“The moment we are married. Then you will be safe under my legal protection, Serena. Come to me, my love. I have a need to hold you close.” His lips found the soft spot below her ear and his tongue licked in circles. “My lady, you led me a merry chase. We are not far from the abbey so I cannot demonstrate my desire for you, but later, rest assured I will.”
Her smile was as intimate as a kiss. “I should hope so. I hunger for you.”
Geoffrey unhanded her, closed her cloak and stared ahead deep in contemplation. His brow furrowed, his left hand raised to his temple in a circling motion.
She touched his arm. “What is it? I see you’re worried.”
“Serena, are you sure you have told me everything? Is it possible you were…forced to service him? You look haunted.”
“I have held nothing from you. He disliked me, and he hated himself for his desire. I became something that tormented him.” She brought her hands to her chest, one hand over the other and held them close. “It was as if Trystan had returned to hurt me. I would have found a way to harm him.” Serena unclenched her hands and rested them in her lap.
“On the night, when he accosted me in a drunken stupor, that is when I defended myself. Emma saw it all and brought me a knife from the kitchen and sewed it into my dress pocket.”
Serena shook her head. “It amazes me, Geoffrey, what a person can do when there is no other choice. In secret, I practiced lunging at his throat. Only the Lord knows if I would have had the courage.” She looked out the carriage window at the passing scenery. “Thank God I never had to put it to the test. It is in my pocket now.”
He reached for her hand and held it tight. “You will have no need of it for the future. I am here to protect and love you.”
“I must put these fears to rest.”
“My dear, somehow I will wipe away those unhappy memories and fill your mind and heart with new ones of our own.”
****
The lead coach arrived at the abbey. The Saints departed and surveyed the area inside the holy place. The Prior waited at the altar for the bride and groom. They were followed by Lord Carleton and Lady Josephine.
“Prior, my bride didn’t have time to purchase a veil. Do you have something she can use to cover her head? Perhaps there is an altar cloth? I will pay well.”
The pious man nodded and left. He returned with a lace oblong cloth used for smaller altars. Geoffrey took the lace and framed Serena’s dark raven hair. He thought she never looked more beautiful than at this moment. He handed the envelope with the waiver to the robed man of God and the ceremony began.
“I got to choose my fate and it is you, my love.” His words expressed all the emotion that dwelled within his heart. “There are no regrets.”
The Prior spoke in a pious tone. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman into holy marriage. If there be any present that know a reason this couple should not be joined together, speak, or forever hold your peace.”
The holy man raised his eyes and saw no one other than the wedding guests, and he continued. “Speak after me. I, Lord Geoffrey Austen, Duke of Sutton, do take you, Lady Serena Worthington, to be my lawful wife, and with this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow. In the name of the Father, Son and of the Holy Ghost.”
Lord Geoffrey repeated each word when indicated.
Carleton handed him the ducal wedding ring. He placed it on third finger of Serena’s left hand.
The Prior addressed Serena. “Speak after me.” She repeated the wedding vows.
Carleton handed her the ring, then she placed its mate on his left hand finger.
“By the authority vested in me by God, I pronounce you man and wife.”
She gloried in the shared moment. Joy bubbled in her heart and shone in her eyes. Josephine and Emma sobbed.
The Prior gave the couple his blessing, “You may kiss the bride, your Grace.”
They faced each other and Geoffrey cupped Serena’s face in his hands. His kiss, gentle as a soft rain, caressed her lips. They turned and walked up the aisle, their glow illuminated the room.
“My lady, my wife, my friend, and my companion, my joy knows no bounds.” His eyes held hers.
Outside, Geoffrey pulled Serena’s cloak around her. “Serena, we go to my estate in Brighton where there is a small feast prepared and sufficient libations for our hungry guests to enjoy.” His face held a sly grin. “I plan to sneak you away to my upstairs chamber and there my beautiful Sultana, I shall feast upon you.”
When Geoffrey and the Saints arrived at the luxurious Brighton estate, Neville and the staff awaited the wedded couple. The household servants were introduced. Serena removed her cape but left her bridal veil on and smiled at them with warmth.
Someone had been thoughtful enough to have Adonis greet her outfitted in a white collar and bow. His tail wagged wildly when he saw her. “Sweet thing, I missed you.” She laughed when the dog licked her face—twice.
Geoffrey whispered in jest, “I missed you too, Serena. Do I get two licks?”
“All in good time, husband. You might even get three.” She winked. “I will even allow you to pick the body part.”
Geoffrey loved the brazen way his wife spoke to him as they shared this special private pleasure.
They were all seated around the banquet table with the bridal couple in the center. A musician’s trio played while they drank and dined.
When the waltz began, Geoffrey took his wife to the floor and they danced alone. “We will have a reception in London at my mother’s house to scandalize the ton. There is a messenger en-route to tell her the good news about our marriage. She will be thrilled by you. For the moment, this gala will have to do.”
“I do hope she will like me. You are my husband. How fortunate I am to call you by that title. I still cannot believe this has happened. Pinch me so I know this is real.”
“This is real, Serena. Pinching will also have to wait for later. I get to pick the body part.”
Geoffrey and Serena went through the dance motions, while their passionate glances wished them elsewhere—alone.
Geoffrey motioned for the men to seek dancing partners and join them. A well-earned relaxed and jovial air filtered through the room.
“I am Lord Cedric, Duchess.” Serena fell into his arms and her feet moved with grace even though she wore boots. “It pleased us to assist in such a risky outcome. Your husband is a lucky man.”
“Thank you, for your assistance in this dangerous endeavor.” Her smile radiated when she met her new husband’s eyes from afar. “I have a gifted rake to call my own.”
“That reputation has served him well in his work for the Saints.”
“I do not understand. How so?” Lord Cedric led her in a large circle as he lifted her to her toes.
“Now I do not declare him a saint in the biblical sense, but his notoriety has opened many a door for us,” he explained.
“I worry about the dangers your organization presents for our future. To lose him is unthinkable.” She trembled, closed her eyes for a moment.
Lord Cedric led her to a chaise lounge and they both sat. “Duchess, did he not tell you he has retired from the Saints?”
“I did not know men could retire from the organization.”
“Married men are not allowed membership because of the possible harm to their families. It should give you great pleasure that you have tamed a good and decent man.”
Serena’s smile engaged. “If that is indeed so, he must have wished to be tamed.” The beginning of a sly grin tipped the corners of her mouth.
Lord Geoffrey came up to them. “You two have been in private conversation. May I intrude?” He spoke in a jovial voice.
“My lord Duke, you could never be an in intrusion. You are and always will be my heart’s desire.”
Their eyes met and held each other. “Now you see, Cedric, why I love this woman.”
�
�Yes, I do, you rascal. But you will have to share her for a tiny bit more so we can finish the dance. You almost make me wish to seek a wife as glorious as yours.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Serena soon returned to her husband somewhat breathless. He offered her cool champagne. She accepted it, and winked playfully. “Do we stay here tonight, Geoffrey?”
“I thought we would quench our fires in my chambers. Neville will show the men to their rooms after they have drunk their fill. “Shall I have a maid see Josephine and Emma to their rooms? There is no proper female clothing, but the housekeeper purchased some bed clothes and dressing gowns.” He gave a hearty laugh.
“What is so humorous, my Duke?”
“It is difficult to describe a dress size when all I can do is show how your curves fit my hands.”
“Tell me you did not do that, Geoffrey. How wicked you are.”
“Yes. Yet you love me as I am, do you not?” He kissed her forehead and followed to the tip of her nose. “There is something upstairs, too. Balm and cloths are in your vanity. Your room adjoins mine.”
“I would say good night to the two ladies. It would not do to neglect them since they have done so much for me.”
“For us, Serena.”
“Yes, my love. For us.”
Serena arose, went to them. “I will see you in the morning at the breakfast table.” She kissed them good night.
Josephine giggled. “I learned how to dance, Serena. Oh, pardon me—it is now—your Grace. Lord Carleton has spoken to me about all your honorifics.”
“It does take getting used to.”
“Dancing is such a joy. May I stay down a little longer with Emma?”
“Yes, but not too late. You two will have a busy week ahead of you in London.” Serena’s exhaustion from the long, treacherous but wonderful day overwhelmed.
The housekeeper appeared out of nowhere. “His Grace has asked me to show you to your chambers. He will be up soon. The men want to give him one last toast.”
“Men will be men. I believe your name is Mrs. Farnsworth. Am I correct?”
The housekeeper nodded. “This way, Duchess.” As proper, she led Serena to the bedroom and opened the door. “I do hope the clothes I purchased will suit you.”
“I am confident they will be lovely, Mrs. Farnsworth. Please instruct the ladies not to stay up late. Give them twenty minutes or so and then seek them out at my request and lead them to their rooms. They are exhausted, too. Besides, I feel the men may want to tease my husband before he retires.”
“Breakfast will be buffet style and it is set up at six in the morning through eleven.”
“Mrs. Farnsworth, I will leave everything in your capable hands. I am so tired I did not ask my husband about our plans for tomorrow.”
“I shall have a maid attend you, your Grace.”
“It is appreciated.” When the door closed, she observed her new lodgings.
A knock sounded on the door. “Enter.” Serena turned as the portal opened.
“My name is Sophie. I am normally the downstairs maid, but will attend you tonight if you wish. May I say you are beautiful? His Grace is a lucky gentleman.” She curtsied and giggled.
“You have a lovely name. It will be easy to remember. If I can forego a bath, it will suffice to use a pitcher and awl. Please help me remove these dusty clothes.”
“Which of the night rails do you wish to wear?” She looked in the armoire. “I do believe this is your size.”
“It will suffice. I see there is a wrapper, too.”
She performed her ablutions in haste, fatigued yet excited—a mixture of potent emotions.
“The bell pull is on the far wall. When you need me in the morning, just tug on it and I will appear. Goodnight.” She curtsied and left.
Serena sat at the vanity, reached for the antique brush and ran it through her hair. When finished, she admired the heirloom wedding band on her finger. It held a large center diamond with variegated black and white gems. Her right hand fingered the beautiful ring. She held it up and stared. “I am a married lady, wed to a man who loves me. Imagine that.”
****
Neville entered the room, and handed Lord Geoffrey an envelope. He tore it open and read the contents. “Place it on my desk,” he instructed and returned to the jocular men.
“Is something amiss?” Carleton knew Geoffrey too well.
“No, all is as it should be, my friend.” He didn’t want to spoil his wedding night with the news that Sir Henry Worthington had been arrested by Scotland Yard officers on allegations of seditionist treason to the Crown. There would be nothing more for Serena and Geoffrey to fear from him.
“I say there, Geoffrey. If you are too tired to go up to your waiting bride, just let us know. We would be happy to assist,” Lord Kevin teased.
“You forget who I am. If you think I put us through this risky adventure to drink and sleep this night away while my wife awaits me upstairs, you wound me,” Geoffrey mocked. “Just remember I moved heaven and earth to claim her, and she is mine and mine alone.”
“Aye. It is a pity we cannot boast about this feat, but we are bound to our honor code. I am still amazed we pulled it off. It will be something we may tell our children and grandchildren one day.” Lord Sebastian winked. “If you wish to excuse yourself, we will understand. You are a lucky hound.”
“Yes, I think it is time I did. My wife sometimes sleeps at the most inopportune times, but I do not think it will be the case this night.” His wide grin spoke volumes. He rose from his chair and walked to the staircase, turned, saluted them all—and bowed. “Again, thank you for this wondrous gift you have given me—my life and my wife.”
Geoffrey climbed the steps two by two, entered his chamber and closed the door. He strode to her bedroom and found Serena standing near the fireplace, the light dancing like ballerinas on her dark tresses.
“There you are, dearest. Come into my room. Let me get out of my jacket and waistcoat; there’s something I want to show you. “Geoffrey gave her a rakish grin and extended his hand to her. “You can watch me undress.”
“Gladly,” she whispered. Serena arched her eyebrows when he led her to his bed. His lips nuzzled her face while his nostrils breathed in the sweet scent of her.
“Lord Cedric told me your reputation served the Saint’s cause well.”
“God’s blood, am I to have no secrets? I had hoped you would think you redeemed me.” His voice sounded contemplative since he preferred to leave his roguish past where it belonged.
“Geoffrey, I considered your redemption belonged in my capable hands.”
He saw the hungry look in her eyes when he started to undress.
“I had forgotten how you made undressing an art form.” Her words were silky and sultry.
He blew her a kiss, put on his dressing gown and cinched the belt. “The fire warms and I see there is champagne for us. May I pour you a glass? Come Serena, please sit on the bed.” He extended his hand.
“You said, please.” Serena’s smile glowed.
“You might say I am practicing for later.” He touched her cheek, a decadent smile graced his face. He handed her a fluted glass of champagne and toasted her. “To our happiness.”
She accepted it and their glasses clinked.
“I will help you to my bed each and every night. I am not the type of husband who relishes sleeping alone when I can share a bed with my wife. I choose it so. The warmth of your eager body tempts me.”
“Your words please me, husband.”
He gave her another salacious gaze, and the undercurrent of sensuality began to form between them. “Under the pillow is a gift for you I purchased in London. I wanted to shower you in gems in the hope you would come away with me. However, fickle fate made other plans, and I arrived at an empty house.” Geoffrey bit his lower lip. “Open it, my love. It is a wedding present. See how you have bewitched me. I want to lavish you with all I possess—jewels, furs, and my love. Enoug
h of each to satisfy your every desire. “
“You have told me you love me. That is satisfaction enough,” she answered, caressing his cheek. “I don’t need extravagance when I can have the luxury of your body on mine. You are a special man.”
Serena placed the fluted glass on the bedside table, took the black velvet box from its resting place and flipped the latch.
He watched her eyes brighten when she saw the contents. “Geoffrey, this is beautiful.” Serena fingered the deep hued black pearl centered in a necklace of shimmering diamonds.” She handed the box to him. “Such an outrageous gift. You spoil me. Will you place it around my neck? I would like to wear it all night.”
“All night as naked as the day you were born except for the necklace? What a vision it conjures. Well worth the price I paid if it makes you happy.”
Geoffrey took the necklace from the case. She turned her back to him while she moved her hair to one side. He secured the latch.
He removed her dressing gown and when he saw the night rail, he laughed in good humor. “I can see Mrs. Farnsworth is a practical woman. It is sweet to wear the shift, but it covers too much. Let me take it off. I am a hungry man and I deserve a reward for my efforts to secure you.”
When his fingers touched her body, he heard her inhale. Her eyes closed. “You touch me and my body thrums.” She reached up to him. “No more talk. Can we start on our baby? Will you take off your dressing robe or shall I?”
“Brazen hussy.” He removed his garment in a flash. “I just want to hold you for a moment. My love, do you remember when I spoke something to you in Italian and you asked me the meaning, and I said I would tell you later?”
“Yes, but I don’t remember the exact words.”
“Penso che sto per cadere nell’amore con voi. The translation is: I think I am about to fall in love with you.” He cupped her face with his hands. “I would rephrase it now. I have fallen in love with you. Mi sono inamorato di te.”
“Dearest husband, I fell in love with you the first time I gazed upon you…and your horse.” Laughter bubbled in her voice, free and no longer afraid. “Being like this is all I thought about during those trying days and nights without you.”
Once Upon a Duke Page 24