AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh? Mr. Winstead seemed to think they were important.”
“He might not know, because banns are customary for…country people.”
“And grubby tradesmen?” Jack suggested, unable to resist.
“You make too much of this label, Ferrington.”
Having just seen Mrs. Finch’s reaction to the idea she’d run a shop, Jack doubted this. “Banns,” he repeated.
The duke nodded. “Having just gotten married myself, I am familiar with the process. You need not post banns. You can procure a common license and marry in a parish where one of the couple has lived for at least four weeks, as Miss Finch has here, of course.”
“I see.” This simplified matters. He could gain a bit of time to discover if Harriet’s mother was right about her affections. As long as he convinced her grandfather to use this method rather than public banns. Jack had a few thoughts about how that could be accomplished, and he expected to enjoy besting the old man.
“You apply at the registry for the jurisdiction,” the duke continued. “I don’t know where that is in this case, but someone will. You give your oath there are no impediments to the marriage, and the thing is done.”
No impediments except the bride’s determination to break it off. Despite the fact that her affections were engaged. Jack clung to this phrase. “That is helpful,” he said. “Thank you.”
“Of course. No waiting for three weeks, eh? Marry whenever you like.”
He hadn’t thought of that.
“Three weeks for what?” asked the duchess, coming through the half-open door.
“The wedding,” answered her husband. “I was telling Ferrington how to procure a license. So they needn’t wait for banns.”
“Oh.”
It was one simple, short word, but Jack heard an odd uncertainty in it. The duchess was Harriet’s friend. She might know more than he wished to discuss just now. “I should inquire about this registry,” he replied before she could say anything else. And with a brief bow, he left them.
***
“And once they are married, we can be on our way,” the duke said to his wife.
Cecelia looked at him. “You are eager to go.”
“Cornwall is lovely at this time of year,” he answered. He came to put an arm around her. “And this… What is the place called?”
“Tresigan House.”
“Right. It’s said to be picturesque.”
“I told you that. And you know it is probably falling to pieces.”
“Prime for your talents then,” he replied.
Cecelia hid a smile. “And why would you be less bored there than here?”
“That place belongs to me. I can order people about more.”
She had to laugh. “Ferrington Hall is good practice for your neglected estates. Putting a house in order is more than just repairs and dusting, you know.”
“What do you mean?”
“A house is people as well as buildings. And since you don’t intend to live in all the ones you own, they will need inhabitants.”
“Good caretakers, of course.”
“Or more than that,” she said. “Look at this place. It felt so neglected when we arrived, even though the Rileys were conscientious. Then Ferrington came, and soon…”
