by Dawn Brower
“You’re surly because you haven’t seen Catherine in several months. Please tell me you’ve written to her this time.” Julian brushed his hand over his hair and shook the rainwater off. “You can’t take her for granted.”
Julian had been in a mood ever since Noelle’s death. Asher couldn’t really blame him. If it had been Catherine… He shook that thought away. It hadn’t been her, and he didn’t want to think about her not being in his life. “I wrote her last week.” He forgot to send the letter. Catherine would be mad again, but luckily she forgave him each time. He’d make sure to post it once the rain stopped drenching them on a regular basis. Yes, he realized it might not happen for a while, but what else could he do.
“We should go back to Paris. There’s nothing here to find, and some time in the city would do you good.” Julian didn’t meet his gaze as he spoke. “You may need to give up on this search for Private James. The trail has gone dead.”
“We’re not going anywhere in this weather.” Though he’d like to do as Julian suggested. “We’ll be here for a while.”
To spite Asher, or perhaps to aid him—he couldn’t be sure—but as soon as he spoke those words, the sky cleared and the rain dwindled down to a drizzle. Not long after that, it stopped completely. “Looks as if you were wrong,” Julian goaded him. “I’m ready to leave whenever you are.”
He probably should make Julian go back to Paris. They hadn’t been back since the bombing that killed Noelle, and it might be good for his cousin to be there again. Life was hard. He couldn’t imagine what Julian was going through, and he hoped he never had to. “Fine. Have it your way.” Asher came to his feet and stepped out from under the tree that had been giving them what little shelter it could offer. “Let’s go.”
“Just like that?” Julian lifted a brow. “You’re not going to argue with me?”
“Would it matter?” Truthfully, he wanted to go to Paris anyway. He needed to see Catherine, hold her, and yes, kiss her. Asher missed her terribly. “We should stretch our legs and walk anyway. We’ve been huddled under this tree for twenty-four hours. Every muscle in my body is stiff.”
Julian rolled his eyes and stood. “You like to be contrary because you can, don’t you?”
“I think you’re confusing me with yourself.” Thunder rumbled in the distance. “We should be on our way before the rain decides to pay us a visit again.”
The sky was bright, but the thunder implied more rain. The storm might arrive soon, and he’d rather be far from it if he could help it. They no longer had horses to ride. The Major-General had confiscated them for his regiment when Asher gave him the last report. It was faster to travel with a horse, but more conspicuous. Though he really wished he still had one now.
Asher stepped away from the tree and continued in the direction of Paris. Julian joined him shortly thereafter. At least they weren’t far from there. He’d been secretly heading in that direction for days and had not mentioned it to Julian. His cousin, as astute as he was, probably noticed anyway.
“You don’t fool me,” Julian said casually. “She’s all you think about. Even when you’re scheming and sneaking around, she’s always there. Catherine will always be your main focus.”
“Yes,” Asher agreed. “She’s my heart. Probably has been since I first met her, but I’d never have recognized it at the time.” He’d been so arrogant then. The war had taught him to appreciate life, and what she meant to him.
“You shouldn’t leave her again.” Julian’s voice held a somber tone. “I know you want to wait to marry her, but you shouldn’t. Don’t take a chance on never having happiness with her. The way this war is going, we could be fighting for many years to come. Neither side is showing any signs of letting up.”
Much like the storm, the battles would rage for days, then suddenly cease and give them a break. Julian made a valid argument. Maybe he should stop putting off marrying Catherine. He kept making excuses—like finding Private James first or the war ending, but did it really matter if they waited or not? They could have something of a life now, and if luck shined down on them, even more later.
“Oh, do be quiet,” Asher said. “Catherine deserves a beautiful wedding at Seabrook. It can wait until we can go home.” She’d love his family estate. Asher couldn’t wait to take her there and show her his home.
“Catherine wants you.” Julian shoved his hands into his pockets. “The wedding doesn’t have to be that perfect image you have in your head. As long as, at the end, you two belong to each other completely, then that’s all that will matter to her.”
He was probably right, but Asher would never admit that much. When they reached Paris, he’d discuss it with Catherine. If she wanted to marry right away, they would. If not—they’d wait.
Somewhere, Catherine had heard that April showers would ensure the flowers would bloom in May. They’d finally made it past April, but rain still fell, leaving mud everywhere. At least it was no longer freezing. She hated winter.
“Nurse Langdon,” a female called.
She turned toward the sound of the voice. It was another nurse, this one not green like Noelle had been. She’d transferred to the Paris hospital from a field hospital near the trenches. It had become too much for her, and she needed a change. Catherine couldn’t blame her. She’d seen some of the wounds coming from near the trenches. “Yes, Nurse Grant.” She had Merlin in her arms. What had the minx done now? Victoria Grant believed everything had its place, and Merlin didn’t belong in a hospital. No animal did.
“Merlin sneaked outside.” She held him up for her to see. Sure enough, mud covered his paws and underbelly.
“He’ll need a good washing; otherwise, he’ll leave paw prints all over the hospital.” Not to mention how he liked to sleep with some of the patients. The doctors would erupt if they saw mud on the bedding.
“I can do it,” Victoria said. Well, that was surprising… She wouldn’t have guessed she’d want to bathe the cat herself.
“Are you sure? Merlin isn’t fond of baths. He’s more likely to scratch you then thank you for your efforts.”
Merlin had quickly become the hospital cat. The troublemaker must have won over Victoria too. Every nurse loved him, and most of the doctors, so it didn’t surprise her that he’d wormed his way into Nurse Grant’s heart too. Catherine didn’t see him much because he was always with someone else. She supposed that was good, considering how busy the hospital made her. He got the attention he needed, and they were both content with it.
Nurse Grant tucked Merlin against her. “I don’t mind, truly. He’s a sweetheart most of the time. I didn’t want to do anything with him without your knowledge. He is your cat after all.”
“If you have any trouble, please call for me.”
“I will,” Victoria said, then she walked away with Merlin and didn’t glance back. She’d discover soon enough that Merlin had a bad side.
Catherine strolled down the hall and decided to venture outside. It might be muddy, but it had stopped raining. She could use some fresh air to help clear her head. Once she stepped outside, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Standing in the middle of the walkway with nothing around her but the thoughts that never left—Catherine imagined the war was over and Asher would be heading toward her when she opened her eyes. Wouldn’t that be lovely… She opened them, but he wasn’t there. Wishing hard enough didn’t make dreams come true, and this one hadn’t happened either. She was desperate to see him. It had been a couple of months since he’d last written. He was a horrible correspondent.
In the distance, she noticed two men slowly making their way toward the hospital. She doubted it was Asher and Julian. There was no reason for him to be coming to see her. Not that he needed one, but it would make more sense if he had one. Catherine scrunched her eyes into slits to try to bring their image into a clearer view. As they came closer she started to believe it was them. “It is him,” she nearly shouted, then ran toward the two men.
“Ash
,” she called out to him. He opened his arms and she flew into them. This was what happiness felt like. Knowing the man she loved had made it back to her once more. She’d never tire of having him hold her in his arms. Being wrapped in his embrace was akin to heaven in her mind. “Why didn’t you send word you were coming to Paris?”
“You mean he didn’t send you a letter recently?” Julian asked.
She glanced toward him and frowned. “No, but the mail service isn’t very reliable.”
Julian stared at Asher and raised a brow. “Somehow I don’t think that was the problem this time. Was it, Ash?”
“Don’t listen to him. He’s in a surly mood.” Asher kissed her quickly, then hugged her again tightly. “It’s so good to see you, darling. There’s been no problem lately here?”
“There’s always something happening. It is war, after all.” She pulled out of his arms. “Though no tragedies of late. Come inside and tell me how you both are. Please tell me you’re staying longer this time.” He never stayed more than a day at most. She wanted him with her far longer than that. Their romance was more like two ships passing in the night, and never anchoring more than hours at a time.
“We shouldn’t be here at all,” he replied. “Julian had a hankering to visit Paris.”
“Don’t listen to him.” Julian smacked Asher on the back. “We’re here because he missed you.”
Catherine smiled at that. “I missed him too.”
They might not have that much time together, but that made the moments they managed to steal even more precious. Some of the sadness seemed to have disappeared from Julian too. Maybe he’d found a way to heal in the midst of chaos, or maybe that pandemonium made it possible for him to forget for a little while. Either way, it was good to see him in a lighter mood.
“We really should go,” Asher said again. “But I don’t want to leave.”
She wanted to pull him into her arms again and keep him there forever. Catherine realized that was impossible, so instead did the one thing she could. She made it easy for him to go. “Come back to me.”
“Always,” he promised. “There’s no other place I want to be.”
“I do love you.” She didn’t tell him often enough how much she adored him. “You do know that, don’t you?”
“Marry me,” he said abruptly.
Catherine’s mouth opened with surprise. He’d given her a promise ring and said one day he’d ask her to be his wife, but she’d never expected it to happen like this. “I don’t understand…”
“I don’t want to wait anymore.”
“It’s about time,” Julian said. He chuckled lightly and seemed a little too pleased with himself.
Asher glared at him, then turned his attention back to her. “I love you, and I want us to be together. Why wait? If the war has taught me one thing, it is that life is short, and I don’t want to spend another day without you as my wife.” He went down on his knees and then picked up her hand. “Lady Catherine Langdon, my heart, and my everything. Will you please consent to be my marchioness and make me the happiest man alive?”
Tears fell down her cheeks, and she couldn’t speak. She stared down at him. In that moment, everything became clear—she wanted this too. The war was far from over, but for now they could slice out their own piece of happiness. She nodded her head and that was all the answer he needed. He came to his feet and twirled her around. Now they had to plan their impromptu wedding…
Chapter 15
Saint Gervais had been built near the right bank of the Seine River. It had enormous cathedral ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. Marble statues were scattered around the church and the courtyard. Catherine had fallen in love with the architecture the first time she noticed the church. When she could she attended mass there. Her mother had been Catholic and raised her to be one too—it went back to her Scottish roots. Her father didn’t bother with religion at all.
In a time filled with war and death, the church had been her salvation. She wanted her life with Asher to start in the one sanctum she’d found since she’d come to France. For that to happen, she had to get her guardian’s permission and beg him to pull some strings. Luckily, Sir Benjamin still worked at the embassy and had been able to help arrange their wedding. He’d even agreed to give her away. Catherine wasn’t surprised by that at all. Sir Benjamin had wanted her to make a smashing good match, and she couldn’t do much better than the Marquess of Seabrook.
It was time to prepare for her wedding and change out of her nurse’s uniform. She didn’t have a wedding dress exactly, but she’d found one of her gowns in her old room at the embassy to use. It seemed appropriate to wear it to marry Asher. It had been one of the first dresses she’d donned when she met him. The dress of ruby red silk with a black lace overlay. Once again, she wore her mother’s black beaded ruby pendant to serve as her something old and borrowed. It didn’t truly belong to her, but to every person in her family. It would be nice if she had something new or even blue, but she wouldn’t let that halt her nuptials.
Nurse Victoria Grant had volunteered to stand up with her. Her light blonde hair was in a simple chignon, and she’d traded in her nurse’s uniform for a simple day dress. “Are you ready to marry that handsome man of yours?”
“I’ve been anxious for this day to come,” Catherine replied. “My heart is ready to burst. I can’t believe it’s finally happening.”
She clasped Catherine’s hands in her own. “Not everyone is as fortunate as you are. That man loves you more than anything. This is the right decision for you both.” She leaned in and hugged her. “Thank you for letting me be a part of it.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Catherine said, then chuckled lightly. “You have to deal with Julian, and he can be a bit difficult.”
“I can handle a man of Lord Julian Kendall’s caliber. He’s charming,” she agreed. Her voice was laced with confidence and a hint of agitation. “But I’m more than capable of keeping him on his toes. He hasn’t dealt with me before.”
Catherine smiled at Victoria’s declaration. Perhaps she wouldn’t have any problems with Julian. It would do him good to have a female challenge him too. He’d been too introspective since Noelle’s death. He’d believed he’d found the love of his life, but in truth, they hadn’t actually had much time together. There was no way of telling whether or not they’d have had a future together. “Don’t be too hard on him,” Catherine told her. “He’s more sensitive than you know.
“That may be so.” Victoria’s lips tilted upward. “But he’s still quite the rogue. It’s best I don’t let him have any advantage. He’s likely to use it against me.” She waved her hand dismissively. “But leave Julian and his wicked behavior alone for now. Today is about you. I have something for you.” She pulled a handkerchief with blue embroidery out of her pocket. “Because you know you’ll cry,” she’d explained. “Keep it as a memento of your special day.”
Catherine took it and almost started crying at her generosity—now she had something that was both new, and blue. They barely knew each other, and Victoria already understood her more than any other woman had. Perhaps she’d been missing out on a lot not having female friends. “Thank you, I’ll treasure it.”
“I hate to interrupt, my dear,” Sir Benjamin said from the entrance. “It’s time. Are you ready?”
She looked at herself one last time in the mirror and smoothed her hair. Her black tresses had been secured in a chignon at her nape. Nothing seemed to be out of place. Catherine turned to her guardian and said. “I think I’m good.”
“Wonderful,” he replied. “Nurse Grant can lead the way. She walks down the aisle first.”
Victoria nodded and did as he suggested. She led them out of the room and into the main part of the church. The sanctuary had a long aisle that led to the altar. Organ music echoed through the church, and Victoria headed down the aisle. After she reached the altar, Sir Benjamin led Catherine down as well. Asher waited for her there with Julian
by his side.
The priest began the ceremony. Soon after, Catherine recited her vows and never once glanced away from Asher. There had been a time that she’d believed marriage wasn’t in her future. Now, staring into Asher’s green eyes, she couldn’t imagine anything else. It would have been nice if she’d been gifted with this vision and not the tragic kind. At least that one of Asher dying had been false. He was here, by her side and saying his own vows.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the priest declared. “You may kiss your bride.”
Asher didn’t need to be told twice. He pulled Catherine into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. It was perhaps the most passionate kiss they’d ever shared and took her breath away. When he stopped kissing her, she wanted to beg him to start all over again. She’d always liked it when his lips touched hers, but this time it seemed different. “Hello, Lady Seabrook,” he said. His voice held a bit of merriment to it. “Let’s get out of here.”
She smiled. “I’d like nothing better.”
Sir Benjamin cleared his throat. “I hate to interrupt, but I’ve arranged a luncheon at the embassy for you. Everyone is waiting for you to return.”
Catherine could have done without that little surprise, but she supposed she could humor Sir Benjamin—even if he was no longer her guardian. As her husband, Asher gained control of all her assets. “That sounds lovely.” She wound her arm with Asher’s. “We’ll join you there shortly.”
Asher nodded. “We’d like to go to the embassy together.”
Sir Benjamin looked appalled then opened and closed his mouth several times. “I...” He shook his head. “All right if that is what you wish.”
“We do,” Catherine said. “Julian and Victoria can travel back with you.”
Julian chuckled lightly and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Sure throw us to the wolves why don’t you.” Then he turned to Sir Benjamin and said, “That’s a splendid idea. I have been walking for months, and I would love a ride in an autocar.” He turned to Victoria and held his arm out to her. “Come, my dear. You’re in for a treat.”