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xcitement buzzed at the base of Graham’s spine, and when Arabella’s hand trembled in his, he squeezed her fingers hoping to give her some measure of comfort. “Are you certain you wish to go through with this?” he whispered to her as Vicar Simpkins came into the room flanked by Stephen and Griffin.
Then Lord Breckenridge entered. He took up a spot near the back of the room, leaning a shoulder negligently on the wall and crossing his arms at his chest. Obviously, he wished to witness the ceremony, for if it didn’t go off, he’d be there to spirit Arabella away.
Damn his eyes.
When he flicked his attention back to her, anticipation sparkled in her expression, but a tiny bit of unease lingered deep in the blue depths of her eyes. “Quite certain.”
Then the vicar was upon them. “Hello, and good afternoon.” Not more than mid-thirty, his black hair was parted to one side. He peered over silver-rimmed spectacles at them both. “Can I assume you’re the happy nuptial pair?”
“Yes.” Graham extended his free hand, and when the vicar shook it, some of his fears dissipated. “This is Miss Arabella Holly. I’m Graham Ivy—Lord Bonham.”
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Holly. It’s not often I’m able to marry such a fine-looking couple and seeing the two of you together has cheered me tremendously today.” The clergyman transferred a well-loved copy of the Book of Common Prayer to his left hand. “I’ve brought my parish clerk with me today. Mr. Poppel with take care of the register and have it signed by witnesses.”
Graham glance at a young man no doubt barely out of the seminary who’d taken up a spot at one side of the room near a table. Papers were spread out upon the surface. “Thank you.”
The bespectacled man nodded. “My pleasure. Shall we go ahead and begin?”
“Absolutely.” Knots in his belly pulled tight, but when he glanced at Arabella, his anxiety eased off somewhat.
“Very well.” The vicar swept his gaze over the assembled company. “The nuptial couple wishes to start without delay, so if everyone could find a seat?”
The low buzz of conversation swelled in the drawing room while his family and other members of the Ivy Castle house party settled to witness the ceremony. The colors of the ladies’ gowns added a festive touch to the day, as did the decorations still in place from their Christmastide celebrations.
Vicar Simpkins included both Graham and Arabella in his gaze. He smiled as he opened his prayer book. “Please face me.” When they did, he drew a finger down one of the book’s pages. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of these witnesses, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’s innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church...”
Graham’s concentration wavered. He’d never been one for long-winded speeches or ceremony. Not to mention he couldn’t focus, for the woman at his side kept stealing his attention. Her delicate floral scent, coupled with the brilliant color of her gown tugged at his focus until he stole a glance at her. The rapt attentiveness in her expression as she listened to the vicar pulled at his chest. Dear God, was he truly going to say vows to her, to marry her and leave his old life behind? There hadn’t been much time to contemplate his future, and one he’d not assumed he’d ever have. Arabella, as if sensing his regard, turned her head. She smiled and gave him a nod of encouragement. He couldn’t help but grin.
Yes, perhaps she was exactly what he needed in this time of his life.
The vicar continued, his voice pleasant and enthusiastic as he talked about the holy state they were about to embark upon. He held his prayer book in his hands, the black leather spine cracked and worn. Part of Graham’s mind wondered if the book had been passed down to him from an older vicar, for this man hadn’t been in the office that long. Then Vicar Simpkins glanced at him with a raised eyebrow. “Wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony?” His lips curved with a smile, as if he already knew what the answer would be. “Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor her, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
This was it. Once he said these words, there’d be no returning to the life he’d once enjoyed in London. Can I do this? For the happiness of the woman at his side, he could, and gladly. “I will.” He peered at Arabella and flashed the grin he hoped would forever charm her. Lord knew she needed more kindness in her life.
“It’s refreshing to hear you say that with such conviction, Lord Bonham,” Vicar Simpkins joked. Laughter circled through the gathered guests. Then he addressed Arabella. “Wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded Husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love him, honor him, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”
“I will.” Her voice never wavered. “Never did I dream I’d have a fiancé who’d become a husband after my unfortunate history.”
“Never think the world has run out of miracles, Miss Holly.” Vicar Simpkins instructed Graham to take her right hand in his right, which he then did. Arabella’s fingers trembled. Was she nervous or merely excited? He’d give anything to know that answer. “Lord Bonham, please repeat after me...”
“Of course.” Graham made an effort to memorize the handful of words and then uttered them aloud. “I, Graham Daniel Ivy, take thee, Arabella Diane Holly, as my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death us do part...” His throat tightened as he spoke those most sacred of words that would forever bind him with her. He, who’d previously enjoyed living the life of a rogue, never tying himself down to one woman, was actually marrying one... and he couldn’t be more pleased. Graham cleared his throat and continued, “... according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.”
The vicar nodded. “Please release hands. Lord Bonham, take her left in your left hand.” Once they’d done as instructed, he trained his attention on Arabella. “Miss Holly, repeat after me.” He gave her the words, much like the ones he’d said to Graham moments before.
“Oh, my.” The delicate tendons in her neck moved with a heavy swallow, but she found his gaze, hers brilliant and luminous with welling tears. “I, Arabella Diane Holly take thee Graham Daniel Ivy as my wedded Husband.” Her voice wavered on the last word, a testament to anticipation or dread? “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, ‘until death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance.” A tear fell to her cheek, but her gentle smile let him know she wasn’t in distress. There was a certain placid peace in her expression. “And thereto I give thee my troth.”
“It’s rewarding to know a nuptial couple has so much emotion between them. It means life will never be dull.” Vicar Simpkins grinned while polite chuckles went through the assembled guests. Sunlight glanced off his spectacles lenses as he nodded. “Please release your hands.” To Graham, he whispered, “Now is the time to offer up a ring and any respects you might have for my services.” A hint of a flush colored his cheeks. “Apologies for the reminder.”
“Think nothing of it,” Graham responded. “It’s not every day a man marries and there is much to remember.” His father’s laughter rang out in the room while Graham dug a plain gold band from his waistcoat, which he gave to the vicar, who rested it upon his open Book of Common Prayer. He followed it with a small leather pouch as payment and gratuity for services rendered.
At least I remembered that, thanks to Papa’s guidance. It was all part and parcel of the monetary offerings he’d splashed about in obtaining a special license so quickly.
“Thank you.” Vicar Simpkins returned the bauble. “You may present the ring to the lady.” As soon as Graham slipped it onto the fourth finger of Arabella’s left hand on top of the diamond engagement ring, the vicar spoke again. “Please repeat after me.”
A shudder went down Graham’s spine, for this was the most somber he’d ever been in the whole of his adult life. He held Arabella’s gaze and rejoiced in the happiness in those impossibly blue pools. I made her feel thusly. Would that he could be as fortunate in the coming years. “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, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” Then he raised her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it.
Vicar Simpkins smiled. “Please kneel while everyone is invited to pray with me.”
As the words of the prayer flowed over him, Graham dared to peek at his new bride. She looked back at him with a serene smile curving her lips, and a shiver of anticipation went down his spine. For better or worse, they were nearly wed, and soon he would have a wife—and all that entailed. Then the prayer was over, and Graham stood. He smoothly brought Arabella to her feet while odd flutters moved through his gut.
I’m... happy. Beyond that, he felt content. And what a marvelous thing that was.
The vicar closed his book. “I’m pleased to say I now pronounce thee husband and wife.”
Applause broke out among the gathered guests.
“Well done, son,” his father said in a booming voice.
Graham turned, as did she, and he caught her hands in his. “I have a wife,” he whispered to her, but she couldn’t reply as people surged forward and offered congratulations and murmured well-wishes. He stood back merely to watch her interact with his family. A hint of moisture sprang to his eyes, for there was no doubt in his mind that she would soon join seamlessly into the Ivy fold.
I’m so fortunate I can scarcely believe it.
Finally, the crowds let her go and then she stood before him, her cheeks stained with a pretty blush and the light of joy dancing in her eyes.
Oh, God. She was beautiful, and even more astonishing, she was his. He took her hand and led her a bit away from the laughing, chattering members of his family. “How do you feel?”
“Wonderful, actually.” Arabella squeezed his fingers. “Do you regret your decision?”
Movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention. When he turned his head, he saw Lord Breckenridge leave the room in haste. The squire ran after him, no doubt to offer apologies. Graham didn’t care, for he’d made arrangements with the vile Breckenridge. Earlier that morning, he’d paid the man for the amount of the squire’s debt. It was the best investment he’d ever made, for it meant that Arabella was well and truly done with the two blackhearts who cared not a jot for her.
“Graham?” Worry hung heavy from that one word.
Quickly, he turned back to her. “There are no regrets.” When a smile cleared away the concern, his heart skipped a beat.
His parents came over to them, both wearing matching grins.
“I’m very happy for you, dear,” his mother said to Arabella as she gave her a hug.
“I’ve never been more proud,” his father said and clapped a hand to Graham’s shoulder. “Never thought you’d marry, but you’ve managed to surprise me in the best of ways.”
Pleasure curled in his chest from the unexpected praise. “Thank you, Papa.”
Mischief twinkled in the duke’s eyes. “We’ve had a large suite of rooms in the opposite wing of the castle made ready for the two of you to use as a bridal apartment through Twelfth Night.” He cleared his throat as Graham gaped at him. “That is, if you wish to make use of it before you go off on a proper wedding trip. I thought it might be convenient for newlyweds to conduct... matters far removed from the rest of the company.”
“Oh, please stop talking, Papa,” Graham asked while heated embarrassment flowed over him.
“Thank you, Your Graces.” The pretty blush on Arabella’s cheeks intensified. “That’s quite generous.”
“Remember, dear, you are family now. We can leave off with the formalities,” his mother said with a smile.
Above all things, he couldn’t wait to throw himself into the duties given to a new husband... if she’d allow it. If not, and she wished to wait until they knew each other better, he would wait because she was more than worth it.
“I appreciate that,” he managed to mumble, but when he raised his gaze to his father’s, he couldn’t help the goofy grin they exchanged. “Now, if you’ll excuse us? I require a moment of privacy with my bride before we make an appearance at brunch.”
“Of course, son.” The duke stepped away.
His mother patted his cheek. “Don’t be long. Cook has prepared all your favorites, and your brothers have prepared speeches designed to embarrass you.” When she winked, Graham wished the floor might swallow him whole.
“We’ll be but a moment. Since the afternoon is fair, I want to take advantage of the sunshine and a breath of fresh air. I’ll meet you in the dining room.”
Ten minutes later, he led Arabella beneath a tree on the backside of the castle. It had been one of his favorite places to escape when he was a boy. “Do you have regrets? Think you might have gone from the frying pan to the fire?”
“Of course not.” She brushed the shock of hair from his forehead, and the fleeting touch of her fingers sent awareness over his skin. “I went into this marriage with every expectation of good things for our future. Somehow, I know you won’t disappoint. You have integrity you try your best to hide.”
“Ah, Arabella.” Graham took her gently into his arms, lowered his head, and claimed his new wife’s lips in a kiss he hoped conveyed the depth of his budding feelings. One of her hands curled into his lapel while the other she snaked to his nape and encouraged him closer. He gladly obliged, but all too soon, the urge to deepen the embrace grew strong. Setting her away lest he make a cake of himself, he grinned. “I can’t wait to begin our life together, to learn everything about you, to show you London, to take you wherever you want.”
“What a lovely sentiment. Your excitement feeds mine.”
“Good.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back. “Beyond that, I merely want to be with you, for I have a feeling we’ll become one of those obnoxious couples who do everything together.” There was a certain smugness to that, knowing he’d married ahead of his brothers and could crow that victory over them.
“As if that’s a crime?” She smiled and his world tilted. “It all sounds marvelous. You’re certain you’re committed to this union? Pleased with your choice of impromptu bride?”
How could she even ask that after everything? “Absolutely. There is no one else I’d rather find myself wedded to, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll do together.” He kissed her again because he could then he held her close merely for the joy of holding a woman. Everywhere around them, snow melted, but the chill in the air promised more winter to come. “We should return to the castle before you ruin your hem. That gown is too stunning for it to end up in a rag bag.”
“Oh, hush.” She rested a palm against his cheek. “Let me enjoy this moment of profound peace and safety and... happiness. It’s quite a novel experience, as is having a husband.” Her giggle tugged at his heart. “I think I’ll come to love you rather quickly, Graham.”
“As will I you.” His heart skipped a beat. “You shall always have safety and happiness that with me. I promise. And in the words of the Bard, ‘I would not wish any companion in the world but you.’” He bundled her tightly into his arms, and for the first time in his adult life, he was grateful with his lot.
Perhaps there was something to be said for the old-fashioned fate and magic of the holiday season after all.