by Aston, Alexa
He kissed her swiftly, over and over. Her lips. Her eyelids. Her cheeks. He returned to her mouth and the long, drugging kisses heated her from the inside out. She matched him, kiss for kiss, joy spreading through her.
Suddenly, he swept her up and carried her to the bed, spending the next hour kissing every inch of her. Even her core. She hadn’t known she could be kissed there and thought it wicked—and wonderful. His lips and tongue brought her to the heights of passion and it spilled out from her.
She loved this man. With her body and soul. They were meant to be together.
As she lay in the aftermath of their lovemaking, smoothing the hair on his broad chest, Anna said, “I was foolish to try and keep us apart. Fortunately, you are stubborn and persisted.”
Dez kissed her. “Who knew being headstrong and unyielding could end with such delicious results?”
And he made love to her again.
Chapter Twenty-One
Anna dressed with care, knowing she would be the object of fascination for every parishioner present this morning. She placed one of Jessa’s bonnets on her head and tied the ribbon under her chin, glad that it would cover her short hair. She still missed her long tresses but already it was beginning to grow back quickly. Dez assured her that no matter what its length, he would always enjoying running his fingers through it.
She made her way downstairs, nerves humming within her, and joined her family for the short carriage ride to Draymott, only three miles away. It was mandatory for her to be present when the banns were read for the next three Sundays but after she and Dez had talked it over, Anna wanted to be there. She was done hiding. The villagers and tenants from both their estates would gossip no matter what. She would turn a deaf ear to it because, in the end, she would be wed to the man she adored.
They reached the village church and she saw the worshippers heading toward the doors as the bell began to peal. Only Dez waited and he handed her down from the carriage.
“Are you ready to run the gauntlet?” he asked.
“With you by my side, I doubt it will be daunting,” she said lightly, trembling slightly.
He placed her hand on his sleeve and escorted her inside. A hush fell over the church as he led her to the front pew. They were joined by her sister, cousin and his wife. Jessa sat next to Anna and took her hand, squeezing her fingers. Jessa had been a rock to her ever since her return from Gollingham and it comforted Anna to know that they would be close. At least until Jessa made her come-out and a marriage of her own.
A clergyman appeared, one she was unfamiliar with. He couldn’t be more than thirty and had dark, curly hair and an impish look about him, as if he were more devil than angel. He led the congregation through the service. She tried to listen to his sermon but she still found it difficult at times to sit still and concentrate. She was used to withdrawing into herself anytime she was made to be still after so many years of doing so. That’s why she preferred being outdoors, digging in the dirt or walking or riding.
The service drew to a close and she prepared herself for the recitation she had heard many times over the years. The good reverend asked that all parishioners be seated and then began to speak.
“I publish the Banns of Marriage between Desmond Bretton, Earl of Torrington, of Draymott Parish and Miss Anna Browning, also of Draymott Parish. If any of you know cause or just impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy matrimony, you are to declare it. This is the first time of asking.”
Anna knew the objections which had been part of the recitation were the point of the Calling of the Banns. Those banns were not to inform the worshippers of the coming marriage or give them an invitation to the wedding. Rather, they were to inquire of those present if they knew of any obstacles to the marriage. A person objecting would proceed to speak with the clergyman directly in order to present evidence why one of the parties wasn’t free to wed.
She sat ramrod straight and very still, listening to see if anyone would come forward. She worried that someone would cite her years in the madhouse as reason enough for Dez not to consider marriage to her. Thankfully, no one spoke out. The banns would be called twice more and if no one named any hindrance, then she and Dez would have ninety days in which to marry. They hadn’t talked about a date but Anna hoped it would be soon after the third and final calling.
The clergyman then looked out over the church and said, “I am new to this parish but I am aware that this couple has known each other from childhood. I look forward to performing their ceremony.”
He then looked at her and smiled, bringing tears to her eyes.
Everyone rose and a final hymn concluded the ceremony. People started to file out but Dez took her arm.
“Reverend Hummert wishes to speak to us a moment,” he told her.
Tom nodded and escorted his wife and Jessa from the church.
Once everyone was gone, the clergyman came to them and said, “I am Reverend Hummert, Miss Browning. I wanted to personally welcome you back to Draymott.”
“Thank you, Reverend. And thank you for what you said after calling the banns.”
“I have only been here two years and have just gotten to know Lord Torrington.” The clergyman’s eyes twinkled. “He is an improvement upon the previous holder of the title, as is your cousin. I must say that Lord Torrington has convinced me not only how much he admires and respects you but that you are a love match.”
Anna glanced to Dez, who slipped his hand around hers.
“I am sorry you were parted so many years ago,” Hummert continued. “I look forward to getting to know you both better and hope you will be active participants in the parish.”
“Thank you for your support, Reverend,” Dez said.
“Do you have an idea when you wish to wed?” the clergyman asked.
“The day after the third calling,” Dez replied quickly, causing Hummert to chuckle heartily.
“I will place the event upon the church calendar. Any time in mind?
“I will leave that up to my bride-to-be.”
“How about ten o’clock?” she suggested.
“I suppose I can wait that long,” Dez said, squeezing her fingers.
“Thank you, Reverend Hummert,” she said. “I will see you next Sunday. Or perhaps at the altar guild meeting this week?”
Hummert shuddered. “I stay away from that. Too many bossy women. However, they are good parishioners. My vestments and the altar linens are always in impeccable shape. The guild members also prepare the church for services and straighten up afterward. They will be the ones who decorate the church for your wedding.”
She smiled. “Then I think it is high time I begin attending meetings with my sister.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I should go and speak to any members of the congregation who still linger. I always have one or two who compliment me on my sermon.” He grinned. “A few others who tell me I spoke too long or not long enough.”
They laughed and followed Hummert up the aisle, stepping out into the warm sunshine of the June day. Anna came to a halt as she looked out and saw the entire congregation still present, formed in two lines. The moment they saw her, hearty applause broke out, along with smiles on the faces of so many. Tears came to her eyes and she gripped Dez’s arm for support.
She recognized Mr. Harmon, a longtime tenant at Shelton Park, who stepped forward.
“Miss Browning, you always had a smile and a kind word for all of your father’s tenants. You visited the sick and brought baskets of goods to every family—and not just at Christmastime. You have been sorely missed during your time away and we, the people who are at Shelton Park, are grateful for your return. We are happy to share you with those who live and work on Torrington lands and tell them that they are getting a wonderful mistress.”
“Thank you, Mr. Harmon,” she managed to say loudly and clearly before emotion closed her throat.
Everyone applauded again and Dez led her down one of the lines and back u
p the other, allowing her to greet tenants and villagers alike. She saw so many familiar faces and felt their love and support as gratitude filled her. Polite Society might not welcome her back but she would always be at home in the country with these good people.
When they finished, Reverend Hummert stepped up and said, “I see you are much beloved, Miss Browning. I am grateful to number you among my flock.”
Anna thanked him and turned to Dez. “May I make an announcement?”
“Of course.”
She looked out at those gathered. “I am sincerely touched by your charity and generosity. Usually, a wedding breakfast is attended only by family and close friends. I would like my marriage to Lord Torrington to be more of a celebration, however. Think of it like a country ball. I hope all of you will attend our wedding ceremony three weeks from tomorrow at this very church and then return with us to Shelton Park for a breakfast and dancing.”
Cheers erupted from the crowd. Dez slipped an arm about her waist and kissed her cheek.
“You will make for a wonderful countess, Anna Browning.”
“I feel accepted by them,” she explained. “They may be the only society who accepts me. I want them to help us celebrate our union.”
“I think it a perfect way to begin our life together,” he said.
*
Three weeks and one day later, Anna took Tom’s hand as he helped her into the carriage that would take them to the church. The others had already gone ahead to see that all the flowers and decorations were perfect, leaving her with her cousin. Though they hadn’t seen each other since they were young children, Anna had grown close to Tom ever since her return to Shelton Park.
“You are marrying a good man, Anna,” he said as the carriage started up. “Torrington loves you a great deal.”
“I know. I am most fortunate. We have loved each other since childhood and had reconciled the fact that our fathers had other plans for us. University and the military for Dez and my come-out and marriage to a peer for me. When Papa wished to wed me to a man older than he was, Dez stepped in and tried to change things. Unfortunately, that did not work out for us.”
“Everything will work out today. I promise you that,” Tom swore. “I cannot tell you how glad I am to have a man of Torrington’s caliber as my neighbor and your champion.”
“It’s thanks to you and Dez that I am here today, Tom.”
“And Jessa,” he added. “Don’t forget her role. She insisted you were alive and that the two of us must seek you out.”
Anna sighed. “It’s so hard to see her all grown up. When I was spirited away, she was only a child, six years of age. Now, she is a grown woman, lovely and sweet and kind. I regret missing all those years of her maturing.”
“Don’t look to the past, Anna. Keep your focus on the future.”
Her belly began to roil and her hand flew to her mouth. Tom looked at her in concern and called for the coachman to stop the vehicle. The moment he did, her cousin threw the door open and she leaned over, vomiting. She sat upright and gave him a weak smile as he handed over a handkerchief and she wiped her mouth.
“Are you ill, Cousin? Or are your nerves frayed with excitement?” he asked, his concern obvious.
“Neither,” she said. Rubbing her belly, she said, “You mentioned the future. The future is here.”
His eyes widened. “I see. Does Torrington know?”
She shook her head. “I have only known for a couple of days myself.”
He leaned over and swung the door closed and the carriage started up again.
“A baby is just the thing to help you heal from the experience you have endured. It will bring the two of you even closer together.”
“Dez will be pleased,” she agreed. “Please don’t say anything just yet. I want to tell him first and then let us bask in the knowledge that soon there will be three of us.”
Tom took her hand. “Your secret is safe with me.”
“Thank you.”
They arrived at the church and Tom handed her down. Excitement filled her, knowing in but a short time, she and Dez would be husband and wife.
Tom led her to the doors of the church and kissed her cheek. “Are you ready?”
Anna grinned. “I have been waiting for this moment all my life.”
He opened the door and ushered her in. She glanced about and saw the church filled to the brim, faces smiling her way. Jessa waited at the front to the left, ready to stand up with her sister. In the middle stood Reverend Hummert. He nodded to the side and Dez joined him at the altar.
Her heart practically leaped from her chest when she saw her handsome groom. As Tom led her down the aisle, they only had eyes for one another. Getting to this day had taken a lifetime but it had been worth all the pain and sorrow to belong to this man.
Tom placed her hand on Dez’s sleeve and then moved to the right, where he would act as their other witness.
“You are so very beautiful,” the groom said so softly that only she could hear. “I cannot believe you are mine.”
“I won’t be until we speak our vows,” she replied playfully.
“Then we better commence,” he said and they faced Reverend Hummert.
The clergyman bestowed a smile upon them and began. As he spoke about love and marriage, Anna said her own prayer of thanksgiving for leading her to Dez.
“And as it is written in the Song of Solomon, I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine. I found the one my heart loves. This is true of the couple that stands before me and I will now ask them to speak their vows before God and man.”
Hummert had them face one another and said, “Desmond Bretton, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together according to God’s law in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
Dez’s voice rang with conviction. “I will.”
“Anna Browning, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”
Anna gazed into her groom’s eyes. “I will.”
The ceremony continued, with both of them making promises to the other, plighting their troth. Dez placed her wedding ring on the Bible the clergyman held and he took it and raised it high for all to see. The gold band, studded with diamonds, had even more significance to her since her groom had told her it belonged to his mother—and had been the ring he had wanted to give her at Gretna Green so many years ago.
“Bless, O Lord, this ring, and grant that he who gives it and she who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other, and abide in thy peace and favor, and live together in love until their lives’ end. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Hummert returned the ring to Dez and he placed it on her hand, his fingers remaining on it as he said, “With this ring I thee wed; with my body I thee honor; and all my worldly goods with thee I share; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
Reverend Hummert had them kneel and prayed, “O eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of everlasting life: send thy blessing upon these the servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy name; that, living faithfully together, they may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this ring given and received is a token and pledge; and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
A peace settled over Anna, knowing her welfare and life were in Dez’s hands and his in hers, as well. Hummert added a few words, pronouncing them man and wife and then offered a final blessing.
“God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, an
d keep you; the Lord mercifully with His favor look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting.”
The ceremony continued with a reading of the Psalms and communion and then the clergyman gave a final prayer. He then allowed them a kiss to seal their vows and it was the most tender, beautiful one she had experienced, full of light and goodness, sealing the vows they had made toward one another in front of their guests.
Reverend Hummert told those present that they should head to Shelton Park and he led them, Jessa, and Tom back to sign the church’s registry.
“It is official,” the clergyman said, a wide smile on his face. “You are husband and wife.”
Dez kissed her again with enthusiasm and then led her from the church, where everyone still awaited them, tossing rice in the air. As it showered upon them, someone called out, “May you be blessed with many children.”
Her new husband led her to his awaiting carriage and they began the short journey to Shelton Park.
“I have something to tell you,” Anna began.
“Yes, Lady Torrington?”
She was taken aback for a moment and then realized he referred to her.
“My, that is certainly a mouthful,” she proclaimed.
He captured her hand and brought it to his lips, nibbling upon her fingers. “I rather like the sound of it. I have my countess. I am an old, married man.”
“We are the same age, my lord,” she said, laughing. “I don’t want to consider myself old. Especially when it comes to having our child.”
He laughed along with her and then suddenly stopped, his eyes searching her face. “Do you . . . is that . . . are you saying . . .”
Anna cradled his face in her hands. “I am with child, Dez. I believe I conceived our first time together.”
His hands touched her belly. “Oh, Anna. I hope you are happy with this news.”
“Happy—and a bit nauseous,” she teased. “I have had a hard time holding down my breakfast these last two days so don’t be surprised if I don’t choose to eat much this morning.”