Page 35 of The Lady and the Lion (Victorian Outcasts #9)

thirty-two

“ S tay calm,” Captain Jackson said to Samuel next to the altar.

“I’m calm,” he signed, craning his neck to see Vivienne walking down the aisle.

“You keep moving your feet. The priest will think you want to make a dash for it.”

He remained still, smiling at his bride.

She looked radiant from the inside out. As she walked the few steps separating them, all the moments they’d shared flashed through his mind.

When she’d sneaked into the circus to see him; when she’d taught him how to read; when she’d kissed him while they sat together on a bench to give him a happy memory.

And soon she would be his wife.

The priest said something that broke the spell, and then she was offering him her hand. He held it against his chest to make her feel his heartbeat. Her smile was so wide and bright his pulse raced further

They both faced the priest, and the ceremony began. He didn’t care if there were only a few people or that Vivienne’s Mother wasn’t present. That day was the best of his life.

“Will you, Samuel, take Vivienne Elizabeth to be your wedded wife?” the priest asked, “to have and to hold from this day forwards, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”

Samuel signed quickly, “I do.”

Captain Jackson would translate. “Mr. Lyon says—William, what are you doing?”

Everyone turned towards the footman standing in a corner next to a shrine.

William stood on attention. “Nothing.”

The captain scowled. “Apologies, Father. That wasn’t what Mr. Lyon said. He said ‘I do.’”

Vivienne seemed to fight a chuckle as Samuel finished his vows.

When she said, “I do,” Samuel would have loved to sweep her off her feet into a twirl. He was happy just smiling at her.

The priest took their hands. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Samuel kissed her hand and leant closer before stopping. They hadn’t discussed the kiss, and he didn’t want to embarrass her. So he kissed her forehead and hugged her, wishing he could whisper how much he cared about her.

But maybe words weren’t needed.

The ceremony had been beautiful for Samuel, just because Vivienne had smiled the whole time, her cheeks had been rosy, and her eyes had shone. And because she was his wife.

She had many reasons not to smile—her mother hadn’t come, the guests were only a few, and she wasn’t wearing the gown she’d wanted. But the way her eyes lit up when she looked at him made up for all the rushed preparations.

Now that she was his wife, no one would hurt her.

Sitting next to her at the table of the wedding breakfast, he surveyed the dining hall.

Lord Huntington sat on the other side of Vivienne, studying the servants. The captain frowned at the glasses of champagne scattered around. Samuel would have been happy to ban any liquor out of respect for his friend, but Captain Jackson had refused the offer.

A wedding without liquor is like a joke without a punchline , the captain had said.

Potter had prepared all sorts of delicacies, from roasted Cornish game hens to a wedding cake of dulce de leche and pecans, and all his household was enjoying the celebration.

Vivienne took his hand. “Thank you. It’s a beautiful reception.”

He dipped his head, taken by the sudden urge to kiss her but paused an inch from her lips. Not because he didn’t want to kiss her, but because their first kiss should be in private.

She gazed up at him, her lips parting. “You didn’t kiss the bride.”

“We didn’t discuss the kiss, and I wasn’t sure if you wanted to be kissed in front of everyone.” He took her chin and stroked it with a thumb. “Perhaps in a more private place?” he signed for her only.

She nodded, and the nod was a tiny gesture that shifted the Earth’s axis enormously.

The moment she rose from the chair, her father and the captain jumped up as well.

“Are you ill?” her father asked at the same time as the captain said, “Maybe you need to rest, Lady Vivienne.”

She waved dismissively. “I’m fine. I just want to take a stroll with my new husband.”

Holding her hand, he led her to the garden where a white gazebo towered among purple flowers and evergreen bushes.

She sighed when they were under the ornate roof of the gazebo.

“I know there are important things we’ll need to face.

Father wants to prosecute Dr. Tucker. He went to the police station last night to denounce him, and we should see the police soon, but today I want only to enjoy the party and be with you. ”

“I couldn’t agree more.” He stood next to her, lacing his fingers through hers.

For a moment, they listened to the birds singing and the sound of the carriages and carts coming from the other side of the fence.

She tilted her head up, her large eyes widening. “Do you remember the night when you came to my bedroom and asked to kiss me?”

“How could I ever forget?”

“When you asked me if you could kiss me, I didn’t think you meant on the cheek. I was a bit disappointed but didn’t say anything, not to sound petulant, but I’ve wanted a proper kiss since then.”

Instant heat burst in his chest.

“It’s time to correct past mistakes.”

She parted her lips, and a new flush filled her cheeks.

She moved closer until her chest brushed his, and he didn’t have time to think, breathe, or wonder.

They moved at the same time. His whole body tensed with anticipation and the fear of doing something wrong. He moved only his head, forcing his hands to remain at his sides. The distance that had seemed so short a moment ago was now endless.

She breathed faster, too.

At first, he simply brushed his lips against hers, and the delicate touch was like fire. He pressed his lips harder against hers, just to feel how soft and silky they were.

The kiss was nothing but a whisper, dancing on their breaths. He ran a hand from her shoulder to her waist and pulled her closer.

He savoured the perfect moment when the constant pain and fear didn’t matter, the world was beautiful, and he was just a man like any other.

Space separated them as he tilted his head back. Her blue gaze set on him for a long moment. Then they were kissing again.

Her lips moved over his, demanding everything from him. A little tilt of her head brought her even closer, and he parted his lips on pure instinct.

She shuddered when he darted out his tongue only to taste her lips, and that small taste awakened a hunger he didn’t know he possessed; it must have lurked inside him all that time, waiting to burst out only for Vivienne.

Hell, his heart was about to explode with too many emotions.

They shared their breaths as he inched away from her, needing a moment to let his heart slow down.

“That’s the kiss I wanted,” she whispered against his lips.

He touched his forehead to hers and waited before signing because he liked his hands on her waist.

He swallowed a couple of times. “I don’t want you to feel constricted by our marriage. You can do whatever you want.”

“Good. Because I want to be with you, see the world next to you, and help you with the wonderful job you’re doing.”

He loved her answer, but did she mean she wanted to share her bedroom with him? Perhaps he should mention that when she recovered her strength fully.

He was about to kiss her again when William walked over to them.

“Sir, my lady.” William bowed. “We’re serving the sorbet. It’s delicious, but no one wants to start eating it until you’re back.”

As the footman straightened, a glimmer of gold from his pocket didn’t escape Samuel’s notice.

“I would love a sorbet.” Vivienne’s cheeks were deliciously pink after the kiss.

He escorted her to the dining room again. “Excuse me.” He kissed his new wife’s hand before beckoning for William to follow him to the sitting room.

“Sir.” William stood at attention. “Everything is going smoothly. Do you want me to serve the biscuits with the sorbet? Mrs. Foster says they shouldn’t be served together, but I think they taste?—”

Samuel cut him off by holding up a hand. He pointed at William’s pocket.

“What, sir?”

“What’s in your pocket?”

“Nothing, sir.” The young footman patted himself, faking surprise at the bulge in his pocket. “This? It’s nothing, sir.”

He opened his hand and wiggled his fingers. “Show me.”

“It’s a misunderstanding?—”

“Now.” He snapped his fingers.

William scoffed and pulled out a gold crucifix with a ruby on the top.

“You stole from the church?” Samuel snatched the crucifix from William’s hand.

“No, sir. I meant to return it. I swear it.”

He pointed a finger at him. “I thought I was clear. No stealing.”

“You were very clear, sir, but you said no stealing in the house .”

He narrowed his eyes. “Then let me clarify. No stealing whatsoever, anywhere, for any reason. Is that clear?”

William returned the scowl. “I need to practise to keep the machine well oiled. My skills need to be honed, or I’ll forget them.”

“Then forget them. You don’t need to steal. Your salary is more than decent.”

“You’re very generous, sir.” William shuffled his feet.

“But I miss my old life a little, and it took me years to sharpen those skills. You have no idea how difficult it is to lift a wallet without being noticed or to pick a lock in record time. I don’t want to lose what I learnt. You never know, sir.”

“No. More. Stealing.”

“This is unfair, sir.” William shoved his hands in his pockets.

“Is something the matter?” Captain Jackson walked into the room.

Samuel showed him the crucifix.

“Bloody hell, William. Yours is a nasty vice.” Captain Jackson shook his head. “From the church, on your employer’s wedding day, during the ceremony! What’s next? Stealing the queen’s petticoats? I knew you were doing something during the ceremony.”

“You’re overreacting.” William huffed. “I meant to give it back.”

“You will, right now, and I’ll come with you.”

“But the sorbet and the wedding cake!” William protested.

“Serves you right.” The captain took the crucifix. “Let’s go, William. Unbelievable.”

Samuel had wanted to give the former cat burglar a second chance in life, after William had shown sincere regret for his crimes and the desire to change. But thievery was more than an addiction for him; it was a manner of living.

“Is everything all right?” Vivienne stepped into the room. She wasn’t as radiant as he wished her to be, but she looked stronger, and he loved her smile.

He opened his arms, and she didn’t hesitate to go to him. As he held her, fear gripped him by the throat. He’d been about to lose her, and the situation with Murdock wasn’t solved yet. His position and status would protect him and Vivienne, but complete peace was far away.

She rested her head on his chest, and the thought of not being able to protect her sent a cold shudder through him.

She tilted her head back. “What is it? One of your moments?”

He nodded.

Holding his hand, she led him to the sofa. “What scares you?”

He took a few deep breaths before answering. “The same. Not being free. Not being able to defend myself and protect you.” His fingers shook so hard he wasn’t sure she understood what he was signing.

“A few years ago, I wouldn’t have fully understood what you meant, but now I do. I’m scared as well. I’ve been trapped in a lie for years, but we aren’t alone. The captain will help us, and you have loyal friends in the house.”

“Friends I must protect.” He loosened the collar of his shirt. “As much as I cared about my servants, none of them is prepared to face an emergency.”

“Because you’re talking about a butler, a housekeeper, a valet, and a cook, and a whole slew of footmen, maids, and grooms. They aren’t soldiers.”

He shook his head. “I mean, they’re vulnerable.”

“As everyone.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Trust them. You’ve done it so far. And I trust you, husband of mine.”

The simple kiss brought him back to that time in the park when she’d kissed him to give him a good memory. That kiss was still a good memory.

They held each other for he didn’t know how long, but his fear had cowered in a dark corner of his mind.

He dipped his head to stare at her. She didn’t look away.

He ran a finger over the curve of her cheek. “We didn’t discuss the details of our married life.”

“What do you expect of me?”

“Many things.” He hated that he couldn’t sign and caress her at the same time. “First, that you’re strong and healthy again. Second…second…” He lowered his hands.

“Yes?”

“I didn’t think past that point. What do you expect of me?”

“That you let me help you when you need me and that you don’t worry too much about me.”

He chuckled although only a soft sound came out. “Not worry about you? It’ll be easier to find another vein of gold. What else?”

“I want to spend a lot of time with you. Are you always busy?”

He was, but who cared? He was rich. He could retire and spend the rest of his life sitting on the sofa with his beautiful wife.

“I’ll always find time for you.” He kissed her knuckles.

She parted her lips as if meaning to say something else, but no word came out.

“Yes?”

She shrugged. “That’s all.”