Chapter Twenty-Two #2
“This way,” Hugo said, leading them to Val’s carriage.
Her brother had told the two couples to take it to the wedding breakfast, which was to be held at Ariadne and Julian’s townhouse.
Though Lia had broached the idea of hosting the breakfast, Rupert had not wanted his wife to take on so much in her delicate condition.
Ariadne, who was a superb hostess, had eagerly agreed to hold the wedding breakfast in their honor, saying that any time any of the cousins decided to wed in town, she would be happy to do so.
They settled themselves in the carriage, and she waved to a few of those gathered in the streets, and they waved back to her. Then Hugo reached over and drew the curtains, blocking out both spectators and sun.
He looked to Dilly and Lord Forsythe and said, “It you will excuse me from conversation, I plan to kiss my wife the entire way to Aldridge’s place.”
Dilly blushed a bright red, while her new husband chuckled and said, “I like the way you think, Merriman.”
Both grooms turned to their brides, and Hugo enveloped Tia in his arms, making good on his promise.
His kisses stirred her blood, and she was eager for their wedding night to occur.
She still wasn’t certain about the exact mechanics of everything, but she trusted Lia when her twin had told her that their passion would make up for her lack of knowledge.
Hugo did not break their kiss until the carriage came to a halt. When he did so, he smiled at her and whispered, “There will be more of that later—and much more beyond.”
Both grooms handed down their brides, and they ventured inside to where the wedding breakfast would be held.
Though hundreds had graced St. George’s for the ceremony, Tia and Dilly had agreed they wished for the wedding breakfast to be a private affair.
It would only involve their families and the Duke of Reddington.
Ariadne had decided to hold the breakfast in their ballroom and had small tables brought to it. A string quartet picked up their instruments and begin to play as the two couples entered the ballroom. There was also a long table holding the buffet, which contained foods each of them favored.
“Lady Aldridge has thought of everything,” Dilly said.
“My sister is very organized. So is my sister-in-law,” Tia added, thinking of the fete Eden had planned at Millvale last year, an occasion which would occur each year. She and Val had journeyed back to Millvale recently for that celebration before returning to town for today’s ceremony.
The families arrived, and Ariadne said it was to be a casual affair, having them all go through the buffet line.
The food was delicious and as the meal ended, champagne was brought out on trays by footmen.
Val waited until everyone present held a flute and then stood, raising his glass high. Everyone followed his lead.
“Today has been a most special day,” her brother began, smiling at Tia. “The last of my siblings has wed, along with Lady Dilly.”
She noted Val’s use of Dilly’s nickname. Her entire family used it now, and Lady Merriman had given up protesting its use, seeing how happy her daughter was.
“Lord Merriman and Lord Forsythe are two very fine men,” Val continued. “I know each will hold his wife dear. Here is to two long, happy marriages—and many children to come.”
Tia sipped on the champagne, thinking the bubbly liquid was a visual symbol of the joy she felt bubbling within her.
“I think it is time to dance with our wives!” Hugo proclaimed, and the two couples moved onto the dance floor.
Lucy, Judson, Ariadne, and Julian joined them, and the musicians played a lively country dance.
She couldn’t help but glow with pride, watching her husband move.
He was so lighthearted today. He had made it through his vows without stammering once, which she knew had been very important to him.
She would always be conscious of his speech, helping him to realize when he was overtired and needed a respite from conversation.
Love for him bloomed within her, making her grateful that she had wed for love.
They danced for another hour, and then Hugo whispered in her ear that it was time to go. They went about, saying their goodbyes to all present.
When they reached Lucy and Judson, she said, “Thank you so much for coming to town and being a part of our day.”
“We were so happy to be here,” her cousin replied. “I wanted Judson to meet the Worthington cousins and, of course, we had to show off our darling Elizabeth.”
“Send word once Dru has given birth. I hope she and Perry will be able to come to town for the Season next year so we might meet their babe.”
“When will you leave town?” Judson asked.
“We will remain here another week,” Hugo shared. “Just long enough for me to escort my wife to a few events. Then I am eager to take her home so she may see Merrifield for the first time.”
Tia would have left for Merrifield tomorrow, but Hugo wanted to give his staff time to prepare for their arrival.
He had sent word about their upcoming marriage, and the staff was to prepare her room, as well as move Lady Merriman’s possessions to the dower house.
She had told her mother-in-law that would not be necessary, but Lady Merriman said she preferred to give the couple privacy in their own home.
She did promise to come and dine with them upon occasion.
Tia had worried that her mother-in-law might be lonely living alone, but Hugo assured her that his mother enjoyed solitude.
They stopped to visit a moment with Con, and she told her cousin, “I have a favor to ask of you.”
“I cannot refuse any favor you ask of me on your wedding day,” her cousin teased. “What do you wish for me to do for you?”
“I met a lady amongst the wallflowers, and I wish for you to dance with her at least once, Con.”
“Dancing is a specialty of mine. I will seek out this lady. What is her name?”
“Miss Stanhope, the daughter of Viscount Samuel. She is quite pretty, but her beauty is hidden by gold spectacles. She revealed herself as a bluestocking, which is why gentlemen steer away from her.” Tia paused.
“I liked her, Con. Very much. I was hoping if you danced with her, it might bring the attention of other gentlemen to her.”
“I shall do so at tomorrow night’s ball,” he promised. “Perhaps I will engage her for the supper dance, and if you and Hugo are in attendance, we could sup together.”
“We will be there,” her husband said. “Definitely ask Miss Stanhope to dance. I myself have danced with her before. She is most interesting.”
When they reached Lia and Rupert, Tia hugged her twin tightly. As she did so, she felt something odd and stepped back. Lia’s face showed her own surprise, and her hands went to her belly.
“It was the babe. It moved!” her sister said, taking her husband’s hand and placing his palm flat against her belly.
Rupert frowned, and then suddenly his face held joy. “I felt it, too!” He kissed his wife enthusiastically.
Lia’s eyes now misted with tears. “I am glad I could share this moment with you,” she told her sister. “Especially since we leave for Crestbrook tomorrow.”
Tia knew Lia was ready to return to their country home and settle in, especially now since her twin was also wed.
They finished their goodbyes, and Dilly and Forsythe did, as well.
Everyone accompanied them outside, to where their separate carriages awaited them.
They thanked Ariadne and Julian for hosting the wedding breakfast. Tia touched Penelope’s cheek, thinking how the little girl had danced amongst them and how Hugo had sweetly scooped up the child and danced with her in his arms. In that moment, Tia knew more than anything she was ready to have his babes.
The ride to Hugo’s townhouse was short since it lay nearby.
She knew this morning that her things had been transferred from Val’s townhouse to her new husband’s.
She also had hired a new lady’s maid who would attend to her here and accompany them back to Merrifield.
The woman was a cousin of Alfie’s. Tia liked the cheeky valet and was excited to finally have a maid of her own.
They entered Hugo’s residence, and he said, “This is your home now, my dearest. Our home for when we come to town for the Season. Are you tired?”
“Not a bit,” she declared.
“Since you aren’t, would you accompany me to the music room?” he asked. “I have a surprise for you.”
Tia tried not to show her disappointment, thinking they would have immediately gone upstairs to make love. Still, she knew how music soothed her husband. Perhaps he needed to play a bit before they consummated their marriage.
“You know I enjoy hearing you play,” she said. “As long as you are the one at the pianoforte and not me, I am happy to accompany you there.”
They entered the music room, and she believed they would spend many enjoyable hours here. She might even request that her talented husband play for her every night before they retired.
He led them to the instrument, and she reluctantly released his hand. Hugo sat and looked up at her.
“I have written something. What I play now, I play for you, my love.”