“And I shall travel outside the carriage on my mount,” Malcolm said. “To ensure we are not followed by any unscrupulous sorts who might decide to behave foolishly.”
She sat straighter and looked first at Chance, then Serendipity. “What say you?”
Serendipity shifted with an uncertain shrug. “Eloping would be your last opportunity to end Brixham’s madness. Unless you wish to spend the next three months listening to the ever-worsening rumors he stirs to force you to cede to him.”
Most definitely not.Jenny had just shared the latest unsavory development. Rumor had it that Merry was currently listed in the betting books of every gentlemen’s club in Town, with the men wagering on what date Brixham would finally make use of that special license and get her to the altar.
But if she went to Gretna Green, she would be Duncan’s wife. She would be married to her champion. The man who had saved her life and sworn to always protect her. The man who had won her heart.
“Hang theton,” she said. “They already take great pleasure in my misery. Let us see if they can find just as much pleasure in my joy.”
Duncan pressed another lingering kiss to the back of her hand. “Ye have made me the happiest man alive, my own. I have never known such joy.”
Giddy with her decision, Merry pressed his hand to her cheek. “Married. In days. Good gracious.”
Still smiling, Duncan leaned forward and brushed the lightest of kisses across her mouth, making her shiver. “Get yer things ready, lass, whilst I see to my own house and advise Mother that she’ll have a daughter-in-law sooner than she expected. Shall we leave this afternoon or in the morning?”
Breathless and head spinning, she looked to Serendipity and Chance. “Can we be ready to leave by this afternoon?”
“We can and we will.” Serendipity nudged Chance. “Best clear your diary, brother, for at least a sennight or more.”
To Merry’s horror, he shook his head. “Chance? You have to come!” she said.
He lifted his hands in surrender. “I am coming, but I intend to ride my horse for safety’s sake along with Malcolm. After all, will you not need your maid? Especially this time of year, you can expect at least four days of travel. More if the weather turns.”
“Perhaps we require two carriages, as I shall need my maid as well,” Serendipity said.
Duncan rose and gently tugged Merry up from the settee to stand beside him. “My carriage can carry the maids and any additional trunks. Merry and I, along with yerself”—he tipped a nod at Serendipity—“for propriety’s sake, can ride in the ducal carriage.” He gently brushed the backs of his fingers across Merry’s cheek as though he hated leaving. “I must go, my own. There is much to do and little time in which to do it.”
“I will be ready,” she promised, her mind whirling with everythingthat must be done.
After respectful nods to Serendipity and Chance, Duncan and Malcolm hurried out.
Serendipity startled Merry with a sharp clap of her hands. “Make haste, you two. Make haste.”
Chance ignored her. Instead, he scowled at Merry as if trying to peer inside her soul. “You are certain about this?”
“I am certain.” She was also nervous and very nearly witless about the drastic decision, but in her heart, she knew it was what she truly wanted. “I love Duncan.”
“You are sure?” Chance repeated. “You have only known him a short while.”
“I cannot explain it, brother.” She pressed a hand to her heart. “When you meet the one you are meant to love, you just know.”
“I simply want you happy.”
“I am. Promise.” She gave him a playful push. “Now, go clear your diary and have Froggie pack your things.”
With a weary huff and a shake of his head, he left the parlor to do as he was told.
“I think we are going to be the death of poor Chance. Just nine and twenty and already sporting a bit of silver at his temples. Did you see it?” Merry led the way up the stairs to the sisters’ chambers.
“Do not mention it to him. He is exceedingly vain about it, even though I told him Papa was just the same.” Serendipity caught her by the arm as she turned to enter her bedroom. “You are certain this is what you wish to do?”
“Positive.” Well, as positive as one could be about such an adventure. Merry wanted to marry Duncan. Truly, she did. She just wasn’t all that keen on the gossip. It had only been days since the debacle with Brixham, and she was already sick to death of theton.“I want to be Duncan’s wife. I belong at his side, Seri. He’s… He is…” She gave up trying to explain it. “This is how it is meant to be.”
“As long as you are happy.” Serendipity gave her a quick hug, then swept off to her own bedroom while brushing tears from her eyes.
Merry hoped they were happy tears, but she knew some of them probably weren’t. Serendipity feared being the only one left. She had always hated being alone.
