“I always thought love would do crazy things to a man, and here stands the proof.” He raised his hand in surrender when Carter took one step toward him. “I agree. I will say nothing disparaging about the lady. If I meet her on the streets, or in a shop, or in church, I will treat her with the utmost respect.”
Carter placed his hands on his hips. “From what I saw downstairs, and the condition you are in, it might do you some good to go to church.”
With those words, he turned and pulled open the door. The woman who’d first approached him fell to the floor, obviously having had her ear pressed against the door. He pointed his finger at her. “Everything I said to him goes for you, as well.”
12
Lottie attempted to finish buttoning her wedding dress to no avail with her ice-cold and shaky hands. “Pamela, help, please.”
Pamela moved away from the mirror where she was attempting to wrestle her curls into a decent chignon and held her hands out. She swatted Lottie’s hands away. “Let me do this. You are making a mess of things.” She shook her head. “Nervous brides.”
Yes. Lottie agreed completely. The special license had arrived two days ago, and this morning was her wedding. She spent time last night making up two lists. One list for all the reasons she should not marry Carter. Or anyone else for that matter.
The second list was why she should marry Carter. Even though that one had just one entry, compared to about ten of the other list, and probably more if she gave herself more time, it convinced her she was doing the right thing.
He loves me and I’m quite sure I love him.
That was really all she needed to consider. Still, the doubts crept into her mind as she dressed.
Her thoughts then wandered to Addie’s wedding and how Addie and her mother embraced and shared a few tears when Mrs. Mallory had seen her daughter as a bride for the first time.
She, who was so close to her mama all her life, was about to get married and she wouldn’t be there. Didn’t even know. Tears welled up in her eyes and she had a sudden need to throw herself on her bed like a young girl and cry her heart out.
Without a doubt, Lottie knew Mama would be thrilled to see her daughter marry. Especially to such an upstanding and honorable man.
Another sticking point was the lack of Carter’s family at the wedding. She did ask him to have a small wedding with just them and their witnesses, but he agreed so readily she wondered if he wasn’t relieved to not tell his family about her until after the deed was done.
So many things to worry about when she should be enjoying her day as a bride!
“I don’t know what is going through your brain right now Lottie, but it must stop.” Pamela finished with the long line of buttons and placed her hands on Lottie’s shoulders and gave them a light squeeze. “Stop.”
“Stop what?”
“Whatever it is you are telling yourself that is making you anything but a happy bride. Carter loves you. He has no qualms about marrying you, so you should trust him. You do trust him, don’t you?”
“Yes. But . . .”
“No buts. Let’s fix your lovely hat and then you will be ready to meet your groom.”
The wedding was to be held in Carter’s house with the vicar from their church officiating. Only Pamela, Grayson, Addie, Grayson’s son, Michael, and Michael’s governess would be in attendance. While it was precisely what Lottie had asked for, now it seemed lonely.
“Lottie, I said stop.” Pamela glared at her. “Besides, your hat looks lovely and it’s time to go downstairs.
Lottie shook her head. “No. I don’t think so.”
Pamela’s jaw dropped. “Why not?”
Lottie smirked at her friend. “Because you haven’t finished with your hair and it’s partially up and partially down.”
Addie entered the room while Pamela was fixing her hair. “Sorry, we’re late. I had to find time to eat breakfast.” She stopped and looked at Lottie from head to toe. “You are stunningly beautiful, Lottie.”
Lottie’s eyes teared up again. “Thank you.”
“What’s wrong?” Addie walked up to her and raised her chin. “You should be glowingly happy.”
“I am. But . . . my mother.”
“Please don’t start that again,” Addie said as she sat on the bed. “This is a happy day for you.”
“No. That’s not what I meant. I’m thinking how lovely it was to have your mother there on your wedding day.” She looked back and forth between Addie and Pamela. “Should I have invited her?”
The silence that followed was deafening. “Do you think you should have invited her?” Pamela asked.
“No. Yes. Oh, I don’t know.”
Apparently sensing a complete collapse of the bride, Addie jumped up and took Lottie’s arm. “Time to go. Your groom awaits.”
The three ladies descended the stairs and entered the drawing room. Lottie’s breath caught when Carter turned from where he spoke to Grayson to look at her. The love in his eyes scared her to death, but at the same time warmed her and took away a lot of the worries that had been keeping her on edge since she’d agreed to his proposal.
Yes. This would all work out. Wouldn’t it?
She accepted Carter’s outstretched hand and moved next to him. The vicar began the ceremony, and it seemed within minutes they were declared husband and wife. Carter pulled her in for a very enthusiastic kiss, which had the vicar chuckling and the small gathering cheering.
“Please join my wife and I for breakfast,” Carter said.
Lottie’s stomach took a dip at my wife. It was done. She was his wife. He was her husband. For better or worse. Until death would they part. She glanced down at her wedding ring and thought back to the words Carter spoke when he placed the ring on her finger:
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, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
She shivered and ran her palms up and down her arms.
“Are you chilly, sweetheart?” Carter viewed her with concern and she immediately relaxed. Maybe they hadn’t known each other very long, but she knew in her heart that this man would always take care of her, would always stand by her side.
“Just a bit. A warm cup of tea will help.”
The group gathered in the dining room where they enjoyed a feast of lobster salad, several chicken dishes, ham, green beans, and chicken consommé, with pastries and jellies and cream for dessert, along with the traditional wedding cake.
After a few hours of lively conversation, bantering, and teasing about the upcoming wedding night, the group broke up and left Carter and Lottie with wishes for a happy marriage and a few winks from Grayson about the one thing Lottie was growing apprehensive over.
Maybe sensing her mood, Carter pulled her in for a lovely kiss that relaxed her, but at the same time reminded her of what was to come. “Would you like to take a stroll to help digest all that wonderful food?”
Lottie hoped her sigh of relief was not too evident. She certainly didn’t think Carter would drag her upstairs the minute the door closed on the last of their guests and toss her on the bed then jump on her. But the anticipation was making her skittish.
“Yes. I love the idea of a walk.”
They shrugged into their coats and added gloves and hats. Lottie was amused when Carter took the scarf that hung on her coat and wrapped it around her neck, tucking it in. She could get used to that kind of treatment.
The air was crisp and cool, but soon spring weather would warm things up a bit. They enjoyed a leisurely stroll, going over the wedding breakfast and commenting on how Addie and Michael showed the group how sign language worked. It was truly fascinating.
After about a mile, Carter turned them and they headed back to his house. Actually, her house now, as well. The closer they grew to the dwelling, the more her stomach knotted.
“Relax, sweetheart. I am not going to drag you right to bed.”
/> The minute Carter turned them toward home, he felt Lottie tense. The relaxed conversation they’d been enjoying came to an end and she seemed to have nothing further to say, even though she’d been quite chatty up until then.
“I’d like to share with you how I prefer to end my days.” He pulled her closer, away from a man walking his very unfriendly looking dog.
“Yes. I would like to know that. It feels so odd to me not to be returning to my own flat.”
Deciding to keep her talking as the best way to relax her, Carter asked, “And what sort of routine do you follow in the evenings?”
“Generally, I change out of my day clothes and get comfortable in my very warm and cozy robe. I like to have a glass of heated milk and then I read until my eyes turn bleary.”
“Indeed? Very similar to my routine. Except it’s not warm milk, but a small glass of smooth brandy. But I also read until I cannot see anymore.”
“History?”
“Some. But I’ve also been known to read a novel or two.”
Perhaps speaking about their nightly routines was the best way to relax his skittish wife, but for him it only reminded him of how his nightly routine was about to change, starting tonight. That thought brought excitement and a need to move a bit faster, but he kept his eagerness in check so as not to send his wife running in the opposite direction.
Once they arrived home, his butler, Milton, helped them out of their coats and hats. Carter had introduced Lottie to his meager staff. He only employed a housekeeper, butler, and cook. The housekeeper, Mrs. Davis, took care of the daily cleaning up and had a girl from town come in once a week to give the place a thorough cleaning and change the bed linens.
“It just occurred to me, Lottie. You might want to add staff. I only have the housekeeper, cook, and butler whom you’ve already met. Do you have a lady’s maid?”
“Goodness, no. I made do by myself while I was employed at the school, and with my meager wages, there was no money for a lady’s maid. Besides, most women no longer have lady’s maids since clothing is somewhat easier to get into and out of.”
She should not have mentioned getting out of her clothing. Blood raced to his groin area, causing him to adjust his trousers so as not to alarm his wife.
“Let us retire to the drawing room. Maybe open a bottle of wine to celebrate our wedding?”
Lottie agreed so eagerly he figured she saw that as a way to avoid the bedroom, or maybe even to drink enough to forget what she was doing. That he would not allow. Bedding a drunk woman was worse than not bedding one at all.
However, a little bit tipsy to relax her was a great idea. He sent Milton to the wine cellar and he and Lottie settled on the comfortable sofa in front of the fireplace. Normally he wouldn’t have a fire going this far into the spring, but since Lottie shivered every once in a while, it was probably a good idea.
“I know I mentioned this before, but if you want to redecorate, please feel free to do so. Just pick out what you want and have the bills sent to me.”
Lottie laughed as she took a sip of her wine. “I am afraid you may one day regret telling me to get what I want and have the bills sent to you. Remember I grew up in a school and the idea of a cozy home with things to my liking is quite tempting.”
Carter took the glass from her hand and placed it on the table in front of them. He turned her toward him and tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “I can afford whatever it is you want. Make this home to your liking. You can do the same at our London townhouse.”
“You are too generous.”
“No. What good is money if one cannot do pleasurable things for the people they love? I love you, Lottie, and I want you to be happy.”
He hoped she would say the words back to him, but she apparently was not ready. However, he had no doubt he would hear them one day.
After the wine bottle had been emptied, and they were both relaxed and laughing at some silly thing that Grayson had said at the wedding breakfast, Carter took Lottie’s hand in his. “Let us retire to the bedroom and get more comfortable.”
Expecting to see Lottie resist, he was pleasantly surprised when she took his hand and stood. “Yes. I think that is a good idea.”
He cupped her cheeks and slowly lowered his mouth to hers. “I want you very much, Mrs. Westbrooke.” His lips met hers and he took her mouth in a possessive kiss. She was his, to love, care for and protect. He would give his life to keep her from harm and do anything to make her happy.
Carter scooped her into his arms and made for the staircase. Lottie pulled back and grinned at him. “You cannot think to carry me upstairs!”
“What? You think I’m not able to carry my wife up a few steps?” He gave her a quick kiss. “You underestimate me, sweetheart.”
He raced up the stairs; both of them doubled over with laughter by the time he had made it to the bedroom, kicked the door shut, and tossed her onto the bed.
Carter joined her on the bed and bent his elbow, propping his head on his hand. “I must admit I am a bit out of breath.” He grinned as he took the time to catch his breath. Perhaps he should spend some time at the boxing club.
He studied Lottie as she stared back at him. Her hair had fallen from the chignon she’d worn all day, leaving dark wavy curls resting on her shoulders, covering her breasts. Her beautiful mouth formed a soft smile as she reached up and pushed the hair from his forehead.
Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pulled her close until she fit snug against him, her curves aligning with his body perfectly. “You are so beautiful. Not just your looks, but your soul.” He kissed her gently, twirling his finger in the soft, scented strands of her hair.
“Since you don’t have a lady’s maid, I will help you remove your dress.” Before she could protest, he stood and pulled her up. He continued to kiss her as he unbuttoned the dress and slid it off her creamy shoulders.
Unable to help himself, he placed his lips on her warm skin, right where her neck met her shoulder. The scent of lavender and lemon drifted from her skin. “You smell wonderful.”
“Your turn, now husband.” Lottie undid his ascot and with his help removed his jacket, vest, and shirt. When he stood in only his trousers, stockings and shoes she stepped back. “I think I will let you do the rest.” Then with a giggle, she dove for the bed and pulled the coverlet up to her chin, grinning at him.
“Wait a minute. You must remove the rest of your clothes.”
“I think I’m quite comfortable as I am.” She wore only her soft cotton knickers with lace trim and a corset.
“What about your stockings and shoes?”
Lottie laughed and shoved down the covers. “I forgot.” She hopped up and quickly removed the half-boots. When she pushed the bottom of her knickers up and reached for the top of her stocking, she looked over at him and blushed. “Don’t look.”
Oh, he was certainly going to look, but not at the present time. He didn’t want to break the playful mood his wife was in. The wine had done its work. She was relaxed and giddy, and he loved it.
He pushed down his trousers but climbed into bed next to her with his drawers still on. He reached for her, pulling her into his arms. She was all soft, warm, and from the look on her face, willing.
He’d waited a long time for this, and he would take his time. Love her the way she should be loved and according to the vow he took:
With my body I thee worship
13
One week. They were married for one week. Lottie stood at the window in their bedchamber and watched the carriages go by and the servants hurrying from the shops back to their homes.
Everything looked so normal. But she was about to step off a cliff. At least that was how it felt. Carter had decided that once they returned from their brief wedding trip that they should immediately show themselves in town as a married couple.
His plans for the day included a ride through Royal Victoria Park, then a stroll through Milsom Street and the shops there, followed by luncheon a
t Sally Lunn’s, then a short respite at home before they joined Grayson and Addie to tackle the theater crowd that evening.
Carter’s theory was they must put themselves out there to squelch any sort of gossip or rumors that might have been started. He wanted to show the world that she was his and if anyone had the audacity to treat her in any way except honorable, they would deal with him.
As much as she loved the idea of him standing up for her, she was terrified. Her protected life had never prepared her for facing down criticisms and disdain. But she knew in her heart that her husband was correct.
She heard him enter the room and immediately felt his warm breath on her neck where he nuzzled and kissed her. “Are you ready to face the world as Mrs. Westbrooke?”
She turned in his arms. “Maybe we should wait a few days.”
“Ah. No, sweetheart. I know you’re a strong woman. There is no need to wait, it will only get harder with each passing day.” He took her hand. “Come, the carriage awaits.”
The early spring weather allowed them to wear only light coats. Almost as if the weather wanted to encourage this jaunt, the sun shone, and there was nary a cloud in the sky.
The short ride in the open-air phaeton to Royal Victoria Park was filled with comments from Carter. Most likely to keep her from jumping from the vehicle and running home.
“There is an interesting story about Royal Victoria Park.” He shifted his seat and turned toward her, still keeping his eye on the traffic. “When Queen Victoria was a mere eleven years, she dedicated the park. Shortly thereafter, a reporter wrote the story in a newspaper and disparaged her dress. Called her dowdy, or something like that.
“The future queen was so distressed that she never visited Bath again. One time she was on a train that traveled through Bath. She had all the shades in the windows in her car drawn so she would not have to look at the city when they passed through.”
The Courtesan’s Daughter and the Gentleman: The Merry Misfits of Bath ~ Book Two Page 11