“Oh, I’m sure that will not be a problem,” Richard assured him, quite certain the women would be as eager to get to Gretna Green and get married as he and Daniel were.

Langley snorted at the suggestion and started toward the stairs commenting, “You have a lot to learn about women, my friend.”

Richard frowned after him and then glanced to Daniel, who shrugged.

“Suzette is definitely eager to be wed, I do not think she will be a problem. However, Christiana may fuss a bit.”

“Nay.” Richard shook his head. Christiana had been like wildfire in his arms last night, she too would be eager to be wedded and bedded. At least he hoped she was. It hadn’t even occurred to him that she might frown on the idea of sleeping together again before they ensured their marriage was all legal and proper. But if that was the case, he wanted it done with quickly so that he could have her in his arms again. Surely she would feel the same way?

“Are you two coming?” Langley asked, pausing at the top of the stairs to glance back at them.

Richard and Daniel started forth at once, Richard marshaling his arguments in his head as he went. They needed to ensure their marriage was legal in case anything happened to him. She could be pregnant after all . The other reason for the rush was that they needed to then get back and look into who could have poisoned George. Of course, he hadn’t yet told her that George had been poisoned, Richard realized and didn’t suppose now was the time to do it. Suzette and Lisa weren’t even aware that the Dicky of the last year had been his brother George who was now dead, and that he himself was the true Richard Fairgrave, newly returned from America.

“Good luck.”

The words, accompanied by a pat on the back from Langley, drew Richard’s attention to the fact that they’d arrived at the parlor door. Glancing to the man, he noted the pitying look he was giving him and frowned, but merely led the way inside the parlor, where Christiana, Suzette and Lisa were all chattering cheerfully away.

Approaching the sofa and chairs around the tea tray, he cleared his throat and started. “Ladies, I—”

“Oh, Richard, Suzette was just telling us that Daniel has agreed to her proposal. They are going to Gretna Green.” Christiana beamed as she made the announcement.

“Yes.” Richard smiled back. “In fact, I thought we might accompany them and—” his gaze slid to Suzette and Lisa before he continued, “—renew our own vows. It could be a fresh start for us.”

“Oh, how romantic,” Lisa breathed and grabbed for Christiana’s hands to squeeze them excitedly. “Isn’t that wonderful, Chrissy? That’s so wonderful,”

she hugged her and then pulled back to ask, “When do we leave?”

“Now. This afternoon, as soon as I have—”

“No.” It wasn’t Christiana that said it, but all three sisters together, reacting with the same horror they’d had to his arrival at the ball last night.