Page 54 of One Night of Temptation
“I imagine it’s much easier to style someone else’s hair.”
She turned toward him, smiling. “True.”
He offered a courtly bow. “Are you ready, my lady?”
“I realize I will still be a lady after we wed, but I will be quite happy to be addressed as Mrs. Tarleton.”
“Then that is what I shall call you.” He took her hand and pressed a kiss to her wrist. “Come, Mrs. Tarleton.”
Waiting for them outside was the Duke of Eastleigh’s coach, which would convey them to the church. Hugh had sent notes to Tom, Eastleigh, and Cole when they’d arrived at the inn last night.
Hugh helped Pen into the coach and checked his watch. They would arrive before eight, and hopefully, the ceremony would occur without incident. He was counting on this being too early for Society types to be out. However, given his idiocy last night, he had to expect they would have unwanted company.
Eastleigh’s coach came to a stop outside the church gate. So far, it looked as though his plan was working, for there were no other coaches about. The coachman opened the door, and Hugh stepped out. He helped Pen down and escorted her through the gate. She clutched his arm, and the closer they drew to the church, the more tense she became.
He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed the back of her glove. “It’s going to be fine.”
Hugh opened the door to the church and stopped short. Pen’s grip tightened.
Facing them were a pair of Bow Street Runners along with her parents, Findon, and the bloody Bishop of London. Hugh fought the stringent need to walk over to her father and knock him to the floor.
“Good morning, Tarleton,” the bishop said evenly. He didn’t look the least bit upset, but then he rarely displayed any emotion. While Hugh had anticipated the others, the bishop’s presence was a genuine surprise—and possible complication.
“Good morning, Bishop Howley,” Hugh answered with a bow as he tamped down his nerves.
Pen curtsied and acknowledged the bishop. However, she ignored her parents, and he was quite proud of her for that.
The bishop gave Hugh a stern stare. “Lord Bramber roused me far too early this morning to inform me that you kidnapped his daughter. Is this true?”
Before Hugh could answer, Pen spoke. “It is not.” Her voice was cool and imperious. “I left with Mr. Tarleton of my own accord so that we could be wed.”
The marquess sneered. “That’s not possible.”
Bishop Howley pursed his lips but said nothing.
Hugh clasped Pen’s hand and looked at her with pride and admiration. It took a great deal of courage for her to stand up to her father after what he’d put her through.
Her father’s eyes, similar in shape and color to Pen’s but different in every other way, glowed with fury. “You had to have abducted her last week. You saw her when she visited your church, and you preyed upon her.”
“I did not,” Hugh said calmly, despite the outrage burning inside him.
“Nah, that were me.” Joseph strolled into the church from behind Hugh and drew everyone’s attention. Several people had entered the church after Hugh and Pen, including Joseph. “I snatched ’er from the street and put a bag over ’er head.”
“Arrest him,” the marquess said, looking toward the Runners.
“No,” Pen said, then louder, “No.I left the museum and ran into St. Giles so I could avoid marrying him.” She pointed at Lord Findon. “I refuse to marry him. I’m going to marry Hugh—Mr. Tarleton.”
The marquess’s eyes fairly burst from his head. His mouth tightened with rage. “You lied. Youdidrun away.”
Hugh saw the man raise his fist, perhaps unknowingly, and made to move toward him, ready to take him down if necessary. However, the bishop interrupted the moment, and Bramber dropped his hand to his side.
Bishop Howley frowned at all of them. “I am not certain what is going on here, but the marquess says there is an existing betrothal between Lord Findon and Lady Penelope.”
“Is there a signed contract?” Jack Barrett, who was a barrister in addition to being a member of Parliament, stepped forward. He was one of the guests who’d arrived during the conversation. “If so, we’ll contest it. Since Lady Penelope is of age, she has the right to marry Mr. Tarleton, if that is her choice.”
Barrett’s wife, who was also Eastleigh’s sister, moved to stand next to her husband, her eyes gleaming with pride.
“There isn’t a signed contract,” Pen said. “Not yet.”
