***
A crowd of hundreds was gathered on the riverbank gazing up at the sky with gasps and cheers. Nick held Mariah close to his side with a hand pressed discreetly at her back as they marveled at the grand finale, a stunning spectacle of sound and colorful explosions that illuminated the heavens.
"Mariah!" Lydia called out to her as the last sparkles sputtered and died. Squeezing her considerable girth through the crowd, she waddled across the lawn. "I was growing alarmed." She darted Nick a censorious look. "I was ready to send Marcus after you."
"I'm sorry, Lyddie. I didn't mean to worry you, but Mr. Needham and I had much to discuss." She sheepishly diverted her gaze away. "And then I couldn't find the package you asked me to retrieve."
"Botheration!" Lydia declared. "It must have been left behind at Russell House. No matter." She waved her hand dismissively. "I'll just have to present it to Marcus when we return."
"Where is Marcus?" Nick asked.
"Right over there." She pointed. "My poor darling is stuck between the two cricket-mad dukes. The king has already made his excuses. He abhors the game, probably because Prince Frederick is so enamored of it. I marvel that a father and son can so despise one another. I'm certain Marcus would appreciate a rescue. Indeed, if he sends me another beseeching look, I just may have to feign birth pains."
Nick laughed. "You need not. I have the perfect excuse to pull him away."
"And what is that?" Lydia asked.
"It seems I am in need of a best man."
Lydia's eyes widened. "You and Mariah are to wed?"
Unable to hold back her joy, Mariah released a giddy giggle. "Yes, Lyddie."
"Dearest! I am so happy for you!" Lydia gushed. "When?"
"We haven't—"
"As soon as it can be arranged," Nick interjected. "Please, Mariah. Let us be married soon. I see no reason to delay." He brought her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to it. "I won't chance losing you again."
"You must tell Marcus at once," Lydia declared. "He will be so very pleased."
Nick grinned and gave Lydia a mocking bow. "I am your humble servant, my lady. I go to retrieve your beleaguered husband."
"I am truly happy for you, dearest," Lydia said the moment Nick departed. "As will be Lady Russell."
"Where is she?" Mariah asked.
"Over there." Lydia inclined her head to a nearby cluster of elegantly clad women. "She's engaged in a tete-a-tete with the Duchess of Bedford." Lydia frowned. "I daresay Her Grace will be less than pleased to hear your news."
"Why is that?" Mariah asked.
"Because she's the one who put forth your name to Lord Rochford. She thoroughly disapproves of his personal conduct and desires to see him wed. It is she who brought the matter to the king's attention. While I couldn't be happier for you, I fear what might transpire when His Majesty gets wind of this."
"You believe Nick's career will be in jeopardy?"
"It's highly possible if Rochford takes exception to the news. He has the king's ear."
"I don't know why he should take exception. It's not as if he is in love with me. I was merely the lesser of three evils."
"Three?" Lydia's brows rose. "So there were other candidates?"
"I believe so, but Nick can give you the particulars."
Lydia tapped her fan to her lips. "Then perhaps there is a viable solution. Come," she hooked elbows with Mariah, "this is a matter for Lady Russell's counsel."
***
"Nick!" Marcus greeted him warmly. "Speak of the devil and he doth appear!"
"Have I sprouted horns?" Nick asked dryly. "Your Graces," Nick made his obeisance first to the Duke of Bedford and then to Richmond.
"Ah, Needham!" His Grace of Bedford smiled. "We were indeed discussing the match last year that won Marcus his place on the delegation. I informed Richmond here that Lord Rochford stole one of the best batsmen in England. He reports that you have assembled quite a good cricket team in Turin."
"The Italians would hardly hold a candle to our English players," Nick replied, "but they have embraced the game with great enthusiasm."
"Indeed?" Lord Richmond remarked. "Bedford and I have in mind to form a cricket club. 'Tis too bad you are posted in the Italian states. A man of your reputed talent would be invaluable in getting our new venture off the ground."
"I would be honored to play for you, Your Grace. But I must conclude the matter that brought me back to England."
"And how goes the wooing?" Bedford asked. "Has Rochford secured his bride?"
Nick shook his head. "Sadly, the lady in question has refused him."
"Did she, begad?" Bedford remarked with a frown. "What reason does she give?"
"Her affections are otherwise engaged."
"Ah. I daresay Rochford will not pine over it. Nevertheless, it still must be done. My duchess will never rest until he is well and truly shackled like the rest of us poor sods."
"How soon do you return to Turin?" Richmond asked.