Page 83 of A Gentleman's Guide to Save a Lady
Chapter 19
The most unusual of circumstances usually came in the form of well-intentioned plans gone awry. Or at least, that was always how Simon had thought of it. He could envision the desired outcome and then plot and plan to manipulate the current situation at hand to develop the required result. Yet, at times—much like the time he’d plotted to bring together Grey and Evelyn—the desired result just refused to be…well, desired and he would find himself in an unusual spot.
An unusual outcome was not, however, what he had in mind when he angled his head toward his friend later that day and said, quite confidently, “I have a plan.”
“I thought we established long ago that your plans never work,” St. Aldwyn murmured with a raised brow.
They were seated in Bradford’s study, polishing an absurdly expensive bottle cognac that they’d found in the man’s bottom desk drawer. Belle’s brother enjoyed the taste of the expensive stuff.
Belle and Lady Josephine were reading in the library, each sporting a French—French—flintlock pistol, which Belle had dug out from the attic some hours ago. Though, irony aside, it should not have come as a surprise that the Middletons were armed to the teeth with ancient weaponry.
They had Quinn to thank for the discovery, since he’d sent a missive with a map of the attic, practically demanding Simon take better care of his sister.
“Be that as it may, this plan is fool-proof.”
“Then, by all means, let us hear it.”
Simon ignored the sarcasm lacing St. Aldwyn’s words and replied, “I will abscond with Lady Belle and then I will marry her.”
St. Aldwyn choked on his brandy. “Abscond?”
“Grand, is it not?”
“Is that even a plan? Does a plan not contain more…” he tapped his finger to his chin, “what is the word? Oh yes,details?”
“Do not be such a sour puss.”
“I thought you did not want toforcethe issue.”
“I changed my mind.”
St. Aldwyn shrugged. “It explains the spirits. Perhaps you should have saved it for afteryour plan succeeded.”
“If my plan does not succeed, it would have been a consolation bottle. I’d rather enjoy it while I’m still optimistic.”
Damien wiped the brandy from his chin, chuckling. “You have completely lost your marbles. Alas, if youabscondwith Lady Belle, my wife will serve my balls on her silver china.”
“She will get over it.”
“Forgive me if I don’t share your enthusiasm.”
“It will solve most of our problems and your wife should be ecstatic, since my sister told me she’s been itching for some matchmaking. And if Belle is my wife, then we can divert our attention on catching De Roux, whereas now she continues to remain in harm’s way.”
“Because she is not married to you?” St. Aldwyn murmured.
“Correct.”
“And your almighty title will shield her from De Roux out of its sheer grandness?”
“Not exactly,” Simon bit out with a scowl.
“So you kidnap—my apologies,abscondwith the chit and marry her, but what exactly does that solve except that it gives you an eternity of being leg-shackled to a woman that will rant and rave about her lack of choice in the matter?”
“As her husband, there is no need for me to skulk about her home in secret in an attempt to protect her. I can be by her side in a more visible way. Have you not been listening to anything I’ve said?”
“Oh, I heard you spouting all sorts of ridiculous excuses to marry her. There are less theatrical ways, such as a good old courting, but then again, they aren’t nearly as entertaining.”
Simon shot him a glare.
