“The marriage is not yet registered!”
Hetty smiled at Araminta, who was clearly clutching at straws as she went on, shrilly, “You can burn the special license and there’s still time to stop the clergyman before he puts it in the register.”
Sir Aubrey cocked his head. “Why would I want to do that? I have the wife I want.”
“But your reputation, Sir Aubrey…you do not have that, and I can return it to you by giving you this letter.”
“Your demands are too great, Miss Partington. I shall leave you here now with Lord Debenham. You are in good company.” He stroked Hetty’s cheek then turned back to Araminta. “If we’re worried about reputations, Miss Partington, I’d suggest yours is in the greatest danger, so perhaps it’s best if you followed us and we’ll return you to your cousins.”
“No, Sir Aubrey! Too much is at stake! I know too much and you’d do well to do as I say!”
Hetty had never seen Araminta so wild. Her desperation was like a soothing balm for all the years of slights and insults Hetty had suffered at her sister’s hands.
“Come back with us, Araminta,” she said soothingly. “We’ll look after you. I hate to see you so upset.”
“What about possible repercussions?” Araminta raged. “Sir Aubrey, think of that!”
Hetty glanced up at her husband and saw only pity in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Araminta—but you should have thought of that.”
“You’ll get over this, Araminta,” Hetty said, extending her hand to her sister, who jerked backward and touched the tip of the letter to the flame. She noticed that Sir Aubrey didn’t even flinch.
Araminta’s eyes were thunderous while Lord Debenham looked on, watching the proceedings with what seemed great satisfaction.
Sir Aubrey took a couple of steps toward the door and, hand in his, Hetty followed. Turning to look over her shoulder, she strove for her most consoling tone. “If you don’t find a husband in your second season, Araminta, then I truly believe you will in your third. All is not yet lost.” She smiled sympathetically. “You know that I have always done as you’ve wished throughout the years, so the least I can do is offer you this reassurance.”
Araminta glared at her and Hetty smiled up at her new husband, the warmth of his expression filling her with confidence before she turned back to her sister. “Sir Aubrey promises to be the most indulgent of husbands, for he has yet to refuse me anything.” She touched his cheek. “I’m sure I can say with confidence, Araminta dearest, that I shall be available to chaperone you whenever needed.”
The End