“Depending on when the banns are called, you might have to procure a license.”
“There is that. I can only hope that she decides my house needs a great deal of redecoration.”
Littleton snickered. “I have a feeling gowns and the like will come first.”
Gavin remembered the orgy of shopping that had been done before his sister’s wedding. “That’s true. But”—and the thought made him happier—“once the initial selections have been made, the gowns must be sewn and that does not require Georgie to be present.”
“There is that. And you have the Lords. Something must be going on there. Exeter can bring you up-to-date.”
“That too.” Although, Gavin would be happier if he could just take his betrothed to his estate and marry there. “It will go by quickly.” It wouldn’t but he’d keep telling himself that.
He and Littleton were sitting on a window seat at the front of the building and the sounds of carriages filtered in from the yard below. “I wonder when Lytton will arrive.”
“Not soon enough. I wish to depart within the hour. We’ve given our servants more than enough time to arrive in Town.”
Carrying a glass of wine, Lady Littleton strolled over to them. “You look as if you wish to leave.”
“We were just discussing it,” Littleton said. “That and Lytton.”
“Ah.”
Suddenly, Gavin got the impression that her ladyship knew much more about his lordship than they did. “I have to assume that if the duchess supports that match, he cannot be as bad as we think him.”
“You are correct. She is aware of a great deal, including the reason he jilted a young lady.” She took a sip of wine then glanced at both of them. “His aunt demanded it.”
Littleton’s jaw clenched and Gavin did the same. “Or she’d cut off any funds.”
“Yes. She also made him feel as if he was never as good as others. You see, his mother’s grandfather was in trade.”
“That explains a lot.”
Littleton nodded. “It does indeed.”
“I do not believe he is a bad man, simply one who has never been in control of his life or felt that he deserves his station.” She took another sip of wine before ambling back to the other ladies.
“Drat it all.” Gavin took a pull of the excellent local ale. “I suppose we’ll have to try to like him.”
“I rather think that was the purpose of her coming over here.”
Footsteps could be heard coming from the corridor, the door opened, and the landlord said, “Here they are, my lord.”
“Thank you.” Lytton stood in front of the now closed door as if he didn’t know what to do.
Lady Aurelia pushed back her chair, but Gavin poured beer into a mug. “You should try the ale. It’s quite good.”
The man gave him a grateful look. “Thank you. I shall.”
“The ladies are discussing weddings. Or rather clothing for weddings,” Littleton added.
“Has your groom awakened yet?” Gavin asked. After giving it much thought, he decided Georgie was right. Who knew how long it would have taken him to come to the point if it hadn’t been for the abduction? He was still glad the ringleader was going far away, but, strangely, no longer held a grudge against the other two.
“That is the reason I am late. He is very lucky. He confirmed his brother’s story and expressed his regret for his part in the situation.” Lytton took a pull of the ale. “He has a wicked headache that will probably last for the next few days. The mark of the horseshoe will take longer to go away.”
Gavin finally asked the one question that had been nagging at him. “What would you have done if they had succeeded in abducting her?”
Lytton’s eyes widened. “Sent her straight back to Littlewood. I knew it was only a matter of time before you and she were betrothed. And I was attempting to work out if Lady Aurelia would accept a proposal from me.”
In one way, that would have worked out, but Gavin wasn’t certain he would have been able to express his love for Georgie. No, it all happened the way Fate had planned it. “Let’s gather our ladies and go.” Then he remembered Lytton. “Unless you require sustenance?”
“No. I’m as anxious to reach Town as you are.” He smiled. “I too have a wedding for which to prepare, and an aunt to visit.”
And, Gavin thought, life with a lady who would never allow anyone to denigrate him. Even his aunt. It wouldn’t take long for Lytton to finally become comfortable with who he was and his station in life.
Gavin set his mug down “Ladies, are you ready to resume our journey?”
* * *
Georgie was beginning to think they’d never leave the inn and was pleased that Gavin had taken matters to hand. They stood next to the Littleton coach as everyone else got themselves sorted. “I wish you were riding in the coach instead of on your horse.”
“It won’t be for much longer.” He placed one arm on the carriage, leaning in closer to her. “I think it would kill me to be so close to you and not even be able to kiss you.”
His gaze dropped to her mouth. She had not thought of that, but it was true. Despite their schemes, she still had a feeling that they’d have a difficult time finding time to be alone. “I mentioned starting to redecorate Turley House, and my grandmother told me flatly that even betrothed ladies did not visit bachelor residences.”
“We’ll think of something.” His mobile lips flattened. “If my sister comes over, perhaps she can spend—no, that won’t work. Lady Exeter spent a good deal of time at Exeter House before they wed. I’ll ask Exeter how she managed it.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll speak to her.” Georgie wanted to put her arms around Gavin. “I hope my letter gets to my parents in good time.”
“As do I.” They fell silent until a coach door closed. “Let me help you into the coach, and we’ll be on our way.”
His gloved hand, warm and strong, fell to her waist as he opened the door. “We’ll manage it somehow.”
“I know we will.” Even if she had to disguise herself and sneak over. Her grandmother had told her stories about doing that to go to village fetes when she was young. Hopefully, Dorie would have some ideas.
Adeline entered the carriage and gave the coachman the signal to go. “Frits told me that he and Turley had a short conversation with Lytton. It seems that the incident with the lady was due to his aunt.”
The gentlemen had seemed to get on a bit better. “That does not surprise me at all. She sounds like a thoroughly unpleasant woman.”
Adeline nodded. “I believe that is the general impression.”
“Did you hear what my grandmother said about going to Turley House?” Georgie had been at the other end of the table when her grandmother had voiced her opinion.
“No, but I can guess. As my sister-in-law always says, where there is a will, there is a way.” She glanced out the window. “I did not think I would be going to Town at all this autumn. What do you want to do first?”
“I suppose we should visit Dorie and Henrietta and tell them about my betrothal.” That would give Georgie an opportunity to speak with Dorie. “Then I must visit my modiste.”