Merely the Groom (Free Fellows League 2)

“We might be able to compromise,” Colin offered. He wasn’t a compromising man by nature, but in the years since they had founded the Free Fellows League, Colin had learned the value of finding the middle ground. “Why don’t we have dinner here and then continue our journey to Shepherdston Hall?”

Gillian smiled. “Can we?”

Colin shrugged. “I don’t see why not. There should be plenty of light left to travel by. So long as we have an early dinner and are willing to accept whatever Cook has to offer.”

“Whatever she has will be wonderful,” Gillian said, “because it will be our first meal as husband and wife. And to have it in our new home makes it doubly special.” She stared at her husband. “Thank you, Colin.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Not just for the compromise,” Gillian said. “Thank you for today. Thank you for marrying me and giving me a second chance.”

“Thank you,” he said sincerely, “for saying yes.”

Chapter Twenty

“There is occasions and causes why and wherefore in all things.”

—William Shakespeare, 1564-1616

Henry V

“Pomfrey promised to send word as soon as they arrived,” Jarrod stood up and began to pace as he briefed the other members of the Free Fellows League in their customary meeting room at White’s. “I haven’t yet received word.”

Griff gave a little half smile. Pomfrey was the butler at Jarrod’s country estate. “I doubt they’ve had time to get to Shepherdston Hall.”

“They’ve had plenty of time,” Jarrod contradicted. “It’s been hours since the wedding.”

“By the by,” the Duke of Sussex drawled, “how was the wedding?”

“Quite nice,” Griffin said. “I marveled that they were able to accomplish it so quickly without Alyssa’s help. Of course, it was a very small wedding. The only witnesses besides Alyssa and me were Lord and Lady Davies, Lord and Lady McElreath and the children, and the rector. But the wedding breakfast was filled to capacity. I’ll wager that everyone who received an invitation—” He looked at Sussex and Jarrod. “With two notable exceptions—showed up with a friend or two.”

“The announcement appeared in all the papers this morning,” Sussex said. “Word got round.”

Jarrod concurred. “I ran into a half dozen chaps who wanted details during my morning trot around the Row. I told them I knew nothing more than what I’d read in the papers.”

Griff laughed. “So the curious turned out to see for themselves. I vow, I saw people at the breakfast I hadn’t seen in years.”

That was quite a statement coming from Griff who, since becoming England’s newest hero, swore he’d seen and shaken hands with everyone on the island of Great Britain at least once.

“I can’t believe Lord McElreath made it,” Jarrod said. “He made it,” Griff said. “And he looked quite presentable for a man that foxed.”

“Damn.” Jarrod scowled. “Did he say or do anything to embarrass Colin?”

Griff hesitated a moment before he shook his head. “Nothing untoward. At least, not publicly. But he and Colin exchanged words.”

“Christ!” Jarrod swore. “I was hoping...” He looked at Griff. “Apparently, I was hoping for more than Lord McElreath is capable of. I heard he was still at the Hellfire Club at breakfast this morning.”

“Winning or losing?” Griff asked.

“He won big until about three a.m., then he began losing steadily. One of his contemporaries finally persuaded him to leave the table before he lost it all.”

Griff whistled.

Jarrod’s sources of information never ceased to amaze his fellow Free Fellows.

“Would that be the same contemporary who joined you on your morning ride along the Row?” Sussex gave Jarrod an enigmatic smile.

Jarrod didn’t answer, but Sussex’s victory was short-lived. “The two ladies St. Germaine attended the breakfast,” Griff offered Sussex the bait.