Vow of Deception (The Ministry of Curiosities #9)(64)

He lowered his arms. "I suspect I'm not going to like this."

"Find yourself a suitable wife, one with a fortune and good breeding, and I will end any liaison I've been having with Cook."

"Ah, yes, because heiresses of noble birth grow on trees."

"There are a number in my circle, but you've refused to consider them."

"That's because I've met them. Vacuous little misses, all of them."

"So?" She lifted one shoulder. "That is my condition. Now, move aside, please. Cook needs me."

He hesitated then sighed and stepped out of her way. She lifted her chin and strode past him. Gus followed, smirking. Seth glanced in Alice's direction, but she was too busy fussing with a napkin to notice, so he left too.

"That was an odd conversation," I said attempting a laugh.

She sat down on one of the chairs and yawned. "Hmmm."

"Go and rest for a little while, Alice. I can manage on my own."

"I think I will. Keep an eye on the front lawn."

"Everything will be fine. Go."

She left, passing Lincoln striding in. He came straight up to me and hooked me around the waist, trapping me against his body. He kissed me fiercely, passionately, and did not stop until I pulled away.

"Lincoln?" I asked, half laughing, half eyeing him carefully.

My laughter died at the darkness swirling in his eyes. "Let's get married now."

"Now! Lincoln, it's all set for tomorrow." I indicated the table. "Everyone's gone to so much effort."

"The guests can still come for the breakfast. I want the ceremony now, today."

"They want to share the whole occasion with us, not just the food." I cupped his face with both my hands and stroked his cheeks with my thumbs. The darkness in his eyes didn't dissipate until he closed them and took my hands in his. "Why the hurry?" I asked, unease tightening my chest.

"Why the delay?" he murmured against my wrist. "I just want to marry you, Charlie. I only care about signing the papers to make you my wife. Why not today?"

"Lincoln, something's troubling you."

He opened his eyes and his gaze met mine. There was an earnestness there, and longing, but concern too.

A chill skittered across my skin. "Lincoln, tell me what's happened. Is it the army?" I looked past him. "Has someone from Wonderland arrived?"

He shook his head and took my hand. "Come with me."

We got only as far as the hall table in the entrance where the post sat unopened on top of two newspapers. He handed one of the papers to me. It wasn't The Star, but a more respected daily. He did not need to point to the offending article.

It was about Gawler's attack on "an upstanding respected member of society" and his subsequent death at the hands of a "brave gentleman." It went on to say that Gawler was a werewolf and had acted alone. That was something, at least. The public would consider the threat ended if they thought him the only one of his kind.

I continued to read but stopped when I saw Lincoln's name in the same sentence as "harboring and protecting the murderer".

I felt sick. My head spun and I reached for him. I needed his solidness, his balance. I needed this to go away, to be over.

He pulled me to his chest and circled both arms around me. "It'll be all right. No harm will come to you."

"It's not me I'm worried about!" I cried.

"Nothing will happen to me. I'll engage the best lawyer and order a retraction."

"It's not these reports that concern me. It's how Mr. Yallop and his parliamentary cronies will react upon reading them."

"They can't do anything without proof."

"They'll find proof if the public demands it. You know that, Lincoln. I know you do. You're simply trying to make me feel better."

He pushed the hair back from my forehead and stroked my face down to my chin. He forced me to look at him. "Whatever happens to me, stay here. Let the lawyer find a legal solution to the problem. Do not engage Swinburn. Is that understood? Stay at Lichfield. You're protected here. They won't find anything against me, and these accusations will come to nothing. Promise me, Charlie."

"I promise," I lied. If he thought I'd do nothing, he was sorely mistaken. "You're right, and I'm sure Fullbright won't act without evidence. You're the Prince of Wales's son, after all."

Yet that piece of information could not be used to keep him safe. We both knew it, yet neither of us mentioned it. It was easier to allow the other to think we remained positive. But I knew he was worried too. He wouldn't have urged me to marry him today if he thought everything would end well.

He kissed me lightly on the lips but broke away at the sound of wheels on the drive. He went to open the front door, but I caught his arm and held him back.

"No! Escape out the back way."

He shook his head. "If it's the police, I'll face them. If I don't, I become a fugitive."

"I'll go with you," I said in a rush.

He gave me a sad smile then gently pushed me aside and opened the door. I peered past him and my heart sank. Two constables sat on the rumble seat at the back, and another sat beside the driver. A fourth stepped out from the cabin, followed by Detective Inspector Fullbright and Mr. Yallop.