Chapter Twenty-Three
J ulian looked out over Millvale as his carriage headed up the lane toward the main house. The ducal estate was breathtaking. Kent was so green this time of year, showing off the estate’s natural beauty. Hopefully someday, he could go about the property with Val and its steward and see more of it. He would only be here a short time, however. Once he wed Ariadne, she would accompany him back to Aldridge Manor and he would introduce her to his own country seat, its staff, and his tenants.
The carriage rolled up to the house and came to a halt, and Val said, “You are definitely getting the royal treatment, Julian.”
He glanced out the window and saw the entire family, including the Duke and Duchess of Millbrooke, waiting to greet him. Stepping from the carriage, his gaze met that of his betrothed’s. Her smile radiated all her love for him. Knowing he must observe protocol, however, he went first to Their Graces and acknowledged them.
“It is good to have you here, Aldridge,” the duke told him.
“We are most happy about the engagement,” Her Grace added.
Ariadne stepped forward, and he took her hands, bringing them to his lips and kissing them tenderly. “How are you, my love?”
“Better, now that you are finally here,” she said, her eyes conveying more than her words said.
Her sisters came up on each side of her, and Lady Tia asked, “May we call you Julian now, my lord?”
“You will not, Thermantia,” Her Grace said sharply, causing her daughter’s face to fall.
Intervening, he gave the duchess his most charming smile. “I did not have siblings, Your Grace, and I always yearned for them. With your permission, I would be most happy if your daughters addressed me informally, as Julian. It would mean a great deal to me.”
Since the request came from him, he saw the duchess soften. “If it is truly what you wish, Aldridge.”
Nodding, he confirmed, “It is, Your Grace.” He turned and took Lady Tia’s hands. “Call me Julian,” he encouraged, kissing her fingers. He did the same with her twin, who told him, “It is nice to add you to our family, Julian.”
These two, who resembled one another so much in the face, were very different. Julian thought both, however, would be quite successful when they made their come-outs next Season.
Val led his parents into the house. Julian took Ariadne’s hand and slipped it into the crook of his arm.
“How are the arrangements for the wedding coming along?” he asked.
“Everything is set for tomorrow morning’s ceremony, as well as the wedding breakfast afterward.”
“I passed through Willowshire on our way here and saw the church where we will wed.”
“I hope you do not mind us marrying here instead of in town,” she said. “I did not want hundreds of people to be present at something which I believe to be a private matter between the two of us. We do have several guests which have come down from town, though. The church will be filled for the ceremony with them and the villagers.”
Inside, Her Grace asked, “Would you care for tea, Aldridge, or would you prefer to rest in your room after your travels?”
“Actually, Your Grace, I believe I will stretch my legs after having our journey to Kent. Perhaps Lady Ariadne might show me your gardens.” He thought that would give them time alone.
“I would be happy to do so, my lord,” she said, leading him through the house and out the back.
They went through the vast gardens, Ariadne asking him several questions about Aldridge Manor. They had decided they would spend a week at his country estate before returning to town and the remainder of the Season.
“After all,” she told him, “I have some very pretty gowns I would still like to wear, and we can enjoy the social events now we have found one another.”
They reached a large gazebo and took a seat upon a bench inside it, where Julian hoped to steal more than a few kisses from his fiancée. He noted, however, that she appeared nervous, something he had never witnessed before.
Licking her lips, Ariadne said, “We must discuss something serious, Julian. I was so taken by your proposal that I should have shared things about myself before we agreed to wed.” She swallowed. “Things that might make you change your mind.”
Panic surged through him. This creature was perfection. He feared she was the one who had reservations about him and would now give him some excuse as to why they should not wed.
“I know we both want children,” she began, slipping her hand into his. “I am thrilled to be your marchioness and want to always make you proud of me.”
She fell silent, and he said, “Speak your piece, Ariadne. I need to know what is in your heart,” he told her, worried his own was about to be shattered.
“I wish to fulfill my traditional role as a wife and mother, but I need to be more than that, Julian.”
She had avoided looking at him but now met his gaze, and he saw tears swimming in her eyes. Concern filled him.
“What is it, love? What disturbs you so?”
“When I came to town this year, I found I was moved by those I saw in poverty, especially the children on the streets. From my father’s grand carriage, I have seen the poor ragamuffins on the street. I have felt tremendous guilt spending lavishly on gowns. My hats and slippers. I do realize those in trade depend upon the business of the ton for their livelihoods, so I have no quarrel with having an extensive wardrobe.
“But I must do more, Julian. To help those in need.” She swallowed. “I even went to St. George’s and asked what I could do. The curate sent me to Oakbrooke Orphanage, where I met with a Miss Crimmins. I tried to volunteer my time and teach the children living there, but she was dismissive of me.”
Ariadne sighed. “I need to make a difference, Julian. I know you will give me pin money through our marriage settlements, and I will give as much of it as I can to this orphanage and other places which help those in need. Especially children. But I also want to donate myself.”
She bit her lip. “If this upsets you, I understand if you choose to break off our engagement, but I had to let you know that I want to be more than a beautiful ornament which others admire. I must make a difference, or I will not be able to live with myself.”
He took her in his arms, kissing her tenderly. “You are truly a woman who speaks to my heart, Ariadne. The first thing I thought of when I gained my title and fortune was how I might use some of my new wealth to do good for others. You know of the extreme poverty I was raised in. I, too, agree that the Marquess and Marchioness of Aldridge can be more than members of Polite Society. That we can aid the poor of London.”
Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Oh, Julian, your words assure me that I am marrying my soulmate.”
She kissed him fervently, and their kisses went on for some time. He couldn’t believe his good fortune. That this heavenly creature was as beautiful inside as she was on the outside.
Together, they would have an enduring marriage, one filled with love, respect, and purpose.
*
Julian allowed Paulson to fuss over his cravat until the valet thought it perfect.
“There, my lord. You’re ready now to wed your lady love.”
He decided he must thank this servant for all he had done to make Julian’s entrance into a new world a smooth one.
“I would not have gotten as far as I have without your help, Paulson,” he told the servant. “You, more than anyone, prepared me for entering Polite Society. I would not have had a chance with Lady Ariadne had it not been for your guidance and advice.”
The valet looked pleased. “You have made a wise choice with Lady Ariadne, my lord. Your servants and tenants will adore her as much as you do.”
He left the bedchamber, going downstairs, where Val and Con lingered in the foyer.
“Ready to be caught in the parson’s trap?” Con quipped.
“I do not look upon marriage as a trap, Con.” He grinned. “Because I am wedding the most wonderful woman in the world.”
Val patted Julian on the back. “From the start, I thought the two of you were meant to be. I am glad you worked out whatever differences you had. The carriage is waiting to convey us to the village. Shall we go?”
Once they left Millvale, it was a mere two miles to the church. Already, several carriages stood outside the building, and he supposed they belonged to various guests waiting inside. They entered the church, and he saw the flowers decorating it, courtesy of Lia and Tia. Lia had told Julian last night after dinner they had done so and it was the twins’ wedding gift to the couple. He would have to make certain he complimented both of them on their efforts.
They met briefly with the vicar. Julian produced the special license, and the vicar said, “You could have wed at Millvale with this, my lord.”
“It was important to Lady Ariadne to speak her vows within these four walls,” Julian replied. “She grew up worshipping here. The place means a great deal to her.”
The vicar had them wait in the anteroom for a few minutes, and then he returned, saying, “Lady Ariadne’s carriage is approaching, my lord. You may come and take your place near the altar.”
He, Val, and Con returned to the front of the church. Every pew was filled with guests of Their Graces, along with various villagers, and the walls and rear were lined with servants from Millvale. He found his heart pounding as he focused on the door where Ariadne would step through.
Val left his side, moving down the aisle, and Julian saw his friend went to his mother. The duchess entered the church looking regal, as always. He wasn’t overly fond of the woman but would be polite to her since she was Ariadne’s mother. Val escorted Her Grace to a seat in the front pew and then claimed his spot beside Julian once again.
The vicar nodded, and the church doors were opened wide. Ariadne’s sisters joined them at the front of the church, both smiling encouragingly at him.
Then his betrothed appeared in the doorway on her father’s arm. The pair made their way slowly down the aisle. Julian was aware of the murmur within those present, the guests obviously speaking of the bride’s appearance. She was a vision of loveliness.
And she was all his . . .
Their gazes met as she came down the aisle, their eyes never leaving one another’s as the duke brought his eldest daughter to Julian. His Grace surrendered the bride to her groom, and Julian thread his fingers through hers, squeezing them reassuringly.
They spoke their vows, making promises to one another that Julian knew they would keep, unlike most members of Polite Society. Both Val and Con had spoken of how many men within the ton took on a mistress, but Julian knew he would be ever faithful to this woman.
The vicar announced them as man and wife, and he kissed his bride for longer than he should have, but he was so happy to know they were two who had become one.
They signed the registry and departed for Millvale, where the wedding breakfast awaited them. For the next two hours, they ate their fill and then circulated about the room, greeting their guests. Julian was familiar with many of those in attendance, having met them at various social affairs since the beginning of the Season. He knew the Duke and Duchess of Millbrooke had only invited a handful of the most noteworthy members of the ton to their daughter’s wedding, and now he was a part of this exclusive group.
While the guests still made merry, the family accompanied the bride and groom outside to say their goodbyes to them. Ariadne hugged everyone, and he couldn’t help but be proud as Lia and Tia affectionately embraced him. He had never had anyone but his mother to claim as family, but he knew his wife’s family would now become his, too. He had asked Dalglish to come down for the wedding, being his only living relative, but his cousin told him it was the height of the Season and he had too many orders to fill. He’d thanked Julian profusely for the invitation, and Julian had understood why Dalglish could not attend. He wondered if they would have a relationship and was curious to see what their future might hold.
He handed his wife into the carriage, warmth filling him as he thought of her in that role. Julian then gave a wave and climbed into the vehicle, sitting next to Ariadne and slipping an arm about her.
“It is done,” he declared. “We are husband and wife. The Marquess and Marchioness of Aldridge.”
“Thank you for opening your heart to me, Julian,” she said. “There was a time when I feared I had lost you forever. I know you felt I deserved better than you, but let me tell you that I am the fortunate one in our union.”
Ariadne framed his face with her hands and kissed him softly.
Then grinning at him, she added, “And I am eager to explore the marriage bed with you as soon as we reach Aldridge Manor.”