"She approached me," Sherborne cried. "If your daughters were not such light skirts-"
"How dare you!" Father thrust a chubby finger into the earl's chest.
"I most certainly dare," Lord Rowley said, turning upon Emily quite suddenly. "Your daughter, my betrothed, is the one who has made a cake of herself-and me as well-standing before us, clad in her nightclothes, the irrefutable evidence of a midnight tryst in her hair." He snatched a piece of hay from Emily's head and held it up victoriously.
"The one you were betrothed to," Emily said. Then to her father, "I'll not marry him."
"Miss Montgomery fainted," Mr. Linfield said, his calm tone still in place. "As most well-bred young ladies would likely do, were they to witness a birth."
"When she arrived, why did you not send her back to her room at once?" Father demanded.
"Because he was trying to help Fortune," Emily said, not about to let Mr. Linfield be blamed for any of this. "He had his arm up inside of her and-"
"Pray do not speak of such things," Sophia cried. Her progress toward the house had stopped short of the stable doors and seemed inclined to stay there, unless further force from their father was applied.
"Which brings us back to Em-Miss Montgomery," Sherborne said. His tone was somehow authoritative now, as if he had assessed the situation and taken charge. "Whether or not her intentions were pure, she has placed herself in a compromising situation this night. No doubt the servant who alerted you is already spreading the tale far and wide. By this time tomorrow half of Shrewsbury-not to mention all the guests still in residence from the ball-will know your daughter is ruined." He paused, as if to allow the horror of such a statement to sink in. "However, I am still willing to marry her in spite of that. The sooner the better, given the circumstances."
Tears in her eyes, Emily folded her arms across her middle and turned away, noting Sophia in much the same position. Emily could not fault Sophia entirely. She was lonely, and it did seem-on the occasions he had visited-that she and the earl had quickly been at ease with one another.
"Emily?" Her father's hand on her shoulder was gentle.
"Yes, Father."
"You have heard Lord Rowley's proposal. What say you to a special license and marrying quickly? It is quite possibly the only way to avoid scandal-or most of it, anyway."
The tears that had been hovering spilled over. "I cannot marry him. Not now. Please don't force me to it."
"Given the circumstances, I've little choice." Father came around to stand before her. "He is correct that your reputation is ruined. Only a quick marriage can possibly salvage it now. If not … think of what the gossip will do to your mother."
Emily squeezed her eyes shut, wishing she might wake in her own bed, and this entire night-from when Lord Grayson first offered for her until now-might be only a nightmare. "What of Sophia? What about her reputation?"
"I will deal with Sophia later." Father's gentle voice tensed once more. "Her situation is somewhat less-delicate-than yours, as she was married previously."
So unfair. Sophia had done something wrong-or intended to, at least. Whereas I merely wished to ascertain my horse's well being.
"Emily?" Father asked once more, sounding less patient than a moment ago.
Only marriage can salvage it … Only marriage …
Lord Rowley stared, awaiting her response while Mr. Linfield watched him, as if wary the earl would lash out again. It was odd how they had gone at one another so quickly. Lord Rowley's earlier words rang through her mind.
I suppose you'll marry him then … A terrible, brilliant idea struck.
"I will marry him." She grasped Eli's arm and looked up hopefully. "I will marry Mr. Linfield. Lord Rowley can have Sophia."
For several, long seconds no one spoke. Eli supposed the Baron and Sherborne were too stunned by Emily's refusal and alternate suggestion to muster words. He felt overcome as well-with disbelief and a tentative, cautious joy at such an unexpected suggestion. He dare not let that show. Keep your wits about you, his mother would have said.
Play your cards carefully, his father would have agreed.
Eli intended to, now that Fortune had literally thrust his fondest desire within his grasp. He glanced over the stall at the horse and her colt. The colt was nursing, but Fortune seemed agitated and pinned Eli with a look that spoke of betrayal.
Right. You've just given birth. Some privacy is in order.
"May I suggest we move our discussion outside, or nearer the doors at least. We are disturbing Fortune and her colt, who have both had a very long night."
"Not as long as I've had." Sherborne held a hand to his forehead.
"There is nothing to discuss," the baron said. With a swish of his dressing gown he shifted his girth and strode toward the stable doors.
"But there is, Papa," Sophia exclaimed, stepping in front of him before he could exit. "Emily's idea is splendid. The earl and I can marry, and the Montgomery connection will be in place once more, just as you wanted."
"And you would have your sister wed a groomsman?" The baron's tone indicated something deeper than anger.
Regret, perhaps? Eli did not believe it was resignation-not yet. He brought up the rear of the party, following Sherborne and Emily, whose hand had slid from his arm. They clustered around the baron, awaiting his next move.
It was to Emily that he spoke at last. "You like horses so much, you would marry a man who takes care of them all day, someone far beneath your touch?"
"It isn't about horses, or titles, or anything else," Emily said. "It is about marrying someone who will be kind to me."
"I'm kind," Sherborne exclaimed, the truthfulness of his statement brought into immediate question by the loud belch that followed. Hand to his mouth, he turned away.
Kind of foxed, you mean. Eli kept the thought to himself.
"It's more than that," Emily continued, neither protesting nor agreeing with Sherborne. "We have little in common. You planned to return to London once we were wed, to continue a life filled with parties and social engagements." She paused, turning her attention from Sherborne back to the baron. "You know as well as anyone, Father, how ill-suited I am for such a lifestyle."
"I never said you had to go," Sherborne said. "You can live at my estate here."
"While you gad about London, enjoying free rein with mistresses?" Eli could keep his peace no longer. "Miss Montgomery deserves better than that."
"Exactly," Sherborne spat. "She deserves a fine house to live in and someone who can pass a title down to her son."
"If she marries me, she will have more than a title to pass down." Eli addressed his words to the baron now. "I have a family home near Aylesbury. It is modest, but it is comfortable. In addition, I have a yearly income as well as a savings of the entirety of the wages I have earned over the past decade. Our children will be able to attend Eton, if they wish."
"Your boys, you mean," Sophia said with a pout.
"It will take more than the income of a groomsman to pay for that," Sherborne scoffed.
"It is not my income that would pay for their education, but the same trust, provided by my father, that paid for mine." Eli kept his eyes on the baron's, watching for the slightest change in his granite composure. "I would no longer work as a groomsman if Emily and I marry, but concentrate on maintaining the property left to me. With a little care, I am confident it may shortly produce a profit each year."
"If you're a landowner and you've an education, why have you been working here?" Sophia asked.
Eli chose his next words carefully. "I returned to the area out of loyalty to the late earl. It was he who first employed me and provided many opportunities. By working here, I was able to help during the present earl's frequent and extended absences."
"Come now, that isn't the only reason you've worked here." Sherborne's eyes narrowed shrewdly. "Tell them how you set your cap for Miss-"
"Loyalty to the earl is not the only reason," Eli said, knowing he must speak before Sherborne. "There are friendships here that I value greatly, including yours, Baron Montgomery, along with your family's. I came with the hope of enjoying those a while longer. Never once, however, did I believe I would have the opportunity to marry Miss Montgomery. But now that it has been presented, I would be most honored and pleased to marry her-to marry you," he amended, turning to face Emily, who had not spoken to him once since her suggestion.