“Eleanor will come in the side door,” Worthington said. “That is quite common, and what we had planned to do in any event. However, the carriage will be moved to the steps outside the front door. Naturally you and she will be expected to walk out that way. You cannot carry anything but your bride’s arm, but we have all agreed to bring our sword sticks. Additionally, the footmen and coachman will be armed.”

“Random people often sit in the back of the church to watch the weddings,” Rothwell said. “We will have our men there as well.”

“There is one ceremony before yours,” Kenilworth said. “We’ll start keeping watch as that service is getting started.”

They were correct, of course. John could not carry a cane to the wedding, but he could keep it in the town coach. It was comforting that many of the footmen and grooms were former military men. “It sounds like everything is covered. I shall keep an eye on the people around us.”

“You will be lucky if you see anyone but Eleanor,” Exeter said.

Turley rose. “And now a toast.” He glanced at John. “I hope you don’t mind, but I had Lumner fetch some champagne.” His friend went to the door and opened it. “Please bring it in.”

John lifted a brow. “My champagne.”

“Of course yours.” Turley started filling the glasses.

“Does he do this often?” Stanwood asked.

“Every time he visits.” John took his glass. “Fortunately, it’s not often.”

* * *

After dinner that evening, his mother had surprised him by remembering a ruby parure was among the Montagu jewels. He’d give them to Eleanor when they arrived in Paris. For her wedding gift, he had bought a ruby pendant and earrings of a more modern design she could wear whenever she wished.

As he was getting ready to seek his couch, he glanced around his bedchamber. This was the last night he’d sleep in a room that reminded him of a dungeon and the last night he’d sleep alone.

John yawned as his valet helped him out of his jacket. Turley and Exeter would be here no later than eight to join John for breakfast and accompany him to the church. He and Eleanor would use his traveling coach to depart from Worthington House. It was all going just as they had planned.

He woke up the next morning and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Today was the day he took Eleanor as his own. He’d even bought a new jacket, trousers, and waistcoat. His shoes had been shined even more highly than they usually were. He finished tying his cravat, and his valet handed him a sapphire tiepin that he nestled in his cravat. Then he joined his friends for breakfast.

The clock chimed the hour and he rose. “We’d better get to the church.”