Page 47 of Revealing a Rogue
Peyton peeked out from the backroom and brought in a tray of tea and biscuits. She looked to Bronwyn and asked, “Should I go and prepare for our return home?”
“Aye.” Bronwyn reached for the teapot, but Emma grasped the handle first.
“I think Willa and I will enjoy a nice cup of tea while ye pay a visit to yer dad.” Emma poured two cups of tea and motioned for Peyton to join her. Glancing at Bronwyn, Emma said, “Make sure ye choose a spot that won’t interfere with me designs.”
Bronwyn rose and said, “Aye, Ms. Lennox. I’ll do just that.”
Peyton giggled. “She’s been practicing that hoity-toity voice those ladies use.”
“By Jove, I reckon Bronwyn’s managed to master it. Five shillings says she’ll master the rest.”
“I’ll not be givin’ you me hard-earned money.” Peyton raised her teacup to her lips with her little finger sticking straight out.
“I’m still standing here,” Bronwyn said.
Emma and Peyton clicked teacups and laughed. After a long moment, her best friend wiped her eyes and cleared her throat. “Give yer family me regards. And tell yer mum I’ll not miss Sunday dinner this week. Now that I’ve rid meself of me guests, I’ll be free again.”
Dismissed by Emma, Bronwyn stomped to the door. Once she received the mark, would Emma dare to treat her the same? Bronwyn certainly hoped so, for who else would ensure she had her head screwed on the right way? The bell tinkled as Bronwyn left Emma’s store. Intending to walk to her dad’s store, she startled when Larry appeared in front of her. The footman motioned to a coach, which bore the Archbroke crest.
Bronwyn accepted Larry’s assistance and stepped into the coach. Facing her cousin-in-law, she asked, “How long have you been out here waiting?”
“A while.” Theo shifted to make room for Bronwyn on the forward-facing seat. “Where to, Lady Bronwyn?”
Theo had called her by her title, which meant she was not in the woman’s good graces. “I was on my way to my dad’s shop.” Settling on to the cushioned bench, Bronwyn was oddly relieved to have Theo accompany her. “Does Landon know you are here?”
“Your husband is aware of your whereabouts.”
Theo neatly evaded her question and answered the one Bronwyn had wanted to ask.
Theo smoothed out nonexistent wrinkles from her gown. “Landon arrived in London a few hours after you. Unfortunately, it took Archbroke a whole day to settle Prinny’s feathers enough to convince the man to leave so we too could be here in town for you.” Theo leaned out the window and yelled, “Cadby’s.”
Once the coach was in full motion, Bronwyn asked, “How did your husband calm the Prince Regent?”
“Archbroke can be extremely persuasive if he chooses to. Plus, after we discussed the matter, Archbroke had no qualms settling matters with the Prince Regent.” Theo patted Bronwyn’s arm and then settled her hands in her lap.
Confused by Theo’s comforting gesture, Bronwyn asked, “But how?”
Theo drew back the window curtain and peered out onto the crowded street. Bronwyn’s dad’s shop wasn’t far, but the coach was barely moving. “Hereditary peers will always hold a majority seat…”
“Peers? What does the number of hereditary peers have to do with my marriage to Landon?”
Theo swiveled to face her. “Nothing. But it is the reason why Prinny decided to invite himself to stay at Archbroke manor.”
Fustian. Bronwyn wanted to smack herself with a chamber pot. Christopher had harped on at her endlessly for making assumptions before completing a full inquiry. Head bowed, Bronwyn said, “I’m sorry for leaving and disrupting your lovely supper.”
Bronwyn waited for a lecture, but Theo reached for her hand. “You must promise to never leave in darkness again. You had me terribly worried. We were all worried until we received word from Mrs. Barnwell that you were safe. Landon, especially.”
“He knows I’ve been staying with Emma?”
“Of course; he’d not leave you unprotected.”
“But I…”
“You needed time.” Theo squeezed her hand tightly. “Landon understands.” The coach came to a complete stop. Her cousin’s kind and concerned eyes searched Bronwyn’s face. “Would you like for me to accompany you inside? Landon shared his experience receiving the mark. It did not sound at all pleasant.”
“My dad has placed the PORF mark upon all the ladies who have married into the line. It is said to be nothing compared to childbirth.” Bronwyn eyed Theo’s rounded stomach. “But if you would like to stay and keep my mum company while I receive the mark, so she doesn’t worry overly much, I’d appreciate it.”
With a nod, Theo stood and exited the coach. As Larry assisted Bronwyn, Theo said, “Landon is like a brother rather than a cousin to me. I know you already have three younger sisters, but I’ve never had a sister, and I’d be honored if you would...”
