Page 24 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
“Certainly,” Barlow replied.
Alexander was pensive. “She showed an interest in the manor last evening and I am sure she is busy exploring it. There are quite a few paintings there that may interest her.”
Barlow smiled. “I am pleased she likes the old place.”
“I also told her she could make it her own. It is as much her home now as it is mine,” Alexander said.
“Are you sure that was wise? You may return to a manor you do not recognize. We are speaking of Elizabeth,” Barlow jest.
They chuckled. Alexander took another sip of port.
Barlow arched a brow. “So, you will journey to see your mother tomorrow?”
“I shall,” Alexander replied.
Barlow appeared thoughtful. “I must confess that I would not want to be in your boots. How will your family react to you running off to Gretna Green and installing a wife at Thornton Manor without them knowing it?”
“Let me put it this way, my friend. The dowager countess will be pleased that she finally has a daughter and the prospect of grandchildren. The scandal will bother her in the beginning, but I believe we are wealthy and connected enough to weather the storm,” Alexander said.
Barlow nodded. “Understood.”
Alexander raised his glass and took a sip of port before he continued. “My mother has much more experience of dealing with thehaute tonand I am sure she has seen her fair share of scandals over the years. She may be best placed to guide us through this ordeal.”
“You are quite right. I am sure all will be well. My parents took it better than expected, all things considered,” Barlow said.
“You did well to diffuse a potentially explosive situation. I am grateful.” Alexander patted Barlow on the back. “I do not suppose you will become jealous and wish to marry. After all, Gilbert and I are now on the wedded column.”
“Hell no! I wish to remain unattached for a while yet so I am in the column with Conrad.” Barlow chuckled. “You best ensure that our standing engagement at Brook’s stands or Gilbert would never let you hear the end of it.”
Alexander’s eyelids grew heavy and he rubbed his eyes. He did not rest well the night before and he felt it just caught up with him.
“I can see you are knackered, Thornton.”
“Yes, I am. I should turn in for I have a busy day ahead tomorrow.”
“We prepared the same bedchamber you used the last time you were here. Let me walk with you.”
They both downed the remainder of the port and exited the drawing room. Barlow showed him to the bedchamber and offered a valet, but as usual, Alexander refused. He was perfectly capable of undressing himself. He entered the bedchamber and closed the door behind him. He allowed himself to think of Elizabeth as he undressed. Strangely enough, it was not feelings of lust that overtook him but rather of protectiveness. He wished that he could shield her from the storm of what was to come, but alas, he could not.
He would do his damnedest though. A part of this undertaking was instructing his steward to contact his man who was an experienced bow street runner. He gave written instructions to the steward and cautioned him to be discrete. He would know Salisbury’s every move for the cad could not be trusted. He would be remiss in his duties to protect his family if he let Salisbury spring a surprise on him in any way. He would not be taken unawares.
Once undressed Alexander fell on his bed in an unceremonious heap. He closed his eyes and promptly fell into a deep sleep. He dreamed that night. He dreamed of Elizabeth running through the meadow that was close to Thornton Manor. She appeared happy for she was smiling and as she looked over her shoulder there was a teasing look on her face. In the dream, he was chasing her and he could hear the roar of his own laughter. Try as he might he was not able to overtake Elizabeth, her back turned toward him and her jet-black hair flying in the wind. He ran faster and faster and he could hear his labored breathing, yet he made no gains.
At that precise moment, Elizabeth looked over her shoulder and there was an arrested expression on her face. He grasped that she was not looking at him but rather behind him, her expression was no longer playful. He saw the frown on her features, her eyes wide with terror before she abruptly spun around to face him. She gasped; her mouth open before she raised her hand to cover it. All the color had drained from her face. Alexander tried to see what had terrified her so but for the life of him, he could not understand why he could not turn his head. He was gripped by some form of paralysis and panic was rioting within him as he remained frozen. He saw the realization dawn on Elizabeth’s face when she realized he was not coming to rescue her. Her hand dropped to her side, she spun around with great speed and started running. Instantly she fell, obscured by the tall grass. He opened his mouth to scream her name but no words came and he remained a prisoner in his body, frozen in time.
Alexander bolted upright in his bed, pleased he was awakened from his dream. He was drenched in sweat. It took a moment for him to orient himself and remember he was at Brampton. He stood and poured himself a glass of water. His heart was still racing for his dream seemed so real. He flopped back onto the bed and replayed his dream in an attempt to decipher it.
What the devil did it mean? Could it be a bad omen for his relationship with Elizabeth?
CHAPTER11
Afew days later Elizabeth observed the carriage rolling up the pathway from the window in her bedchamber. She wondered who it was that approached so she bounded downstairs to find out. The butler was ahead of her when she entered the hallway and he opened the door to the main entrance. She stepped out onto the courtyard to find the coachman from Brampton Manor.
Elizabeth gave him a wide smile. “Ezra, I was not expecting you.”
“Good day, Lady Thornton. Lord Thornton was at Brampton Manor and asked me to make haste. I have trunks with your belongings here.”
“Smashing.” Elizabeth spun around and directed the butler to gather the footmen to assist with placing the trunks in her bedchamber. She was pleased to have fresh clothing.
