by Jamie Carie
The image of her uncle Andrew brought on a fresh wave of tears. Why didn’t he love her? Why hadn’t he wanted to care for her, care about her well being, after her father’s death? How could he have changed so thoroughly? And her only other relatives? Oh! It wasn’t fair! God, it’s not fair to lose both parents and have no one care. They all hate me so! She wiped her running nose on the back of her sleeve and let her head fall forward on another broken sob. “I can’t go on and I won’t. I can’t stand it anymore. I’m . . . so . . . tired . . .”
“If you’re quite done feeling sorry for yourself, I’ve come to rescue you.”
The voice, dry with sarcasm, made her turn around with a squeal. She scrambled to her feet and tried to dust off her skirts. Peering through the dark, she saw a pale coat flash as it walked toward her. The horse. The white horse with silvery tail and mane. She took a step toward it. “Sir?”
“You don’t recognize my voice? I’m crushed, my lady.”
She took a quivering inhale and then laughed and cried out “Dorian!”
She limped toward him, his face coming into the light as he dismounted. His raven hair and teasing eyes, his knowing smile. She propelled herself into his arms.
“I can’t believe you found me. How did you know?”
He grasped her close and pulled her face next to his, breathing in her hair as he held her for a long moment. “When I arrived home, I heard that Franklin had come and fetched your aunt Amelia. Father said they were both acting stranger than normal, even for them. It didn’t set well with me and I couldn’t sleep, thinking of you alone with them, so I decided I had better come and check on you. Imagine my alarm when I arrived to find you gone. Your uncle was in a high temper about it, saying you’d run off and good riddance, but your aunt pulled me aside and told me you’d taken this road back toward my house. It was a dangerous decision, Kendra. Wild animals being just the beginning of it.”
“I didn’t really have a choice. Uncle Franklin tried to choke my aunt when she told him that she told you about their plan. He was the one who came up with the scheme for Martin to marry me. They were after a dowry that I didn’t even know existed.”
Dorian considered that for a moment. “That would explain it, I guess. Your uncle Andrew must be holding a dowry for you until you marry. Franklin hoped to marry you to Martin to get their hands on it.”
Kendra shook her head. “It can’t be much. I told you how Uncle Andrew ruined us. We had nothing left but the shell of a castle and a little land.”
“There must be something to it. They wouldn’t go to all this trouble for nothing.”
Kendra took a deep breath. “I suppose we will find out when we are married.” She looked up at him and raised her brows. “You’re not marrying me for my paltry fortune, are you?”
Dorian laughed and leaned down to give her dusty lips a brush of a kiss. “Would that I had such an excuse. I’m afraid my motives are far more dire.”
“Dire? Surely not?” Her eyes widened in mock dismay.
“I fear I want to do more of this,” he kissed her again, a mere touch of his lips against hers, a breath over her face, “And this,” he pulled her to him and cupped her cheek with one hand while wrapping her tight with the other at her waist.
Kendra held him back but excitement rushed through her. “First things first, Captain.” She ticked off her needs on one hand. “The most immediate need is some water, then an introduction to this magnificent beast you are riding. Next, a bed for the night, a special license? Is that how things are done in America?” She didn’t wait for a response. “A wedding,” she added softly, “soon. And then you might pick up where your pirating, rebel, American lips have left off.”
Dorian looked to be considering her demands. “Or I could just leave you here in the road.”
Kendra pushed against his hard chest with a huff. “Don’t even consider it.”
Dorian reached back, pulled his flask from his saddlebag, and passed it over to her, chuckling. “I do relish your particular brand of endearments. Can’t say that I want to live without those.”
Kendra took a long swallow, the water feeling cool and wonderful as it slid down her throat. When she finished she wiped her mouth on her sleeve and stared into his eyes, eyes that were glowing like molten silver under the moon’s light. “Take me home then, you backwoods, thieving, scoundrel.” She giggled.
“Thieving? Why, I’ve never stolen a thing in my life.” He lifted her into his arms.
She looked up at him, a slow smile curving her lips. “You stole my heart, didn’t you? I will never forgive you for it.”
“No?”
“Well, maybe . . . you can start with letting me ride this magnificent horse and then we’ll see. But what shall I do with my trunk?”
Dorian looked askance at the heavy object.
“Let’s hide it in these bushes. We’ll come back for it tomorrow.”
They each took an end and covered it with branches. Dorian took her hand and led her back to the horse. “Up you go then.” Dorian turned and lifted her high in the air, like thrusting up a bag of potatoes, he propelled her onto the saddle. Kendra screeched, almost falling to the ground on the other side of the horse. At the last moment she turned, a neat twist of her upper body, and swung one leg over the horse’s back. The horse sidled in response and blew a huff of air from his nostrils. Kendra let out an astonished breath as the power of the animal moved beneath her. “Dorian?”
“Right here,” he said in a calm voice as he climbed up behind her and steadied the horse with gentle words.
“I’m right here.” He leaned toward her and pressed his cheek to hers.
With a soft clicking sound they were off. Flying on moonbeams and wind song—safe again—with his arm wrapped tight around her middle.
Chapter Twenty-Two
I’m sure they don’t deserve to be invited, but consider it, dear. What can they do with all of us here to support you?” Hannah asked the next morning as they sat in the parlor and discussed a quick wedding.
“No.” Dorian pushed away from his place at the fireplace, dark brows drawing together in a frown. “I’ve sent a servant to check on Amelia and make sure she is unharmed with a note of warning to Franklin. But I don’t trust them. I wouldn’t put it past them to put together some sort of mutton-headed scheme. I won’t let them upset Kendra again.”
“But she will have no one from her side”—Hannah worried her hands in her lap—“and I just can’t believe it of Amelia. I think she gets pulled into these awful ideas by her husband.”
“You’re right, Mrs. Colburn, my aunt has changed. She told Dorian where to find me and then helped me escape. I even heard her praying as I left. We can invite them but I really don’t think that my uncle would attend or allow her to attend. And anyway, I’ll have Faith, who already feels like a sister to me, and you and”—she nodded with a shy look at her soon-to-be father-in-law—“Mr. Colburn. It’s enough.”
“You know,” Clayton said “I have been thinking about your aunt and uncle, Kendra. Farming is just not their strong suit, but Franklin has a knack for numbers, doesn’t he?”
Dorian tried not to snort. “If you consider gambling—”
“Yes, but gamblers often make good men of business.”
“What do you have in mind?” Dorian raised one brow at his father.
“I heard of an opening at the Custom House in Yorktown. I was thinking to help him get the job, sell that farm they hate, and get a little house in town. Franklin might do better in that sort of job and if we can get the two of them more stable . . . you won’t have to worry about them so much.”
“Oh, Mr. Colburn”— Kendra clasped her hands together in her lap—“what a wonderful idea! I know my aunt would love to live in town and Uncle Franklin, too. It would be a fresh start for them. How can I ever thank you?”
Clayton beamed. “I’ll ride over after the wedding, then. And none of that formality, my dear. Please call us by our give
n names, or if you like, as all our children call us, Momma and Father.” Clayton took a sudden sip of tea and looked hastily away.
Kendra gave him a gentle smile, thinking how blessed she was to have these new parents who were so kind and good to her. “Thank you, sir.”
“Thank you, Father. It is most generous of you. Now,” Dorian continued with the planning, “I will leave for Yorktown to procure the marriage license and the reverend. Father, if you could round up the family and send messages to any neighbors we want to invite.”
“You’re putting me in charge of invitations?” Clayton frowned, reminding Kendra of his son, and opened his mouth to complain more when Faith rushed into the room, eyes wide and bright. “Millicent says we’re to have a wedding!” She looked from Dorian to Kendra and back again. “Thank God they found you! Are you alright? Is it true?”
Dorian grinned at her with brotherly affection. “It’s true, poppet. And we are going to need your help.”
“I’m so happy for you both.” Faith hurried to Kendra’s side and took up her hand. “Who abducted you?” She turned to Dorian. “How did you rescue her? Tell me everything.”
Dorian motioned for her to sit down in a chair beside Kendra. He gave her a quick accounting of finding her about to be married to Martin.
Faith turned round eyes toward Kendra. “You must have been terrified. I was praying so hard!”
“Thank you, Faith. I can’t imagine where I would be right now if they hadn’t come. Martin was going to spirit me away to another town right after the ceremony.”
Faith paled. “He would have forced himself on you.”
Hannah cleared her throat. “Don’t think of it, my dear. We have much to be thankful for.”
Faith turned her face toward her brother with a dreamy sigh. “So you brought her back and proposed. When is the wedding?”
“Tomorrow, if possible. I should be able to bring back Reverend Worthington and the marriage license by then. Can the three of you come up with everything else?”
Hannah laughed. Kendra blushed and looked down into her lap. “I don’t want to cause any trouble. Please, it should be a simple affair.”
“Nonsense”—Faith reached over and squeezed her hand —“Momma is a miracle worker with situations like these. Aren’t you, Momma? We will call the troops home to help—Lizzie and Charity and Marjorie. And I will make the bride’s cake!”
Hannah set her teacup down and stood up. “An excellent plan, Faith. Send notes to your sisters right away. Kendra, we must find you a proper gown. Come and show me what you have and we shall see if we can’t make something into a wedding dress. I dare say we have enough fripperies lying about in Faith’s armoire alone to make something festive.”
Dorian frowned at his sister. “Now don’t overwhelm her. I don’t want to find her frightened away when I return.” He walked over to Kendra and pulled her to stand in front of him. In a low voice he said, “I’ll be back by nightfall, God willing.”
“I will miss you.” She bit down on her lower lip. “Do be careful.” Her voice was low but everyone in the room had become suddenly busy looking elsewhere.
“Always.” He bowed and kissed the back of her hand but not before Kendra saw a look of uncertainty pass through his eyes, a shuttered look that lasted only a moment, but still, it was there. Oh, dear. Did he really want this marriage? Or was he only doing this to “keep her safe” as he’d said. She thought back to his proposal and realized, belatedly, that there had been no mention of love in it. She started to say something, to ask, but he had turned away, nodding farewell to his sister and parents, and then strode from the room.
“Girls, do come along.” Hannah’s eyes brightened with excitement. “We’ve so much to do.”
Clayton came over and gave Kendra a kiss on the cheek. “Welcome to the family.” His voice was so warm and kind, so sincere, that she determined to forget her worries about Dorian. This is what she wanted—a family that loved her and that she could love in return. Dorian just hadn’t said it yet, that was all. It was up to her to make sure he knew what a wonderful wife she would be and how she would pour her whole heart into making him happy. He would say it soon. Maybe on their wedding day.
Hannah’s arm wrapped around her waist as she led Kendra out the door toward her bedchamber. Kendra squashed her doubts, only too glad to be carried away on their wave of excited happiness.
They’d done it.
Not that he had doubted his mother and sisters’ ability to pull off a wedding and celebration party afterward, but still, it was impressive, all that they’d managed.
He stood with the Reverend Worthington at the end of a grassy aisle under an old walnut tree that he used to climb as a boy and tamped down the raw fear that gnawed at his stomach. The smell of hot honeysuckle from nearby bushes floated on the breeze toward him, making it impossible not to remember the other time he had stood up to be married.
Tricked. Made a fool. The worst mistake of his life.
And now, here he was doing it again. Was he making the same mistake?
He took a deep breath and reminded himself for the hundredth time that Kendra was not Molly Simpson, not even close. Molly’s face flashed through his mind. Shame filled him when he thought of her, which was rare. It filled him now as he stood and waited for his bride. He knew what he should be feeling—joy, anticipation, love—the fact that those emotions didn’t come easily made him grit his teeth and look down before someone saw the anger in his eyes.
Music lifted on the fragrant breeze. He looked up from studying the tips of his shoes in the long grass and saw her come to stand at the end of the long line of chairs set up for the guests.
His breath caught in his throat.
She was wearing a pale blue dress, almost silver. It floated as she came to a stop, settling around her in a cloud like some magical creature of light and beauty. He swallowed hard. She looked up and caught his gaze, held it. There was questioning in her eyes, as if she, too, feared this thing they were doing. And why wouldn’t she? Dorian realized. Her parents had loved and lost. She had her wounds too.
God, help me be brave enough to love her. His eyes glossed over and he stretched out his hand. Come to me. Marry me. We’ll figure it out . . . together.
She couldn’t have heard him, but it seemed she did. Her lips curved in a slow smile, a smile that said she was willing to step off the cliff with him into the unknown. She started walking, a little faster, and then her hand gripped his, her eyes shining with unshed tears too.
He wanted to lean in and kiss her but something told him to wait, it wasn’t time yet. He turned toward the preacher, hoping he would hurry with the ceremony.
Kendra hoped no one could hear the loud pounding of her heart. He’d had that look again, like a trapped animal, wary and unsure. It had only lasted a moment but it brought back all her doubts. They were doing the right thing, weren’t they? Lord, You know I love him. I will make him a good wife. I won’t give him any reason to regret this day whatever his reasons for marrying me.
She said her vows with determination, staring into his eyes with all the conviction she could muster.
His voice was determined too, as if he’d made an inner decision.
Her hand shook as Dorian slid a delicate ring with a small stone the color of deep amethyst onto her finger. “I’ll get you a prettier one later,” he leaned in to whisper.
Kendra shook her head. “I love it.”
Reverend Worthington said the final words of the blessing and pronounced them husband and wife.
Dorian leaned down and kissed her before he’d finished the last words. The crowd behind them chuckled. She grasped Dorian’s arm with a laugh—joy—a shaft of light bursting through her, and then they walked toward the aisle and the congratulations of these kind people who were now her family, her friends.
She had finally found home.
On the other side of the long yard, standing hidden amongst a stand of trees, stood Angelene, gna
shing her teeth, a lone tear running down her cheek, and promising herself revenge.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Good morning, love,” Dorian murmured as he leaned over his wife who was obviously pretending to be asleep. She smiled, eyes still closed, and snuggled closer to him. “Having trouble waking up?” Dorian wrapped his arms around her before rolling them both over and over, and then completely out of the bed. They landed on the floor with a thud and a squeal from Kendra.
“You sir, are a cad. You did that on purpose!” She sat up, straddling his stomach. “Married a mere two months and you’re already trying to kill me. What’s next, poison? From now on you have to taste everything I eat before I eat it.”
Laughing, Dorian rolled her over so that she was pinned beneath him. “Oh gladly, my lady, and I’ll start by tasting this.” He slowly lowered his head toward her.
Kendra pushed him back with a laugh. “Don’t you have to leave soon? John’s showing you his finished stables today, isn’t he?”
“Aye. But I’m sure he won’t mind waiting.”
Kendra wriggled out from beneath him. Backing away with her hand out, she shook her head. “Victoria will mind, and I’ll not have it my fault that you’re late.”
Dorian rose up off the floor in a sudden move and reached for her.
She shrieked, laughing harder, and jumped out of his reach. “Stop it, knave. We have no time for pillage and plunder and you know it.”
One of Dorian’s brows rose in a wicked-looking question. “I’m a pirate now, am I? That is one of your favorites.”
Kendra squeaked as he dove for her, catching her nightgown in one hand. He hauled her backwards until her back hit his chest. She had the good grace to know she wouldn’t convince him and with a sudden movement, turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck.