The Pirate & The Porcelain Doll (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 31

Jeremy was growing anxious. "I don't want to rush you, but we really do need to leave."

"I'm waiting, Nicole Haught," Waverly said. "What can you offer me?"

Nicole knelt before her. "A cartload of carrots. And, my heart for eternity. Waverly Earp, I will love you till the day I die, which will be soon if we don't get going."

Waverly kissed her on the cheek. "Perfect. Let's go Red. I adore your outfit, by the way."

Jeremy guided them out to where two black horses awaited, handing Nicole both reins. "I wish you success. Don't write. Just let me know when the cake is baked."

Nicole winked, donning a cloak, helping Waverly onto her horse before mounting, leading them out of Ely Place. They could hear Robin blowing his whistle telling everyone to remain calm and seated, Jeremy disappearing back inside. Nicole couldn't help but grin, recognising how much trouble she was causing while getting away with her prize.

Holborn was busy, allowing the fleeing lovers to blend in with the multitude of carriages and other riders. Their immediate destination was The George in Southwark, a coaching inn, where Robin had reserved two spaces on a mail coach leaving for Dover that evening. A change of clothes had been left at the inn in readiness for the next part of their journey.

Nicole hoped they could slip across to France dressed as men, Jeremy providing Waverly's clothing given their similarity in size. Waverly followed Nicole through London, free at last, free of her responsibilities, free of the burden she had been asked to carry for the sake of her family. Her lover was leading her to a new life, one she wanted more than anything, even if it meant abandoning her family, even if it meant never seeing them again, even if it meant damaging her father's career.

Nicole turned left towards the River Thames and London Bridge. From there it was a short ride to the inn, where they could hide until time to depart for the coast. Entering the courtyard, Nicole dismounted, holding the reins of Waverly's horse. "Put the cloak over your head," Nicole instructed, waiting for Waverly to do so. "We need to keep a low profile."

Waverly nodded, confident whatever plan Nicole had it was working so far. They moved swiftly to the rear of the inn, heading upstairs to private rooms, one of which would be theirs for a few hours. Nicole had the key, letting them in, closing the door, leaning against it, breathing a sigh of relief. "Well, that was tremendous fun," she said, looking at Waverly, the pair bursting into laughter.

Waverly leant against her, hearing Nicole's heart beating through the pirate's outfit. "Only you could turn up to my wedding dressed like this. Glad you did."

"And, you look beautiful in that dress. Is that my necklace?"

Waverly nodded. "I've worn it ever since we parted. To keep you close to me. I thought I'd never see you again."

"I'm a bad penny," Nicole replied. "Guaranteed to cause chaos wherever I go. We made it. We actually made it. You're sure you want this? We can go back if you want."

"Yes, let's return to the wedding I never wanted, shall we. Why not?"

"I read your mother's letter. She didn't want this for you, but events were beyond her control."

"Once the Palace became involved it seems everyone's hands were tied. Mine especially."

Nicole shuddered at the mention of tied hands. "I wish you hadn't put that in my head. You tied to that bed over there. Me showing you how much I love you."

Waverly looked over, her heart beating faster, wanting this moment. "You know this would have been my wedding night," she said, turning round, dropping the cloak from her shoulders, Nicole beginning to unbutton the back of her dress. "It would be a shame to waste that bed."