Whirlwind Wedding

Austin's jaw tightened but he ignored the teasing jab. 'Did he know if this was her first trip to England?'

'She told him it was. He said that while she looked forward to arriving in England there was a definite sadness about her. He assumed it was because she missed her home, but she never spoke of it.' He flipped several pages in his notebook. 'I also tracked down Mrs. Loretta Thomkins, the traveling companion.'

Austin sat up straighter. 'What did she say?'

Miles looked toward the ceiling. 'What didn't she say? Hang it, the woman never stopped chattering from the moment she clapped her eyes on me.' He tugged on his ear-lobes. 'Good thing these are attached or she would have talked them off. I know more about that woman than anyone would ever care to know.'

'And I'm certain you'll only share the pertinent details with me.'

A deflated expression crossed Miles's face. 'As you wish, but damned if I like it that I'm the only one who has to know her life history.' Heaving a dramatic sigh, he consulted his book. 'According to Mrs. Thomkins, Miss Matthews-whom she referred to as 'that dear, sweet child'-moved in with distant relations on her father's side named Longren after her father's death.'

'Was she without funds?'

'Not destitute, but hardly wealthy. She was heartbroken after her father's sudden death. Miss Matthews told Mrs. Thomkins she hated living alone, so she sold the small house she'd shared with her father and moved in with her relatives. Apparently everything went along swimmingly until about nine months ago. That's when Miss Matthews packed her things and left.'

'What happened?'

'Mrs. Thomkins didn't know for certain, but she suspected a falling-out with the relatives as Miss Matthews never spoke of them and she changed the subject whenever Mrs. Thomkins brought them up. Whatever the reason, it greatly saddened Miss Matthews and made her determined and in Mrs. Thomkin's opinion, desperate to leave America.'

'Desperate?'

'Desperate to leave with no intention of returning.' Miles shrugged. 'Mrs. Thomkins was nothing if not dramatic. She also said that 'that dear, sweet child' was like a lost soul for the first few weeks of their voyage and that her heart went out to her.' He snapped his notebook shut and slipped it into his waistcoat pocket. 'That was as far as I'd proceeded with my inquiries before you summoned me back here.'

Austin pondered the information with surprise. What had made Elizabeth leave America so abruptly with no intention to return? Clearly there was more behind her trip to England than a simple visit with her aunt. Had there been a falling-out with her relatives? It seemed odd that she'd never mentioned them, but perhaps the memory was too painful to speak of-a concept he could well understand.

'Thank you, Miles. I appreciate your help.'

'You're welcome. Will you require any further assistance?'

'I don't believe so. Why don't you stay on at Bradford Hall for a few days after the wedding? Robert has returned from the Continent, and Mother loves having you underfoot. Caroline also.'

An odd expression flashed across Miles's face and Austin thought he was going to refuse the invitation. But Miles inclined his head. 'I'd enjoy the visit. Thank you. And now you must satisfy my curiosity. I'm confused about all the secrecy surrounding your request for information. Miss Matthews isn't wealthy by any stretch, but you're certainly not in need of an heiress. And even though she's American, she is still an earl's niece. If you were harboring tender feelings toward her, you could have told me. Naturally I'd have understood your desire to discreetly investigate a potential bride.'

Austin's brows collapsed into a frown. He was about to tell Miles that his inquiries had nothing to do with feelings, tender or otherwise, but it was simpler not to correct his assumptions. It certainly prevented him from making explanations he had no desire to make.

'Sorry about the secrecy,' he said casually, 'but you know how I'd have been hounded had anyone gotten wind of my plans. Thank you for your discreet help.'

'Glad I could be of service.' A devilish grin lit Miles's face. 'Doubly glad I didn't find out anything horrifying about your intended.'

'As am I, although I suppose it would be a moot point. It is my duty to marry her.'

Miles rose. With an amused smile playing around the corners of his mouth, he said 'Duty. Yes, I'm sure that's all there is to it.'

Chapter 11

The wedding took place in the drawing room.

Fresh flowers adorned every surface, filling the air with their heady fragrance. The twentysome-odd guests sat in rows of chairs set up in the middle of the room facing the fireplace.

Austin stood between Robert and the local vicar who'd been called upon to perform the ceremony. When Elizabeth appeared in the doorway, all heads turned and a murmur of whispers ran through the guests.

Austin's breath caught in his throat. She was the most exquisite creature he'd ever seen. Her ivory satin gown fell from a scoop-necked bodice to her toes in a narrow, unadorned column. The soft material flared at her feet and ended with a small train in the back. Long white gloves, embroidered with pearls and gold thread covered her arms to the dress's short, puffed sleeves.

Her hair was fashioned in a simple topknot, with hundreds of silky curls falling down her back to brush her waist. Her only jewelry was her betrothal ring and the ropes of diamonds twinkling in her hair. They were a wedding gift from his mother.

She walked slowly toward him, her luminous golden brown gaze fastened onto his. She sent him a tremulous, shy smile and the 'Elizabeth feeling' washed over him.

'My God, Austin,' Robert whispered in an awed tone. 'She's incredible.'

Austin, his attention riveted on Elizabeth, didn't reply.

Robert nudged him in the ribs. 'It's not too late to change your mind, you know,' he whispered. 'I'm sure we could find someone willing to stand in your stead. Save you from the horrors of matrimony and all that. I might even consider volunteering myself.'

Austin's eyes never left Elizabeth's face. 'Another remark like that, little brother, and you'll find yourself in the rosebushes. Headfirst.'

Robert chuckled and said no more.

The ceremony took less than fifteen minutes. After exchanging the vows that bound them for life, Austin brushed his lips lightly against Elizabeth's mouth and his pounding heart seemed to stall in his chest. She is mine. He could not even begin to fathom why he felt so… elated. While everyone extended their best wishes and congratulations to the bride and groom, he couldn't erase the smile of pleasure from his face.

An elaborate wedding feast followed the ceremony, and Austin chafed at the delay to depart for London. While supping on thinly sliced roast lamb and poached turbot, he repeatedly had to remind himself that the reason he was anxious to arrive in London was to await further word from the blackmailer. Tomorrow was July first. And as he still hadn't heard from James Kinney, a visit to Bow Street was in order. Yes, those were the reasons.

But then his gaze would settle on his wife… his beautiful, intriguing, fascinating wife, and all thoughts of investigations would somehow trickle from his mind like raindrops from the trees.

When the long meal finally ended they changed into traveling clothes and amid much waving and well-wishing, embarked on their trip to London.

Settled in the ducal coach, Austin watched amused as Elizabeth waved good-bye until everyone was a tiny speck. When she sat back on the luxurious burgundy velvet squabs, she smiled across at him.

'This is a splendid coach, Austin. So very comfortable. Why, you can barely feel a bump.'

'I'm glad you approve.'