“Yes,” Elliot says. “Now, explain what London has to do with you faking your sickness.”
“It’s a long story, but I think we can all benefit from helping each other.”
Elliot leans forward and listens intently.
Chapter 13
London slips back into her small room before Reagan wakes and drops into a chair with a sigh. It’s done. She bought all the dumped shares that she could, giving her a majority in Sheridan Furniture. It was surprisingly less painful than she thought it would be. Knowing Matthew has promised to reimburse her made it much simpler.
“Mouse!” Tessa shouts from the adjoining room, causing her to sigh and jump up.
Now to get to work, Reagan is getting married. London works all day, helping the staff prepare for this evening nuptials. Lady Sheridan thankfully trusts London to dress Reagan for the wedding. Her gown is golden perfection. Hours later, when she is finished steaming it, London starts working on Reagan's hair. Her trunks are packed for the trip, and a valet has come to claim them.
“I thought you’d stay at the hotel to make sure Lord Sheridan is well?” London asks.
“Yes, well, you thought wrong. Are you almost finished?” Reagan stammers and glances at the clock.
“If you are satisfied my lady, then yes, I’m finished.” London replies.
“Wonderful.” Reagan barely glances at her reflection. “I’d like a few minutes alone, London. I’ll meet you at the ballroom.”
London sighs and walks to the door, stopping just before leaving. “I hope you are truly happy in your new life, Reagan,” she whispers.
“I plan on it. Thank you for always being at my side,” she sniffs.
Emotion clogs London's throat, “It was my honor.” They hug, and London takes her leave.
Reagan waits till London is gone to grab her wrap and peer out of the door. Smiling, she rushes through the empty hallway into the elevator and takes it to the third floor. Edmund is waiting by the doors when they slide open. He drags her from the elevator and kisses her passionately. “Are you sure about this, Reagan?”
“I love you, Edmund!”
The love reflected in her eyes is all he needs to see. “I have a carriage waiting outside, let's go!” The lovers disappear using the staff service elevator.
The grand ballroom is full of guests. Over two hundred people are waiting for the wedding to start. Declan waits with the minister in a room outside the ballroom along with his grandfather, and parents of the bride. Dr. Bradley and his wife, Dillon, are in the back of the room watching quietly.
George and Tessa Hubbard glance nervously at each other as they wait on their daughter. “She’ll be here any moment,” Tessa says.
A soft knock sounds at the door, and London steps inside nervously. “Finally!” Tessa shouts. “Where is she?”
“I can't find her,” London replies and flinches when George roars in outrage. Matthew stands and moves protectively towards her.
“You lost our daughter!”
“Not quite, Mr. Hubbard,” a valet says, stepping inside the room.
“Your daughter asked that I give you this at precisely seven-fifteen,” he bows and hands the envelope over.
Declan watches with relief and smiles through the resulting drama. “She eloped with Edmond Rothschild!” Tessa snarls and turns on London, who is watching Declan closely.
His relief is evident when he smiles broadly.
“This is your fault, Mouse! You were supposed to watch her!”
London jumps when they turn their wrath on her. Elliot and Dillon move forward to protect her if needed.
“I did, but she asked for some time alone…”
“Excuses!” George shouts, “You're fired!” He steps closer to her, backing her up to the wall. Declan has seen enough and before anyone else can move, he steps in between them.
“That's enough! Our business is concluded. I'd suggest you leave before the press gets wind of this,” he grins and points at the door.
“Oh, George!” Tessa screeches. “Not the papers!” They rush from the room, and Declan turns to the minister. “Sir, there will be no wedding.”
“Not so fast,” Matthew says, drawing everyone's attention. “I was promised a wedding, and I mean to have one.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Grandfather. We will talk about this later,” Declan snarls.
“I will see it through tonight!” he jerks, gasping and clutching his chest.
Dr. Bradley rushes forward and guides Matthew back into a chair. “Don't upset him, Lord Sheridan,” the doctor insists.
“Well, what am I supposed to do, Grandfather. March out into the ballroom and see if anyone would like to be my bride?”
“That would cause a serious uproar!” Dillon laughs and walks over to loop her arm through London’s and guides her to a chair.
“I don't care what you do, Declan, marry the maid for all I care!” He points at London, “But you will marry tonight!” Matthew shouts and leaps from the chair to poke him in the chest.
“Fine!” he turns and glances in surprise at the maid who is sitting in a chair. “I beg your pardon, Mouse, but would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“No!” London jumps up to run, but Dillon clutches her arm and stops her.
Declan's eyes narrow on the frumpy maid. Dark hair, spectacles, and unable to meet his eyes, he can't help but feel sorry for her.
“Surely, we can make this a business arrangement that we can both agree on. You take my name for six months, and at the end of that time, an annulment can be arranged. I will leave you with a tidy sum, and you'll never have to work again?”
London thinks it over, while no one moves. Intelligent eyes leap to his. “How much money?” she asks.
“Paper?” Declan demands.
The minister hands over a paper and pen, he scribbles a sum on the paper along with his name and
