Page 63 of The Devil to Pay

“If I had my umbrella,” Davenport observed through narrowed eyes. “You would not be so rude.”

“Just as you say, love,” Jules replied, and kissed her, much to the delight of their audience.

Chapter 20

Dearest Mama,

I am writing to you with the most wonderful news. Though she is usually an extremely sensible and level-headed young woman, I have finally persuaded Miss Selina Davenport to do me the honour of becoming my wife.

I am so happy I do not think I can put it into words, but I know you understand. Tell Papa I am sorry for the trials I have given you both, but they are at an end – if he’d seen the way the lady wields an umbrella, he would understand. Seriously though, thank you, both of you, for bearing with my nonsense and always being there for me. You have been the very best of parents, and as I am now to be a family man, I shall need your advice more than ever.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Mama, please make plans for a splendid wedding as soon as you possibly may. I know you are capable of miracles, so please, find a date in April and help me make this happen before the foolish girl realises what a bad bargain she’s struck.

I am bringing her to meet you as soon as I may, so expect us shortly after this letter arrives.

―Excerpt of a letter from The Most Hon’ble Jules Adolphus, The Marquess of Blackstone to his mother, Her Grace, Prunella Adolphus, the Duchess of Bedwin.

21st March 1845, Beverwyck, London.

“Big,” Benjamin said, staring, awestruck, up at the magnificence that was Beverwyck. “Big, big castle.”

“You’d need a few more bricks for one that size, I’d say,” Charlie said manfully, though he looked rather pale. He lifted his little brother into his arms and glanced doubtfully at Jules. “You really will be a duke one day, then?”

“I’m afraid so,” Jules said apologetically. “Though I very much hope not for a long while. You’ll have got used to the idea by then.”

“No,” Charlie said with a short laugh. “Don’t reckon I will.”

“Is the duchess very grand?” Abigail asked, reaching for Selina’s hand.

Selina squeezed her gloved fingers in encouragement, but also turned to Jules for reassurance.

“I think I had better just let the duchess speak for herself,” he said with a wink. “It’s how she prefers it, but I promise you will like her very much. I know I do.”

He took Selina’s free hand, and she felt her heart swell as he reached for Julia too, who had been quiet all morning.

“What if they don’t like us? Will you still marry Selina? Where will we go?” she asked, the questions suddenly exploding out of her.

Jules knelt down until he was level with the little girl’s face. “Julia, I like you very, very much, which is how I know my mother and father will like you, too. You need to ignore their grand titles, for they’re just Mama and Papa to me, you see? And no matter what, you will always have a place with us, and no one can change that. Not ever.”

Julia let out a breath and stepped forward, wrapping her arms about Jules’ neck and hugging him tightly. Jules put his hand to her slender form and hugged her back, glancing up at Selina as he did so. Emotion filled her chest, pressing against her ribs until she thought she might burst at the happiness shining in his eyes. They mattered to him. Not just Selina, he cared for all of them, cared what became of them. They would be safe with him.

Once Julia had let him go, Jules stood again, clearing his throat.

“Well,” he said, sounding a little unsteady. “Is everyone ready?”

“Yes, Jules,” everyone chorused, except for Benjamin, who said, “Yes, Mark… I m-mean, Joools.”

“Good show. Let’s go and meet the family, then,” he said, gripping Selina’s hand tightly as he escorted them inside.

He was nervous too, she realised, and she wasn’t sure if she found that comforting or not.

After they were greeted by a rather intimidating but surprisingly welcoming butler, Jules led them through a series of rooms that left them all with their mouths open. Selina tried to imagine growing up in such an opulent and vast building. It was a good job they had a large family, she decided, for one might have felt very small and alone otherwise.

Finally, Jules brought them to stand before a large, polished oak door, and gave a smart knock before entering.

“I asked them to meet you in this room,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “I thought you might like it.”