And Bella had no doubt that he would.
Then Greg pulled back slightly and said, “We probably should dress, Lady Avery, and make our introductions to Captain Bellamy as the ship is moving.”
“Yes,” she giggled. “Especially since he thinks you’ll soon be a partner in this company.”
A sheepish grin spread across Greg’s face. “Actually, the Magnanime has grown on me. Perhaps I’ll consider joining Simon after all.”
“And go into trade?” Bella blinked at him.
Greg laughed. “Too scandalous even for us?”
But she shook her head. “I find I adore the Magnanime myself, and I would support any endeavor you wanted to pursue.”
“You truly are the most perfect girl in the world.”
“Well, I truly have the most perfect lord.”
Chapter 26
Three daysaboard the Magnanime before docking in Scotland. Greg had watched Bella paint, so engrossed in the beauty of the ocean. He may never see the world through an artist’s eyes, but the world he did see featured the most beautiful artist ever born, and it was a sight he would never tire of. Traveling suited her. The smallest things – a craggy shore, a friendly seagull, the colors of the sunset on the horizon – all captured her interest and lit her eyes with a sparkle that warmed his heart.
She wanted to see Paris and Florence and probably a hundred different places, and Greg wanted to go with her to watch her experience the world, watch her recreate what she saw on her canvas. He was, simply put, the luckiest man to ever live.
As the barque docked north of Edinburgh at the port of Leith, Captain Bellamy stood on deck, flashing his toothless smile. “Once you finish your business, milord, we’ll set sail back for London.”
The business of eloping, though the sea captain thought the journey had something to do with investors in the Scottish city. But Greg nodded in thanks. “We will be as quick as we are able, Captain.”
“Take your time,” the man said as he glanced in Bella’s direction. “I know how Lady Avery likes to see everything.”
“She does, indeed,” Greg agreed. Then he offered Bella his hand and headed off the merchant ship onto dry land.
They hailed a hack at the docks and headed south to Morningside. Bella snuggled against Greg and he draped his arm around her shoulders. Happiness radiated from her and Greg never wanted the feeling to end. It would soon enough, he knew that. Just as soon as they returned to England, the peace and tranquility they’d found upon the Magnanime would come to an end, unless he could find a way to stave that off somehow.
“Scotland is beautiful, isn’t it?” Bella asked.
Greg bit back a smile. “Everything is beautiful through your eyes, my love.” The world would be a much better place if everyone saw it the way she did. And then an idea came to him, an idea he felt certain Bella would love. “But nothing in the world is as beautiful as you.”
She tipped her head up slightly to see him. “You only say that because you love me.”
Oh, he did indeed. More so every day, which he hadn’t even known was possible. “We probably should send a few notes back to London to keep anyone from fretting about us.”
Bella agreed with a nod. “I’m certain Prissa is beside herself with worry.”
“And probably Cordie as well.” Though his sister would be overjoyed to learn of their elopement. “I’ll ask her to post a notice in The Times. Nothing Chatham will be able to do once a public announcement is made.”
It wasn’t long before the hired coach rambled to a stop before the Maiden and the Doe pub, which looked as though it might have been around since the Reformation. It was still slightly surreal that they’d traveled all this way on Haversham’s suggestion, and the place was exactly where the marquess had said.
Greg quickly hopped from the hack before helping Bella find her feet, then he paid the driver his fare. “Let’s go find this McCloskey fellow, shall we?” he said, offering Bella his arm.
“Let’s.” A beautiful smile settled on her lips and Greg somehow managed not to sigh.
They stepped inside the pub, which was more than a little raucous, and Greg towed Bella slightly closer to him. Haversham hadn’t mentioned the place would be teaming with brigands.
They might not be brigands, but they all had a fairly swarthy look about them and seemed less than friendly. Best find Haversham’s friend and leave the Maiden and the Doe just as quickly as they were able, as Greg didn’t like the look in any of these Scotsmen’s eyes.
A fellow behind the bar was pouring a bit of ale and Greg called to him, “Pardon me. I’m looking for McCloskey.”
The room fell silent as the barkeep glanced up from his duty and…