Chapter Thirty

Two days later, Garrett arrived at Burtis Hall braced for an uncomfortable and humbling afternoon. He followed the butler like a man headed for the gallows, into the drawing room, where Lord Ravensdale and his four sons awaited the womenfolk.

Joseph, recently returned from his wedding journey, looked utterly pleased with himself in his newfound connubial bliss. Garrett reached out a hand and offered his congratulations. The fresh-faced husband was relaxed and happy whereas the remaining men were gripped in a slow hum of tension. Of course, they were aware of the unpleasantness that lay ahead of them this evening.

Most likely they were bracing themselves for Natalie’s reintroduction as well. All the troops had been rallied, and the Spencer boys were prepared for battle. Lord Ravensdale offered Garrett a brandy, which he refused. He would go through this afternoon sober.

“Beautiful weather we’re having.” Stone broke the silence and grinned. “One would think if the sky were falling, there would at least be a few clouds hanging about.”

Peter and Joseph Spencer laughed out loud. Darlington scowled.

Garrett merely shook his head at his friend and tugged at his cravat.

“Nothing to worry about.” The earl didn’t look nearly as concerned as his sons. “I’m considering investing in a few ships, Hawthorne. Tomorrow, perhaps you’d come down to the docks with me to look one of them over. I always appreciate your sound opinion.”

“Of course.” How could the man be thinking about business today? Perhaps it was a clever excuse to lure him down to the docks and throw him into the river.

The gentlemen made stilted conversation until they heard a rustling of silk and taffeta in the foyer.

Along with a hint of feminine perfume, the women brought with them smiles and laughter, carefully descending the stairs in their afternoon finery. Behind Lady Ravensdale, a young girl immediately attached herself to the arm of Mr. Joseph Spencer. He’d been informed this was the duchess’s niece or stepdaughter? Was she, too, then some relation to him? Before Garrett could turn his attention to Natalie, introductions were made. Ah, yes, Mrs. Joseph Spencer was a second cousin of his.

Finally, finally, he could turn to Natalie. Although beautiful, as always, she looked pale and drawn. Not exactly the blushing bride, Garrett thought, feeling his heart drop slightly. Oh, but she did look lovely. He took her hand and raised it to his lips. He could not take his eyes off her. It had been too long. Emotions he’d denied for several weeks came roaring to life.

Dear God, for but a moment he could pretend they had a future! He would spend his life loving her and society could hang!

“Good afternoon, my lady.”

She smiled and curtsied prettily. “My lord.” Her smile was shy, but holding her hand in his, he watched as the sparkle he loved appeared in her eyes.

As the two of them gazed longingly at each other, he realized the room had become awkward and quiet.

Lady Ravensdale saved the moment. “Are we ready to depart then?”

Three carriages waited outside. Garrett had brought his own and led his betrothed and her parents toward it. After handing his future mother-in-law, and then Natalie in, he waited for Lord Ravensdale to board before climbing in himself. Ah, Natalie sat facing the back of the carriage. Alone. He was to be allowed to sit beside her then.

A vision in a cream-colored dress with a lace overlay of gold and light blue threads, she looked stunning. Everything looked beautiful on her, even that pink confection she’d worn the day she fell in the lake.

Her hair, twisted and braided, was tucked under a tiny hat which matched the lace perfectly. A few escaping curls invited him to caress the soft skin of her neck and shoulders—with his eyes, of course. When he took his seat on the leather bench, he allowed his hand to rest alongside his leg. Her own hand was hidden, lost in the folds of her dress. Until it wasn’t.

She wrapped cold fingers around his.

He squeezed them lightly.

Lady Ravensdale spoke, piercing the clanging silence. “The duke has hired a steam-powered yacht for this party. I understand it’s one of the largest of its kind, all very modern. Everyone in town will be in attendance.” Eyeing Garrett, she added, “Should be quite a squeeze.”

Garrett nodded. “Yes, I have considered this possibility.” Natalie’s hand took on some of his warmth.

“Lilly looked so happy when she visited,” Natalie spoke up. With a wicked smile, she added, “True love apparently.”

Garrett knew Lord Ravensdale would not wish to hear of this. He wondered that the relationship between the two men was not strained.

Lady Ravensdale smoothed the moment by taking her husband’s hand. “True love has its benefits.” She smiled over at the earl. Garrett allowed himself a glance at Natalie. Her gaze caught his, and she blushed prettily. He would enjoy the time he could spend with her now. For he’d no idea how long, or short, a time they would have before she put a halt to everything. Or if they did go through with the wedding, how long it would be before she began to resent being tied to him.

He needed to speak with her alone but not today. Well, perhaps afterward. Perhaps everything would have revealed itself then.

A long line of phaetons and open barouches inched their way toward the end of the dock. It was crowded, both with other vehicles and mingling guests waiting to board the yacht. Several partygoers, holding flutes of champagne in their hands, had already stepped onto the vessel and lined the rails.

Arriving at the cordoned off entrance, they pulled to a halt, and the coach bounced as the outriders and drivers jumped off.

It was then that Garrett felt a tremor run through the lady beside him. She was not so confident as she’d like him to believe. She was simply being brave.

Knowing he would do whatever necessary to protect her, he squeezed her hand one more time but was then forced to release it. The footmen put down the step and the four of them climbed out.

The earl and countess would lead the way to the entrance. Behind them were all of Natalie’s brothers and young Spencer’s wife. Feeling as though they were going into a battle of sorts, Garrett tucked Natalie’s hand around his sleeve and escorted her toward the throng of invitees.

She held her chin high and met the eyes of several ladies and gentlemen as they edged forward. Fearlessly clutching Garrett’s arm, she ought to have instead removed herself from his side for her own self-preservation. Not Natalie, though. She made polite conversation and smiled brightly at everybody they met. Garrett nodded and added his own greetings.

Although a few eyes looked past him coldly, most, surprisingly, met his gaze. And then as they stepped on board, Garrett recognized the petite platinum-haired lady who’d visited him two days before. Her husband, the Duke of Cortland, stood beside her protectively as they greeted each of their guests. When Garrett stepped forward, the duchess introduced him to her husband as her long-lost cousin. Although the duke seemed to size him up critically, the couple’s welcome seemed genuine.

“Welcome to the family, Hawthorne.” The clean-cut elegantly attired gentleman shook Garrett’s hand. “My wife speaks highly of you. Felicitations on your engagement.” With a glance at Natalie, his eyes twinkled a bit. “My compliments on your choice of fiancée.”

Garrett placed a possessive hand over Natalie’s. Natalie smiled and laughed at the duke’s comment. “This one shall not get off as easily as you did, Your Grace,” she said fondly. A few nearby onlookers looked shocked at her reference to her own broken engagement.

The duke laughed and winked at Garrett. “I should hope not,” was all he said.

Garrett and Natalie moved on so as not to hold up the reception line. “That wasn’t so bad, now, was it?” Natalie whispered.

He tilted his head to hear her and let a smile play about his mouth.

He didn’t answer as they worked their way through the crowd to an open section of the railing. They stood together in an odd sort of silence until the engines roared to life, propelling the vessel away from shore. Vibrant scenery rolled past them as they picked up speed. Trees and shrubs blazed a myriad of colors, ranging from greens to golds to bright reds. The lawns spread out like a giant carpet, and autumn flowers bloomed, mostly chrysanthemums. Several mansions backed up to the river along this section. A slight breeze kept the sunshine from being overly warm.

The two of them stood alone, together, watching the passing landscape quietly, until Natalie broke the silence. “Are you so very, terribly angry with me then?”

But he was! He had been. Where was his anger now? Had he completely forgotten it after spending a few moments in her presence? He turned his back on the passing scenery and faced her fully. She looked sheepish and yet pleased with herself. How had the duchess described Natalie to him? Intrepid. That was the word she’d used. It fitted the minx perfectly.

“Would it do any good?” he asked. She opened her eyes in feigned innocence, and so he changed the subject. “I have been by your father’s house several times to wait upon you, but you have been away each time. I was beginning to think you might be avoiding me…”

Natalie didn’t take his bait. Appearing contrite, she bit her lip and then looked into his eyes. “I know you did not want any of this.”

Garrett shrugged. In that moment, he found her stubbornness and manipulation not so very problematic after all. In fact, if not for her willfulness, he would not now be standing beside her, floating along on a beautiful day with a glass of champagne in his hand. Ignoring the somber nature of their conversation, he grinned. “You look lovelier than ever today.” His gaze fell upon her lips. “It seems you must be getting on well with Sissy, your new maid.”

Natalie touched her hair in a self-conscious motion. Tilting her head, she laughed. “Oh, we are.” With that, she launched into a rush of words as to how Tinsdale was managing as sole guardian of Baby Bear and how delighted she’d been to see Lilly again. Garrett enjoyed listening. She glowed with warmth and sunshine after a lifetime of weighted darkness. It would be dark again when this was all over. Perhaps not forever, but for a long time. He did not anticipate it.

He was yet to believe they did not have insurmountable impediments in their path. But he pushed these thoughts away.

He informed her of Marcus’s progress, of his plans to rebuild Maple Hall, and even a few bills he was considering that were to be presented in Parliament. Her questions showed keen intelligence. When a chime rang, signifying a toast, Garrett was surprised at how much he’d been talking. Their absorption in each other was scandalous, really. Not what they needed, but he had missed her.

He’d yearned just to be with her.

They both paused and turned to listen to the duke as he commanded his guests’ attention. Natalie’s hand found his own, hidden again by the folds of her gown. Unexpected warmth filled his heart at the connection.

“My dear friends.” The duke’s voice rang out clearly. All eyes focused on him. The man possessed a very strong presence. “My duchess and I, first and foremost, would like to thank all of you for joining us in celebration.” The duke paused and looked around at the now-curious onlookers. “For, yes, celebrations are in order. You see, my lovely duchess, her aunt, Lady Sheffield, and our niece, now Mrs. Joseph Spencer, have been reunited with a relation who until recently was unknown to them. They are delighted to have discovered their cousin and nephew, Garrett Castleton, the Earl of Hawthorne.”

All eyes swung toward Garrett and Natalie.

“My duchess wished to celebrate the occasion by bringing our dearest friends together to join us in welcoming him to our family. Join us,” he commanded, “in welcoming Lord Hawthorne and his lovely fiancée, Lady Natalie Spencer. For a cousin of my wife’s is a cousin of mine.” This last, the duke said almost threateningly. “And so I propose, as the summer season comes to an end, a toast to new connections, be it by marriage or be it by blood.” He lifted his glass toward Natalie and Garrett with a martial gleam in his eyes.

“New connections,” several of the guests repeated with raised glasses. The duke did not lift the glass to his lips until all other glasses were raised. It seemed a line had been drawn. Watching Natalie from behind the rim of his own, Garrett raised one eyebrow questioningly at his fiancée.

What have you done?

Taking a sip of the sparkling drink, the corners of her lips tilted upwards.

It seemed they had more support than he’d realized.