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“You don’t have to keep thanking me.”
“But I feel as if I should,” she responded.
With a glance out the darkened window, Oliver said, “I believe this partnership will be mutually beneficial for the both of us.”
“You do?”
“Yes. The scheming matchmaking mothers will finally leave me alone, and you won’t have to marry the duke.”
Emmeline started fidgeting with the fringe on her reticule. “How does a marriage of convenience work, exactly?”
“I’m not entirely sure,” Oliver teased. “I have never been in one before.”
“Do we attend social events together?”
Oliver nodded. “I suppose we give the appearance that we are a happily married couple, but we go our separate ways when we are at home.”
“Will we reside at Hawthorne House?”
“Yes, for now,” he replied. “I informed my brother of my decision to elope with you, and he is making the preparations for our return.”
Emmeline pressed her lips together. “Lord Hawthorne must think me quite silly to elope with you and forego an advantageous marriage with the Duke of Billingham.”
“I explained your reasons to him, and he was surprisingly supportive of our decision to elope,” Oliver said.
“That is a relief.”
“You need not worry,” he encouraged. “My mother will rejoice when she finds that we are to be wed. She has always thought fondly of you.”
Emmeline gave him a timid smile. “I suppose I am just nervous.”
“There is no reason to be nervous. After all, you are marrying the most handsome and clever bachelor amongst theton.” Oliver gave her a smug smile.
Her smile turned genuine. “I see your ego has only grown over time.”
“Frankly, it has stayed pretty consistent.”
Emmeline turned her attention towards the window and watched as the moon lit up the night sky. “How long does it take to travel to Gretna Green?”
“If we only stop to swap out the horses, we should arrive in two days’ time,” he explained.
“Splendid, but is it safe to travel at night?”
“It is a risk that I am willing to take,” he said. “If not, it could take up to four days to arrive.”
A silence descended over them as Emmeline watched the buildings begin to fade away and be replaced by the rolling hills of the countryside.
“It is lovely out here,” Oliver commented.
“That it is,” Emmeline agreed. “I find that I enjoy the countryside much more than being in Town.”
“That doesn’t surprise me,” Oliver said. “You would always spend every hour you could outside when you were residing at your country home.”
Bringing her gaze back to meet his, Emmeline replied, “It is true. I loved nothing more than exploring the woodlands behind our estate.”
“And our woodlands,” Oliver teased.
Emmeline smiled. “Jane and I did have quite the adventures,” she admitted. “I must admit that my parents were rather indulgent with me.”
