At least she knew she wasn’t incapable of speaking words of love, but she still needed to find a way to speak her heart to the person she loved most in the world.
Brooks appeared in the doorway and cleared his throat. “Lady Marina, you have a caller. Lady Tabitha.”
“Show her to the drawing room. I shall be right there.” She hadn’t expected Tabitha to come so quickly, but this could work out well if they moved the wedding forward. She shifted her attention back to her brother. “I will inform you when Evan arrives.”
He nodded in response, and she departed toward the drawing room. Once she arrived, Tabitha stood just inside the doorway, waiting for her. “Marina, dearest, I hope you are all right. I had your footman escort my maid and me right over to see you. I wanted to check on you with all that has occurred. Minto. Your father.”
They bussed each other’s cheeks and took seats next to each other on the settee, then Tabitha started again. “I have been so worriedabout you.”
“I am fine. More than, actually. I am to be married.”
Tabitha’s eyes widened. “I heard. To Minto. I wouldn’t think you’d be happy about that development.”
“No, no, no.” She waved off the notion. “Not Minto. Arthur took care of Minto. It was a beautiful thing to see.”
“Then who are you marrying?”
Marina smiled. “Lord Ockham.”
Tabitha’s mouth dropped open before she composed herself. “Is this why you were so against Diana setting her cap for the man?”
“That’s a long story. The important thing is that we will be married. Today, possibly. I wished for you to be my maid of honor.”
“Of course, dearest. I would be happy to. I can’t believe it.” She hugged Marina. When she pulled away, she asked, “Why are you marrying so quickly?”
“We are already going to be the subject of gossip with Papa’s death, and me jilting Minto in the eyes of theton. We want to wed and leave town for a while.”
Tabitha nodded in understanding. “I’m happy for you. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”
“Thank you. He makes me happier than I would have thought possible. Now I know why Diana and Graham can’t stay away from each other.”
“Oh, do tell.” Realization washed over Tabitha, and her eyes narrowed in a knowing gaze. “So, you have anticipated your vows, then?”
Marina blushed. “I will tell you all about it soon. I promise. Right now, I need help to prepare for the wedding if we are to have it today. Do you think everyone can make it on short notice?”
“I would be sure of it. Diana and Hannah will be here. I’m uncertain about Juliana since she is in mourning.”
A frown formed on Marina’s visage. “Have you seen her? Is she all right? I hoped to see her before I left town.”
“I planned to do so today. I hope she is well.”
Sitting forward, Marina patted Tabitha’s hand. “Why don’t we go now? That will give me a chance to see her, and then we can return before Evan arrives with the special license.”
They rang for their maids to join them. Marina donned her bonnet, pelisse, and reticule, and they left without telling anyone they were leaving. Marina and Tabitha walked along the road, with their maids following a few paces behind them. Juliana only lived a couple of blocks away, so it was a quick walk to reach their destination.
When they arrived, they were shown into Juliana’s drawing room, where she greeted them a few moments later. Her smile didn’t quite meet her eyes, which were red and puffy.
Marina embraced her. “Oh, Jules, I’m so sorry.”
Juliana hugged her back with a sob. “I just can’t believe it.”
When Juliana released her, Tabitha embraced Juliana next. They led her to the nearby settee and had her sit, with Marina next to her and Tabitha in the chair on her other side. Once Juliana’s crying subsided, she shifted her focus to Marina. “I’m sorry for only thinking of myself. You lost your father.”
She waved Juliana’s concerns away. “Please don’t worry about me for a moment. It is awful, but I am doing all right. It is you I am concerned with. You lost your husband.”
“I will be all right. It’s just all such a shock.” She wiped her eyes with her handkerchief. “Please tell me the rumor that you are marrying Minto isn’t true. I can only take so much.”
“It is completely untrue. It is one reason we came to visit. I am marrying Lord Ockham.”
