Chapter Eight

A rthur was nervous. In fact, he thought he might cast up his accounts at any moment. After all, it wasnt every day that a man called on the father of the woman whose hand he intended to ask for. Especially one who hadstrictly speakingrejected his offer.

But he couldnt sit by and do nothing. What if they lost Jo forever?

He looked over at the man with whom he had shared the beautiful womanthank God he had him by his side. If they did indeed lose their Wood Sprite, he wasnt sure where that would leave him and Linc. At least as friends, if nothing else, though he fervently hoped for more.

Hand shaking, Arthur reached up and knocked. The sound of the knocker rang out loud and true. Perhaps there was a bit more echo than there should be? He chuckled at his own flight of fancy as they waited for someone to answer their call.

Eventually the door opened, revealing an older woman who was tidy in appearance, despite her harried expression. What can I do for you, gentlemen?

Please tell Mr. Marshall that the Earl of Dunmere and Baron Lincolnshire wish to call upon him. Arthur waited a moment. Then a few more. But the woman hadnt departed to search out her employer to alert him to his guests. Is there a problem?

Mr. Marshall expressly stated he would not be receiving visitors today. Besides which, its far earlier than his normal receiving hours.

Well, I must insist you go find him. This is a matter of the utmost importance. Arthur stared at the woman, who simply stared back at him. The insolence!

Im afraid I cannot do that, my lord. The family is very busy this morning and are not to be interrupted. She seemed dead-set against delivering his message.

Linc stepped forward. Good morning, my lady. Do be a dear and tell us where Mr. Marshall might be found just now. He unleashed a dazzling smile on the poor woman.

Arthur had to fight back a snicker at how quickly she was bamboozled by Lincs smile and good looks. Women always seemed entranced by him, he thought as he shot his gaze heavenward in exasperation. All the same, he was not unwilling to take advantage of the mans ability to charm the ladies.

Oh well, Id dare say hes in his study, my lord. She smiled at him for a moment, but then quickly snapped back to herself. But you still cant go in there, my lords.

Linc dialed up the blinding smile. Surely you cannot mean to keep us from our very important business?

IIm sorry, my lords. But Im afraid I must. Her voice rose in pitch and she started wringing her hands.

Linc moved closer to her, closer still. Im certain he would wish to hear what my friend Lord Dunmere has to say. Suddenly he was easing her away from the door as they moved into the house. In fact, Im positive he would wish to speak to us. By that point, they were in the hall and Arthur was able to brush past the maid-cum-butler in search of the study. Youve been a gem. Now run along, so you dont get into any trouble.

With that, Linc fell into step just behind Arthur as they wandered down the hallway. After knocking on and opening a couple of doors only to find empty rooms, they knocked on one and gained a response.

I said I was not to be disturbed, a gruff voice barked at the closed door.

Arthur utilized Lincs more brazen approach, opened the door, and stuck his head inside. There you are. Right where one would expect you to be.

A startled man looked up. Eh? Who the devil are you?

Arthur stepped inside and allowed Linc to join him. The Earl of Dunmere, at your service. He swept a bow, straightened up, and waved a hand toward Linc. And this fine gentleman is the Baron Lincolnshire. Linc bowed as well and then rose. Ive come to speak to you about your daughter.

A speculative gleam came into the mans eye. Have you now? I imagine you spotted my lovely Rebecca in the village and have come to inquire about her availability?

Actually, I am here about Mrs. Josephine Fulton. I should like to ask for her hand in marriage. Arthur decided to get to the point, since the man was both mistaken about which daughter and had yet to offer them a seat.

All the little things Jo had mentioned were suddenly adding up. The chores she had to do, her fathers unwillingness to hire staff, the housekeeper answering the door in lieu of a butler, his forcing Jo to marry against her will: the man really was new money, though Arthur would wager they were just on the cusp and living above their means.

It was sad that the man chose to put money and status above the welfare of his flesh and blood. How had Jo turned out so innocent and kind?

The mans eyes dulled to a flat green shade that held no interest or care. Im afraid that one is spoken for. In fact, as a result of that, I am about to be on my way to London. The women already traveled ahead earlier this morning.

Arthur glanced at the clock on the mantle, aghast. Earlier that morning! It was only half-past eight, a ridiculously early hour for calls but a monstrous time to make ladies travel. He must have pushed the women out the door at first light. No wonder that poor maid looked so harried. Mr. Marshall, Im an earl. I can give your daughterno, both your daughtersaccess to my noble friends, and all that comes with it. I can even say I have a modest income that will allow me to support my future wife in comfort.

Youre too late. A deals a deal. She belongs to Whitestone now, or she will before the sun sets. The man stacked a few papers on his desk, not even deigning to look up.

But you must procure a license, Arthur pressed, his chest tightening with panic.

It was procured weeks ago. The wedding is today. Speaking of which, I need to leave. The man stood, revealing his bulging middle and less than impressive height. Unless youd consider Rebecca? Im yet to receive a satisfactory offer for that chit.

I told you, Im only interested in Josephine, Arthur growled at the repulsive man.

Suit yourself. Since you two managed to show yourselves into my home, I assume you can show yourselves out as well? He turned his back on them and gathered some documents from his credenza.

Furious, but with little recourse, Arthur and Linc strode from the room and the house. Outside, they mounted their horses and rode for Arthurs home in silence. The only question was, how quickly could they pack and get back to London? How would they even find her? And could they do it all in time to stop a wedding?

It was midafternoon by the time they reached town. Before leaving they had sent a telegram to their friend, Stonemere, before they caught the train and by the time theyd arrived in London, he had a footman waiting to meet them at the station with the address they required.

Determined to save their Jo, Arthur and Linc rode straight to the crumbling townhouse that belonged to the Marquess of Whitestone. Tossing their reins to a groom who happened to be out front, they raced to the front door and knocked soundly until the portal opened.

A butler appeared in worn, but immaculate livery. The uniform was likely of the finest quality twenty years ago, not unlike the man wearing it. Sirs, how may I help you?

We are looking for Mrs. Fulton, we were told she could be found here. Arthur resisted the urge to plow through the flimsy obstruction of a butler and search the house from attic to cellar for their Jo.

Im afraid Lord and Lady Whitestone are not home. Theyve left on their honeymoon. The devastating news was delivered in the blandest of tones.

Arthur reeled back. Only the steadying hand of Linc on his shoulder kept him upright.

Do you wish to leave a calling card?

Arthur felt his mouth open and close a few times, but no sound would come out.

Linc grabbed him by the shoulders. No, thank you.

They retrieved their horses and Arthur found himself heading somewhere. Where precisely, he did not know; Arthur merely followed Lincs lead.

Gone . She was married off. Their Jo, the woman he loved. She now belonged to another man. There was an ache in his chest where his heart should be.

As they arrived at his townhouse in the city, Arthur looked over to see Linc was just as upset. What do we do now?