The Undoing of a Libertine (Somerset Historicals 2)

“You see, Edgar, it was no trouble to find a father and a husband out for revenge for their sweet girl. I believe the young lady in this case was named Emma and her pater a well known tradesman in Town. Owns a tannery. Good knife skills I hear, but I wouldn’t know personally. Given the gift of time, I imagine scores of wronged maidens, and their angry menfolk, can be located.”

Pellton started whimpering again.

John and Tom stood up to leave.

“Tom, would you be so kind as to relieve our passenger of his money purse, watch, and signet ring? Take his coat and his shoes as well, I think. We’ll find some worthy priory or house of good works and make a donation on our way back.”

“My pleasure, Pater.”

His son was roughly efficient in his task, and a few extra kicks and blows met their target with no trouble. Tom made sure to tie the bindings extra tight, too.

“Good-bye, Edgar. Our carriage awaits outside to take us to our festive evening. We’ll just leave you here in Whitechapel. I’m sure some helpful person will come along eventually. You be careful though. ’Tis a rough sort of neighborhood, and your carriage will stick out like a jewel box atop a rag pile here on this street.”

John Russell took one last look, hovering over the squirming, befouled man on the floor. “Be a stranger now,” John said, and then he spat in Pellton’s face.

Chapter Thirty-Six

A little rebellion now and then is a good thing.

—Thomas Jefferson, “Letter to James Madison” (1787)

Standing beside Sir Rodney at the landing, Jeremy watched as first his grandmother and then his wife descended the stairs. Dressed in a magnificent gown of silver, her mother’s pearls, and the pearl and diamond earrings he’d given her, Gina was ethereal to him. Grandmamma looked fine, too, in her gown of dark green. For the first time he could recall, he actually found himself looking forward to the festivities tonight.

“What beauteous wives we have, son! They are a sight tonight, are they not?” Sir Rodney declared, admiring the view.

“An understatement, Sir. I’d say they were a vision,” Jeremy murmured, never taking his eyes off the two most important women in the world for him.

He greeted his grandmother first. “Grandmamma, you are most splendid in that green, and thank you for organizing this evening.” He kissed her cheek.

“It is my great pleasure, dear. We are so proud of you, Jeremy, for bringing Georgina into our family. I think celebration is due, don’t you?”

“Quite.” He bowed and stepped forward to claim his wife. He took up her hand and kissed in a lingering brush, inhaling deeply. “You sparkle like the moon and the stars in that gown and your pearls, and will be the talk of the town by tomorrow, I predict, Mrs. Greymont.”

“Thank you, Mr. Greymont. I daresay we are lucky ladies to be escorted by such handsome gentlemen, especially in your new jackets. I see that no details have been left dangling.” She smiled at Lady Bleddington and Sir Rodney. “Your waistcoats are in hue with our gowns. We shall be matched pairs.”

“As it should be, my sweetheart. This way I can stand proudly by your side and growl at the throngs who’ll want an introduction and will annoy me greatly in seeking your favor.”

“No growling, Jeremy.” She laughed at him. “And there won’t be any throngs of admirers either.”

“Oh, so we don’t agree on that point then, for I think there will certainly be throngs. And I promise to refrain from growling so long as you stay close by.” He kissed her quickly on the lips. “God, you smell good. It’s the most lovely—”

He indulged in another inhale. “You’re like a night-blooming rose. My rose in the starlight,” he whispered with a wink, plucking at a silvery sleeve of her shimmering gown.

“Clarissa wore the same scent, Jeremy.”

He froze. Grandmamma had been listening in. “She—she did?” he stuttered, shocked at what his grandmother had just shared.

“Yes, dear. It was your mamma’s favorite. I noticed it on Georgina and thought it a happy remembrance for you. You were so young though…” Grandmamma trailed off in her reminiscence.

“My mother wore it also,” Gina reminded him.

Jeremy looked at his beautiful Gina and silently thanked the heavens once again that she was his to love.

“Yet another reason why you were meant for me. It was fated,” he told her, thinking back to that strange dream he’d had in hospital. Had his mother come to him a dream? A warm flush spread through him, and he felt something he’d never really known. Full. Filled up. Replete with good feelings and blessings—

“Ahem.” Sir Rodney cleared his throat, breaking through the poignancy. “Shall we go forth and greet our guests?”

“Yes, sir.” Jeremy came to attention and tucked Gina into his arm, feeling a bit possessive and definitely proud. “Lead us on, Grandfather. Lead us on.”