Page 62 of Charity

“Thank you,” Agatha murmured, turning her face into Oscar’s shoulder to hide a blush.

Daventry smiled. “I was starting to think I’d have to call you out for not proposing marriage to this forbearing young woman. Lilly will be thrilled that you are to wed, but not that she will miss the wedding. However, my carriage is at your disposal as soon as you need it. Call on me day or night.”

“Thank you.” How he’d been lucky enough to have such good friends astounded him. They were very forgiving of his flaws. But then again, Daventry was not entirely a saint where his wife was concerned.

When Daventry departed, taking Oscar’s mother with him for the journey so he and Agatha might have privacy, Oscar wrapped his arms around her. He rested his chin on the top of her head. “We should be going, precious.”

“I know, it’s just…”

The clank of the mortsafe being carried toward the open grave sounded behind them. He couldn’t have Agatha stay to watch it being lowered. She could have nightmares from witnessing that. Oscar kissed her cheek. “You have done everything a dutiful granddaughter could do and more. He would be proud of you.”

Agatha sniffled. “I don’t think he would be proud of the way we are behaving, and in public, no less. Where is my mind? My sense of decorum?”

“Misplaced with mine. Don’t fret about it.” Oscar curled his arm around her waist, lifted her from her feet, and set her in the direction of their carriage. “Once we are married, the whispers will die down and another scandal will rise up to take the place of ours.”

But he still worried how long it would take. The whispers and stares aimed at Agatha and his mother bothered him a great deal more than he let on. No one called on his mother. Neither of them received invitations to entertainments. The only company they had kept was with each other and the Earl and Countess of Daventry. Not even his new father came to call.

After tonight though, things would change. He had waited long enough. He would ensure Agatha got a sound night’s sleep and then tomorrow, if Lynton failed to arrive with news of a special license, they would depart for Scotland.

He hoped Agatha wouldn’t be too disappointed about the long trip and marrying without friends beside them in Scotland. But their life would be free of scandal once the words were spoken to join them as man and wife. And after that, they would see how well they were received by society.

With his arm draped around Agatha’s shoulder, he moved them toward the waiting team. Agatha clambered inside, a deep sigh passing her lips as she sank into the well-padded seats. Although she looked comfortable sitting alone, Oscar pulled her into his lap as soon as the carriage lurched forward. “I love you.”

Agatha cradled his face. Tears began to fall again, but Oscar had some hope that they were tears of happiness, not sorrow. She pressed their lips together, urgent, desperate, and so full of her own love that Oscar’s heart raced.

When she drew back they were both out of breath. “Are you vexed with Mr. Manning for rushing off?”

“Well,” Oscar shuffled her on his lap until he was more comfortable. “Lynton did not speak to me today about the special license, as I hoped. I’m wondering if he can obtain one after all. I want us married, and soon.”

Agatha frowned. “And if he cannot obtain a license, then you want to marry over an anvil?”

Oscar smoothed his fingertips over her cheek until the frown lines disappeared. “It may be necessary. I wanted to be prepared, just in case.” He winced at the image Agatha’s words evoked. An anvil wedding would hardly be any young woman’s dream. Agatha deserved far better than a rushed affair far from her friends. “Will you forgive me for that too?”

She smiled. “Your mother will be disappointed. But I will not. Not if you really want to marry me.”

Oscar set his head against Agatha’s and drew in a deep breath. “Oh, my precious girl, of course I do. Whatever did I do to deserve you?”

A soft laugh escaped her. “You are kind to me when I need you most. Exactly as you were when my parents died and I’d come to live with my grandfather. You made me love you then, and nothing has changed except my love grew stronger.”

Humbled by her words, he held her snug against him for the short ride to Berkeley Square. They were meant to be this way—together against the world. Nothing would separate them. He’d see to that and make her smile every day.

When the carriage stopped, he helped her out and led her gently up the stairs, shielding her from the staring faces of their neighbors. Once inside, he kissed her cheek. “I’ll have tea sent up if you like.”

She nodded and wearily trudged up the stairs. He’d join her later and sleep in her bed tonight, rather than the chair he’d occupied since her grandfather’s death. Maybe if he held her through the night, she wouldn’t seem so sad come morning.

There was nothing he could do until evening. He turned for Agatha’s little corner of the house to resume reading the book he’d started the day before.

Before he got there, however, her butler cleared his throat. “Might I have a word, my lord?”

Oscar smiled, hoping to get Agatha’s servant on his side. “Of course, George. What can I do for you?”

“I wanted to enquire about a position, my lord.”

Oscar blinked. “A position? Are you not gainfully employed here?”

George drew himself up straighter. “For the time being, my lord. However, it has come to my attention that you have an opening, and I would much rather remain employed here in Town, or wherever Miss Birkenstock resides.”

“An opening? I don’t have an opening in my household.”