Chapter 140

Ashton stood on the steps of the Sheridan townhouse on Curzon Street and tried to quell the sudden bout of nerves in his stomach. He'd risen well before dawn at his estate and slipped out of bed, pressing a light kiss to Rosalind's lips before leaving. It had taken two hours of hard riding to reach London, and his horse was lathered and exhausted. But it was important that he arrive in time to catch Cedric before he left his house for the day. He and Anne were likely to be selecting new mares at Tattersall's this afternoon.

For the mission he had this morning, he only trusted Cedric. Today he was acquiring a special license to marry Rosalind. In the past, he'd always been the one to accompany the others to the Doctors' Commons, but it was strange to think today was his turn.

He couldn't ask Godric or Lucien. They had married for love alone and would challenge him for marrying Rosalind for mercenary reasons. He could, perhaps, admit that he was marrying her because he wanted to, becau