She turned to the Duke. “You have an excellent reputation, sir, as does the name of Maidenbrooke. Yes, this rumour will damage it and tarnish it considerably. But in my view, it would only worsen matters were you to run back to London, end your engagement to Ivy, and begin to try to refute the accusations.”
He frowned. “Ma’am?”
“You say that you do not wish to damage Ivy’s reputation so badly. That this nastiness would, coming on the heels of the business that resulted in your engagement, damage her even further. That is a logical assumption, but only if you decide to call off your marriage.” She leaned forward. “It would give every appearance of being an excuse to escape your engagement, which would damage you both.” She tapped her fingers on the tablecloth. “Listen to me now. In my opinion, your best course of action is to continue as you have been doing. You must rise above this rumour, your Grace, rather than try to fight it. And in doing so, you will demonstrate your complete innocence in this whole absurd situation. Or at least give people pause to wonder if they are making unwarranted assumptions…”
“Hmm.” The Duke’s expression turned pensive as he considered Lady Siddington’s words.
“In fact,” she continued, “I think it would be an excellent notion for you to return to London in a few days’ time, with Ivy as your wife.”
The silence that greeted that comment was profound.
“Er, Grandmama?” Ivy croaked.
The old lady grinned. “Thought that would catch you by surprise. But just think about it for a moment or two. You get married here, under the cachet of the Siddington name, at the well-known Siddington Castle. The union is blessed by your family, Ivy, and performed by Bishop Farborough to add a touch of clerical propriety.”
“Good lord,” Colly straightened in surprise. “You can get him? The man who turned down an Archbishopric offered by the King?”
Once again, Lady Siddington allowed herself a moment of delighted pleasure, and smirked. “He still holds a wee bit of a tendre, I think.”
Ivy couldn’t help a smile. “One day you will have to tell me of your adventures, Grandmama.”
“One day, perhaps. Not for a long time yet.” Lady Siddington reached out and put her hand over Ivy’s. “But I believe you must wed the Duke, my dear. It’s the best way to dampen these silly fires someone is trying to light.”
“I have to admit that your proposition has a great deal of merit,” sighed Colly. “I was not looking forward to returning to a sea of inquisitive faces and questions I cannot answer.” He turned to Ivy. “You and I both know how Society thinks. Were we to return as a married couple, the focus would be on us, on our union, rather than the Maidenbrooke financial situation. At least from the gossipmongers’ point of view. It would buy me time to find out what on earth is going on and who has instigated it.”
Ivy straightened in her chair. “I don’t need to be persuaded, Colly. It’s what I have been saying all along. I’d never turn tail and run from such a problem as presents itself here. And together we shall find out who is behind it all. And…and then…”
“And what?” he asked, with an amused smile curving his lips.
“Well, we shoot him.” She closed her mouth with a snap.
“Don’t be so bloodthirsty, my dear,” reproved her grandmother. “If you two can find out who started all this, I should expect nothing less of your future husband than to plant him a really hard facer or two, and then utterly destroy his reputation, both personally and financially.”
“Hmm. Well, if I can’t shoot him then I could go along with that idea.” She clenched her fist and looked at Colly. “I’d like to do a bit of punching as well. Or perhaps I could just hit him with something very hard. Several times.”
The Duke shook his head. “I never realised the potential for violence that lurked beneath your charming exteriors, ladies. Stop now, before I question the wisdom of joining such a family.”
“That’s the best part, your Grace.” Lady Siddington looked at him. “You will be joining the family. And so will your dear Prudence. We’re not large, but we’re a close-knit group, and I so look forward to welcoming you properly as my grandson-in-law. And giving you all the support you need during this trying time.”
“Well then,” said Ivy, standing and straightening her skirts. “Let’s get on with it. We’ve a wedding to arrange.”
Chapter Eleven
It was decided that two days hence would be the ideal date for the nuptials of His Grace the Duke of Maidenbrooke and Miss Ivy Siddington.
The groom, who prided himself on his efficiency and speed when it came to matters of great import, was completely floored by the developments that were taking place in the following hours.
Once the decision had been made, it seemed as if an army of Siddington servants arose and invaded the countryside, charged with their various duties.
One headed for London with the notice for the Times that Colly had carefully penned. He had done so with many hints and suggestions from Ivy, who leaned over his shoulder the entire time. Others might have found themselves forcibly ejected from the room, but she was his soon-to-be wife. And she smelled wonderful.
So he did his best to ignore her helpful suggestions, enjoyed her presence, and contented himself with a very brief statement of fact.
Ivy pursed her lips as she read the final version.
“His Grace the Duke of Maidenbrooke is pleased to announce his marriage to Miss Ivy Cyrene Siddington, daughter of the late Ronald Francis Siddington, of Vine Place. The Most Reverend Bishop Farborough officiated, and Lady Alice Siddington, the bride’s grandmother, pledged the union, which took place at
