Page 42 of A Marriage of Necessity

“Oh,” she said, and fell silent again.

“I got Lady Rose outside to James,” Matthew went on. “Then her ladyship came, and we were able to escape.” Matthew stood straighter, as if waiting for further instructions.

Kennedy rose and extended his hand to the lad. “I owe you more than I can ever repay.”

The boy looked up at him in surprise then clasped Kennedy’s hand and they shook.

“Name any price,” Kennedy said, “and it is yours.”

Anne hid a smile when Matthew said, “A gentleman never takes money for rescuing a lady.”

Kennedy stared, as if uncertain what to say, then nodded. “When Rose is better, we would consider it an honor if you would join us for dinner. She will want to thank you personally.”

Startlement flashed across the boy’s face, then he said in a solemn voice, “It would be my honor.”

A knock came to the door and Mr. Bingham entered.” A message has arrived for you, my lord.” He crossed to Kennedy and handed him a note, then waited.

Kennedy scanned the note, which was from John, stating that the constable Kennedy had sent for had arrived at Chesterfield. He had Rebecca and Angus in custody, and Kennedy was to appear in the morning to make formal charges.

Kennedy looked at Bingham. “Bingham, please send a note to John with my thanks, and tell him I will visit him tomorrow.”

Bingham bowed, then left.

“Matthew,” Kennedy said, “my carriage will take you home.”

“There is no need for that. I have a horse.”

Kennedy shook his head. “Indulge me in this, lad. I would rest easier if my coach takes you. I will direct the driver to pick you up tomorrow so that you may retrieve your horse in daylight hours.”

“If that is what you wish, my lord.”

“You didn’t obey me so easily,” Anne said under her breath.

The boy looked at her in surprise. “Of course not, my lady. What you asked me to do was impossible.”

“Ahh,” she intoned. “I forget myself. You were supposed to protect me…and Lady Rose.” She smiled. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.” It wasn’t a lie. “Thank you.”

He bowed, and Kennedy directed him to tell Mr. Bingham to have a carriage brought around. Matthew left, then her mother stood and said, “Come along, Louisa. It’s late.”

“But, Mama.”

“No arguments,” their mother cut in. “Come along.” She looked at Kennedy. “We are very happy your sister is home, Kennedy.”

He nodded, and said in a hoarse voice, “Thank you, my lady.”

She smiled gently and said, “Perhaps you should call me, Christina.” Then she and Louisa left Anne alone with her husband.

Anne didn’t know why, but she was suddenly terrified.

Kennedy stared at her. “What sort of woman are you?”

She looked at him. “I don’t understand.”

“You hardly know me. You don’t know Rose, at all. Yet you put yourself in jeopardy to save her.”

Anne shrugged. “When I saw her, the situation she was in, it was clear she was being held against her will. I couldn’t leave her there.”

“You could’ve come to me. You could have not gone at all and let Matthew tell me his story when I returned home.”