Page 43 of Marigold and the Marquess
Good grief.
It was also likely Marigold had done the same with their wives, bringing them intoherinvestigation. These Farthingales were a very close family unit. Well, perhaps it was not a bad idea to keep as many eyes as possible on their street.
Violet Farthingale had married Romulus Brayden and they resided at Number 1 Chipping Way. Romulus was a much decorated captain in the Royal Navy and presently home on leave. It could not hurt to have him watching who rode in and out of their quiet street.
He glanced at Violet and Romulus.
They had been seated in one of the third row pews and were now on their feet making their way toward him and Marigold. It struck him that Violet and Marigold could pass as sisters. They looked very much alike, but same could be said of most of these Farthingale females. Same delicate frame, same dark hair and big, ensorcelling eyes.
No wonder Chipping Way had become a parson’s trap, and he had fallen straight into it. No, not just fallen. He had leaped in with both feet.
Leo dismissed the thought as more guests came forward to congratulate them. Then everyone returned to John and Sophie’s townhouse where the wedding breakfast was to take place.
Leo did not need to pretend to be overwhelmed, for he was used to solitude and isolation. Those words were not in the Farthingale vocabulary.
Romulus patted him on the back. “You will get used to this crush eventually.”
Leo shook his head and grinned. “I was an only child and never close to the few cousins I could claim as family. Then to be tossed in an enemy prison and left staring into the dark, dank walls for what felt like an eternity. The last thing I ever expected was to have this chaos in my life. I’m not sure I am ready for it.”
“You won’t be given the choice. For the most part, you will find these family connections helpful rather than a nuisance. Besides, these Farthingale women are a force of nature. You will never win if you try to fight against their current. They may look small and delicate, but do not be fooled. Strength is bred in them.”
“I already see it in Marigold. I was afraid I might overwhelm her, but she knows how to hold her ground. It is quite possible I will never win an argument with her.” He raked a hand through his hair. “Should I worry?”
Romulus laughed. “No. She has a good heart and is as sweet as Violet. If she argues with you, it is likely because you are being unreasonable. I think I fell in love with Violet at first sight. Ours was also a forced marriage. I’m sure you will soon hear of the beehive incident, if you haven’t already. It was all completely innocent…but appeared terribly scandalous.”
“Did you not resent it?”
Romulus grinned. “No, not even I would have believed me. I knew I was done for. There would be no way of talking my way out of a hasty marriage while her gown was unlaced and she was half spilling out of it. What was everyone to think? It did look as though I had thoroughly compromised her. Then again, my thoughts were not all that innocent. I would never have acted upon them, of course. But no one believed me. I did not bother to argue. One look at Violet and I knew we were meant to be together. My greatest concern was how to be a proper husband to her, one who could provide her the happiness she deserved.”
“Seems you’ve figured it out.”
“I suppose, but she makes it easy. Leo, she is amazing. I feel as though I walk into paradise whenever I come home. Having her reside next door to John and Sophie also gives me comfort. That is always my greatest worry, leaving Violet and my daughter alone for months at a time while I am at sea. But her family is right there, and mine is also close by. It works out, I suppose. Violet and I are committed to making it work.”
“Marigold is certainly determined, I will give her that.”
Romulus arched an eyebrow. “And you?”
“She is the perfect cure for the darkness in my soul. However, whether we succeed or not is yet to be determined.”
They had no chance to speak further before Leo was dragged back into the center of activity. Family members and friends made speeches. Glasses of champagne were passed around and refilled. He and Marigold chatted with every guest.
Lord, would this never end?
Leo had more to discuss with Romulus. He needed to be certain Romulus was aware that Beldon, Cummings, and Denby were the specific men under suspicion as traitors. Romulus ought to have the choice of moving his wife and baby daughter out of harm’s way if he thought it was necessary. Violet’s sister, Poppy, had married the Earl of Welles whose estate was in the Cotswolds. Violet and her daughter, little Hyacinth, could remain there for the month, out of the path of potential danger if Leo’s unknown nemesis chose to strike close to home.
He finally found a moment to warn him.
Romulus frowned. “I cannot leave London. If I am here, Violet will never leave either. But we shall make certain to remain alert at all times.”
“I plan to engage Bow Street runners,” Leo said. “It cannot hurt to have professional watchdogs guarding Chipping Way. It is a small street and they will easily spot anyone lurking in the bushes.”
He asked Ian for recommendations when they had a moment to talk.
“Homer Barrow. He’s the best Bow Street runner around, Leo. It is a good idea. Engage him immediately.”
Leo nodded. “I’ll send word to him first thing in the morning.”
Ian grimaced. “Not an ideal way to spend your honeymoon, but it is a priority and must be done.”
