by Unknown
"Jason," Charity breathed. "I hadn't . . . how won-
derful that would be. Kat, I must go and ask him right now."
"I don't see why not. I'll go with you."
Jason happily agreed to give Charity away, in fact was enthusiastic. Beth, who had been speechless when Charity arrived with Kathy, was now finally believing that everything was going to be all right. And Kathy was forming a million questions in her mind. She fully intended to corner her elusive brother at the first possible opportunity.
"He's the one who painted the portrait you have of Charity hanging in Father's locked study," Kathy was saying firmly. "And the three are very close. There's a lot you're not telling me, brother dear, and I'd better get some answers pretty quick."
"My God, Kat, is there nothing safe from you? I thought I had the only key to that door. How in God's name did you get in there?"
"I have my own key," she said smugly. "And that's beside the point. Don't dodge the issue."
"Why were you at Jason's?"
"When did you purchase Charity's painting, and why don't you tell her you have it?" she countered.
"I can't . . . yet."
"Why not?"
"For God's sake"
"God has nothing to do with it. Charity loves you, Noah, and if you're playing some game with her"
"You like her a lot, don't you?"
"Yes, I do. Enough to protect her . . . even from you."
"She doesn't need to be protected from me, and believe me, this wedding is no game. I want Charity for my wife more than I've ever wanted anything in the world. Would it change anything if I told you Charity and Gregory Hamilton are very closely acquainted?"
Slowly Kathy lowered herself into a chair as if her legs had suddenly gone weak. "Gregory Hamilton? How would someone like Charity know him?"
"You and Charity have become friendly. Has she told you anything about herself?"
"Yes, we had a long discussion tonight about why she couldn't marry you."
"What!"
"Don't worry, the wedding is not off. She just tried to confess to me how unworthy she was to marry you. But . . . she said nothing about Gregory Hamilton."
"Hamilton met Charity at Jason Desmond's studio. He hired her to find the papers that our agent discovered. We haven't deciphered them, but we do know there's a plot to assassinate Charles Brandywine sometime within the next few weeks."
"How long have you known this?"
"For some time now."
"Noah"
"She won't betray me."
"You trust her completely? She has told us about her past, but never mentioned any of this. Maybe she still means to find the papers."
"She won't betray me," he repeated, "and she has already found them."
"I don't understand this," Kathy said in exasperation.
''I have a special hiding place in father's study. I went in to get some papers, and within minutes I knew Charity was in the room. The scent of her perfume is quite distinctive. I knew why she was there, but"
"But you still put your trust in her."
"And it paid off. She has the papers, but obviously has had a change of heart. She hasn't given them to Hamilton."
"You're sure?"
"Every move she and Hamilton have made has been closely monitored. She went to a friend, and I think that's where the papers are now."
"You do believe in playing with fire, don't you?"
"Charity will be my wife. When she is, she will trust me enough to tell me everything. Until then, that packet of papers is as safe as if I had it myself. I truly believe in her and I know she'll bring them back herself."
"And if she doesn't?"
Noah didn't answer for so long that Kathy began to believe he didn't intend to answer at all.
"Kat," he began quietly, "can you understand? Charity is as important to me as life itself. I never believed I could feel this way about anyone. I've given her all that I am, and I want her to be close to my heart always. But . . . she has to trust me as completely as I trust her. I could go to her and tell her what I know, but that's not the same, is it? I want her to lay her faith and hope in my hands as I've laid mine in hers."
"Oh, Noah," Kathy whispered. She could say noth-
ing more. She knew that Noah had never taken a woman seriously until he'd met Charity, and that she could break his heart so easily. Quietly she rose and left the room.
Chapter Thirteen
Charity stood before her mirror in her chemise. She felt almost stunned by the activity going on about her. Within an hour or so she would be standing beside Noah and listening to the vows that would make them husband and wife.
Beth had done Charity's hair carefully, parting it in the center and drawing it back to a cluster of curls at the nape of her neck. The single strand of perfectly matched pearls that Noah had sent her that morning would be the only jewelry she wore.
Her gown was exquisite. It had been designed by Mr. Worth, and Charity had gasped when she heard the price Noah had most willingly paid for it. Noah's generosity and tenderness toward her brought tears to her eyes, and a heaviness to her heart when she realized she had not told him all the truth.
"Charity," Kathy said, interrupting her thoughts, "bend a little so we can get this creation on."
Obediently Charity cooperated and in seconds she was transformed by the breathtaking gown.
The gown was made of white silk, overlaid with Brussels lace trimmed with satin ribbon and silk flowers. Her veil, fixed to her hair with a circlet of white silk roses and orange blossoms, hung down her back.
The gown was cut so that it draped over her shoulders, revealing their creamy smoothness and the slight curve of her breasts. Her wedding bouquet consisted of orange blossoms, white roses, calla lilies, and baby's breath.
She gazed at her reflection and could not believe how delicate and beautiful the gown made her feel . . . and how deceitful.
Today Noah would give her a whole new life. One of peace, love, and trust, and she had not returned his trust. As she gazed at herself she promised she would hold no secrets from him any longer. Let me have these few days to cherish, she pleaded, and I will tell him of Gregory and the papers, I promise. . . . I will tell him. If my happiness must be taken away, at least let me have a little time, and perhaps a child, a part of Noah to love forever.
Everyone had left the room but Beth. Kathy had gone to see that Elizabeth didn't disrupt the entire occasion, and the two maids who had helped her dress had been dismissed. Charity wanted a few moments alone with Beth to explain to her why she could not hold secrets from Noah any longer.
"How happy you must be," Beth said, embracing her, "and how happy I am for you."
"Dear, sweet Beth. You have always been my friend."
"We only have a few moments," Beth laughed. "Kathy has already told me that Noah's patience is wearing pretty thin. I wonder how he is going to get through the ceremony and the reception."
"I'm glad he didn't let this become the affair his mother wanted it to be. That little church and the reception for intimate family and friends is quite enough for me."
"Charity, do you think Gregory will be there?"
"He won't be at the church, but I had little control over keeping him away from the reception. Noah had him listed, and I didn't want"
"I know. Surely, he's forgiven you. After all, you've done what was right for him. He should be grateful that you've done that much. No man would expect you to marry him if you loved another. In time this will all pass and maybe you can be friends."
"I hope so. Beth, at the first opportunity, I'm going to tell Noah everything. I love him so much, I don't want to start our lives together with lies or secrets."
"Give yourselves some time together first," Beth advised. "Give him a chance to understand you and for you to understand him. It will be so easy to forgive each other when you're safe in each other's arms."
"You feel that way because you and Jason are so happy together. E
ven though it was just the three of us, I was proud to stand up with you when you married him. I don't know why he still wants to keep it a
secret from Noah and his family, but that is for you two to decide."
"Jason felt it might have caused you problems. Neither of us would do anything to harm you."
"When Noah and I are settled, the first thing I intend to do is have a party for you."
"No, Charity, it is sweet of you to suggest it, but you cannot call attention to Jason and me. It will only lead to questions about you."
"Once Noah knows everything, there will be no need to worry about questions."
"I see no doubts in your eyes, only happiness. Where will you and Noah live, here in the townhouse with his mother or on the country estate?"
Charity laughed softly. "Can you believe that I've never asked? We could live in a hovel, for all I care. I'll be with Noah."
The door opened and Kathy came in with Elizabeth in tow. She looked like a little angel in a green silk gown that matched her mother's. Elizabeth went straight to Charity.
"Mother says if I am very good I can ride in the carriage with you. Can I, Charity, please?"
"Aunt Charity," Kathy admonished quickly.
"Aunt Charity," Elizabeth repeated.
"Of course you can. You're a very special girl today. You must walk down the aisle and sprinkle the rose petals like you practiced. Remember?"
"Yes, I remember." She came close to Charity. "You're so pretty, Aunt Charity. Can I go with you and Uncle Noah after the wedding?"
"No, you cannot," Kathy laughed, "but I'd like to
see how Noah would get out of that if she asked him.
Beth responded with a giggle. "He would find a way. Noah is in no mood for any kind of delay."
They all laughed at Charity's blushing cheeks and Elizabeth's look of puzzlement.
"I think we'd best be going. Most everyone has left," Kathy said.
Charity nervously caught Beth's hand and the four went down to the waiting carriage.
Noah stood in the small room beside the main altar of the church and realized, with surprise, that his hands were shaking.
Giles St. John, one of his closest friends, stood nearby, enjoying a last-minute chuckle at Noah's expense.
"It's not too late, Noah, old boy. You can still run for the hills."
Noah grinned. "Obviously you haven't gotten a close look at my bride. Just keep a good hold on that ring. I don't want any problems."
"I've got it right here. Quite a ring."
"It belonged to my grandmother, my mother, and now it will belong to my wife."
The ring was a narrow band of gold, and twined around it were two fine braided strands of gold. It was unique.
Before Giles could speak again a strong chord from the church organ announced that the wedding was about to begin. It was, Noah felt, a summons to a future brighter than he had ever dared to imagine.
He and Giles left the small room and walked to the
altar, where they turned to await the bride.
All heads turned to the rear of the church when the music began to fill it. Elizabeth came first, walking slowly and cautiously, sprinkling rose petals along the aisle. Noah wanted to smile. This angel was a far cry from the hoyden he knew.
Next came Kathy and her escort, who were followed by Beth and another friend of Noah's, Scott Bradford. But Noah's gaze went past them in his search for Charity. Then he saw her. His breath caught and he wasn't quite sure the next one would come. She seemed a figment of his wildest dream as she floated toward him, her gaze meeting his and a soft smile on her lips.
When Charity came to where Sofia sat, she stopped and, taking a rose from her bouquet, gave it to Sofia and bent to kiss her cheek. Noah felt the sting of tears in his eyes. He knew he would be grateful to Charity forever for this small gesture. Sofia dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief, and Noah was certain there was not a dry eye in the church.
When Charity drew near him, the scent of her perfume reached out to enthrall him.
The ceremony began and the words flowed over Charity.
"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
"I do." Jason's voice was firm. It was the first time Noah had actually noticed that Jason was there. He was glad for Charity's sake, and when Jason winked at him, he was grateful she had chosen him to give her away. Jason, more than anyone else, knew the entire situation and was friend to both of them.
Charity looked up into the blue of Noah's eyes and spoke her promise from the depths of her soul. She felt her hand in his strong one and the small pressure as he slid the ring onto her finger.
When Noah bent to kiss her, his lips were gentle, caressing. Then he was taking her hand and tucking it beneath his arm, and they faced the congregation and the world as man and wife.
"You'll never get away from me now, my lady," Noah whispered. Charity's spirit soared as they walked back down the aisle and then to their waiting carriage.
Noah was dancing with his sister, and she broke into his thoughts with a teasing laugh. He had to smile in return. It was totaly impossible for him to keep his eyes off Charity as she whirled about the floor with Jason.
"I have never known a party to take so long. What is an acceptable amount of time before we can leave?"
"At least another hour," Kat tormented, pleased with Noah's groan of dismay. "Impatient?"
"About to do something drastic," he admitted.
"Maybe I can help," she said, then laughed again at his suspicious look. "Why don't I propose the final toast and wish you both long life and happiness . . . just after I whisper to one of the servants to have your coach brought around?"
"Kat, I would be forever in your debt."
"I'll remind you of that."
"I don't doubt it for a minute," he replied dryly.
"Then, go dance with your wife . . . again."
"My pleasure," Noah laughed. The music ended and he delivered Kathy to their mother's side, then went seeking his bride before another handsome male swept her away.
When Charity smiled up at him and his arm was about her waist, he felt a jolt of desire that surprised even him. He'd wanted Charity from the day he had met her, but his imagination had not prepared him for the reality of her in his arms. He knew a feeling of fierce protectiveness, combined with joy that she was his to love and to share the rest of his life with.
"Happy?"
"If I were any happier I would fly. Noah, you are so good to me. I want to make you as happy as I am. I want to make certain you never regret that you married me."
"Regret?" Noah replied, his eyes warm as he gazed down into hers. "You and I have just sworn vows that have made us one. They're sacred to me. I want you to know that from this day on there is nothing, no word, no act, no problem, that we cannot share with each other. Above all else you are the most important, most valuable part of my life, and I would surrender my life to protect yours. What you would share, by word or deed, with me would be a trust I would never betray. I love you very much, Charity."
Charity could not hold back the tears that glistened on her cheek. She felt a combination of happiness and misery that wrenched her heart. There were no words to tell Noah how she felt at this moment, for words were inadequate to express her overwhelming
love for this strong and handsome man who had opened his arms, his love, and his life to her.
''I did not mean to make you cry, love," Noah said softly. He danced her to a corner of the room while Kathy proposed the final toast. Then he bent to kiss his bride gently. "I don't ever want to see you cry again," he said, smiling. "If you're willing, it's time for us to go. It's almost a two-hour ride, and Kat has arranged for our coach to be outside. Are you ready?"
"Yes, oh, yes." She brushed the last tear from her cheek and smiled. "Where are we going, to the country estate?"
"No, too many servants. Where we're going is a surprise. Do you mind if I keep it a secret for a while longer?"
/> Charity shook her head. "Noah, it doesn't really matter to me where we go. I . . . I just want to be with you." Her cheeks flushed, but her eyes met his honestly. Noah ached with the need to hold her. He took her in his arms again and kissed her.
From a distance Gregory watched the happy couple. The smile on his face might have given both Noah and Charity second thoughts had they seen it. Anne Ferrier stood beside him.
"Leading him by the nose," she said scathingly. "I think she was leading you by the nose. What of all your plans now?"
"You needn't worry about my plans. I will take care of little Charity's betrayal. The packet has not been decoded or we would know, so she hasn't told her dear husband the truth."
A white-hot rage filled Gregory as he watched Char-
ity. He had expressed his congratulations to them both, and had watched with some pleasure as a shadow of fear appeared in Charity's eyes.
But he had been smooth and calm, and with satisfaction he had seen the fear die and relief take its place. Had she thought she could betray him so easily? Had she truly believed he would forgive and forget? She was wrong, he thought with murderous intensity, very wrong. He would take care of these two lovebirds with one blow.
Let them be happy, let them have their honeymoon, and let them lower their guard. When the time was right, Charity would give him what he wanted. He knew just how to guarantee that.
Noah and Charity were in the coach and on their way. Leaning back comfortably in the corner, Noah drew Charity close to him. With a sigh of pleasure she relaxed in his arms and rested her head against his chest. She said nothing as he lifted her hand and pressed a light kiss in her palm, then began to gently kiss each finger.
"Were you disappointed in the number of guests I chose to invite?"
"Why ever should I be disappointed," she said a bit mischievously, "as long as you weren't?"
She heard the rumble of his deep chuckle, and then he tipped her chin to lift her face to him. "If you're suggesting that I sent a special invitation to Anne Ferrier, you're far off the mark. Mother felt obligated. I haven't set eyes on the woman since I met you." He pressed the tips of her fingers to his lips. "And you,