Page 89 of When the Viscount Seduces
“You can start anew,” Gwen said. “Your past behavior needn’t dictate your future.” She glanced toward Lazarus, and his chest constricted. How had he been so lucky to find a woman like her, let alone receive her love?
“Let us go, my love,” Lazarus said. “I’ll carry you to the coach.”
“That isn’t necessary.”
“It absolutely is.” He picked her up gently and carried her outside. Nott followed them, and Lazarus offered him a ride.
“Thank you, but I’ll grab a hack,” Nott said with a smile.
“I do owe you that letter,” Lazarus said. “And probably more money.”
“Not at all. I was very glad to help.” Nott looked at Gwen nestled in Lazarus’s arms. “I do hope you will be well, miss. And may I apologize for Mr. Tremblay’s behavior and my lack of interference?”
“Mr. Tremblay’s behavior is not yours to apologize for,” Gwen said warmly. “But I will accept the other one. Thank you.”
Lazarus carried her to the coach and gently set her inside on the seat. She grimaced faintly, but she’d had a shot of rum while the physician was preparing to sew her up, which Miss Worsley had provided along with a small glass for herself.
“What am I going to tell my parents?” Gwen asked as the coach started forward.
“You probably shouldn’t tell them you were shot. They will be horrified.”
“Nicked by a bullet,” Gwen corrected. “I can’t, in good faith, call this a true gunshot wound.” She met his gaze with worry, however, and the smile fell from his face. “My parentsarehorrified—that we’re getting married. They’re certain you will break my heart, though I assured them you would not.”
“I would never,” he vowed. “Our hearts are now one, and if yours breaks, so too shall mine.”
She lifted her gaze to his. “Now, you sound like a romantic poet.”
“You certainly make me want to spout words of love and beauty.” He kissed her temple. “If you’d rather wait to get married so your parents can become accustomed, I don’t mind.”
“No!” The vehemence of her response shocked him.
“Careful, or you’ll upset the physician’s needlework,” Lazarus said.
“We are getting married as soon as possible. When can that be exactly?”
“I can purchase the license tomorrow. I don’t want to leave your side today.”
“I would argue that you must get it immediately, but I can’t say I mind you wanting to stay with me. Shall we set the ceremony for Wednesday?”
While that would be best since he didn’t need to be in the Lords—which was where he should be going shortly but would not—he knew his mother would be devastated if she couldn’t be here for the wedding. She was going to be shocked enough that he was getting married. She would not want to miss it.
“My mother will want to be here,” Lazarus said. “If I send word to her immediately, she could be here perhaps Wednesday afternoon. She is still in Kent with my middle sister.”
“The one who had the baby recently,” Gwen said with a nod. “Yes, we must wait for your mother. Should we say Friday just to be safe?”
“Thursday should be fine.” Though that was the day he was giving his speech. They could get married in the morning, as they would be required to do. Perhaps it would bring him luck.
She sucked in a breath, and he worried she was in terrible pain. However, she said, “You’re delivering your speech that day. We should wait until Friday.”
He kissed her. “No. Thursday is perfect.”
“Have you memorized the entire speech?” she asked.
“I think so, but I confess it hasn’t been a priority the past few days.”
“Then we will make it so, starting today,” she declared firmly.
“You think your parents are going to let me linger in your company that long?”
