An idea wormed its way into Olivia’s head. Society knew they had gone missing, but they didn’t know why. If they provided an even more salacious story, it might put them off the scent. Especially if it was at their own expense.
“There will still be a marriage today,” Olivia said.
Constance screwed up her face.
Mr. Ringwell straightened his jacket. “I’m ready.”
She smiled, letting some of Lady Allen enter her voice. “Oh, no. It is not you and Constance who will marry.”
“Who, then?” Thel asked.
She raised her hand, and he took it, stepping closer until there was barely enough room between them for a book to fit. “I know this isn’t what you intended when you asked me to marry you, but I’m willing to marry you now if it saves Constance.”
Thel grimaced. “I have no ring, nor flowers. My parents and brothers are not here to witness our union. You aren’t even wearing a wedding dress.”
Olivia shook her head. “I’ve been through all of that before.” Her wedding had been straight out of a fairy tale, everything her youthful self had desired. “If it helps Constance, then I can do without any of it.”
Thel looked at Mr. Ringwell. “Do you still have the item you intended to use to propose?”
Mr. Ringwell patted his pockets, then handed over a slightly crushed circle of grass.
Constance gasped. “Is that what I think it is?” She put her hands over her mouth. “Oh, Sammy, you really do love me like that?”
Mr. Ringwell scratched the back of his neck. “It’s nothing fancy, Connie. You deserve much better.”
As Mr. Ringwell wrapped his arms around Constance, Olivia slid the ring on her finger and tucked it into place, then admired it. It was not the ornate gold band that the earl had presented her with. It was far more beautiful. Her imagination transformed the strands into braided silver.
He frowned. “I will buy you something more appropriate.”
She plucked her hand back. “Perhaps later, but this will suffice for today. It is lovely, is it not?”
He smiled. “Yes, it is.” Then his smile fell. “I suppose I should write to my family.”
Olivia cringed. The thought of summoning them so far into the countryside when the season was not yet over made her feel like she was impinging upon their freedom and happiness. But Thel was right. It would lend additional weight to their story if they were all seen leaving town.
“I suppose we’ll need to head to Gretna Green, after all,” Olivia said.
“No need,” Thel said. He removed a sheet of paper from his pocket and handed it to Olivia. “I applied for a special license weeks ago, before I asked you to marry me the first time.”
She ran her fingers over the parchment. “You’ve held on to it all this time?”
He grinned. “Perhaps a part of me could not admit that what I did was wrong.” Then he took her hands and his smile fell. “You are certain?”
Olivia squeezed his fingers. “I am.”
###
Later that day, after a carriage ride through the country and a brief stop at the nearest church, they arrived at Thel’s childhood home. Constance had not said a word throughout the trip. Mr. Ringwell clutched her hand.
She could not blame him. If they were alone, she would have crawled into Thel’s lap and rested against his chest. She feared their plan would not work, but worse than that, she feared Constance would not recover from what she had been through. The shadows on her face were a painful reminder of Olivia’s own trauma.
“We’re here,” Thel said.
She peered out the window as they passed through wrought-iron gates and started up the long path toward the house. A wide expanse of manicured gardens surrounded them on either side. A fountain stood outside the front entrance, depicting a willowy woman with flowing hair covering her like clothing.
“Home,” Constance said, in a breathy voice. It was the first time she had spoken since they had entered the carriage, and Olivia was pleased to see some of the fear and worry erased from her face.
She did not relish the thought of how much work was ahead of her. She would have to rally the staff, prepare all the rooms for Thel’s family, while adjusting to her new position.
