Page 69 of The Smuggler’s Escape

Richard went to the window again, because the reproach in Johnny’s eyes made him sick.

“Think it through,” Johnny said. “So you bed her. Then what?”

Outside, the moon had risen above the trees at the end of the long sweep of carriage drive. Fine, he’d bed her someplace else, and he knew precisely where. “It won’t be the first time a man married his mistress.”

“So you still plan to marry her.”

Richard swiveled. “What sort of scoundrel do you think I am? Of course, I plan to marry her.”

“If she’ll take you,” Johnny said.

“She has to take me,” Richard said. “There’s no other way.”

~ ~ ~

In the corridor, Richard paused. Noelle wouldn’t be ready yet, and Johnny was right; he had to think things through. How could he approach her courteously and still insist on his way? He was about to head to his own chamber for a spot of brandy and contemplation when Dorothea Darsington peeped out of hers.

“Thank heavens you’re out here,” she whispered, beckoning. “I’m not brave like Noelle. I don’t think I would have dared to knock on your door and confront that dreadful valet. Did you already write to my father?”

“This afternoon,” Richard said softly, “I need his immediate assistance to get the Excise Office out of my way.”

Dot’s face fell. “I hoped you would ask him to write to my mother, saying he refuses to countenance any thought of a match between us.”

“Daniel Davison didn’t do the trick?”

She sighed. “Mother thinks I monopolized him only to make you jealous. She knows heraldry doesn’t interest me.”

“Literature does, though.” He waited for that to sink in.

“Johnny?” Dorothea turned crimson. “Richard, I couldn’t!”

“Why not? Mention how fascinating he is, sneak in to read poetry with him, make sure you get caught a couple of times, and she’ll whisk you home in a panic.”

“But—”

“Johnny will be happy to oblige. He’s a great one for a jest.”

“Your mother—”

I don’t have time for this, Richard thought. “I’ll explain everything to her. She’ll be happy to help us out.”

Dorothea still looked dubious.

“I promise you, she’ll be delighted,” Richard said. “She was in a panic at the thought that I might marry you. Not that she has any objection to you, mind. She quite likes you, but she loathes your mother.”

The next door down the passageway opened, and Lady Darsington peered out. She smiled like a cat with a particularly tasty mouse. “Dorothea, my love! And Lord Boltwood. How lovely to see you two tête-à-tête, but you must go to sleep now, dear.” She whisked the door shut again.

Dorothea clenched her fists. “I can’t stand this anymore. I’ll get caught kissing Johnny if that’s what it takes!”

“That’s the spirit! In the meantime, when you say your prayers tonight, say one for Noelle and me.”

He repaired to his own bedchamber. After a few preparations and a swift trip outdoors, one of Johnny’s objections—which he had to admit was valid—was taken care of. Now to get Noelle.