“Victoria? What is it?”
“Nothing.” She frowned, still trying to fit the pieces together in her mind.
“If you’re worried about losing your English title, forget it. You won’t need one here. You’ll find that being Mrs. Nicholas Saberton has all the benefits you’ll need.”
Tori’s frown deepened. She hadn’t really thought about that until now. “I suppose that would take some getting used to.”
“Well, get used to this.” He released her hand and loosened the stay at his collar with an abrupt flick of his wrist. “You will be my wife. And as such, you’ll never want for another thing as long as I live. Is that clear? Your father asked that I take care of you, and it’s become apparent you need taking care of.”
“I won’t.” A breath caught in her throat prevented her from saying any more. It was unthinkable to marry without her father there to give her away. “I couldn’t.”
“I’ll buy you a title and have it engraved on your forehead—in gold, if you want.” He stood and went recover his coffee.
She didn’t require a title to make her happy. Admitting that to herself came as a surprise, yet a tremendous relief. Her true needs were fairly basic: love, respect, a safe place to be with the people she cared for.
Why had her father asked Nicholas to watch over her? Was she truly in some sort of danger? The attack aboard ship had seriously shaken her. But now with her father’s abduction, nothing felt safe anymore.
Except when she was with Nicholas.
Looking up at him, she watched as he brooded over her perceived rejection. Obviously she had insulted his pride, and to a man like Nicholas there was nothing worse. His mother had told her that his former fiancé had treated him much the same way.
Tori glanced over at his broad back. Just the sight of him, so strong and self-assured, made her believe that maybe, just maybe, he could provide the protection she needed. His connections would certainly enable her to do an extensive search for her father. That was surely more important than the silly notion of a fairy tale marriage.
“Silver.” She spoke quietly, resigned to the fact that there was no other option available to her.
Nicholas turned to her, weariness evident on his face.
“I prefer my nameplate to be made of silver, if you please.” She watched him through lowered lashes. “Gold is a bit much.”
He set down his coffee.
“But I’ll need your promise to help me. Whatever it takes to bring Father home.”
Nicholas sighed heavily. “Victoria, I intend to do everything possible to find your father. My lawyer is in Augusta researching your document, and I just rode all the way to Macon and back to hire the best investigator in this entire area. He’s looking into the matter as we speak.”
His disclosure touched her deeply. “Well, then, if I were to allow this marriage, I suppose you really ought to call me Tori.”
“Never mind that.” Nicholas pulled open a drawer and removed a flat velvet box. “This belonged to my great-grandmother, the Duchess of Brechenridge. It’s been in the family for years. Consider it a wedding gift.”
Tori took the box from his hand and opened it carefully. She’d never set eyes on such an elegant piece. The brooch was made of one large oval sapphire surrounded by dozens of diamonds. A smaller teardrop sapphire dangled below.
Nicholas placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’d like you to wear it tomorrow.”
Tori didn’t know what to say. This was all happening too fast. In truth, she could marry Nicholas tomorrow and be happy for years to come, if only he’d show the tiniest bit of love for her. “Thank you. I shall cherish it.”
She searched his face for what she was certain was not there.
“It’s settled then. I’ll clean up, and Jonas will bring you to meet the others.” Nicholas took her hand and placed a kiss on top of her head. “But first, I want to know what had you so worried a moment ago.”
She had to think about what he was referring to. The image in the mirror came back to her mind.
“Well, I … this morning, that is … I saw something odd in my room, that’s all.”
His eyes darkened, and he continued to watch her with that unwavering stare that never failed to quicken her pulse.
“I’m sure it was nothing.” Tori stood and retrieved her shawl and bonnet from the parlor chair.
“What exactly did you see?” He walked over and took the bonnet from her hand and set it upon her head, tying the ribbon himself.
“I’m not exactly certain. I thought there was a movement behind me, I saw it in the mirror. Twice. But when I turned nothing was there. With all that has happened, it could have easily been my imagination.”
“Jonas!” There was a restless edge in his voice as he ran a hand through his hair.
Jonas came in from behind her. “Yes, sir?”
“I want Miss Haverwood’s things brought over today.”
Tori gasped. “Now, just a minute, Nicholas. I’ve barely agreed to this marriage in the first place. Tomorrow is quite soon enough. I couldn’t possibly be ready by today.”
The most important day of her life, and he was acting as if they were planning a picnic in the park.
“Settle down, Victoria. The ceremony is still set for tomorrow afternoon. But I want you here where I can keep an eye on you tonight.”
“I won’t do it!” Tori snapped, then caught herself. She mustn’t lose her temper. She had to make him see reason. “Please, that doesn’t give me nearly enough time to get my things together. Besides, Aunt Charlotte would never allow it.”
“Unimportant.” Nicholas stepped around her. “I’m not leaving you unprotected.”
Tori moved quickly to stand in front of him again. “Please, Nicholas, don’t do this. Don’t ruin what little reputation I have left.”
His hand reached down and smoothed her hair. “No need to worry about your precious reputation, princess. It’s been taken care of.”
“You can send a guard home with me to Aunt Charlotte’s. I promise to be on my best behavior.”
He refrained from pulling her close, but kept both hands on her arms. Finally he gave her that barely perceptible smile of his and she knew she had his consent.
Barely lifting her lips, she thanked him with a kiss.
Just then, the front door pushed open and Nicholas relinquished his hold.
Zach and Aurora entered while Aunt Charlotte flounced up the winding steps that led to the entry, waving her fan furiously. The colorful hat atop her fiery hair was alive with a dozen or so silk butterflies attached to tiny springs, which bobbled in every direction with each step she took.
“This bothersome heat wears me to a frazzle.” When she spotted Nicholas and Tori, she picked up her pace. “Nicholas, you dear heart. Zachery explained the whole thing. Has Dottie been told?”
“I see you two are getting along a little better.” Zach grinned. “So is there going to be a wedding tomorrow or not?”
All eyes fell on Tori. She nodded in answer.
Aurora squealed with delight.
Zachery shook his brother’s hand and kissed Tori’s cheek. “Congratulations. A most welcome addition to the family.”
Aunt Charlotte perked up. “Why, that’s right, Zachery. We will all be family now.” She beamed at Aurora, who blushed with a giggle.
Nicholas snapped his fingers. “I almost forgot. Victoria needs to visit the dressmaker by three. I ordered her a dress yesterday, and they need her to come in for a fitting.” He smiled at Tori. “I know you’re disappointed but Madame Dupree was unavailable.”
“I see you’ve thought of everything.” Tori was a tad piqued at the thought that even this had been planned without her approval. “With only two day’s notice, it couldn’t be much more than a potato sack.”
If Nicholas heard her, he disregarded her. “Mrs. Charlotte, I was thinking of hosting a dinner after the ceremony at The Pavilion House. It’s the most elegant hotel in Savannah, an
d their food is delicious.”
“No, sir.” Aunt Charlotte shook her butterflies. “You won’t deny me the pleasure of having your wedding reception at our very own home. I’ve got it all planned in my head. Nothing elaborate, mind you, but we must invite the mayor and his wife. And three or four … or five other families.”
Aunt Charlotte was so excited she was nearly beside herself. “Aurora, will help me. She’s a wonderful little hostess, you know. Look at the time. So much to do this afternoon. Come now, girls.”
Let morning bring me word of Your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in You.
~ Psalm 143:8
Eighteen
With all the preparations and purchases to be made, the afternoon passed quickly. Much to Tori’s dismay, Aunt Charlotte’s tiny little reception banquet was taking on a life of its own. Her aunt had promised to keep the guest list to a minimum, but Tori hated to think about what “minimum” meant to the dear lady.
After their whirlwind afternoon, Aunt Charlotte returned home in a flurry of excitement. All she said about her talk with Zach earlier was that they’d had a wonderful chat and this marriage was certainly the very best thing for all.
Tori excused herself, right after the evening meal, and went upstairs to her room. Nicholas had brought in the burly man named Amos, whom Tori remembered from their voyage, to stand over her all afternoon. He now positioned himself on the other side of her door after personally checking every nook and cranny inside her room. The hulking fellow had secured the shutters from the inside just as Nicholas had insisted.
Tonight she was bone tired after a most exhausting day. She couldn’t put a finger on when she had given in, but she had gone to Nicholas with full intentions of putting a stop to this talk of marriage before it got out of hand, but came away a betrothed woman. Just like that.
Dozing, she fell into a dream she was soon struggling to escape.
Dreaming she was in a mighty whirlpool, spinning completely out of control. She swirled past her father and he held out his hand to her, but she couldn’t reach him. Finally, she caught onto Nicholas. But, Miss Mair hit her fingers with a ruler and she lost her hold. She grew so weary of the struggle, but dared not give up. An inky shadow formed in the center of the rotation, spreading toward her. She couldn’t get away.
“Tori, honey, wake up. You’re having a nightmare, child.”
Tori’s eyes came open with a start.
Aunt Charlotte patted her hand to rouse her. “Mercy sakes, Flossie’s marinated pork didn’t set well, did it? We heard your cries all the way down the hall. That giant out there called us up to see about you.”
Aurora stood on the other side of the bed, nibbling at her fingernail.
Tori pushed herself upright. The panic of the dream still gripped her, but she couldn’t bring the gist of it back to her memory. With her heart pounding in her ears, she was shaken.
“My throat is a bit dry.” Her voice was groggy.
“I’ll go get some chamomile tea. Mother always makes it for me when I have bad dreams.” Aurora was quick to offer her help.
“Have Flossie put a tiny bit of laudanum in it, darlin’. It does wonders for helping a body relax. You’ll want to be fresh and well-rested for tomorrow.” Aunt Charlotte squeezed her hand.
“Thank you.”
With Aurora gone to see about Tori’s tea, Aunt Charlotte shut the door and came back to the bed. “Tori, honey, there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about all day. I suppose I’ve put it off as long as I can.”
By the way her aunt was wringing her hands, whatever she had to say must not be pleasant.
“I know I’m not your mother, but … “Aunt Charlotte began again. “Now, I don’t know how much they schooled you on this particular thing, but as your only living female relative, I feel it’s my duty to help you understand what to expect. After the wedding.”
Was this about her little reception again? That’s all she’d talked about today.
“You may put your mind at ease, Aunt Charlotte, we have that sort of thing where I come from and I’ve been trained thoroughly.” She preened the cuff of her nightgown.
“Oh, good gracious!” Aunt Charlotte looked appalled.
“Rest assured, Miss Mair saw to it that I’ve had plenty of practice, too.” Tori wondered at Aunt Charlotte’s look of shock. “Truly. I could do it with my eyes closed and my hands tied behind my back.”
She realized that her admission might sound braggadocios, but she didn’t want her aunt to worry about having an inexperienced hostess on her hands. The woman was nervous enough.
“Merciful heavens!” Aunt Charlotte picked up a book on Tori’s night table and flapped its cover to fan herself. “I have heard the British are meticulous, but to train young women before they’ve even married. Why, I never!”
Aunt Charlotte seemed in need of laudanum herself.
“I’m rather fond of it, actually. Perhaps we can compare notes sometime.”
“Be thou compassionate … “Aunt Charlotte slumped over in prayer. Such an odd little duck.
Aurora tapped on the door, and her mother called for her to come in, giving an odd sigh of relief.
“Here you are, Tori.” Aurora moved in with a silver tray and set it down gently on the table next to the bed. “What have you two been talking about? Did I miss anything good?”
“No.” Her mother responded with a shake of her head. “Good heavens, no. Nothing at all.”
Tori took a sip of her tea. Aunt Charlotte was certainly behaving strangely this evening.
“Well?” Aurora plopped herself on the end of the bed. “What were you talking about?”
“I was just explaining—”
“Goodness me, look at the time. Come now, Aurora. Tori needs her sleep. Let’s leave her be.” Her aunt hurried Aurora toward the door.
Perhaps she had sounded too braggadocios. Aunt Charlotte had, after all, come in to give her some motherly advice. Maybe she felt slighted somehow. “Please wait, Aunt Charlotte. I would love the benefit of your experience. I’ve acquired a great many skills, but I’m still not familiar as to how it’s done here in the States.”
“How what’s done?” Aurora leaned in eagerly.
“Entertaining—” Tori began.
“Victoria, no!” Aunt Charlotte implored at the same time.
“Aunt Charlotte was asking if I knew anything about hostessing a large gathering. For the banquet she’s planned after the wedding.”
“I was?”
Tori set her cup on its saucer when Aunt Charlotte sank heavily onto the bed.
“Aunt Charlotte, I believe this has all become a bit too much for you. If you’d like, we could just abandon the whole idea. I doubt I’ll be in much of a mood to celebrate anyway.”
“Here, Mother, drink this.” Aurora poured another cup of tea.
“No, I’m fine. Really.” With a nervous laugh, she mumbled something to herself. “Yes, goodness, yes. We will … entertain just as we’d planned.”
Tori lay back onto the pillows propped up against the ornate headboard and picked up her teacup once again. Yawning, the laudanum had taken effect and she suddenly felt very sleepy.
“Aurora, go on now and get some rest, darlin’. You’ll want to look your best tomorrow.”
Aurora didn’t argue. Tori knew she did want to look her best tomorrow, for her own reasons. “Goodnight, then. Come wake me if you get up before me.”
“Goodnight.” Tori’s eyelids were growing heavy.
Once the door was shut, Aunt Charlotte turned to her with a serious look. “I really must speak to you about a certain task you will encounter as a wife, Tori, dear. If I don’t prepare you then it will come as a terrible shock, and you’ll never forgive me for not warning you.”
Tori nodded.
“Now, physical differences being what they are … “Aunt Charlotte paused.
“I see.” Tori’s speech turned thick, and she really o
nly wanted to close her eyes. But she knew if she did, it was likely they wouldn’t reopen.
“When a man takes a wife, er …” Aunt Charlotte was fanning herself with a book again. “You see, God created it so that …. well … it’s the only way to make an offspring.”
Offspring.
So that’s what this was about. Tori shook her head a little to clear the fog threatening to take over. The girls at school had pooled their limited knowledge about these things. She felt she had a fairly good idea what was to happen once a couple becomes husband and wife.
“Thank you for telling me about this, Aunt Charlotte. Perhaps, I’ll have Nicholas kiss me first. He has a wonderful way of distracting me to where I forget my own name.” Tori was too sleepy to regret her next shameful confession. “I do so enjoy Nicholas’s kisses.”
To have and to hold; from this day forward,
’Til death us do part.
~ Traditional wedding vows, Book of Common Prayer
Nineteen
Church bells ringing in the distance made Tori’s heart skip two beats.
From the moment she’d opened her eyes this morning, her world was set in motion. Detached, she felt as if it were happening to someone else.
A copper bathtub had been dragged across the room, and before she knew it, she’d been immersed and scrubbed rosy pink all over. Her hair squeaked after being washed in French-milled lilac soap.
Aunt Charlotte had sent up three housemaids to attend to her. Over and over they’d tried to pile her sable locks atop her head. All finally agreed to simply let the unruly tresses tumble down her back, tucking only the sides up under her hat.
Not half an hour later, Tori stood on a footstool while the dressmaker and her assistants surrounded her to pin, nip and stitch. All four of them yanking and tugging until she could barely breathe.
Once finished, Tori turned from the mirror to get the final approval from her aunt.
“I declare! You’re a vision. Turn around, precious and let me see the back.” Aunt Charlotte lifted the short train, setting it straight.
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