Regency Romance Collection From Christina Courtenay by Christina Courtenay Read Free Book Online Page A

night, I think. You won’t mind staying at Brown’s Hotel, will you?’ he asked.
    ‘ No, of course not.’ Brown’s was considered one of the finest hotels in London, so how could she possibly object?
    Their suite consisted of two bedrooms with a shared sitting room in between, and it was done up in the best possible taste. There were some surprised glances from the staff when James demanded the use of a maid for his wife, but he lied glibly.
    ‘I’m afraid her ladyship’s maid was taken ill during the journey and so we had to leave her behind.’ No one seemed to dare comment on the fact he hadn’t brought his valet either and a nice cheerful girl soon arrived to assist Amelia with changing her gown and arranging her hair.
    After a quick luncheon, served in their private sitting room, James said he would like to pay a visit to his lawyers straight away.
    ‘Might as well get it over with. Do you mind staying here on your own for a while?’
    Amelia felt sure he was only asking out of politeness, so she didn’t make a fuss. ‘No, of course not. I am a little fatigued from the journey so I might have a rest.’
    ‘Good. I will see you later then.’
     
    The law firm’s offices were situated near the Inns of Court. James was ushered into the office of Mr Jarvis, his solicitor, almost immediately. A small wiry man, Jarvis wore thick spectacles, behind which were a pair of very intelligent eyes that seemed to miss nothing.
    ‘ Lord Demarr, what a pleasure to see you again.’
    ‘ And you, Mr Jarvis, I trust I find you well?’
    ‘Very well, thank you. Please be seated.’ Jarvis indicated a comfortable chair facing his desk and sat down in his own chair once more. ‘Now then, to what do I owe this unexpected visit, my lord?’
    ‘I have come to inform you that I’m recently married, to the former Miss Amelia Ravenscroft.’
    ‘ Really? A new Lady Demarr, excellent.’ Mr Jarvis smiled at him, but looked slightly puzzled. ‘But how is this? I have not seen any announcements in the papers.’
    ‘ No, I’m afraid we have been very remiss in that quarter,’ James replied with an apologetic shrug. ‘You see, we have only been married a week and I’m afraid it was a somewhat clandestine affair. Gretna Green, in fact. For reasons we will not go into now, my wife’s guardian would not have approved our marriage so this was the only way.’
    ‘I see. May I have a look at the marriage lines, please, my lord?’
    ‘Of course.’ James handed him the papers. ‘I would be grateful if you would keep them here, somewhere very safe. I wouldn’t like them to fall into the wrong hands.’
    ‘Naturally.’ Mr Jarvis took this request in his stride. ‘And do I take it you wish to draw up some settlements?’
    ‘That’s right. Although ...’ James hesitated, not sure how much he should confide in the lawyer. Eventually, he settled for a half-truth. ‘As the marriage was entered into with such haste, we have decided on a trial period, without, er ... That is to say, if we find we don’t suit, we want to have the option of an annulment. Therefore, any arrangements I make with you today are contingent upon the marriage becoming completely valid in all respects.’
    Jarvis nodded. ‘I understand, my lord. You can rely on me, I won’t breathe a word to anyone of this. Just let me know when you have decided one way or another.’
    ‘Thank you.’ James heaved an inward sigh of relief, thankful that Jarvis was so sharp.
    There followed a lengthy session about settlements and the like. When Jarvis asked for details of Amelia’s background, James told him what he knew. Jarvis nodded and muttered, ‘Excellent family that, the Marquess of Ravenscroft was well regarded,’ which pleased James. At least I got one thing right, then ! The fact that Amelia’s father had committed suicide was not mentioned and James assumed it had been hushed up.
    It doesn’t matter anyway. After all, the marriage may not last, he thought,