Chapter 37: 37. Unexpected Guest

'Cap...Captain Carter?'

'Miss Linton!' He leapt out of the carriage. 'How fortunate to meet you here!'

'Yes,' came an ice-cold whisper from behind me. 'How fortunate.'

I, however, was unable to turn at the moment. I could only stare. 'Captain Carter? Is it truly you?'

The man in front of me did wear a captain's uniform, and he looked very much like Captain James Carter, but his face was a lot more tanned than I remembered, and there was a rather roguish scar over his right eye. Only when he parted his lips and smirked was I sure. It was him.

'You made it!' I exclaimed. 'You actually made it! I never thought my invitation would actually reach you in time?'

'Invitation?'

The voice from behind me had sunk from low to arctic temperatures. I felt my ears turn red, and quickly cleared my throat.

'It was Adaira's idea!' I whispered, instantly.

'Traitor!' he hissed.

Bad Lilly! Bad Lilly! Sacrificing a friend? How could you?

Well, she was his sister. He wouldn't kill her. Probably.

'Miss Linton!' Pulling open the carriage door, Captain Carter lifted me into the open and hugged me, tight. 'I'm so happy to see you again!'

Whereas whether or not he'll kill the captain after this is still open for debate.

Beside me, a heavy thud sounded. When I glanced up, I saw Karim, who had leapt down from the box and was now standing only a foot or two away, arms crossed, a thunderous expression on his face. Quickly, I slipped out of Captain Carter's arms, before he lost them to a sharp sabre.

'So...you're getting married?' Holding me by the shoulders, he pushed me away far enough to look at me. 'Congratulations!'

I studied him in return. There was not a hint of a grudge on his face, no jealousy or play-acting. He truly meant this, as a friend. Which probably was the reason why he had been permitted to keep breathing so far.

'And to you, too, Sir.' Reaching up, Captain Carter held his hand out to Rikkard Ambrose. 'That is one treasure of a woman you have found there.'

Mr Rikkard Ambrose stared down at the captain's hand for a long moment as if it were the tail of a skunk—then reached out and squeezed, hard. 'Indeed. And I shall never let go.'

'Yes,' the captain wheezed. 'I can see that.'

'Oy, guv!' At the call, we turned towards the coachman on top the captain's rented carriage. 'Can I go? I've bin drivin' 'round this place for hours now. Since ye and dese ladies and gents are goin' the same way anyway...'

'Oh yes.' Smiling up at the man, I waved him off. 'By all means, head home. Captain Carter will be coming with us.'

'He will what?' Beside me, Mr Rikkard Ambrose started growing icicles out of his eyes.

Leaning over, I whispered, 'Don't you want your big rival to witness your triumph?'

Suddenly, his eyes weren't quite so cold anymore. As he took hold of my hand and gazed into my eyes, I saw my own feelings reflected in his deep, dark eyes. 'You are too devious for your own good, Miss Linton.'

'I know,' I whispered and sneaked a kiss onto his cheek.

'Gee-up!' Behind me, the coachman snapped his whip and, turning his coach, sent the horses running down the road. Soon, all that was left was a cloud of dust in the distance. Clapping my hands, I turned to our own coachman, who was looking at our new passenger as if he'd like to snap his spine in two. Or maybe three. Or four.

'Very well.' Clapping my hands, I beamed at everyone. 'Let's go. We have a wedding to attend, after all. Shall we have a nice, enjoyable drive?'

Icy silence was my only answer.

'Well. Ehem. Err...'

Oh, to hell with the both of them! Men were hopeless!

Grabbing hold of the coach door, I pulled it open and clambered inside. Cocking my head, I looked down at the three chumps standing outside. 'Are you coming?'

They suddenly unfroze and started to move. Karim climbed onto the box, while Mr Ambrose and Captain Carter stepped into the interior of the coach. Mr Ambrose very firmly settled himself beside me and, giving me a not-so-gentle shove, pushed me into the corner so no one could sit on my other side.

I gave him a look. It was supposed to be accusing, but...

Darn! I just couldn't manage it.

You're really done for, Lilly, aren't you?

Above me, Karim cracked his whip and the coach jerked, starting forward. I glanced from Mr Ambrose to Captain Carter and back. The former was radiating an arctic aura, while the latter seemed to be in a splendid mood. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a pack of cards.

'A game of whist, anyone?'

'Oh, no.' Hurriedly, I shook my head. 'I don't think—'

'Yes.' Mr Ambrose cut me off like a razor. 'Bets will be at five sovereigns per round.'

'Five sovereigns?' The captain's eyebrows shot up. 'Then I'll have to win, or else my wages will be gone in a blink.'

'You don't say.'

'Let me warn you beforehand. I'm very good at this game. I'm going to make you lose a lot of money.'

His eyes narrowing infinitesimally, Mr Ambrose took the deck of cards out of the captain's hands and started shuffling faster than the eye could see.

'You can certainly try.'

Groaning, I hid my face in my hands.

Approximately two hours and twenty pounds sterling later, we reach a familiar countryside. Peeking through the window, I saw the top of the church rising over a low hill.

'Sahib?' Karim called from outside. 'We're approaching the village.'

'Do we have time for another round?' Captain Carter asked, staring down at the cards in his hand. 'I just know that this time I'm going to be lucky! I can win everything back and—'

'No!' Almost leaping up from my seat, I reached between them, trying to prevent the worst and save him from debtor's prison. 'No, we definitely don't have time for another round.'

'Oh, I don't know,' Mr Ambrose offered his opinion. 'I have plenty of time.'

Now? Now you have time?

Before I could stomp on his foot, however, a familiar voice called from outside.

'Sahib? Someone is standing on the road. They're stepping in our way! It...it's Adaira Sahiba.'

Adaira?

I blinked. What was Adaira doing out here? Bridesmaids were usually supposed to hold a bride's train and march behind her, but surely not for half a mile or so?

'Hey!' Came a familiar voice from outside. 'Slow down if you don't want to make sister-pancake!'

'Sahib?' Karim enquired.

'No pancake today, Karim.'

Grumbling into his beard, Karim pulled on the rains. Slowly, the carriage rolled to a halt.

'Finally!' There was a pattering of footsteps, and moments later, Adaira's face appeared at the window. 'I've come to warn—oh!' Eyes widening, Adaira looked back and forth between Captain Carter and her brother. Then her eyes went to me, sparkling deviously. 'Are you switching?'

If looks could kill, Mr Rikkard Ambrose would have been guilty of sororicide.

'Open the door, close your mouth and get in here,' I ordered with the supreme authority of a bride on her wedding day. 'What was that you said about a warning?'

'Um...' Adaira cleared her throat. 'Why don't you step out and walk with me? It's a nice day for a walk. Besides, the atmosphere in there seems a little...chilly.'

I had to admit, she was right about that. Smiling, I slipped out of the coach and stretched myself. Aaah! After so long being cooped up inside the dark coach, it was wonderful to smell fresh air again.

Mr Ambrose and Captain Carter followed me out of the coach. The air between them was not particularly fresh. 'Crackling with tension' would have been a better way to describe it.

'You mentioned something about a warning?' I frowned. 'Is something wrong back at the manor? What kind of warning?'

'Not for you.' Eyes still twinkling, Adaira nudged her brother in the ribs, with about as much effect as nudging a marble column. 'For him.'

'I?' Emitting a dismissive noise, Mr Ambrose pocketed his winnings. 'Nonsense! What do I have to be afraid of in my own home?'

'But—'

'Silence, girl! I'll hear no more of this.'

Adaira cocked her head—then shrugged, as if saying 'It's your funeral.' Leaning over towards me, she winked and mouthed. 'Mother!'

I nearly choked on my spittle.

'Did you say something, Miss Linton?'

'N-no. Nothing. Nothing at all.'

Carefully, I made sure to keep a little bit back while I let Mr Ambrose stride ahead. Just far enough so he wouldn't hear my recurring giggles.

After walking for a while, my amusement settled. The memories of the last few hours came flooding back to me. Mr Ambrose and I had urgent business to take care of. We had to finish this business with Dalgliesh once and for all. But...

I glanced back at Captain Carter.

There were other matters to be finished, too.

Slowly, I dropped back until I was walking beside the captain.

'So...' I cleared my throat, not exactly knowing how to proceed. How do you ask an ex-suitor if he's sufficiently gotten over his heartbreak to attend your wedding without breaking down and sobbing? 'How exactly have you been?'

'Quite well, all things considered.' In what was probably an unconscious gesture, the captain traced the scar on his forehead with one finger. 'I've had quite a few interesting experiences.' For a moment his face darkened. 'I probably won't be so rash as to rush to the front again, my head full of thoughts of glory, though. You must have thought I was so stupid.'

I cleared my throat. 'Well...yes.'

He smirked at me. 'That's what I always liked about you, Miss Linton. You're so gentle and tactful.'

'As all my friends can attest.'

'But, seriously...' His gaze drifted off into the distance, as if seeing far-off mountains rising above steaming jungles. 'The beauty of nature, the ugliness of war...all those things I saw in South America, they're difficult to put into words.'

I just about managed to keep my smile in check. 'Oh, I think I can imagine it fairly well.'

From behind me, I heard a choked giggle from Adaira.

The captain and I walked beside each other in a surprisingly comfortable silence for a while. I didn't know why, but there didn't seem to be any tension in the air between us. I hesitated, still not knowing how exactly to broach this topic, but...

Oh, get your act together, Lilly! You're an independent woman! That means you can open your mouth even if it isn't convenient.

I cleared my throat. 'Captain?'

'Yes, Miss Linton?'

'Are you really all right? I mean, really?'

Half-turning his head, he looked down at me. 'Actually...yes.'

My eyebrows shot up. 'You...you don't mind my getting married to someone else?'

'No.'

'Well.' I blinked. 'I see you've practised being tactful yourself, haven't you?'

The captain grinned. 'Every Monday in front of the mirror.'

'Not that I'm displeased or anything...but I have to admit I'm curious. Why the sudden change of heart?' I squinted slightly. 'Have I suddenly grown a wart on my nose?'

'It's on your left ear.'

My eyes narrowed. 'Be serious!'

He sighed. 'You do make tough demands, don't you?' Gazing off into the distance, he was quiet for a few moments. Then... 'I don't know. I guess the campaign just gave me...perspective. I suppose I'm not the marrying type.'

I half-turned to stare up at him. 'Why?' I demanded. I had no intentions whatsoever in regard to him, myself, but the idea of him spending the rest of his life alone was just too sad. 'Of course you'll find love someday! Why would you say that?'

Behind me, Adaira leaned forward to eavesdrop.

'Because I don't think the kind of woman I'd want to marry really exists in this world.' He gave another sigh. 'You came as close as I could imagine, Miss Linton, with your charm and free spirit. But the kind of woman I would really want...'

He trailed off.

'Yes?' I encouraged.

'You'll think I'm crazy,' he muttered.

'Don't worry. I've thought that for years. Go on.'

It wasn't obvious under the captain's tan, but a slight blush started to rise into his cheeks. 'I'm an adventurer at heart, Miss Linton. Whether as a military officer or explorer or just an ordinary traveller—I'll always have the urge to see the world, and if I marry, I don't want my wife to sit at home, thousands of miles away. I want a woman who'd be willing to travel the world with me, and brave all kinds of adventures at my side. But can there be such a woman?'

I did my very best to keep my face straight. From behind me, from Adaira's direction, came a strange noise, like a chicken being strangled in the middle of a fit of laughter. 'I have no idea,' I told him, deadpan.

'I know I'm being unrealistic.' He shook his head. 'I mean...A woman who wants to venture not just out of her house, but out of her country...who wants to think and act independently, and isn't afraid of strange lands and foreign people...where could I possibly find someone like that?'

Another choking sound came from behind us. Concerned, Captain Carter turned back. 'Is everything all right, Lady...?'

'Adaira.' Swallowing the last remnants of her laugh, she stepped forward, elbowed me out of the way and grabbed the captain's vacant arm. 'Adaira Louise Jannet Melanie Georgette Ambrose. I must say I'm fascinated by your idea of an ideal woman. Do tell me more.'

I was left standing in the dust of the road, gazing after them with my mouth hanging slightly open. Thank God that Mr Rikkard Ambrose was still striding icily ahead, blissfully unaware of the little scene that was going on behind his back.

Karim, however, was not quite as unaware. His eyes were boring into the captain's back with a stare that could have felled a tree at fifty paces.

'Err...' Falling back towards the slowly rolling coach, I glanced up at him and cleared my throat. 'I think it might be time to get back into the coach again, don't you think?'

'I couldn't agree more, Sahiba,' the bodyguard growled.

Quickly, I rushed forward until I reached Mr Ambrose and linked my arm with his. 'I've had enough of walking for one day. How about we get back into the coach?'

His eyes narrowed infinitesimally. 'What about Captain Carter?'

'Oh, um...I think he's busy for now. Besides, it will be much cosier with just the two of us.'

Triumph glinted in his eyes. 'Is that so?'

Oh, you poor ignorant fool, live in bliss as long as you can...

Before he could catch sight of what was happening behind us, I hurriedly pulled open the door of the coach and pushed him inside. When I was about to climb in after him, Karim took hold of my arm.

'I thought you meant for all four of you to get back into the coach!'

I smiled up at him. 'You thought wrong. Let's give them a little time, shall we?'

And, with a last wink at the bodyguard, I slipped into the carriage. Inside, I had settled down on the bench for only a moment before an arm came down firmly around my shoulders and drew me against a familiar, hard chest. Unable to keep my smile from widening, I looked up at Mr Rikkard Ambrose.

'You seem to be pretty happy with how things worked out.'

He looked around the coach, empty but for the two of us, then his gaze drifted to the ring on my hand, and froze, as if anchored there.

'Circumstances seem adequate.'

Leaning against his chest, I snuggled into him as the coach started rolling again. 'They do indeed, Sir, they do indeed.'

He gave no answer, but instead simply pulled me tighter against him.

As we rolled up the road and the shadows of trees grew longer, darkness slowly spread through the interior of the coach. The sun had sunk beyond the horizon long ago, and my dear fiancé was far too stingy to buy candles. The warmth of Mr Ambrose's arms spread through me, making me feel drowsy. It had been such a long day...but now, in a few hours, we would be at home, and we would finally both be safe.

***

'Rikkard Ambrose! You are the most miserable excuse for a son in the world! Get out of that coach right this instant and come down here to your mother! I've got some things to say to you!'

Blinking, I gazed up into the morning sunlight. What was that? Had I suddenly been transported to an ancient battlefield, just as the general was starting to bellow insults at the enemy troops? That's what it sounded like, anyway.

'Mother, cease this immediately! You are labouring under a misapprehension. You—'

'You close your mouth and listen, boy! How dare you? How dare you do this to your mother? Running off like that like a coward in the night?'

'It was the middle of morni—'

'And another thing! How could you hurt Miss Linton like that? We've been working for weeks to prepare the wedding of her dreams, and now you drag her off up north and force her to go through some sham of a wedding at a Scottish blacksmith's shop? Shame on you! Shame on you! That girl is the best thing that ever happened to you, and you treat her like a piece of trash you can just throw away—or worse, marry without inviting anyone!'

Grasping the bottom of the carriage's window, I pulled myself up into a sitting position, any moment expecting a purse, parasol or similar feminine projectile to come soaring into the coach, towards the traitorous son. However, no projectiles were forthcoming. This by no means meant things were safe, however. The mother dragon herself was quickly advancing. A shiver went down my spine. Never before had I thought of sweet little Lady Samantha as a dragon, but now...

Luckily, I wasn't the one at the receiving end of her wrath.

'You! Get out here, now!' Snatching the handle, Her Ladyship tore open the door and reached inside.

'Just wait a moment, mother! You can't just—'

Her hands fastened around his arm and tugged, hard.

'Ng! Mother! Now really—'

'Silence, boy!'

'Nice suggestion.' Unable to keep a grin from my face, I winked at Mr Ambrose. 'That's a sentiment you should wholeheartedly approve of, isn't it, Sir?'

Mr Ambrose threw me a look as dirty as an unwashed skunk. I watched, still grinning, as the tiny marchioness in her pink dress dragged away the granite statue of a man I loved like a puppy who had left a wet spot on the carpet. From inside the carriage, I couldn't hear everything she hurled at him, but the few scraps I did catch didn't sound very complimentary.

'...horrible behaviour...shame on the family name! Never thought I'd see the day when a son of mine would...running away without even letting me know? How could you! Didn't you think I'd worry? Insufferable...no responsibility at all...can't just run off and get married—'

I realized, at this point I should probably get involved. By the looks of her, Lady Samantha was ready to strangle someone.

'Um...Lady Samantha?'

'...utter shame! How could you treat that poor, sweet girl like that? She is so warm and good and kind and—'

—apparently being ignored.

'My Lady? Excuse me?'

'—is inexcusable! A marriage, let alone a wedding, isn't something to take so lightly! You cannot just go up to the north and get married—'

'Pardon me? We didn't get married, My Lady.'

'I mean, really, son. Marriage! Your wedding is something to treasure for the remainder of your life! How can you force your poor bride to go through it without even having her nearest and dearest close by to—'

Taking a deep breath, I formed a funnel around my mouth and yelled, as loud as I could: 'We did not get married!'

Lady Samantha froze. Slowly, she turned towards me. 'Pardon, my dear?'

'I said we did not get married. You know, hitched? Joined for the rest of our lives? That kind of thing?'

'You...you mean...the wedding is still on for today?' Something glittered at the corners of her eyes. 'I can still see...still be there...'

'Unless the church has burned down or the vicar got struck by lightning.'

'You...you...' Her eyes zeroing in on me, she rushed towards me. I raised my arm, ready to defend myself from her wrath, waiting for an avalanche of recriminations for making her worry—

'—you wonderful, wonderful girl!' Pulling me out of the coach, she crushed me in her tiny arms. 'You are the kindest, most understanding woman in the world. Thank you so much for talking him out of his silly idea!'

'My idea?' Straightening slowly, Mr Ambrose took a step towards where his mother was squeezing me to death, his cold eyes glittering.

'Of course it was! Miss Linton would never do anything so cold and inconsiderate of a mother's feelings as to run away and not come back for ages and ages!' She threw him a very meaningful look. 'She is a kind, loving lady, and I thank the stars every day that she was kind enough to condescend to accept you.'

'She was kind enough to condescend—now wait a minute, Mother...!'

'Thank you for your confidence, My Lady.' I inclined my head. 'I'm honoured.'

'You deserve it, Sweety!' Taking my hand, she gave it a gentle pat and started to pull me out of the carriage. 'Let's go! This is your big day.'

My big day?

Blinking, I stared past her, into the morning sun.

Wait a minute...the morning sun?

It was morning.

The morning of my wedding day.

'First of all, let's get you out of those dirty travelling clothes and give you a bath, shall we?'

Deep in thought as I was, it took a moment or two for her words to sink in. By that time, she had already dragged me halfway towards the manor house. The instant I realized what was going on, I dug my heels into the ground.

'Err...um...thanks, but no thanks!'

She blinked. 'Why not?'

'Um...'

Because I don't want you to find a stash of secret documents in my underwear, that's why!

'Don't worry, Mother.' Mr Ambrose's hand took hold of my other arm. 'I'll take care of this.'

Lady Samantha's eyes went as wide as extra-large Italian pizza dishes. With a force you wouldn't have thought the little woman capable of, she smacked his hand away. 'You reprobate! Going into a lady's bathing chamber before you are married?'

Mr Ambrose blinked. 'No, that's not what I—'

'Back! Back with you, you rogue, before you corrupt this sweet, innocent girl completely! To think I believed I raised you properly. Come on, Miss Linton. Your friends and I will take care of you. I'm sure Miss Amy or Miss Cora would be delighted to help you with your bath.'

From Mr Ambrose's direction, I heard a mixture between the croak of a bullfrog and the growl of a lion.

'Oh yes.' I couldn't keep my eyes from dancing. 'Of course, with them my reputation will be much safer.'

'Quite so.'

'Just one thing, My Lady...?'

'Yes?'

I nodded towards my groom-to-be. 'Could you give me just one moment with him, alone? I just need to tell him something, then I'll go straight with you, I promise.'

'Hm...' She nibbled her bottom lip, obviously quite reluctant to let the two of us out of her sight before she had the opportunity to jam a ring on my finger. 'Very well. I shall wait over there, out of hearing distance.'

And I'll watch you like a hawk, the unsaid words hung in the air.

Squeezing my hand more tightly, Mr Ambrose dragged me into the shadow of a marble statue, while Lady Samantha waited at the top of the front stairs. Sliding his fingers up until they squeezed my shoulders, Mr Ambrose gazed down into my eyes intently.

'What should we do? We don't have time for this!'

One corner of my mouth twitched up. 'You mean you have no spot in your busy schedule for getting married to me?'

His grip tightened until it was almost painful as his icy eyes burned into me. 'You know that's not what I meant?'

'Of course. After all, I'm still your secretary. I can rearrange your schedule as I please.'

His hand slid up even farther, until it was gently touching my cheek. 'This is not the time for jokes, Miss Linton.'

'No. This is the time for reaching into my underwear.'

'Miss Linton!'

'Shh! Your mother is watching.' Manoeuvring him around so he stood between me and the mansion, I stood up on my tiptoes to press a gentle kiss on his cheek. Covered by that move, I slipped my hand under my dress and swiftly pulled out the documents we had retrieved. My lips still lingering on Mr Ambrose's cheek, close to his ear, I pressed the documents into his hand.

'Here!' I whispered. 'I'll go with your mother and get ready. I trust you to take care of this. You said you had a suspicion about what Dalgliesh is up to?'

'Yes.'

'Good. Find evidence. Enough to crush that snivelling worm!'

He gave a stiff nod. 'I shall not disappoint you.'

'Like I said—I trust you. And...'

'Yes?'

'I shall also trust you to be at the altar on time.' My eyes seared into his with absolute sincerity. 'I don't tolerate latecomers.'

'Agreed.' He held my eyes and did not let go. 'Nothing and no one will stand in my way. In our way.'

With that, he turned around and quickly marched away across the yard. I, for my part, headed up the stairs towards Lady Samantha. The sweet little blue-eyed lady gave me a smile that was nearly bursting with motherly excitement.

'Ready for the biggest day of your life, dear?'

I couldn't help glancing in the direction of the church, feeling my heart galloping a mile a minute. 'Not nearly,' I muttered. 'So, let's get started.'

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My dear Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I hope you enjoyed Captain Carter's reappearance? ;)

Yours Truly

Sir Rob

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GLOSSARY:

Sororicide is the act of killing one's sister. From soror, the Latin word for sister. It is advised not to confuse sororicide with sorority, or you could face considerable legal problems if you want to attend college.