Page 41 of The Best Marquess

Gird your loins, girl. This is going to be tough.

Pippa was here.

For the first time in the agonizing, relentless years that had made up this day, Finn felt like he could breathe. Like he wasn’t being pummeled from all directions by this party of old men who were performing an intricate dance of both obeying his father’s previous edicts in the event he miraculously recovered, and demanding Finn know everything at once if he did not.

It was so utterly wearying.

But Pippa was here.

Few things could compare to the elation he’d felt when Travers interrupted the meeting to tell him she’d arrived on the doorstep, especially after this morning and the bizarre conversation with Lady Kingsford. Except perhaps the elation of that kiss they’d just shared. Now he felt buoyant, and yet armored as well. As though he could face whatever arrow next came his way, as long as Pippa remained at his side.

When they entered the library, the men in the room quickly got to their feet, most sending him puzzled glances.

Yes, I’ve brought a lady. Chide me at your peril.

Finn inclined his head. “Gentlemen, I’m sure you all know of my betrothed Lady Pippa Nash.”

Charles Manners-Sutton, the Archbishop of Canterbury, beamed at Pippa. “My dear! It gladdens my heart to see you here offering support and comfort to Lord Knighton in his time of trial. I hope you are well. May I enquire after your sister? I hear she was delivered of a sweet baby girl. Daughters are such a tremendous blessing.”

Pippa relaxed and returned the smile. “Lilian and baby Amanda are doing very well, thank you. As is His Grace, after the nervous wait.”

“Please do send my best wishes to them both. After performing the wedding, it would certainly be my honor to perform the christening.”

One of the lawyers glared irritably at Finn. “Are you sure you wish a lady present when there are delicate matters at hand? Perhaps she should go and sit with Lady Pinehurst.”

Finn shook his head. “Ladies are perfectly able to understand business and my betrothed has a sharp mind and a robust constitution. So yes, she will remain. Let us continue…except we seem to be missing someone?”

One of the physicians bowed. “My colleague has gone to examine his lordship, as it has been an hour since the last one. Then we shall know if his condition is improving, remaining the same, or worsening.”

That made sense at least. Not much in the previous hours had, although the lawyers and bankers had improved their tendency to argue and talk over each other since the archbishop had arrived, bless him. While Manners-Sutton came from a ton family, a grandson of the Duke of Rutland, unlike most of society, he was a good man. A loving husband and father who was respected by royals, commoners, and politicians alike.

“I know we are in safe hands with the archbishop praying for good news,” said Finn as he settled Pippa on a chair beside him and then took a seat.

Manners-Sutton held up a small bible. “All is in God’s hands.”

“Amen. Now, where were we?”

“We were discussing what should happen if his lordship recovers but is too unwell to make decisions with a sound mind,” said one of the bankers. “A partial transition of power for Lord Knighton, much like the Prince Regent employs on behalf of His Majesty.”

“And what would that entail, precisely?” asked Pippa politely.

The banker stared at her as though she’d started juggling flaming torches in the middle of the library. “I beg your pardon, madam?”

“I asked what a partial transition of power would entail. Would Lord Knighton sign documents? Investments? Would he have full access to his inheritance, or is that still limited until he turns twenty-five?”

“All good questions,” said Finn, wanting to applaud in pure gratitude. At the moment, even remembering the day of the week was a challenge, especially with so many uncertainties hovering over him like anvils waiting to drop on his head.

“Thank you,” she replied, squeezing his hand.

But before they could be answered, the second physician rushed into the room. “My lord. Sirs. Lord Pinehurst has opened his eyes! I feel we must return to his bedchamber at once.”

Finn exchanged a hopeful glance with Pippa, and she squeezed his hand again. Then everyone in the library stood and followed the physician up to the third floor.

His mother met them at the door, a smile lighting her tearstained face, her hands fluttering as though they didn’t quite know where to rest. “Pippa! Thank heavens. Oh Finn, darling. Did you hear? Pinehurst has opened his eyes. And taken some sips of barley water.”

He nodded. “I heard. Has he said anything?”

“Not much. I think…I think he wishes to speak to you.”