At first, Hugh could hardly make out her words, for Philomena sobbed uncontrollably as she recounted the story of her marriage to the man with the cold green eyes and green ring.

“Be calm,” Hugh begged, grasping at straws. “Who knows, we may yet find a way through this infernal muddle, though I see no light in the tunnel as yet.”

He listened, interjecting a question here and there, until Philomena reached the climax of her story. “So, Joseph brought me here, in a carriage, for my-my husband to—er…” Philomena covered her crimson face with her hands. “To make the marriage secure.”

Hugh gazed at her for a long moment, frowning. What could she mean? An idea hovered for a second, just beyond reach. Then, in a moment of clarity, her full meaning burst upon him like sunlight after a storm. He grasped her hand. “You mean to say that no such event has yet taken place?”

Philomena looked in his eyes for the first time since she had begun the story. Tears streaked her cheeks. She shook her head. “He told me he would not—could not…” She took a deep breath. “Joseph was to undertake the task on his behalf.”

“Ha!” Hugh stood and pulled Philomena to her feet. “Then, all may yet be well.”

“No, no,” she wept. “You have misunderstood me. I was married in a church. It is legal.”

“But not consummated.” Hugh laughed at Philomena’s shocked gasp. “I beg your pardon. My choice of words is not appropriate for a lady, my love, but you will excuse me, I am sure, when I explain.”

Hugh swung Philomena round by her hands, forgetting his wounds, until a stab of pain reminded him. He subsided on to a chair and shook his head. “You see, it is possible to obtain an annulment of a marriage, if it has not been—er, if husbandly duties have been neglected. It seems that the scoundrel is incapable of carrying out such duties.”

“So that’s what he meant.” Philomena’s eyes sparkled. “My husband spoke of annulment when I arrived here, but I did not understand.”

“Please, do not describe Muldrow as your husband. By all that’s holy, the wretch will not remain so for much longer. I sent a note to my solicitor warning of your abduction to this house. The lawyer’s intervention brought the constable here. I will write once more and set proceedings in train to extract you from this so-called marriage. In exchange for escaping the rope for his part in the abduction that rogue, Joseph, will be keen enough to give evidence. My solicitor will help us move rapidly through the necessary steps, requesting Parliament to end your association and return the Manor to your possession.” He laughed and seized Philomena’s hands.

Her tears dried on her cheeks. “Shall we really marry?” Philomena whispered, her face aglow.

“Indeed, we shall.” Hugh pulled her into his arms.

Chapter Thirty-Eight