Now, therefore, it is agreed as follows:
1. The Groom shall assume responsibility for the payment and satisfaction of all known debts andfinancial obligations incurred by The Bride’s family up to and including the date of this Agreement.
2. Upon the event of the Groom’s demise, The Bride shall receive a jointure of £2,000 per annum for her maintenance.
3. The Bride shall be allotted a monthly allowance of £200 for her personal use, known as pin money.
4. Trustee, Mr. George Hughes of Hughes, Swift, and Lacey shall be appointed to oversee the execution of this Agreement and the management of the properties and funds described herein.
5. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns of both The Groom and The Bride.
In witness whereof, the parties hereto have set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
Signed:
The Most Honorable Ewan Danford, The Marquess of Glenraven
The Honorable Juliet Hayward, daughter of The Baron of Fairmont
Witnessed by:
Her Grace, The Duchess of Rosefield
George Hughes as attorney for Richard Danford, The Duke of Aurington
Duncan MacAlister, The Master of Blair
Glenraven continued as Juliet absorbed the gravity of the words, “This will impact not only us but also our children andtheir children after them. It is the legacy we professed to the archbishop today and the promise of our future.”
A tear slipped down Juliet’s cheek, a silent witness to the importance of their decisions. Glenraven reached out, his hand gently catching the tear. “Do not fear what we’ve created. For in this, as in all things, we shall stand together.”
Juliet’s gaze lifted from the settlement to meet Glenraven’s. “You’ve done more than just listen; you’ve heard me,” she said, her voice steady and sincere. “You’ve anticipated my every wish… and more. There is no need to change a single word.”
Glenraven’s lips curved into a smile, a mixture of relief and joy evident in his expression. “Then we are agreed,” he said, extending his hand to her.
“Let’s get you back home. We’ve yet to discuss our plans with Mrs. Murthy and Aunt Geraldine. I’m sure they’ll understand the benefits of our plans.”
They gathered their prepared documents and made their way to the carriage. They rattled along the cobblestone streets, each bump and jolt mirroring the tumultuous thoughts swirling in their minds. Ewan sat beside Juliet, their hands almost touching but not quite, a silent promise of solidarity. Across from them, Hughes and Duncan sat in quiet contemplation, each absorbed in their own thoughts.
Juliet broke the silence, her voice steady but tinged with anxiety. “I hope Aunt Geraldine understands the urgency. Everything hinges on her swift action.”
Ewan nodded, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. “She will. We’ve explained the stakes, and she’s always been astute and decisive.”
The carriage rolled to a gentle stop before Juliet’s home, a comforting sight amidst the whirlwind of recent events. Juliet’s heart fluttered like a caged bird with anticipation and anxiety.Glenraven’s hand was reassuring as he helped her down from the carriage.
Inside, Mrs. Murthy’s warm greeting was a stark contrast to Aunt Geraldine’s cool face as she greeted them from her armchair.
Chapter Nineteen
Glenraven cleared histhroat, the sound slicing through the tense silence. “Lady Rosefield, Juliet and I have an understanding, yet she declined to marry me.” He squeezed her hand. “If she declined because she found me wanting, while I would be crestfallen, I would step away. But that was not the reason. You, and now I, know her reason.” He gazed at Juliet. “It is all the more reason I want to marry her.”
Aunt Geraldine softened as she stared at her niece.
“Now, we come bearing good news. The archbishop has granted us a special license, and we are to be wed tomorrow at ten.”
Juliet almost laughed when her aunt’s eyebrows arched in surprise, and her lips parted slightly. “Such haste,” Aunt Geraldine murmured.
“It is a matter of protecting our families,” Juliet interjected, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. “Threats loom over us. This… this is the only way.”
