AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Everything has been arranged for her to leave England,” he said. “As far as anyone need know, she is Percy’s distant cousin from France, recently orphaned and become his ward. She will claim a disagreement with the climate here, and he will take her back to France as soon as it is safe. Once she is settled, he will return.”
Though his words comforted her, something in her gut just would not rest tonight. Her gaze struck out again, as it had countless times this evening—only this time it met with a pair of ice-blue eyes. Her step faltered, and a couple passed by, blocking her view for an instant. When they’d passed, the eyes were gone.
“What is it?” asked Henry.
“Nothing, I just thought I saw…”
Stopping, he turned to follow her gaze, his face hardening.
“No, I—I must have imagined it,” she assured him nervously, taking his arm again and allowing him to lead her over to a chair. Her heart pounded, and her palms were damp. “The waiting is getting to me, I suppose,” she said with a weak laugh.
“I have men everywhere watching for him, darling. Rest here for a moment,” he commanded. “I’ll get you something to drink.”
Fanning herself as he moved off, she told herself over and over again that she was being silly. Of course Fairford would never show his face here! He’d never even get past the door. Tilting her head back against the column, she let her lids drift shut and breathed deeply to restore her calm.
“Congratulations,” a soft voice murmured. “A shame this isn’t our wedding celebration.”
A shriek clawed its way up and out of her throat as her eyes snapped open to see Fairford standing before her—wearing a grey wig. All around her, people turned to see what the commotion was about. Before she could even rise, Henry was there.
“Much as it would delight me to do so, I can’t run you through where you stand without causing an uproar,” he growled. “But I guess you knew as much when you decided to come here tonight, didn’t you?”
A slow smile broke out across Fairford’s features. “Come now, Montgomery, let us be civil, here among all of our friends. We both know she’s not worth it, old boy. None of them are. Calm yourself. I merely came to offer my condolences to the newlyweds, and then I’ll be off.”
“You’ve just done so. Now begone,” said Henry with death in his eyes. “You are not welcome here.”
But Fairford did not budge. “Tell me, are you well pleased with your stolen bride?”
“You have offered your felicitations,” replied Henry. “Now I will ask you again to leave, or I shall have you thrown out.”
She watched as her husband’s hand strayed toward the folds of his jacket skirts.
“No need for any ugliness,” said Fairford, his gaze dropping to Henry’s hand as well. “I didn’t come to fight. At least not here.” His attention shifted to where Raquel stood peeking out from behind Percy. “I would, however, very much like to reclaim at least part of my stolen property before I depart. Come with me, Raquel. Quietly.”
“You’ll never touch her again, you miserable piece of offal!” spat Percy, stepping forward to face Fairford.
Fairford smiled and dropped his voice. “Unless you wish to see your erstwhile fiancée utterly humiliated, I suggest you return my misplaced goods to my possession immediately. You’ve no claim to the little baggage. She is mine. I bought her outright.”
“My wife’s reputation is my concern, Fairford,” replied Henry loudly enough for those around them to hear. “If you’ve an issue pertaining to her honor, you may take it up with me.”
Everyone nearby gasped, and Sabrina heard the whispers begin to spread.
“So be it,” murmured Fairford, his lips stretching in a crafty grin. “I challenge you,” he said more loudly, “on the grounds that you stole my fiancée. Lady Sabrina had agreed to marry me after Falloure abandoned her at the Pembroke ball, but you abducted her before we could make the announcement. I gave chase and tried to rescue her—as witnesses can confirm—but by the time I reached Scotland, it was too late!”
Several nearby ladies let out squeals of dismay. Sabrina caught a glimpse of Regina Cunningham, whose gleeful smile said she was enjoying this immensely. Fury filled her. Her husband, the father of her child, was about to risk his life, and the little wretch thought it entertaining!
“Yes. I rescued her from you, and we said our vows in Scotland,” replied Henry in a strong, clear voice. “I wasn’t about to let the woman I love marry a bastard like you.”
“You see?” shouted Fairford, turning to the crowd and spreading his arms wide. “He admits it! Tothill Fields at dawn, then. May the better man win—and trust that this time, luck will not be on your side,” he added through his teeth.
She watched him go, shaking so hard that her teeth rattled against one another as though she’d taken fever.
That night, she slept in her husband’s chamber—not for safety’s sake, for the house was secure, but for comfort.
“How can you be sure he won’t employ some foul trickery? Raquel says—”
“I’m well aware, my darling,” he said, stroking her hair. “Knowing that we possess intimate knowledge of his doings, he wouldn’t have challenged me unless he’d arranged for it to come out in his favor. I fully expect him to act in an underhanded manner. Percy shall second me and ensure the confrontation is agreeably finished. Sheffield and your mother will remain here with you, along with a large contingent of men, to ensure the blackguard doesn’t send someone to harm you while I’m otherwise occupied.”
“I suppose there’s nothing I can do to help you, then. This is all my fault,” she sniffled, fresh tears brimming from her already puffy, sore eyes. “I should never have—”
