Page 18 of A Marriage for the Marquess (Barrington’s Brigade #1)
A s their carriage rolled away from the archbishop’s residence, Juliet’s voice cut through the clatter of hooves. “I would like my aunt, Mrs. Murthy, and Mr. Wilcox to attend our wedding.”
Glenraven caught the subtle longing in her request and understood her wish for the comfort of someone close when her family could not be there. “Is there anyone else you would like to attend?”
Juliet’s eyes met his. With a nod and glance across the carriage, he followed her meaning.
“That is a fine idea,” Glenraven agreed, turning to Hughes and Duncan. “Gentlemen, Miss Hayward and I would be honored by your presence at our nuptials tomorrow.”
“I would be most honored,” Hughes said as he nodded, accompanied by a deep, appreciative smile.
“Aye, and I’ll give the groom away,” Duncan declared with a wink at Juliet.
They all settled back for a quiet carriage ride. Glenraven reached in his pocket for his watch and felt the slick surface of the playing card. The Ace of Hearts. He understood the urgency the card played other than it was part of a mystery that had brought them all together.
He pulled out the card, breaking the silence. “We won’t be able to ignore this much longer.” He glanced at Juliet. The others nodded with as much conviction as his. “I fear the clearance of your debts will not stop the villain’s attempts. We must be prepared.”
“This is the playing card Juliet found among her brother’s effects.” He handed it to Duncan, rested his back against the seat, and glanced out the window as if the answer was there. “It’s identical to one I found among my father’s belongings.”
“That can’t be a coincidence.” Hughes took the card from Duncan and studied it.
“My brother…” Juliet paused and took a breath. “He had it with him the night he fell from the balcony. I didn’t think much of the card until Glenraven mentioned it.” She turned to him. “What do we do now?”
Hughes nodded, his mind already at work as he handed the card to Juliet. “We’ll investigate this matter thoroughly. For now, let’s focus on securing your marriage. We must prepare the settlement and letter for your aunt. This is the first step in protecting you both. Tomorrow afternoon, with the documents signed and secured, we can dwell on this puzzle.”
“I’ve instructed the coachman to take us back to Belgravia.” Glenraven turned to Juliet. “If you prefer, we can bring you home—”
“No, not at all.” Juliet’s fingers twisted the delicate lace of her handkerchief, the fine threads straining against the pull. “I will go to Belgravia with you.” The handkerchief tightened in her grip, betraying her attempt at composure. “I don’t think I can keep all this inside me until you return with the documents, and I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise for Mrs. Murthy or Aunt Geraldine.”
Glenraven’s gaze lingered on Juliet. With a nod to Hughes, he added, “Hughes, you and I will work on the settlement document. Your expertise is unparalleled. Duncan and Juliet will draft a letter for Aunt Geraldine to send to your mother.”
“Is that necessary? Aunt Geraldine is very capable with a quill and parchment.” Juliet glanced at him. He could easily see the question on her face.
“You are quite correct.” Ewan took a breath, his eyes softening as he looked at her. “But preparing a draft for her to edit will speed things along. It’s a three to four-day ride to Edinburgh. The quicker the rider leaves, the faster your parents have the information.”
Juliet considered his words, then gave a decisive nod, recognizing the soundness of his plan. “Very well. It shouldn’t take Duncan and I long to draft a letter for her to use.”
Moments later, the carriage rolled up to Glenraven’s home. With time of the essence, they hurried out of the carriage, rushed past a somewhat perplexed butler, and followed Glenraven, who led them to the library. Fleming brought in refreshments.
“Good man,” Glenraven looked up from retrieving paper, ink, and quills from his desk. “See that we’re not disturbed.”
Fleming finished setting out the refreshments and silently left the room.
Within minutes, Hughes, quill in hand, was bent over a piece of parchment, writing furiously. Every so often, he handed the document to Glenraven. He read what the solicitor had written while he walked to the hearth, the firelight dancing in his eyes. He would return to Hughes and discuss the text and figures in hushed tones.
While Hughes and Glenraven engaged in a low-voiced discussion across the table, Juliet and Duncan had their heads together as they crafted the letter to Aunt Geraldine. The scratch of the quill and the soft murmur of their voices filled the library with a sense of purpose and anticipation.
“You’ve been very tactful in requesting your marriage remain a secret. I think that is the finishing touch.” Duncan handed Juliet the letter.
She sat close to Duncan and quietly read the letter to him.
“ My dearest Cecily,”
“Mother spells her name C-e-c-i-l-i-e. It’s a common error.” She handed the parchment back to Duncan and he made the correction.
“My dearest Cecilie,
As you and Victor enjoy the Scottish countryside and our family, I trust they bring peace and a respite from your worries. How do you find our ancestral lands? I hope they are as enchanting as ever.
I write with urgent news that demands your attention. Cease your search for suitors, for a husband has been found for our dear Juliet. A man of respectable title, the Viscount of Ardoch, has agreed to marry our Juliet, the details of which must remain within the family for now.
The wedding will be a private affair, and while I know this may come as a surprise, it is imperative for reasons I shall explain in due time. Though shrouded in secrecy, it will be arranged with all due haste and propriety under my careful supervision. Trust in my judgment, as you have so often before, and know that Juliet’s happiness and well-being are at the heart of this decision.
Additionally, The Groom had agreed to discharge in full all outstanding debts and financial obligations incurred by the family.
With love and anticipation of our families’ joy, your loving sister,
Geraldine ”
She sat back. “I think it is quite well written and that Aunt Geraldine will approve.”
Glenraven cleared his throat, drawing Juliet’s attention. He stood beside her with a parchment in hand.
“Duncan and I have finished the letter to Aunt Geraldine. Would you like to read it?” She offered him the parchment.
He took it from her and read it. “Excellent. I am certain this will allay your mother’s concerns. Hughes and I have completed the contact.”
He gestured towards the paper, inviting her to read it. “This document will be prepared by both of us, for both of us. Every clause, every term, is a reflection of our mutual understanding and respect.”
Juliet took the document from him. Her eyes scanned the words that would shape not just her life but the lives of those yet to come. Glenraven’s expression was solemn. “Remember, anything here can be changed. This is our foundation, and it must be built on trust and unity.”
This Agreement made this day the twenty-fifth of April, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty, between The Most Honorable Ewan Danford, The Marquess of Glenraven, son of His Grace, The Duke of Aurington, herein referred to as “The Groom,” and The Honorable Juliet Hayward, daughter of The Baron of Fairmont, herein referred to as “The Bride.”
Whereas The Groom and The Bride are to be lawfully wed under the auspices of the Church of England, and whereas The Groom has agreed to settle the outstanding debts and financial obligations of The Bride’s family as a gesture of goodwill and commitment to their forthcoming union.
Now, therefore, it is agreed as follows:
1. The Groom shall assume responsibility for the payment and satisfaction of all known debts and financial obligations incurred by The Bride’s family up to and including the date of this Agreement.
2. Upon the event of the Groom’s demise, The Bride shall receive a jointure of ￡2,000 per annum for her maintenance.
3. The Bride shall be allotted a monthly allowance of ￡200 for her personal use, known as pin money.
4. Trustee, Mr. George Hughes of Hughes, Swift, and Lacey shall be appointed to oversee the execution of this Agreement and the management of the properties and funds described herein.
5. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns of both The Groom and The Bride.
In witness whereof, the parties hereto have set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
Signed:
The Most Honorable Ewan Danford, The Marquess of Glenraven
The Honorable Juliet Hayward, daughter of The Baron of Fairmont
Witnessed by:
Her Grace, The Duchess of Rosefield
George Hughes as attorney for Richard Danford, The Duke of Aurington
Duncan MacAlister, The Master of Blair
Glenraven continued as Juliet absorbed the gravity of the words, “This will impact not only us but also our children and their children after them. It is the legacy we professed to the archbishop today and the promise of our future.”
A tear slipped down Juliet’s cheek, a silent witness to the importance of their decisions. Glenraven reached out, his hand gently catching the tear. “Do not fear what we’ve created. For in this, as in all things, we shall stand together.”
Juliet’s gaze lifted from the settlement to meet Glenraven’s. “You’ve done more than just listen; you’ve heard me,” she said, her voice steady and sincere. “You’ve anticipated my every wish… and more. There is no need to change a single word.”
Glenraven’s lips curved into a smile, a mixture of relief and joy evident in his expression. “Then we are agreed,” he said, extending his hand to her.
“Let’s get you back home. We’ve yet to discuss our plans with Mrs. Murthy and Aunt Geraldine. I’m sure they’ll understand the benefits of our plans.”
They gathered their prepared documents and made their way to the carriage. They rattled along the cobblestone streets, each bump and jolt mirroring the tumultuous thoughts swirling in their minds. Ewan sat beside Juliet, their hands almost touching but not quite, a silent promise of solidarity. Across from them, Hughes and Duncan sat in quiet contemplation, each absorbed in their own thoughts.
Juliet broke the silence, her voice steady but tinged with anxiety. “I hope Aunt Geraldine understands the urgency. Everything hinges on her swift action.”
Ewan nodded, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. “She will. We’ve explained the stakes, and she’s always been astute and decisive.”
The carriage rolled to a gentle stop before Juliet’s home, a comforting sight amidst the whirlwind of recent events. Juliet’s heart fluttered like a caged bird with anticipation and anxiety. Glenraven’s hand was reassuring as he helped her down from the carriage.
Inside, Mrs. Murthy’s warm greeting was a stark contrast to Aunt Geraldine’s cool face as she greeted them from her armchair.