Page 22 of One Scandal Too Many (Havenwood Academy #1)

C harlotte could not believe this was happening. He was actually abducting her. More importantly, she didn’t even care. Though she was glad he had decided on this course of action. Not that she would admit that to him. The arrogant arse didn’t even consider her objections. Well, maybe he had. That was why he had decided upon an elopement. If he had not listened to her, then he would have foolishly still tried to ask her father for her hand. Normally, she’d demand to be returned, because she hated being ordered around and she had a tendency to do the exact opposite of what had been commanded. But in this one instance she decided to be more compliant. She wanted to marry him, and she’d allow him to take her to Scotland.

Instead, he had believed her. This was the solution he had decided would be best. He wanted to marry her, and he was going to ensure that he did. It might even be considered romantic. There was only one downside to their little adventure. He still had not told her that he loved her. A part of her wished he had said the words, though it did not escape her notice that she had never said them either.

She wanted to tell him that she adored him. That he was the only man that would ever have her heart. Charlotte had not been certain. She’d never been in love before. How was she to know when it was real? But now that they were on their way to Scotland, she had to accept that she had fallen for him a while ago. It had perhaps happened during their first real conversation. His arrogance had been evident even then, and that had excited her.

Over time, that need to be near him grew and developed into the love she felt today. He would be her husband soon. She had little doubt of that now. They would spend the rest of their days together. As long as her father didn’t find a way to ruin it all for her. Charlotte didn’t want to believe he could, but it was her father. The duke was capable of almost anything.

Declan slowed the horses. “If I allow you on your horse, will you ride away?”

An excellent question. She should. Because she was afraid of what her father might do. But Declan was correct. There was little he could do once they said their vows. They would be married, and in England, not a lot could undo a marriage. Besides, she didn’t know this terrain well. What would happen to her if she got lost? Riding away from him would be a terrible idea. “No,” she told him. “For better or worse this is what we are doing. I agreed to marry you.”

“You’re not going to fight me on the wedding?” He lifted a brow. “I have to be certain. You seemed against marrying me at first.”

“That is not true,” she said. “I was never against marrying you. I only said no because my father would be. He’s had plans for me for a while. Not that he shared those plans with me. Only that they exist.”

“So, when we get to the village in Scotland you will marry me?” he asked.

Charlotte nodded. “I don’t see any reason not to. I can’t very well return to Havenwood now.” She doubted she could after spending the night in the cottage with Declan. “They would have questions. All of which I would be uncomfortable answering.” She nearly shuddered at the thought of being interrogated by Mrs. Havenwood. The headmistress could get any information out of anyone. She’d wager on those odds. That didn’t mean she wanted to be the subject of that sort of inquiry.

He pulled on the reins to halt the horses. Declan lifted his hand and caressed her cheek. “I know you said you’d marry me, but you must forgive me for having my doubts. You were so reluctant that your compliance seemed impossible. I thought I would have to do more to convince you of the wisdom of being my wife.”

“You can still do that if you wish.” She tilted her lips upward into a wanton smile. “What would you have done to persuade me?”

He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “I could kiss you.”

“That would be an excellent start.” Charlotte wrapped her arms around his neck. “I like when you kiss me. But I don’t know if that would be enough to sway me to the benefits of marriage.”

“It might entice you into my bed,” he said. “Which should be enough to induce you to the idea. We can be together every night. Maybe even more than that, if we so desire. In my bed, that is.”

Charlotte did like the idea of having the right to see him naked whenever she wished. “I would like the privilege of kissing you whenever I so desire.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “And the seduction you suggested. Definitely that too.”

“Would it be seduction if we’re married?” he asked.

“Oh yes,” she said. “I demand it.” Charlotte lifted her lips to his and kissed him. Declan took over immediately and deepened the kiss. She clutched onto his hair and yanked him closer. That ever-present need thrummed through her. She would never tire of his lips on hers.

He pulled back. “As much as I’d love to continue kissing you, we need to keep moving. I intend to marry you before nightfall.”

“We have time,” she told him. “It’s barely midday. Kiss me again.”

Declan laughed. “So demanding.” But he complied. His lips were on hers before she could say another word. It didn’t last long, though. When he stopped kissing her this time, he lifted her off of his horse and back on to Kallippos. “Now let’s ride on to Scotland.”

She kissed her palm and blew it toward him. “Until later, love.”

He reached up and caught the kiss and patted his chest. “Darling. If only I could save all your sweet kisses. I’d savor them whenever the need arises.”

“You say the sweetest things.” She grinned. “Let’s go get married.”

Charlotte probably should protest a little more. This entire escape had been high-handed of him. But that was one of the things she adored about him. He could be demanding and arrogant, but he could also be sweet and loving. There was not anything about Declan she didn’t like. Even when he frustrated her. Their marriage would be filled with compromises, but she would never doubt his intentions.

“Darling,” he said and then gave her a wicked smile. “I want nothing more than to be your husband.” He flicked the reins on his horse. “Stay by my side, and we shouldn’t have any difficulties.”

She flicked her reins too so that Kallippos knew they were going to keep walking beside Declan. They rode in silence for the rest of the way to the village. When they reached the village Declan stopped at an inn. “Wait here,” he told her. “I’m going to book us a room, and then we will see about our wedding.”

Charlotte did not dismount. There was probably a reason he wanted her to remain there. She perused her surroundings. The village was small, but it had everything that they could possibly need. There was a general store, an inn, and a blacksmith. The town was quaint and charming. She liked the idea of marrying Declan there. She didn’t know what they would need to do to get married. Charlotte had never thought much about what an elopement would entail.

Declan came out of the inn and grinned. “Let me help you down.” She slid off of Kallippos and into Declan’s embrace. Now that they had arrived, their wedding was imminent. Excitement filled her at the prospect. “Where will we get married?”

This wasn’t England, and they would not have to wait three weeks for the banns to be read. They didn’t even need a special license to marry immediately. What did a Scottish wedding look like?

*

Anyone in Scotland, as long as they were considered citizens, could act as witnesses to their wedding. Then they would be given a certificate authenticating that wedding. If anyone wanted proof that he took Charlotte’s virginity—well, he’d go back to that cottage and retrieve the blanket they’d made love on. He really hoped that wouldn’t be necessary, but her father sounded as if he would want proof of the marriage’s validity. Declan would not take any chances with his marriage. He would not lose Charlotte. She meant too much to him.

“We will get married here at the inn,” he said. “The innkeeper is making all the arrangements.” Then they would stay at the inn for their wedding night. He still wasn’t sure it would be wise for them to make love so soon. He hadn’t made any decisions in that regard. “I’ve secured us a room. If you would like to, you can stay in there until the ceremony.” Not that it would be much of one. They would just need to make their declarations to wed in front of at least one witness. Declan wanted more than one, though. He didn’t trust the duke would not use his power to make any witnesses detract their testaments of the union.

“I’d rather stay with you,” Charlotte told him. “I will be more anxious on my own.”

He understood that, and he was glad she wanted to remain at his side. Declan would be far more comfortable with her next to him. “Are you hungry?” They hadn’t had much to eat. The leftover bread and cheese hadn’t exactly been satisfying on their journey to Scotland. At least it had only been a matter of hours, not days without a proper meal. “I’ve ordered us a meal. I can have them send it to the dining room.”

“That would be lovely,” Charlotte said. “Let’s eat, and then we will get married.”

Declan laughed. “Yes,” he agreed. “We will.”

They went into the inn’s small dining room. He led her to a table and waited for her to sit. “I’ll be back shortly. I’m going to tell the innkeeper to serve us here. I wasn’t certain if you’d rather eat in the room.”

“All right,” she said, then smiled. “I’ll wait here for you.”

He left her alone to go search for the innkeeper. He was a tall man, at least a decade older than Declan, with long dark hair and deep blue eyes. He found him at the front of the inn speaking to a woman. “Ah, my lord,” he greeted Declan. “This is my wife, Ginerva.” She was a lovely plump woman with dark red hair and mischievous green eyes. He gestured toward Declan. “Dearest, this is Lord Easton. He intends tae wed his lady love here in our inn.”

“Oh, how lovely,” Ginerva said. “Where is the lovely lass?”

“She’s in the dining room,” he told her. “We wish to have our meal there.”

“I can see tae it,” Ginerva said. “Bram is going tae see tae the wedding. Ye want tae have guests to witness yer union?”

“I do,” he said. “The more the merrier.” He wanted plenty of people in attendance so the duke could not attempt to have their marriage invalidated. Charlotte was his and he intended to keep her. “I’ll pay for everything. We can have a feast and a celebration afterward.”

“Aye,” Bram replied. “We can do that.” He turned to Ginerva. “Ye will have ideas.”

“That I do,” she said gleefully. “I’ll start the meal preparations while ye see tae the rest.” She grinned at Declan. “I’ll deliver yer meal now. Go join yer lass.”

Declan turned toward Bram. “Is there anything you need from me?”

“No,” he said. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a wedding here. The villagers will be eager tae be a part of the celebration. Many will be more than willing to aid me in the preparations.”

“All right.” A part of Declan wanted to ensure that everything was taken care of. This had to go perfectly. He would be anxious until they said their vows and Charlotte was his wife. “I’ll be in the dining hall if you need me for anything. If we are not there, we will be in our room.”

“Go,” Bram ordered. “I canna complete my tasks with ye around tae question everything. I’ll see tae it. Ye may trust me. Yer wedding will be memorable.”

Of course it would be. Because at the end of it all, Charlotte would be his wife. That was all he wanted. But Bram was correct. He wasn’t helping by standing around and being in the way. “I’ll leave now. I promise.”

Bram laughed as Declan walked away. Charlotte was where he had left her in the dining room. She had her back straight and her hands folded in her lap. Her honey blonde hair was tied back loosely. He hadn’t given her much time to use her pins and secure it up more. He had to admit, though, that he liked it this way. He loved her hair and wanted to run his fingers through the silky locks.

She glanced up and met his gaze. Her inviting smile filled him with warmth. He should tell her that he loved her. He didn’t know why he hadn’t said the words yet. They were getting married. Surely that was more of declaration than the words. Still, he should tell her. It was always nice to know exactly how someone felt.

It didn’t escape his notice she hadn’t told him she loved him, either. It might bother him if she hadn’t agreed to be his wife. All right, it still did bother him. A little. He wanted to hear the words too, and perhaps if he said them first, she would finally say them too.

He hoped so, at least.

Either way, they were getting married. If she didn’t love him yet, he could win her heart. Declan could be charming, and he would endear himself to her. They had the rest of their lives to build on what they already had between them. Some marriages had started on less.

“Our meal should be here soon,” he said. “Ginerva, the innkeeper’s wife, will bring it out.”

“Oh, good,” Charlotte said and placed her hand on her stomach. “I’m starving. I did not realize how hungry I was until you mentioned a meal.”

“And I am equally as hungry,” he began. “I cannot wait myself.” He had no clue what they would serve them, but he didn’t much care. He just needed food.

Ginerva didn’t make them wait long. She brought out a tray filled with two steaming bowls, a loaf of bread, and two tankards of ale. “It’s mutton stew,” she said. “Been cooking a better part of the day. It should be filling. If ye need anything else, just holler for me.”

Charlotte lifted the loaf of bread and broke a piece off, then dipped it in her stew. She bit it and chewed. A low moan escaped from her that sent a shiver of need through him. It was almost scandalous, that sound, and very similar to the way she had moaned for him as he had brought her to climax. “Darling,” he said hoarsely. “You’re slowly killing me over here.”

She lifted her gaze to him and smiled. That wanton smile that promised naughty acts. God, he loved her. “But it will be nothing but pleasure until your last breath.”

“Promises, promises,” he said. Then he broke a piece of bread to try the stew. It was delicious. “I do understand those moans of delight now. It is good, or it could be we’ve just been deprived of food and are appreciating it filling our bellies now.”

“Or it could just be good.” She took another bite. “How long until our wedding?”

“Anxious?” he asked.

“Absolutely.” She ate more of her stew. “We need to be wed. The sooner the better.”

“Because of your father?” he asked.

“I’ve been missing,” Charlotte reminded him. “Mrs. Havenwood will have to notify him. It’ll take him a few days to arrive, but he will come.”

Declan had not considered that. “But we will be wed before he can arrive. He won’t be here for several days. He cannot prevent our marriage.”

“I’ll still feel a lot better after we are officially wed.” She took a drink of the ale. “So, I ask again: When is the wedding?”

“A couple more hours.” He frowned. “The innkeeper is making some extra arrangements for us. I wanted to ensure we had plenty of witnesses to our union.”

“That’s smart,” she said. “The duke cannot buy off everyone. There are probably a few here that would be insulted that he tried.” She grinned. “That would be interesting to observe. My father doesn’t like to hear the word ‘no’.”

“Well,” Declan said. “He’s going to hear that word an awful lot. In a few hours, you will be my wife, and he will have no say in your life.”

“That’s true,” she said. “You will be my lord and master.”

He grinned. “I’ll be an honorable one. You have my word.” Declan winked. “In fact, you’ll enjoy many of my orders.”

She stopped eating and met his gaze. The heat there almost had him throwing her over his shoulder and taking her to their room. His cock hardened a frustrating amount. He wanted to be inside her desperately. Somehow, he refrained. “Darling,” he said huskily. “You cannot look at me like that. Not when I cannot do anything about it.”

Charlotte sighed. “Later. Promise me you will later.”

“That’s a promise I have no trouble giving you.” He lifted her hand and kissed her palm. “Once you are my wife, we will have nothing to hold us back.”

He wished that they could have said their vows already. The necessity of a lot of guests at his wedding frustrated him, but it had to be done right. This was too important to rush. “Finish your meal.” He grinned wickedly. “You will need all your strength for what I have in mind tonight.”

Charlotte smiled but didn’t say a word. Instead, she resumed eating her meal in silence. They were both filled with nervousness that would not abate until they said their vows. This was something they could do until then. Declan wished they were at the end of it, though. When they were free of any concerns and able to just love each other. Soon, he promised himself. Soon they would be there.