keep him guessing what I’ll do next,” she declared. The smile from her maid let Amelia know the suggestion met with approval.

  Since she’d decided to go simple Amelia was happy as her hair came together with the pearl string adding the flawless accent. With the choker, earrings, and bracelet on she stood, stepped away from the table, and dropped her robe. Raising her arms, she let Wendy slip on the gown then waited patiently while it was buttoned.

  “There you go, m’ lady. You look absolutely flawless.”

  “Yes, and I can’t wait to see his reaction.”

  Collecting her shawl from the bed Amelia took a final look at herself in the mirror before sweeping from her suite. As she stepped into the corridor she was met by her mother.

  “Your Grace, this is a surprise.”

  “I wished to let you know Her Grace and Lord Nash are just about to arrive. I wanted to make sure you were ready. We should be in my parlor to greet them and considering how beautiful you are this evening, I can’t wait to see his reaction,” her mother stated.

  After linking their arms together, Amelia allowed her mother to steer her to the duchess’ parlor. She barely had time to get settled before her father stepped in and gasped.

  “Lady Amelia, if you hadn’t already attained Lord Nash’s attention before tonight now you most certainly will,” he told her.

  “Thank you, Your Grace.”

  The sound of talking seemed to prevent any further discussion. She waited, pensively, as they got closer. Before she knew it the butler was in the doorway.r />
  “Your Graces, Lady Amelia, Her Grace, The Duchess of Fenwick, with Nash, Marquis of Renfield.”

  Standing, Amelia took in a short breath, since that was all she could, before they stepped into the parlor. With a hidden smile she studied the way Nash examined her. His expression reminded her of a dog drooling over a bone covered in raw meat and wanting to devour it but couldn’t because of the chain around his neck was to short, and he couldn’t reach it.

  “Your Grace, Lord Nash,” Amelia said, giving them a deep curtsey, not even hearing if her parents had acknowledged their guests.

  Rising, she glanced to Nash and did her best to refrain from giggling at his attempt to talk. Not even an elbow to his rib from his mother could get him to say anything.

  “My dear Lady Amelia, in all my years, and I’m not going to announce how many, this is the first time I’ve ever known my errant son to be speechless. I heartily commend you on being the lady to achieve this historic moment. I assure you, I can understand why. I pray he does find his tongue, and soon,” Nash’s mother declared.

  Once Her Grace was seated, Amelia returned to the settee. Comfortable, she waited for Nash to either move or say something. She was becoming more uncomfortable as he continued to stare at her. Finally, she came up with an idea which wouldn’t be approved by anyone.

  Standing she glided over to his side, lifted her slipper-clad foot, and dropped her foot on his.

  “Ouch. Damnit, that hurt,” he blared out.

  “Wonderful, not only does he speak but swears in the presence of ladies,” she uttered, then returned to her seat before he could say anything else. Amelia was amazed by the chuckle from her father and giggles from the mothers.

  “Son, you were staring at Lady Amelia which was making her uncomfortable, and for some reason you weren’t able to say a word.”

  “Please accept my humble apology, m’ lady, Your Graces. It’s just that I’ve never seen m’ lady looking so ravishingly beautiful before. No, no don’t get me wrong, you’re always lovely but tonight, even more so,” Nash pleaded.