Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
So here we are in the same small church where Johnny and Eliza were married only weeks ago. Mama has married off two of her offspring in one season. She is setting records and earning quite the reputation as a steadfast, determined mama, who will fit right in as a Lady Patron of Almack’s. Of course, neither my nor Eliza’s choice of husband or wife were Mama or Papa’s decision. We are the signs of a new era, I believe.
‘Oh, finally,’ Sampson mutters, elbowing me in my side, and I glance up and follow his indication to look, clenching my lips together and slowly turning my eyes, bracing myself. I inhale at the sight of her, her hands joined loosely at the front of her ivory silk gown, her sleeves covering her thick bandage. Her hair is loose and wild, just as I love it, with a halo of flowers set upon her head.
‘Good God,’ I whisper, dazzled by the sight of her. My lips part, and I shake my head in wonder. Her face is flawless as she walks to me, and when she arrives, her green, sparkling eyes blister my skin with her scorching gaze. I slowly lift my hand to her cheek and cup it, and she nuzzles into it. All of my nerves disappear, my heart steadying and my body starting to relax again. ‘I have never in my life seen such a beautiful vision.’
Her smile. It is glorious. It is life. ‘Neither have I.’ She takes my hand, squeezes it, and turns us towards the clergyman who has the book of common prayer in his hands.
I cannot take my eyes off her as our vows are read, and I am prompted twice, for I am mesmerised, to accept the blessed ring to put upon Taya’s finger. I turn to her, hold her hand, and look into her eyes. ‘With this ring I thee wed,’ I say quietly. ‘With my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.’ She blinks slowly, making her unfathomably long lashes flutter. ‘In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.’
Her lips twitch, and I beg them to stop, for holding myself back from claiming them is becoming distressing. I struggle through communion, fidget my way through the scriptures, will myself to get through the prayers, and as soon as the ceremony has ended, I hold her hand and walk us out of the church, our family following. I will pull her into a private space, win us just a moment for ourselves, so I can kiss my bride, my wife, and tell her, again, how much I adore her.
‘I am desperate to taste you,’ I say urgently, quickening my pace, trying to put distance between us and our family behind us.
‘As am I you,’ Taya whispers.
I look back and slow my urgent pace, having a stern word with myself, for I momentarily forgot in my desperation that she is still so very fragile. ‘Your arm.’
‘Is all right,’ she insists.
We break out of the church and come to an abrupt halt when we are met with raucous cheering and pellets of rice being hauled our way. ‘Oh bugger it,’ I mutter, and Taya chuckles. ‘I thought they were awaiting our arrival back at Belmore Square.’ This is the worst luck. ‘It isn’t funny,’ I mumble. I might die soon if I do not get to kiss her. Truth be told, I want to do a lot more than that, but I am a reasonable man.
‘Just smile and it will all be over very quickly.’
‘I highly doubt that.’ I slap on a smile and walk us through the crowds. ‘Have you seen the size of the cake Mama has baked?’
‘I have not.’
‘It will take us a year to eat it, even with the help of every resident in Belmore Square.’
‘I love cake,’ Taya says, and I smile.
‘And I love you.’
‘I hate cake,’ Taya mumbles, circling her belly with her hand, and I laugh, truly amused.
‘That’ll teach you for being a glutton.’ I take her plate and set it on the side, placing a glass of champagne in her hand. We have danced, indulged in the most wonderful wedding feast, and eaten enough cake to last us a lifetime. I look across the room to Mama, who is still pushing her creation on all the guests, insisting, if they have had some already, they have a second piece. And for those who have had a second piece, they must have a third. The damn thing nearly touched the ceiling when it was whole.
I gaze around and take in the celebrations. Papa is dancing with Lady Wisteria, Johnny is nursing Eliza and some cake, Sampson is …
I hum, watching the subtle flirtations between him and Lady Dare. ‘Do you think there is something going on?’ Taya asks, looking in the same direction as me.