“Oh no,” Greystone cut in. “I will not allow society to make this any worse than it is. We will quell all gossip,” he stated.
Greystone’s mouth tightened and each word came out a clipped order, “We shall make it clear that I always supported this, that I helped Blackwood get you your title, that this is what I wanted for a long time, for many, many years.”
“Whatever you say,” Blackwood said with a shrug. “As long as it gets her away from your clutches.”
“Now come with me,” the earl ordered.
Tom stepped in front of her and together, without thinking they both declared, “No.”
The muscle just under Greystone’s right eye twitched, but then the earl whirled around and stormed out.
Blackwood and Tom stared at each other. “I cannot believe he’s gone so easily.”
“I do not think he has,” Tom said slowly. “I think he’s planning something more nefarious. I don’t think that he’ll stop.”
“Well, what could he possibly do now?” she asked, her gaze swinging from Blackwood to Tom. “If he has given his permission—” and then she stopped.
Horror crossed her visage. “Tom, is he going to try to kill you?”
Tom inclined his head. “It wouldn’t surprise me, and it certainly wouldn’t be the first time someone intended it.”
Blackwood gave a tight nod. “I had no idea that he would prove so taciturn and determined in this. But Elizabeth, if he’s willing to kill Tom, he might also be willing to kill you. His shame at the two of you seems to be great indeed. He says that he wants everyone to know that he approves, but I doubt it very much indeed.”
“I agree,” she said, her voice hoarse. “But now what do we do?”
“I think you still go to Scotland. I think you get married immediately and without his permission, and I think you let me deal with him,” Blackwood said.
“Let us go now, Elizabeth,” Tom urged, “I agree with Blackwood. I do not think we should wait.”
“Then by all means.” She raised her chin, ready. “To Scotland it is.”
Relieved beyond measure, Tom gave a glance of thanks to Blackwood then took her arm in his, sweeping her out the back and into the alley.
They would head to a private coaching inn that he had already prepared. And from there, Scotland awaited and a friend who would see them right, of that, he was certain.
It was time to call on Clyde, a Scottish duke who knew what it meant to fight to the death for the woman he loved.
And Tom realized he couldn’t deny it. He was falling in love with Lady Elizabeth. There was no other word for it. His admiration at her determination, her willingness to do everything for her freedom, it had sparked something in him that was bursting to flame.
And the only word that he could think of to describe it was love.
Chapter 18
Married.
The reality of it was a whirlwind.
Elizabeth could barely wrap her mind about what had happened in the last few days. They had raced north as if the devil was on their heels and she supposed he was. Her father was certainly as cruel as any devil that had ever existed.
They had reached Gretna Green in an incredibly short period, having driven through the night, despite the dangers of it.
They had changed horses at every coaching inn to make certain that the horses were fresh and fast.
Tom had even secured a second coach driver so they could drive in shifts.
Apparently, Tom was made of money.
Or so it seemed.