“That was before I realized we would be taking half of London with us!”
Chapter Twelve
Merry did herbest to sit still and refrain from plucking at the furry trim of the lap blanket, which made traveling by carriage in late February more comfortable. Thankfully, the weather had remained mild, so piles and piles of coverings weren’t necessary. Hands folded in her lap, she stole a glance at Serendipity to see if her sister was as uneasy about the prolonged lack of conversation as she was. Seri most definitely appeared strained.
Duncan’s mother was a pleasure, but she peered out the window just as hawkishly as Duncan. Rifle at her side and pistol in her muff, Lady Evelyn was as formidable as any male guard.
“And how many grandchildren would ye like to bless me with, dear?” the lady asked Merry without pulling her gaze from whatever lay beyond the carriage window.
“Mother.” Duncan’s voice held a subtle yet respectful warning.
“What?”
“Is that a question to be asking my future bride?”
“Well, of course it is.” His mother drew her attention away from the scenery long enough to fix her son with a look of exasperation. “Babies are to be anticipated after the two of ye marry. ’Tis only natural.”
“Might we discuss this later?” he asked, his tone sharper now.
Lady Evelyn huffed a delicate snort, but winked at Merry, making it impossible not to resume the thread of conversation.
“I should like for us to have as many children as the Almighty sees fit to bless us with, Lady Evelyn.” Merry included Serendipity in the conversation with a nod. “Mama and Papa made our family a joy, and I intend to do the same.”
“We all adore children,” Serendipity said, “and however many little ones Merry and Duncan have will be welcomed with a great deal of love and indulgence. Our nieces and nephews are already quite spoiled and would love even more cousins. Our sister Felicity’s little one should join the family this spring, so perhaps Merry and Duncan’s addition would be next.” She glanced out the window and frowned. “There is a light following us. Quite a ways back, but a light just the same. Malcolm would not have taken a lantern and fallen that far behind, would he?”
“No. He knows to stay close.” Duncan twisted around to look. “That light is not one from our party.”
They rode in the ducal carriage with both the outer lanterns and inside lanterns already lit to beat back the shadows brought on by early dusk. The carriage bearing the maids, valets, and additional trunks was directly behind them, with Malcolm guarding the rear of their party, and Chance riding at the front of the line well within the lanterns’ glow.
“Perhaps it’s just another traveler,” Merry suggested, hoping that was true. Duncan had told her about the damage to his home and the note, but how could Brixham possibly know they had left for Scotland? Surely the man thought them still at home in Mayfair. They had done their best to slip away, keeping the carriages and riders separated and somewhat scattered until they reached the outskirts of London. Only then had they united and traveled together.
“Nonetheless,” Duncan said, “pull yer shade and scoot closer to the middle.” He dragged his attention away from the suspicious light and glanced at his mother. “Close the window, aye? Ye can keep watch through the space where the shade meets the frame.”
She did as he asked, and so did Serendipity.
Before Duncan turned to Merry and directed her to do the same, she pulled down her shade and fastened it, making the interior of the lantern-lit coach a bit more confining. “What are you going to do?” Her heart pounded at the prospect of their being followed.
“Just keep watch for now. Soon, we shall be at the inn for our first stop of the evening. That will tell us the intentions of our mysterious follower. Since it appears to be a single lantern, that carriage must be smaller.” He eased the window covering open the slightest bit and peered outside again. “Lights from the inn are up ahead. We’ll know better then.”
In no time at all, they rattled to a stop, and Merry was glad of it. Not only because she needed to stretch her legs, but because she wanted to see who was following them. But as Duncan helped her step down from the carriage, the small curricle that had been behind them continued on its journey, clattering past the inn and disappearing into the darkness.
As Merry watched the vehicle drive away, the injustice of the situation irritated her to no end. “We have allowed Brixham to steal our peace, and he would laugh in delight about that if he were here. We should be ashamed.”
“Vigilance is a must.” Duncan held the door to the inn for her and the other ladies. Chance was already inside, waiting, and Malcolm followed, keeping watch for anyone who might enter behind them.
“This is ridiculous.” Merry gathered her cloak closer about her, flustered at finding herself glancing all around and suspecting every stranger that looked their way.
Duncan moved even closer to her as they crossed the main room of the inn. His large, muscular form provided her with an effective shield from most of the other patrons. “It will be better once we are in Scotland.”
While his protectiveness touched her heart and made her weak inthe knees, frustration still gnawed at her. They were being forced to behave like escaped criminals. “How will things be better once we are in Scotland?”
“In a public place, all I need do is announce ye are my wife, ye say that ye are, and therefore ye will be. Simple as that. Scotland recognizesper verba de praesenti, a declaration of our union in front of witnesses, as a legal form of marriage.”
“Well, we are still in England, and therefore unmarried.” Merry hated not being able to trust anyone. It simply wasn’t in her nature to be so suspicious.
“That is why we must remain vigilant, lass.” He shepherded her, Serendipity, and his mother to a table in the corner large enough to seat their entire party. As soon as Malcolm and Chance joined them, a buxom woman with her hair tied up in a kerchief hurried over with a tray of tankards and a platter of bread.
“What about our drivers and our maids?” Merry asked. “They’ll be needing supper and accommodations, too.”
