Triumphant Love: Banished Saga, Book Nine

by Flightner, Ramona

  Aidan smiled in understanding. “Other than your father.”

  She sniffled, and a long-standing grief filled her gaze. “He’s never approved of me. He tolerated me when he hoped I would bring financial gain to my family. I think they despair of me marrying Jeremy because they realize he will not be manipulated.” She smiled. “And I’d never want it any other way.”

  Aidan smiled, squeezed her hand, and then stood. Martin moved toward the door. “Until tomorrow, my dear. We’ll come by the house and escort you to the church. Try to have sweet dreams.”

  Eleanor watched them leave, one of the weights on her heart eased by their thoughtfulness.

  * * *

  Zylphia heard voices in the back sitting room and Sophie’s cackle of joy and felt compelled to discover what amused her friend. Lately Sophie had been spending too much time resting. As Zylphia pushed open the door, her eyes widened in disbelief, and she blinked a few times to ensure she hadn’t imagined anything. “Ro!” she screeched. “What are you doing here? I thought you were in Tennessee!” She wrapped her arms around her good friend, swaying right to left with her in her arms.

  “We were going to stay in Tennessee until they voted on the amendment, but then Lucas was concerned about missing Jeremy’s wedding. And Tennessee was so dreadfully hot and humid.” She shrugged. “Other competent reporters are there, Zee.”

  “Yes, but none with your biting wit or ability to cut to the bone,” Sophie said loyally. “However, I’m delighted you are here.” She smiled at her young friend. “And to see that Perry and Benjamin are thriving.”

  “Oh, Perry adores performing, so he has no trouble with life on the road. Benjamin has adapted well to life in a train car and to the constant swaying.” She smiled at Zylphia. “Thankfully Genevieve is a wonderful woman, and her daughter, Lizzie, enjoys playing with Benjamin.”

  “She adores her cousins and will see him as another cousin,” Zee said. “Is Genevieve here?” Her blue eyes lit with wonder. “Lucas is here?” She clapped her hands together. “Oh, tell me that he’ll perform at the wedding. Please.”

  Rowena laughed at her friend’s enthusiasm. “Yes, they both will. I heard Aidan mutter something about having to sell tickets now, as it will turn into the wedding of the year.”

  Sophie gave a harrumph. “I’d think you’d be worried about wedding crashers, as there will be too many more interested in listening to them perform for free, rather than wishing to bestow good wishes on Jeremy and Eleanor.”

  Zylphia gave another squeal of delight at Rowena’s news, ignoring Sophie’s warning. “Oh, how wonderful.” She paused. “Was your arrival noted?”

  Rowena gave her a sardonic look. “How could it not be? It’s not as though we arrived in the dead of the night. We arrived with everyone else coming to this beautiful, albeit small, town and plenty recognized Lucas and realized the tall blond man had to be Perry. I fear word is spreading that we are here.”

  “Jeremy has a large home and should have room for you. That way, you do not have to depend on the discretion of hotel employees,” Sophie said. “Now tell me. What have you heard from Parthena? Our news from her has been spotty at best.”

  Rowena shrugged. “She and Morgan are well. They are enjoying their time in Newport at a small cottage he rented, but, rather than attend the balls and soirees, they’re acting like hermits and having a much more enjoyable time.”

  Sophie tapped her cane down. “Much more sensible. Like our time there two years ago. After that disastrous ball in 1918, and the abhorrent way they treated the McLeods, there is no reason for any of us to curry their favor.”

  Zylphia shrugged as she recalled that uncomfortable ball, where the Newport elite had snubbed Savannah and Melinda McLeod—Savannah because she had the temerity to return to high society after killing her first husband, Jonas Montgomery, in self-defense; Melinda because she had the misfortune of having Savannah as her mother, and she was guilty by association. “I’ve attended plenty of tense balls. At least Ro and Perry became better acquainted there.”

  Rowena smiled as she recalled hiding in an alcove with Perry and then meeting with him a few nights later near the cliffs in the moonlight. “I don’t know what I would have done had I not had that time with Perry in Newport.”

  “Bah,” Sophie said. “You would have eventually entangled yourselves, but it would have taken a little longer.” She winked at Rowena. “How are things in Tennessee?”

  Rowena let out a deep breath. “Tense. I have a feeling the amendment will not pass there. And, if it doesn’t, I fear we will not be able to vote in November in the presidential election. I’m certain the Senate will ratify the amendment, but I’m not certain about the House.”

  Sophie tapped her cane down with her agitation. “Fools,” she hissed.

  Rowena shrugged. “The antis are working hard against the bill, and I fear they are quite persuasive. Alice remains in Washington, and I wish she were there in Tennessee instead. I think her presence would help.” She shared a rueful smile with her friends. “Carrie arrived in July, but she has a different approach than Alice.” She chuckled as Sophie harrumphed, and Zylphia rolled her eyes at the mention of the NAWSA leader, Carrie Chapman Catt.

  “A different approach?” Zylphia repeated, as she collapsed backward against the settee. “She’ll never rally the men the way Alice could.” She rubbed at her temple. “I can’t imagine waiting another four years for the right to vote.”

  Sophie tapped her cane again on the floor, deep in thought. “We haven’t had a state pass the amendment since Washington on March 22. The feeble fools in the Delaware Senate voted it down in May, killing any chance of it passing there, and those spineless Republican nitwit governors in Connecticut and Vermont refuse to call special sessions of their legislatures to allow them to ratify the amendment.” She sighed. “I fear we are at an impasse.”

  Rowena nodded. “Yes, it’s a setback, but I’m certain the amendment will pass, and we will vote, but perhaps not as soon as we would like.”

  Sophronia speared her with a fierce glower, her aquamarine eyes shimmering with ire. “I want to vote for the president of this fine country before I die. Is that too much to ask?”

  Zylphia paled, her hand instinctively reaching out to grasp Sophie’s. “No, Sophie, it isn’t. And, if we have to wait four more years, I know you’ll still be with us.” She held her breath until Sophie gave a terse nod.

  After that tense moment, Rowena changed the topic, regaling them with tales of life on the road with Perry and Lucas and the shenanigans fans undertook to meet the two men. Soon all the women were pealing with laughter, any concern about Sophie’s health relegated to another day.

  Chapter 27

  The morning of his second wedding dawned bright and cool. As the day warmed, a robin’s-blue sky reminded him of Savannah’s eyes, and Jeremy liked to believe he was receiving her benediction as he entered the church to await Eleanor’s arrival. Simple floral arrangements at the altar brightened the large space, and a piano stood nearby. He smiled at Lucas, who sat playing soothing songs before the ceremony began.

  Jeremy stood to the side of the altar, taking deep breaths and focusing on the lilting lullaby Lucas performed. Although this was to be a small wedding, word had leaked out that Lucas Russell was to perform the music, and townsfolk now clamored to witness the exchange of vows. Aidan and Patrick stood on the church steps, only allowing admittance to those who were close family and friends.

  “I wonder how much worse the crowds trying to enter would be if they knew Perry was to sing?” Gabriel murmured.

  Jeremy shrugged. “I don’t know, but I suppose I should have thought that through a little.” He smiled at his brother. “How much longer?”

  Gabriel looked at his watch. “Ten or fifteen minutes. Not long now.” He smiled as he studied his youngest brother. “I always thought you’d be up here, pacing and talking to yourself. I never thought you’d be so calm.”

  “I have no d
oubts, Gabe. With that comes a tremendous peace.” He smiled as he saw Clarissa enter with their children, Billy in a suit. He waved at the boy who acted as though he would race up to him. Clarissa caught his arm at the last moment. “You’ve got your hands full with him.”

  Gabriel’s eyes glowed with love as he looked at his family. “I do, and I couldn’t be more pleased.” He nodded as Calvin sat beside Billy. “They’re like twins, and I don’t know how they’ll survive being separated when Rich and Flo leave in a week and a half.”

  “No talk of sadness today. Not on my wedding day,” Jeremy said with a smile. “For today is for joy and for dreams coming true.” He watched as the church filled with family, friends, and associates. He grinned at Teddy, Zylphia, and Delia for sitting on Eleanor’s side of the church. Soon, others sat behind them, and he knew that would ease Eleanor’s anxiety of having her side of the church empty.

  “What is this song?” Gabriel murmured. “I recognize it.”

  “One of Lucas’s earlier works,” Jeremy said. “It’s one of Ellie’s favorites.”

  When that song ended, the wedding march began, and Araminta and Geraldine preceded her down the aisle.

  Jeremy looked further down to see Eleanor standing there with Aidan and Martin on either side of her. Jeremy beamed at her, as he stood in the center of the altar, waiting for her to join him. Gabriel and Richard stood beside Jeremy, and they all smiled at her.

  “I wish you all the happiness in the world, brother,” Gabriel said as he squeezed Jeremy’s shoulder.

  “I wish sorrow forever misses your door,” Richard murmured.

  Lucas switched to a rendition of the wedding march that was more lyrical and subtle, and the guests rose to watch Eleanor walk down the aisle.

  Jeremy focused on his Eleanor holding Martin’s and Aidan’s arms, wearing a gorgeous ivory dress with a scalloped neckline and hem. A thin lace veil covered her face and her beautiful black hair, although her exultant joy could not be hidden as she approached him. When she stopped a foot away from him, he fought the urge to grab her and to hold her tight, from proclaiming, “She is mine!” He beamed at her, his gaze filled with a luminous joy.

  Soon he stood, holding her hand, as the priest began to speak. He heard little of the man’s sermon and had to forcibly remember to stand, kneel, bow his head at the appropriate places. All he knew was that Eleanor remained beside him, willing and eager to become his wife.

  After their vows, his hands shook as he slipped a simple wedding ring on her finger. He raised her hand, kissing it before lowering it down. She stared at him in wonder, her gaze reflecting the incredulous awe that they would soon be proclaimed husband and wife.

  At the permission from the priest, he swooped forward, kissing her passionately. He broke the kiss long before he wanted to, whispering in her ear, “This is only the beginning. Wait until tonight, my love.” He eased back, beaming at her as he saw the answering longing in her gaze.

  After she looped her arm through his, he led her down the aisle, smiling at their guests as Perry sang a soaring aria and Lucas accompanied him. Jeremy leaned down to hear her whispered question.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about the change in music?”

  He chuckled. “I didn’t know until last night. And I didn’t want to cause any bad luck by visiting you.” He raised her hand and kissed it again. “I didn’t think you’d mind.”

  She smiled. “Colin could have yodeled, and I wouldn’t have cared, as long as we were to marry.”

  He laughed and led her to the front of the church to receive the well-wishes from their guests.

  * * *

  The ballroom at the Florence Hotel had been tastefully decorated with bouquets of flowers. Lucas played intermittently at a piano in a corner, although only requested songs from family members, as he refused to perform as though he were a cabaret act. He watched as Jeremy and Eleanor mingled with their guests, making a silent bet with himself that they would sneak out soon.

  “What are you doing?” Genevieve asked, as she slipped her arm around his waist.

  “Watching my brother and betting that he’ll sneak his bride out of here within the hour.” He kissed her head. “If he has any sense, he’ll have found a place to hide away so they won’t be chivareed.”

  “Oh, that horrible custom,” she said with a sigh, as she envisioned a group of men caterwauling outside the newlyweds’ window, demanding food and drink until the early hours of the morning. She stood on her toes and whispered in his ear, “Never fear. I think he has outsmarted the men.”

  Lucas gave her a squeeze. “Good. They deserve their time alone.”

  She kissed his cheek. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispered, meeting his shocked gaze. “For playing for him at his wedding. For considering him your brother. For letting go of your regrets and rejoicing in the present.”

  “Oh, Vivie, it’s not that easy,” he murmured.

  “I know it isn’t, but you’re still accomplishing all of it. And more.” She pulled him to the small dance floor, where couples twirled to music played on a gramophone. “Dance with me, my love.”

  He spun her in his arms, lost to the moment and her.

  * * *

  Eleanor stood beside Jeremy in a lull of speaking with guests. She leaned against his side with a sigh of contentment. She closed her eyes when he kissed her on her head.

  “It’s just like you to slouch and to look your worst on your wedding day,” her mother snapped as she approached, her fuchsia-colored dress in sharp contrast to her daughter’s subtler, more elegantly colored dress. “I can’t believe any man would deign to marry you.”

  Jeremy stood tall, his arm around Eleanor’s waist, and she felt him vibrating with fury. “Mrs. Bouchard, if you say one more word against my wife, you will be thrown bodily from this reception. You were not invited. And you are not welcome here.”

  Mrs. Bouchard’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Is this how I am to be treated? I am the bride’s mother!” she said in a low voice, as though she suddenly realized she did not want the entire reception to witness her interaction with her daughter.

  “Yes,” Jeremy said with an implacable stare. “Unfortunately you are. Yet you’ve shown no regard for my wife for years. You’ve displayed contempt for her accomplishments, ridiculed every good thing she’s done, and scorned her relationship with me. I have no patience for you or your bullying ways.” He stared at her as she paled at his serious tone. “I will always support my wife in all her decisions, including her decision to have no further contact with you.”

  “But … but we’re family. Family helps each other,” she said in a low voice.

  “Eleanor is my family now, yes. As are the McLeods, the Sullivans, and the Russells. But the Bouchards and the Vaughans are not and never will be my family—our family.” He gave a nod to Eleanor, then glared at her mother as he leaned forward and whispered, “You miscalculated if you believed you could treat her abominably and then finagle your way into my good graces and my financial favor.”

  “She’s my daughter! You owe me!” she proclaimed.

  “Yes, I do.” He smiled as he saw hope in Mrs. Bouchard’s gaze. “I owe you the promise that I will always love, honor, and care for Eleanor. And I will. Other than that, I owe you nothing. Please leave.”

  He nodded at his brothers, who had approached them during his interaction with Mrs. Bouchard. He watched as they escorted a deflated Mrs. Bouchard from the reception.

  Eleanor shuddered and burrowed into his side. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

  “What for?” he kissed her head. “That was a long time coming and needed to be said.” He looked around the room and saw respect and admiration in the majority of their guests’ gazes. “None here blame us for wanting your mother to leave us in peace.”

  “I should have stood up for myself again. Here. I shouldn’t need you to fight that battle for me.”

  He cupped her cheeks, looking deeply into her eyes. “Your ba
ttles are mine now. Let me help carry the burden of your family, Eleanor. I want to support you in everything, not just the wondrous things.”

  She sighed, allowing him to pull her close again. “I love you, Jeremy.”

  * * *

  Geraldine smoothed a hand down her stylish mint-green skirt and smiled at the young man who asked her to dance. She twirled around the small dance floor, smiling vapidly and making polite conversation. She fought the urge to stare at Nicholas in a suit, glowering at her from one side of the room. He had yet to approach her, and she was determined not to seek him out first.

  When the young man—Bob? James?—bowed his head at the end of the dance, she smiled again and moved toward her family.

  Gasping when a strong hand gripped hers, she looked up into furious dark-brown eyes. “Nicholas!” she murmured. “There is no need to make a scene.”

  “We won’t make a scene if you dance this waltz with me,” he said in a low, passionate voice, wrapping his arm around her waist and holding her hand. “Please?”

  She nodded, her gaze locked with his, as though mesmerized by what she saw in his gaze, her feet moving without any conscious thought.

  He twirled her around the floor, never breaking their gaze as no words were needed. When the music came to an end, he released her abruptly and nodded to her. “Come,” he murmured. “Let’s talk to my parents.”

  “Your parents?” she stammered, as she stumbled after him. When she regained her balance, she looped her hand through his arm. “Nickie?”

  He paused to look at her for a long moment. “I can’t hide what I feel for you any longer, Deena. I refuse to feel shame or guilt because I love you.”

  Her eyes widened at his proclamation. “You think to tell me that here? In a roomful of people?”

  He grinned at her. “Are you offended by what I said or by my delivery?”