Page 34 of Matchmaking the Marquess (The League of Eligible Bachelors #3)

Ben walked down the corridors of Hedlund, looking for Mia. She had been in none of her usual places. As he walked past the little cupboard under the stairs, he paused. Could she be there?

He stopped and lifted his hand, knocking twice on the wooden door.

“Come in,” Mia’s muffled voice sounded.

Ben pushed open the door, his stomach jostling at the thought that he was entering her secret room.

Mia sat at a makeshift table, pushed up against the wall, several candles burning in different locations to provide adequate light.

“Why are you hiding out here? Your guests will leave within the hour. Should you not be there to send them off?”

Mia placed a feather in the picture and sat back, staring at it. She stood up and stretched her neck and shoulders. “I’ll be along. But I wished to finish this first thing.”

Ben looked at the picture, admiring the deft hand that had constructed it. “It’s quite lovely, but could it not have waited a few hours more?”

Mia shook her head. “No, it could not.” She lifted the piece and placed it in his hands. “It’s for you.”

He stared down at it, flattered that she would gift it to him. “But I’m not leaving. Why could you not—” He stopped as he realized what he saw. “Are those shags?”

Mia nodded, a huge grin on her face.

“I thought you said you started it before the party…” He left his question hanging.

“I had not decided on the type of bird before the party. That is the part I just finished.” She lightly ran her fingers over the birds. “I hope it will be a reminder to you of this party. If you ever suggest I host another, I hope you’ll look at that picture and reconsider your plans.”

Ben chuckled. “I’ve learned my lesson.” He carefully set the picture on the table and grabbed hold of her waist. Drawing her to him, he placed a kiss on her earlobe. “Although, this house party was overwhelmingly successful from where I stand.”

She pushed her hands up around his neck, tipping back her head and smiling. “But that does not mean I wish to repeat it. After all, I already have you. A second party could be nothing but a failure in comparison.”

He smiled down at her. “Very well, we’ll leave the house parties to someone else.”

She reached up and smoothed his brow. “A wise decision, my lord.” She sighed and pushed out of his arms. “Now, did you not say I was required to send everyone off?”

He reached for her and pulled her to him. “On second thought, I’m certain they can manage on their own.”

She smirked at him. “They will be gone soon enough, and then we can retire to the library. I thought to read Plutarch. Would you care to join me?”

Ben sighed. “I’ll be wherever you are, my love.”

She took his hand and pulled him toward the door, looking both ways down the corridor before pulling him out behind her. “Have your friends left yet?”

Ben shook his head. “No. Their carriages were being prepared as I left Tweed. They will stop at Hedlund before they quit Northumberland entirely. They wished to bid you farewell.”

Voices sounded from the staircase. Mia sighed and straightened her shoulders. She braced herself, no doubt giving her that last bit of energy to see her through until the last guest left.

They stepped into the entry and Mia stopped short. Ben ran into her back pushing them both several steps forward. “Papa, you are here.” Mia stammered. “I thought perhaps you would have returned to bed after last evening’s excitement.”

Lord Minton shook his head and frowned. “Nonsense. I feel fine and wanted to send our guests off with you.” He looked at Ben and smiled widely. It was the same look he’d given when Ben had asked him for Mia’s hand last evening. “Berwick, I’m glad to see you this morning.”

Ben grinned. “And I am glad to see you. You give us both a bit of a scare the last few days.”

Minton waved Ben’s concern away. “It was just a small cold. Nothing to worry over.” He came over. “Although I’m glad you are here. I should like to discuss our plans for London as soon as you are able.”

Ben nodded. “Of course, my lord. Perhaps once everyone has quit the house, we could discuss it over tea.”

“Capital, idea.” Lord Minton brightened as Lady Cornfeld stepped into the entry. “Sophronia, I hope you had an enjoyable time.” He captured the lady’s hands in his and smiled warmly.

“Indeed, I cannot remember a house party with more fondness, Minton.”

Both Ben and Mia’s brows rose. Minton, was it?

“Shall we see each other in London, do you think?” Lady Cornfeld purred.

“Not if I can help it,” Mia muttered under her breath before she smiled and stepped forward. “If the fates are smiling on us, we shall.” She led the woman toward the door, conspicuously bypassing her father. “Travel safe, my lady,” Mia said as she ushered her out to the portico and closed the door behind her.

She turned to her father’s look of disapproval. “You did not allow me to say goodbye.”

Mia looked surprised, but it was as feigned as anything Ben had ever seen. “Did I not? Oh, Papa. I beg your pardon.” She frowned. “Perhaps you will meet once we are in London.”

He shook his head as he walked past her and opened the door to step out onto the portico. He closed the door behind him.

Mia stared wide-eyed at the door. She turned with her mouth open to Ben, but Miss Newsome and Mrs. Ludlow arrived at the entry.

Mia jumped to Miss Newsome’s side and walked them out to their carriage, surely so she might interfere with the exchange between her father and Lady Cornfeld.

And such it was for the next half an hour as people left in a flurry of goodbyes and well-wishes.

Lady Grenville and Lady Charlotte were the last to leave. Mia’s father said his goodbyes and when it seemed obvious Lady Grenville had much to speak to Mia about, he excused himself to his book room.

Mia seemed relieved as she walked the ladies out to the drive. Lady Grenville discussed the merits of the aviary at Audley End house in Essex. It was quite the most words Ben had ever heard the woman speak. When at last she’d had her say, she glanced at the darkening clouds and motioned to her daughter. “Make haste, Charlotte.”

Ben handed Lady Charlotte into the carriage. But just as he was to hand in Lady Grenville, a carriage pulled to a stop behind them. The door opened and none other than Lord Grenville emerged. “Oh, my dear Lady Amelia,” he implored as he hurried over to them. Lady Grenville, for her part, did not seem in the least bit shocked.

“I must beg your forgiveness for missing the whole of your house party. I’m afraid my horse threw a shoe and then, you will not believe it, the carriage broke an axel!” His head shook at the wonderment of it all. “Instead of being delayed only a few days, it took more than a week to fix. I cannot convey my regrets enough.” He kept hold of her fingers, patting them as if she were a child or a pet.

Mia extracted her hand and smiled. “Oh, my lord. It sounds as though you had a most harrowing experience. Do not fret on our account. I’m certain we may catch up when next we host a house party.”

Ben’s mouth twitched at the absurdity of it all.

Lord Grenville grabbed her hand and patted it again. “You are too kind and understanding, my lady.” He glanced over at his wife. “Ah, Eugenia. It looks as though I’ve arrived in time to escort you and Charlotte home.”

Lady Grenville did not indicate whether or not she was keen on that notion.

Mia tugged her hand back and took hold of Ben’s instead. “Safe travels, my lord.” She said, motioning him toward the carriage. Lord Grenville handed his wife into the carriage and swung up behind her.

As the door shut, Mia sagged against Ben. “Gracious, it’s finally done.”

He slipped his hand around her waist. “Well, nearly done.” He motioned to the carriages coming up the drive. He expected her to sigh or stiffen, but she did not. To his surprise, she smiled. “Oh, it looks as though the ‘League’ has arrived.” There was a lightness in her tone he’d not heard in weeks.

Ben shrugged. “You do not mind?”

“Not at all. They are a fine lot. Even His Grace.” She shook her head. “Although, I believe you may have been right. I rather enjoy Lady Stoke’s company most. I think it is possible we might even become friends.” Mia kept her head on his arm until the first carriage rounded the bend and came to a stop. The door opened and Mr. Bancroft bounded out, followed by his sister.

Mia smiled and leaned toward Miss Bancroft. “I’m glad you came to say goodbye. I was worried it might be too much of an inconvenience.”

Miss Bancroft shook her head. “We would not think of quitting Berwick-on-Tweed without bidding you goodbye.”

They waited on the steps until everyone had disembarked from the carriages. Then, as one, they moved into the parlor.

Everyone settled in a seat, smiling at her and Ben. Except for Rags. He scowled as he always did.

Mia clasped her hands together. “I’m certain after being together for the last fortnight, you are all ready to return to your estates. I hope it was not too much trouble to stop at Hedlund.”

Lady Stoke waved her words aside. “You need not concern yourself. We are perfectly content in one another’s company, are we not?”

Lady Heatherton and Rags glared at each other.

Lady Stoke shrugged. “Or at least most of us are.” She stood up and looked at Mia coyly, taking her hands. “Am I to understand you will be in London for the Season?”

Mia stiffened, slightly. “It is what Ben wishes. But I confess, I’m not looking forward to it.”

Lady Stoke nodded. “I understand. But,” she glanced at Lady Heatherton, “we’ll be very happy for your company. Will we not, Mariah?”

Lady Heatherton nodded. “Indeed, we shall.”

Lady Stoke leaned in. “I do not think it too improper to set aside a few nights a week to remain at home, do you?” She smiled. “And perhaps some of those times we could have dinner, just the ten of us?” Her brows rose. “Lawks, that sounds much bigger when it’s said aloud.”

Ben smiled at the lady’s attempt to make Mia feel comfortable. “I think we could arrange something.” Mia genuinely grinned for the first time in days.

Ben shot a glance at Reginald and Colin. He hoped this was the beginning of a friendship between the ladies. “Miss Cartwright will join me in London, I hope that will not be a bother.”

Lady Heatherton shook her head. “I rather enjoyed Miss Cartwright’s company.” She stood and walked over to Mia and Lady Stoke. She kicked out her foot when passing Rags, and knocked his crossed foot to the floor. She smirked at him over her shoulder. “We shall make a merry group when we visit Gunther’s and all the shops.”

Colin groaned. “We are not even in Town yet, Mariah. Please do not speak of the shopping already.”

“Is that not what all ladies speak of when they are together?” Cort asked, his hands intertwined behind his head.

Mia looked over Lady Heatherton’s shoulder. “And that is why we did not match well, my lord...comments such as those.”

Hasting stepped inside the doorway and bowed. “Lord Montcort, this just arrived for you.” The butler hurried over and handed a large parcel over.

Cort frowned as he turned it over in his hands.

“It’s good it didn’t come an hour later else you would have missed it,” Charlie said. “What is it?”

Cort frowned as he read something scribbled on the top. “Montgomery says this arrived at Daggerford Grange and he thought it important enough to send on.” Cort pulled the string, and the paper fell away. A large stack of letters scattered into his lap. “What the devil?” Cort gathered them up. He frowned but tucked them into his greatcoat pocket. When he looked up and saw everyone staring at him, he shrugged. “I’ll look at them once I’m in the carriage.” He stood up. But for now, I will bid you a good day.” He came over and stopped in front of Mia. “I had a most diverting time, my lady. Thank you for your entertainments.”

Mia tipped her head to the side. “I believe I must thank you, my lord.” She glanced back at Ben and swallowed.

He put his beaver on his head and tipped it to her. “I look forward to seeing you both in London.” He looked around at the crowd. “What do you all say we spend Christmastide together?”

Everyone nodded.

Ben clapped Cort on the back. “We’ll be looking forward to it.” He leaned in close. “Safe travels, Cort.”

Cort grinned. “I hope there are no hard feelings, Ben.”

Ben glanced over to Mia and shook his head. “Your heart was in the right place, even if you muddled your way about it.”

Cort looked wounded. “I’ll have you know that performance would have earned me a spot in any troop in England!” He lifted his chin in challenge.

“Thunder and turf,” Rags growled. “I can’t take another moment of this idiocy. I’m taking my leave.” He bowed to Ben and Mia. “Thank you, my lady. I did not loath the whole of it.” He glanced at Ben. “I’ll see you in London, you perfidious wretch.”

Ben’s brows rose, and he looked at Cort who mouthed “Perfidious wretch?” His eyes widened in disbelief.

Reginald laughed. “I believe he’s referring to your recent engagement.”

Colin placed a hand on his wife’s back and shrugged. “It’s kinder than what he called me when I proposed to Mariah.”

“If any of you had kept your word, such names wouldn’t be necessary.” Rags growled. He raised a hand in farewell and marched out the door.

“And there you have it,” Ponsy said. “I cannot think of anything else to add, but thank you for a delightful time, my lady.” He dipped his head. “Ben.”

Everyone muttered more farewells as they filed out of the room, Ben and Mia walking with them. As the front door closed behind Charlie, Ben snaked his hands around Mia’s waist and pulled her back against him. “Now it is done.” He whispered.

She turned and faced him. “And what do we do now?”

He dropped his forehead to hers. “We try not to go mad while we wait for the banns to be posted.”

She chuckled as she ran her fingers over his brow. “And then what?”

“Did I not promise to make you ridiculously happy? I plan to spend all my time making that happen.”

Mia went up on her tiptoes and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “That is a plan I can agree with.”