Chapter Four #2
Each one dispelling fear and blanking her mind to everything but pleasure.
Well, now she must do it.
No matter what the consequences turned out to be.
A clatter at the door followed by her mother’s high-pitched tones put an end to her reverie.
Thankfully, her sister was too preoccupied with her offspring and her husband’s estate was located too far away for her to manage the trip to Thornthwaite in time, but she’d been unable to come up with a reason to exclude her parents.
Little as the attendance of either of them would add to her day.
Certainly not her mother’s gloating pride that she’d finally married off her disappointing daughter to a husband whose high rank would impress her friends.
Or the presence of the father who would walk her down the aisle, who’d participated so little in her life that she might as well be escorted by a stranger.
Fortunately, the church would be filled with villagers and tenants, rallied by Baxter’s cousin and new estate manager Mr Sterling.
She’d come to know many of them during her visits to Ian, especially during the last year while she tried to minimize the damages the venal Taylor was inflicting on her distracted fiancé’s estate.
She was looking forward to beginning her new life surrounded by Thornthwaite’s people, watching them enjoy the festivities and ready to accept their congratulations and good wishes.
And then, tonight, would come the best of all…
‘Juliana, are you ready at last?’ her mother asked as she swept into the room. ‘Your father is impatient, the carriage is waiting and we don’t want the horses to stand too long!’
‘Yes, Mama, I’m coming,’ she replied, stepping into the pelisse Baxter held out for her.
Lady Waverton looked her up and down critically.
‘You’ll do, I suppose. Though it would have been more proper to have worn the virginal white I recommended—though when have you ever followed my advice?
Well, the green does suit you, and I suppose having known you so many years, Thornthwaite is well aware of your… eccentricities.’
Reminding herself she need endure only a few more hours of her mother’s presence and then might afterwards see her only as frequently as courtesy demanded, Juliana bit her lip against a reply and walked out.
Her mother filling the short journey to St. Andrews Church with chatter to her father, Juliana was able to avoid any further conversation.
Her senses sharpened as she stepped out of the carriage and entered the nave, soft colored light from the ancient windows dividing the stone space into dim brightness and dark shadow.
But once she spotted Rafe standing beside the priest at the altar, the mingled voices hushed to a murmur, faces blurred, and she was conscious only of him, watching her walk towards him, a gentle smile on his face.
Despite her best efforts, a swell of emotion tightened her chest.
On this day she’d never believed possible, she would pledge her life to him. Even if she must never offer her heart.
Beating back emotion, she concentrated on taking even breaths as she proceeded calmly down the aisle.
Yes, they would share a life, but nothing else between them had changed.
Rafe hadn’t experienced some momentous awakening of the heart; in wedding her, he looked to obtain a congenial wife and rescue a valued friend.
Only that—no matter how exultant the tiny voice deep within that refused to be completely silenced.
But she was allowed to be happy, she told herself as they exchanged vows.
She would be able to assist her dearest childhood friend revive his inheritance, help him finally offer real assistance to tenants too long neglected, and provide support and companionship to a man for whom she still cared deeply.
Hopefully, the lovemaking she anticipated with such eagerness would provide him a son and heir as well.
Many sons, if they were so blessed. She’d not enjoyed tending her sister’s indulged offspring, but the idea of watching over children born of their union, little beings who carried Rafe’s essence within them that she’d be able to love openly and completely with all the passion she possessed…
the prospect sent a wave of warmth welling up from deep within.
Yes, as his friend, helpmate and mother of his children, she could be happy.
After signing the parish register, they walked out to the cheers of the guests as they crossed to the green, where the wedding feast had been set out.
Despite the estate’s limited resources, Juliana was pleased that, with the help of Baxter and Sterling, they were able to offer their guests ale and a respectable selection of victuals.
Her mother, of course, was the first to rush over and seize her hand, her father trailing behind her. ‘What a splendid day!’ she enthused. ‘We could not be happier, could we, Waverton, that dear Thornthwaite recognized his duty to us—and to Juliana—and wed her after all!’
While her father mumbled something incoherent, Rafe gave her mother a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. ‘Hardly only out of duty,’ he said, clasping Juliana’s hand in a tighter grip. ‘I consider myself fortunate to have won so lovely and talented a bride.’
Lady Waverton batted his shoulder. ‘What a charmer you are, to be sure. But ’tis my daughter who has the luck. Only think, Waverton, Juliana a countess! Who could be more unlikely? I only hope she doesn’t cause you any…concern if she ever accompanies you to London.’
‘I’ll endeavour not to embarrass Thornthwaite if he is compelled to bring me to the City,’ Juliana said evenly.
Of course her mother would assume only duty would force a man as attractive as Rafe to marry her odd and disappointing daughter.
She’d not even offered the concession that he might like her, she thought bitterly.
But determined not to let the woman spoil what was indeed a splendid day, Juliana said, ‘You must excuse us so we may greet our other guests.’
‘I would never find you an embarrassment—here or in London,’ Rafe murmured as he maneuvered her away. ‘Though I hope you already know that.’
She gave him a tremulous smile. ‘I’ll certainly do my best not to be.’
Shaking the hands that were offered, accepting the smiling congratulations of the tenants, they walked to the head of the table, where Rafe lifted a mug of ale. ‘To my bride. And with her help, to prosperous days ahead for Thornthwaite and all who work her land.’
With cries of ‘hear, hear,’ the toast was drunk. Giving the crowd a wink, Rafe said, ‘Now, for something even sweeter.’ Depositing his mug, he bent down to give her a lingering kiss.
Her body responding instantly, Juliana barely heard the laughter, cheers and applause that erupted. Yes, this she could give him, without threat of embarrassment or regret.
All the kisses he desired. And so much more.
He released her, grinning broadly. Her cheeks warmed with desire, her initial embarrassment at his public display of affection faded as she looked around at the merry, smiling faces. People who already accepted her and approved her taking her place among them.
Already Thornthwaite felt more like home than Edgerton Manor ever had.
She would revel in this celebration, delighted by the tenant’s expressions of joy and support, warmed by Rafe’s defense of her to her family, encouraged by this glimpse of what her future would be. And let sweet anticipation build about the wedding night to come.