Tears formed in Juliana’s eyes. “I’m so delighted, dearest. I knew he was in love with you, and I hoped he would press his suit.”
“How? When did you know?” Marina asked.
“I’m quite observant,” she said with a watery laugh. “I could tell there was something between the two of you, and I look forward tohearing that story when you are ready to tell it.” She gave her a knowing glance.
“I promise, I will tell all of you the entire story when the time is right.” She wouldn’t even leave out any of the good parts, either.
“When is the wedding?” Juliana asked.
“Hopefully, today. Evan is purchasing the special license now. I wasn’t sure if you would attend since you are in mourning.”
She squeezed Marina’s hand. “I wouldn’t miss it. Send me word of when it shall take place, and I will be there.”
Marina hugged her, and they both cried. The tears danced down their cheeks, carrying the weight of happiness. “I must return home. Evan should be there soon, so we can confirm the wedding plans.”
They all rose and hugged each other. “I shall see you both soon,” Juliana said.
Tabitha and Marina were back on the streets of Mayfair, walking with their maids back to Sidmouth house.
“She looked better than I thought she would,” Tabitha said.
“I agree. I hope she doesn’t get lonely while she’s in mourning.”
A carriage passed by and continued down the street.
“I may ask Mama if I might stay with her for a few weeks to keep her company,” Tabitha said.
“That would be kind of you. I am sure Juliana would appreciate it.”
Another carriage approached them.
“Perhaps Hannah will come to stay, too, since you and Diana will be with your husbands.”
Marina shrieked in surprise when someone grabbed her arm. Before she could do more than scream, she was pulled into a carriage. The carriage sped away, and she could hear the cries of Tabitha and their maids calling for help. She turned her head and locked eyes with her captor.
Minto.
“Surprise, my dear.”
“Take me home right now,” she demanded. She sat in the seat across from him, ensuring she kept the maximum amount of distance possible between them.
He laughed at her. “I don’t think so. Your brother wouldn’t see reason, so I had to take matters into my own hands.”
“Where are you taking me?”
His smile was malicious, making her whole body recoil in disgust. There was no telling what the blackguard might attempt or do to her.
“Gretna Green.”
Chapter Twenty
Evan
Evan and Judehad a successful morning. He patted his chest where the special license sat safely in place in his coat pocket. He could now marry Marina wherever and whenever they wished. Both men stepped out of the carriage in front of the Sidmouth townhouse. He encouraged Jude to come with him, in case he could convince Marina and her family to let him marry her that very day. The special license was burning a hole in his pocket. Who was he kidding? He just wanted to ensure he never slept apart from his beloved again.
Shouts and cries came from a few houses down. “Help! Help! You must help her.” Jude and Evan both looked in the direction of the cries and saw Tabitha running toward them with two maids quick on her heels. “Evan! Jude! Thank God. Someone took Marina.”
Evan stilled and fought to remain standing, gripping Jude’s shoulder.
