Once the family was gone and the girls returned to their rooms, Jenny remained at the railing. Soon, her parents would come to collect her, but unlike Abigail, she would leave wearing a smile. For she had friends who would miss her.
And a handsome earl who loved her.
She was sure of it.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Five years ago. That was when Nicholas began taking the first steps to fulfill a promise he had made to his father. Which led to an oath to avenge a sister he never knew. His journey had him face some of the vilest men one could imagine. But it also brought him to a woman who had forever changed him.
Jenny.
When his days were dark, she brought him light. When the waves of worry threatened to drown him, it was she who pulled him from their grasp. How could a woman he had once viewed as an innocent schoolgirl affect him so strongly?
It had been ten days since the encounter with Miss Jenny in the stable. The day she had confessed her love for him. Yet he had been unable to do the same. He feared that by doing so, what they had would be ruined. That somehow, everything they had built together thus far would fall apart. And worst of all, she would be hurt.
Although he had no reason to doubt anything she did, he could not help but worry. The role she was to play was wrought with danger. If anyone wished to hurt her, he would do all he could to keep her safe. Yet even a single misstep could expose the truth. If that happened, Lord Tulk would withdraw from the agreement, and all Nicholas’s hard work would be for naught.
Miss Jenny had called over three times to rehearse what she should and should not say. During that time, they had laughed and shared in idle talk, but the majority of their time together was spent rehearsing the role she was to play.
A role for which she had volunteered time and again, despite his attempts to dissuade her.
Once Nicholas was certain that Miss Jenny was prepared for the meeting, he had written to Lord Tulk, inviting him to Rosling Estate. The marquess had sent his reply with Nicholas’s messenger and was expected at any moment. The decanters had been filled. The contracts had been prepared. All Nicholas needed was the man’s signature on the documents, and the final stage of his plan would be in place.
Although it would take several weeks once the meeting concluded, the destruction of Lord Tulk would finally come to pass. After five long years, Nicholas’s work would be done. A father’s dying wish would be fulfilled, and a sister would be avenged. One he was never given the chance to know.
Making his way to the foyer, he glanced at the portrait of his father. Though Nicholas was not superstitious, he could sense the man smiling down on him and giving his encouragement as he often did.
A knock on the door made him start, and Nicholas turned as Osborne answered. Expecting to see Lord Tulk, he was shocked to find Tibbons instead.
“I’m sorry to barge in on you, my lord, but I must speak to you.”
Nicholas frowned. The driver knew what was to take place this evening. His interruption was inconvenient, to say the least.
“It’s important, my lord.”
With a nod, Nicholas joined Tibbons on the portico and motioned for Osborne to close the door. “What is it?”
“I just returned from the village, my lord,” Tibbons said, gripping the brim of his hat. “I saw Lord Tulk, but he’s not alone. He was talking to Lady Ayles outside the inn.”
Nicholas rubbed his chin. “What is she doing here? She must know that Tulk will never allow her in our meeting. There is too much at stake, and he has little trust when it comes to women—ladies or otherwise.”
Tibbons glanced over his shoulder. “Not meaning no offense, my lord, but do you think they’re… well, romantically involved?”
Pursing his lips, Nicholas replied, “It’s possible, but it does not matter. If she means to come unannounced in hopes of ruining this evening, she’ll pay dearly.” No sooner had he spoken the words than a black carriage turned into the drive. “Thank you, Tibbons. Not just for tonight, but for what you’ve done for my family over these last years. Your help has been invaluable.”
“It’s been an honor, my lord,” the driver said. He bowed and hurried away.
Nicholas waited on the portico, his hands clasped behind his back, for the carriage to come to a stop in front of the house. Upon seeing Lord Tulk emerge and no other, he let out a relieved sigh.
“Tulk,” he said, approaching the older man and putting out a hand, “we meet with better weather.”
Lord Tulk chuckled. “Far better weather, I agree. Spring has arrived early. So, is the son already here?”
Leave it to the marquess to leap right into business. He had never been one for small talk, and today would be no different.
“He has yet to arrive,” Nicholas replied. The timing of their arrivals had been carefully planned, with Lord Tulk arriving at one while a carriage collected Miss Jenny at the same time. This would allow Nicholas a few moments alone with the man who had caused so many young women unbearable grief. “Please, come inside. We’ll share in an early celebratory drink before Thompson joins us.”
After Osborne collected Lord Tulk’s overcoat and muffler, Nicholas led the marquess to his study and poured them each a brandy. He handed the man a glass and raised his in a toast. “To our success. Not only today but in the years ahead.”