“I would,” Ashton said.
I made it through all the hugs, tears and laughter, all the while assuring everyone I would be just fine. I told the story of my escape so many times, I felt it were just a story and nothing more. Ashton kept his promise, staying with me, cuddling me, not leaving the confines of the bed.
“Trinity,” Reid said, coming to my side. His voice sounded almost haggard then it turned into relief. “Sorry, Archer, but I have to do this.” He bent down to place a kiss on my cheek. “I thought I had lost you,” he whispered into my ear before he moved back.
“I will be fine, Reid. Thank you for helping Ashton and for getting him out of the stables.”
“Listen,” Reid said, “Never, and I mean never, do I want to go through anything like that again so you need to just resolve to live a boring, safe, not at all exciting life.” Reid smiled, shooting me with his lady killer of a smile. “Besides, that shouldn’t be hard now that you are an old married lady.”
“Hey,” I protested.
Reid and I bantered back and forth for a while, talking, laughing and filling the room with an exuberant argument over playing a game of cards when I was paroled from my current confinement. I assured Reid I would, for the hundredth time, kick his ass at poker.
“I better get out of here before that huffy nurse comes back,” Reid said.
I giggled, holding on to Ashton’s hand. “She greatly dislikes pretty boys.”
Reid laughed. “Well, I guess I’ve been called worse.”
“It would seem you and I both have encouraged the wrath of nurse ratchet,” Ashton said to Reid.
“Yeah, well, we can add Barrington to the list. She was giving him the what for in the hallway just before I came in here,” Reid said.
“Poor woman. She must be in pretty boy misery,” I quipped.
After Reid left it was quiet for a moment, until I heard the duke.
“Lady Trinity,” the Duke said.
Oh well, we might as well save the best for last. But to my shock he bent down and kissed my cheek. “I am quite happy to see you, my dear.”
“Um … Thank you.”
“My son, Gavin. I am sorry he harmed you. He was ill.”
“Father,” Ashton snapped.
I patted Ashton’s hand.
“Your Grace, I am sorry for your loss. Gavin was ill; he could not find his way through the fog which seemed to plague him.”
The Duke’s face broke. “Yes,” he mumbled.
“When we lose someone who is dear to our heart, we lose a small piece of ourselves. Please, your grace,” I said, taking his hand and placing it upon Ashton’s. “Please find a way not to allow Gavin’s mistakes or his illness to creep into your hearts. Find a way to forgive him and each other.”
“I am not a man of flowery words,” the Duke said almost sternly, “but I do love you, my son. You are all which is good within me, Ashton.”
“Thank you, father. I love you,” Ashton said.
“Yes, well,” Braedon grumbled, clearing his throat. “Ahem … I should probably leave you two. I am quite sure you would like to spend some time together without all the company. Besides, I must tend to Barrington, he is insufferable.”
“Your Grace, did you not have some questions regarding my friendship with Jacqueline?”
“No, My Lady Trinity. I know all I need to know. Rest now. You are going to need it, I assure you. My Lady Archer has decided the wedding shall go on as planned.” He shook his head. “God help us,” he muttered.
Epilogue
Church bells rang out, sending their greeting far into the clear blue sky of London. Dozens of white doves were released and flew up, up, up as though they were headed for the white of the clouds. I was lifted up, snow white dress flowing everywhere the eye could see as Ashton placed me into the white horse drawn carriage. We were official. I had been married for the second time to Lord Ashton Braedon Willmont Archer, only this time before our friends and family, having the blessing of the church. Only minutes ago, I stood in awe, within what seemed a dream, inside the fabulous Westminster Abbey saying, “I do.”
I looked at the man beside me. My stunning husband, dressed in his formal Naval attire, smiled at me. His smile could rival the dawn. Once again, I found myself studying his face, as though this were the first time I saw him. My breath hitched, and his ice white gaze pierced me through. Heat surged up the soft flesh of my throat and rested within my cheeks.
The sun caught within the bead work of my décolletage, sending diamond-like facets across the navy blue of his coat.
“I love you, Lord Ashton Braedon Willmont Archer,” I said.
“I love you, Lady Trinity Lane Winslow Archer.” Without hesitation he kissed my lips off as the carriage moved down the street.
I heard the clip clop, clip clop, of the horses’ hooves keeping time upon the pavement. Felt the bouncing of the carriage and the warmth of the afternoon sun upon my bare shoulders before the breeze weaved through my upswept curls. I broke the kiss.
“Ashton?” I asked.
He smiled bright white. “Yes?”
“I was wondering.”
“What were you wondering?”
I bit at my bottom lip.
“Do you think anyone would notice if we don’t show up to our reception gala?”
Ashton let out a guffaw. “My Lady, shall we start a scandal?”
“I was thinking it’s been a while.”
“Ah … so you have been thinking, have you?” he teased.
“Yes.”
“You were thinking it has been a while since we started a scandal?” Ashton baited.
“No.”
“Then please enlighten me, my beautiful wife. What were you thinking?”
“I was thinking it is past time for you to unleash your devil.”
“So you like my devil, do you?”
I gazed up at Ashton from beneath my lashes. “Oh yes, my lord, I assure you, I like your devil.”
“Do all good women such as yourself require such a devil?”
“I assure you, a devil they do require.”
“Really?”
“Oh yes.”
Ashton’s dark eyebrow rose in question. “And what about their angel?”
“Yes, my lord, their angel as well.”
Ashton leaned in close. His warm breath bathed my lips. “Then we shall proceed. Unleashing the devil, that is,” he clarified with a wide wicked grin.
I slid my hand down the placket of his waistcoat, allowing my fingers to splay sinfully lower.
“Indeed,” I replied.
The End
www.londonsaintjames.com
If you enjoyed this book, you may also like:
His Obsession by Sam Crescent
Tempting Mr. Parker by Delilah Hunt
Be My Bad Boy by Marie Medina
Evernight Publishing
www.evernightpublishing.com
The Good Sister: Part Two Page 25
