The Unlikely Lady (36 page)
Authors: Valerie Bowman
“That's ridiculous.” Garrett tossed a card on the small table the footmen had set up for their game. “Why would you think I no longer object to it? I've objected to it for years.”
Jane played her next card. “Yes, but correct me if I am wrong, you objected to it based upon the argument that the plot was so outlandish, it could never possibly happen to two sane, intelligent people like Benedick and Beatrice.”
“That's right,” Garrett replied with a nod, waiting for Julian to place his card. “Especially Benedick. Just because you're my wife now, doesn't mean I'm going to agree with you about everything. I do hope you'll resolve to show me the same courtesy.”
“Not to worry. I am resolved to agree with you on as little as possible.” Jane flashed her new husband a smile. “But if two sane, intelligent people could not possibly fall for the antics in
Much Ado About Nothing,
how do you explain what has happened between us?”
Garrett's forehead wrinkled in a frown.
“She's got you there, Garrett,” Lucy replied from her seat on an iron bench across the pebbled walk. The duke and duchess were sitting out this particular game of whist.
“We all went to a house party,” Jane continued, waiting for Cass to set her next card on the table. “You and I were told the opposite one loved us, and in the end, you were even momentarily convinced you'd arrived at a church in order to marry a different bride.”
Garrett's mouth fell open, astonishment etched across his features. “Iâ But Iâ”
“Don't argue with her, Upton. Believe me when I tell you married life is much more agreeable when one admits the lady is always right,” Derek declared with a laugh.
“And don't even get me started on the bit about Mrs. Langford and her footman,” Jane said. “Or the fact that your dogs are named Dogberry and Verges.”
Garrett leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek. “You're perfectly right, my love, we'll just have to find something else to argue about. I've no doubt we can think of something.”
“Excellent.” Jane gave him a saucy smile. “I already have an idea. Now that we've resolved that eternal argument, just think of the fun we'll have trying to come to an agreement on what we'll name our children.”
Garrett rubbed her shoulder. “What did you have in mind?”
“It's quite simple. If we have a daughter, she will be named Mary for Mary Wollstonecraft.”
Garrett raised both brows. “What if he's a son?”
“Then just Wollstonecraft, of course.”
Garrett shook his head and studied his cards. “I don't mind what we name the children. I'm merely content that you're my wife, and one day will be my countess.”
“I'm the unlikeliest lady, to be sure, but Mama is pleased. Though it is a bit of a shame I must relinquish my former title as the head of the wallflowers. Being a bluestocking spinster was not my destiny, it seems.” Jane laughed. “Do you know I told Mama that Mrs. Bunbury's excellent matchmaking skills are to thank for our wedding?”
“You didn't,” Cass said with a gasp.
“I most certainly did. She's promised to give her a glowing reference. Too bad the poor dear won't be able to use it. She's retiring to the countryside, don't you know?”
“That's convenient,” Julian replied.
“Isn't it though?” Lucy asked with a sigh. “That particular bit was my doing. Mrs. Bunbury's sister took horribly ill and she was needed to take care of the children immediately. I doubt we'll hear from her for quite some time.”
“Or until someone else needs a nonexistent chaperone,” Julian added.
“Why, Julian, I believe you're finally learning how our minds work,” Lucy said with a laugh.
“That is a terrifying thought,” Derek interjected.
“You never know when we'll need to be up to our schemes,” Lucy said.
“No more schemes for me,” Jane replied. “I intend to settle down into married life and use my influence to promote the cause of the rights of ladies.”
“You do, do you? Who do you intend to influence?” Garrett asked.
“Why, you, of course. You're going to have to battle that horrid Lord Bartholomew one day.”
Garrett leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Lord Bartholomew doesn't frighten me, my love. And now that I'm sleeping through the night, no longer waking up with nightmares, I daresay I'll be even more prepared to take him on.”
“I only hope things settle down for a bit,” Cass said. “All those plots made me so nervous.”
“Don't worry, dear,” Lucy replied. “Now that you, and I, and Jane, and Garrett are all happily settled, there should be no more cause for intrigue. In fact, I only hope things won't become dull around here.”
“I doubt that's possible, my love,” Derek said. “Which reminds me. Swifdon, congratulations are in order on the bill being passed. I know how hard you worked on it.”
Julian inclined his head. “Thank you, Your Grace. Of course Upton here had a great deal to do with it as well.”
Garrett nodded. “The families of the soldiers deserve it.”
Lucy's eyes lit up. “Speaking of families of the soldiers, did you hear Mrs. Langford ran off to Gretna Green and married last week?”
“No!” Jane gasped.
“Yes.” Lucy's nod was so vigorous one of her curls bounced out of her coiffure.
Garrett groaned. “Whom did she marry? I pity the chap.”
“No one I've ever heard of,” Lucy replied.
Jane leaned her head on her husband's shoulder. “At least she'll no longer be reliant on you for money, Garrett.”
“There is that to consider,” Garrett replied. “Though if the children ever need anything, I'll certainly provide it.”
Jane lifted her head and kissed his lips. “That's why I love you so. You're generous and kind.”
“
That's
why you love me. I'm pleased to hear it. I wasn't certain whether you married me for me, or for my libraries.”
Jane shrugged. “Both, Garrett, I married you for both. I'm awfully fond of the dogs as well.”
Garrett sighed. “Now that Mrs. Cat and her kittens are ensconced in our house, we've got a practical menagerie.”
“Who knew the two of you would be such unabashed lovebirds?” Cass asked with a happy smile. “I can hardly believe my eyes. I go off on my honeymoon trip and miss every bit of the excitement.”
The back door of the house opened and Daphne Swift came hurrying out.
Cass turned to her sister-in-law. “Good morning, Daphne. Is something the matter?”
Daphne clasped her hands together. “Good morning, everyone.” She bobbed a quick curtsy to the group at large, then she turned her attention to her brother, her teeth tugging her bottom lip. “Julian, there's something I must tell you.” Her voice shook a little.
Concern flitted across Julian's features. “What is it, Daphne?”
Daphne slowly smoothed her pink skirts. “Remember that time I asked you for a favor? You promised me there'd be no questions asked?”
Julian's face took on a thunderous expression. “That was a long time ago, last autumn if I remember correctly.”
Daphne absently tugged at the neck of her gown. “It seems that I⦔
“Yes?” Cass prompted, concern written across her face.
Daphne took a deep breath. “It just so happens⦔
“Go on,” Lucy prompted this time. Like the others, she was perched on the edge of her seat.
Daphne glanced away. “It seems I may be legally married to Captain Cavendish and I need your help to get an annulment.”
Lucy made a strangled sort of squeaking noise.
Jane turned to Cass with wide eyes. “What were you saying about missing all the excitement?”
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The Unlikely Lady
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Available in November 2015 from St. Martin's Paperbacks
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Valerie Bowman
grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she's number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dog, Roo. When she's not writing, she keeps busy reading, travelling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS. Valerie loves to hear from readers. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and at
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