The Lord’s Secret (The Regency Renegades - Beauty and Titles) (A Regency Romance Story)

by Jasmine Ashford

  “Yes,” Shauna said. “I am ready.”

  She had chosen, in an unprecedented move, to walk down the aisle herself. She knew there were those who would gasp at such a choice, but she didn't care. She was a peasant marrying a lord, and therefore legitimizing his bastard child. There wasn't much more gasping that they could do.

  When the organist started, as she stood outside the doors of the church, she felt her heart flutter. This was it; everything she had been dreaming about.

  The church doors flew open and she started her walk down the aisle. The congregation rose at her entrance, every one of them beaming faces. There were old friends and new, but no one seemed unhappy to see her.

  The walk down the aisle was long. Gwendolyn, ahead of her, was throwing flowers, and it was clear everyone thought she was the cutest thing in the world. She reached her father and he greeted her with a hug and a kiss before she went to stand beside the bridesmaids. Lola and Annabelle wore identical pale blue dresses, and they were smiling at her, welcoming a sister.

  When she reached the front, Aaron took off her veil and kissed her on the cheek. “Have you seen our child?” he asked. “She's beautiful.”

  “And she behaved herself, mostly,” Shauna said. “It's a miracle.”

  Aaron laughed as they joined hands, and he turned toward the priest, nodding. Yesterday, in rehearsal, they had gone over what they were each going to do. Now, everything seemed so clear, so surreal, almost like a dream he’d thought he would never have. He was actually marrying her.

  The priest took his signal, and looked at the book, clearing his throat. The large congregation sat and the priest began his speech.

  “Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by His presence and first miracle at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and His Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people. The union of husband and wife is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given each other in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.”

  The priest looked up between the two of them, finding them locked within each other's gaze. They were so happy, so thrilled just to be with each other.

  “Into this union, Shauna and Lord Aaron Bamber now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause as to why they may not be lawfully wed, speak now, or else forever hold your peace.”

  She had thought that somebody might. There were certainly plenty of reasons why somebody might speak up, scream, or throw things. They had discussed the possibilities of who might, or what they would throw. However, to her absolute delight, no one did. It was silent, and the priest was able to turn back to his speech.

  “I charge you both, here in the presence of God and the witness of this company, that if either of you know any reason as to why you may not be married lawfully and in accordance with God's Word, do you now confess it?”

  “No,” Shauna said, completely sure of herself. She had waited long enough, and she loved him so much. There was no longer any reason to wait. "There is absolutely no reason why we should not be married."

  “No,” Aaron replied. He could see Gwendolyn behind her mother and he smiled at her. This was more than just a marriage of two hearts. This was a marriage that brought a family together; that gave a little girl the life she deserved. He regretted missing out on so many years of her life, but no more. She was going to grow up in the manor; maybe even inherit his title one day. "There is absolutely no reason why we shouldn't be married."

  “Shauna," the priest turned to her, turning the page in the book. They had practiced all of this in rehearsal, but it seemed so much more real now.

  “Will you have this man to be your husband, to live together with him in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto him as long as you both shall live?”

  “I do,” Shauna replied, looking straight into his eyes. They had already honored so many of those vows. He was well now, but he might not be well in the future. Every day was a gift. She promised to love him with her whole being, no matter what the future brought.

  “Lord Aaron Bamber, will you have this woman to be your wife, to live together with her in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto her as long as you both shall live?”

  “I will,” he promised. Shauna deserved so much better than the years that he had given her. He used to think that there were things that were impossible. However, with Shauna at his side, he knew that they could achieve their dreams. His dreams with Shauna were of a big family, children and grandchildren. This was who he wanted to form his legacy with.

  “Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?”

  “We do,” the congregation chorused. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that these two were meant for each other. Yes, there were many gaps between them. That said, they looked at each other with such love, and such respect, cherishing each moment. An explosion could go off beside them and neither of them would notice; lost in each other's eyes.

  “Bless, O Lord, these rings as a symbol of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other, through Jesus Christ our Lord,”

  Gwendolyn had been entrusted with the task of Aaron's ring, while Aaron had made Harold hold Shauna's ring. Gwendolyn knew her cue and handed the ring over, a wide grin on her face.

  “Thank you, my love,” Shauna said with a smile as she took the ring. Gwendolyn beamed, and went back to her place, and Shauna turned to Aaron.

  “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” she said, sliding the ring on his finger. It was wide and sturdy, a strong ring that his father had worn. He had kept everything within the family, determined to create a legacy.

  Now, it was Harold's turn, handing the ring over, and making sure Aaron had a firm grasp on it before he let go. Dropping such an expensive and delicate piece of gold would surely create disaster. However, Aaron was strong in this moment, his hands steady and his smile wide.

  “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” he said, slipping the ring on Shauna's finger. She was his now, forever, and this ring would symbolize their love. After so many years of hiding it, he was thrilled to have an outer symbol.

  “Now that Shauna and Lord Aaron Bamber have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder,” the priest said, and everyone stood. There were general mumblings within the congregation, and then silence

  “Let us stand and pray together the words our Savior taught us,” the priest said, and everyone bowed their head.

  “Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”

  “Amen,” chorused the c
ongregation.

  “God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve and keep you; the Lord mercifully with His favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting. Amen. The peace of the Lord be with you always," the priest looked between the two of them, and then backed toward the congregation.

  “And with you,” they said.

  “Lady Shauna Bamber and Lord Aaron Bamber, having witnessed your vows of love to one another, it is my joy to present you to all gathered here as husband and wife. Lord Aaron Bamber, you may kiss the bride.”

  He dipped her down, kissing her as the crowd exploded. “My Lady,” he said with a grin, as Gwendolyn circled around them. At last, they were a family. At last, they were together.

  EPILOGUE

  “One last sail,” Aaron said when Shauna opened her eyes. He had been awake since dawn, waiting for her to come back to the world.

  The snow was melting outside, and the world was turning back to green. His medical leave lifted, he had been granted a return to the ship. He hadn't wanted to go at first, but the offer was, with his fellow officers, a reward to sail on one of the newest ships of the fleet: the Swift Sunrise. It wouldn't be a long trip, a few months, and then he would retire, and be home with Shauna for good. It was the best of both worlds, as far as he was concerned.

  Everything was planned for their return. Harold's marriage to Annabelle and his promotion to a desk job, so that he would get to be close to them. Wesley and Lola would be married as well, and they would start their lives together; a new adventure.

  He couldn't wait. Everything was perfect. Just a few months ago, he’d thought nothing would be. However, it appears God was smiling favorably on him once more.

  “Yes, I know,” Shauna said, rolling over. He had talked about nothing but this since it was assigned. “When you come home, you won't recognize this place. I am going to put my own personal touch on it. The decor will change; even the gardens will be different.”

  He leaned down to kiss her before going to get dressed. “You do what you like, Lady Bamber,” he said. “It's all yours.”

  “Mmm,” Shauna yawned. “I have to do something to keep me entertained. Otherwise, I'll go back to work.”

  “Shauna,” he said, aghast. “You're a lady now.”

  “I know,” she said and propped herself up on her arms. “But I am still the same person.”

  “And that is why I love you,” he said. “I'm going to make sure that everything is ready. I'll see you after breakfast?”

  In noble households, married ladies ate breakfast in bed. It was something that Shauna had come to enjoy immensely. She did love the privilege that came with the marriage, but mostly, she loved being on Aaron's arm. She loved watching him be a good father to Gwendolyn. He was happy; happier than he had been in a long time.

  Aaron poked his head into Gwendolyn's room. To his surprise, she was already awake.

  “Daddy, you're going to sail today,” she said, her eyes bright. “Are you excited?”

  “I am excited,” he said. “It's a brand-new ship, under a very famous captain. But do you know what I am more excited about?”

  “What?” she asked.

  “Coming home to you,” he replied. “And seeing you grow up.”

  “I never want to grow up,” she giggled.

  “Oh?” he teased her. “Because when you grow up, all of this will be yours.”

  “Oh yeah, I forgot,” she replied. He held out his hand.

  “Come on. Let's go down for breakfast.”

  “But no one has come to get me a gown,” she said and looked down at her pajamas. She had adapted incredibly quickly to the noble lifestyle.”

  “I won't tell if you don't tell,” he replied. She took his hand, a wide smile on her face, and they headed downstairs.

  Breakfast was in full swing when they got downstairs. It appeared that he wasn't the only one who had been up early. Everyone else was up and dressed. The men were in full uniform, ready to board. Lola was leaving on another tour, ready to dazzle the provinces, and Annabelle was going to spend the time in their country home.

  “Good morning, sir,” Matheson said. “And little lady. All ready for today?”

  “Do I get to see a big ship?” Gwendolyn asked. “Mother said it was a big ship.”

  “The biggest they ever made,” Aaron replied. “And we will be the first to sail on it.”

  “Don't be the last,” Lola teased. “Try, just try, to make it through a season without disaster.”

  “Perhaps someday, someone will write a play about how grand this ship is,” Wesley teased her, also in a good mood. All was mended, all was well. Aaron was happier when everyone around him was happy. There was good cheer surrounding him at every turn.

  “Well, then I can't star in it,” Lola pointed out. “Unless you become captain of it.”

  “Which is a distinct possibility,” Harold reminded them. “Wesley will be the third most senior officer on the ship. I am not on track for captain, and Aaron is retiring. When Captain Willcock retires, which he will after a sail or two on this grand ship, they will look to Wesley.”

  “Well then,” Lola said. “I better tell the playwrights to start writing.”

  “I feel like the luckiest man in the world,” Aaron said to Harold when they were finally ready to leave. “I will miss Shauna, but it feels like the light at the end of the tunnel. My health is good, my rule is secure, my daughter is perfect, my friends are happy and alive. Does it get any better than this?”

  Harold smiled at him. “I can't think of a way,” he said as Shauna exited the house. “Go, say goodbye to your wife.”

  “That,” Aaron said with a grin. “I can do.”

  He approached Shauna, and she went into his arms. “You will take care of Gwendolyn while I'm gone?” he said. “I promise it won't be for long.”

  “Aaron,” Shauna said. “Of course, I will.”

  “Most wives would be mad at their husbands leaving,” he replied. “Or at least upset.”

  “I know that this is a part of you,” she said and laid her hand on his chest. “This is your heart, as much as I am. I know who I married. Go and have one last sail, one last adventure, one last piece of glory. And when you are ready, come home to me forever.”

  “I am always with you,” he whispered and laid a kiss on her lips. “I promise.”

  They had waited so long for this moment; this life. They had been through many obstacles, many hurdles that he’d thought would bring them down. Nevertheless, this was worth the wait. At last, they were together, and they would be together forever.

  THANK YOU

  for reading my book and

  I hope you have enjoyed this story as well.

  “Saving The Lord’s Title” is a standalone novel with at least 220 pages.

  If you have enjoyed reading this book so far, I believe you will be interested in checking out “Saving The Lord’s Title”.

  A New Life… An Imperfect Beginning… A Death That Threatens It All…..

  From the moment Lady Annabelle set eyes on Captain Willcock, she knew something was amiss. But when a fatal accident forces her love to face the gallows for murder, Annabelle is faced with the fear that the church prepared for their wedding may host his funeral instead.

  A New Life….

  Awestruck by the sound of church bells already ringing in his ears, Lt. Harold Harper can’t help but count down the days until his wedding to Lady Annabelle Bamber. Thrilled with the prospect of a life on land beside his long time love, Harald looks forward to one last sail... a celebratory mark for the flagship HMS Swift Sunrise.

  An Imperfect Beginning…

  From the moment Lady Annabelle set eyes on Willcock, the Captain of the HMS Swift Sunrise, she knew something was amiss. Illogical and prone to extreme punishments were his crew was concerned, Annabelle quickly realizes there is o
nly one explanation. He has gone mad.

  A Death That Threatens It All….

  But when a fatal accident introduces the Captain into an untimely fate and a shocking truth rises from the death bed, Harold discovers that what happened was no accident. And he will meet the gallows for the murder in no more than a day. With time running against him and nowhere to run, Harold is forced to face the fact that if he cannot escape the noose, the church booked for the wedding will soon host his funeral.

  Can the church bells still ring for Harold and Annabelle?

  Or will their beautifully planned life turn out to be nothing but a shattered dream?

  I have enclosed a preview of “Saving The Lord’s Title”.

  Check it out below…

  It is coming and will be at $0.99 (around 220 pages) for a limited time.

  COMING SOON

  CHAPTER ONE

  FISTS

  “Harper, NOW!”

  Harold Harper sat up with a start, his sleep rudely interrupted. He wasn't one of those people who could jolt out of bed and be on his feet in an instant. His brain was slow to go to sleep and slow to drag out of it, which often didn't go well with his shipmates yelling his name in the middle of the night, just as he had fallen into a deep sleep.

  “Wha- huh?”

  “Just come, we need your help,” Midshipman Rippon was indicating he should move fast through the door, and so he did. His ears began to perk up as he heard shouting form the lower deck.

  “What's going on? Is it Aaron?”

  “No,” Wesley said. “Just everyone else.”

  “Oh,” Harold said, as he rushed through the small hallways. “That's good, I think.”