The Marquess's Christmas Runaway Read online

  Chapter Five

  Max left the dogs at the stables and walked up to the house. The snow had melted in places and he stopped to inspect the drive. Jepson was right. The roads would be passable today. A coach followed by another turned in past the gate house and excited shouts reached him.

  “Uncle Max, Uncle Max. We’re here.”

  Max smiled and waved at his tussle headed nephew, hanging out of the window of the first coach. “I can see that, brat.”

  He strode after them and arrived at the steps in time to lift Master Overton down from the coach and swing him onto his shoulders.

  “You’ve grown again, Peter. I won’t be able to do this for much longer.”

  He ran up the steps with a giggling Peter holding onto his head.

  “Faster, faster, Uncle Max.”

  Max trotted through the door, held open by one of the footmen. He untangled Peter’s arms and threw him up in the air. He caught the boy and lowered him to the ground only for Eliza to throw her arms around him.

  “We’re so glad to be here, Max. Peter would have been inconsolable if we hadn’t been able to spend Christmas with you.”

  “We thought we would be here before you.” She pushed him at arm’s length. “You look strained. How was the house party?”

  Max’s smile turned to a grimace. “Selina was there and she made a complete pest of herself. I’ll tell you about it when you’re settled.”

  Eliza studied him. “I’ll see Peter and Judith to the nursery and come straight down.”

  Peter pulled at his mother’s skirts. “I don’t want to go to the nursery. It’s for babies. Now I’m a man, in proper breeches, I want to stay with Uncle Max.”

  Max ruffled his hair. “Judith needs you to keep her company. Do as your mother says and I’ll come and fetch you down later.”

  Peter stamped his foot but stopped when Max caught his eye. He pulled a face, “Awight, Uncle Max.”

  Eliza led Peter away, throwing Max a grateful look. Max took Nat with him to the library. He poured them both a brandy and handed Nat the larger of the two.

  “Thanks, Max. I need this. You’re not drinking much.”

  “I had far too much the other day. I’m happy with the result of that though.”

  He took a sip. Yes, he was happy with the result. Miss Georgina Sherborne was the answer to his problems. She was too thin but lovely. A memory of her sitting up in bed, wearing that revealingly overlarge nightgown, had a painful effect on him. He looked up to see Nat watching him over the rim of his glass.

  “I had better wait until Eliza is here before I tell you or I’ll never hear the end of it.”

  “I’m intrigued. I’m glad the roads cleared enough for us to get through.”

  Max walked to the window and stared at the sullen sky. “I hope we don’t have any more snow.”

  He wandered around the room. It might be best to set off for Canterbury as soon as he’d told Eliza. A quiet family wedding on Miss Sherborne’s birthday would be best. Eliza came in and shut the door behind her. She almost ran across the room to sit by her husband. Max flopped down in the chair opposite them.

  “I think Bertie must be well and truly in the suds. Selina wouldn’t leave me alone at the Pryce’s. When I refused to have her and Bertie here over Christmas she made such a fuss, at luncheon the day before yesterday, I made my excuses and came home. Several people outside the breakfast room had obviously been listening to it all.”

  Max could see Eliza bouncing in her seat with impatience. Oh Lord, had she heard about Miss Sherborne from one of the maids? “I wasn’t the only runaway.”

  He saw Eliza shoot a glance at Nat, who had lost his usual relaxed air and was sitting up straight studying him.

  “I rescued a young woman who was fleeing a plot to marry her off to her guardian’s son and I’ve asked her to marry me.”

  Eliza jumped up, looking anxious. “But Max what do you know about her.” Her voice shook.

  Max smiled. “She’ll be one and twenty on Christmas Eve and she’s from near here, although I hadn’t come across her before. She’s met you.”

  Eliza flopped back in her seat. “She has? Oh, you wretch, tell me her name!”

  “Miss Georgina Sherborne and she lived with her aunt, Mrs Weston, at Benfort.”

  Eliza sat thinking and Max curled his hands into fists as he watched her. He was surprised how much Eliza’s answer mattered to him. At last she spoke.

  “Oh yes, I remember them. Mrs Weston is,” she looked up at Max, “I presume that should be was, a quiet but interesting woman.”

  “Mrs Weston died last spring rather suddenly and Miss Sherborne was placed with some cousins called Hutton.” He uncurled his fists.

  “Miss Sherborne seemed prettily behaved. I believe the Westons brought her up from when she was quite young.”

  “Do you know anything else about them?”

  “Not really. I do know the Westons were well thought of in church circles.”

  Some of the tension left his shoulders. “There doesn’t seem anything to stand in our way then.” For once Eliza seemed lost for words. She turned to look at Nat.

  Nat considered for a moment. “Except the fact that you hadn’t even met her before yesterday, was it?”

  Max took a turn about the room. He stopped at the fireplace and stood facing them with the warmth at his back. “Think of the advantages. She’s young and attractive and she is prepared to accept my offer to ensure her safety.”

  “But Max how do you know she is telling the truth?” Eliza said. “She could have taken herself off in a temper over something. Worse she could have set all this up to trap you.”

  Max glared at his sister. “I thought you’d be pleased. My marriage will keep Selina at bay and you’ve all been on at me for years to find a bride.”

  Nat held up a hand. “Calm yourself, Max. Eliza, I think it would be difficult for the girl to have set herself up to be rescued by Max. I grant you we only have her word about her reasons for running away from her guardian.”

  Max ran a hand through his hair. “I was hoping to leave her in your charge and ride in to Canterbury for a marriage licence.”

  Eliza’s mouth gaped open. “A marriage licence? When do you intend the wedding to be?”

  “Christmas Eve, her birthday. A quiet family wedding at the church in Hargreaves.”

  “Why so soon?”

  “I got completely disguised at the Golden Cross on my way home. I was so angry with Selina. Miss Sherborne had arrived on the stage from London. I took her for a tavern wench and kissed her. We were seen. I won’t have the girl ruined.”

  ***

  Georgie heard what sounded like two coaches pull up in front of the house. She climbed out of bed and ran to the window. The Marquess scooped a small boy out of the first coach and ran up the steps with him on his shoulders. That must be his nephew. They disappeared into the house. He liked children, that was a point in his favour. A tall man and a dark-haired lady, who she recognised as Lady Eliza Overton, followed them up the steps.

  Georgie came away from the window. Her stomach clenched. She was betrothed to the Marquess of Hargreaves and she didn’t even know his first name, what would his sister make of it. Her palms felt damp and yet she shivered. Was she doing the right thing? There was the awful Mrs Powell to worry about as well. If she hadn’t been attracted to the Marquess her answer would have been easy. She could live quietly in Yorkshire and not worry about a ruined reputation. Wasn’t that what Aunty Anne would have expected her to do?

  She sighed. It was too late now she had given him her word. She laughed. It wouldn’t be much fun for him having seven sisters all matchmaking but had he thought this through? She flopped down on the bed. Wouldn’t his sisters want him to make a brilliant match? She rubbed her temples and rang for Martha. If Lady Overton appeared upset, she would offer him the chance to withdraw in exchange for a promise to keep her safe from the Huttons.

  Martha bounced in. “
I can’t wait to dress you, Miss. Will you let me be your maid? My mother has taught me how to look after clothes and I’ve managed to spend time with some of the lady’s maids learning about hair, whenever the family have come to stay.” She scowled. “That is before Mrs Powell became housekeeper.”

  Georgie sighed at the beseeching glance Martha gave her. Presumably she would be able to choose her own maid if she married the Marquess, but she had better make sure Martha was up to it first.

  “I can’t promise anything. Let’s see how things go.”

  Martha’s face glowed. “Thank you, Miss. I won’t let you down. Ma will be so pleased if you take me on.”

  Martha chattered away as she helped Georgie dress. She didn’t seem to require answers so Georgie let her have her head. Martha worked surprisingly quickly and she was soon in the dress.

  “There you are, Miss. The gown is a bit loose but it’s a good cut. Now for your hair.”

  It wasn’t long before Martha stood back, satisfied. “I think I’ve remembered that style well.”

  Georgie stared at her reflection in the looking glass. Martha had clever fingers and had worked wonders with her heavy chestnut brown hair. The velvet gown was a link with her previous life in Benfort. She was as ready as she would ever be to face Lady Overton. She dismissed Martha and made her way downstairs.

  In the hallway, doubt hit her in the chest. She forced a deep breath into frozen lungs. She should have waited to be summonsed. No! She held her head high and walked towards voices coming from what was probably the library.

  “But Max, if you marry that quickly you won’t have time to become acquainted with her?”

  That must be Lady Overton. She should announce her presence but she felt compelled to listen.

  “It’s my duty to marry her and it suits me very well to arrange the wedding as quickly as possible. That way Selina won’t have time to stir up any trouble.”

  “I know what you mean but, even if the main part of Miss Sherborne’s story is true, how can you be sure she didn’t recognise you and set out to trap you?”

  Georgie stood, petrified, as the door opened and the Marquess marched out. He was looking behind him.

  “Enough, Eliza. My mind is made up.”

  She wasn’t fast enough to sidestep him and they collided with a thump. The heat of mortification suffused her cheeks. A pair of strong arms embraced her as she nearly fell. Her legs trembled and she was forced to stay in his arms. She glanced up at him and was surprised to see a smile spread over his face.

  “I seem to spend a lot of time keeping you on your feet.”

  Her pulse raced and her cheeks felt hotter than ever. His smile was surprisingly sympathetic. Gently, he put her from him and threaded her arm through his.

  “There is something I need to ask you. Eliza thinks I’m quite mad.”

  ***

  That was unfortunate timing. He didn’t want her crying off. Max led her away from the library and into an elegant sitting room, decorated in shades of rose, cream and gold.

  “This was my mother’s room. Won’t you take a seat?” He was tempted to sit down next to her on the pink brocade sofa but she looked so stricken he draped himself over a chair opposite. “She loved warm summery colours. What do you think of it?”

  She scanned the room. “It’s very welcoming.”

  Good, she had relaxed a little. “I’m of a mind to hold the wedding ceremony on your birthday.”

  “But what about the banns?”

  Good, she hadn’t changed her mind. Perhaps she hadn’t heard anything.

  “If I leave you now, I should be able to get Canterbury and back in time.”

  “A special licence?”

  Even better, she was intelligent. He had never understood the fashion for silly women.

  “A bishop’s licence is all we need if we name the church. Once we are married your worries about your cousin will be over.” He smiled at her.

  “But do you want to go ahead if your sister disapproves?”

  Max hesitated. Miss Sherborne must have heard at least some of what Eliza had said. “She doesn’t disapprove of us marrying but she was hoping for a big family wedding.”

  He moved across to sit by her and took one of her hands in both of his. “You do trust me, don’t you? I will have settlements drawn up for you but that will have to be after Christmas.”

  Her hand moved in his and a frown wrinkled her brow. “Why the haste?” She sounded a little uneasy.

  “Precisely because it avoids a big family wedding. Apart from making you feel safe of course.”

  “Are you sure you want to go ahead, my lord?”

  He tried for a jovial tone. “I’m very sure my little brown nymph. If you had met some of my other sisters you would want to avoid a family event. There is Selina to reckon with as well. She might try and cause trouble if she knew about our wedding in advance.”

  ***

  He gave her a smile which almost robbed her of breath. He had such a strong effect on her but she must be mad to give herself to him with so little knowledge of his character.

  “So you see, my dear, you would be rescuing me twice by agreeing.”

  Georgie nodded and looked at the floor. It seemed his mind was made up and she couldn’t in all conscience back out now if he was content to go ahead.

  She glanced up at him and took a deep breath. “Very well, my lord, if that is your wish.”

  He took her hand and raised it to his lips. A shudder ran through her and she felt her cheeks redden. Would he think her a wanton if he knew the effect he had on her?

  “Come, let’s join the others in the library.” He helped her to her feet and threaded her arm through his.

  The walk to the library seemed far too short. Lady Overton didn’t sound pleased about their hasty marriage. Did she think she had set out to trap her brother?

  The Marquess stopped before they reached the library door. “Now we are betrothed you must call me Max.”

  “My family have always called me Georgie.”

  “Then I’ll call you that.” His words, spoken near to her ear, were almost a caress. Georgie felt a shiver of excitement run through her.

  Max led her through the door and settled her in a chair in front of a roaring fire. He stood next to her and turned to face the other two.

  “Georgina has agreed to a wedding on her birthday, if I can obtain a licence in time.”

  Georgie forced herself to look at the Overtons. Lord Overton seemed unperturbed and Lady Overton surprised her by smiling.

  “You will soon learn that when Max has made up his mind it’s difficult to move him! Are you sure you are quite happy with such haste?”

  “I don’t mind if you would rather postpone it. Whatever you think is best.”

  “The timing is between you and Max. I merely wondered if there was anyone you would like to invite to share it with you.”

  “All the people I cared about are dead now. There is my governess who lives in Yorkshire but a visit to her later, perhaps in the spring, should suffice.”

  She felt Max‘s hand squeeze her shoulder. “A trip to Yorkshire when the weather improves would be excellent. I have an estate up there which is overdue a visit.”

  “Thank you, my lord.” She risked a glance up at him to see him scowling.

  “You need to call me Max, my love.”

  She forced a smile and nodded. “Of course, Max.” Why was he pretending they were a love match when his sister knew the truth? “It will take me a while to become accustomed …” She trailed off. It would be more than calling him Max she would need time to adjust to.

  He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “I expect it will. Now if you will excuse me, I’ll set off for Canterbury. I’ll leave you in Eliza’s capable hands.”

  He bowed low to the room in general and was off. Georgie suppressed a surge of panic. At least he represented safety. She watched his retreating form until he was out of the room.

  Lord Overt
on coughed and stood up. “If you will excuse me, ladies.”

  Georgie looked at the floor. What must Lady Overton be thinking of her? She glanced up. Her expression seemed more one of sympathy than anything else.

  “Are you alright, my dear?”

  “I think so, my lady, although the last few days have been difficult and I feel as if I am in something of a dream.” Her cheeks reddened. “Not that I’m blaming His Lordship, Max that is. I’m not sure how I would have made it to the vicarage at Benfort. I knew it would be cold in the barn overnight but not that cold.”

  “Why did you not stay at the Golden Cross?”

  “I was going to ask Mrs Pleck to shelter me until my birthday but then I overheard she was away.” Georgie lowered her eyes and hoped her cheeks weren’t too red at the memory of Max’s kiss. “We always hired a carriage from them when we went travelling. We would have a meal there when we came back and she always waited on us herself. I didn’t think Mr Pleck would remember me so I decided to try my luck at the vicarage straight away. The Armstrongs were friends of ours and I had intended to enlist their help once I was one and twenty.”

  It was only partly true. Max’s kiss and his assumption about her had made it too dangerous to approach Mr Pleck. Her hands flew to her cheeks. What would Lady Overton think if she knew about her response to his kiss? He had been kind about it but Mrs Powell’s accusation stung. She felt like a wanton. A hand came to rest on her shoulder.

  “My dear, I didn’t mean to upset you. You must have had a terrible ordeal. It was unfortunate Mrs Pleck was away.”

  Two dark blue eyes regarded her. Brother and sister were very alike. She took a deep breath. “Did Max tell you he saw me in the inn the day before he rescued me? I didn’t know who he was. I hope you will believe me when I say I’m not the sort of female to set out to trap any man.”

  It was Lady Overton’s turn to blush. “I was afraid you might have heard that. I’m sorry, but if you knew how many traps have been set to try and snare Max you would understand why I had that thought.”

  Georgie studied her. She seemed inclined to be friendly. “He told me about his problems with his heir’s mother and his seven sisters pushing him towards the altar.”