Tempting the Footman (House of Devon #5) - Lauren Smith Page 0,47

joy and panic.

Lady Mowbray’s smile became more confident. “My brother and I adored your mother. I am sorry to hear that she passed.” The beautiful woman turned her amber eyes on him, eyes they shared. “My father made a mistake in sending her away. He should have married her, and you should have had a childhood with us.” She held out a hand to him. “You are family, at least to me, and I believe my brother will feel the same. Will you accept me . . . brother?”

Lady Mowbray’s words and the olive branch of her hand were almost too much to bear. In one day, he had lost his entire world and now a new world and a new future had been thrust on him, one that was brighter than he ever could have dreamed.

“I am honored, Lady Mowbray.”

“Ellen, please. We are family.” She grinned, and Adrian clasped her hand between both of his.

“So, you see, my boy, your sister and I will do all within our power to bring you into the world, but it will still be a challenge.”

“I understand,” he replied. “Venetia is worth everything.”

The older woman gave a cunning smile. “Good. Now you see why I chose you.”

“Chose me?” he echoed in complete confusion.

Lady Latham laughed. “Yes, you think this was all fate and destiny? Dear boy, I knew from the moment you helped me from the coach when we first arrived that you would suit my granddaughter perfectly. It was just a matter of finding a way to pair you with her.”

Lady Mowbray giggled and locked her arm with Adrian’s. “It’s best not to ask how Lady Latham works her magic,” she whispered. “Lord Mowbray and I would not have gotten married if not for her clever intervention. Now come, let us talk while we wait for Venetia. We have much to catch up on, brother, and I wish to introduce you to my darling husband, Edward.”

11

Three days later…

Adrian stood in the small Hartland church close to the property of the Abbey, his friend Benjamin at his side. He wore a pair of fine dark-blue trousers and a matching coat with a gold waistcoat.

It felt odd not to be wearing the livery of a footman, which he’d worn nearly every single day of service, except on rare holidays. Ahead of him, the church was filled with a small group of Hartland Abbey servants, as well as Lord and Lady Devon and their children. It was alarming to be so visible after so many years of practicing the art of invisibility.

He looked toward Peregrine Sherman, who’d ridden to London with him two days before to procure a special license from the Doctors’ Commons so he could marry Venetia straightaway. He owed the man much and hoped to repay the favor someday. Peregrine nodded at him in silent acknowledgment.

“Steady on, old boy,” said Benjamin.

“What if she changes her mind?” Adrian asked. “What if she realizes that she’s made a mistake?”

“She’s definitely making a mistake in marrying you, but I doubt that will stop her from showing up.” His friend chuckled.

“You are such a balm to my ego,” Adrian retorted.

The church doors opened before Adrian could reply. First, his half sister entered. Ellen shot him a bright smile as she found her place in the front pew. Adrian’s half brother, Lord Bainbridge, followed behind her, Venetia upon his arm, escorting her down the aisle.

Part of him still wondered if he was dreaming. Had his life changed so dramatically in just a few short days? Had he been thrown from that carriage three days before, and now he was lying senseless upon a muddy road, and all of this was his imagination? He was lost for words as his future wife came toward him. He was marrying a lady, the daughter of an earl, and she loved him.

Venetia was a vision in blue watered silk, trimmed in Belgian lace. A small diadem of diamonds, a family heirloom, rested upon her golden hair. She was halfway down the aisle when the door at the back of the church flew open and a man rushed in. No, barged in. Stormed the church like it was the Bastille.

“Stop! I will not allow this!” The man charged toward Venetia, and she went stark white. He grasped her arm, twisting it. Adrian dashed down the aisle and jerked her free of the man, putting Venetia safely behind him.

“Who are you, sir, and why have you put your hands on my wife?” Adrian