Page 64 of Bound to a Wicked Duke

Herbert shook his head. “There is no time for all of that. Come with me to Gretna Green. There are no formalities or practicalities of the law concerning marriage there in Scotland. Our fathers can sort the matter of your dowry afterwards.”

Madeleine shook her head. “To wed with such haste would be to cause a scandal of its own.”

Herbert gave her a reassuring look. “They would believe it to be born of love and would forgive it in time. It is better to be wed than not when it comes to scandal. They need not know that we are wed until a later date if you prefer, as long as Lady Laura is reassured of our marriage having been performed in the timeframe that she has laid out.”

Tears filled Madeleine’s eyes. “My family will notice my absence. The scandal will be unavoidable. The marriage would have to be announced to save my reputation in the long term.”

Mowbray nodded. “I never wished to gain your hand in this manner, but I will not see you destroyed. We will weather the scandal of Gretna Green together. It is far less of a scandal than the one Lady Laura threatens to bring upon you and your family’s heads.”

Taking a deep breath, Madeleine nodded. She knew he was right. Her heart ached for Percy. Marriage to him would have made it all go away, but he was not hers to have. His heart and mind belonged to another. He was leaving England and would not be able to save her this time. Herbert Mowbray, the man that shehad sworn to avoid marrying at all costs, in the end, was the only man who could save her and her family from ruin.

“I will go with you,” she whispered, afraid of the reality of the words.

Herbert sighed in relief, giving her a reassuring smile. “We must make haste. It is a long, hard ride to Scotland. You must come with me now. There is no time to delay.” He held out his hand for hers.

Madeleine hesitated, knowing that the moment she placed her hand in his, her future was over. Everything that she had dreamt of for herself would be gone. In the end, it was the sound of her mother’s laughter floating from the house that gave her the final push towards him. She could not be responsible for her family’s ruin. Reaching out her hand, she placed it firmly in his. “Then let us be swift and be done with it.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Percy raced through the dark of evening as fast as he could ride toward the Gillett townhouse. He prayed that he would arrive before Herbert Mowbray convinced Madeleine to run away with him to Gretna Green. He prayed to God and all the saints that he had not lost her forever.

When he arrived at the townhouse, Cecil met him in the foyer. “What are you doing here?”

“I need to speak with Madeleine.”

Cecil shook his head. “Haven’t you done enough harm?”

“Please, Cecil. I must speak with her. Her life and reputation are in danger.”

“What do you mean?” Cecil demanded to know, fear entering his eyes.

“Laura Knight killed Francis. It was not a curse. Now, she has every intention of harming Madeleine. She has sent Herbert Mowbray to take Madeleine away to Gretna Green.”

Cecil’s brows shot up into his hair. “Scotland? My sister would never do such a thing.”

“She would if she thought that she was saving you and your family from a worse scandal.”

“What did you do?” Cecil’s jaw tightened in anger, his eyes shooting glares of accusation at Percy. He took a threatening step forward.

Percy raised his hand to signal a halt. “I did not dishonor her, but there is a witness to more than there should have been passing between us.”

Cecil’s fist shot out, and Percy just managed to dodge it. “How could you? She is my sister!”

“I love her, Cecil,” Percy admitted, his heart aching with the intensity of his feelings. “I love her more than life itself.”

Cecil snorted in disbelief. “Then you should have left her alone. It is you and you alone who have placed her in danger.”

Percy knew that he was right, but it was an irrelevant point. “We do not have time for this. She could already be gone.”

Cecil turned to Mr. Greeves. “Find Lady Madeleine and bring her to me with all haste.”

“Yes, My Lord.” Mr. Greeves bowed then went in search of Madeleine. He returned shortly with a concerned look on his face. “I cannot find Lady Madeleine, My Lord. She was last seen in the garden, but she is not there now.”

“They are already gone,” Percy breathed the thing that his heart feared the most. “She cannot be lost to me. Not now that I know the truth. Not now that I know that I am not cursed.”

“Perhaps we can still catch them. Perhaps it is not too late.” Cecil grabbed Percy’s arm firmly. “We will ride for Scotland and hopefully intercept them on the road.” Cecil turned to Mr. Greeves. “Speak of this to no one.”

“My Lord.” Mr. Greeves nodded. “You have my silence. Bring our lady back home to us safely.”

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