One month later...
It was her wedding day. Temperance had not met her intended. She was to go to the altar without even being introduced to him. She didn’t know if he was old, fat, or if his overall demeanor was revolting. It would be too much to ask for a handsome and kind man. Her luck did not sway in that direction. Everything went wrong in her life. Of course this would as well.
It did not bode well for her marriage that they had not been allowed to meet before they said reciting their vows. The contracts had been drawn and signed, and her dowry had been given to the king, along with whatever fine the king demanded of her betrothed for the return of his land and title.
Temperance didn’t have friends or allies. She had no one to ask about her future husband. There had been many whispers when people noticed her. They were talking about her and her betrothed. When she neared, they would all become silent, but as soon as she passed them, the whispers began again. She learned to hide from their view so she might eavesdrop on the rumors they shared.
She hadn’t been able to learn everything about her husband-to-be; however, she had discovered the reason her father hadn’t been keen on her marriage to Baron Dalais. His father had been executed as a witch. It was scandalous, and the reason for all the whispering. She would marry into a family that had tainted blood. Were the rumors of their abilities true? Had his father actually worshiped evil? She always had questions and no answers for them.
“Pardon me,” a lady said as she entered the room. “My name is Mary and I’ve been tasked with helping you prepare for your wedding.”
Temperance sighed. It was time to embrace her fate. Perhaps once she was alone with her intended, he’d explain to her about his family. “Very well,” she told Mary. “Please come forward so we may begin.”
She bathed in water scented with rose petals. Her hair was washed, then plaited into an intricate chignon at the nape of her neck. Tiny seed pearls were affixed into her hair, and a diadem placed on top of her head. Her gown had been designed in a simple style with billowing sleeves. The color was a rich blue, and the material silk and velvet. It was the prettiest gown she’d ever owned. Her father had taken her in, but he hadn’t given her every luxury.
She held no illusions. This gown had been created for appearances. The earl had wanted to give the impression of his enormous generosity to his bastard daughter.
“You’re ready,” the lady declared. “And may I say how lovely you look. That gown is perfect for you.”
Temperance stood still in the middle of her assigned chamber. She didn’t know how to converse with anyone. Her father had strict rules for her and she feared if she said something incorrect, her father would learn of it and punish her. Soon she would be married, and she didn’t know what that might bring her. Her husband could be of a similar ilk as her father. It scarcely signified because until she said her vows, her father could still discipline her. “Thank you,” she replied in a reserved tone.
“Do you know what is expected of you?” Mary asked.
She always knew what was expected of her. The earl had ensured she would always do what he wanted. Her father had arranged this marriage, and he would be disappointed if somehow it did not happen. Temperance would ensure it did, for that reason alone. She did not want to incur the earl’s wrath. Instead of telling the lady all of that, she asked, “What do you believe is expected of me?”
Mary stepped forward and placed her hand on Temperance’s “Do you understand what I am asking you?”
Temperance had missed having her mother in her life every day, but no more than she did in this moment. She would have loved to have someone who truly cared for her with her as she prepared to say her vows. A mother that would hold her and tell her that she deserved happiness, and to tell her how marriage could be a good thing.
Sorrow swelled within Temperance. Her mother never had a chance to live. She’d died in childbirth before she had seen her twentieth year. Temperance had caused her mother’s death. The earl did not have a care for her mother as he already had a wife and heir. Her mother had been a mere dalliance and soon forgotten as if she were nothing.
At least Temperance would have the sanctity of marriage if she were to die giving birth to her husband’s child. “You are asking if I understand that I must obey my husband in all things.”
“Yes,” Mary replied. “And do you understand your duty to your husband?”
“I do,” she said. “I must lie with him and bear him a child. He needs heirs.” Temperance stated it as a fact, because it was, and there was no escaping it. She had no emotion in her voice. There was no room for feelings. It would not help her. The wedding would go as planned, and soon she would be free of her father. She hoped that in that freedom she would not find another prison.
“You do understand,” Mary replied. She nodded her head. “Come. It’s time to go.”
They left the chamber and walked through the corridors until they reached the chapel located on the grounds of Whitehall. Her father waited for her at the entrance. “Are you prepared to do your duty?” he asked.
“I am,” she said in a firm tone.
“Good.” He left her and went inside the chapel. Mary walked with her inside and stood with her at the beginning of the aisle. She strolled down and took a seat in one of the pews, then Temperance followed. She stopped once she reached her intended.
Temperance turned to face him and had to withhold a gasp. He wasn’t old or fat. This man was perfect, with golden hair and sapphire blue eyes. He was tall, lean, and the handsomest man she’d ever laid eyes upon. His visage was appealing; however, that did not mean his heart was kind. In time she’d learn that, but at least he wouldn’t be difficult to gaze upon.
Samuel stared down at his bride and held back a frown. She was young, but he’d known that. Her hair was dark and her eyes a silvery gray that shined with emotions. Her face lacked expression, but she couldn’t hide her feelings from him. The poor lass was frightened. He didn’t know if it was of him, her father, the king, or all three. She hadn’t been given any more of a choice than he had.
He felt like a right arse...
They were in this situation together, and he would do his best to protect her. After this farce of a wedding was finished, they would leave and return to Scotland. Perhaps once they were married he could calm her fears.
He’d paid the king’s tithe and once his vows were said, he’d have everything back. The sum the king had demanded hadn’t been as much as Samuel had expected. It hadn’t put a dent in his own coffers. He’d be able to restore the Dalais land to its former glory, and with luck, win his wife’s loyalty and friendship—if not her heart.
He prayed he didn’t regret this choice.
“Now that the bride is here, we may begin,” the vicar declared.
Samuel said his vows, but he didn’t really feel any of them. His bride did the same, but her voice shook as she spoke. What had this woman endured? She was a frightened little rabbit, and her aura was a mixture of colors. Most of them were not good—she was fairly brimming in sorrow and fear, but the whole of her couldn’t be determined by those emotions alone.
He could never explain to her how he understood her emotions and fears. It would only serve to terrify her more. One thing shined brighter than her fears—her innocence mixed with her strength of will. She was lovely, too. He hoped they could find something to connect with or their marriage wouldn’t have anything to sustain it.
“What God has joined together may no man put asunder,” the vicar said. “I present to you the Baron and Baroness Dalais.”
He was married. Samuel didn’t feel tied to another person, but he supposed that was to be expected. This wasn’t a marriage bound in love, but separate duties—he to his birthright and she to her father. They had nothing to truly bind them together. Perhaps, in time, they would.
“Lady Dalais,” he said, and held his arm out to her.
She lifted her hand and placed it on his arm, and then they strolled down the aisle. There was to be a wedding breakfast. Samuel wished he could skip it and take his new bride to his London home. It was too soon to depart for Scotland. He made plans to leave in a few days, but for the moment, at least they would not have to remain at Whitehall under the king’s thumb.
“My lord,” she said in a quiet tone.
“You do not need to be so formal with me,” he said in a calm tone. He didn’t wish to frighten her further. “My name is Samuel. Please use my given name.”
She licked her lips, and Samuel wished he didn’t find it enticing. He desired her more than he expected he would. He might not be able to keep his distance from her. Still, he would not rut with her like a wild animal. They should become more acquainted before considering something as intimate as the marriage bed, and if he consummated his marriage, he’d have to be careful. He hadn’t decided if he wanted to bring children into the world, and he didn’t want any accidents because he could not control his needs.
“Samuel,” she said in that same mumbled tone. “When we leave here...”
“We’ll go to my home here in London.” She wanted to know more about him and what their life would be like. “Then we’ll go to Scotland.”
She nodded. “I didn’t realize you had a home in London. Was that part of the lands restored to you?”
His wife was inquisitive, but also seemed uncertain she should ask these questions. He was amused, but didn’t wish to hurt her fragile feelings by laughing. She wouldn’t know these things about him. The king sure as hell didn’t, and he wanted to keep it that way. “Not exactly,” he said. “My lands associated with the title are all in Scotland.” Samuel Noble owned the house in London. Samuel Dalais owned the title and lands in Scotland. In time he’d tell her that, but not with the king’s gossips surrounding them.
“I thought you were in France,” she said, then shook her head. “Forgive me, my lord. I shouldn’t pry.”
Samuel frowned. “It’s not prying, but let’s discuss this later. We have plenty of time to learn about each other.”
He glanced around the banquet hall. They had arrived for the wedding breakfast and the room was filling fast. There was a table set for the bride and groom to sit alone, near the king and queen’s table. Samuel hoped this farce ended fast, but he feared they would be there for many hours to come.
He blew out a breath and wished he had allowed his mother and Daniel to attend. They had both wanted to, but he had nixed the idea immediately. Their safety could not be assured if they had attended the wedding. It was far better for them to keep their distance.
“Temperance,” he said. Samuel did not ask her permission to use her given name. She was his wife now and he would not stand on ceremony. “Would you be upset if we slipped out of the banquet hall and didn’t stay for the meal?”
She shook her head. “No. I’d rather leave.”
“Good.” He grinned. Samuel had expected that answer. “Then we’ll send our regrets to the king. I’m sure he’ll make me pay another fine for the slight, but the price will be worth it. I hate crowds.”
She smiled for the first time since he saw her walking down the aisle. Her entire face lit up and made her even more beautiful. “I’m not fond of them either.”
Samuel didn’t wait for her to change her mind. Her belongings had already been instructed to be loaded onto his carriage, and they had no reason to remain at the palace. As far as Samuel was concerned, he had done his duty.
He’d married her.
No one said he would be required to break bread with the king, and he sure as hell was not inclined to do so. They both had smiles on their face as the carriage took them away from Whitehall. At least they had found one thing they agreed on, and Samuel counted that as a good start.