The Wedding Season

by Deborah Hale

  “Yes.” Sympathy welled up inside her. “If you are required at his funeral, I will understand.”

  “No. I am certain that matter has been attended to. However, another relative has died.”

  “Oh, my dear Mr. Lindsey.”

  “Don’t be dismayed. I never met the man, so my grief is the same as for the departure of any mortal soul.”

  “Ah, I understand. But why is this a concern?”

  “My cousin was this man’s heir, and now I am to receive all that was his.”

  “Yes?” Intuition inched into her.

  “Including his title. You see, my great-uncle was the Earl of Lydney.”

  Elizabeth heard a squeak emanate from her own throat.

  “Just so. But I cannot refuse the title.”

  “Nor would I ask you to do so.” Elizabeth’s brainbox executed a dizzy spin. She was not to be Mrs. Lindsey but, rather, Lady Lydney. She was to have a titled husband after all.

  “Does this trouble you?”

  “No, no.” She gave him her sweetest smile. “I shall somehow manage to live with it.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony.” Mr. Smythe-Wyndham intoned the opening words of the solemn rite from his prayer book.

  This time, Elizabeth stood beside her beloved Lydney, handsome in his black suit, ruffled cravat and diamond tie pin. Papa stood on her other side, his gentle grip on her arm giving support. Soon he would hand her over to this dear, handsome earl.

  The fragrance of roses from Aunt Bennington’s hothouse filled the air. Elizabeth had never been a favorite of this particular aunt, but the august lady adored Lydney for his generosity in ensuring one of her children’s happiness, so she insisted upon donating the flowers.

  The vicar proceeded to read the explanation of God’s purpose for marriage, each word of which Elizabeth devoured, determined to be the perfect wife for her perfect husband. From time to time, she glanced up and found him looking down at her, love radiating from his brilliant blue eyes.

  “I require and charge you both,” the vicar recited, “as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, you do now confess it.”

  The church door slammed open. “I made it in time.” A breathless young man stood in the portal, his eyes wide, his naval uniform slightly askew. As one, the congregation turned. Several people gasped. Others chuckled.

  His mouth agape, Lydney stared first at the newcomer, then at Elizabeth. “I promise you, my dear, there is no impediment…for me.”

  “Nor for me, my dear.” Indignation flared briefly within her. “That is my eldest brother, Lieutenant Colin Moberly of His Majesty’s Royal Navy. He always likes to enter with a flourish.”

  “Ah, I see.” Lydney snickered. Then laughed. Elizabeth and the congregants joined in. Papa’s deep chuckle rumbled beside her.

  Mr. Smythe-Wyndham cleared his throat. With difficulty, Elizabeth sobered, although she could see Lydney’s eyes still dancing with merriment.

  “Forgive me, vicar,” he said. “You may proceed.”

  None too soon, Papa gave her over to Lydney, who grasped her hands with gentle firmness. The vows were completed, the psalms read, the homily spoken and Holy Communion shared.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Lord and Lady Lydney.”

  Sighs and hums of admiration filled the small church. Everyone filed out, making a path outside the door for Elizabeth and Lydney to run the gauntlet. Rice and flower petals rained down upon their heads as they made their way to an open landau.

  Seated beside his beautiful bride at the head of the table in the vast dining room at Bennington Manor, Philip longed to escape and be truly alone with her for the first time since they’d met. No cousins, no parents, no footmen or maids in attendance. His own sweet Elizabeth in his arms, to have and to hold from this day forward. And the sooner the better.

  “What do you think?” She blinked those brilliant blue eyes, which sometimes were turquoise, other times sapphire, once or twice icy silver.

  “Think? About what, my dear?” Uh-oh. His first lapse, failing to listen.

  But she forgave him with a smile. “Who do you think will marry next?” She tilted her pretty blond head toward the countless Moberly and two Lindsey relatives at the long table. “I do believe Lady Lucy and Jamie are moon-struck.”

  Philip dutifully perused the crowd, his gaze lighting on his sister, now raised in precedence because he had been, and his wife’s favorite brother. Indeed, Lucy and Jamie had instantly latched onto one another, as much as was proper, each seeming to have found a kindred spirit.

  Lucy had borne up well when she’d encountered Whitson earlier in the week, even wishing him and Lady Sophia every happiness. Whitson’s honest shame in her presence, along with his genuine plea for forgiveness from her, had convinced Philip he’d been right to absolve the man of his debt. Lady Sophia was determined to have him, even if they must live in poverty or, worse, move to America. Bennington, a generous and indulgent father, had given his blessing, but wouldn’t bestow a dowry until they married, a lesson Philip would not soon forget. Nor did he wish to begin his life with this large family holding ill will against a kinsman. He’d never known all the reasons his grandfather and great-uncle had quarreled, but he determined never to engage in such a feud with a relative, but, rather, he would follow Captain Moberly’s…and Christ’s…examples and quickly forgive any offense.

  “Well?” Elizabeth nudged him.

  “What?” He placed a kiss on her fair cheek and nuzzled her ear for the briefest moment. “Oh, very well, I’ll play your game. I am convinced Miss Prudence and Mr. Smythe-Wyndham will marry before Christmas.”

  She shook her head. “I have moved on from that topic, my dear. I asked if you like these custard cakes, for if so, I shall obtain the recipe from Aunt Bennington’s French cook.”

  “Oh. Custard cakes. Yes. They are quite delicious.” He bent to kiss her, but she ducked her head away.

  “Now see here, Lord Lydney, you must pay attention. Do you think your mind can wander that way when you sit in parliament? Your fellow peers will think you daft.”

  He nuzzled her ear again and breathed in the heady fragrance of her rose perfume. Would this wedding breakfast never end? “What do I care what they think? I’ve no doubt they are all mad eccentrics.”

  “Lydney!” Shock swept over her exquisite features. “You must be serious about your position.”

  “Why ever must I?” Ah, what fun. Their first argument. One he’d gladly let her win, should she give him a reasonable answer.

  “Why, because…because…”

  He stopped her with a kiss, and she did not protest.

  “Now,” he whispered, “what were you saying, my love?”

  She sighed and smiled, then leaned her head against his shoulder. “I believe I was asking if we would be remiss if we excused ourselves and began our wedding journey.”

  Philip could think of no argument against that plan.

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey back to Regency England. This is my very first Regency story, and it was the natural progression from my three Revolutionary War stories about the Moberly family. The children of those heroes and heroines would be growing up just in time to fall in love during this unique and fascinating era, the setting for Jane Austen’s timeless novels.

  When I began writing it, my thoughts were all about romance and weddings, but the more I researched, the more I saw that this was a novel of manners. The social structures of the Regency era were quite confining, but true love could find a way to cross social lines. By the way, if you’re a diehard Regency fan and find an error, please let me know! And please know that I tried to get it r
ight!

  Thank you for choosing The Gentleman Takes a Bride. As with all of my stories, beyond the romance, I hope to inspire my readers always to seek God’s guidance, no matter what trials may come their way.

  I love to hear from readers, so if you have a comment, please contact me through my website, http://blog.Louisemgouge.com.

  Blessings,

  Louise M. Gouge

  QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

  What reasons does Elizabeth have for wanting to marry a titled gentleman? Given the social structures of her times, do you think these reasons are valid?

  Elizabeth and her cousins are only eighteen years old, and yet each one hopes to find a husband soon. How are things different for girls today? Considering the era and their social positions, would you like to be one of the three cousins? Which one? Why?

  Philip rides in to “save the day” more than once: to stop Whitson’s wedding and to rescue Elizabeth from Chiselton. What does this say about his character? Do you think he fits the image of a “hero”? Why or why not? What is your definition of a hero?

  What sort of person is Lord Chiselton? Why does he think he can do as he wishes? Are there people today with that attitude of privilege? What are our modern protections against them?

  Why doesn’t Philip want to be a peer? Do you think his reasons are valid? Considering the responsibilities as well as the privileges in those times, would you want to be a peer/peeress?

  This was an age in which a father had complete control over his daughter’s life until she married. Why does Captain Moberly initially refuse to give Philip permission to propose to Elizabeth? Do you agree with his reasons? If she were your daughter, what would you do?

  Which character changes the most in the story, Elizabeth or Philip? In what ways did each one mature and become stronger? In what ways did they stay the same?

  In the Regency era, there were no televisions or movies, and families had to make their own evening entertainment. My inspiration for having the children perform Bible stories came from my husband’s and my child-rearing days, when our four children acted out Scripture and storybooks. What does your family do in the evening to spend time together?

  ISBN: 978-1-4592-0628-1

  THE WEDDING SEASON

  Copyright © 2011 by Harlequin Books S.A.

  The publisher acknowledges the copyright holders of the individual works as follows:

  MUCH ADO ABOUT NUPTIALS

  Copyright © 2011 by Deborah M. Hale

  THE GENTLEMAN TAKES A BRIDE

  Copyright © 2011 by Louise M. Gouge

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

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