With one final, calming breath, Evelyn turned to see Xavier heading towards her. His eyes landed on her, and he gave a brief smile before nodding at Robin. Evelyn stared at the man who was soon to be her husband. The hair at his temples had been twisted into a row of thin braids, pulled to the nape of his neck and tied with a ribbon along with the rest of his hair. It glinted in the afternoon sunlight, shining white. A dark blue doublet embroidered with silver adorned his chest, while brown breeches covered his legs, barely hiding the muscles that rippled with each step. Boots of supple leather covered his calves and a sword hung at his side.
Her eyes drifted to the group of people who had accompanied him, and for a moment the breath froze in her lungs. Every one of the men shared Xavier’s strong and muscular build, and not one of them appeared to be past middle age – in fact, most appeared far younger. Her eyes fixed on one man, who must have been Xavier’s father. Although his physical appearance was no more intimidating than the others, he held himself in a way that suggested he was the group’s leader. Unlike Xavier, he had eyes that were all gold, and his hair was a light tawny color. The woman at his side was beautiful, with dark hair and fine features, while beside her stood the only other woman in the group. She too was beautiful, even more so, with long golden hair. Robin had stepped back to join the others, nodding at them in greeting, but despite his own muscular build he looked out of place amongst them.
Evelyn dragged her eyes back to Xavier, and he cocked his eyebrow at her with a wry smile.
“There will be time for introductions later,” he said, taking her hand. “For now, let’s get this over with.”
He led her up the stairs to the priest, who stood silently at the door.
“I thought you had gotten cold feet,” Evelyn whispered.
He glanced down at her, his expression serious. “If I had decided to withdraw, I would have given you proper notice, not left you standing at the church in humiliation.” A faint smile softened his expression. “But I’m an honorable man, even if I’m not respectable. I do not withdraw once I’ve entered an agreement.”
She turned her gaze back to the priest, who was clearing his throat. “Dearly beloved,” he began.
The vows were given quickly – too quickly, Evelyn thought as panic suddenly rose in her chest. She stared at the ring Xavier slid over her finger – a band of gold with a large oval sapphire, beautiful in its simplicity. Xavier’s thumb stroked her hand as he bent to her ear. “It will be all right, Evelyn. I promise I will do what I can to ensure you don’t regret this union.”
She glanced at him, surprised at his perceptiveness and calmed by his words. “Thank you,” she whispered back as the priest led them into the church for the mass. It only took a moment, and soon they were back outdoors.
“The bride and groom,” the priest announced to the small group. Robin and Suzanna both cheered, while the others smiled silently. The woman with the golden hair stepped forward, a man at her side.
“Welcome to the family, Evelyn,” the woman said. “My name is Lydia.” This close, Evelyn could see that her eyes were golden and her smile was warm and welcoming. “And this is my husband, Lleland.”
“Congratulations, Mistress,” Lleland said with a slight bow.
“These are my parents,” Xavier said.
“Your parents?” Evelyn stared at the couple before her, who looked to be only a few years older than Xavier. Surely Xavier did not mean biological parents.
“It’s true,” Lydia said, reading her confusion. “The mountain air where we live gives us the complexion of youth.”
“I see.” Actually, Evelyn didn’t understand at all. She bit her lip, wondering what fantasy world she had just fallen into.
“There’s someone else I want you to meet,” Xavier said, taking her hand. He led her to the man she had seen earlier. “This is my grandfather, Aaron.”
“Grandfather?” Evelyn said faintly.
Aaron smiled. “This must all be rather shocking, Mistress, especially on your wedding day, but we are glad to welcome you into our family, and wish you many years of happiness.” His gaze darted to Xavier for a moment before returning to her. “You could say we drink from the fountain of youth.”
“Your mother believes Aaron is my uncle,” Xavier said. “It’s probably not a good idea to tell her otherwise.”
Evelyn nodded, her mind spinning as she took Xavier’s outstretched arm and allowed him to lead her down the road. The wedding celebration was to be held at Jackson Hall, the home of Robin and Suzanna. Edith, their mother, was too unwell to witness the exchanging of vows, Robin had explained earlier, but she insisted that she and her husband Alan be allowed the privilege of hosting the celebration of her only nephew. As a wine merchant, Alan Jackson had a well-supplied hall, and the Seatons had agreed that it was a good plan.
“What do you think of your new family?” Robin asked, falling into step beside her. Evelyn glanced at Xavier, who was talking to Suzanna, before replying.
“I’m feeling rather overwhelmed.”
Robin nodded. “I know what you mean. But they are good people.”
They turned into a courtyard behind a row of shops, and Xavier led Evelyn up a flight of wooden stairs. A door at the landing opened into a hall, already bustling with serving staff. It was large, with high ceilings and oak-paneled walls carved with vines and grapes. At the far end of the hall behind the main table was a screen, behind which music could be heard.
“The newly married couple,” someone called, and through the gloomy depths Evelyn saw a woman shuffling towards them, her face wreathed with smiles.
“Hello, Aunt Edith,” Xavier said. “Let me introduce my bride, Evelyn.”
“Evelyn! How lovely to meet you, dear. Come in, come in. Everything is ready. I never believed I would see my nephew married! After all, I only met him for the first time a few months ago.” Edith linked her arm through Evelyn’s, dragging her away from Xavier. “Your table is at the far end, so head on down. And to think that we have the privilege of having you here! Lleland and Lydia will be seated beside you. Lleland’s my brother you know. Older by a few years. Not that you’d ever know it! Mountain air and water. Pfft! That’s what they tell me.” She leaned closer. “They think I believe that nonsense, but I know better. But here we are. Sit down.” She pushed Evelyn into a chair and collapsed down beside her. “Phew, give me a few moments to catch my breath.”
“Here, Mother, a little wine to help you,” Suzanna said, stepping up beside them with a glass which she handed to Edith. “Why don’t I help you to your seat?” She wrapped her arms around Edith’s waist and helped her rise, leading her slowly to a nearby table.
Xavier took the newly vacated chair and gave Evelyn a smile.
“It must be overwhelming, meeting so many new people at once.”
“It is. And your family is … surprising,” she finished lamely.
“You’ll get used to them.”
From the back of the hall, Mother’s strident voice could be heard ringing through the room. “I should be sitting at the main table with the bride.” Evelyn looked up to see her remonstrating with Lydia. “I am her mother.”
Lydia made some response, but they were too far away for Evelyn to hear what she said. Xavier patted her hand.
“Lydia will take care of her,” he said.
More people entered the hall, and Xavier excused himself, leaving her alone at the table. She watched as he headed to a group of newcomers, a smile on his face. They had not been at the church, and there were several woman in the group; one stepped forward, and Xavier wrapped his arms around her with a grin. He said something, and the woman smiled as she patted his face. A man slapped his back, and Xavier pulled away with a laugh.
There was a sound beside her, and Evelyn looked up to see Suzanna slipping into the chair Xavier had vacated.
“How does it feel to be a married woman?” she asked.
“No different from being single,” Evelyn said dryly,
her gaze returning to Xavier.
“I think that’s more of his family. All on his mother’s side, of course. I’m sure once the celebrations are over, you will have his complete attention.”
Evelyn knew better, but she remained silent, keeping these thoughts to herself. She felt very out of place amongst all these strangers, and she was grateful for Suzanna’s company. A young girl ran over to the table, skidding to a halt a short distance away.
“Hello,” she said. “I’m Bella. I’m your new cousin. Do you want to dance?”
“Bella!” Suzanna remonstrated. “Not now.”
“Actually, I’d love to dance.” Evelyn stepped from behind the table and held her hands out to the girl. Standing near the screen, they clasped hands and danced a few steps, laughing. A few moments passed before Suzanna rose with a sigh and joined them, and Evelyn smiled. It felt good to do this with people who seemed so normal.
Xavier returned to the table when the food was served, sharing jokes with Robin, who sat at his side. Fine meats and savory pies were followed by roasted fowl and summer fruits. The room was warm, and Evelyn wiped her brow and gulped her wine as she talked to Suzanna. As the meal ended, both Aaron and Lleland toasted the couple, welcoming Evelyn to the family, before instructing the guests to move the tables for dancing. Only the main table remained as the floor was cleared and people began to form a large circle. With another gulp of wine, Evelyn followed Xavier onto the floor as the music changed to one of the popular dance carols. The room was growing even warmer, if that was possible, and Evelyn could feel beads of sweat gathering on her brow. When she started growing lightheaded she returned to the table, eager to catch her breath and quench her thirst. She watched Xavier as he danced and laughed with his family. She longed for Juliana, but there had not been enough time even to send her notice of the wedding. She took another sip of wine.
“You’re looking flushed, dear,” Lydia said, joining her at the table. “Are you quite well?”
“I’m fine.” Evelyn smiled. “This room is so hot.”
“Perhaps you need some air.”
“Just a few moments to catch my breath.” She took another long drink and rose to her feet. “Back to the dance floor,” she said. She interposed herself between two men, laughing as they moved with her around the dancing circle. She didn’t recognize them, but then, she recognized so few people at her wedding. The dancing continued, a whirling mass of movement and sound, and Evelyn could barely remain on her feet when Xavier made his way to her side.
“It grows late,” he said. “Are you ready to return home?”
“Home?” she said. “Yes, let’s go home and do what has to be done!” she laughed, and Xavier bent his head to her ear.
“I think you’ve had a little too much to drink,” he said. “I hope I haven’t married a souse.”
“Definitely not,” she said with as much dignity as she could muster, but the effect was ruined when she giggled.
Xavier slipped an arm behind her thighs and lifted her from the floor. “Put me down,” she insisted, but he shook his head.
“You’re in no state to walk. Now say goodbye, and we’ll be on our way.”
She gave a gracious wave to the people who had turned to watch them in amusement. “Sank you for coming,” she said. “Bye!” She giggled, twisting her head to look at Robin as Xavier carried her from the hall.
It was dark outside, the moon offering only a tiny sliver of light as they walked. She dropped her head against Xavier’s chest. It was bare, and she vaguely wondered when he had taken off his shirt and doublet. They seemed to be moving very fast, but then everything seemed to be swimming around her. She slipped from Xavier’s arms a short while later as he placed her on her feet, his arm around her waist holding her steady. They were already outside Uncle’s house, she realized with surprise. Xavier pushed open the door and Evelyn blinked in the sudden light.
“So you’re back,” she heard Mother say, and Evelyn looked around blearily, smiling when she saw Mother standing at the stairs. She hadn’t seen her leave the celebration.
“Hello, Mother,” Evelyn said with a smile and a wave.
“She’s drunk,” Mother said, disgust heavy on her voice.
“Don’t be silly, Mother, I’m not drunk.”
“Let’s get you to bed,” Xavier said, wrapping his arms around her once more. “Which way?”
Evelyn lifted her head to see they were already in the upstairs passage. She pointed at a door.
“This one?” he asked, stopping outside.
She frowned, thinking. “Um, yes.”
He pushed it open and she was relieved to see they were in the right room. Xavier laid her on the bed and she felt him loosening the laces of her gown before she closed her eyes and drifted into oblivion.
Chapter 22
Evelyn opened her eyes, then immediately closed them again with a groan. Her head pounded and her eyes felt as though they were covered in sand. She placed her hands on her forehead to soothe the ache, glad that they were cool enough to offer some relief.
“Here, drink this,” a voice said, and Evelyn opened her eyes to narrow slits to see Nan hovering over her with a glass.
“I feel terrible,” she rasped.
“That’s what happens when you drink too much,” Nan said wryly.
“I didn’t drink too much,” Evelyn said indignantly.
“You didn’t even stir when I removed your clothes,” Nan said. “Your husband had to help me lift you.” Evelyn glanced quickly around the room. “He’s not here,” Nan said.
Evelyn dropped her head back to the pillow as the events of the previous day came rushing back. She was a married woman. What did Xavier think of her? Shame wound through her belly before another thought occurred. Had he done things to her while she lay in a drunken stupor? Gingerly, she ran her hands down her stomach to her legs, but everything felt the same as before. She frowned – how would a woman who has lain with her husband feel?.
“Your husband left as soon as you were properly in bed,” Nan said, her sharp eyes not missing Evelyn’s movements. “He said he would return this morning once you were feeling a bit better.”
“I spent my wedding night alone?” Evelyn said with a snort. Xavier, of course, had acted like a gentleman. She could just imagine what he thought of her now. She groaned and closed her eyes, but Nan placed an arm behind her back and lifted her to a sitting position.
“You must drink this,” she urged.
“What is it?”
“It will help you feel better.” Evelyn stared into the cup, wrinkling her nose at the foul-smelling liquid. She glanced at Nan, who nodded grimly. “Swallow it all in one gulp.”
She held the cup away from her nose and took a deep breath, then brought it to her lips and threw back the contents. It tasted as disgusting as it looked, and she handed Nan the cup with a grimace.
“That is truly vile,” she said.
“Consider it your just reward for over-indulging in wine.”
Evelyn shuddered. “I’ll not let another drop pass my lips.”
By the time she was dressed and her hair had been brushed, she had to admit that the cure had worked. She was already feeling much better.
When she headed downstairs Xavier had not returned. She paused at the bottom of the stairs when she saw Mother seated at the dining table. She took a bracing breath, pasted on a smile and crossed the hall.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Mother said. Evelyn flushed, but managed to keep her head high. There was a sound behind her.
“Do not speak to my wife that way,” Xavier said. Evelyn spun around to look at him in surprise.
“You’ve returned,” she whispered.
He placed a hand on her back. “I was just outside. I thought you might need some moral support,” he said with a significant glance at her mother.
“Thank you.”
“Did you sleep well?”
She flushed, ashamed, and he laughed soft
ly. “There’s no need to be embarrassed. You found yourself out of your depth, and I should have been more attentive.”
“It was very hot in the hall.”
He grinned. “That, too.”
“And the wine was very strong.”
“I suppose so. My uncle is a wine merchant, so he only offered the best.”
He steered her towards the table and drew out a seat. Mother glared at them both, but strangely, remained silent. Uncle, she noticed, was nowhere to be seen.
The rich food on the table looked especially unappetizing this morning. Xavier reached for a bowl of nuts and placed some on her plate. “These will help,” he said under his breath.
She gave him a grateful look and began nibbling on his offering. They didn’t nauseate her, which was a good thing.
“I will be leaving this morning,” Mother said.
“Leaving?” Evelyn said in surprise.
“I must return home. My other children have more need of me than you, now that you’re married.”
“How did you travel here?” Xavier asked.
Mother lifted her chin. “I took the stage.”
“I will arrange a more comfortable ride to take you home.”
“There’s no need,” she said haughtily.
“Nevertheless, I insist. I cannot allow my wife’s parent to travel in such discomfort.”
Mother’s eyes narrowed as her gaze clashed with Xavier’s and she stared at him a moment before pulling her gaze away. “Very well.”
She swept from the room, and Xavier turned his attention to Evelyn. “How are you feeling?”
She smiled ruefully. “You must have a terrible opinion of your new wife. I have never been inebriated before. But Nan made me drink some foul concoction, and I feel much better now.”
“Good. Then I will leave you for a short while to attend to your mother’s travel arrangements, but when she has gone, perhaps you would enjoy a walk?”
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