The Earl's Stolen Bride (Marriage by Deceit Book 4) by Ruth Ann Nordin

explain how I knew Chloe was right for me the evening I met her.  I just did.  Being with her has only confirmed it.”
    “I’ll take your word for it,” Toby said then drank some brandy.
    “It doesn’t matter if you believe me or not.  I need you to give this missive to Regina to give to Chloe.” When his friend’s eyebrows rose in surprise, Orlando added, “It’s not ideal, but it’s the only way I feel safe sending word to Chloe that I’m in London.”
    After a long moment, Toby asked, “Am I right in assuming this is how you’re going to be communicating with her until you can let the Ton know you’re married?”
    “Unfortunately, yes.”
    “Ah, then it’s not me you really wanted to see today.  I’m merely a means to an end.”
    Orlando was ready to protest when he caught his friend’s grin.  “I’ll still humor you by playing chess and cards with you.”
    “How fortunate for me.”
    Chuckling, Orlando got up and retrieved the missive he’d written to Chloe.  He gave it to his friend then sat back down.
    “I can’t help but wonder,” Toby began as he slipped it into his pocket, “how are you going to hide your activities with her?”
    “It won’t be easy.  She can’t attend any social events since she’s in mourning.”
    “Yes, that will make it hard.”
    “I suppose I’ll have to sneak into her townhouse or help her sneak into mine.”
    “You used to sneak off during our parents’ long and boring visits when we were children, so I have no doubt you’ll find a way.  Knowing you, you’ll enjoy the challenge.  I still don’t know how you managed to sneak off with her to Gretna Green without the Ton finding out.  They would have been horrified you stole her away so soon after her husband’s death.”
    “If I didn’t, I suspect her father would have arranged another marriage for her, and he wouldn’t have picked me to be her husband even if I asked.”
    “How can you be so sure of that?”
    “His main goal is to acquire as much money as possible.  I don’t have nearly as much as Lord Hawkins did.  Since that’s his standard, he would never have accepted my offer.  I had no choice but to steal her away.”
    “I suppose you’re right.  She is your stolen bride.” With a wry grin, Toby added, “To think I’ve known you for all these years and am just now learning you have a scandalous side to you.”
    Amused, Orlando returned the grin.  “I only risk a scandal when I want something badly enough.”
    “Then you must’ve wanted Chloe more than you’ve ever wanted anything.”
    That would be a true statement, so he didn’t deny it.
    “Before I run to my wife to deliver your missive to Chloe, want to play a game of chess?”
    “Sure.”
    As anxious as Orlando was to see Chloe again, he had missed his friend and would enjoy playing the game with him.  He poured himself and Toby another glass of brandy and got the board out for them.
     

Chapter Eleven
     
    “I was beginning to think you disappeared,” Helena teased Chloe as she gave her a hug.
    Chloe laughed and returned the hug.
    “Sit down and tell me what’s happened,” Helena said, gesturing to the settee.  As Chloe went to sit down, Helena turned to her butler.  “Bring us some black tea and crumpets.”
    Chloe waited until he left before saying, “Did Regina tell you what happened?”
    Helena shook her head and shut the drawing room doors.  “She’s refused to tell me anything.  I suspect she learned to keep a secret since her mother never did.”
    “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” Chloe said.  “I honestly expected the Ton to be talking nonstop about what I did.”
    Helena’s eyes twinkled.  “Well, this must be good.”
    “It is.  I’m married to the sweetest, handsomest, and most patient gentleman in all of London.  We eloped.  It was so sudden, too.  Regina took me out of town to talk to him, and he told me he’s been in love with me since before I married Lord