Seducing The Bride (Brides of Mayfair 1) by Michelle McMaster Page B

Lennox.”
    “What if we can’t?”
    Beckett faced her. “Then we shall have to live abroad.”
    Isobel studied him for a moment, shocked by her husband’s decision to stand by her. “Why are you doing this? Most men in your position would think twice about giving up so much, especially to protect a woman who was a wife in name, only.”
    Beckett returned nonchalantly to his glass and downed the rest of the brandy. “I am not most men.”
    * * *
    “You’ll go to Barbados, then?” Alfred asked.
    Beckett nodded. He, Alfred and Isobel sat at the long dining room table in Alfred’s townhouse, breakfasting on braised ham, poached eggs, toast with blueberry compote, and fresh strawberries with clotted cream. There was nothing like an adventure to stir up a man’s appetite.
    “Barbados?” Isobel set down her teacup and looked at Beckett, her eyes wide with shock. “It’s not a very civilized place, is it?”
    “How civilized is it here in London with Sir Harry Lennox running about, trying to have you hung?” Beckett asked, swallowing some coffee. “I don’t think it’s safe to stay in England at all, not with Lord Palmerston on his side. I was planning to go to Barbados next month to visit the Ravenwood sugar plantation there. We could leave as soon as possible. Lord Palmerston thinks you’ve gone to Broomely Park. I’ll have it put ’round that I’ve gone off to Ireland, or someplace that will take them awhile to get to. Before he and his men can get back to London, we’ll be aboard a ship bound for the islands.”
    “Capital idea, Beckett,” Alfred said. “I’ll go along with you…make sure you don’t get into trouble.”
    “But I need you to stay here and find proof of Isobel’s innocence, and Sir Harry’s guilt,” Beckett replied.
    Alfred gave a wicked grin. “Even better! I adore a good mystery. You know, if I didn’t have to be a lord of the realm, I always thought I should make a dandy Bow Street runner.”
    “But Lord Weston,” Isobel said, “you must be careful. I do not like to think of what might happen if Sir Harry gets wind of your plan. He is a very dangerous man.”
    “As am I, dear lady,” Alfred said, kissing her hand.
    Isobel looked imploringly at Beckett. “There must be another way.”
    “Lord Palmerston’s men will be back from Broomely Park in a few days,” Beckett explained. “We must be safely on our way before they return to London.”
    “But what if Alfred doesn’t find any proof of my innocence?” Isobel asked.
    “Fear not, dear lady,” Alfred assured her. “I possess a wealth of scandalous skills. Isn’t that right, Beckett?”
    “Very true,” Beckett replied, grinning. “Sir Harry will be no match for you, old friend.”
    He saw the worried look in Isobel’s eyes, and took her hand, saying, “Isobel, you must obey me in this. We will be on the next ship bound for Barbados. It is the only choice we have. As for Alfred, he and I have been getting in and out of trouble together since we met at Oxford. And we always get out of it, don’t we Alfred?”
    “Yes,” Alfred agreed, “but this raises the challenge to new heights. And as you know, Beckett, I simply adore a challenge. In fact, I should be thanking you. I was getting a bit bored, of late, and this dangerous mission should do nicely.”
    “Excellent, Alfred,” Beckett said. “Here’s the plan: Isobel and I will book passage to Barbados under assumed names. Alfred, I’ll need you to spread the word that I’ve gone off to Dublin. I shall have to return to the house briefly to have a trunk packed for my phantom trip to Ireland. That will include a few dresses for you, Isobel. But we must both travel lightly. You won’t be needing ball gowns where we’re going.”
    Isobel said soberly, “You can be assured that fashionable dress is the furthest thing from my mind at the moment.”
    “Now remember, Alfred,” Beckett continued, “I shan’t tell the house staff anything. Sir Harry may