He reminded himself the wiser course of action would be to reject this utterly mad notion of wedding Felicia and return to his original plans for Lucinda’s future. The prudent response was to admit, to himself, and then aloud, that he was jesting about making Felicia his bride.
But it had been a lie when he’d told her earlier they were not well suited. The truth was they got on well, very well, and he had grown weary of pretending he wanted anything other than having Felicia for his very own.
“I am amenable to discussing your offer,” he finally said. “That we be wed.”
“Yes! I will marry you.” Felicia raced to stand in front of him, her eyes shining, as if he had answered every single one of her prayers. “I will do all in my power to make you happy.”
Hugh’s heart beat rapidly at how quickly he had brought her joy. He also tamped down the surge of passion that she had elicited all too easily. He managed a stiff nod. “And I shall do the same for you.”
She pinched his arm. “There is no need for your stuffiness, Hugh. This is a joyous occasion, though I cannot believe I must remind you of that.”
He glared at her, rubbing the sore spot she had just inflicted. “While you have just reminded me I have lost the last hold on my sanity, agreeing to marry a hellion such as you. I cannot imagine why—”
The parlor door slammed open, followed by squeals and the delighted sounds of “Papa! Papa!”
***
Felicia gasped. She could scarce believe her eyes, or her ears, for the adorable little girl had clearly called Hugh “Papa”.
Since Hugh had never been wed, the child had obviously been born without benefit of clergy.
Felicia’s heart pounded a little bit harder. She was nearly as dizzy as when she had first come to Hugh’s house, even more lightheaded than when she’d been in his embrace.
How had she not known about his child?
“Lucinda,” Hugh said in a stern parental voice. “While it may be a vain hope, I believe one day you will heed my words about leaving the nursery… Never mind.” An expression of pure indulgence transformed his face. “We shall deal with that later.”
“Yes, Papa.”
Felicia hid her amazement at seeing Hugh in the unexpected role of doting father. She also covered up a smile. She had the feeling his admonition would be repeated many times in the future, without success.
“Since you are here,” he continued, “I would like you to meet my—very good friend, Lady Felicia.” Hugh inhaled and then said, “Felicia, this is my daughter, Lucinda.”
He stared at Felicia, his chin raised defiantly, as if expecting her to condemn him, or his daughter. Felicia already loved him madly, but now she was even more in love because of his fierce protectiveness of his child.
“Hello, Lucinda,” she said, her voice softening as soon as she saw Hugh’s features in the little girl’s face.
Lucinda giggled, twisting her hands together while standing next to her father. “You’re pwetty.”
“Thank you.” Felicia knelt, to keep from towering over the girl. Lucinda scurried over, gazing fearlessly into Felicia’s face.
“Can I tell you a secret?”
“Of course,” Felicia answered, her gaze pinned on Hugh. “I adore secrets.”
Hugh made a choking noise as he tugged at his cravat.
Lucinda tossed a glance at her father before cupping her hands around Felicia’s ear, tickling her with the whispered words.
Felicia couldn’t hold back her grin. “Miss Lansdale is actually a very nice person. But,” she added in a lowered voice, “I can see why she might frighten you.”
Hugh ahemed. The girl scampered over to him, and he bent down and picked her up without hesitation. Felicia’s heart melted anew. They were such an adorable pair.
“Papa, can I have her—” Lucinda jabbed a pudgy finger in Felicia’s direction. “—as my new mama? Instead of that other one?”
Felicia chuckled while Hugh clearly did his best not to groan.
“We were just discussing something in that vein, poppet. Why don’t you return to the nursery so we can finish our conversation.”
Lucinda frowned as she looked at Hugh, clearly ready to argue. He merely raised one eyebrow, but it was enough for her to give up her rebellious stance. She gave his cheek a wet kiss and then scrambled out of his arms.
“Bye, Papa. Bye, Lady Fleesha.” In the next instant she was out the door.
“What a surprise-filled day this has turned out to be,” Felicia said.
“Indeed,” Julian said, startling both of them. He had been standing in the corner, watching the proceedings without comment. “It seems there is a great deal more we need to know.”
“I disagree,” Felicia replied, happier than she had ever believed possible. “I have all the information I require.”
***
Hugh watched as Felicia barreled past Julian, grabbing her brother’s arm and dragging him through the doorway. He could hear her joyous laughter and excited chatter as she and Julian entered the carriage. Hugh strolled to the bay window, just to see one last glimpse of her, drawn to her despite his internal warnings to stay away.
She must have sensed him watching, because in the next instant she tilted her head through the open window of the carriage and bestowed the most glorious smile on him.
It was like a kick in the gut, similar to one she’d landed as a child when he had teased her unmercifully.
He was unable to resist her, or her charms, no matter what counsel he gave himself.
And after her easy acceptance of Lucinda…
That had been his undoing. Felicia had welcomed his daughter without a hint of reservation. She was the one woman he had considered completely inappropriate to be his child’s mother, yet Lucinda had taken to her instantly.
He finally lifted his hand in a half-hearted wave, like a lovesick schoolboy pining after the object of his affection.
Felicia blew a kiss and mouthed the words “I love you” before ducking back inside the carriage. The driver slapped the reins against the horses and the carriage raced down the pea-gravel driveway.
Hugh rested his hand on the edge of a nearby wing chair. How quickly passion had trumped his judgment. He tried to tell himself he had made this choice for Lucinda’s benefit, but that was not at all true. He had already agreed to the wedding before Lucinda had charged into the room.
Perhaps he was more like his parents than he wanted to admit.
That made him grip the chair a little harder, his fingers digging into the brocade fabric. He would have to disprove that unsettling notion by fighting off his impossible attraction for this woman.
Yet if he could not keep his wits about him during the brief moments when Felicia was near, what would he do once she was his wife?
Chapter 12
“You are certain you are not disappointed?” Felicia asked her aunt once more. “I know you have always anticipated my wedding would be a big society event at St. George’s, not this small affair at home.”
“Of course I am not disappointed.” Great-Aunt Aurore stopped her fussing with the sleeve of Felicia’s wedding gown. “I am overjoyed to finally attend your nuptials, which I can do now that a fast carriage is not involved.”
Felicia chuckled. “Cousin Tony is still taking wagers that one will be.”
“Well, if there is, let me know so I can place a bet too.” Great-Aunt Aurore laughed. “Just to supplement my pin money.”
Felicia gave her aunt’s hand an affectionate squeeze. “I can hardly convince everyone that Flighty Felicia is no more when my own family is betting the opposite.”
“Pay no mind to that. You know how happy we all are. I have waited a long time for this day.” Great-Aunt turned her attention to Felicia’s hair. “Not quite as long as for my own wedding day, of course.”
“I do not have the patience you possess, Great-Aunt. I do not know how you can bear it.”
“It has gotten much easier over time,” her aunt admitted c
heerfully.
Felicia nearly choked. “I also cannot wait several decades for my one true love to discover he cares for me. I am happy Hugh agreed to be wed. But I cannot help but wonder why he did not fall in love with me already, as Frederick did with you.”
Great-Aunt began to fuss with a stray curl of Felicia’s hair, although Felicia pretended she did not recognize it as a stalling technique. “Curses are rather unpredictable. As we both know.”
“Indeed. I could not have guessed I would commence this marriage with a ready-made family.” She glanced across the room at Lucinda, standing next to Hugh and visibly excited at being included in the day’s event. “I fell instantly in love with Lucinda too, but it’s daunting to realize I know nothing about being a parent.”
“Oh, nobody does, dear. That is why everyone hires nurses and tutors and others who know more about this than we ever will.” Great-Aunt Aurore stepped back a pace to give one last admiring look at Felicia’s ensemble. “Lucinda does remind me of you at that age. Although you were twice the minx she is, and I managed your upbringing just fine.”
“Julian will be crushed when he hears you say that,” Felicia said with a laugh. “He has despaired of both of us for many years.”
Her aunt’s eyes sparkled, most likely with tears of happiness. “And it is not as if you are hieing off to Scotland or an estate in the Caribbean. I shall always be here to come to your aid. So do not fret, about anything. Today you will be wed to your one true love.”
Felicia gave her aunt a fervent hug.
Julian ambled over, to let them know the ceremony should commence soon. Before Felicia could answer, she felt a tug on the lower portion of her dress. She looked down to see Lucinda standing there, gazing up at Julian.
“What’s wrong with her eye?” he whispered to Felicia.
“She is trying to give you a wink,” Felicia whispered back. “I believe she has developed a tendre for you.”
There was another tug on her dress. This time Lucinda’s arms were crossed over her chest, a dark expression on her face.
“You look quite like your father right now,” Felicia commented.
Lucinda looked up at Julian, and then back at Felicia.
“Ahhh.” She managed to hide a laugh behind her gloved hand. “Julian, I believe Lucinda wishes to speak with you.”
Julian knelt so he would not be so imposing to the little girl. All at once she was the shy miss, twisting her fingers together, her head ducked down. He chuckled and lifted one of her hands to his lips. “Hello, Lucinda. It is a pleasure to see you today.”
She blushed, and Felicia could not contain her amazement. The little girl was rarely shy, but she was doing a fine job of it now.
“You are pretty,” she blurted.
“Not half as pretty as you,” Julian answered smoothly.
Hugh joined them just then, his eyes twinkling as he took in immediately what was happening. He scooped his daughter into his arms. “Are you attempting to wrap him around your finger too? I must warn you, she is angling for her own pony, and apparently is not above trying to get one from you since her Papa continues to deny her request.”
“Is this true, Lucinda?” Julian clutched at his heart. “You have wounded me.”
She giggled at his theatrics. In the next instant, Lucinda held her father’s face in her hands while she whispered in his ear. Hugh’s slow smile was a delicious thing to behold. “Your Grace, we would like to invite you to tea sometime next week, when your schedule permits.”
Lucinda kept her head against her father’s shoulder, peering at Julian when she thought he might not notice.
“I would be delighted,” Julian said. “I shall make myself available whenever it suits you.”
“We should begin soon,” Great-Aunt Aurore reminded them.
Hugh set Lucinda down, and she took Great-Aunt’s hand, chattering as if they were the oldest of friends while they went to be seated.
Julian raised his eyebrows, silently asking if Felicia was intent on proceeding.
In the past, her doubts about the gentlemen she had chosen to elope with had made themselves known just in time for her to change course.
If she wanted to cry off, to escape from her nuptials, that moment was now, before the ceremony commenced.
Felicia felt her pulse slow down, beating with the same purpose as the evening she had fallen instantly in love. The sun shining through the windows appeared suddenly brighter. The scents of the flowers decorating the parlor intensified.
Felicia turned away from her brother to look at Hugh. She had wanted a declaration of love from this handsome, elegant man to whom she was plighting her troth. She knew his feelings might never progress beyond his long-standing affection for her. She also knew that no one had ever caused those wicked and delicious stirrings within her—only Hugh had done that.
He was the only man who ever would.
“Second thoughts?” Hugh asked. His tone was light and teasing, but there was a small crease in his forehead, as if he was not sure she would carry through with the wedding.
His unvoiced concerns actually erased hers. She would spend the entirety of their married life wearing down his resistance to her love, whatever it might prove to be.
She would commence this very evening, on their wedding night. She barely stifled a shiver of excitement.
“Second thoughts? Of course not. I am merely thinking of the wedding breakfast that awaits us.”
“Come then.” Hugh placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. “We cannot have you fainting from hunger.”
She laughed and then pinched his arm, lightly. “For luck.”
Hugh pretended to scowl. Julian chuckled and gave Felicia a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving to join the rest of the family members.
Hugh gazed at her for several breathtaking moments, drinking in every detail. “I have never seen a more beautiful bride.”
She felt herself heating at the blatant admiration in his eyes. “And you are the most handsome groom in all the land.”
He flashed her a grin. “You are quite the expert on that topic, as we know.”
“Indeed,” she said. “So you can be certain I am not filling your head with simple flattery.” She chuckled. “Although you may have noticed your daughter believes Julian is much prettier than you.”
“I may have to call him to task for that, stealing her affections. She once thought her Papa was the prettiest man alive.”
“He still is,” Felicia whispered.
“What is that?”
But she had no time to answer, for the cleric was opening his book, ready to commence the wedding service for which Felicia had waited her entire life.
***
Aphrodite dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “I do so adore weddings. And this one was absolute perfection.”
“Indeed. It was refreshing that both of them stayed until the vows were completed.”
She swatted at Ares playfully. “Did you see how he could not tear his eyes from her throughout the ceremony? That man is completely besotted, whether or not he wants to admit it.”
Ares smiled, wiping away a stray tear from Aphrodite’s cheek. “I am glad you persuaded me to stay.”
“I did worry we might not find a way into this private venue,” Aphrodite admitted, “without being exposed as intruders. But that is another benefit to being deities. We can do as we please while the mortals remain completely unaware of our comings and goings.”
“Which reminds me—I am still puzzling out why the bride’s horse was so averse to us that day in the park. It could have ended in disaster.”
Aphrodite clucked her tongue. “Perhaps the animal was merely following my instructions. I must be the one who incites these events or I am nothing more than a Greek chorus, relating what has already transpired.”
Ares chuckled. “Your methods this time are quite different. I am rather proud of you.”
She tried not to preen in the face of his prais
e, but it was difficult. She opened her mouth to add something flirtatious, but then Ares slowly raised his eyebrow. She knew exactly what he was asking without him even uttering the words.
“Darling, must we go? I wish to see the happy couple as they embark on this new phase in their romance. It would delight me immensely.”
“You know I cannot withhold that from you.”
“And I would not want to withhold anything from you.”
He laughed as he pulled her into his embrace. “You would do so if it accomplished your aims.”
“Then you must see to it that you are always my aim.”
He lowered his lips to hers for a kiss. “I shall do just that.”
Chapter 13
Felicia paced the carpet of her bedchamber, relishing the lush fabric against her bare feet. She fussed with the neckline of her nightrail, tugging it down and then after glimpsing it in the mirror, pulling it back up.
When would Hugh arrive? She glanced again at the connecting door. She knew for certain he was in his bedchamber, most likely preparing himself for this evening.
What did men wear for bedclothes anyway?
She had asked Great-Aunt Aurore, but the woman was as uninformed as Felicia was. She did not want to ask Julian, for it might have disconcerted him to think of the realities of this evening involving his sister.
She began pacing again. She knew some of what to expect between a man and a woman, thanks to some books she had discovered tucked away in Julian’s library. There would doubtless be a lot more stirrings involved, but beyond that, it remained a mystery.
Which is why she had no idea whether her husband would appear in a robe, or a less formal version of his daily wear, or just what precisely. It began to seem that he might not show at all.
A nearby candle flickered. She looked expectantly at the connecting door, but it remained shut. Apparently the candle had reacted to an errant breeze.
She strode towards the connecting door. If Hugh was not in a hurry to come to her bedchamber, there was nothing to stop her from appearing in his. She had no reason to play the shy miss. It was not her style, not at all.
And Hugh would be wise to remember that about his wife.
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