Page 12 of An Impulsive Kiss (Captivating Kisses #2)

J udson arrived home and went straight to his study. First, he wrote a letter to his solicitor, Mr. Baker, informing him that he would wed later in the week and needed marriage settlements drawn up quickly. He asked that the solicitor be available tomorrow afternoon for this purpose and would send his carriage for Baker and a clerk.

Next, he wrote to Lord Marley, thanking the earl again for granting his permission for Judson to wed Lucy. He mentioned how he wanted the marriage contracts written up before the ceremony and asked Marley if tomorrow afternoon at one o’clock would be convenient. Lucy’s father seemed a good sort who would want his daughter properly looked after, so Judson believed they could quickly hammer out the details of the marriage contracts.

After that, he wrote to Lord and Lady Aldridge, thanking them for their kindness in agreeing to host the wedding breakfast. He liked the couple a great deal and was grateful they stepped up in this time of crisis. With the marquess and marchioness hosting the wedding and breakfast, it would signify their approval of the match. Such a gesture would go a long way in restoring Lucy’s reputation, especially since Judson had no idea exactly what gossip Lady Billingsley had already spread.

Finally, he wrote a heartfelt letter to Lord Dyer. It was obvious the viscount loved his sister a great deal, and Judson wanted to assure the man that he would look after Lucy and treat her well. In it, he asked for Dyer to be present during the making of the marriage settlements.

He sealed each of the four notes and left them on his desk. He would have Tim deliver them first thing in the morning.

Going up to his bedchamber, he found the valet waiting for him.

Coming to his feet, Tim asked, “How was the musicale, my lord? I know you aren’t much for music. Hopefully, it was tolerable.”

“I am to be married, Tim,” he said abruptly, causing his friend’s jaw to drop.

“What?”

“You heard me. It is time I got an heir, so I offered for a woman this evening.”

He began unknotting his cravat but made a mess of it. Tim took over.

“I think this is a good thing, my lord,” the servant told him, patiently working through the knots Judson had created. “It’s time this house was opened up and a little happiness let in.”

The valet’s remark startled him. Judson had lived simply, but Tim was right. The furniture would need to be uncovered in rooms throughout the townhouse. A lady—his marchioness—would be in residence now. He would need to make certain Lucy understood she could make any changes she believed necessary. She would also want to invite others to tea, meaning the drawing room would need to be made ready, along with the rooms reserved for his marchioness. Restoring those rooms would take top priority.

For a moment, Judson imagined Lucy in his bed, her hair unbound, falling to her waist, the rest of her naked. He swallowed. He wasn’t going to ask her to make love with him just yet. He would need to take some time to think about just what he wanted from their hasty marriage. Most likely, he would go to her bed and then return to his own when they coupled. Yet the thought of cradling her in his arms throughout the night and waking to make love to her in the morning sunlight caused a sweet ache within him.

“When will the marriage take place?” Tim asked, startling him from his reverie.

“The day after tomorrow. I will purchase a special license in the morning so that we might wed immediately. I also have several letters which need to be delivered early tomorrow morning. I am entrusting you with this task. You may find them on my desk.”

“Of course, my lord. Might I ask who your bride will be?”

“Lady Lucy Alington. She is the daughter of the Earl of Marley. She has a younger sister who is not out yet and an older brother, Viscount Dyer.”

His clothes now stripped away, a weariness fell over him. He asked Tim to return and have him dressed by eight o’clock the next morning and then dismissed the valet.

Climbing into bed, Judson lay awake, looking at the ceiling, wondering how his life would change in the next forty-eight hours. Now that Lucy was to be his wife, he wanted the same closeness with her as he saw between Lord and Lady Aldridge. Yet he knew that would be impossible. Long ago, he had closed off his emotions, giving up on people and the world. He could never share with her what his childhood had been like. The best he could do would be to show Lucy respect.

He would also make abundantly clear to her that they would have a marriage of convenience.

After a restless night with little sleep, Judson rose and washed. Tim appeared and helped him to dress.

“I found the letters to be delivered, my lord,” his valet said. “I will leave now and see they arrive at their destinations.”

“Thank you, Tim. Take Baker’s to him first. I want him to know I have immediate need of him today.”

Judson left for the breakfast room and before he could be served, he told Clippman, “Gather the staff. I need to address them.”

Looking puzzled, nevertheless the butler said, “Yes, my lord.”

It didn’t take long. For a marquess, he only had a handful of servants. The Clippmans. Cook and a scullery maid. Two footmen and a housemaid. His coachman. He supposed with his marriage, he would need to hire more. Or leave that to Lucy to do. The household would be her domain, and she could run things as she saw fit. That would include hiring the help she wished to have.

“I asked you here today to inform you that I am to be married tomorrow.” He paused, seeing the startled looks on the faces of his servants. “Mrs. Clippman, please see that the rooms designated for my marchioness are aired and up to snuff.”

“Yes, my lord,” the housekeeper said. “Will Lady Huntsberry be bringing her lady’s maid with her?”

He hadn’t a clue, but since Mrs. Clippman had mentioned it, Judson supposed it was a common practice.

“I would think so. Better have a room readied in the servants’ quarters for her, as well.”

Cook spoke up. “Does her ladyship have any particular foods she favors, my lord? We want to make her feel welcome.”

For the first time since his one careless action resulted in an impromptu marriage proposal, Judson smiled. “Sweets, Cook. My betrothed has a sweet tooth.”

Cook grinned. “Ah, that’s good to know, my lord.”

“That will be all,” he said, causing the servants to disperse to their various tasks.

His breakfast was served to him, and as he finished, his butler came forward to clear the dishes himself.

“My lord, on behalf of the entire staff, I want to wish you well in your marriage.”

Seeing compassion in the butler’s eyes, he replied, “Thank you, Clippman. I believe all the servants will be taken with Lady Huntsberry. She is a very kind and caring person.”

He went to his study and paced, having nothing to do until Aldridge’s carriage arrived. When it did, Clippman let him know, and Judson went outside, having to use his umbrella because of the downpour. Selfishly, he hoped the rain would stay away tomorrow.

“Good morning, Judson,” Aldridge said.

Recalling he had been granted leave to call the marquess by his Christian name, he said, “Good morning to you, Julian.”

“Ariadne was up early this morning, meeting with our cook about the wedding breakfast. She told me to ask you whom you wished to invite to the ceremony.”

He had no one. No relative. No friend. And then he changed his mind.

“It may seem an odd request, but I would like my valet to be present.”

Julian didn’t seem bothered in the least, causing Judson to ask, “Aren’t you curious about my only guest?”

“Why should I be? If your valet is a loyal servant and you obviously value him a great deal since you wish him to witness your marriage, it is none of my business.”

“Tim is a good friend to me.” He hesitated. “My mother died giving birth to me. My father was in poor health his entire life and passed when I was ten. Tim was always there, cheering me up, taking care of me from the time I was a boy. Until now.”

“He sounds a good sort. And a good friend to you.” The marquess’ gaze met Judson’s. “I had no friends when I came into my title. I was a common laborer on the London docks. I worked long days and then put in a few hours as a clerk in a solicitor’s office each evening.”

Julian’s words shocked Judson. While Aldridge had a look of danger about him, he dressed impeccably and sounded as cultured as anyone Judson had gone to school with. He never would have suspected the man seated across from him had earned his living by doing back-breaking work.

“I won’t bore you with my story,” the marquess continued. “Suffice it to say that when I became Lord Aldridge, I did not even have a Tim of my own to call friend. My mother had just died. Through an almost unbelievable set of circumstances, I found out I was the heir apparent to a marquessate. The former Aldridge died minutes after I met him, leaving me in a world I did not know or comprehend.

“So, if you need an ear—beyond Tim’s—I am here for you, Judson. Val and Con, as well, though I know things are strained between you and Con now. He and Lucy are close. Con is upset with the situation more than he is with you. Try and remember that when dealing with him.”

Still reeling from what Julian had disclosed, he said, “I will do my duty. Lucy will lack for nothing.”

Julian studied him a moment, looking conflicted. Finally, he said, “I hope the two of you will be even half as happy as Ariadne and I are.”

That would never come to pass, but he wasn’t going to press the issue.

“Thank you for your offer of friendship. I am sorely in need of a friend.”

“We will be family, as well as friends,” Julian said. “Our bonds from now on are strong.”

They arrived at Doctors’ Commons and, thanks to his companion, the way was smoothed. In less than an hour, he held in his hand the special license which would allow him to wed Lucy at the time and place they wished anytime during the next month. Slipping the folded document into his coat’s inner pocket, he accompanied Julian back to his carriage.

“What of the marriage settlements?” his friend asked.

“I wrote to both my solicitor and Lord Marley. I would like to see them drawn up this afternoon.”

“Good. That will go a long way in appeasing Con.”

They returned to his townhouse, and Julian said, “We will see you tomorrow morning. If you have need of anything before then, send word.”

Leaning over, he offered his new friend his hand, and Julian took it.

“I am glad things are not awkward between us. I also appreciate you revealing a bit of your past to me. Perhaps one day, I can return the favor.”

Julian shook his head. “It is not necessary. Share if you wish, but I think we can move forward, all the same.”

Judson left the carriage and returned inside his residence. Clippman awaited him.

“You have received replies to your notes, my lord. I have left them on your desk.”

“Thank you,” he said, heading to his study, hoping the arrangements he had proposed had fallen into place.

Reading the first note, his solicitor agreed to be at the ready whenever Judson needed him this afternoon. He set Baker’s letter aside and opened the next one. Lord Marley was agreeable to meeting at one o’clock this afternoon and would have his own solicitor on hand.

He opened the final letter. In it, Lord Dyer assured Judson he would be on hand this afternoon as the marriage contracts were drawn up. The note was terse and mentioned nothing else. It was easy to understand how upset the viscount was. His beloved sister’s choice in a husband had been stolen from her. Once again, he would do all in his power to see Lucy cared for in these settlements, hoping it would appease both Dyer and Marley, as well as ease his own conscience a bit.

Judson rang for Tim and told the footman to go straight to Baker’s office and tell the solicitor the carriage would call for him at a quarter past twelve. He wanted to give plenty of time for them to arrive at the Marley townhouse.

“I’m off then, my lord,” Tim said.

“Wait,” he said.

The valet turned. “Is there another note you need delivered, my lord?”

“No. I simply wanted to invite you to tomorrow’s ceremony.”

The servant looked stunned. “Me? Go to your wedding? You aren’t thinking straight, my lord.”

Patiently, he said, “Tim, you have always been a shoulder I could lean on, whether I was ten or even now. You stood up for me. Stood by me. Your loyalty and support have not gone unnoticed. Frankly, I have no idea what I would have done if I had not had your ear all these years. I am honored to call you my friend—and I would appreciate your presence.”

Tim shook his head in wonder. “I only did what was right, my lord.” He grinned. “I’m proud to think of you as my friend. Yes, I am honored to come see you speak your vows with Lady Lucy.”

“Thank you. It means a great deal to me to have you there.”

Beaming now, the valet said, “I look forward to meeting Lady Lucy. She must be special to convince you it was time to get married.”

Lucy was special. He only hated that she would not be wedding her first choice. In the rush of events, he hadn’t even asked her if she’d had another gentleman courting her.

Tim left to give notice to Baker, and Judson took out parchment, composing a list of items he believed should be a part of the marriage settlements. A few years ago, he had actually come across a copy of the ones written before his parents’ marriage, so he had an idea what could go into them. It saddened him that the provisions for his siblings, including dowries for the sisters he had never had, had never come to pass. Nor had the monies settled upon his mother since she had passed a decade before her husband did.

He told Clippman when he wanted the carriage to be ready and then went upstairs to see where Lucy would settle in. He had never been into the rooms designated for the marchioness, and curiosity brought him here now.

Both his housekeeper and the maid were hard at work. The curtains had been drawn back, and the windows were opened, letting in the cool, fresh air. Dust covers had been removed from the furniture. Rugs were rolled up and standing against the wall, and he supposed they would be taken outside so that the dust might be beaten from them.

“Lord Huntsberry!” Mrs. Clippman said, stopping to come to him. “I was just polishing the furniture. Bed linens have been placed on the bed. The wardrobe has been emptied. When Tim returns, I’ll have him take the rugs downstairs. Don’t worry, my lord. Everything will be ready for Lady Huntsberry by the time you return tomorrow.”

“Flowers,” he said. “She should have fresh flowers to greet her.”

“Yes, my lord. I will see it,” the housekeeper promised. “Do you have any particular blooms in mind?”

He shrugged. “You would know more about something like that than I, Mrs. Clippman. I will ask Lady Lucy this afternoon about her maid joining her, but go ahead and have a room readied for her as we spoke of, just in case.”

“Of course, my lord. Leave everything to me.”

Judson left, wondering how often Lucy might welcome him into her rooms. He thought of the kisses which had placed them in this situation and knew within her, a passionate woman existed. Whether she let that passion fly free would be another thing. His impression was that ladies of the ton remained ladies—even in a bedchamber with their husbands. It was the reason why so many men took on mistresses.

He realized he had lost all appetite for Antonia. He would need to visit her soon and let his mistress know she was free to select another protector. Even if he and Lucy coupled only infrequently, Judson could not see himself breaking his wedding vows to her, with Antonia or any other woman.

When he returned downstairs, Clippman told him the carriage was ready, and he took it to his solicitor’s office. His footman summoned Baker, and a clerk accompanied him. The two men climbed into the carriage, and the coachman set off for the Marley townhouse.

Handing over the list he had written out, he said, “These are some of the terms I would like to see when the marriage contracts are written up today.”

Baker spent several minutes reading over Judson’s list, nodding his head occasionally, and even frowning once.

“These are most generous, Lord Huntsberry. More so than any other marriage settlements I have supervised.”

“I wish them to be so,” he said firmly. “I want no doubts regarding my marchioness’ future. The same with any issue of our marriage.”

The solicitor handed the pages to his clerk, who placed them into a portfolio. Then Baker said, “I wish you felicitations, my lord. I hope you and Lady Lucy will be most happy.”

Judson wasn’t sure what happiness lay in their future. He had never been happy, and with Lucy forced to wed him, he wasn’t certain if she ever would be. Still, he thanked Baker, who had been loyal and watched out for Judson ever since he came into his title.

“Before we arrive, my lord, I must speak to you about another urgent matter. It is in regard to Mr. Jarvis.”

Bile rose in his throat at the mention of his uncle, and Judson swallowed it. “What of him?”

“He came to see me recently. He... wishes for an increase in his quarterly allowance.”

Anger sizzled through him. “My uncle knows the terms—and that they are not to be changed.”

“I told him that very thing, my lord, but Mr. Jarvis insisted prices have gone up since you negotiated things with him several years ago.”

“No,” he said flatly. “He can make do with what I give him. Turn him away if he comes to see you again, Baker, and tell him that if he asks you again for an increase, he will lose even what I give him now.”

“Yes, my lord,” the solicitor said.

They reached Lord Marley’s townhouse and were welcomed by the butler, who showed them into the library. Judson did not catch sight of Lucy and decided he would ask to see her once they concluded their business.

Lord Marley welcomed him, while his son’s greeting was much cooler. Judson was introduced to the Marley solicitor, and he, in turn, introduced Baker and his clerk.

“Before we start, I would like to share with you what I would like to see present in the documents we draw up,” he told the others. “Baker?”

Baker’s clerk handed the earl the list which Judson had composed. He watched as Marley read through it, passing the pages to Lord Dyer, who then gave them to their solicitor.

When all three men had read the entire contents, Judson said, “Those points are non-negotiable, gentlemen. I am certain you might also have things to add.”

“My lord, these are most liberal,” Lord Marley proclaimed. “Why, Lucy will have everything she could ever desire, both now and after your death. You also are handsomely providing for your future children, as well.”

“I want to do right by Lady Lucy,” he told them, glancing to Dyer.

The viscount said, “You are starting the marriage off right, Lord Huntsberry. I am pleased my sister will be taken care of so well.”

“It is the least I could do,” he told Dyer, who knew much more about the situation than did his parents. “I told you I would try to be a good husband to your sister.”

Lord Dyer inclined his head.

“I cannot see anything our side needs to ask for, Lord Marley,” his solicitor told him. “Shall we make things official?”

While the clerk and two solicitors went to work at a table, Judson sat with his future in-laws, discussing nothing of great importance, merely killing time until the documents could be fashioned. Once they were, the three noblemen read through them.

“Everything looks to be in order,” he said. “Make a copy for Lord Marley, his solicitor, and one for Lady Lucy. I would like her to have access to what her future holds.”

Baker had him and then Lord Marley sign the original marriage settlements and said, “My clerk will make the copies you have requested, my lord. I can have them delivered tomorrow.”

“See that you do,” he said. “My carriage will return you to your office now, Baker. For now, I wish to see my betrothed and spend some time with her before tomorrow’s ceremony.”

“I can take you to the drawing room,” Lord Dyer offered.

On their way there, the viscount said, “I am still not pleased with having Lucy’s hand forced into this marriage, but I compliment you on having her welfare at heart, Lord Huntsberry.” He paused. “Or I suppose I should call you Judson now since Ariadne and Julian are doing so.”

“I would be honored if you would,” he said honestly.

“Then please call me Con,” Dyer said as they reached the drawing room, and he opened the door.

Two things struck Judson. One was the huge number of bouquets which filled the room.

The other was the dozen suitors which lingered in the drawing room, paying court to his fiancée.