As much as she loved her brother, he would have been very much in the way. “You can plan to visit us after we are settled in Paris.”
They finished eating and lingered over cups of tea until her aunt rose. “I imagine you still have a great deal to do before leaving in the morning.” Aunt embraced Elizabeth. “We shall write, and perhaps I will be able to visit in the spring.”
“I’ll miss you.” She hugged her aunt tightly. “Thank you so much for sponsoring me.”
“I am glad I was able to.”
An hour after her aunt and brother left, Elizabeth was concerned there would not be enough hours to finalize their plans, but she managed to ensure everything for their journey was completed so that they could leave the next morning as planned.
The last of her new gowns had arrived a few hours ago, and Vickers had the packing in hand. Elizabeth had accomplished the shopping for all the other bits and pieces she would need until she arrived in Paris. Although, who knew how long that would be with this dreadful war that was looming. She sent a quick prayer that it would be over quickly and successfully without too much loss of life. They knew so many men who would be fighting.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Elizabeth entered Lord Markham’s secretary’s office with a copy of her maid’s, footman’s, and groom’s employment contracts in hand as well as the list of servants she was hiring from her in-laws. “I hope I am not interrupting you, but Lady Markham said I should speak with you.”
Mr. Grantham, an older man with silver hair, rose and bowed. “Not at all, my lady. How may I assist you?’
“Lord Harrington and I are hiring five of Lord and Lady Markham’s servants and three of my father’s servants. I require new employment contracts for them reflecting their change in status.” Elizabeth handed the contracts for her servants to the secretary. “These are for my lady’s maid, footman, and groom.”
“Leave it with me, my lady. I shall ensure all is in order and have them signed.”
“Thank you.” That was one more thing to cross off her list.
Elizabeth headed to the kitchen to speak with the cook about a hamper for the coach. She should have sent the man a note or called him to her, but she was in a hurry to have the arrangements completed.
Once she had discussed the basket, there was one more thing she wished to consult with Geoffrey about. Yet, they had been crossing paths most of the day, and she had no idea where he had got to.
As she crossed the hall, the butler bowed. “Gibson, have you seen Lord Harrington?”
“Several times, my lady.” Poor Gibson was not used to all the activity in the house, and it showed. “You might look in the library. I believe he required a map.”
“Thank you, Gibson.” She would have liked to assure him his life would be back to normal soon, but Elizabeth did not think he would take her solicitude well.
As she approached the library she heard Geoffrey’s voice and her father-in-law’s in response. Not wanting to interrupt them, she turned to go back toward the hall, when Lord Markham said, “Well done, on bringing Elizabeth up to scratch. You almost lost the position with Sir Charles.”
His lordship’s words halted her steps. She should keep going, but her feet refused to move. She waited to hear her husband tell his father that they had married because he loved her.
“Thank you, sir,” Geoffrey replied. “It took a bit of doing, but I pulled it off. She was the last choice left, and I wasn’t about to let her get away.”
Pulled it off.Last choice?
Elizabeth’s throat closed painfully, making it hard to swallow.
“She seems like a nice girl,” Lord Markham continued. “Your mother is of the opinion that she’ll make you an excellent hostess.”
“I have to say I agree with her.” Elizabeth had never heard Geoffrey sound so smug. “She has all the qualifications we discussed and then some.”
Qualifications.
That truly was all he wanted. A wife who would meet the needs of his position.
Hot tears blurred Elizabeth’s eyes as she heard the clinking of glasses.
Everything he had said, everything he had vowed . . . it was all a lie!
Every time he touched her she could have been any other female.
Despite what she had thought was him showing his love for her, he was simply making sure she had to marry him. Making sure she could not get away.
