Page 75 of A Match Made On Duchess Square

“We are agreed on that,” she assured him, wondering why he felt the need to emphasize these points. Perhaps the possibility of spending the night with her was also unsettling him. “You cannot risk being recognized.”

“Same risk for you, Gwen. You travel in elite, ton circles, and this is a popular holiday spot for Londoners.”

“You needn’t worry about me. I am ready to accept the consequences of this plan. No doubts or second thoughts on my part.”

How could there be when she was so close to seeing Andrew again? True, Marchand’s revelation had thrown her into turmoil. Right now, her thoughts were in a jumble and her heart had yet to stop racing.

But she began to calm down the more distance she and James put between them and the café. They were formulating a plan.

Well, he was doing most of the planning, since she could not be logical or clearheaded about her upcoming confrontation with Andrew.

And it would be a confrontation. She was not feeling particularly sympathetic to her betrothed, nor was she ready to accept the excuses he would provide in support of his absence and complete lack of contact for all these years.

James would remain beside her. Gwendolyn was soothed by his assuring manner. This was James, confident and fiercely protective.

“I’ll send Fuller home with our parcels once we’ve picked up the invitations,” he said, referring to his carriage driver. “He’ll let Harting know not to expect us home until tomorrow. Fuller can return for us first thing in the morning.”

“In the meanwhile,” she said with a nod, “we’ll have the night to ourselves.”

He grunted. “Just us and Clement. How cozy. That is, assuming he makes his long-overdue appearance.”

Gwendolyn almost hoped he wouldn’t.

They stopped by the stationery shop and picked up the invitations. Gwendolyn was pleased the engraver had done excellent work on such short notice. Then it was off to reserve rooms at the notorious lovers’ inn James had mentioned, which was situated on the outskirts of Brighton and nestled above a secluded cove.

Called the Sea Sprite Inn, it stood atop a small rise and overlooked the water. Gwendolyn found it surprisingly charming and well kept, but she supposed Brighton’s elite would demand elegant accommodations even while doing their dirty deeds.

The proprietor asked no questions as he led them to the chamber James had reserved for the evening, which turned out to be surprisingly pleasant and airy, although quite sparsely furnished. One could hear waves breaking against the rocks immediately below their open windows. “The sound carries,” the proprietor warned, nodding toward the large, canopied bed that dominated the room, leaving no doubt about the purpose of these lodgings. “I would not leave the windows open when… Well, ye know, m’lord.”

Milbury cleared his throat. “Yes, I am aware.”

Gwendolyn felt her cheeks turn to fire, realizing what this man was talking about. He thought she and Milbury would be having intimate relations tonight.

Was it a noisy thing?

Heavens.

What had she got herself into?

She had managed to hide her shock when Milbury reserved only the one room for them, immediately understanding the logic of it. A woman alone would not be safe in a place like this.

But she could not hide her embarrassment once she and James were left alone in the room.

He turned to her as soon as the proprietor closed the door behind him. “Forgive me, Gwen. But I dared not request separate rooms. It is too dangerous, especially since we have no idea when and how Clement will make himself known to you. He might decide to pay you a midnight call.”

“You mean sneak into this room?”

He nodded. “You might trust him, but I don’t. Ten years is a long time to be apart. What if he is a changed man?”

“Would a man of honorable character change that much?” she asked.

“Who knows? Was his character ever all that honorable?” He shook his head to dismiss his remark. “Even if he were a man of highest honor, his experiences on the field of battle will have had an impact on him. The war years took a toll on every man who fought. Few remained unaffected. Many came home feeling lost and purposeless, out of place in a society that had moved beyond the war and often seemed to forget it ever took place.”

“I see.”

“This is why I am adamant about our sharing a room. Clement’s behavior concerns me, and I cannot leave you unprotected.”

Gwendolyn nodded.