When the young man was finished, he disappeared through a door and Geoff could do nothing but wait. Yet, it was not long before the clerk returned.
“Here you are.” Geoff took the papers the young man handed him. He perused the license, then read the second sheet. “Hawksworth. What the devil is the Duke of Somerset’s heir doing in the army?”
The clerk sighed again. “You have obviously never met my father.” The young man held out his hand. “I’m Septimius Trevor.”
“Lord Septimius, I promise I shall send you word.” Even if he had to hunt down the man’s commander.
“That is all any of us can ask. Thank you again.” Lord Septimius had a ghost of a smile on his countenance.
Geoff arrived back at Markham House less than an hour later. “Nettle,” Geoff called as he strolled into his apartments.
“I’ll be right there, my lord.” A few moments later his valet appeared, appearing somewhat put upon. “My apologies, my lord, there was some difficulty with the laundress, but that is none of your concern.”
If they were staying here longer, Geoff thought it might be his concern. His valet had been with him for years and was never out of sorts. He took out the special license. “See that this is put where we can find it for the wedding.”
Nettle glanced at the document. “I’ll put it in your jewel box. And the wedding, my lord?”
“The day after tomorrow, God willing. I hope to depart the following morning.”
“Very good. I shall have everything in readiness.”
“I know you will.” The clock chimed eleven. “I am going to fetch Miss Turley so that she can select fabrics after lunch. Please make sure they are in the countess’s bedchamber. Tell Cook that I will have a guest for luncheon and wish to eat at noon instead of one. After that, you may have a free afternoon.”
Nettle bowed and returned to the dressing room, and Geoff started off to Elizabeth’s house. After today, they would have luncheon in their own dining room. He couldn’t wait until she was with him permanently.
Chapter Nineteen
Elizabeth glanced at the clock once again. In only a matter of minutes, Geoffrey would be here to collect her. Unfortunately, her father had arrived home two hours ago and was going on and on and on about how he had not yet met Lord Harrington. Good Lord! She did not recall that he had met Lord Merton, but her father had been ready to throw her into his arms.
Papa had given her brother his power of attorney to act with regard to her betrothal to Geoffrey, and Gavin had done exactly as he should, but Papa had—for reasons known only to him—taken umbrage. Her brother was calmly but firmly reminding their father of that fact.
Papa’s back was to her and the door. She rose slowly and began to inch her way out of the room.
She was almost there when her father turned. “Elizabeth.” Drat! If she did not leave, she would be late. “What are you still doing here? This cannot concern you.”
Her fist clenched, and she opened her mouth to argue that her settlement agreement and her marriage were most certainly of interest to her, then realized she had been excused.
Not that it mattered. Gavin had explained the contract to her. And, at this point, there was nothing her father could do to ruin her wedding. “Of course, Papa.”
She fled the drawing room. Vickers was ready with Elizabeth’s bonnet, gloves, and shawl. A few moments later, she was in the hall. Fortunately, one of the footmen was there instead of the butler. “I am expecting Lord Harrington. Please open the door the moment he arrives. He will not need to be announced as we shall be departing immediately.”
“Yes, miss, but I think his lordship is here now.”
She glanced out the sidelight window. He was in the process of bringing his phaeton to a stop. If only she could run out to meet him. Glancing behind, she breathed a sigh of relief that the door to the morning room was still closed. With any luck at all, she should be able to leave before her father saw her. Elizabeth did not want Papa to meet Geoffrey when he was in one of his moods.
As she had instructed, when Geoffrey reached the door, the servant opened it. “My lord.” She smiled at him. “Imagine us both being so timely. Shall we go?”
He held out his arm and, smiling brightly, Elizabeth took it. “I am so looking forward to the fabric samples.”
Geoffrey lifted her onto the phaeton and went around to the other side. Once he had the ribbons in his hands, he slid her a look. “I think I know you well enough to ascertain when something is not right. What is it?”
She played with the fringe on her shawl for a moment, trying to decide what to say. “It is nothing that need concern you.”
“Everything that upsets you matters to me.” He glanced at his horses then turned his attention back to her. “I would not like us to begin our life together with secrets.”
Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment and tried to tell herself her father was not his concern, but he would have to meet Papa eventually. In two days time, as it happened. “My father returned early this morning and is in a temper. When I left, he was shouting at poor Gavin.”
“Is he usually difficult to get along with?”
