she suspected, they didn’t care, as long as the ceremony was legal and valid. She assured them it was, so the space was prepared for the saying of the vows—in less than an hour.
She and Jennifer had returned to Edinburgh within a week, accompanied by Gordon. In the intervening days he’d made arrangements to sell the Mayfair Club but keep the ownership of his three music halls. He was planning to branch out in Scotland. First, Edinburgh, and then Glasgow. To everyone’s surprise, Mr. Campbell had expressed an interest in being Gordon’s minority share partner. She wasn’t certain if Gordon had agreed.
As soon as the wedding was over, Gordon and Jennifer would go off to live in the house he’d found for them. The two of them would be under one roof, unlike the arrangements that had been in effect for the past month. Gordon had been staying with Hamish and Lauren, to Jennifer’s irritation.
Ellen had gone to some considerable expense decorating her home for the occasion, not to mention inviting everyone in Edinburgh. Or nearly everyone. Gordon’s Scottish advocates were here as well as his London solicitor, not to mention a goodly number of his London employees.
There were only two notable exceptions to the guest list. Maggie hadn’t been invited. Nor had Harrison.
When Abigail began to complain again, Ellen looked at her. “Thank you, Abigail. I won’t need you anymore. Perhaps you can go and see if you could assist the housekeeper with any tasks.”
Abigail frowned at her, which was a clear indication that she didn’t want to be banished. Either that, or she didn’t want to assist the housekeeper in any way. That was another difficult relationship for Abigail.
In a few moments, Ellen would go and help Jennifer don her wedding dress.
Right at the moment, however, she wanted to spend a few moments thinking of Mary. She would forever be grateful to the Countess of Burfield for her love, kindness, and generosity.
If there was such a thing as angels, then Mary Adaire was one. Perhaps she would be a witness to this wedding and the happiness of her son and Ellen’s daughter.
Jennifer stared at Gordon, unable to speak.
“You can’t be serious,” she finally said.
“I’ve never been more serious, Jennifer.”
He was fully dressed for the ceremony, in a kilt and formal jacket. He’d never looked more handsome.
She, on the other hand, was only wearing a wrapper. She’d been waiting for Ellen to help her with the French confection she would wear for the ceremony when Gordon had knocked on the door to her sitting room.
“You can’t do that, Gordon. I won’t let you.”
He’d delivered the most astounding news. How could she possibly allow him to do what he’d suggested?
She sat on the ottoman in front of her reading chair. He stood in front of her, a half smile on his face.
They both turned when the door opened to reveal Ellen.
“Is it a bit late for me to comment about the shocking nature of your undress, Jennifer? You’re not married yet.”
“I doubt I shall be,” Jennifer said, frowning up at Gordon. “You’ll never believe what he’s done, Ellen. He’s giving up his claim to the earldom. He’s just going to hand it over to Harrison.”
“Whatever do you mean?” Ellen asked.
“He’s no longer going to contest the earldom.” Jennifer looked up at Gordon again. “It’s your family, Gordon. Your heritage.”
“With you at my side, Jennifer, I can start my own heritage.”
“I can’t let you do it.”
Ellen glanced at Gordon. “Why are you giving up your claim?”
“The moment we’re married, people will speculate as to Jennifer’s relationship to me. They’ll either think she’s my sister or they’ll figure out the truth.”
“Then we simply won’t marry,” Jennifer said.
He folded his arms and stared at her. “That’s not an acceptable alternative.”
She continued to shake her head. “I can’t let you do this. Not for me. I don’t care what people say about me, Gordon.”
“Gordon’s right, of course,” Ellen said. “People enjoy a scandalous story, and this is one that only comes along once in a lifetime. The girl who was brought up as Lady Jennifer and the man who would be earl. They won’t be shy about the names they’ll call you: merry-begotten, for conceived out of wedlock. Or being a cludfawer, an illegitimate child.”
“I don’t mind the world knowing I’m illegitimate.”
Ellen frowned at her. “I do. Why do you think I went to such an effort to ensure that Mary and Alex raised you? It wasn’t only for myself, but for you. There’s