Chapter Thirty-Seven

Serena and Geoffrey watched Lord Carleton and Lady Josephine from across the room. They rejoiced at the easy way they related with each other.

“I asked my old friend to escort Josephine around London in our absence, chaperoned by Emma. It appeared I imposed on him, but I wonder if he might find enjoyment at the prospect.” He didn’t mention to Serena the slight problem Madame Angelique, Lord Carleton’s mistress, could present.

“He is quite handsome with his honey brown hair and those China-blue eyes.” Serena studied them in interest.

“Should I be concerned about his eyes?” Geoffrey’s smile mocked.

“Lord Geoffrey, No. Never. My story started with you and so shall it end, with you.”

Geoffrey blew her a kiss and praised his good fortune. He looked out the porthole and announced they were about to enter Brighton’s harbor. The crew lowered the sails.

“Welcome to Brighton, my dear one, this is where we boarded.”

With utmost efficiency the crew landed the vessel. The captain handed him a small chest, which he’d held in safekeeping for the Duke. “I am relieved all went well, your Grace. Those rocks were a risky business. Is it time to leave for your ceremony?”

“Yes, we are both anxious.”

The captain’s words warmed. “Congratulations on your nuptials to a most attractive lady. Best wishes for your future happiness.” He bowed to Lady Serena.

“Your help was invaluable, Captain. I would have you give these coins to your crewmembers with my thanks for all their efforts and loyalties.” He handed a small pouch to the seafarer.

He extended his arm to Serena. “Our carriages wait.”

They came down the gangway where a footman waited, in colorful livery, opened the door for Geoffrey and his lady. They ascended into the conveyance.

The others followed in the other coaches as a convoy. As arranged, Geoffrey’s carriage rode in the center in a precautionary measure. “Alone at last,” he whispered.

“Yes, Geoffrey, but you seem to have a concern this venture is not over. I noticed your men are armed.”

“I wouldn’t put it past your brother to attempt to stop our ceremony.”

“Geoffrey, I’ve had enough fear instilled in me for a lifetime.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “Will this ever be over?”

“The moment we are married. Then you will be safe under my legal protection, Serena. Come to me, my love. I have a need to hold you close.” His lips found the soft spot below her ear and his tongue licked in circles. “My lady, you led me a merry chase. We are not far from the abbey so I cannot demonstrate my desire for you, but later, rest assured I will.”

Her smile was as intimate as a kiss. “I should hope so. I hunger for you.”

Geoffrey unhanded her, closed her cloak and stared ahead deep in contemplation. His brow furrowed, his left hand raised to his temple in a circling motion.

She touched his arm. “What is it? I see you’re worried.”

“Serena, are you sure you have told me everything? Is it possible you were…forced to service him? You look haunted.”

“I have held nothing from you. He disliked me, and he hated himself for his desire. I became something that tormented him.” She brought her hands to her chest, one hand over the other and held them close. “It was as if Trystan had returned to hurt me. I would have found a way to harm him.” Serena unclenched her hands and rested them in her lap.

“On the night, when he accosted me in a drunken stupor, that is when I defended myself. Emma saw it all and brought me a knife from the kitchen and sewed it into my dress pocket.”

Serena shook her head. “It amazes me, Geoffrey, what a person can do when there is no other choice. In secret, I practiced lunging at his throat. Only the Lord knows if I would have had the courage.” She looked out the carriage window at the passing scenery. “Thank God I never had to put it to the test. It is in my pocket now.”

He reached for her hand and held it tight. “You will have no need of it for the future. I am here to protect and love you.”

“I must put these fears to rest.”

“My dear, somehow I will wipe away those unhappy memories and fill your mind and heart with new ones of our own.”

****

The lead coach arrived at the abbey. The Saints departed and surveyed the area inside the holy place. The Prior waited at the altar for the bride and groom. They were followed by Lord Carleton and Lady Josephine.

“Prior, my bride didn’t have time to purchase a veil. Do you have something she can use to cover her head? Perhaps there is an altar cloth? I will pay well.”

The pious man nodded and left. He returned with a lace oblong cloth used for smaller altars. Geoffrey took the lace and framed Serena’s dark raven hair. He thought she never looked more beautiful than at this moment. He handed the envelope with the waiver to the robed man of God and the ceremony began.

“I got to choose my fate and it is you, my love.” His words expressed all the emotion that dwelled within his heart. “There are no regrets.”

The Prior spoke in a pious tone. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman into holy marriage. If there be any present that know a reason this couple should not be joined together, speak, or forever hold your peace.”

The holy man raised his eyes and saw no one other than the wedding guests, and he continued. “Speak after me. I, Lord Geoffrey Austen, Duke of Sutton, do take you, Lady Serena Worthington, to be my lawful wife, and 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, Son and of the Holy Ghost.”

Lord Geoffrey repeated each word when indicated.

Carleton handed him the ducal wedding ring. He placed it on third finger of Serena’s left hand.

The Prior addressed Serena. “Speak after me.” She repeated the wedding vows.

Carleton handed her the ring, then she placed its mate on his left hand finger.

“By the authority vested in me by God, I pronounce you man and wife.”

She gloried in the shared moment. Joy bubbled in her heart and shone in her eyes. Josephine and Emma sobbed.

The Prior gave the couple his blessing, “You may kiss the bride, your Grace.”

They faced each other and Geoffrey cupped Serena’s face in his hands. His kiss, gentle as a soft rain, caressed her lips. They turned and walked up the aisle, their glow illuminated the room.

“My lady, my wife, my friend, and my companion, my joy knows no bounds.” His eyes held hers.

Outside, Geoffrey pulled Serena’s cloak around her. “Serena, we go to my estate in Brighton where there is a small feast prepared and sufficient libations for our hungry guests to enjoy.” His face held a sly grin. “I plan to sneak you away to my upstairs chamber and there my beautiful Sultana, I shall feast upon you.”

When Geoffrey and the Saints arrived at the luxurious Brighton estate, Neville and the staff awaited the wedded couple. The household servants were introduced. Serena removed her cape but left her bridal veil on and smiled at them with warmth.

Someone had been thoughtful enough to have Adonis greet her outfitted in a white collar and bow. His tail wagged wildly when he saw her. “Sweet thing, I missed you.” She laughed when the dog licked her face—twice.

Geoffrey whispered in jest, “I missed you too, Serena. Do I get two licks?”

“All in good time, husband. You might even get three.” She winked. “I will even allow you to pick the body part.”

Geoffrey loved the brazen way his wife spoke to him as they shared this special private pleasure.

They were all seated around the banquet table with the bridal couple in the center. A musician’s trio played while they drank and dined.

When the waltz began, Geoffrey took his wife to the floor and they danced alone. “We will have a reception in London at my mother’s house to scandalize the ton. There is a messenger en-route to tell her the good news about our marriage. She will be thrilled by you. For the moment, this gala will have to do.”

“I do hope she will like me. You are my husband. How fortunate I am to call you by that title. I still cannot believe this has happened. Pinch me so I know this is real.”

“This is real, Serena. Pinching will also have to wait for later. I get to pick the body part.”

Geoffrey and Serena went through the dance motions, while their passionate glances wished them elsewhere—alone.

Geoffrey motioned for the men to seek dancing partners and join them. A well-earned relaxed and jovial air filtered through the room.

“I am Lord Cedric, Duchess.” Serena fell into his arms and her feet moved with grace even though she wore boots. “It pleased us to assist in such a risky outcome. Your husband is a lucky man.”

“Thank you, for your assistance in this dangerous endeavor.” Her smile radiated when she met her new husband’s eyes from afar. “I have a gifted rake to call my own.”

“That reputation has served him well in his work for the Saints.”

“I do not understand. How so?” Lord Cedric led her in a large circle as he lifted her to her toes.

“Now I do not declare him a saint in the biblical sense, but his notoriety has opened many a door for us,” he explained.

“I worry about the dangers your organization presents for our future. To lose him is unthinkable.” She trembled, closed her eyes for a moment.

Lord Cedric led her to a chaise lounge and they both sat. “Duchess, did he not tell you he has retired from the Saints?”

“I did not know men could retire from the organization.”

“Married men are not allowed membership because of the possible harm to their families. It should give you great pleasure that you have tamed a good and decent man.”

Serena’s smile engaged. “If that is indeed so, he must have wished to be tamed.” The beginning of a sly grin tipped the corners of her mouth.

Lord Geoffrey came up to them. “You two have been in private conversation. May I intrude?” He spoke in a jovial voice.

“My lord Duke, you could never be an in intrusion. You are and always will be my heart’s desire.”

Their eyes met and held each other. “Now you see, Cedric, why I love this woman.”

“Yes, I do, you rascal. But you will have to share her for a tiny bit more so we can finish the dance. You almost make me wish to seek a wife as glorious as yours.”