The Wedding Pact (Marriage by Fairytale Book 3) Read online

  She hurried to finish dressing, brushed her hair, and then retrieved her cane. She opened the door of the bedroom. This time she didn’t find Julian sleeping on the settee. He was still in his nightclothes, but he was writing at the desk.

  She made her way over to him, and he glanced over at her. She smiled. “You woke up before I did this morning.”

  He returned her smile then turned his attention back to the parchment. “I haven’t done any preparation for the sermon I need to give today.”

  “You give sermons?”

  “At the church. Did you happen to notice the small building that way when you were riding your horse?”

  She followed the direction he was pointing to and nodded. “Yes, I noticed it. It looked like no one was there.”

  “No one was there. People will be there this morning, though, and it’s my job to stand up in front of them and speak. I’m preparing what I want to say on this.” He gestured to the parchment. Then he dipped his quill into the ink and wrote unfamiliar symbols on it.

  “How long will you be gone?”

  He paused. “It’s customary that I take you with me since you’re my wife. But,” he scanned her clothes, “I don’t think I can, given your attire.”

  “Yes, I wanted to ask you about that. Will it be difficult for me to get some gowns?”

  “No, it won’t be difficult. It’s just that I can’t do it today. I also can’t have you show up at the church with those clothes on, even if you do wear a cloak. It would raise too many questions.”

  Yes, she supposed it would. Vicar Williams had been curious about why she refused to take the cloak off, and that was only one person. She couldn’t imagine a church full of people asking her about it.

  “We’ll have to get you gowns this week,” he finally said. “Then you can come with me next Sunday to the church. Do you mind staying here by yourself today?”

  “How long will you be gone?”

  After a moment, he said, “Four hours. I usually talk to some people when the sermon is done.”

  Since Lord Wolfe hadn’t come back, she didn’t think he would come by today. She would just spend her time sitting in the chair and…and… And what?

  Be bored. That’s what she’d do. She couldn’t make a gown. She couldn’t read a book. She didn’t feel like drawing anything. But perhaps she could do something.

  “Can I do laundry while sitting?” she asked.

  His face grew pink from embarrassment. “I haven’t had a chance to wash the clothes yet.”

  “I’m not saying you should have washed them by now. I thought if I had four hours, it must be plenty of time to wash them.”

  He shook his head. “I can’t let you do that. Not with your ankle and leg being the way they are. Remember what the doctor said? You need to keep that leg propped up on the ottoman. It’s the quickest way you’ll heal.”

  She was afraid of that. So, she would be bored. But it was better than being with Lord Wolfe. She’d deal with it. “All right. I’ll stay in the chair today.”

  Then, since he was watching her, she went to the chair and sat down.

  “I appreciate your willingness to do laundry. It’s my least favorite chore,” Julian said. “I’d be more than happy to hand the task over to you if you were better.”

  She smiled. “I’ve never come across anyone more concerned about someone as you are. You have a good heart.”

  His face turned a darker shade of pink, but she suspected it wasn’t because he was embarrassed. “Thank you. I try to be considerate of others. A good vicar puts others before himself.”

  “If that’s what a vicar is supposed to do, then you succeed.”

  “Well, a vicar does more than that, but yes, it’s one of his roles.” He cleared his throat. “I better finish up my sermon. I still need to make porridge and get dressed for the day. I’ll change your bandages before I leave.” Then he turned back to the parchment and resumed his work.

  She wished there was something she could do to help him, but she already knew he’d insist she stay in the chair. So far, it seemed that she wasn’t of much use to him. All she’d done since she came here was take from him. She hoped it wouldn’t always be like this. Even if one of his duties was to serve others, she wanted to do something for him.

  She lifted her leg and placed it on the ottoman. The sooner she healed, the sooner she could earn her keep. Since he was working on the sermon, she kept quiet. At least she could help by letting him work. After a moment, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the fact that she was completely safe from Lord Wolfe.

  ***

  The next day, Julian took Ophelia to his brother’s townhouse in London. He didn’t have the first idea of what gowns to get for her, and he thought perhaps Marcy Cotter, the Countess of Pruett, might be able to help him get gowns that were in fashion. Since Ophelia didn’t voice any protest about going to London, he packed some of his things and got everything ready for the carriage. Ophelia would need grooming supplies, gloves, slippers, and other things ladies required. Yes, Ophelia would need Marcy’s help.

  As much as he hated to do it, he had to arrive at his brother’s townhouse while Ophelia was still wearing his old clothes. She could hide this fact under his cloak, but it would probably arouse the suspicion of anyone who saw them.

  He had tried to clean the blood out of her gown, but it hadn’t done any good. He knew enough about mending gowns that he could have patched up the rip in her gown, but there was nothing he could do about the blood. Apparently, once it soaked into fabric, it was impossible to remove. He didn’t know if he could have saved the gown if he’d washed it that night Ophelia had fallen off the horse or not, but there was no point in dwelling on that now. All he could do was get her some new gowns to wear.

  Julian pulled the old and tattered carriage up to the front of his brother’s townhouse and set the brake. Pretending he didn’t notice the people’s curious glances, he offered them a polite greeting and then went to open the door.

  “How are you doing?” he asked Ophelia.

  “Fine. The ride wasn’t as rough as the other one was,” she replied.

  “The road into London is smoother.” He unwound the blanket from around her leg then helped her into the cloak. “You can take this off once we’re inside.”

  She nodded and secured the cloak so it wouldn’t fall off her shoulders.

  “Remember what I told you about addressing a duke?” he asked.

  “I’m to address a duke as ‘Your Grace’,” she replied.

  That was nice. She had a good memory. He didn’t have to go through the whole explanation again. “My brother is the Duke of Alwood. Since you’re my wife, you can also address him as Jonah, though I would wait until you get a chance to know him before doing that.”

  “All right.” She pulled the hood of the cloak over her head and retrieved the cane. “I’m ready.”

  With a deep breath, he gathered his valise and assisted her out of the carriage. He hadn’t seen anyone in his family in a few years. He didn’t think it was going to be a pleasant reunion, but, perhaps, for Ophelia’s sake, they could all be civil.

  He wasn’t sure if he should have warned her about the friction between him and his brothers. While they’d had five years to recover from the incident that changed their lives, he was afraid there wasn’t anything that would undo the damage he’d caused.

  If he wasn’t in need of money so he could get Ophelia the things she needed, he wouldn’t even come here. He glanced up at the townhouse he’d spent his childhood in. When he was young, he never thought the day would come when he had to wonder if he was going to be allowed to walk through the front door, but now, he couldn’t be sure if Jonah would allow the footman to let him and Ophelia pass through the threshold.

  Well, there was only one way he was going to find out.

  He tucked his free hand around her elbow. “I’ll help you up the steps.”

  He guided her up to the entrance, making sure he didn
’t go too fast in case she tripped. Once they were at the front door, he knocked on it. Then he gripped the handle on his valise and prayed Jonah might have forgiven him by now.

  The footman opened the door and smiled. “Mr. Roskin, I was beginning to think I’d never see you again. Come in.” He waved Julian and Ophelia forward.

  Julian offered the old familiar man a smile and escorted his wife into the entryway. “I’m a vicar now,” he told the footman.

  The footman’s eyes lit up in surprise. “You are? That’s splendid! And is this the lady you married?”

  “Yes. We married two days ago.”

  “How lovely. Your brothers are still unmarried.”

  “Do both of them still live here?”

  “They do. His Grace is in the den, but Mr. Roskin is out at the moment. Do you want me to let His Grace know you are here?”

  Julian nodded then swallowed the lump in his throat. Seeing one of his brothers was going to be awkward enough. Now he’d just learned he’d have to deal with both of them. This wasn’t going to be pleasant at all. But it was his own doing. He couldn’t complain about it.

  “Come to the drawing room,” the footman said, breaking Julian out of his thoughts. “I’ll have the butler bring you and your wife some black tea and crumpets.” He chuckled. “I bet you thought I forgot what you liked to drink and eat.”

  Julian smiled to let him know he appreciated his kindness. The footman probably didn’t know why he’d left this townhouse.

  The footman’s gaze went to the valise Julian was holding. “Will you be staying for a few days?”

  “I’m not sure yet. I thought I’d ask my brothers first.”

  “I’m sure they’ll be delighted to have you here. Would you like me to give that to the butler to put in your bedchamber?”

  “No. I’ll hold onto this for now.”

  “As you wish. I’ll see to the refreshments.”

  After the footman left, Julian helped Ophelia over to a chair. He set his valise down then brought over an ottoman to her.

  “It’s nice he remembers what you like to eat and drink,” she said.

  “Yes, it is nice.” He decided not to make eye contact with her as he spoke. The last thing he wanted was for her to pick up on his unease. He gently propped her leg up. “Are you comfortable, or do you need a pillow?”

  “I’m fine.”

  He straightened up and glanced over at the nearest chair. He knew he should sit, but he was too anxious to do so. Instead, he chose to keep standing and took a good look around the room. It was just as he remembered it. Many nights he had dreamt of his past. In those dreams, he’d try to undo the damage he’d caused, but he’d wake up and remember that he couldn’t go back and change anything.

  And now he was here.

  He went over to one of the windows. While he’d lived here, he hadn’t taken the time to give a good, long look out the windows. The things happening outside hadn’t concerned him. The real excitement was what happened inside a place. Since living in the cottage, he’d learned to appreciate the simplicity of the outside world. There was much going on, if one took the time to slow down.

  People were busy in London. There were plenty of them walking past the townhouses, and it seemed as if there was a steady stream of carriages going up and down the street. It was only when he looked at the windows of the townhouses across from him that activity ceased. Though the drapes were open on most of the windows, he didn’t see anyone. Either they were too concerned with what was happening inside or they weren’t there.

  He closed his eyes for a moment and thought of the cottage the parish had given him to live in. The breeze would make the tree branches rustle. He would stare at them for a while and make out images in the leaves. Then he would watch an animal or two and guess what they were doing. On occasion, the animals would be playing together. Or, at least, he imagined they were playing when one was chasing the other, such as was often the case with rabbits and birds.

  “Mr. Roskin?” the footman called out.

  Julian opened his eyes and turned his attention to him.

  “I told His Grace that you and your wife are here,” the footman said. “He should be here shortly.”

  Julian swallowed, hoping neither the footman nor his wife noticed. “Thank you.”

  The footman bowed then left.

  Julian turned back to the window. He supposed if Jonah said he wasn’t welcome here, he could find out where Lewis Cotter, Marcy’s husband, lived. He didn’t know Lewis or Marcy very well. He was better acquainted with their friend, Mr. Stephen Bachman, but Stephen lived outside of London. The only place Ophelia was going to get the things she needed was here.

  Not that it’ll do any good if I don’t have money to buy what she needs.

  He winced. Neither Jonah nor James owed him anything. On the contrary, he owed them. He could only hope they would help him because of Ophelia. God knew he didn’t have anything he could offer her except a place to live and food to eat.

  This time he heard someone enter the room. He turned and saw Jonah. Jonah went over to Ophelia and greeted her.

  Pretending he didn’t notice Jonah’s stiff posture, Julian went over to him.

  “How long have you been married to my brother?” Jonah asked her.

  “We only married a couple of days ago,” she replied.

  This time, Jonah directed his attention to Julian. “And you decided to bring her here so James and I could meet her?”

  “Well, that was part of why I came,” Julian began, his face warm under his brother’s tense gaze. Jonah hadn’t forgiven him. Julian cleared his throat. “I wish to have a word with you in private.” He glanced at Ophelia, hoping his brother would understand that he didn’t want to rehash the past in front of her.

  Fortunately, his brother nodded. “All right. We’ll go to the den.” He turned to Ophelia and offered a tight smile. “It was nice to meet you.”

  Though Ophelia’s eyebrows furrowed in concern, she returned the sentiment.

  Julian didn’t look at her as he followed Jonah out of the drawing room. She might ask him about his relationship with his brothers later, and if so, he’d deal with it then. He couldn’t deal with it now. Right now, he needed to focus on Jonah.

  When they reached the den, Jonah gestured for him to enter first. Julian did, but he waited until Jonah sat in the chair behind the desk before he settled into the one across from him.

  “I didn’t expect to ever see you again,” Jonah said.

  Julian flinched at the sharp tone in his brother’s voice. “I wasn’t going to disrupt your life, but I don’t have any money.”

  Before he could add that he was only here on Ophelia’s behalf, Jonah snapped, “If it was up to you, this entire estate would be bankrupt.”

  Julian didn’t answer right away. He needed to proceed with great care. He crossed his arms and tucked his trembling hands under them. “I know what I did was wrong. I wish I could go back and make things right.”

  “But you can’t.” His brother shook his head. “Don’t give me the list of things you’re sorry about. I don’t want to hear it. I assume you’re here because you told your wife you have money, and you figure I’ll give you some in order to make a good impression so she doesn’t think ill of me.”

  “No, that’s not why I came.”

  “So you’re not here for money?”

  Julian hesitated but then pushed past the rapid beating of his heart. “I did come here for money.” When Jonah rolled his eyes, he hurried to add, “But only for her. I don’t want any of it for me.”

  “I’m shocked you didn’t marry a wealthy lady.”

  “I wasn’t planning to marry at all.” He certainly wasn’t deserving of a wife. “She happened to come along, and she had no one else to take care of her.”

  Jonah let out a bitter chuckle. “I don’t know if I can believe that or not. You’re not exactly known for being honest.”

  It was on the tip of Julian’
s tongue to suggest he speak with Ophelia and find out the truth for himself, but he wasn’t sure if Ophelia would tell Jonah anything. As it was, she hadn’t told him much.

  Finally, Julian said, “You can check the clothes she’s wearing under the cloak and the things I brought in my valise. Everything is mine. She came into the marriage with nothing.”

  “Nothing? Are you telling me she came to you naked?”

  “No. But the things she was wearing were damaged beyond repair. She fell off a horse. She injured her leg and ankle. That’s why her leg is on the ottoman.”

  “You should just take her back to where she came from and get her things from there.”

  “I would do that if I knew where that was.”

  Jonah frowned. “Are you telling me, you don’t know anything about her?”

  Again, Julian hesitated to answer. Deciding to go with another angle, Julian uncrossed his arms and retrieved a neatly folded parchment from his suit pocket.

  “I have proof that we married.” Julian unfolded the parchment then held it out to Jonah. When Jonah took it, he added, “All I want is for her to be able to get the things ladies need. They don’t have to be many, and they don’t have to be expensive. She’s a vicar’s wife. She won’t be able to wear anything fancy anyway.” At least not as fancy as she was used to, considering the gown she’d been wearing the night he met her.

  “A vicar’s wife?” Jonah stared at him in disbelief. “Are you telling me you’re a vicar?”

  Julian lowered his gaze. His brother didn’t have to say it. Julian, of all people, had no business being a vicar. Except… “I know you’ll find it hard to believe, but I’ve worked out my sins with God.”

  Jonah laughed. “And that makes everything all right?”

  “No, it doesn’t, but He’s forgiven me and given me a second chance.”

  “You don’t deserve a second chance after what you did.”

  “I know I don’t, but He gave it to me anyway.”

  Jonah shook his head. “Well, you’re not getting one with me. You stole our father’s money and squandered it. James and I are the ones who saved the estate from bankruptcy. You won’t be getting any of the money in an inheritance.”