Desperate Bride Read online

  “What will you do?”

  Thomas smiled. “It so happens we know a duke living in Scotland.”

  Daniel smiled too but he was shaking his head.

  “I know you think me mad.”

  The earl shrugged. “She’s a good girl. No frills about her. She will not send you to the poor house over bits of ribbon and lace but she may bankrupt you with the purchase of musical this and that. I am worried that the way this marriage is to be carried out will open the two of you up to a world of censure.”

  “The ton shall have their gossip for a while and then they will forget and we will go on as any married couple does.”

  Daniel shook his head. “I hope you are right, Tom. I really hope that for your sake you are right.”

  * * * *

  Dory’s voice was unsteady as she admitted, “I think Mr. Wheel has changed his mind.”

  Sophia rose and closed the door to her parlor against any ears that might be listening. Servants could sometimes carry gossip to the worst places. “I am sure that’s not true, but what makes you think so?”

  “I sent him a note two days ago, indicating my engagement is imminent and I have not heard a word from him. Perhaps he has come to his senses.” She sighed, and all her dismay pressed out of her lungs in the tiny noise.

  Sophia rang the bell for her maid. A few moments later a young woman with dark hair and eyes opened the door and said, “Yes, my lady?”

  “Thank you, Anne. Is his lordship in the house?”

  “I believe so, ma’am.”

  “Would you ask him to join me here, please?”

  The girl curtsied and fled.

  “Where is Marie?” Dory asked.

  Sophia had brought a maid with her from Philadelphia when she arrived in London. Marie had continued as her maid when she married so her absence was surprising.

  “We’ve promoted her to housekeeper. She’s capably running the entire house ever since Mrs. Wallace retired,” Sophia said.

  Dory’s eyebrows rose. “An American housekeeper must have been quite a change for the staff.”

  “They are bearing up very well.” Sophia smiled.

  A firm knock sounded on the parlor door heralding Daniel’s arrival. He strode in and kissed his wife’s cheek and took her hand, before noticing her guest. “Dorothea, how delightful to see you.” He bowed.

  Dory stood and made a small curtsy. “How do you do, my lord.”

  Daniel smiled. “I have learned from my stunning and wise wife that in the privacy of one’s home, when no one can hear, we should call our friends by their Christian names. I would be honored if you would count me as your friend.”

  She brightened, “Thank you, Daniel. It is an American custom I am quite fond of, just as I am fond of your wife.”

  “The two of you will make me blush,” Sophia said.

  Daniel kissed his wife’s hand still clutched in his. “I assume I have been summoned for more than a salutation, my love.”

  “Yes. Has Thomas changed his mind about marrying Dory?” Sophia was as direct as ever.

  Dory wished she could climb under the settee and disappear.

  Daniel’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “I do not believe so. I spoke to him yesterday and he was making plans for the happy day.”

  Dory breathed out in a huge sigh she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

  Sophia frowned. “Why has he not answered Dory’s note?”

  “That I cannot say. He received the note when I was in his company and he set several of his plans into action. Perhaps he does not believe a response is necessary until he can relay those plans. Did you request an immediate response, Dory?”

  “I did not,” she admitted.

  Daniel came and sat on the chair in front of Dory. “I have learned during my short marriage that men and women are different in their expectations. I am sure that Thomas will contact you as soon as he has something to impart but probably not before.”

  “Thank you, Daniel. You are very kind.”

  The earl’s mouth turned down in a frown. His focus grew far away for a moment before his gaze returned to Dory. “Forgive me, Dory, but we are friends, and just as I did with Thomas I shall caution you in the same manner. This elopement will be infamous. You will find a great deal of censure when you return to London and will not have the benefit of a title to hide behind. I fear you will both lose a great deal by entering into this marriage.”

  Dorothea sat up straight in her seat and raised her chin. “I appreciate your concern, but I believe the risk is worth taking. I don’t care about the titles as others might.”

  His lips tipped up in a half grin. “Please don’t think me a snob, Dory. I have been friends with Thomas for many years. He is like a brother to me, just as your brother is. I would do anything for Thomas, Markus, or Michael. My life would not be half as rich without them as my closest friends. I only worry that once the gossip begins, you will both find life in society difficult, and that can put a strain on any marriage, especially when you will not have the support of your family.”

  A tear escaped Dory’s eye. “Forgive me, Daniel. I am far too used to having to defend myself and I forget who my true friends are. I know you want to protect me. Thomas and I are lucky to have such wonderful support from you and Sophia. My brothers may support our marriage. Adam is still young, but Markus has long been the only relative whom I trust. You are correct, my parents will likely disown me when the news reaches them.”

  He was nodding. “Except for Markus that is a probable outcome.”

  “If I did not believe Thomas and I could make an amicable marriage I would not go through with this. He is kind and we have much in common. I am determined to go ahead with our plan.”

  “You may be sure you will continue to have our support regardless of how the rest of the ton responds to your nuptials.”

  “Of course, we are on your side.” Sophia rushed over, knelt in front of Dory, and took her hands. “We will do whatever you need in the days and months to come.”

  “Thank you.” Tears managed an escape and Dory brushed them aside.

  Chapter 4

  On Wednesday morning, three days before the Flammel ball was to take place, a note arrived.

  Tonight, at Southerton’s. If you leave your trunk in the gazebo near the back of your garden I shall have it picked up. All arrangements have been made.

  T.

  Heart beating wildly, Dory called her maid. Was she really doing this? Could she, after years of playing at being disobedient, be such a woman? A lifetime with Thomas Wheel. The idea was heady, but not terrible. Mrs. Thomas Wheel did not sound bad at all.

  She sat on the edge of the bed and smoothed the coverlet, tracing the stitching and letting her mind wander. This was madness, but the alternative was crazier still.

  Her maid scratched at her bedroom door and entered.

  “Emily, I need your help.”

  Emily crossed her arms over her chest. “What’s wrong now? Has that father of yours done something we must cover up?”

  “It’s far worse than that. He plans to sell me to a man three times my age to get himself out of debt.”

  Emily’s dark curls shook with temper and she stomped her foot. “I know he’s my employer, but that man is no good.”

  Sighing, Dory patted the bed next to her. “Sit with me a moment, Emily. I have a plan, but I will need your help.”

  “What can I do?” Emily sat and took Dory’s hands.

  “Thomas Wheel has agreed to marry me. It’s my only escape and I think maybe my only chance at happiness. Well, if not that, then at least I will have my music.” A weight pressed against her chest. She might be making a terrible mistake, but a life with Hartly was certain doom.

  Eyes wide and face pale, Emily shook her head. “You’ll be ruined, miss.”


  “I will be safe with a man who is good and kind rather than one who is an even worse version of my father. At least father doesn’t chase the servants. I have heard rumors about Hartly.” She shivered.

  Emily squeezed her hands. “What do you need?”

  “I need a small trunk packed and put in the gazebo.”

  A tear rolled down Emily’s cheek. “I will take care of it.”

  “What is wrong?”

  She shook her head and dashed the tear away. “I will be sacked, is all.”

  Dory hugged her, her heart full. “You do not think I would let mother put you out on the street do you, Emily? Pack your own trunk too and see that you are ready when the carriage comes for it.”

  “What will your husband say?”

  It was a good question. “I do not know, but we will see what Mr. Wheel is made of.”

  Leaving Emily to do the packing, Dory went in search of her mother. She found the countess in her private parlor writing letters. “Oh, Dorothea, I am so glad you’re here. Do you think it impertinent to invite Prince George to your wedding?”

  Her gut twisted. “It is high handed, Mother. We are not close personal friends with the prince. I had hoped for a small wedding with as little fuss as possible.”

  A crease formed between Margaret Flammel’s eyes. “You have obligations as do we all, Dorothea. You will marry as befits a countess.”

  “Of course, Mother.” Dory waited for her mother to return to her letter writing. “I would like to go to Southerton’s tonight.”

  Margaret put aside her writing. “I had the distinct impression you dislike large fancy balls like Southerton’s.”

  “I do, but I know you enjoy them and as I am soon to leave this house, I thought it might be nice to go together.”

  Cocking her head, Margaret examined Dory. “I think it is a wonderful idea. We have not attended one of Lady Southerton’s balls in some time. It will be a good opportunity to be seen in public before your marriage.”

  Dory wished for a relationship with her mother filled with more than lies and posturing, but it had always been this way. Her mother used her to get back at her father and for social status and Dory used her mother’s vanity and social climbing to get what she wanted. They had been playing the same games since Dory was a child and she didn’t know how to stop. “I had better prepare if we are to get there early enough to make an impression.”

  Margaret looked at the clock. “I have a few letters to write. Half the day gone. We shall manage to be ready before eleven, Dorothea.”

  “Of course we will, Mother.”

  * * * *

  The ball at Southerton’s was a crush of people all vying for the attention of this one or that. As soon as they arrived, Margaret found a passel of women with whom she was acquainted. “Go dance with the Earl of Ridgley, Dorothea. Do not waste the evening. We can make a few advantageous connections before you take your vows.”

  It sounded as if she were joining a convent rather than marrying. Dory left her mother and wove her way through the crowded ballroom. The heat swamped her, and between that and her nerves, a wave of dizziness swept over her. Gripping a column, she steadied herself before making for the garden doors.

  She was steps away from fresh air. A hand closed around her wrists.

  Sanford Wormfield gripped her hard enough to leave a bruise. “Lady Dorothea, where are you going in such a hurry?”

  Her head rang with Thomas’s warning to stay away from this man. “I do not believe we have been introduced, sir. Therefore, you have no right to accost me in such a way.”

  When he smiled the scar on his face deepened to purple. “Oh, but you know who I am and I certainly know you. My employer has an interest in you and so I am at your service.”

  “Are you trying to scare me, sir?”

  “Why would I want to do that?”

  The syrup in his voice nauseated her. “I have no idea, but you are holding me hostage and I do not know you. Unhand me before I scream for help.” Dory prayed he did not wish to be discovered. She knew she didn’t, but her choices were limited.

  He leaned in until his face was an inch from hers. He smelled of day-old tobacco and cheap whisky. “If you dance with me I will leave you in peace.”

  “I do not dance with strange men.”

  Letting go of her, he bowed low. “I am Sanford Wormfield. I am the assistant to the Earl of Hartly. Certainly, you can spare one dance for a man who is practically family.”

  “Where is his lordship?” She searched the room.

  “Playing cards with your father in the parlor. You see, we are already closer than you think.”

  There was something evil about Sanford Wormfield. His stink turned her stomach while his stare sent chills down her spine. “I will not dance with you. It would cause a scandal and I have no use for being the center of gossip. Now, walk away, Mr. Wormfield, or I will scream and bring the entirety of this ballroom down upon you.”

  Danger flashed in his pitch eyes. He bowed. “Until we meet again, Lady Dorothea. I’m sure once you are under Hartly’s roof, you will form a different opinion of me.”

  He was not a full step away from her before she bolted for the garden. She ran down the verandah steps. Looking back, she tripped and had to catch herself. There was no sign of Wormfield, so she slowed her pace to look for Thomas.

  Inside the ballroom, the ladies and gentlemen feigned prudence, but in the garden was a different story. The property had an elaborate garden with a maze of high shrubbery and alcoves. Benches were tucked away at the edge of the path. Dory couldn’t find a bench or niche where couples didn’t steal a kiss or more. She longed to run as far away as she could. She wanted no part of this world she’d been born into. Skirting a man with shiny Hessians and a long mustache, she bumped into a rotund woman whose dress dipped low enough to expose the pink of her areola.

  The woman smirked at her before returning her attention to a young man who kissed the top of her breast. Smothered by the flesh of her bosom, he moaned.

  Dory excused herself and ran farther into the garden’s dark pathways and towering shrubs. Her heart pounded and she trembled. Images of men and women in various embraces flew past her as she ran.

  Thomas stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

  She clutched her chest trying to catch her breath.

  “What’s wrong?” Dressed for Southerton’s, he wore tan knee breeches and a crisp white cravat tied in the traditional style. He held his hat under his arm.

  “N-nothing. Why would you think something is wrong?” Swallowing her panic, Dory pulled her shoulders back and clutched her satin reticule.

  “Well, you were running as if the devil was chasing you. Were you running away from something or toward it?” His blue eyes bore into her.

  “I have no response that will not make me seem like a complete fool.”

  His grin was addictive and revealed straight white teeth. Stepping in closer, he took her elbow. “You need not do this, Dory. I will not hold it against you if you have changed your mind.”

  Hartly’s rotting, crooked smirk flashed in her mind. That image and the moments with Wormfield in the ballroom were more than enough to keep her mind made up. “I have not changed my mind. If you are still willing, I want to go with you.”

  He led her even deeper into the maze of shrubbery and paths. “Do you not even want to ask where I am taking you?”

  “It does not matter.”

  “But it will at some point, Dory. You are afraid now. You want to get away from a terrible situation. I understand, but at some point, you will open your eyes from this nightmare and find yourself married to me. You will be Mrs. Thomas Wheel. If that is another kind of nightmare for you, then you have given up far too much to achieve it.” He said it all like a businessman, but underneath was worry and sorrow.
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br />   Dory threaded her fingers through his. Even through their gloves, he warmed her. Tugging his hand, she pulled him off the main path and into a private niche cut into the shrubs. “You are not a nightmare, but my savior. Forgive me if I looked less than enthusiastic, but this is an insane thing we are about to do. I have always been a willful daughter, but this is something altogether different.”

  He brushed a stray hair off her cheek. “And again, I must say, you need not do this.”

  “The alternative is unacceptable.”

  “I agree, but perhaps you can talk to your parents and find another solution.”

  A wave of nausea swamped her. “You do not want to marry me. Of course, how could you? Forgive me for putting you in this position. I am a terrible person to have done this.”

  “Dory, marrying you is the only part of this plot I like. Believe me when I tell you that if I had a title to offer you, I would have proposed last year. My only concern is for you. This will ruin you. Being Mrs. Wheel is not the same as being the daughter of the Earl of Castlereagh. Marrying beneath your station will gain you nothing but the censure of the ton.”

  “Thomas, I want to marry you.” Her head swam with emotions. This man could save her. Kind and handsome, he would stand by her no matter the consequences. She’d never had that from either of her parents.

  Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes. When he opened them, the intensity was enough to make her heart skip a beat. “Then I suggest we go before you are missed.”

  “I left a note for my parents. I don’t want them to think you’ve kidnapped me. The butler will find it before Mother arrives home from the ball tonight.” She hated the way her voice shook.

  He wrapped a loose lock of her hair around his finger and leaned closer. “That was wise as long as the butler doesn’t find it too soon.”

  It was hard to catch her breath with him so close and so large. He towered over her, yet there was no threat of him harming her. A perfect gentleman in every way, Thomas would see she was safe. Though the way his gaze devoured her, she doubted herself. “My parents’ house runs like a clock, everything the same, every day. Ward, the butler, will check my father’s study at precisely two in the morning to verify that it is tidy and the brandy decanter is full for when my father arrives home. On Wednesday, Father will pull in around three o’clock.”