Chapter Thirty-One

The Next Day

J o sat in Emilys drawing room as she met all of Linc and Arthurs friends. They were legion.

At least it felt that way to Jo, after having so few friends in her life.

Honestly, Arthur and Linc were her first real friends. Growing up she had her sister, of course, but they were friends primarily because they had no one else. There were girls in the village, but they so rarely went to the village as her father felt it was inappropriate for them to socialize with those he deemed to be of a lower class. All of her very best friends were discovered in books.

As she looked about the room and tried to follow all the introductions, her head spun. Obviously, there were Lord and Lady Brougham, her hostsCooper and Emily had been so gracious to her. Then there was Lord and Lady Stonemere, Lord and Lady Wolfington, Lord and Lady Flintshire, Lord and Lady Portridge, Lady Carlisle, and Lady Hartfield.

Fortunately Emily had ordered tea, so everyone was getting settled as Jo furiously tried to commit names and faces to memory.

Lady Stonemere smiled at her as she sipped her tea. I want to apologize to you, Lady Whitestone. Im sure we are an overwhelming lot.

Jo chuckled. I must say, when Arthur and Linc said he would have the ladies come by, I was not aware they had an army of you at their disposal. And please, all of you, call me Jo.

Lady Stonemere grinned. Please call me, Theo.

The rest of the ladies chimed in with leave for her to call them by their various preferred names.

And while I would expect Linc to be so mischievous as to surprise you in such a way, I have come to expect better from my brother. Emily lifted one eyebrow as she let her gaze drift over to the two culprits.

Well, we were rather focused on securing a yes from her this time. I suppose the details got lost in all the excitement. Arthur shrugged.

Emily and Theo both snorted.

Well, regardless, it sounds as if we have a wedding to plan, Theo said through her laughter.

Indeed, and while you might think Id be an old hand at this after two husbands, I honestly left each of my weddings for my mother to arrange. They were not of my choosing, and so I had little interestbut not this time. I wish very much to put my stamp on this one, and I cant do that with her involved. I shall gladly take any assistance you have to offer.

Jos cheeks warmed as she pushed aside her worries about a third marriage. The feeling of being cursed wouldnt leave her, though she was working on pushing past the idea. She was deeply in love with both Arthur and Linc, and they loved her, so marrying themor at least, legally marrying Arthurmade complete sense.

Before we delve into fripperies and decorations, we need to discuss a few other concerns. Arthur broke into the conversation before the ladies could get started.

Concerns? What other concerns? Jo looked at him, curiosity overriding her joy.

He set his teacup down on the mantle of the fireplace where he stood. You and Matthew are still at risk. If yesterday proved nothing else, it is the lengths Lord Downs will go toand I believe Matthew is the greater target.

Jos stomach flipped as his words took root. I thought our wedding would solve that issue?

It will prove to him you are not unprotected, that Matthew is not unprotected, and it will most certainly make things more difficult for him to get to youbut the truth is, Matthew is the key to his goals. I want to be certain he understands the lengths we are willing to go to ensure you are both safe. Arthur paused, taking a breath, then looked at each of the men in the room. To that end, I am asking everyone here to continue to help with their protection.

The men chorused a round of agreement and Jo flushed with delight. To have such friends!

Im certainly happy to contribute however I can, Lady PortridgeAmeliaspoke up as she patted her hip.

Jo was a little confused about that, or even why she might offer to help with protection.

Dont leave me out, Lady Flintshire, or Ros, chimed in.

Her husband growled softly, Absolutely not.

Im not suggesting I take a formal shift, but I can certainly wield a whip well enough to help offer her additional protection when needed. Ros glared at her husband.

Exactly, Ros. Amelia nodded. Her skills are excellent. I should know, since I trained her. She winked at Jo.

That certainly explained her earlier comment and motion. She must carry a whip with her regularly. Jo attempted to smile, though fear for her son made that challenging. Thank you all. I appreciate that you all are being so generous with your time.

Its nothing that many of us havent needed on our own journeys to love, Julia, or Lady Wolfington, said as she waved a hand around the group of ladies.

Still, thank you, all of you. It is critical, Jo, that you not make yourself or Matthew vulnerable by being alone outside of this house. Arthur glanced at everyone. I think the gentlemen can retire to my study to review the plans once more, while the ladies work on the wedding arrangements.

God yes! Lucifer set his tea down. I need a whisky.

Everyone chuckled as the men departed the room though Jo noted that Linc still moved gingerly. He should be in bed resting, but she had no doubt an argument would have ensued had she raised her concern when they had arrived earlier. There was no arguing with that man.

Free of the gentlemen now, Jo looked at the ladies. So, where do we begin?

Theo grinned. We should make a list of all the things we need to cover.

Lizzy, Lady Carlisle, pulled out a small notepad and pencil. Im ready to take notes.

Very well then, Julia grinned at them all. We should start with where the wedding will take place. A church, or at someones home? Perhaps Arthur or Lincs home?

Not a church. Jo refused to marry in a church for a third time. I think Lincs home would be perfect if hell agree. I want him to feel as much a part of this union as he is, even if he wont be on paper.

I want to offer our home as an alternative, Theo spoke up. I merely offer it for a few reasons. First, it is large enough to accommodate all of your guests easily. Second, and I speak from experience, if you have it somewhere other than your own house, it is far easier to escape when the time comes. And finally, Stone and I can take Matthew for a few days while you threehoneymoon. She winked at Jo with a smile.

Thank you, Theo. I am certain you offer sage advice, so I shall take you up on your offer as long as Arthur and Linc agree, though I suspect we shall keep the wedding to a few guests.

Excellent, now we should discuss the guest list, Julia pressed on. You can have as many guests attend the main ceremony as you wish. Then I would advise that you can be more selective about who joins you all for the second ceremony and wedding breakfast.

Jo considered her suggestion. It made sense, as many would be unaware of the second ceremony, including the priest who would marry them. I suppose I should invite my family to the main ceremony. Other than that, I would look to you all for guidance on who I should invite.

Theo tapped her lower lip for a moment. Julia, perhaps you and I should make a proposed guest list for Jo. Shes rather new to Society proper, so we want to be careful about who we include. It needs to be a few of our set who are of an unimpeachable reputation so Lord Downs cant claim the marriage isnt legal, but not so many that it doesnt feel exclusive. That will make having you and Arthur attend any social functions a boon while you are establishing yourselves.

Agreed, Julia said.

I appreciate all this help, ladies. I honestly do not have a clue who to include and who not to. Jo sipped her tea and shrugged a nervous shoulder.

Then we can reduce the list for breakfast and the second ceremony, as we said. Julia picked up a scone and plopped a dollop of cream on it.

I would choose to limit the guest list of both to those of you in this room. Perhaps my family as well, since not including them would be an absolute snub that my father would never let pass. But Im worried about what he might sayor do during the second ceremony. Jo cringed inside. If she was honest, she was worried about what he would do or say at either ceremony, but to deny him might well lead to him causing a greater scene ifno, whenhe found out about it.

Which option was the least painful to bear, in the end?

Marie, Lady Heartfield, cleared her throat. This is your third marriage. Considering he forced you into the previous two, Id say excluding him and your mother is a reasonable choice. Things are happening quicklyone might even think too quickly for them to arrive in time to attend. Perhaps youd like to include your sister, who I assume is in town, to keep that sense of family without sacrificing your joy?

Jo couldnt help but smile. It was a marvelous suggestion. Thats a brilliant suggestion, Marie! After all, her sister was happily married now, and while this third marriage might be unconventional she believed Becca would support her.

Not at all. I know a thing or two about being avantgarde and navigating interesting family members. A serene smile graced her face as she sat back and took a sip of tea.

Julia clapped her hands. Wonderful! Ladies, you are invaluable with your guidance and suggestions. Now on to the easier topics. We need to decide flowers, what our beautiful bride will wear and, of course, a menu.

Jo sat back in awe as the ladies continued to run through the gamut of decisions which needed to be made. All along they sought her input, and she was pleased with everything once they were done.

The wedding was planned.

Arthur looked at all the men in the room, one after another, as Linc stood beside him. I cannot say how much I appreciate you all being here for Linc and I. That said, I am afraid that around the clock protection seems to be in order. When they are here with Cooper, Im confident that will be enough, but should they absolutely need to leave, as limited as that may be, two of us should watch over them. He certainly hoped all of the wedding arrangements could be made by Jo and the ladies from the safety of Coopers home.

Agreed. Linc nodded, pleased with how his partner was handling the conversation. Well cover what we can, but will certainly need you all when we cannot. Linc shifted and winced. Which for me is the next few days. I fear my adventures yesterday have left me in less than full health.

Everyone murmured agreement.

I am concerned about Lord Downs. Have you considered approaching him to warn him off? Stonemere asked.

We intend to do just that, but feel it is best left until after the wedding, said Arthur firmly. Until she bears my name he will be a problem, and I see no point in alerting him to our plans prematurely. He glanced at Linc for his concurrence. He nodded, in full accord on this point. After all, theyd discussed this at length the previous night.

Very well. Stonemere gave a curt nod. Then we shall have to be extra vigilant until the wedding.

Thank you. Linc drew in a deep breath and clenched his teeth against the pain. Fortunately, the wedding is only a few days awayunless the women have run away with wedding planning in the other room.

The men all chuckled. They all knew their women were a lot of things, but they were not socialites to the extent that the wedding would take weeks to pull together.

At least, Linc hoped not.