The Baron's Blunder (Love Is Book 10) Read online

  His valet strode into the room. “Your bath is almost ready, m’lord.”

  “Thank you, Jenkins.” Charles began to untie his cravat and the valet assisted him in removing his coat and boots. Soon his body was clean and his stomach was satisfied and he climbed into bed. His last night alone. He fell asleep with a smile as he thought about the future with his beautiful wife by his side.

  * * *

  The next morning, Henrietta had eaten and was dressed and ready. Lady Grey fluttered around and last night had explained the wonders of the marriage bed to her. The new bride wasn’t as afraid of what might happen given some of what Lady Grey shared. It seemed that those kisses could be a precursor to more wonders in store. She could hardly wait. Lord Charles Percy was after all, a handsome man and his kisses were quite delightful.

  Soon Marcus was before her to escort her to the chapel where her groom awaited.

  “I wish Jared were here,” she whispered.

  “Perhaps you’ll see him when you go to France. I’ve written him to inform him of the happy news and your destination.”

  “That would be wonderful. Thank you, Marcus. You are the best big brother a girl could ever have.”

  “You say that now that I have no authority over you.” He grinned. “I love you too, Henri. Father and Mother would be proud of the young woman you’ve become and your choice of life mate.”

  “I’d like to think so. Lady Grey said something similar as she helped me prepare.”

  “We are blessed to have her.”

  “Yes.”

  They arrived at the door of the chapel. Henri futzed with her skirt, a pale green with lace overlay that was comfortable and elegant all at once. Daisies made up the bouquet she held in her hand.

  She walked down the aisle with her brother and was handed off to Charles who looked dashing in his suit. The ceremony went on forever with words from the vicar’s prayer book as well as psalms being read. All she could do was wait for it to be over. Her feet ached from standing so long. Once all had been done and vows spoken they were presented as husband and wife. Charles led her down the aisle and soon everyone followed.

  They headed to the house and all Henri could long for was his kiss. They were wed. The waiting was driving her mad. As they passed a room she dragged her husband inside and locked the door behind them.

  “What…?” Charles asked.

  “I can’t wait any longer. You promised.” She put her arm up to draw his face towards hers and their lips met in a delightful dance.

  Charles held her close, averting his face. He breathed heavily. “You don’t understand what you do to me.”

  She gave a sly grin. “I have some idea.”

  “An eager bride.” He grinned. “We owe it to your brother and aunt to dine with them. Then we will take off for my estate and all the kisses you want.”

  “Oh, but I want so much more…”

  Charles shook his head. “We’ll dine first.”

  Henri pouted and then grinned as well. “Fine. We eat and leave. As soon as possible.” She unlocked the door and dragged him to the wedding breakfast which lasted far too long for her.

  * * *

  Charles helped his wife into his coach. Wife. He savored the word. Miss Allendale had become Lady Percy, Baroness. Sharing the carriage with them was her pet parrot, Peaches. As Charles sat next to his bride, the bird in the cage on the seat across from them squawked, “Pish, posh!”

  “I may need to have my butler or housekeeper work with the bird to learn some new phrases while we are on our honeymoon.”

  “We can’t take her with us?”

  “Sorry, but our crossing is going to be far less comfortable than you’re used to.”

  “I thought the Black Diamond wouldn’t want me anymore now that I’m wed.”

  “We can’t be certain of that so we will sneak out of the country.”

  Her face fell into a frown.

  With a finger he brought her face to face with himself. “Listen, sweetheart, whether he was after you or not, the reality is, I love you and our marriage would have hopefully happened in time. So what if it was quicker than normal. I hope to prove to you that it was well worth it to place your heart, your life, and your future in me.”

  “That’s not true. I placed all of those in God and He led me to you. Now you said you delighted in the truth?”

  “Yes…”

  “Well, so do I and the truth is, I delight in your kisses and cannot think of a better way to pass our time.” She leaned forward and he wrapped his arms around her.

  He gave further affirmation of her plan in action instead of words.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  After a few short blissful days at her new home, Henrietta was awakened by her dashing husband. “But we just…”

  “Shhh. I know. We’re sneaking out.”

  “Why?”

  “In case the Black Diamond has an informant in our midst. Here. I have some clothes for you to put on.”

  She picked up the shirt and trousers. “Seriously? You want me to wear these?”

  “I do. Now hurry. I have a cravat we can use to help disguise some of your more, um, obvious feminine attributes.”

  “But what about my hair?”

  “We’ll tuck it up under a cap.”

  “Our trunks?”

  “I already sent them on ahead with my valet and your maid. They are to meet us in France at our designated location.”

  “Can they be trusted?”

  “I believe so but we’ll be careful. I suspect once we are out of the country the threat will no longer be an issue. You wanted a honeymoon on the Continent but hopefully this will be an enjoyable adventure.”

  “A tale for our children someday.” She slid on the pants and he assisted with binding her chest. Once dressed and her hair obscured he handed her an older long, dark coat. She pulled on her boots which would probably pass for a man’s given the larger size of her feet. She stood before him. “Well? Do I pass?”

  He shook his head. “Don’t look at me like that.”

  “Why?”

  “You tempt me to delay our trip and we cannot afford that. I’ll need to treat you as a man.” He handed her a gun to tuck into her pocket. “Ready?”

  “As ready as I could be, I suppose.”

  They snuck out the back door and past the barn to a side lane where a carriage awaited.

  Michael came forward to greet them. “Come, we must hurry.”

  After climbing into the carriage, it jerked to a start and soon they were on their way.

  “Anything else I need to know about our journey?”

  “Hopefully not.”

  Upon reaching the coast they left the horses and carriage at an inn, grabbing a bite to eat before taking off on foot through some woods. Sir Michael led the way through a clearing to a rundown building with the door partially off its hinges.

  Once inside she recoiled at the amount of dust and the sight of a mouse running for cover. She restrained herself from screaming. The day had grown quite warm so they all took off their coats. A moth-eaten mattress was on a pallet in the corner and two rickety chairs were near the empty fireplace.

  “I think you minimized the austerity of our lodgings, Michael,” she griped.

  Charles stretched his coat out on the mattress. “Get some rest. We’ve a long night ahead.”

  “You want me to sleep here?”

  “The floor is probably filthier and at least this has some cushion.”

  “What about you?”

  “Michael and I will catch some sleep in the chairs, each taking turns at keeping a watch out for suspicious activity.”

  She turned toward the knight. “This really is what you do for a living?”

  Sir Michael put his finger up to his lips. “Shh. The less you understand the safer you are.”

  “Charles, this isn’t the normal work you do?”

  “No. I’ve as much experience as you do with eavesdropping for our count
ry and that’s as far as it’s gone up till now.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’ll explain more when we are across the channel.”

  She sat down and curled up on her husband’s coat. At least there was that barrier between her and whatever was in that sorry excuse for a mattress. She soon fell asleep.

  * * *

  Charles and Michael stood outside, whispering.

  “I’m still not convinced of the wisdom of this plan.”

  Michael stared at him. “It’s really too late to turn back now.”

  “There is always a choice.”

  “Staying puts your wife at risk as well as yourself.”

  “If anything happens to me…”

  “I’ll ensure she gets to safety. But nothing will go wrong.”

  Charles sighed. “You want first watch?”

  “Sure. Get some sleep.”

  Charles returned to the cabin and rested. After two hours Michael awoke him and they switched places. Charles paced outside the cabin and kept an eye out on the terrain around which was mostly wooded. There was a view to the channel though and no dock there. How were they getting out of here? Anxiety welled up within him. Lord, help me to rest in You. Protect Henrietta. Somehow see this evil defeated in Britain.

  Darkness fell later than any of them would have preferred. They feasted on some fruit, cheese, and bread Michael brought. “You’ll need to wait until we get to France for the good brandy,” Michael joked.

  Soon they were headed out to the water as a small fishing vessel rowed in to them.

  “That is taking us to France?” Henrietta gasped.

  “It may not be the most comfortable but it is the least noticeable,” Michael assured her.

  Light came from the woods in the form of a torch. “Get her in the boat. Fast,” Charles whispered to Michael. The knight nodded and dragged Henrietta to the boat. Charles rushed at the intruder who dropped the torch as they wrestled to the ground. Charles managed to get the advantage and grabbed the man by his cravat. “Tell your master that his virginal sacrifice is now my wife.”

  “Where is she?”

  Charles shook his head and the man struggled again. A knife appeared and sliced into his back shoulder before he could escape its edge. Charles inhaled sharply at the stinging pain and let the man go. A gunshot echoed through the night, whizzing past his ear. The man’s eyes went wide with surprise as he collapsed to the ground. Charles winced and checked him. No pulse. He ran to the boat.

  As Michael pulled him in Charles whispered, “Thanks for the assist.”

  Michael shook his head. “Wasn’t me.” His eyebrows raised and he nodded toward Henrietta.

  Pain seared through Charles’s back. Henri’d likely be unhappy about this disruption to their honeymoon. He wasn’t too thrilled either. He fell into the spot next to his wife. “Thank you, my dear.”

  “You’ve been wounded.” She started to peel off his coat.

  “Just a little.”

  “Thought you liked the truth?”

  “Is it serious?” He began to feel the blood oozing out. He untied his cravat and handed it to her. She pressed it against his shirt and he ground his teeth against the pain.

  “Silly man. Good thing I’m a whiz at stitching. Looks like you’ll need a few.”

  Charles didn’t remember any more of the journey after that.

  * * *

  Light footsteps moved around the room. His shoulder ached and his shirt was damp. Covers weighed him down.

  “At least he’s not a grumpy invalid.”

  His wife. But who was she talking to?

  He forced his eyes open. “Henrietta?”

  She came to the bed and sat next to him. Surely she surpassed angels in beauty.

  “What happened?” His voice was raspy to his own ears.

  “I’ll explain later when you’re better. You’ve been sick and we are in Paris. We only arrived last night. Be careful not to move your left arm as we don’t want you to rip your stitches. That scar will likely be your first souvenir of our honeymoon travels.”

  Now he started to remember. The journey south and the attack. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “Taking such good care of me.”

  “You and Lord Hughes tried to convince me we would make a good team and I finally agree he is correct. But don’t ever do anything so silly again or it might be you I shoot next time.”

  Charles grinned at her. “Anything you say, sweetheart.”

  “That’s more like it. We’ll see how agreeable you are when we wean you off the laudanum.”

  “Come here.”

  She bent forward and he pulled her closer with his right arm and gave her a kiss to let her know without a doubt that he loved her.

  He expected a lifetime ahead filled with adventures in loving this woman.

  Thank You, Lord.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  It would be impossible to thank everyone who has helped me on my journey, so I apologize in advance for those I will miss. It doesn’t mean you are any less valuable and thankfully God keeps better track of those things than I do and His “well done, good and faithful servant” has more merit than any thanks written here.

  So here it goes. Special thanks to:

  Elisabeth Herman – you amaze me. Thanks for all the ways you’ve invested in me.

  Doris Pollard Wichern – one of my most faithful cheerleaders in this writing adventure.

  Lisa Lickel – thanks for being such a wonderful mentor, friend and shoulder to cry on when the publishing process throws me curveballs. I don’t think I would have ever taken that first step in this journey to publication without your gentle push.

  Andrea Boeshaar – my carpooling buddy, friend, prayer partner, “critter” and encourager. I’m blessed to know you!

  Pastors David Mundt and Ken Nabi – for your encouragement, support, and believing in me and the calling God has on my life.

  Sally Shupe – my faithful editor. Thank you for finding all those silly errors!

  Joan Alley – my beloved Editor-in-chief who continually supports my writing while allowing me the joy of helping others on their journey to publication. I’m grateful for our partnership and friendship.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits, and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Acquisitions Editor with Prism Book Group, specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.

  Susan speaks, teaches, and encourages others to follow God in being all He has created them to be. With her seminary degree in counseling psychology, a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as its craziness. She serves behind-the-scenes in various capacities at her church and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and serves on the board of the southeast chapter. Her favorite pastimes are lazy…snuggling with her dog while reading a good book or sitting with a friend chatting over a cup of spiced chai latte.

  You can learn more by following her blog www.susanbaganz.com, her Twitter feed @susanbaganz or her fan page, www.facebook.com/susanmbaganz

  Please enjoy this excerpt from Haven in the Woods,

  the next book in Prism’s Love Is series.

  The unmistakable drone of a motor laboring through the woods intruded on Robert’s peace and ruined his afternoon. He halted his binocular search for the young peregrine falcon he’d spotted, climbed down from his tree stand, and brushed off his jeans. Head turned, he tried to pinpoint the location of the sound. Down the ridge and to the right. Not a three-wheeler or sport vehicle. Definitely a car or truck, and one in need of a tune-up.

  Nobody but an occasional winter snowmobiler attempted to travel the overgrown, rutted access road, and then only after a heavy snowfall. But wintertime was months away. Curiosity about th
e unwelcome intruder and the sputtering car overcame his annoyance. Might as well have a look. Judging from the clattering of the engine, someone would need help or directions. Hopefully directions out of the forest, and back to so-called civilization.

  Please God, not someone looking for trouble or a bunch of drunk hunters planning a stay in the old cabin. Just somebody on the wrong trail. Please.

  Standing behind a large pine tree near the top of the ridge, he squinted between the thick branches while a vehicle lurched into his field of vision. A vintage pick-up truck bounced its way over the last ruts before it stopped a few yards from the old hunting cabin. The door of the structure hung partially off the hinges, and the few windows were intact but coated with dust.

  Robert parted some branches when the lone occupant exited the truck. Surprise flooded him. A woman. She appeared to be in her twenties, average height and weight, brown hair pulled up in a ponytail. A gray cat lay cradled in her arms, its fluffy tail giving slight twitches while it scanned its surroundings.

  Agitated bird calls sounded in the trees when the woman deposited the cat on the ground, and it began to explore, sniffing with frequent head bobs whenever it halted its cautious investigation. The woman stood, hands on hips, staring at the cabin for long still moments, while the birds continued to warn each other about the furry predator below. She strode to the door, steadied it, and pushed it open before disappearing inside.

  Robert rubbed his face then smoothed down his short beard hairs before shaking his head. A woman? By herself with only a cat? The way she walked into the cabin signaled confidence, like she belonged there. But nobody did, or at least not for many decades, from what he’d been told. He’d checked out the aging building when he first came to the woods, but it held nothing special. Just a simple log structure with some pieces of old furniture. Nothing to reveal who’d built it, or if they’d ever valued the place.

  The woman re-emerged, reached into the truck and hauled out a large box. Judging by her slow, careful steps, the box was heavy. She staggered inside with it. The open truck door showed an interior piled with belongings. His heart sank. Maybe she was just the first wave, and soon her friends, or husband or boyfriend would show up.