Eight for Losing, One for Loving (Wicked Sons #9)

Chapter 17

Dearest Cat,

Good heavens, love, don’t take a pet. I won’t eat him! From all I hear, Felix Knight is a big boy and well able to look after himself. My intentions, as you put them, are entirely honourable, well mostly anyway. I cannot tell you my plans yet, dear friend, but you will discover them in time.

The next time you see your brother, do apologise for me on my father’s behalf. I have told him again and again that Ashburton and I will not suit but he refuses to heed me. It was most embarrassing the way he threw the two of us at each other yet again last week.

―Excerpt of a letter from The Lady Belinda Madox-Brown to The Most Hon’ble Catherine ‘Cat’ St Just, Lady Kilbane (daughter of The Most Hon’ble Lucian and Matilda Montagu, the Marquess and Marchioness of Montagu).

28 th June 1850, The Queen’s Head, Wrestlingworth, the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire border.

Leo threw the reins to the waiting ostler before jumping down from the Tilbury and going around to help Vi. Mau stepped off her lap before she got up, stretching luxuriously before following them inside. Jenny hurried after them and took Mau with her up to their rooms to unpack the case.

“Violetta!”

They looked up once inside to see Kitty hurrying down the stairs towards them, alight with excitement. She glanced from one to the other.

“I have a private parlour, come at once,” she said, taking Vi by the hand and towing her bodily along.

Vi cast Leo a look of amused resignation as he followed behind her.

“Norton, have tea and sandwiches brought. Oh, and some cake too,” Kitty said, apparently having commandeered Leo’s servant in his absence.

Norton disappeared, exchanging a rueful glance with Leo as he went. Kitty sat down and eagerly patted the seat to her right. “Well?” she demanded. “Why were you away so long?”

Leo glanced at Vi, who promptly turned scarlet. Kitty squealed with delight and leaned over, hugging Vi tightly before hurrying to Leo and kissing his cheek.

“Well done!” she said gleefully.

Vi made a choked sound. “Mama!” she reproached Kitty. “You are not supposed to be so delighted when a fellow ruins your daughter.”

“Oh, pish!” Kitty said, waving this away. “The two of you are made for each other. I’ve always known it, even if you did not. Besides, Reverend Harbottle has the special licence and is standing ready. What a dear he is. We had the most delightful time on the journey to town.”

“I can imagine,” Vi said wryly.

“Kitty, is he at the vicarage now?” Leo asked. “We must be married at once. I’m afraid there was a scene as we left. Mau caused rather a stir and is still in disgrace. I fear the scandal sheets will be full of it.”

“How exciting, I cannot wait to hear all about it, but I can do better than that. Reverend Harbottle is already at the church. Papa is here, darling,” she said, turning to Vi. “And he and the reverend are getting on famously. Papa has gone to look at the church with him. Apparently, there is an incised slab just inside the door, which he believes may be a memorial to one of Papa’s ancestors. Medieval, I think he said,” Kitty added vaguely.

“Then do you think we can be married today?” Leo asked.

Kitty beamed and nodded at him. “I am certain you can. What’s more, you even have a best man.”

Leo frowned, looking confused. “What do you mean?”

“Larkin is here. He was so intrigued by your letter that he followed me down here. He’s in the taproom, I think.”

Leo snorted. “Of course he is.” He got up and took Vi’s hand, kissing her fingers. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll leave you to your tea and sandwiches. I’ll be with Larkin until you are ready to go to the church.”

Vi nodded, smiling up into Leo’s face. “I won’t be long,” she assured him.

Kitty gave her a critical once over. “Indeed, that is a splendid gown, Vi. I have never seen you look more beautiful.”

Leo could not resist a smug grin as he left the room, for it was one of the gowns he had chosen for her.

As he made his way along to the taproom, he was not entirely surprised to hear laughter and the sounds of merriment. Leo stepped through the door and discovered Larkin at one of the tables, a pint of ale at his elbow, a cigar in his mouth and cards in his hand. He had evidently got up a game with some of the locals. To Leo’s relief, he noticed Larkin was only playing for small stakes, for he was an excellent player and could easily trounce the entire village if the mood took him.

“Leo!” Larkin leapt to his feet, embracing Leo warmly and clapping him on the shoulder. “You devil! I came all the way down here to see what you were about, only to find you gone. Happily, Kitty was here, so she explained all,” he added, waggling his eyebrows.

“Sorry to have missed you,” Leo replied, shaking his head with amusement as shouts of disapproval and impatient mutterings came from the other players. “It seems you have not been too bored.”

“Yes, yes, I’m coming,” Larkin said, sitting back down. “I’m never bored, Leo. Want a hand?”

Leo shook his head. “No, but I need you, so hurry up and finish that, would you?”

Larkin grinned. “Anything for you, old man.”

Leo sighed and ordered himself a pint and something to eat and waited for his friend to finish his game.

Half an hour later, the two men were sat in a quiet corner making their way through a large pile of ham and pickle sandwiches.

“So, she finally gave in,” Larkin said, regarding Leo with a smile. “Congratulations. I’m happy for you. It’s about time.”

Leo nodded, watching his friend closely. Larkin had gone off the rails for a while, drinking far too much and spending half his time hanging around with people who were as likely to murder him as buy him a drink, and the other half working all hours like a maniac. More recently, he seemed in good spirits, still working and playing hard, but drinking less and laughing more. Larkin had always been rather more romantic and sensitive than the rest of them and had been badly hurt by the woman he’d fallen in love with, who had been less than honest with him. Leo hoped he had put that behind him and was ready to move on, but he felt there was much Larkin wasn’t saying.

“Thank you, though I’m praying the debacle in Newmarket doesn’t come back to haunt us,” he said with a sigh. “If anyone asks, we were married before we left and were on our honeymoon.”

“Of course. You may rely on me to put things straight,” Larkin said, nodding gravely. “She’s a lovely woman, Leo. You’ll be happy, I’m certain of it.”

“So am I,” Leo replied. “But what of you, Larkin? What are you up to these days?”

“Oh, this and that, here and there,” Larkin said with a laugh. “I’ve just finished a marvellous painting. Best thing I’ve done in an age. Going to submit it for the Academy exhibition,” he added, and Leo got the impression he was keen to change the subject.

“That’s good. You’ve not been seen in society for a long time, though. Are you—”

“Another?” Larkin said, getting up and holding his empty glass aloft.

Leo sighed, nodding. Larkin clearly did not wish to talk, and he was not about to force the issue. All he wanted from this day was to marry Vi and make her his wife. He only hoped she would be ready soon.

Vi regarded the mirror Jenny held up, turning this way and that to admire her hair. It had been rather squashed by her bonnet and the journey and Jenny had redone it for the occasion.

“Oh, Jenny, it looks splendid, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Jenny beamed. “I was going to go to the garden and pinch some rosebuds, but then I thought we’d best not draw attention to the fact you’re not already married.”

Vi laughed and nodded. “A lovely thought, Jenny, but yes, you are quite correct. However, I feel far more like a bride with my hair done so prettily.”

“You look wonderful,” Jenny said, smoothing out the fabric of Vi’s gown.

It was the golden yellow walking dress that Leo had liked so much, and such a sunny colour it made Vi feel happy simply wearing it. Whenever she remembered his words, when he’d first seen her wearing it, she could not keep the smile from her face.

“I have something else for you, though.”

Vi turned back to Jenny, who grinned and revealed a small posy of white roses. “I’ll keep them hidden until we get to the church, but you can’t get married with no flowers.”

“Oh, how sweet of you! Thank you, Jenny,” Vi said gratefully. “I’m so pleased to have you as my maid.”

“Not half so pleased as I am,” Jenny replied with a snort. “Now then, we’d best get going or that man of yours will think you’ve done a runner.”

Vi laughed, happier than she could ever remember being, as she made her way down the stairs. Kitty was waiting for her, beaming happily.

“So beautiful, my darling daughter,” Kitty said, taking her hands and blinking rapidly.

“Mama! Don’t cry. It’s not supposed to be a special occasion, remember?” Vi said, glancing around to see if any of the other guests had noticed.

“Sorry, sorry, yes, I know. I shall save my tears for the church,” Kitty said at once, instantly repentant. “I sent word to Papa and Harbottle to stay at the church so all should be ready,” she added in an undertone.

Vi nodded, suddenly nervous, as she realised she really would be Mrs Hunt in a very short time. She drew in a breath, feeling her heart thud. Kitty gave her a sceptical look.

“You’re not changing your mind?” Vi laughed and shook her head. “Indeed, I am not. Just a little nervous.”

Kitty snorted. “I don’t know why, for you’ve done the bit most brides fret over.”

“Mama!” Vi murmured, blushing rosily.

Kitty smirked. “Come along. Leo and Larkin are already there. I sent them ahead half an hour ago, for Larkin appeared a deal too cosy in the taproom. We might never have winkled him out otherwise.”

Vi nodded, relieved to know Leo was already at the church. She followed her mama out to the waiting carriage and sat down beside her.

By the time they got to the church, Vi’s nerves had fled. Mama was right after all, she reflected with amusement. What was there to be nervous about? She was marrying the man she had loved all her life, safe in the knowledge that he would not be the reckless fool she had feared him to be, and yet neither would he be dull or chafe at restrictions she felt she must place on him. Instead, they would have fun and many adventures, and they would have them together, and whilst she still feared he might regret not having children if she failed to produce them, she did not believe he would ever hold it against her or love her less.

When they arrived at the church, Vi found her father waiting for her.

“Luke, isn’t she beautiful?” Kitty said, hurrying down from the carriage with a rustle of flamboyant blue silk as she ran to embrace her husband. Papa kissed his wife firmly, his arm going around her waist and squeezing before he looked up at Vi.

“Indeed, she is, Kitty. More beautiful than I ever remember seeing before. It must be because she is happy. You are happy, love?” he asked Vi, releasing Kitty and holding out his arms to her.

Vi ran to him, and he embraced her warmly. This man had been a father to her from the moment she lost her own and, whilst he was a quiet soul, he had been a strong and steadfast presence in her life, one to be relied upon.

“I am, Papa,” she told him sincerely. “I am so very happy.”

“Then let us go in and witness the beginning of your new life,” he said, holding out his arm. “Kitty, you had best go ahead, love. I shall bring her in on my arm.”

Kitty gave a squeal of excitement and then hesitated, turning to Jenny, who was dithering by the carriage. “Well, come along, my dear. Norton is inside too. You don’t want to miss it, do you?”

“Oh! No, my lady,” Jenny said with a gasp, and hurried after Kitty as fast as she could.

Vi laughed and turned back to look up at her father. “I’m so happy you are here,” she said sincerely. “Only I now realise how sad Leo must be not to have his own parents here,” she added with a frown.

“They are here,” he told her with a smile. “Your mama sent for them when she returned to town. They arrived half an hour ago. We also asked them if they wished for Bella to be here too, but they said we would never keep it quiet if Bainbridge was anywhere in the vicinity.”

“No, indeed!” Vi said, laughing, and so she was still as she walked into the church.

She met Leo’s gaze and saw his eyes twinkling with amusement and knew that their lives would be full of laughter if he had anything to do with it.

They stood before the Reverend Harbottle, who beamed down at them, his expression one of delight as he regarded them both.

“Dearly beloved,” he began, sounding as if he truly meant it.

The service was short and sweet and once more they had Kitty to thank, for she’d had the forethought to provide a gold ring for the occasion. Vi almost cried when she realised it was her own mother’s ring and had to abandon the ceremony for a moment to hug Kitty for the wonderful thought.

Then it was time to sign the register. Leo signed first, then Violetta signed her name for the last time as a single lady. She paused as she looked down to where the Reverend Harbottle had filled in the date of their marriage on the certificate.

“I’m sorry, it’s rather messy,” he said with apparent regret. “The pen splotched, and it looks for all the world like it says the twenty-fourth and not the twenty-eighth, does it not?”

He gave her such a look of innocence that Vi gave a bark of laughter.

Leo stepped forward and took the man’s hand, shaking it warmly. “Thank you, reverend, I shall never cease to be grateful to you.”

Harbottle grinned wider still, looking exceptionally pleased with himself. “I cannot tell you how happy I am to have been of help. I believe my wife will be proud of me this day, for she was a romantic soul. I’m sure she is looking down upon us and smiling.”

“I’m very certain she is,” Leo said. “And as for the roof you’re needing, get it done and send me the bill.”

Harbottle’s mouth fell open, and he gaped at Leo. “B-But Mr Hunt, I… I hope you do not believe that I… for one moment did any of this in the hopes o-of—”

“No, reverend, I certainly do not,” Leo said, patting his shoulder. “Which is why I shall be pleased to help you in any way I can. You need only ask.”

The reverend sighed, shaking his head in wonder. “And mygodwill supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in ChristJesus,” he said serenely.

Leo was about to turn back to Vi and escort his new wife from the church when Harbottle spoke again.

“I don’t suppose you’re looking for a country house, are you?”

Leo looked to Vi, who answered for him. “Here?”

Harbottle nodded. “One reason the church is in such a state of disrepair is that it sits on private land. It belonged to a noble family, but the last heir never married and there was no one to take it on when he died. The house is hidden behind the trees, but it has been abandoned for over a decade. It’s a beautiful place, a very fine house and just the sort of place newlyweds might like to raise a family,” he added hopefully.

Leo laughed. “Then we shall certainly take a look at it, sir. Thank you.”

“Thank you, Mr Hunt, Mrs Hunt, and I wish you many, many years of joy to come, wherever that may be.”

Whilst he knew Vi regretted they could not all celebrate together, Leo was not entirely sorry to wave their parents and Larkin away, back off to town. He’d been more than happy to see his parents in the church and grateful to Kitty for organising it, for his mother would have been devastated not to have been present when he finally shook off his bachelor status. As the eldest of his peers, she had despaired of him. At least he was free of her nagging him to find a wife. He knew too that Kitty was itching to organise some grand party to celebrate their nuptials soon.

He stood with Vi in the churchyard, her hand on his arm as their parents’ carriages turned a corner and disappeared. He looked down at her, finding her smiling up at him. She looked happy. Pride glowed inside him as he realised he had done that. He had made her happy, made her smile.

“I like it here,” he said, looking up and regarding the small churchyard.

The birds were singing, and the sun beat down warmly on his face. The church was not a fine one by any means, with nothing much to recommend it save its age and its vicar. Yet the place had a warm, friendly air about it, and they were close to Cambridge, with all its commerce and links to the city.

Vi nodded. “I do too,” she said thoughtfully. “Leo, might we just take a quick look at the house before we return to the hotel?”

Leo laughed, having half expected as much. He was eager to give his wife a proper wedding night despite having spent the past three days in bed with her, but he too was curious to see the house of which Harbottle had spoken. The vicar had shown them a private path that led from the church to the house, for the gates to the main driveway were locked.

“Just quickly,” Vi added, apparently reading his mind as her cheeks turned pink.

Leo bent and kissed her cheek. “Anything for you, love, but don’t be shocked if I ravish you among the ruins if you take too long.”

He leered at her, and she gave a little shriek and hurried along the path ahead of him. Leo laughed and then turned back to see Norton and Jenny standing side by side and grinning inanely. Leo smiled at them.

“We’re going to see the house Harbottle told us about. You two go back to the inn We’ll be along in a while,” he said, and hurried after Vi.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t, sir,” Norton called after him, cheeky blighter. Leo snorted, hearing their soft laughter follow him along the path.