Chapter 23
Ashten paced before the crackling fire Gorman had lit, where his man had skinned and cut the fish he and Tidmore had caught before propping the meat over a rack to cook above the flickering flames. Smithy sat on a log he’d pulled up to the fire, and was currently whittling away on a piece of wood, fashioning it into the shape of a puppy by the looks, one strikingly similar to Beast. He nicked out tiny ears and added a wagging tail. Yes, definitely a replica of Beast.
The last of the sun’s rays lit the sky a streaky red, then the sun sank and the night closed in fully around them. Stars twinkled, dazzling the eye, although nothing could ever truly dazzle him more than the woman seated on the blanket before the fire. Ellie had crossed her legs under her burgundy skirts, her hands busy as she carefully threaded her daisy chain together. His daisy chain. He’d won it fair and square by catching more fish than Tidmore.
Tidmore sat close to her, his brown trouser-clad legs kicked out and crossed at the ankle, his gaze fastened on Ellie’s creation. His new business partner, a man he both admired and hated, still stood in his way of capturing Ellie back, and right now his window of opportunity was dwindling by the hour. He needed to make tonight count—which he would.
“Lizzy used to make daisy chains.” Sad, yet softly spoken words from Tidmore.
“She did?” Ellie raised one perky golden brow.
“Yes, and she used to gift them to my brother. I pinched one of them once.” The man’s gaze softened, as if memories had surged forth this night. “I placed it inside the pages of one of my favorite books. I still have it.”
“Who’s Lizzy?” Beyond curious, he couldn’t withhold his question.
“Thomas’s sister-in-law,” Ellie answered him as she threaded another daisy into place. “Lizzy married his older brother, only she passed away in childbirth.”
“Oh, I see.” He cast his gaze to Tidmore. “I apologize and offer my sincere condolences. Was the loss recent?”
“No, but sometimes it feels so.”
“Yes, the loss of loved ones isn’t easy, no matter how much time has passed.” Even though only five when he’d lost his parents, at times it felt as if it were yesterday when he’d waved farewell to them from the front step of Blackgale Park. Certainly, he had no intention of losing any more of his loved ones, and that included Ellie. Somehow and some way, he’d make sure she was his by the end of this excursion to Gretna Green. No other outcome, could he allow.
“The fish is cooked, Your Grace.” Gorman served the grilled fish on a large platter he’d procured from the locked box atop the coach and set the dish on the blanket where everyone could reach it.
Ellie selected a morsel first and popped it in her mouth. “Mmm, superb.” She cast an adoring gaze at Tidmore. “That piece must have been from one of the four fish you caught.”
“After that compliment, I certainly hope it was.”
She giggled and Ashten settled himself on the blanket, his thoughts tumbling into a terrible mess. He ate and filled his belly while the moon rose higher and glimmered brighter. If only his ability to secure Ellie to his side remained as equally as bright. Unfortunately, with each minute that passed, she drew farther and farther away from him, as if his advances frightened her.
Not over his dead body would he ever allow his Ellie to give another man what was his, which included all of her, heart, body and soul. Things needed to change, this very night. He’d begin by speaking with Tidmore, since his attempt at changing Ellie’s mind hadn’t altered their current position. He pushed to his feet, collected his cane and eyed his new business partner. “I’d like a word with you in private, if I may?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t mind stretching my legs one last time before we set out. Gretna Green awaits.”
“Yes, it does.” He clasped Smithy’s shoulder as he passed the driver. “Harness the horses and ready them for leaving.” To Gorman, he muttered, “Ensure Lady Ellie is settled in the coach. Tidmore and I won’t be long, and we’ll leave as soon as we return.” Done dispersing his orders, he scooped up the daisy chain Ellie had completed and looped it around his neck and with his treasure, walked into the trees toward the river with Tidmore at his side, the moon lighting their way.
Once he reached the water’s edge where he and Ellie had kissed, he turned to the man who currently called Ellie his bride-to-be and drew in a deep breath. “I’m not sure how to say this, Tidmore.”
“You love her.” Tidmore crossed his arms, his legs planted wide. “It’s clear to see, old chap.”
“I do, deeply, but she’ll never change her mind about marrying you unless you step down.”
“I understand what it’s like to lose the one you love.” Tidmore’s jaw tensed, yet compassion shimmered in his eyes. “I can also see the love you hold for her, and which she holds for you in return.”
“She’ll continue to set that love aside, particularly since she’s given you her word that she’ll speak vows with you once we reach Gretna Green. Ellie is loyal, and you currently hold her loyalty.” He thumped one hand against his heart. “I can’t live without her.”
“I’m aware that you’ve followed us for that very reason, even though she hasn’t yet come to that conclusion.” Tidmore stared up at the night sky, then eyed him again. “I’d also be a fool to steal her away from you, to try to recreate the love you two hold and claim it for myself. I’d be doing none of us a favor if I did.”
“Then I have your agreement, that you’ll step down?”
Tidmore said nothing for one excruciatingly long minute, then slowly, his business partner clapped him on the shoulder. “I have a better idea. Do you wish to hear it?”
“I certainly do.”
Chapter 24
Another three full days passed and they’d made good time reaching Dumfries and Galloway, near the mouth of the River Esk. The old blacksmith’s shop at Gretna Green shone like a beacon at the end of the road where it forked, the village rising beyond it and smoke curling into the air from the stone houses. So many runaway marriages had occurred here, where couples could join together legally provided they had two witnesses to oversee their ceremony. Ellie prayed one of the anvil priests would be ready and awaiting their arrival this night, her vows with Thomas Tidmore mere minutes away now from being spoken.
She straightened her white skirts, the empire gown her chosen wedding attire, which she’d changed into at their last stop. The neckline was low, the bodice fitted and the skirts flaring from the high waist. With her white lacy shawl draped over her shoulders, she donned her white gloves and cast her gaze out the window again. Candles burned in the front latticed windows of the blacksmith’s shop, the odd leafy tree surrounding the building shimmering in the moonlight.
Smithy knocked on the top of the coach. “We’re here, Your Grace.”
“That we are.” Ashten opened the door as the coach halted in the wide circular driveway, then he bounded down and set the footstep platform in place. He looked so smart in his tailed black jacket and fine black trousers, his white cravat knotted and her daisy chain still looped around his neck—the tiny yellow flowers having dried, their petals curled inward. He held his cane in one hand and extended his other hand to her. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Gently, she placed her hand in his, alighted from the carriage and accepted Tidmore’s arm as he alighted down too. Her future husband led her up the front steps after Ashten, who knocked on the front door for them.
“Not much longer now before we’re wed,” Tidmore whispered in her ear. “How are you feeling?”
“My heart is pounding so fast.” A little woozy again, she rested a hand on Ashten’s back where he stood in front of her and the moment she did, her head cleared a touch. His warmth penetrated through to her, then as the door swung open, she fisted his jacket to halt him from stepping inside.
“Welcome to ye all. Come in, come in. Ye be the third couple who’ve arrived this night.” A beaming blacksmith dressed in buc
kskin breeches and a black tunic with a dusty leather apron tied around his waist, motioned them inside, his shoulders as wide as the doorway itself and his legs like tree trunks.
Ashten offered her his arm as well and she grasped ahold of his forearm like a life line.
“Everything will be all right.” Ashten kissed her cheek then spoke to the anvil priest. “I’m Pierce Luke Blackgale, the Duke of Ashten, and with me is Lady Ellie Trentbury.” He motioned to Tidmore and Gorman. “Mr. Thomas Tidmore, and Mr. William Gorman.”
Ellie surveyed the main room while Ashten spoke in the blacksmith’s ear. It was cozy and warm, a fire burning in the corner and various tools hanging on the walls and from hooks over a wide workbench. The anvil, a heavy steel block with a flat top, concave sides and one end pointed, took pride of place in the center of the room, that particular tool being the one which the blacksmith used to hammer his metal into shape and which she’d soon be speaking her vows with Thomas before.
“I see ye’ve got two witnesses, Your Grace.” The blacksmith placed a bible beside his anvil and metal hammer, then set out a piece of parchment and wrote on it, a document she and Thomas would need on their return as proof that their wedding had taken place. “Do ye both come here of yer own free will?”
“We do,” all three men answered him, rather than just Thomas himself. Strange, but fine. It was good for her witnesses to have stated their acceptance of being here too.
“Good, good.” The blacksmith eyed her. “And ye, my lady. Do ye come here of yer own free will?”
“I do.” Her hands shook and her knees wobbled, so she tightened her grip on Ashten and Thomas’s arms as they stood either side of her.
“You’re doing fine, Ellie.” Tidmore gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Do ye take this man to be yer lawfully wedded husband?” the blacksmith asked her.
“I will.” Although wasn’t he supposed to ask Thomas that question first? Oh well, provided they were asked the same question, that’s all that mattered.
“Do ye take this woman to be yer lawfully wedded wife?” the blacksmith asked Ashten.
“I will.”
“Wait, Pierce, no.” She shook her head at the blacksmith. “I’m supposed to be marrying Mr. Thomas Tidmore, not the Duke of Ashten.” She pointed at Thomas to make her point clear. “Him.”
“That’s not what the duke just told me.” The blacksmith blinked, eyed Ashten, and at Ashten’s wide grin, the blacksmith broke into a beaming smile. “Verra well, Your Grace.”
“Verra well what?” she screeched, and she never ever screeched.
“I see I’m right, and you, sweet lass, are wrong.” The blacksmith picked up his hammer and with a merry voice, bellowed, “I hereby declare that Lady Ellie Trentbury and Pierce Luke Blackgale, the Duke of Ashten, are hereby man and wife. In the name o’ the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, it shall be. I wish ye both a wonderful life together.” He slammed the hammer down on the anvil, the loud clang ringing in her ears and echoing out the open window.
“You did that on purpose.” She shoved one finger into Ashten’s chest, all anxiety gone and only anger thrumming in its place. “You, you, you—wait.” She turned on Thomas and jabbed his chest too. “Did you know that was going to happen?”
“You’re just like my Lizzy, loyal and generous, and loving everyone around you and needing to be there for them. I understand your feelings for me are far different to the feelings you hold for Ashten and I could never take those feelings away, particularly when the duke holds you in such great esteem.” Thomas grasped her hands. “No matter how long we have on this great Earth, we must take ahold of love when it comes our way and keep it close. Ashten loves you, and I won’t stand in the way of that kind of true love.” He motioned to Ashten, who stood with an excited grin on his face. “You may kiss your bride, Your Grace.”
“Don’t you dare.” She wanted to take a swing at both men and lay them down flat. “I should have been consulted over this change in wedding plans.”
“Then let me consult you now.” Pierce caught her around the waist and whispered against her lips. “I love you, more than any man could ever love a woman, and now I get to call you my wife. Consider yourself shackled to a man who intends on loving you ruthlessly for the rest of your life.”
“Release me now.”
“No, I’m never releasing you again, my sweet ray of sunshine.” He covered her mouth with his and kissed her, so fiercely and so passionately that she had no hope but to respond.
Pierce had stolen her heart as a child, had never returned it in all these years, and yes, she loved him more than her next breath. She kissed him back, while Tidmore and Gorman raised the roof with their cheers.
“Are you still angry with me?” Pierce asked her, his mouth a whisper from hers.
“Yes, why didn’t you tell me you loved me before now?”
“I thought it was obvious.”
“No, it wasn’t.” She slapped his chest.
“Wait, my love.” He caught her hand before she could slap his chest a second time. “Are we having our first argument as man and wife?”
“I’d say this is our second argument, and a great deal of groveling will be required if you wish to mend both of those arguments.”
“That I can do, along with a great deal of disrespectful kisses too.” A twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes. “Do you agree?”
“Yes, that I most definitely agree with.” She grasped his lapels and drew his mouth back to hers.
He was hers, forever, and never would she let him go again.
Chapter 25
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Ellie twined her fingers with Ashten’s in the privacy of the room they’d taken at the Gretna Green village inn. “What do we do now?”
“We consummate our marriage by joining together as one.” Gaze smoldering, he dipped a finger along the low neckline of her white empire gown, her wrap draped over the corner chair where he’d tossed it and his jacket as they’d walked in. “Come closer, my sweet.”
“I’m already close enough.” Yet she swayed forward, her hips now touching his hips.
“That’s better.” He captured her lips in a scorching kiss, his body a fierce stamp of heat that pounded warmth into her.
“Perhaps we should douse the fire.” It blazed in the hearth at the end of their four-poster bed, the light of the golden flames flickering all about. “I’m already too hot.”
“My wife,” he murmured against her lips. “It’s less clothes you need to be wearing if you wish to cool down, not the fire doused.”
“You are becoming more domineering by the minute.”
“I simply want my wife naked and underneath me.” He tugged the puffy capped sleeves of her gown down to her wrists and grinned as her arms got trapped at her sides, her breasts bobbing free. With his blue gaze lifted to hers, his eyes swimming with hunger and need, he whispered huskily, “It’s time for bed.”
“Free me first.”
“Perhaps later.” He clamped her bottom and kept her tight against him then dipped his head and sucked one of her nipples deep into his mouth. “You’re so beautiful. Tell me if I go too fast, or if you’re frightened at any point. If you are, I’ll slow down.”
“You could never frighten me.” She leaned into him, his erection thrusting upward and tenting his fine black trousers. Desperate for more, she rubbed her hips against his hips, the hard length of him searing her skin through her gown. “I believe I might like fast.”
“You’re so tasty,” he moaned and drew her nipple deeper into his mouth.
Wicked and wanton tingles raced through her body and even though her arms were still trapped, she managed to wriggle one hand up high enough to cup his cock through his pants.
“Ellie Marie.” He hissed, his shaft jerking in her hand. “Clearly, I will have to keep my eyes on you.”
“Please do, and your mouth as well.” At her naughty words, his shaft lengthened even fu
rther, the tip now protruding from the waistband of his trousers underneath the hem of his shirt. A small wet patch glistened on the linen. “How is it that you keep growing, and how much bigger will your penis get?”
“It’s about at bursting point now, and never fear. We will fit together as a man and wife do, which will be perfectly. He lifted and carried her to the bed, then carefully slid her onto the soft brown fur covering, scooped her breasts together and licked across both nipples. The raspy stroke of his tongue across the sensitive tips sent a bolt of heat streaking straight through her core and she gasped for breath.
“Pierce?”
“I’m going to undress myself now.” He gave her no more warning as he eased onto his knees, pressed them into the mattress either side of her hips and unknotted his impeccably tied cravat. He tossed it across the plump white pillows propped underneath the headboard then unbuttoned his shirt and let the linen fall gently through his fingers onto the bed.
She desperately wished to caress his glorious chest, to follow the trail of dark hair disappearing below the waistband of his trousers, to touch every firm and unbending inch of him. “You must release me. I wish to touch you.”
“Soon.” He slid back down overtop of her, rubbed his chest over her incredibly sensitive breasts and made her moan.
“I need you.”
“I need you too,” he whispered as he eased up onto his elbows, gripped the loosened waistband of his trousers and shoved the black fabric down his muscled legs and off. His cock stood at full attention and brushed his belly, the rounded head darkening to a shiny raspberry color before her eyes.
Good gracious, he’d said he would fit inside her, but she wasn’t entirely certain of exactly how. Trust him though, she would.
“What’s going through your mind right now, my delectable wife?” He nudged her legs apart, lifted her gown’s white skirts to her upper thighs and knelt between them, his balls drawing tighter and higher into the nest of dark brown curls springing around his shaft.
The Duke's Bride: Regency Romance (Regency Brides Book 1) Page 16