Audra met him in the garden.
He took her face in his hands. “I know you are angry with me Angel.” He pulled her into his embrace. “We love one another, you cannot ignore that.”
She pulled away from him. His nearness befuddled her senses. “Please Mr. Lockwood I do not wish to discuss why we should or should not be married. You have acquired the license, my brother demands we marry, so we marry.”
She could see he did not like the sound of that. “Many a girl would be happy to marry for love.”
“Not at the expense of someone—”
He grabbed her wrists. “Well, perhaps we should just ask the good doctor if he would mind still marrying you after my hands, and lips explored what belongs only to a husband. I could have had you writhing beneath me in mere moments if your brother had not interrupted us.”
Audra tore her arms from his grasp. She knew it was true. “I hate you.” She ran from him.
Chapter 6
Alfie spent a sleepless night back at Lockwood Farm. He was no closer to a justification for how he had treated her, or for what he had said to her.
He headed for the stables. Mounting the colt in the closest stall without saddling him he rode out at a break-neck pace. He needed to release his temper; verbally brutalizing his future wife was not going to make her any less displeased with him. It was going to take time for her to get over feeling as though she had betrayed the doctor: time he did not have. The banns would be read in church starting the following Sunday.
He poured himself into work around the farm during the day, hoping it would give her some time to come to terms with her feelings. At night, a decanter of Brandy did a fine job easing his conscious.
A fortnight passed absent of any contact with the Parker family or his angel. The reading of the banns for the final Sunday at hand, he would arrange the wedding with or without her input.
Dark billowy clouds, and the sweet smell of rain signaled a dreadful day to come; a lone rider who could be no other than Robert Shirley, the good doctor, solidified it. Alfie informed Michaels to see Robert in, then retreated to his study, and dispatched a glass of brandy while waiting on the doctor’s arrival.
“Mr. Lockwood...”
Alfie rose from his chair. “Doctor, you have returned from Edinburgh.”
“Yes, I concluded my business.” Robert drifted further into the room. “Allan came to see me. He explained what occurred between you, and Audra.” He lowered himself to the edge of a nearby chair. “I cannot help but question if my decision to open a path to Audra was ill-advised. If I had thought you capable of using such deceit to obtain her, instead of appealing to her feelings for you, I would have never...”
Alfie expected Robert’s disappointment, and anger, but the way in which he had chosen to express it was unforeseen, and hurt worse than if he had chosen to attack him physically. Alfie poured another glass of brandy and dispatched it instantaneously. The glass hit the tray with a loud thud. “I never meant to cause her pain. Did you know she intended to marry you regardless of her feelings for me?”
The doctor remained silent.
“I saw an opportunity, and I took it without consideration of the consequences. Then I humiliated her when she reproached me for my deceit.”
Dr. Shirley rose. “You will have to earn her confidence in you once again for your course is set; Allan demands you wed, the banns have been read.” He turned to leave, but turned back. “I expect to address her as Mrs. Audra Lockwood within a fortnight. Do not disgrace her.”
“I will see she smiles on me once again; else, I will cease to exist.”
He watched as Robert reunited with his horse, and carried on: likely to the Parkers. After which, he had cold water brought to his chamber. He immersed himself in it, and hoped it would clear the cobwebs from his mind so he could plan a wedding, which would recover all faith in him.
Chapter 7
Audra arrived at Robert’s family home just before the deluge that had threatened to fall all morning began. His housekeeper who’d known her a lifetime greeted her. “Miss Parker what brings you here? Mr. Foster has not yet returned from Edinburgh.”
“I know, I just heard the renovations were complete, so I wanted to come take a look.”
“You go right ahead my dear.” She started to walk away from her then she turned as though she were going to say something, but simply smiled, and then continued on her way.
Audra knew she wanted to ask her about her engagement to Mr. Lockwood, but thought better of it. She explored nearly every square inch of the home that would have been hers had she not met Alfie Lockwood, and subsequently compromised herself.
Standing before the closed door of the master’s bedchamber she heard booted footsteps approaching. She knew it was Robert. She could not face him. Tears began to flood down her cheeks. He turned her, and then pulled her into his embrace. She wept freely against his chest.
Robert eventually set her away enough to urge her to look at him. “Audra, I have always known a young man may come along, and steal your heart. Nothing in this world would have made me happier than becoming your husband, but I could only be happy if it were what you wanted wholeheartedly as well. Regardless of how you feel at this moment; I know your heart belonged to Alfie the moment you found him lying injured on that dark road.”
“You are wrong Robert.” Audra pleaded.
“No, my beautiful girl, although I disagree with Mr. Lockwood’s deception, it made one thing very clear: your love for him. I have known you since you were a young girl, and the only way you would have allowed yourself to be found in such a situation, would be because your love outweighed your judgment, and that is how it is with love. Just as I tried to capture the heart of a beautiful young woman who I am old enough to have fathered. He wiped the tears from her cheeks and kissed the top of her head. “I will always be here if you need me.”
He sent her downstairs to let his housekeeper know she would be staying for dinner. She looked back though, and witnessed one scene you never want to be the cause of. Robert, her best friend in all the world, shoulders hunched, and wracked by sobs as he disappeared through his bedroom doorway.
She suffered through their meal trying not to show her pain: just as she knew he was. He delivered her home, and she went straight to bed. Thankfully, her mother left her alone, and kept Elizabeth from disturbing her as well.
She awaited Mr. Lockwood’s next move.
Chapter 8
After rifling through the trunks of his father’s belongings, Alfie located the small wooden box bearing his grandmother’s sapphire ring, which had been passed down to his father, her only surviving child at the time. He had not seen his grandmother often, but when he did she showered him with affection. He hoped the significance of the ring would help to bring about a truce between them. He placed the ring on his smallest finger. The ring would need to be altered.
Alfie made the tedious journey back to the village beyond the Parkers. He dropped the ring off to be altered, and arranged to retrieve it. He spoke with the Vicar once more, and arranged for the wedding breakfast to be held at the inn.
On his return, he longed to pay his future wife a visit, but their unusual courtship being as it were, he continued on his way. He would see her in the morning.
After his busy day, he sat in his study. He decided to abstain from the Brandy; he sat for hours staring at the newly altered, and polished ring. It was understandable Miss. Parker would be angry with him. It would not last forever.
His days toil saw him to bed pleased. He would travel to the Parker’s with the morning light.
*
The day being beautiful, and bright, he arrived to Elizabeth’s joyful welcome. “Mr. Lockwood, is it time for the wedding?”
“Yes, I have planned it for just three days from now.”
She took note of all the packages he bore. “Do you have a present for me?”
“Oh Elizabeth, I am so sorry I have nothing”—he teased
her—“but this for you.” He handed her a package. She ripped it open then, and there. “A paper theatre.” She squealed, hugged him, and ran to show off her good fortune.
Allan gave him a quick nod as he headed to his store in the village.
Alfie approached the cottage door left ajar in Lizzy’s excitement. Mrs. Parker greeted him. “Mr. Lockwood you should not spoil Lizzy. She will begin to expect a gift every time you pay a visit.”
“I will oblige her then.”
She rewarded his frivolity with a smile.
“He then knelt, what if I spoil you Mrs. Parker, will you begin to expect a gift every time I visit?” He smiled and handed her a package.”
She gasped. “Mr. Lockwood”—she opened the package—“a new bonnet, oh it is beautiful.” She placed her hand on his cheek.
“May I see your beautiful eldest daughter?”
She offered her whereabouts enthusiastically, but he knew his angel would not feel the same.
“She went for a little walk, you should be able to catch her.” She pointed him in the direction.
He caught up to her quicker than he expected to. He stopped. “Angel...”
She stood still, but did not turn.
He continued. “I apologize for speaking to you so crudely the last time we were together. It was uncalled for; I will offer you no excuse for there is none that justify the severity of my behavior.”
She did not react.
“I have arranged the ceremony.” He still received no reaction from her. “It is in three days.” Her spine straightened, and her chin lifted.
“I thought you should hear it from me.” She is not going to make this easy.
He turned and retraced his steps back to the cottage.
Before leaving he enlisted Elizabeth’s help. “Lizzy, would you do something for me?”
“Of course, Mr. Lockwood.”
“Would you place this package on your sister’s bed? I do not want her to find it until she retires for the night, do you understand?”
“I will make sure it is as you wish.”
He was putting all his hopes into her understanding what that ring meant to him, and what it meant for him to give it to her.
Chapter 9
Ragged, Audra retired to the privacy of her room. Overwhelming feelings of guilt plagued her. She needed to sleep. As she prepared herself for bed, she noticed a package. She removed the crude wrapping to uncover a beautiful old wooden box with a slide lid. When she slid it open it revealed a small note, and a ring: an antique sapphire ring. She read the note aloud. “Alfie my beloved grandson, for the woman you adore...” She replaced the note and wept. How can it feel so wrong to be marrying the man you love?
Three days later she stood before the vicar in her best steel blue gown, with Mr. Lockwood at her side. He had noticed she was not wearing his grandmother’s ring; his look of disappointment was devastating. How could he expect her to be appreciative of his gift, and be joyous on this day? Yes, she had fallen in love with him. Her whole being was traitorous, but she had made a promise to marry Robert, and this was all wrong.
Her vows, the exchange of the simple wedding bands he’d purchased, this kiss, the signing of the register, it all was a blur as she felt the heavy weight of shame. Her new husband’s steward and her mother stood as their witnesses.
After the ceremony had concluded, the entire party walked to the inn together. Mr. Lockwood had arranged a wedding breakfast for them, and their guests: few though they were. She thought about Robert.
At noon, her new husband announced it was time for them to be on their way. Panic rose from deep within her; she wanted to do nothing more than run, but she said her goodbyes, and did not cry until she reached Elizabeth.
“You will come visit us soon won’t you Audra?”
“It is only a few hours trip Lizzy. I will see you as soon as I can.”
*
The two of them had not spoken one word to each other since their vows. The wheels of the barouche were deafening. Once they reached Lockwood Farm her new husband handed the groom the reins, and assisted her down. He did not continue to hold on to her; they walked independently. She noticed as soon as she came into the entrance hall that the house was full of newly picked flowers. She faltered. How can I continue hold on to my anger when he tries so hard to make amends.
He started up the stairs, and paused when she did not follow. “Your mother had your things sent over this morning.”
She followed him to her room.
He opened the door. “I will send Emma to assist you.”
Emma helped her change out of her good dress, and promised to return to get her ready for dinner. She rested for a while and took care of her correspondence. Emma returned as promised.
Soon after, she entered the dining room. He was standing next to her chair when she arrived. He seated her then took his own. They ate in silence. Once she finished her meal, she was unsure what he expected of her. If he gave her a choice she would not lay with him, but she knew if he ever touched her, her defiance would not withstand the onslaught.
“I believe I will retire now. The dinner was delightful.”
He rose simultaneously.
Just as she reached the doorway he replied. “I will join you soon.”
She had no control over the warm feeling that raced through her. Her body and her mind were at war with one another.
*
He entered her chamber already prepared for bed: his robe laid open to the waist. Why did he have to be so desirable? She wanted nothing more than to run her fingers across the muscles of his stomach.
His severe tone brought her back to her senses. “The ring was not to your liking?”
She reminded herself of just why she was angry with him. “This night should have been for Robert.”
He closed in on her. She had angered him. “I do not want to hear about another man on my wedding night. I asked you about my grandmother’s ring: your engagement ring.”
“The ring is stunning, but I will not accept it.”
“Did you read my grandmother’s note?”
“I did.”
“Then you must realize I would only give it to a woman who met her stipulations.
He was making this difficult for her, but she reminded herself of how much Robert had supported her, and her family over the years since her father had passed: of all the plans they had made for their life together.
“You took my choice away when you tricked me into this marriage; however, I can choose not to accept this ring.” She takes the ring from her bedside and holds it out to him. He takes it gently touching her in the process. Her need for him was unbearable.
“Audra, what happened between us was not premeditated. I was wrecked when I realized you were intending to go ahead with your marriage to Robert. It was a desperate act, but I was a desperate man.”
“Please, stop Alfie.” It was the first time she had used his given name.
“Let me refresh your memory, you willingly participated, you responded to me. What if Allan had not come in. How far would you have let me go? “
“If you had not seen my brother arrive, you would not have—”
“You have no way of knowing that?”
He turned and left her chamber.
Chapter 10
Alfie awoke to the site of his grandmother’s ring box on the bedside table. Audra had not accepted it. Deep down he understood, but it did little to diminish the pain. He could not fault her for her loyalty to the doctor, but the time had come, and gone to let it go. He had given her sufficient time had he not. He knew she loved him, but her stubbornness, her pride, or whatever damned emotion, kept her from letting go...
He rose from his bed. He had things to oversee. They would need to leave for Lexington Hall in a couple of days for Nora’s wedding.
Audra was already taking her meal when he entered the dining room. He approached her and placed a kiss upon the top of her head. He heard her de
ep intake of breath.
“You are up early.” Alfie continued on to his seat, and did not look to see her expression.
“I thought I would take a walk this morning.”
“I would join you, but I have to meet with my steward as we will need to travel to Lexington in a couple of days.”
Her gaze snapped up from her plate to his face. She obviously had not counted on having to deal with his family, and friends so soon.
“…your sister’s wedding?”
“Yes, after the wedding, I will be clearing my belongings, and finalizing the transition of the tenancy to Nora’s husband.”
“Perhaps it would be best if I were to stay here. I doubt news of the banns has reached your family, unless that is you have already sent correspondence to them about our union.”
“I have sent no such correspondence; however, I will not leave you here just days after our wedding. You may not be invested in this marriage, but I am, and regardless of your stubbornness you will join me in attending my sister’s wedding. Nora would be hurt otherwise, and I will not harm the one person in my life who has stood by me even though we are not blood relations.”
Alfie rose from his seat at the table and walked the short distance to his study. He would give her space today, but starting tonight she would have to accept his nearness. The cottage at Lexington Hall would not afford her a room of her own.
Chapter 11
She walked from the house, beyond the outbuildings, and focused on a hill in the distance. It was a cool October day, and the walk was invigorating. Her worries momentarily left behind, she reached the base of the hill and gradually ascended to the top. From her vantage point, she could see her husband’s land, and all those adjacent. It was beautiful country, country she had already begun to fall in love with upon her first visit. Her first visit here came about because she had fallen in love with Alfie Lockwood, and felt she owed it to him to explain why he would always be in her heart, but she could not act on her feelings for him; however, it had all gone wrong. She had made her choice, yet he disregarded it, and put her in a horrible position. She closed her eyes. I played my part, and was just as much to blame.
A Bride for Alfie (Yorkshire Brides) Page 4