Not now.
“My brother recently wrote, mentioning that British sailors have boarded American ships in the Atlantic, forcing them into service,” Jane said.
“Is that allowed?” A stupid question, Tuck understood, as the weight of the era’s injustices crashed down on him. People were enslaved. Women couldn’t vote.
“Some in the navy appear to believe that once a British subject, always a British subject, and use that as justification for impressment, or forcible recruitment,” Jane said. “Of course, your country disagrees. It’s an awful fuss, and a topic that could be raised in company.”
“I think we all agree that Tuck should avoid conversations that attempt to draw him in about the tense relationship between our two countries. But what else shall we do? Hide himat the Woodlands until we figure out how to return him home?” Lizzy asked.
“He can’t stay here!” Georgie was adamant. “Not for a prolonged time with just you and me. Out of the question. Not unless you want to see your reputation gone forever and whatever is left of mine go up in smoke on a pyre of scandal.”
“But”—Lizzy gaped—“I thought you don’t mind what people say.”
“That’s true. But I do care if we are never invited to any home to dine or dance again. I do like to go out from time to time to have a chat or a laugh.”
“What, then?”
“Just a moment.” Jane rose to her feet. “My goodness. He is perfect.” She circled Tuck like an angular shark. “Do you remember, Lizzy darling, how you shared a desire to be a widow, to have the independence of our Georgie?”
“Yes, but I don’t see—”
“Marry Tuck.”
“And murder him?” Lizzy yelped.
“Uh, ladies?” Tuck took three steps away from the iron poker next to the fireplace.
“Of course not. What on earth do you take me for?” Jane seemed aghast. “You marry and that will give credence to him remaining in your company as we work to find a solution. I’m not suggesting it’s a real marriage of body and mind, simply legal protection for you both.”
“But you told me once that anything is to be endured rather than marrying without affection.” Lizzy swayed on her feet, her face drained of color.
“In regular circumstances, yes. But do not overlook the opportunity such an unusual moment affords. Mr. Taylor made hisway here. And he will find a way home. When that happens, you tell the world he went swimming at sea and never returned to shore. Afterwards, you can move permanently to the Woodlands and work on your writing. I’ll visit when I can and do the same. Someday Georgie can bequeath her estate to you, and you will not have to rely on support from your brother. Trust me when I say, from firsthand knowledge, it is not comfortable to be in a brother’s debt.”
“What a terrible, marvelous idea!” Georgie threw herself back against the sofa and kicked her feet. “You are an evil genius.”
“Cousin!” Lizzy hissed. “You can’t be condoning this.”
“With all my heart I am.”
Tuck wasn’t a piece of meat, so why was Georgie eyeing him like he was a tasty snack? In another moment, she might pinch his biceps or poke his abs.
“You two are both mad.” Lizzy spun to face him. “How can I marry you?”
Marry? Tuck’s brain short-circuited. It felt like a joke, but the eager, earnest faces of the two older women told him it was all too real.
“If he wants to get back to his time, then he needs assistance,” Georgie continued matter-of-factly. “Between us, we know scholars, but also villagers and even some mystics. But there is no possibility he can keep respectable company with us unless it’s sanctioned.”
“By a minister?” Tuck croaked.
“A Scottish blacksmith,” Georgie said firmly, as Jane added, “In Gretna Green.”
Chapter Eight
“Honestly, you two. This isn’t some idle amusement for your afternoon’s entertainment.” Lizzy sank into a chair. The sunlight streaming through the window did little to warm the chill that seeped through her damp dress and into her bones. “I came to you seeking genuine guidance, not jokes.”
“No one is questioning your sincerity here.” Jane’s words conveyed conviction, her tone and posture reflecting such. “And that’s precisely why my plan holds merit.”
“I’ve already had to explain to Mr.Taylor that if anyone caught a glimpse of us while he was in a state of undress, we’d be dragged to the altar.” Lizzy stood abruptly, rubbing her arms as she resumed her agitated pacing. The need to keep moving, to outrun the absurdity of the situation, drove her on. “And now you want me to parade him across all of England, leaving a trail of scandal in our wake?”
