by Dawn Brower
Rand pulled Lily into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was simple and sweet—nothing like he wanted to do. He had a fierce desire for his beautiful bride, but he knew he couldn’t give into those temptations yet. As soon as he got her back to his ship he could have her in every way he wanted. Rand had waited this long, surely he could wait a few more hours to make her completely his. He lifted his lips off of hers and raised his face to look into her eyes. A smile of happiness showed across her extraordinary face. In that moment any doubts he had fell away.
“Are you ready to leave Mrs. Collins?” he asked.
“I am more than ready Mr. Collins.”
Rand turned towards Jamieson, Eliza, and Reverend Thomas.
“Thank you all for making sure we were able to have a wedding today. We are forever in your debt.” He nodded in their general direction as he spoke.
“Think nothing of it young man. It’s nice to see two young people in love and ready to take on the world,” the reverend said.
“Nevertheless we appreciate your willingness to perform the ceremony on such short notice. Perhaps we will see you on Sundays for mass.” Lilliana smiled at him.
“You are more than welcome to join our congregation,” the reverend told them.
“Good day to everyone my wife and I are going to find someplace for a nice dinner.”
“Best of luck to you both,” the reverend said.
Rand and Lily turned and walked out of the church. Never once did they let go of each other’s hands. They found a quiet place to have dinner and patiently waited for to take the next step in their growing relationship. They were now man and wife, and Rand couldn’t have planned it all better if he had tried. Lilliana glowed, and he felt himself basking in it as they spent a few quiet moments just enjoying each other’s company.
Chapter Thirteen
A beautiful and enormous feeling swept over Lilliana as she looked at her husband. She shouldn’t be surprised by how he made her feel, but every time she looked into his eyes a new thrill rolled through her. She should have expected him to want marriage, but it hadn’t really crossed her mind. The more they discussed it the more it had made sense to her. It had taken her a while to admit it to herself, but Lilliana knew she loved Rand. As wonderful as the emotions coursing through her were they didn’t compare to the fear of rejection. He hadn’t once mentioned his own feelings. Telling him would be a risk, but surely it was worth it.
No matter how many times she let that thought roll through her mind she still had trouble believing it. A husband, she actually had willingly tied herself to someone else forever. For a person that never intended to be anyone’s wife so far she found it incredibly easy to be Rand’s. Admittedly they had only been husband and wife less than two hours, but everything between them had a natural and oh so right feel to it. Rand hadn’t said anything about love in his proposal, and it bothered a small part of her. She needed to know that he loved her, but she would wait until he knew it as much as she did. Forcing him to say the words would take away the joy of them. They wed and for now that had to be enough.
They finished eating their meal and left to procure a coach to take them to the plantation the next day. A small bubble of excitement continued to well inside of her at the thought of them being together in every way possible. She wanted him so much. Nothing could ever change how much she loved him.
“Ah if it isn’t the two newlyweds themselves,” a male voice said from directly behind them said with a laugh.
Rand and Lily turned to see the witnesses from their wedding directly behind them.
“Jamieson, Eliza,” Rand nodded. “We didn’t expect to see you two again so soon.”
“We just finished our meeting with Reverend Thomas,” Eliza smiled.
“It went well, I expect,” Lilliana said.
“It did indeed, “Jamieson agreed. “If I am not being to forward, can I ask you a question?”
“Of course,” Rand said. “What do you want to know?”
“Well your wife looks mighty familiar to me. Where to you hail from?” Jamieson asked.
“Lily is late of London, England. She’s traveling to live at her mother’s plantation,” Rand replied.
“Actually now it’s mine.” Lilliana grinned.
“What?” Rand looked surprised.
“It’s my dowry. Didn’t I mention that?”
“No dear, you failed to inform me of that little bit of knowledge.”
“Well now you know,” she said with a shrug.
“Oh, I see the resemblance, now,” Jamieson said. “You are the daughter of the Viscount Torrington.”
Lilliana looked up at him with shock on her face. She didn’t think anyone would make the connection from her to her parents. Somehow this man knew not only them, but her relationship with them.
“You know my parents?” she asked.
“I would think so. I am the overseer of the plantation after all. I’ve worked for your father for years,” he replied.
“How serendipitous and quite convenient,” Rand said. “We were just looking to hire a carriage to take us to the plantation. Perhaps you can assist us.”
“We did get a letter in the post today that Miss Marsden would be arriving shortly. It didn’t mention a husband,” he said.
“Well as you know that bit was last minute. You did witness the wedding after all. Its Mrs. Collins now,” Lilliana told him.
“Indeed we did.” Jamieson nodded. “Eliza is the housekeeper at the plantation and also my wife.”
“It will be wonderful to have someone living in that big house again,” Eliza beamed. “When are you planning on arriving at the plantation?”
“As soon as possible,” Lilliana said. “As my husband said, we’re looking for a carriage. I have a couple trunks that need to be transported from Rand’s ship.”
“We can help you with that. We brought a carriage to town. We can meet you at your ship. If you are ready to come tonight you can travel back with us,” Jamieson said.
“Oh, that’s wonderful. We thought we would have to sleep on the ship again tonight. I’d much prefer a bed that didn’t rock quite so much,” Lilliana said looking pleased. A joyous smile lit up her face.
“My ship is docked at the port. We can walk back there now and meet you to load the trunks onto your carriage.”
“A solid plan young man. We will meet you there shortly,” Jamieson answered.
Lilliana and Rand started to walk back to his ship. Once there, Rand began to order a couple of his deck hands to get Lily’s trunks ready to be taken to the awaiting carriage. Lilliana leaned on the railing of the ship and surveyed her surroundings. Nothing about the day had gone as she imagined it. She found herself wed and heading off to her plantation to start her life anew.
“Are you ready to go see your plantation, dear,” Rand said from behind her.
Lilliana smiled as she turned and wrapped her arms around him. She rested her head on his shoulder and for a brief moment just enjoyed the feel of his arms wrapped around her.
“Yes,” she told him. “I feel like I’ve been waiting forever to get to where I am right now.”
“We haven’t arrived just yet.”
“I know, but we will soon. This journey has been about more than reaching the plantation. It’s also about me and what I want out of life. Thanks to you I’m realizing all of my dreams. I owe you so much.”
“You don’t owe me anything,” he said with a shake of his head. “You have it all mixed up. It’s I that owes you.”
“We will have to agree to disagree,” she responded.
“I have a feeling we will be doing that a lot in our lifetime.”
“You may have a point,” she said with a laugh. “But for now let’s go to the plantation. I would like to arrive before nightfall.”
“I would as well.”
“Which reminds me. Did something about Jamieson seem familiar to you?” Lilliana said.
“Not partic
ularly,” Rand said.
“I don’t know what it is just yet, but he reminds me of someone. I’ll figure it out when I’ve had more time to think about. With all the excitement of the day my mind can’t stay focused on one thing.”
“I’m sure you will.” He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Let’s go join them in their carriage.”
“All right,” she said.
Lilliana walked down to meet Jamieson and Eliza at the carriage. Once they arrived Lilliana took a moment to observe them. They were an older couple around her parent’s age. “Have you been taking care of the plantation the entire time that my parents have been married?” Lilliana asked them.
“I took over shortly after your parents were married,” Jamieson told her. “I used to work with your father.”
“Please tell me you didn’t sail with him in his pirate days,” Rand exclaimed.
“Actually I used to be his first mate,” Jamieson said.
Lilliana heard Rand groan at Jamieson’s admission. She really didn’t see why. So what if Jamieson used to be the first mate on her father’s ship. That didn’t make him a bad person, but perhaps she was a bit biased. She adored her father and didn’t think that the fact he used to be a pirate detracted from his lovable nature.
“Oh that’s wonderful. You will have to tell me some stories from when you two sailed together.” Lilliana asserted.
“Well, I must admit the most interesting one involved your mother.” Jamieson explained.
“I know he kidnapped her. Father used to tell us the story of how they met as a bedtime story.”
“Are you serious?” Rand asked baffled.
“Of course I am. I wouldn’t joke about such a thing. Their story had a very romantic element to it,” Lilliana told him.
“He kidnapped her!” Rand shouted.
“What’s your point?” Lilliana asked. “It led to them falling in love. You do realize I wouldn’t exist if that hadn’t happened.”
“I do.” He sighed. “That doesn’t make what he did right.”
“Perhaps not, but my father would never hurt my mother.” She folded her hands over her chest, staring into his eyes. “Everyone is human Rand. We are all capable of making mistakes. He owned up to his and my mother forgave him. It isn’t our place to judge.”
“You’re right, of course. I just can’t wrap my head around it.”
The carriage rattled along the narrow road as they talked. The journey toward the plantation amounted to a few miles outside of Charleston. Talking as they traveled helped the journey go faster, making it seem like it only took minutes to arrive.
“Well lad, the little lady is right. Thor loves Pia. That fact became evident pretty fast to the crew. If you take out the things you find atrocious it did have a romantic feel to it,” Jamieson told him.
“I will have to take your word for it,” Rand replied.
“Jamieson, have we met before?” Lillian asked.
“Only once, when you were about five or six years old. Your parents traveled to make sure that the plantation’s assets were okay after the end of the war. You all stayed for a few months. Your mother was a bit reluctant to leave. You liked it so much that was when she declared it would be part of your dowry.”
“I didn’t know that. My parents never told me why they made it part of my dowry,” Lilliana said. “You seem so familiar to me though, I don’t think that brief meeting would have left an impression.”
“No ma’am I doubt it would have. I barely saw you on that visit. I spent most of my time with your parents making sure they had all the information they sought.”
She couldn’t put her finger on what was so familiar about him. Lilliana was determined to figure it all out. Spending time with Jamieson and Eliza on the plantation would help her ferret out the mystery. She had time to figure out why he was so recognizable to her. Perhaps it was just because she had met him before, but she doubted it.
Chapter Fourteen
The carriage pulled to a stop in front of a large plantation house with four large white columns encasing the entranceway. The house was entirely white with large windows and two large green front doors. A wide staircase led to the porch and entranceway. Rand could see why his wife wanted to live in the plantation home. It was a piece of beautiful architecture with a rich history. The fact that it had survived the war was an amazing feat. He couldn’t wait to start his new life in this home with Lilliana.
Jamieson hopped down from the carriage once it was at a complete stop. First he helped Eliza down from the carriage, and then he began to reach for the trunks strapped down to the back of the carriage. Rand helped Lily from the carriage and turned to speak to Jamieson.
“I can help you with those,” Rand said.
“If you are willing to help me get these up to your room I’ll be much obliged.”
“Most of this stuff does belong to my wife. I’d be an awful cur to leave it for you to do alone.”
“I’d understand if you wanted to get settled in right away. I’m sure the journey here was quite lengthy. I appreciate your help.” Jamieson nodded at Rand in appreciation.
“The faster we get these unloaded to sooner we can all relax. I’m sure you’ll appreciate a little extra time to unwind.”
“I do indeed. Let’s get these trunks inside,” Jamieson proposed. “It’ll be dark soon.”
Jamieson reached over and pulled the straps off of the trunks and began drag it over so it would be easier to lift. Rand stepped over by the other side. They each stood by their chosen side, lifted, and walked the trunk indoors. Rand let Jamieson lead him up the stairs to the room he would share with his wife. Once they reached the room they set the trunk by bed and went to retrieve the other trunk.
“Those trunks are a lot heavier than they look,” Jamieson said once the trunks were delivered to their room.
“I have no idea what she has in any of them.” Rand laughed and wiped a bead of sweat off his brow. “I am not sure I want to know either.”
“Can’t say I blame you. Sometimes it’s best to be left in the dark.”
Rand laughed again. “You may be right there.”
“I am, trust me. I’ve been married twice and I learned the hard way not to question certain things in a woman’s boudoir.”
“What happened to your first wife?” Rand asked. “If I’m not being too personal that is.”
“No, no it’s okay. It’s been a lot of years since my first wife died. I gave up on the domestic side of things after I lost her and our child. It took a lot for me to get back on my feet. Thor played a huge part in making me want to live again. Meeting Eliza made me realize I could allow myself to be happy. My wife, I loved her dearly, and I know she wouldn’t have wanted me to throw my life away because she died.”
“I’m so sorry. That had to be very difficult for you. I’m sorry I made you relive it even for a small moment. I couldn’t imagine what I’d do if I lost Lily.”
“I hope it doesn’t come to that.” Jamieson’s face became solemn. His eyes took on a darker hue as he frowned.
Rand hoped speaking of his deceased wife and child wouldn’t leave him in a melancholy mood for the rest of the night. He hated that he may have caused him any misery. Unfortunately he could relate on a small level. Growing up as an orphan gave him firsthand knowledge to the wretchedness of losing a family member. He never wanted to experience that heartache ever again. At the sound of Jamieson’s voice he snapped back to the present. He couldn’t let the despair of the past wrap its way around his heart again.
“Let’s go downstairs. It’s time for dinner and I’m sure Eliza has a wonderful meal prepared for us,” Jamieson said.
The two of them left the bedroom and strolled down the stairs. Rand followed Jamieson to the dining room. They went inside the room to find Lily laughing at something Eliza had said. She looked up at him and her smile grew brighter. She motioned for him to come closer and take the seat next to her.
&nbs
p; “Is everything all taken care of?”
“Yes. The trunks are stored up in our room.”
“Good. I can unpack tomorrow,” she said.
“That’s a scary thought. Those trunks were quite heavy.”
“I had to take what I deemed important. I don’t plan on returning to England anytime soon.” She shrugged.
“Yes. I can see why taking things that you needed and deemed important would top your list. If there is anything you need that you didn’t bring with you please let me know.”
“I don’t need you to provide for me, Rand. I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can, but you’re my wife now. It’s my privilege to see to your wants and needs. I look forward to it all.”
“It feels a bit controlling to me.” Lily’s left eyebrow lifted widening it so the blue of her eye was more noticeable. Her cheeks flushed a pretty shade of pink as she pressed her lips together forming an appealing pucker.
“I didn’t mean it to be. Forgive me?”
“You’re forgiven.” Lilliana leaned over and wrapped her arms around him to give him a quick hug. “I know you didn’t mean it the way it sounded. Sit down and eat something. I’d like to start our first night as husband and wife on a good note.”
He intended to have a beautiful wedding night with her. He had an idea on how he could make it both beautiful and wonderful. With a firm plan set in his head he sat back to enjoy the meal.
“It looks like you have prepared a lovely meal, Eliza,” Rand said.
“It does indeed,” Lilliana said. “If you don’t mind me asking what do you call all of this?”
“We eat a light meal in the evenings. Our big meals are usually served at noon. This is just a simple meal of corn bread, frizzled beef, stewed fruits, and oyster pie.” Eliza replied.
“It all looks delicious,” Lilliana said. “I can’t wait to sample everything.”
“We also have tea or milk if you’d like,” Eliza offered.
“I’ll have some tea please. I haven’t had a decent cup in ages.”
Rand laughed. “She acts like the crossing over on my ship deprived her of the niceties in life.”