“I know the way.”
Lord Cavendish narrowedhis eyes when Bradford walked through the door.
“Are you quite serious?” he said.
Bradford supposed that the footman had tattled on him somehow. He shut the door behind him and took a seat in front of the desk without being invited. “I assure you, it’s all quite respectable. I’ve come to ask for Lily’s hand.”
“Of course you have.” Cavendish glanced toward the door. “Did you perhaps see any other gentlemen out there?”
Bradford frowned. “No, and Lily wouldn’t have them, even if they offered. She loves me, and I love her back.”
“Then why am I just hearing about it now? Last I heard, you were back to Northumberland,” he grumbled.
“Granted, I’ve only done this the once before, but aren’t brothers supposed to be happy when someone wants to marry their sister? Wasn’t this the goal? Or do you not realize how a Season works?”
Cavendish narrowed his eyes once more. “Has no one ever warned you how many cannon-armed ships I own?”
“It hardly matters; Ballam Hall is miles from the ocean. That’s where we’ll be living, after the wedding.” Bradford made to stand.
Cavendish waved him back into his seat. “Forgive me. I’ve entertained three such requests in the last half hour. It’s a wonder you lot didn’t run into each other trying to get through the door.”
“Three requests for Lily’s hand?” Bradford sat up straight. “I can assure you, she’s already accepted me.”
“Traditionally, aren’t you supposed to ask for my permission first?”
Bradford shrugged. “I hardly see what objection you could have. I have a comfortable fortune, an established title, and an impeccable reputation. And if that isn’t enough to earn your blessing, I’ll have Lily at Gretna Green by week’s end.”
“There’s no need for threats.”
“It was just a statement of fact.” He leaned forward. “I love her and I won’t stand for any interruption of her happiness, even that which might come from an overzealous brother.”
“Dear heavens, calm down.” Cavendish shook his head. “You have my blessing. You might check with the others—perhaps you can all marry en masse and save money on the roses.”
“For the last time, roses make Lily sneeze.”
CHAPTER 32
In the end, Lily became Lady Hayes within the fortnight, in a small morning ceremony at St. George’s Church. Lily wore a pale peach gown trimmed in a wealth of white lace. Instead of cut flowers, she carried a bouquet of beaded lily-of-the-valley made of mother of pearl, jade, and diamonds.
Bradford wore a new charcoal suit and ruthlessly tamed his hair for the occasion. He had already written Rebecca and informed her he would be bringing home a bride. Lily had written to her too; she’d promised they’d recreate the ceremony and that Rebecca could stand for them both.
As she walked down the aisle toward the handsome man whose gaze held so much love it made her blush, Lily couldn’t help but laugh.
Of all the places Sir Vernon’s balloon could have taken her, she couldn’t believe it had led her here. She couldn’t believe it had led her home.
The End.
But every endleads to a delightful beginning! Want to find out what on earth is going on between Margaret and the Duke of Ettrick? Find out in The Tartan Trap!
CHAPTER 1- MARGARET
"What do you think it will be like?" Lily leaned forward, the feathers on her bonnet ruffling with the gentle sway of the carriage.
Margaret sat on one side of the carriage, facing two of her sisters, Beatrice and Lily. It was a natural consequence of being the the largest in stature of her sisters--if there was the option to allow it, Margaret sat alone.
"What, the Season?" Beatrice wrinkled her nose. "I hardly can imagine."
"You're both sure to attract a great many suitors," Margaret said with an encouraging smile.
