WHEN VANESSA ARRIVED HOME, she was only a little late for luncheon with her family. Even Charley and Monty were at the table today. Charley stood up to bow in greeting in his usual flamboyant fashion. She avoided Monty’s eyes as she took her seat and tried to concentrate on the plate set before her—without much luck. She was too aware of Monty across from her, could feel the heat from his eyes without looking up to see it.
“I would like a word after you eat, darling,” Kathleen said.
Rickles, that traitor! Of course he would have let Kathleen know about that summons. And of course she would be eager to know what Vanessa had found out this morning at the Rathban house. It didn’t require a lengthy explanation, though she’d barely had time to digest it herself.
“I hope you weren’t looking forward to planning a big wedding, Mother, at least not for me. I’m to be married in four days at the Rathbans’ London residence. They have a special license to allow it.”
How dull her voice sounded! Vanessa hadn’t meant to just drop it out there like that, either, but was glad she did. Anything to do with this wedding couldn’t be over and done with soon enough for her.
The twins squealed with excitement over her news and got up to hug her. Kathleen was more reticent, saying, “This weekend? Why so soon?”
“Less time for wedding jitters?” Vanessa suggested, adding, “The date wasn’t my idea, though I’m not displeased by it. And they want a private ceremony, with only the immediate family present.”
“Hiding it?” Kathleen said, clearly annoyed. “The Rathbans better have a good reason. Yes, I did expect you to have a grand wedding that I was looking forward to planning—not this!”
Vanessa chuckled wryly. “Considering jilted brides are the bane of that family, I would guess it’s merely a precaution to ensure less embarrassment, should one of us end up being jilted.”
Kathleen actually stood up. “He wouldn’t dare—that is, he did ask you?”
“More accurately, he took it for granted that I would agree, but yes, this is his idea. Do sit down, Mother. We are getting exactly what we both wanted. But if you’re worried about it, maybe you should hire someone to keep a pistol on his back until we’re wed. Monty perhaps?”
Levity was so uncalled for, and Vanessa regretted it immediately. She had avoided glancing at Monty after her announcement, didn’t want to see his reaction to it, might end up crying . . .
But Monty actually replied, “I would pull the trigger.”
An embarrassing, telling, overly dramatic response that left an uncomfortable silence in its wake. Vanessa was likely the only one there who didn’t think he was joking, in poor taste or not.
Kathleen took her seat again and cleared her throat before returning to the subject of the nuptials. “Since we didn’t prepare this far ahead, I would be honored if you would wear my wedding dress, Vanessa. It is exquisite, inlaid with seed pearls. You will be pleased with it.”
“Thank you,” Vanessa replied. “Daniel offered his mother’s gown, which is no doubt moldy by now, she’s been married so long.”
The twins giggled, though a little nervously, which didn’t surprise her considering the mood at the table.
Vanessa still couldn’t bring herself to look directly at Monty. Now she regretted having made her announcement with him in the room. But he would have found out, likely later today. Her family would no doubt be talking about nothing else for the next four days. And wasn’t it better that he hear directly from her that she had attained her goal? Bloody hell, he’d even helped her attain it!
And then Charley lamented, “I confess I’m devastated you will wed another. I would have made you my queen.”
Vanessa smiled at the boy. “Thank you, Charley, but you know that wouldn’t happen.”
“My mistress then?”
She rolled her eyes. “Not bloody likely.”
“I’m too young to have my heart broken.”
“Young enough for it to heal quickly.”
He sighed. “I suppose.”
But Monty stood up and his remark broke her heart. “Don’t do this.”
Kathleen gasped at his temerity and said sternly, “Lord Monty, this is none of your concern.”
To which he tossed his napkin down and left the room. A moment later the front door slammed shut behind him, leaving yet another pregnant silence.
Vanessa managed not to cry right there at the table. But she did cry, a lot, over the next three days, so her eyes were quite red and puffy on the day of the wedding. Thank goodness for wedding veils. And that day arrived far too quickly.
The twins had cornered her the night before. They had been her only source of comfort at this trying time. Monty hadn’t returned after storming out. Emily and Layla knew she wasn’t happy about the marriage she’d agreed to. They kept asking her why she was marrying Daniel when she so obviously didn’t want to. She didn’t even try to deny it at that point. She just told them that some things were more important than love, that they would understand one day. Very soon, she hoped.
“Can we even wish you happy?” Emily asked.
“Or is it pointless to?” Layla asked.
“I am going to find some happiness in this marriage,” Vanessa assured them. One way or another she would.
But it was hard to keep that thought in mind when she stood at the improvised altar next to Daniel Rathban. They were being married in the mansion’s music room only because it already had chairs in it. No decorations had been added, not even flowers, to brighten up the dreary room, which was mostly filled with Rathban relatives. Actually, there was one bright spot, Charley, who was wearing a lot of gaudy jewelry and a bright gold jacket. He’d been allowed in for the ceremony only because he was a guest at the bride’s house. Monty could have gotten in, too, for the same reason, but he hadn’t tried.
The handsome groom took her hand when she joined him and whispered to her, “We got here on an angry note, you and I, which I apologize for. I will try to make this work, Vanessa.”
Which made her want to cry again! She would have rejoiced at the words if she’d heard them before she knew where her heart really belonged. So how could she make it work when she loved another? She could still run. The last words hadn’t been spoken yet. But then her father would remain away from his family for the rest of his life.
And then the priest asked if anyone objected to the marriage and Vanessa held her breath. Only Monty would be bold enough to do that, but he’d given up! He hadn’t tried again to dissuade her. She had the sinking feeling that she’d never see him again.
“I do,” was said loudly at the back of the room.
Vanessa turned, eyes wide, but then another man said, “I do as well.”
Vanessa saw only her father and immediately ran to him. Everyone else in the room saw only Prince George.