The Last Duke (Thornton 1)

A moment later, the sound of galloping hooves and snapping twigs reached Daphne’s ears. Then, silence.

“Your savior, I believe you said. A most accurate description.” The vicar nodded with satisfaction. “He’s a fine man, Snowdrop. You’ve chosen well.”

“My husband.” Daphne shook her head dazedly. “Is this really happening?”

“Indeed it is. And I suggest we hasten to the church in order to make what limited arrangements we can. Although,” tenderly, he patted her cheek, “regardless of what we do, you will be the most beautiful of brides.” He cast a worried glance toward the woods. “I only pray your Pierce reaches Elizabeth before it’s too late.”

“He will.” A smile of infinite wonder played about Daphne’s lips. “Pierce always answers prayers.”

13

THE LAST RAYS OF daylight had just disappeared from view when the church door burst open.

“Daphne.” Hastening forward, Elizabeth embraced her daughter, who was alone and pacing in the empty church.

“Mama, are you all right?”

“Yes, now that I’ve seen you.” The marchioness anxiously searched Daphne’s face. “I was so worried.”

Daphne’s gaze met Pierce’s as he entered the room. “Thank you.”

He nodded soberly. “My pleasure.”

“Tell me what happened,” Elizabeth demanded. “Your father was wild with rage when he went looking for you. Mr. Thornton—pardon me—His Grace said they came to blows. He also said you wanted me with you; that the two of you are about to be married.”

“Are you shocked?”

“By the marriage? No. Only by the urgency.” Despite her emotional turmoil, Elizabeth smiled. “As you recall, I already knew what your decision would be.”

Hearing that, Pierce’s brows rose, a self-satisfied grin curving his lips. “I’m delighted to learn you’d decided in my favor.”

“Did you doubt it?” Daphne asked softly.

“At moments, yes.”

Glancing from her daughter to Pierce, Elizabeth asked, “Where did Harwick find you and what happened?”

“You’d better sit down, Mama,” Daphne replied. She drew her mother to a pew, lowering herself beside her. “Father thinks Pierce and I are already wed.”

Elizabeth started. “Why would he think that?”

“Possibly because I told him so,” Pierce supplied.

“But why?” Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide with fear. “Did he find you and Daphne together?”

“It was worse than that,” Daphne murmured. “He found me at the schoolhouse. I’d just returned from completing the errand you and I had discussed.” She gave her mother a meaningful look. “I stopped in the village, first to visit the vicar, then the children. I was on my way to Tragmore when Father appeared, enraged. Pierce interceded. One thing led to another, and—” She broke off, inclining her head quizzically in Pierce’s direction. “How did you arrive on the scene when you did?”

“I followed you.”

“From the church?”

“From London.”

“From London?” Daphne gasped. “How did you know?”

“I traveled to Tragmore at dawn, as promised. Your mother said you were out. I went to Town to conduct some business, intending to return to your father’s estate later today. I happened to spy you as your carriage left London for Northampton. As you know, I was eager for your answer to my marriage proposal. So I followed you. I arrived at the church in time to see you and the vicar depart. Knowing how you feel about the village children, it wasn’t difficult to determine your destination. So, I acted on instinct and rode to the school. Fortunately, my instinct was right.”

A warm glow lit Daphne’s eyes. “Isn’t it always?”