Page 43 of The Scandalous Love of a Duke (The Marlow Family Secrets #6)

John ran up the steps to the house and smiled at Finch as he passed through the door.

The special licence he had obtained was burning a hole in his breast pocket and every fibre of his being wanted to be gone and en route to Ashford. But he needed to speak with Harvey before he left tomorrow.

John was in such a benevolent mood he had even kissed Mary and his mother when he had greeted them at the breakfast table. His family had stayed the night following Mary’s ball and, feeling in charity with his mother, he had asked them to stay on this morning and not return to his uncle’s.

He had not yet had a chance to ask Edward what had happened with Wareham last night. He had been too emotionally bruised to care about Wareham, and this morning his focus had been on obtaining the marriage licence. But now Edward was in the hall…

John gave his hat to Finch. ‘Do you have a moment, Papa?’

‘Son. Mr Harvey called for you earlier. He left a note on your desk in the library.’

‘Thank you. Will you tell me about last night?’

Edward’s lips parted in a sudden, quick smile, and he lay his arm about John’s shoulders.

‘Yes, come along, I have something else to say, too.’ The gesture reminded John of the camaraderie he had felt with Edward when he had been young.

Then, he remembered loving Edward. Yes, he had loved Edward as a boy. He probably still did.

Edward’s arm fell away from John’s shoulders as they entered the room, and he shut the door. ‘There is nothing wrong in asking for help,’ he said. ‘ Sharing burdens is sensible, not weak, but wise, John.’ When he faced John, he said, ‘But I have an apology to make to you.’

John frowned.

‘I saw you were not happy before your grandfather came for you at Farnborough, when you were a boy. I was going to talk to you, but once we had you back, I did not care to open old wounds. I should have spoken and helped you put the past into perspective. I’m sorry I did not, and I am sorry I let your grandfather misguide you.

However, I cannot change that, but I can and I will tell you when you are in the wrong, John.

Listen to me – argue with me, if you will – but do not keep things hidden. ’

‘I am not ten any more,’ John mockingly replied.

Edward laughed. ‘No, but I am still your father and you are still my son.’

John picked up Harvey’s letter and broke the seal, smiling. ‘Very well, I will listen, if you have something sensible to say. If not, expect to be ignored.’

Edward smiled. ‘You may ignore me but if I am proven right, I will gloat.’

‘Tell me about Wareham.’

‘We made it clear he will not wish to publish anything regarding your mother’s history. I think he understood.’

While Edward spoke, John scanned the letter.

‘Well, you obviously scared him. He hired a coach to Dover this morning. We finally have enough evidence against him too. He withdrew money from the account we have been trying to trace before he left. Harvey’s sent the runners to arrest him. Thank you for your help.’

Edward smiled. ‘You are welcome. Now, have you any other problems I may fix?’

John thought of Katherine. ‘None you can fix for me.’

‘I will leave you then.’

John could go to Ashford now Harvey had written. But first he wanted to speak to Phillip.

When John reached Boscombe and Parkin’s offices though, he was advised that Phillip was out on some errand and would not be free until five.

John thought about racing off to Ashford, but decided not.

He wanted to tell Phillip about his intentions first. It felt the right thing to do.

So John called on Harvey instead and reviewed the role Phillip would play if he took the post John was about to offer.

As they discussed business, John’s mind wandered to his personal life and his fear that Katherine might say no.

But why would she? He would be lifting her miles above her station.

When John left Harvey’s offices, it was still early so he headed to White’s. It was dusk when he left there.

An elderly matron let John into the building where Phillip rented rooms. John jogged upstairs, feeling jubilant and excited.

Tomorrow he would see Katherine and secure her hand in marriage.

He would insist she said yes. He had an arsenal of experience and resources with which to persuade her after all.

If he had to court her for a few months, he would, the girl deserved to be spoilt anyway.

He could ply her with his undivided attention as well as gifts now Wareham was out of the way.

Phillip’s door was ajar and John could hear him moving about inside.

He knocked. ‘Phillip?’

‘Good God. John! Come in.’ Phillip was standing across the room. He had linens across his arm. ‘This is a bloody honour. I did not expect a duke to call on a clerk!’

‘Hardly a clerk, you are qualified.’ John laid his hat on a chest near the door.

Phillip smiled. ‘But still a lackey, for the moment at least. One day I hope to be more.’

‘Actually, that is why I called,’ John began, pulling off his gloves and letting them drop into his upturned hat.

‘I have an offer for you. A position has arisen in Harvey’s offices.

He will retire in a few years and I want someone I can trust to replace him.

He oversees everything, my estates and investments. Would you be interested?’

‘Would I!’ Phillip’s eyebrows lifted. ‘I had intended progressing a career in the courts, but this…’ He stopped, looking flabbergasted, and took a breath. ‘It is an opportunity I would be a fool not to take. Yes, John, thank you, I gladly accept.’

John smiled, pleased that he could progress his friend. In truth it was only fitting if Phillip was to be his brother-in-law.

‘Do you want a drink?’ Phillip asked, still in shock.

‘No, thank you. I have just come from White’s.’

‘Well, forgive me then, because I need one after that news.’

As Phillip turned to a corked bottle of wine on a nearby chest John glanced about the room. Phillip’s trunk was half packed and there were clothes on the chair beside it.

‘Are you going somewhere?’

Phillip turned, smiling broadly. ‘Home. Kate is getting married at last. She has accepted the reverend.’

The blood drained from John’s head and something sharp sliced through his gut. He could not answer.

Phillip sipped his wine. ‘I know, it stunned me too when I heard. I never thought she would settle, but it is true. They are to be married in three days. They announced it three weeks ago.’

John hardly heard Phillip’s words. I will not let the reverend have her.

‘I am leaving at first light,’ Phillip continued, oblivious to John’s turmoil.

‘The wedding is a small affair, so there is no reason you would have heard, I suppose. They are not having a wedding breakfast.’ The enthusiasm suddenly dropped from his voice.

‘I doubt Mother would have agreed to fund it. Anyway, I am sure you will wish me to pass on your congratulations.’

The hell I do. ‘I will tell her myself, when I see her.’ His voice sounded as though it belonged to someone else.

Giving John an odd look, Phillip offered a drink again. John refused once more and made an excuse to leave. He felt like he was in a stupor as he returned home.

Within two hours, notes written to those who needed to know of his sudden absence, including Harvey, excuses made to his family for deserting them in town, and bags quickly packed by his valet, John was on the road, driving his phaeton.

He rode through the night, which, thank God, was clear, hurtling home to Pembroke Place.

He rested once he reached there, not sleeping but just waiting for daylight.

It was nine o’clock in the morning when he stood before the door of the Spencers’ little manor house, tired and anxious. The special licence he had acquired yesterday still rested in his breast pocket, but now he was not sure it would ever be used.

Behind him, he heard his horses whiney as his groom held their heads.

John took off his hat. He might beg her to take him if he must.

The door finally opened and John’s heart pounded as Mr Castle greeted him with surprise.