by Vikki Vaught
“Well, you’re a stronger man than I am. My mother is after me again to get married, so next spring I’ll be looking for a wife. But it won’t be in name only, I’ll tell you that.” Jenkins looked at him with pity in his eyes. Jonathan wished he had just kept his mouth shut, but he really did need to talk about this with someone, and he and Jenkins had been friends for years.
“I do not need, nor do I want, your pity! I just hope you can meet someone as kind and generous as Kathryn.”
“Sutherland, we’ve been friends for a long time. I just hope for your sake you don’t live to regret this marriage. You’re only thirty, and you could live for a long time. I can’t see you, of all people, being celibate for the rest of your life.”
Jonathan looked at him. “If you had told me two months ago that I would feel like this, I wouldn’t have believed it, but my love for Kathryn supersedes all else. I hope that as she gets to know me better, she’ll fall in love with me and change her mind about intimacy. It’s a risk I’m willing to take. Please, just wish me well. As far as you and marriage go, try to find someone you can love. If you can’t find love, at least find someone that you admire and respect.”
Jenkins smiled, and then he said, “She’s really changed you, Sutherland. All right, I wish you well, and I’ll consider your advice about admiration and respect. Maybe I can fall in love. If you can, anybody can.”
Jonathan clapped Jenkins on the shoulder and said, “Now, why don’t we go out and look at my new colt? He was just born a few days ago.” They left the study and made their way out to his stables. They spent the rest of the afternoon joking about the good old days.
Chapter 15
October 11, 1823
Madame Bovary was already at her mother’s house with her wedding gown, waiting to do the final fitting so that it would be perfect for her wedding, when Kathryn returned from Jonathan’s. Kathryn’s mother was furious at her for leaving the house that morning, but when Madame Bovary assured them that she wasn’t upset, her mother calmed down. The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. Cousin Harold arrived with his family, along with several other family members. They were all staying at the White Hart Inn across from the assembly rooms.
At tea, Melody came over and asked, “Honey, are you all right? Why did you go see Jonathan this morning? You’re not having second thoughts are you?”
“I just feel that my insistence that the marriage be in name only isn’t fair to Jonathan, since I know that I’ll never be a true wife to him, but he still wants to marry me. I saw Jonathan so I could tell him I wanted him to take a mistress, but he said he didn’t need one. I did finally get him to promise that he would take one if later he decided he needed one after all.”
“Kathryn, you just need to relax. Jonathan is a wonderful man, and if he wants to marry you, knowing how you feel, then you just need to let him. I have a very good feeling about this. I believe you’re going to find that you’ll love being married to Jonathan.”
“I’m sure you’re right. I admire and respect him tremendously, and we do have quite a bit in common. Since I had a restless night, I’m going upstairs to take a short nap before I get ready for dinner. I’ll see you then.” Kathryn went upstairs and fell asleep as soon as her head hit her pillow. Sally woke her up in time to get ready for dinner.
Dinner was an elaborate affair. The duchess loved to entertain, so she was in her glory. Kathryn enjoyed seeing the rest of the family and was pleased that so many of them had come for the wedding. She had received a note from Susan, Lady Hastings, and she and her husband were coming. Kathryn had become good friends with Susan while they volunteered at the orphanage together.
When Kathryn went up to her room, she was much more relaxed than she had been the night before. Sarah helped her get ready for bed, and then Kathryn sent her away. As she lay there beginning to get drowsy, she remembered how safe she felt when she was with Jonathan. When he held her in his arms, she didn’t find it frightening in the least. It must be because she trusted him to keep his word.
She was now at peace over marrying him. She would make sure that he didn’t regret their marriage. She would be the best mother possible to Frankford and Jane, and she would take good care of Jonathan’s household. As she fell asleep, she had a peaceful smile on her beautiful face.
The wedding was set for eleven o’clock, and Sarah woke her up at eight. She’d slept much better than the night before and felt well rested. Sarah brought her breakfast, and after she had eaten, Sarah had her bath ready. Soon it was time to put on her wedding gown. Helen and Melody came to her room to wait with her until it was time to leave for the Abbey.
Melody gave Kathryn a hug. “Darling, you look radiant. I can see it in your eyes—you’re simply glowing with happiness.”
“I do feel happy. Thank you for listening to me.” Then looking at Helen, she said, “And you too, Helen. I wouldn’t have made it through to this day without your love and support.”
Smiling, Helen replied, “That’s what sisters are for. Now, shall we go downstairs? It’s almost eleven o’clock.” Arm in arm, the three of them made their way down the stairs.
When Kathryn stepped down from the steps, Henry was waiting for them.
Giving Kathryn a brotherly hug, Henry said, “Sweetheart, you make a beautiful bride. Are you ready to go to the church and get married?”
With her eyes glowing she said, “Yes, I’m ready.”
When Kathryn arrived at the church, the abbey was full of all the guests that Kathryn’s mother had invited to the wedding. It looked as if all three hundred people had decided to attend. This was a bit overwhelming to Kathryn, but she knew it pleased her mother. She looked around the lovely church. White lilies and roses covered the altar. Purple tulle and white satin bows adorned the end of each pew. Hundreds of beeswax candles were lit, casting a glow over the entire church.
As the music filled the abbey, she placed her trembling white hand in the crook of Henry’s arm. He covered it and gave her hand a gentle pat as they started down the aisle. Her knees were shaking, and her hands trembled as she clasped her bouquet. She looked up, and Jonathan was standing in front of the altar in all his wedding finery. He looked amazingly handsome. His piercing blue eyes shone with affection and compassion. Melody, Helen, and Elaine were smiling at her, looking incredibly beautiful in their deep purple gowns.
When Kathryn and Henry reached the altar, the vicar asked, “Who gives this woman in holy matrimony?” Henry looked down at her, his love for her shining in his eyes as he said, “I do.” Then he placed her hand in Jonathan’s, and they moved forward in front of the vicar, and the mass began.
Jonathan repeated his vows. “I, Jonathan Frankford Courtland, take thee, Kathryn Eleanor, to my wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part. According to God’s holy ordinance, and there to I plight thee my troth.” Jonathan’s voice was strong and clear as he smiled into Kathryn’s gorgeous violet eyes.
Then it was Kathryn’s turn to repeat her vows, and she did so in a quiet, but steady voice. “I, Kathryn Eleanor, take thee Jonathan Frankford Courtland, to my wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, and to obey, till death us do part. According to God’s holy ordinance, and there to I plight thee my troth.”
As Jonathan slid the ring on her finger, Kathryn felt a sense of peace wash over her, greater than she had ever felt before, and she knew in her heart that she had made the right decision in marrying Jonathan. Meeting Jonathan’s gaze, she heard the vicar say, “You may kiss your bride.”
Jonathan lifted her tulle veil, then lowered his head, pulled her close, and tenderly kissed her on the lips. Kathryn felt a thrill run through her. There was no fear or apprehension when Kathryn felt Jonathan’s lips on hers. He lifted his lips from hers and smiled as he tuc
ked her hand in the crook of his arm. Then they made their way back down the aisle to the vestry where they signed the registry book. They were now husband and wife at last.
Kathryn and Jonathan made their way outside and to the awaiting carriage. Rice and rose petals rained down on them from both sides of the walkway. Once they sat down in the carriage, Jonathan pulled her into his arms and started kissing her—light, feathery kisses on her eyes, cheeks, and lips. As he eased back, he said, “Thank you for becoming my wife. This is the happiest moment of my life. After all the sorrow and pain of losing Roderick and Allison, it’s wonderful to feel this much joy again. Please tell me that you’re happy, darling?”
Kathryn smiled serenely. “Yes, Jonathan. I’m overjoyed that you’re my husband. I’m going to be a good wife to you, and a good mother to Frankford and Jane.”
Jonathan cradled her in his arms all the way to the assembly rooms, and she felt very safe and cared for. By the time they entered the rooms, most of their guests had arrived. They had taken the long route to give the guests time to arrive before they did.
The assembly rooms looked gorgeous. Each white linen-covered table had a candelabrum in the center, with baby’s breath and purple ribbons interwoven around the base. Kathryn thought everything looked lovely. It didn’t surprise her in the least, since she knew anything her mother planned would be magnificent. They made their way through the well-wishers to the head table, where they took their seats. Jonathan held her hand the entire time, and Kathryn enjoyed the closeness.
Lord Shelton made his toast to their happiness, and then Henry stood up to make his toast. “To my sister, Kathryn, and her new husband, I wish you a life filled with love and happiness. Please remember that I’ll always love you, sweetheart, as you and Jonathan go forth into your new life.” Tears shimmered in her eyes when she saw the love glowing in Henry’s eyes. Then Jonathan’s friend, Baron Jenkins, followed with his toast, wishing them many years of joy and happiness.
As Kathryn and Jonathan sat at the head table, she kept looking down at her gorgeous amethyst and diamond ring. It was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. Jonathan looked into her eyes and said, “Darling, do you like the ring? I picked it out because it reminded me of your beautiful violet eyes.”
She gazed into his eyes. “I love it. I’ve always loved amethysts, and I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful ring.”
“I promise I’ll make you happy. I’ll always protect you and keep you safe. You’ll never have any reason to regret marrying me. I’ve reserved the bridal suite at the White Hart Inn because I want tonight to be special.” She stared at him and started to say something, but then Jonathan touched her lips with his finger and continued, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep my promise. We can still enjoy the luxury of their opulent suite and spend the evening relaxing with each other.”
“I know that I can trust you to keep your word. That’s one of the things that I most admire about you. I feel very safe when I’m with you, safer than I have ever felt before. I wanted to ask you if you have been able to get the portrait from Westland Acres.”
He stroked her hand. “Stebbins arrived yesterday, and he brought it with him. I had it placed on your new easel in your studio. You’ve caught Roderick’s keen love of life in his eyes. I’m so pleased that you’ll be able to finish it.”
“There’s still quite a bit more that I plan to do before it will be complete. I want it to be my best work. This will be the last portrait of them, and it will stand as a lasting memorial for their children. I’m also going to paint a miniature for each of the children so that they won’t forget them,” Kathryn explained, while feeling Jonathan’s hand gently stroking hers.
“Can you paint one for me?”
“Of course, I’ll be happy to.” As Kathryn gazed around the room she said, “I think we need to mingle with our guests.”
They walked hand in hand around the room talking to their guests. Kathryn introduced Jonathan to Cousin Harold, his family, and all the other family members. They came upon Susan and her husband, Lord Hastings, and stopped to talk.
Susan smiled as she gave Kathryn a hug. “Kathryn, you’re a beautiful bride. Thank you for asking me to your wedding. I was so pleased when I received your invitation.”
“I’m happy you were able to come. This is my husband, the Marquess of Sutherland.” She turned to Jonathan and said, “Jonathan, this is Viscount and Viscountess Hastings. Remember I told you that I volunteer with her at the orphanage in London?”
Jonathan bowed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Kathryn has mentioned you several times.”
Susan curtsied. “I’ve looked forward to meeting you ever since I received your invitation. You must be a very special person, because Kathryn has always vowed to never marry.” Then she turned to Kathryn, “I wish both of you much happiness. I’m so pleased you have found Lord Sutherland to share your life with.”
“Thank you, Susan. I’m already deliriously happy. I know you had to travel a significant distance to be here. Have you fully recovered from your recent blessed event? I was thrilled for you, when I heard you had a girl.”
“Yes, I’m feeling marvelous, and I have the most precious daughter, Laura. My boys are a little put out that I’ve given them a sister, but they’re already starting to warm up to her. Are you still going to pursue your art, now that you have married?”
Kathryn nodded. “I certainly am. In fact, that’s how Jonathan and I met. He commissioned me to do his formal portrait. I also did his brother’s family before they died. I still have some final touches to do on their portrait, but fortunately it was near completion when they died.”
Susan turned to Jonathan. “My lord, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. We met your brother and his wife several times when they were in London for the season. It’s such a tragedy to lose both of them at the same time. I understand that they had children. I’m sure they’re having a difficult time dealing with their parents’ death.”
“Yes, it has been difficult, but knowing that Kathryn is going to be by my side as I raise them helps tremendously. The children are already quite fond of her.” Jonathan gazed over at Kathryn and smiled. “Isn’t that right Kathryn?”
“Yes, and I’m quite fond of them.” Then, recalling Mary’s news, Kathryn said, “Susan, I understand that congratulations are in order. Mary told me that you have joined her on the board of trustees at St. Mark’s Orphanage. I’m sure you’ll do a wonderful job.”
“Thank you, Kathryn. I’m looking forward to helping the children. Since you’re still going to paint, we would like to have you do miniatures of each of our children, and a family portrait as well. When do you think you could do this for us?”
Kathryn glanced over at Jonathan and explained, “Lord and Lady Hastings live in Kent, which isn’t too terribly far from Sanderford Park. I would like to accept this commission. We could go there when we leave my brother’s after the holidays. Would that be agreeable to you?”
“I would be fine with that. Whatever makes you happy. I agreed that I would never inhibit your art. Kent is lovely country, so I would love to go. Remember, we’ll have the children with us,” Jonathan reminded her.
Kathryn smiled at Jonathan and then looked over at Susan. “As long as we can bring the children and that time frame works for you, I would be happy to do it.”
“That would be wonderful. My boys would enjoy it tremendously. Anything that will keep them from their studies thrills them. We’ll look forward to your arrival.”
“I’ll write you when I have an exact date of when we’ll be able to come. It should be around the tenth of the month, but I’ll know more once the holidays are here. We’ve enjoyed talking with you, but we need to move on to other guests. We’ll see you in January.”
At this point, Kathryn and Jonathan continued to move around the room talking with some of their other guests. Soon it was time to cut the wedding cake. While gazing at the enormous three-tier cake, which had intricately made w
hite sugar roses and lilies decorating it, Kathryn also noticed a filigree pattern that resembled lace adorning it. The cake was so beautiful that it seemed a shame to cut it.
Jonathan picked up the cake knife, she placed her hand on his, and they cut the first piece together. Jonathan’s eyes shone brightly as she nibbled her portion of cake. A bit of icing was on her chin and Jonathan wiped it off and then licked the icing off his finger, while gazing into her eyes.
Kathryn felt flutters in the pit of her belly.
In a split second it was replaced by fear.
Oh, why did her uncle have to ruin her!
If he had just left her alone…
She just knew…she would have been able to respond to Jonathan.
Shortly after eating the beautiful cake, it was time for Kathryn and Jonathan to leave. On the way to the White Hart Inn, they stopped by Kathryn’s to pick up her valise that Sarah had packed for the night. The rest of her clothing and belongings had already been taken over to St. John’s Wood, and Sarah was already there as well. When Kathryn and Jonathan arrived at the door of the bridal suite, Jonathan picked her up and carried her into the room.
With surprise sharpening her tone a bit, Kathryn exclaimed, “Jonathan, put me down! You’re going to hurt your knee. You’ve been on it for hours, and I’m sure it’s bothering you.”
Jonathan laughed. “I’m fine. You’re as light as a feather, and I guess I’m a romantic at heart. When I was young, I always dreamed of carrying my bride over the threshold. Humor me a bit, all right?”
“Well, now that we’re inside, please put me down. I want to look at this beautiful suite.” Kathryn gazed around the room, noticing the light fruitwood furniture with blue brocade cushions on the couch, and the table set for two. Long-stemmed white roses were lying on the table next to a bottle of champagne that was chilling on ice.