Page 34 of The Duke’s Bride (The Duke’s Alliance #6)
‘I was terrified they would grab the children and thus force me to let them in but, as you can see, that did not happen thanks to Brutus. They pushed a legal document under the door, which confirms our worst fears. I had a footman push it back so I cannot show it to you.’
He tilted her face and kissed her gently. ‘Are you happy to marry me so swiftly? You still know so little about me. Are you prepared to take me on trust?’
‘I know that you love us, and that you will protect us and keep us safe. That is all that matters to me.’
They went to find Mrs Alston and explain what was going to happen. As always, the old woman was quick to understand. ‘Do you think you will be able to keep them out until after midnight tonight if the curate fails to arrive in time to carry out the ceremony now?’
‘The shutters are closed downstairs so they cannot enter that way. Even with the arrival of Mr Fenchurch himself they cannot get in unless we choose to open the door. They will have to retreat and fetch the militia. I am certain we can accomplish our objectives whether the curate gets here or not.’
* * *
Viola, for the first time since the arrival of the carriage yesterday, began to believe that things were going to be all right after all.
She was going to marry the man she loved, the children were going to get a father and finally the evil influence of her first husband would be eradicated from their lives.
‘I am not sure if I should change into something more suitable or remain as I am, as it is quite possible we shall not be married today.’
‘You look quite enchanting in that russet gown. I shall have to marry in my dishevelled state.’ His lopsided smile touched her heart.
‘I hope you intend to remove the dust and dirt from your person, young man, before you tie the knot.’
‘I shall do so immediately, ma’am. I apologise if my disarray offends you. Climbing up twenty feet of wall after galloping headlong across country for several miles tends to do that to a person, you know.’
Her mother laughed. ‘I cannot think why I like you, as you are an arrogant and autocratic sort of gentleman, but for some reason I do. You are a welcome addition to this family even if it does mean my daughter will no longer be a countess.’
For some reason this remark forced him to look away. She was about to reassure him that the title meant nothing to her, as it had belonged to a man she hated, that she would much rather be plain Mrs Sheldon, but he strode out before she could speak.
‘I pray we can be married today. If the militia were to arrive before midnight they might well break in and all will be lost. Mr Fenchurch will be able to take the children away from me and there will be nothing we can do about it.’
Her mother snorted inelegantly. ‘Fiddlesticks to that! Do you think so little of your future husband that he would allow that to happen? It would be over his dead body.’
‘That is what I fear, Mama. I will not let him give up his life for us.’
‘You would be prepared to live without him under the thrall of Sir Frederick? That is doing it too brown, daughter, as well you know. The good Lord saw fit to send him here for you and the children and you would do well to remember that.’
‘I am going downstairs to check on the children. I cannot be happy with them sitting in the cold damp of the cellars without supervision.’
‘More to the point, my dear girl, who will be your second witness to your wedding ceremony?’
‘I have no idea. No doubt when it comes to it Edward will have that in hand.’
She glanced nervously at the tall-case clock that ticked the time away in the hall and saw it was fifteen minutes to midday. Then she heard the children and the dog and at least two other people hurrying from the servants’ quarters.
‘Mama, Bishop is here with Mr Culley. He has come to marry you to Uncle Edward.’
Edward spoke from behind her. ‘That is the best news we could have, Thomas. You and your sister run along and tell your grandmother to go at once to the family chapel.’
One might have thought the cleric would be disgruntled at his unusual mode of entry but the young man was smiling. He bowed to her. ‘This is most exciting, my lady, and you have my full support. I must perform the ceremony now or it will not be done in time to be legal.’
Edward took her hand and all four of them ran to the chapel.
Mr Culley had the licence and he had also brought the parish records in his haversack as he was required to record the ceremony.
He would then complete her marriage lines and hand them to her and she would legally be Mrs Sheldon – no longer Lady Fenchurch.
Bishop accompanied them. He was obviously to be the second witness.
He had been so closely involved with everything it made sense to use him.
The curate said only what was strictly necessary to make the union legal.
Her eyes widened when he read out Edward’s full name.
He must have disliked being called Beaumont so had adopted his middle name, and she did not blame him.
She made her responses, as did he, and they were pronounced man and wife as the first strike of the clock heralded the arrival of midday.
Her heart was full. She looked up for her first kiss as Mrs Sheldon.
She was shocked to see tears in his eyes and a sliver of doubt about her hasty marriage flickered through her.
Neither of them had had any choice if they wished to protect the children so, whatever came next, the alternative would have been so much worse.
Bishop and her mother signed the necessary papers and the matter was concluded. If it hadn’t been for the children’s happy laughter as they skipped about calling Edward ‘Papa’ for the first time it would have been a subdued affair.
‘There you are, Mrs Sheldon – you will want to keep this safe as it is proof that you are indeed married and responsibility for your children rests with your new husband and nobody else.’
‘Edward, would you keep this for me? I would much prefer it if you were the one to show it to the lawyers. I have no wish to speak to them at all and neither do I wish to invite Mr Fenchurch to the house even if he is, at this particular moment, heir to the title.’
He took the document, folded it carefully and slipped it into a pocket inside his topcoat.
‘I think it might be sensible for me to escort Mr Culley from the premises.’ He smiled at the young cleric who nodded vigorously.
‘If you would be kind enough to stand in the turning circle whilst we discuss, in very loud voices, the fact that you have just conducted our marriage service in a consecrated chapel within the required parish, we would be eternally grateful.’
‘I should be delighted to do so, Mr Sheldon. Am I to return pillion with Mr Bishop?’
‘No, you shall go back in style in our carriage.’ He glanced at his man and Bishop immediately vanished to take care of his order.
His smile at her was kind but not one to stir her senses.
‘Sweetheart, this is not how I imagined our nuptials would be. I think we could all do with our luncheon after the excitement.’
‘I shall organise it at once. I think we should suggest that the staff drink a toast to us tonight. We must make an effort and change for dinner. I shall mention it to Cook.’
He frowned. ‘We will not be here will we, my love? We shall be at Elveden by then. I think we must postpone any sort of celebration until tomorrow when you are more settled in your new home. Whilst I deal with this Fenchurch, I suggest that you make sure your belongings are packed and ready to transport. No doubt the children will have a trunk full of toys they wish to bring.’