How to Seduce a Bride

“I know it’s a scrambling sort of affair, and I know she deserves better,” Leland said. “But there’s nothing better to be done for her right now. Once she has that ring on her finger, and a new name to go with it, she’ll be untouchable. Or at least she will be unless there’s much more compelling evidence than simply one person’s word against another’s. We haven’t found out who that person is yet, either.” He frowned, and turned to meet the earl’s eyes. The earl looked away.

“You don’t think she did it, do you?” Leland asked incredulously.

The earl shook his head. “No. I admit I pondered it. But no, I don’t think she did.”

“Nor do I. And once she’s titled, with wealth and position behind her, her accuser will have to slack off. She’ll be free.”

“But married,” the earl said.

“Well, yes, that’s the point,” Leland said.

He turned back to the looking glass and brushed a tiny speck from his jacket. It was a sober blue jacket, worn over a light blue waistcoat, and it looked simple but elegant with his slate gray breeches and black half boots. His hair was brushed back; he had a single sapphire pin his neck cloth, and a single gold signet ring on his right hand.

The earl, reflected in the mirror behind him, wore a dark blue jacket, blue waistcoat, black breeches, and a troubled expression.

“You look like you’re going to a funeral, not a wedding,” Leland remarked over his shoulder. “Having a change of heart? If you want to change your mind along with it, do so now. Once we get into the coach and head into the countryside, it will be much too late. Riding away with the pair of us for an overnight trip will certainly ruin her even if the charges against her don’t. And remember, the slightest hint of a loss of resolve on either of our parts will send Daisy running on her own. You saw her face when she agreed to this. It’s not what she wants, either.”

“Do you think she’ll come to wanting it,” the earl asked nervously. “Or at least reconcile herself to this marriage, in the days to come?”

Leland turned away from the mirror. His expression was sober. “I do, so much so that I’ll lay a wager on it, if you like. Daisy wouldn’t agree under any circumstances if it went against her deepest desires, and you know it. She’s a very opinionated creature,” he said with a small smile. “In fact, I think this is the best thing for her, however she came to it. I also think that one day she’ll thank that nameless informer. Because instead of ruining her, this will make her happier than she’s been in years. At least, so I earnestly hope.”

“Yes, so do I, of course,” the earl said. “I just wanted to be sure you’re totally in agreement.”

“Oh no,” Leland said. “It’s merely a whim on my part. Every so often I just feel the need to cancel all my engagements, throw my clothes in a basket, get into my coach, and leave London in the middle of the night, to ride off into the west. I’m funny that way, I get these mad impulses…”

“Don’t jest, Lee!” the earl said sharply. “It’s not just inconvenience for her; it will change her life forever. I, at least, worry about that. I love the girl and don’t want to see her make a bad choice in order to avoid what might or might not be a worse fate.”

Leland stood still and lifted his chin so it seemed as if he were looking down his long nose at the earl. “Firstly,” he said frostily, “she is not a girl. She’s a woman. Once married and now widowed, in fact. Secondly, I at least don’t happen to think it’s a bad choice for any reason. And thirdly, if you have so many doubts, then I don’t think you should be part of this in any way. If you leave now, that likely will break her heart. But if you do go on with this, I’ll ape the ceremony and ask you to speak now, or forever hold your peace. Well?”

The earl sighed and held out both hands in a gesture of surrender. “I have spoken; I won’t do so again. I have doubts, but you know my reasons. However, I agree. This is for the best. I can think of no other solution. It would be better if she’d come to the decision of her own free will instead of having to accept in order to preserve her freedom. But good things can come from necessity as well as from free choice. It’s the right thing, it’s only that I tend to worry. I raised a child, you see, and took on two others, so I’m in the habit of it.”

“Don’t,” Leland said gently. “It will be for the best, my lord, you’ll see. So,” he said, squaring his shoulders. “The Runner has been sent on a false trail, we’re in readiness, and it’s dark as it will get tonight. Shall we get on with it?”

* * *

Daisy hesitated.

“Afraid of making a misstep?” Leland asked, at her side. “Don’t worry, I’m here, it won’t happen.”

“But it’s like stepping into the dark,” she said.

“The coachman can’t light his lamps,” he whispered. “We don’t want to be seen. It’s best that whatever enemy you have is unaware of this step you’re taking. But take my arm, I won’t let you fall.”

The carriage had come around back of her hotel, to the servants’ entrance, near the stables. There were lanterns burning on either side of the rear door, and some by the stables, but they didn’t illuminate the scene. Daisy leaned on the viscount’s arm, and then with him to guide her, she ducked into the coach.

“Good evening, Daisy,” Geoff said from the darkness of the interior. “And a good evening to you, too, Mrs. Masters,” he said as Helena stepped in behind Daisy. “I’m sorry that we have to meet in such a clandestine manner, but we don’t want to be observed. Good,” he told Leland, who followed Helena into the coach. “Now we can leave; we have a long way yet to go.”

The coach rattled down the side alley, over the rough cobbles, and then turned into the high street.

“It sounds like thunder,” Daisy said nervously. “Anyone can hear it.”

“The hotel gets deliveries at night,” Leland said. “They’ll take no notice. Anyway, the coins I left with the staff will muffle the noise. Just sit back. Sleep if you wish.”

“Sleep?” she asked incredulously.

“Yes,” he said. “No one expects scintillating conversation now. Sit back, close your eyes, and when you wake, we’ll be there.”

“I couldn’t sleep!” she declared. “What sort of a person do you think I am? I’m sneaking out of London to escape the Runners, off to marry a man in order to save my neck, and you say ‘sleep’?”

“Doze, then,” Leland said calmly.

“Well, you may sleep if you wish,” she said heatedly. “But I could not, not for anything.”

“Very well, fight then,” he said equitably, lay back against the leather squabs, and closed his eyes.

Daisy could see him do it. It was a soft, late spring evening. Even though it was full dark, fair skies and a half moon made it bright enough to see, once her eyes had adjusted to the dark. “We should have left on a cloudy night,” she said moodily.

“And risk getting our wheels mired if it started to rain? I think not,” Leland said, without opening an eye.

“The farther we go, the easier it will be,” the earl told her. “The coachman is taking a side route for a while, and there’s a footman on back of the carriage to see if we’re being followed. There’s our other coach, following slowly, with your maid and our valets. So you may rest easy, Daisy. We’re here to watch over you. And you’re doing the right thing.”

“I wish I was sure of that,” she said. “Oh, I’m not complaining. I know what I must do, and believe me, I’m grateful for your sacrifice and cooperation. But when I think of the future…”

“So don’t,” Leland said lazily. “Such a lot of trouble anticipating trouble. Just live for the moment and let the next ones fall into place. You’re getting married. You’re ensuring your freedom.”

“I have come to see that is a contradiction in terms,” she said coldly.

“Daisy!” Helena gasped. “Excuse me, but I must tell you that’s rude. Think of your groom, and how he must feel. He’s doing a brave and noble thing.”

“Yes,” Daisy said, abashed. “I’m sorry. That was rude. I am fully aware of the honor being done me.”

“Now that sounds worse,” Leland commented, opening an eye.

“Well, I meant it,” she said angrily.

“My dear, we know it,” the earl said. “Stop teasing her, Lee.”

“Oh yes,” Leland said. “I beg your pardon. I ought to let her sit and stew and worry, instead of lacing into me, which, by the way, seems to elevate her mood considerably.”

The earl turned in outrage to stare at Leland, but before he could say anything, he heard a giggle.