Lord Phillip's Folly Page 8

  A little bit of brandy and some love from her had gone a long way to relaxing him. Still the shadow of doom loomed over them as they ventured closer to London and the eventual confrontation with her father and Lord Wolton.

  Phillip seemed to dismiss the threat. He believed the attack was only a random highwayman. He refused to listen to her pleas for protection for himself. Beth understood her husband was a marked man in mortal danger against evil forces he didn’t understand. The one thing she’d yet to share with him was the ugly truth about her background.

  It was that very negligence on her part that could cost him his life. She’d been a victim of evil since her mother’s death. Did her mother accidentally die as her father claimed or had she been a victim of despicable acts by Lord Wolton and his men?

  Phillip began to snore softly.

  Warmth stole through her as she gazed at his strong features. A man she’d summoned across a crowded ballroom. A man who’d given up his single life to spare her scandal. A man who brushed off danger as if it were commonplace. Sweet, naïve, Phillip. A man who was also her husband who now held her heart and their future in his hands.

  She’d still been reading the Bible Josie had given her. Jesus said that if his followers needed anything, they only had to ask. Was it really that simple? What did one ask a holy God? Lord, protect my husband and our marriage from the evil that threatens my first chance of happiness. I don’t want Phillip to ever regret his choice to make me his wife. I’m not even convinced of Your existence yet. Help me understand. I’m so tired of the evils of this world. Thank You for glimpses of heaven through marriage to this man.

  Arriving in London they got rooms at Grillion’s Hotel and immediately viewed a few potential residences.

  Phillip grew pale from the exertion and Beth begged off further visits so he could rest.

  ~*~

  Phillip was at a loss as to how to calm his wife’s fears. He enjoyed having her fuss over him. He wondered if the attack really had been intended for him. A notice of their marriage had been sent to the papers and if his suspicions about Wolton and Follett were correct, they would stop at nothing to eliminate him to get at his wife. He sent out missives to his friends in town to discover if any were around to render assistance. More than anything he longed to be back at Stanton Hall, watching his estate flourish and filling the rooms with laughter and the joy of family. His own family. A dream he’d never really held dear, but now…now he could not imagine any other future for him than to have Beth by his side and a passel of children running through the halls of their home.

  Thoughts of family brought about the concern about how his own parents and siblings would react to the news of his sudden marriage. Especially given the notoriety of the bride he’d acquired. He’d no regrets now. In spite of his earlier concerns he counted himself blessed to have a wife so in tune with him.

  The next morning Phillip summoned a modiste to attend to Beth in their rented rooms.

  “Please do not leave the hotel without me.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek.

  “But…”

  “Beth. It is not safe and we don’t know what your father or Lord Wolton might be planning. Honor me in this.”

  She straightened her shoulders and swallowed hard, but gave a nod of assent.

  He wondered how compliant she would be. On his way out the door, he admonished his valet to keep watch over the new bride.

  “Aye, m’lord. It shall be as you say.”

  Fenway handed him his hat and cane and with some trepidation, Phillip ventured out into society. His first stop was White’s, where he had requested Sir Michael Tidley and Lord Theodore Harrow to join him. They had been friends since university where they’d become acquainted through their mutual friendship with Marcus.

  “What, ho! Phillip, my good man, I didn’t realize the wind blew in that direction. Congratulations you sly dog.” Michael gave Phillip a hearty pat on the back, almost knocking him over as the force hit his injured shoulder.

  Michael was wiry in build, shorter than the rest of them, but made up for it in his quickness on his feet. Whether with sword or fists, he was definitely the man to have by one’s side in a fight. He was fearless and tenacious but there was a little of the devil-may-care attitude about him. He had dark hair and eyes and the unfortunate legacy of being baseborn. His mother was now deceased, as was his grandfather. Adrift in the world, he clung to his friends.

  “Well met, Tidley. Yes. It is true I am well and truly caught and when you meet my lovely bride you will understand why the attraction was hard to resist.” Phillip smiled as he sat down and raised two fingers to let the server know to bring them drinks.

  “I believe I spied her at your sister’s ball. Wasn’t she the one who mysteriously disappeared? Interesting how she’s now married to you.” Michael gave a wink before he casually looked around as if life were boring. “Did you fall madly in love and spirit her away to be your bride, thus stealing a march on all of us?”

  “Not quite the way it happened, but regardless, there is a very real danger I may have taken upon myself when I rescued her. I need help.”

  Theodore walked in, handed off his hat to the majordomo and gave the order for his own beverage. He sat as the drinks were brought. Once the footman left, Theo whispered. “I hate to say, ‘I told you so,’ Phillip, but when we last met, I did suspect you more attached to the young lady than you were willing to admit to.”

  Phillip smiled and lifted his glass. “I concede the point. Regardless of how this came about, I am content with my new bride and hope you will accept her and help me protect her.” He paused and tilted his head to Theo. “And no. I am not going to satisfy anyone’s curiosity about just how I managed to find myself married. I don’t need any more gossip than there likely already is.”

  “Why would you need us to help protect her? Isn’t that your job?” Michael asked.

  “I am also at risk. There was an attempt on my life on our return to town. I was shot, but wonder if I’d still be alive if it weren’t for the actions of her pet crow, Duke.”

  Michael had been in the process of sipping his wine when this last was said and the liquid spewed from his mouth. He quickly wiped away the liquid from himself and the table. “A pet crow? And here I thought I was strange for having a ferret for a pet. Is she a witch?”

  “She is not a witch. Yes, she has a crow. Why are you so superstitious? Ravens are kept at the Tower of London to ensure the safety of the monarchy. Think of it as more of a good-luck charm, although I don’t believe in such.”

  “If I recall, your bride is not only beautiful but charming. You married Lord Folly’s daughter and snatched her from the grasp of her affianced groom. Maybe that’s all a blessing for her, but not necessarily for you, my good man,” Theo stated.

  “I’ve yet to meet Lord Follett. Have some respect, Theo. The crow has proven to be more useful than I would have guessed. I wouldn’t be here now speaking with you and my bride would already be a widow, if it weren’t for that bird.”

  “You’re serious, aren’t you? Where were you injured?” Michael asked.

  “My shoulder. Thankfully I ducked before the bullet could pierce my heart.”

  Theo shook his head. “So, let me get this straight. You rescued the fair damsel in distress, stepped into the parson’s mousetrap with nary a by-your-leave to us, inherited a pet crow, and now find yourself tangled in a web of evil. You want our help to protect your marital bliss.”

  Phillip nodded.

  “What do you need from us?” Michael asked.

  “Has there been any news around town with regard to Follett or Wolton? Has anyone uncovered why they were so eager for her to wed that creep?”

  “I’ve heard nothing. Has Marcus uncovered anything?” asked Theo.

  “I suspect he’s still at Rose Hill but I will be sending him a letter.”

  “When is he due back in town?” Michael sipped his wine again but put the glass down as Phillip opened his
mouth.

  “Not sure. He may not be around much this season. Impending fatherhood has brought out his protective instinct.”

  Michael and Theodore grinned.

  “Marcus will be unbearable now that he’s about to be a father. I can only imagine how proud he must be.” Michael tapped his finger on the table.

  Theodore nudged Michael. “Should we be taking bets on how soon it will be before Phillip makes a similar announcement?”

  Phillip scowled at his friends. “If we cannot stay alive it will be a moot point.”

  Both Michael and Theo sobered up and bent their minds to figuring out just how to protect Phillip’s newfound bride. The discussion also centered on how to go about uncovering what was happening with Lords Follett and Wolton.

  ~*~

  “Fenway tells me you tried to leave.” Phillip sipped his tea while waiting for Beth to own up to what happened that morning.

  “I told Fenway and Elsa I should be safe enough if they both came with me. I’m tired of being cooped up.” She seethed inside at Phillip’s tight watch over her. He was in more danger than she was yet he was free to come and go as he chose.

  “We still don’t know if your father or Lord Wolton might try to take you back.”

  “What would be the point? We’re married. My inheritance is now yours. Even if I died the money wouldn’t revert to my father,” she protested.

  Phillip sighed and set his cup on the table. “I understand you chafe at the way men have hedged you in. I’m only trying to protect you until we are certain we are both safe. Then you’ll be able to shop with a maid and a footman with my blessing. But now I want you either here or by my side. Safe. I’d hate to return and find something had happened to you.”

  “That’s fine for you, but I have to wait to see if you will return. I pace, anxious that some terrible fate has befallen you. You’ve not recovered from your wound yet. You cannot adequately defend yourself.”

  Phillip reached to take both her hands in his. “I’ve spoken with some of my friends who are working to help us resolve this. Everything will work out. You’ll see.”

  “How can you have such faith?”

  “Faith?”

  “Josie spoke of trusting God for the future.”

  “Marcus has spoken of that as well. I only have faith in my own ability to survive. I am not without resources.”

  “But—”

  His finger pressed against her lips. “No buts. We will be fine. I never sought to have a wife but now that you are in my life I will do everything I can to see you safe. Trust me.” She nodded and he removed the finger. “I want to take you with me to visit my parents this afternoon. It is meant to be a private interview. They are not at home to guests.”

  “I’m too much of a scandal to traipse about society.”

  “I don’t know about that. I’m sure we stirred up some gossip with our hasty marriage on the heels of your disappearance but it will settle down. My father is a powerful earl. Most of the ton will not want to be in his black books for alienating me even though I am not his heir.”

  “You have great faith in his powers.”

  “I do, even though my parents may not always understand me. I’m their ne'er-do-well son.”

  Her eyes grew wide. “What? You?”

  “It’s hard to live down my wilder days as a young man about town. Drinking, gambling, races… I was not in their good graces for some time. They still seem to view me that way. They’ve not visited Stanton Hall or understand that I am independently secure. Not wealthy by any means, but thanks to Marcus, I’m in better shape than I ever was. My father still insists on giving me an allowance. It’s gone into an account. I don’t spend it.”

  “I can’t understand how they would fail to appreciate how good and honorable you are.” She reached up to caress his cheek.

  He gave a wry grin. “See, I even have you fooled.” He winked at her. “Shall we go and scandalize them some more?”

  Beth sighed. How could his parents not notice what a noble gentleman Phillip was? “Do you think they will shun us?”

  “No. My mother will be crowing about my finally choosing a wife and start hinting at grandchildren. My father will likely lecture me on my new responsibilities as a husband and that I need to ‘mend my ways.’ He has never realized I had mended those years ago.” He assisted her to her feet.

  Elsa brought her shawl and parasol. Fenway handed Phillip his hat and cane and together they strode out to meet their carriage.

  He helped her inside.

  “Have you obtained more servants?”

  “Consider them a protection for us both given what happened.”

  She nodded and settled back against the squabs for the short journey to the Manchester house. Phillip exited first and helped Elizabeth step down. She shook out the skirt of her day dress trimmed in lace. She was grateful the modiste had some ready-made dresses that could be quickly altered to fit her.

  “You are beautiful. Don’t be afraid, my dear,” Phillip whispered.

  She placed her hand on Phillip’s extended arm and together they took the steps to the front door that opened as they reached the top landing. A butler ushered them in, taking her parasol and Phillip’s hat and cane. She glanced around at the vestibule of the home, even more imposing than the night of the ball when she’d been swallowed amongst the many people entering. The butler cleared his throat before escorting them to a drawing room.

  I can do this for Phillip.

  “Lord Phillip and Mrs. Elizabeth Westcombe to see you.” The butler’s intonation boomed with importance.

  Beth fought back a giggle at being the center of attention as they entered the room.

  The door closed behind them.

  “Mother. Father. I’d like to introduce you to my bride, Mrs. Elizabeth Westcombe. Beth, these are my parents, the Earl and Countess of Manchester.”

  Beth managed a graceful curtsey the appropriate depth for their status. She remembered them vaguely from the night of the ball. Was that only a little over two weeks hence?

  An elegant lady approached. Phillip’s mother. “Oh, Phillip,” she gushed, “she is lovely.” Lady Manchester turned to Beth. “My dear, welcome to the family. You understand how shocking we found this news of your marriage to my son after your unseemly disappearance. I’m still not sure how this all came about. We didn’t even realize he was courting anyone.”

  A loud harrumph came from across the room. “Sure, would like to know how it happened,” the grumpy sounding earl said.

  Phillip escorted Beth to his father. “My father, the Earl of Manchester, may I present my bride, Mrs. Elizabeth Westcombe.”

  The older gentleman rose and stared up and down at Beth. She fought the urge to fidget. Suddenly he smiled, picked up her hand and placed a kiss above it.

  “I’m not pleased with the circumstances surrounding your marriage. No banns. Whenever did a Westcombe do such a thing? But you might just be the making of my son. Come, sit, Elizabeth.” He escorted her to a chair and Phillip and his mother followed.

  Back straight, Beth struggled not to giggle again. The entire situation was preposterous. She was a baron’s daughter and came from a horrid home life that made living in the stews of London seem like a vacation palace.

  For the few balls she’d attended in town, she had no polish or training and only a short time at boarding school. Her mother died when she was young and she had little interaction with her peers. She was not worthy to be even a second son’s wife. It was beyond silly. Phillip carried his regal bearing in every action. She was the imposter here.

  Why had she agreed to this marriage? She glanced over at her husband who gave her a warm smile promising his love. And at night, she didn’t need to pretend anything, for his attractiveness could not be denied. So how did she end up being fortunate enough to wed him? It still befuddled her.

  “Phillip? May I meet her now?” The cry came from the door which was now open again.

 
Phillip rose to bring his sister over. “Lady Penelope, meet my wife, Elizabeth.”

  Penelope gave a curtsy and sat next to Beth. “Oh, I remember you from my come-out ball. No wonder Phillip fell in love with you. You are beautiful.”

  “Well, I’m not—”

  “—she’s not accustomed to being gushed over, Penny.”

  “Oh, but we are sisters now and we can go to balls together and Mama won’t have to shadow my every step.” The last was said in a conspiratorial whisper.

  Phillip shook his head. “Pen, we’re not sure how long we’ll be able to stay in town.”

  Lady Manchester interrupted. “Why? Why would you leave? It’s the height of the season and you need to introduce your bride amongst the ton. Almacks. You need vouchers for there…”

  “Mother...” Phillip warned. “Pen, as much as I’m delighted to see you—”

  “Elizabeth is notorious right now, and it might not be to your advantage to be seen in your company, Penelope,” Lord Manchester intoned.

  The young woman blushed and Beth’s face grew warm. She looked down at her hands folded demurely in her lap. Glancing at her husband, his expression betrayed no emotion.

  “This will all blow over soon.” Lady Manchester reached over to pat Beth’s knee. “Once it does we will all be comfortable and enjoy the season.” Glancing at her husband she continued. “Lord Manchester is correct, Penelope. We do need to make sure Phillip’s precipitous plunge into the matrimonial waters do not hinder your own search for a suitable husband.”

  Phillip cleared his throat. “Where is the rest of the family?”

  A look was exchanged between the earl and countess.

  “So, the second son’s marriage does not warrant a full family gathering? Or is everyone piqued at my failure to wed at St. George’s?”

  “It was an insult to us all to read of your nuptials in the Times.” His father’s voice was now low and disapproving in tone.

  Beth shivered as a fissure of fear flowed through her. She met Phillip’s gaze and found comfort there.

  “Father, I am certain when the whole is explained to you, you will agree I acted in a way that was honorable and in keeping with the values you instilled in me.”