Chapter Twenty-Three #2
“We have room for Sheridan in our carriage,” Traywick said. “Good luck with that drawing room of bachelors. I suppose I should be grateful to Sheridan. I will not have to deal with the riffraff you will, Marbury, now that my sister is no longer on the Marriage Mart.”
His friend laughed and enfolded David in his arms. “Take care, my friend. I will see you soon.”
He accompanied Lord Traywick to the carriage, learning it belonged to Lord and Lady Cressley. Her Grace also rode with them. The entire way, he held Justina’s hand, not wishing to let it go for a second. She rested her head against his shoulder. Contentment filled him.
“You already look like an old, married couple,” Viscount Cressley joked. “Where might your estate lie?”
“Sheridale is a little over five miles west of Keswick,” he shared. “Two miles beyond that is Wypen, our local village.”
Justina looked up at him. “I had not even thought to ask where we would live.”
The dowager duchess chuckled. “Another love match in a family full of them.” She smiled fondly at her niece.
“Agnes would be so pleased with that.” Looking to him, she added, “In my time, love matches were almost unheard of, but Justina’s parents were utterly, madly in love from the first night they met.
I think it has been the mission of this second generation to make love matches after witnessing Agnes and George’s happiness.
You and Justina will be the ninth love match made. ”
He brought his betrothed’s hand to his lips and kissed it. “Then nine shall become our lucky number.” He looked to Traywick. “I suppose you are the final cousin left standing.”
“Yes, a bachelor and proud of it,” the earl said jovially. “I always said I would see my sisters wed before I looked to find a wife for myself.”
Justina smiled mischievously at her brother. “You can begin looking for your countess tomorrow night then, Tray.”
Everyone laughed, and Traywick said, “Who knows? I might beat the two of you to the altar.”
“Not a chance, my lord,” David said. “I have pined for this woman for far too long. We have not yet had time to discuss when the wedding will take place, but I am leaning toward purchasing a special license.”
“Why?” Justina asked.
“Because it means we do not have to wait three weeks to wed while the banns are being read each Sunday, love,” he told her, sensing the shiver which ran through her.
“Then I suppose Lord Marbury’s celebratory dinner on our behalf must be held soon, else it will turn into a wedding breakfast,” she quipped.
“Oh, Ariadne would never allow that,” Lady Cressley said. “You know how she and Julian like to host the wedding and wedding breakfast for couples.”
“Is that so?” he asked.
“It has become something of a family tradition,” Justina explained.
He grinned at her. “I believe I am going to like the traditions of my new family.”
They arrived on a square, and David saw several other carriages standing in front of the Traywick townhouse. Once inside, they gathered in the drawing room. A butler and two footmen dispensed glasses of wine.
Lord Traywick stood. “I did not have any champagne on ice, so wine will have to suffice for our celebration. I would like to make a toast to Justina—a wonderful sister, artist, and loving cousin—and to Lord Sheridan, whom we are eager to get to know better as the Season progresses.”
They all raised their wine goblets, and the group cheered them.
He kissed Justina, to much boisterous laughter.
Breaking the kiss, David said, “I have envied Justina’s large family, and I am thrilled that I will soon become a part of it.
Very soon, if I can manage to purchase a special license tomorrow.
I hear weddings take place at Ariadne and Julian’s, but for the life of me, I do not know who you are. ”
More laughter sounded, and a beautiful woman with copper hair and eyes as blue as the sky said, “I am Ariadne, and this is my husband Julian. I am sorry we have been remiss and not introduced ourselves to you, my lord.”
Quickly, they went around the circle, naming themselves and their spouses.
“It may take me a few family gatherings before I have every name right, but I will strive to do so quickly,” he promised.
“One thing—other than hosting weddings—is that our family also has a tradition of bringing our children to town during the Season instead of leaving them in the country,” Ariadne said. “I hope you will be agreeable to doing so, Lord Sheridan.”
“I think it a fine idea, my lady. I only hope Justina and I might have a babe by this time next spring so that they can join all the cousins in the nursery,” he said, seeing Justina’s blush.
“A final note. We do not stand on ceremony, and we address one another by our given names when we are together,” Ariadne said.
“You mean I am to learn titles and Christian names?” he said in pretend exasperation.
“Oh, I quite like this one. I am Judson Jarvis, Marquess of Huntsberry. Husband to Lucy. Father to Beau, who will be four this summer, and Elise, who is a year-and-a-half.” Judson grinned.
“And there will be a quiz on names and children, who belongs to whom, right before the vows are to be spoken. Only if you pass will Justina be allowed to become your bride.”
“Then bring out ink and paper,” David declared. “I must begin recording names and memorizing them immediately.”
He stayed another hour, getting to know Justina’s family, and liking everyone.
Finally, yawning became contagious throughout the group, and everyone made their way down to the foyer.
Goodbyes were said, and he found himself alone with Justina.
He kissed her thoroughly, making certain she knew she was now his.
“Your kiss seems to be quite possessive, Lord Sheridan,” she teased. Then stroking his cheek, she added, “And I would not have it any other way.”
“Thank you for accepting my offer of marriage. For making me a part of such a large, loving family.” He kissed her lightly. “And I truly hope we do have a child by this time next year.”
“So do I,” she told him. “And, oh, what fun we will have making this babe—and many others.”
David’s laughter filled the air. Life would be an adventure with this passionate woman always by his side.