Page 89 of A Mismatch Made in London

“If you do hear anything else,” Juliet said, looking a bit pale, “you will tell us about it, will you?”

“Of course, my dear, of course. You have a friend in me, I assure you. And you shall be happily married to your Mr. Shelley in no time, dear, in no time.”

“Thank you.”

I was relieved to see how sincere my aunt seemed, and I believed, since I was engaged to Jeremy and it was our family’s reputation at stake, she really would keep her word.

25

Mr. Shelley arrived just before calling hours.

“Forgive me for coming so early, but I didn’t wish anyone else to hear what I’m about to say.”

Juliet’s face went white, her mouth falling open.

Mr. Shelley reached out a hand to her. “All is well, my darling. Jeremy is safe, and I’m not giving you up. Let me explain.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a letter. “This came yesterday. It is from George Fairweather, and it says that if I pay him two thousand pounds, he will stop the rumors he has been spreading about you.” He looked at Juliet.

“That horrible man,” I said, gasping. “What an awful thing to do.”

Mr. Shelley went on. “I took it to my friend, who is the editor atThe Times. With his help, we composed a letter, and now I intend to travel to Shropshire to force Fairweather to sign it. The last I heard from Jeremy, he was going to Shropshire to find Fairweather. Do you know if he is still there?”

“As far as we know,” I said, as Juliet seemed incapable of speech.

“He and I can work together, force him to sign the letter, and then my friend will publish it in the paper. But I wanted to let you read and approve it first.”

Juliet’s hand shook as she took the piece of paper from him. She motioned me closer, and we read it together, but silently.

To Whom It May Concern,

I, George Fairweather of Woodville, Shropshire, wish to confess that I invented vicious lies about the good character of Miss Juliet Beaumont in order to blackmail her brother Jeremy Beaumont and her fiancé Timothy Shelley into paying me to stop the false gossip about her. I did it out of desperation and to pay my debts, which are substantial. I humbly ask forgiveness of those I have hurt, and I henceforth commit to mending my ways.

George Fairweather

The name was printed out in neat print, with an open space above it for a signature.

“What do you say, my darling?” Mr. Shelley was leaning forward.

Juliet looked at me. “What do you think? Is it a good idea?”

“I think it could work.” It certainly seemed better than threatening the man or dueling with him and hoping people would just forget everything that had been said about Juliet.

“Then yes, do what you planned.” Juliet handed him back the letter.

Jeremy had found Mr. Fairweather’s home in Shropshire right away. A man they met on the road with a cartload of straw gave them directions. The house was built in the simple and sedate Georgian style, but the roof was obviously in need of repair, and there was a general look of neglect surrounding the estate.

It was Sunday, so he and Dawson attended church, looking all around for Mr. Fairweather before entering the church. Theycontinued to search for him before and after they sat down and as soon as the church service was over, but Mr. Fairweather did not appear to be in attendance.

They asked around. Jeremy said his name was Martin Hayes, as his middle name was Martin and his mother’s maiden name was Hayes. Dawson gave his name as John Smith.

“We are acquaintances of Mr. George Fairweather,” they told an older gentleman in the churchyard afterward. “We were hoping to see him, as we are in the area for a short visit.”

“Friends of George Fairweather, are ye?” He eyed Jeremy with a narrowed gaze.

“More acquaintances, actually,” Jeremy said.

“Well, I ain’t seen him.” He made as if to walk away.

“The last time you saw him, was it a few days ago? Or weeks ago?”