She had never wanted to be married. Not really. No silly little girl dreams of castles and princes. However, she had thought that if she were to find someone worth having, well shouldn’t there be more?
Had there ever been a less romantic proposal. It was as if he was proposing a business deal.
“Um, My Lord. I am … How? Why?” she asked as her heart began beating again.
He started pacing once again. She noticed his hands behind his back were clasped in a tight fist. Such manly hands. What would it be like to be touched … No, she couldn’t go there.
“I am sorry My Lord. Why would you wish to marry me?” she asked.
He stopped and smiled at her. “You are in need of a husband. Or at least a fortune. I am in need of a wife.”
Her brow narrowed in confusion. “I can understand you needing a wife. A need for an heir. But why me?”
He shook his head. “I don’t actually need an heir,” he said. “My cousin Alastair is perfectly capable. I had never planned on producing an heir.”
“Then why, My Lord? Surely it can’t be just for my rescue. I could never accept such a sacrifice.”
The large Viscount sighed. “For several reasons Miss Jennings.”
She raised an eyebrow waiting for a more detailed answer. Seeing that she would accept nothing less, he continued.
“Because I am tired of fighting off young ladies who try to trap me into matrimony. Each of them sillier and more mercurial than the last.”
“So you are going to get married to someone you barely know to avoid getting married to someone you barely know. I am sorry, but I don’t understand,” Caroline said.
He looked at her, his lips set in a firm line. “I abhor the idea of being married to someone who expects me to live my life to please them.”
“But isn’t that what marriage is supposed to be?” she asked. Her brow knit in confusion.
“I would much prefer someone who would not make demands of me. Also that it be with someone who had not set out to trap and or trick me into it. And no matter what you may think. I am positive you did not arrange to be thrown into that river to gain my attention.”
Caroline laughed at the absurdity of it all. Her insides were starting to feel alive again. Was this even possible. Was she trading one misery for another?
“There is more,” the Viscount said. “James,”
Caroline glanced down the path at the young boy. Thankful that he was not close enough to hear this insane conversation.
“If something were to happen to me. I want someone to take care of James. You and he have become quick friends. It is remarkable how much he trusts you.”
“You want to marry me so you don’t have to get married and to take care of your brother. I must admit, you do know how to charm a lady.”
He laughed, his face relaxing. She realized that he had been nervous. Who would have thought someone so strong could be nervous. That realization made her feel better. He was not some god. He had his concerns and doubts.
“I assure you, Miss Jennings,” he said as he sat down next to her. “This is the best for the both of us.”
Her skin began to tingle. A warm smell of sandalwood, leather, and all man enveloped her. His presence seemed to overwhelm her. The energy that radiated off of him could overwhelm anyone. Could she really do this? Could he?
“Sir, you barely know me. My family, my father …”
“I will be marrying you, not your ancestors. Believe me, mine leave a lot to be desired. I do not need a wife of high social standing.”
“But, how would this work?” she asked.
“It would be simple,” he said as he took her hand in his. A warm tingle traveled up her arm from his touch.
“I would continue to live here at Armherst. You and your sisters would live in London. As I said. A marriage of convenience. You would have a healthy allowance. The girls would have dowries. I am rather well off I assure you. Money is not an issue.”
Caroline brought her hand to her lips to try and hide a snort.
“Once I am married the young women and their mothers will leave me alone.”
She used her free hand to tuck another strand of hair back into place. Oh to live in a world where money was not an issue.
“Our house has been sold?” she said while her mind flew to a thousand questions.
“I have a residence in Mayfair. Only a short distance from where you used to live I am sure. It is closed up. I normally stay at my club when in London. But you could open up the Mayfair residence. You would enjoy bringing it to life I think.
A house, staff, “Could I use the staff from our old house.”
“Yes, of course. But I would like to make Johnson the butler. He deserves a promotion and to tell you the truth, I don’t think he likes living out here in the middle of nowhere.”
She thought of the Viscount’s footman and nodded her head in agreement. Amy would be very pleased.
Was she really thinking about this? Why didn’t she tell him no? This was not what she had expected. It was not her plans for her life. But then a hovel in Dorset hadn’t been in her plans either.
Suddenly the thought of what marriage fully meant sank in. Her face grew warm as she realized what he would expect from her.
She looked up at him. Or would he? What did he mean by a marriage in name only? Would he expect her to surrender her body to him? Could she do that? Even if it meant financial security for both her and her sisters.
At first the thought made her feel ashamed at the monetary aspects. How could she even be thinking that way? Her heart continued to pound. How could she ask him? The idea made her cheeks flame. Surely he must see her blush. The thought about what he was thinking made her blush even more.
He gently squeezed her hand and fixed his gaze on hers.
“My Lord …”
“Please call me Alexander,” he said, “And I will call you Caroline. It is my hope that we will be friends.”
Friends, yes she thought. She could deal with friends.
“Does that mean … I mean. The bedroom?”
The Viscount laughed gently. “I assure you, Caroline. You needn’t worry. As I said I will live here, you will live in London. If you took a lover …”
“Never, I could never,” she interjected. Affronted at the mere suggestion.
He smiled. “Yes, well, if you should. I ask that you keep it discreet and ensure there are no children. I assure you that I will do the same.”
He would keep his lovers she realized. The thought bothered her at the bottom of her stomach. Of course, he would. It was common for the ton. Such unions were more business arrangement than marriage.
Her heart hurt when she thought of her parents and the love they had shared. It would not be that kind of marriage. Really, if you thought about it, she couldn’t ask for a better arrangement. Security without having to sacrifice or surrender.
If it was such a good proposal, why did it feel so wrong? She looked at her hand resting in his. She couldn’t look him in the eye. Not when she asked the question that really bothered her. The tips of her ears burned.
“What of the wedding night?”
He paused for a moment. “That will be up to you my dear. It is your decision. But … in reality, it is to your benefit that the marriage is consummated.”
“What, how?” she asked. Unable to believe she was having this conversation with this man. How her world had changed.
“Once we … After … Well - I can’t ask for an annulment. I will be legally responsible for your wellbeing. But, as I said. It is for you to decide.”
Again, it came down to money and security. So cold. So not what she had thought marriage should be.
He lifted one eyebrow, waiting for an answer.
Marriage to a Viscount. A brave, rich, handsome Viscount or living in a cold, bleak hovel. Why was she hesitating? He was offering to rescue her and her sisters. Once again.
He really is a hero. She could ask for no more in a husband.
Smiling she nodded her head. “Yes, Alexander, I will marry you.”
He let out a long breath. As if she had released a deep worry.
“Good, I will obtain a special license and we can be married here at Armherst in a few days.”
“So soon?” she asked, her voice rising in surprise.
“Yes, I have business up north and really must be away. Your sisters are here. Why wouldn’t we?”
She held her tongue. A few days? Remember Caroline, this is a business arraignment, nothing more. Of course, it would not be flowers and expressions of ever dying love.
Best to accept the reality at the beginning. That way there would be no disappointment later.
“Yes, of course, My Lord,” she said, fighting to hide her disappointment.
“Thank you, my dear,” he said. “We will do well together I think.”
Yes, we might, she thought. We will, as long as you never discover the truth about my father and if I can get through one night in your bed.
Chapter Nine
Caroline’s heart sank. It was the morning of her wedding day and nothing was as it should be. No mother to fuss and fidget. No details to worry about. Nothing that would mark it as special. Make it her day.
Instead, she would meet His Lordship, Viscount Beachmont, in his parlor. A few friends and her sisters in attendance. A formalized contract signing, nothing more.
There would be a vicar. They would say words. But really, it didn’t mean anything. It was the piece of paper with their names on it that mattered.
Sitting at the desk she examined herself in the mirror. She didn’t look different. Shouldn’t she look different on her wedding day? Amy would have to do something miraculous with her hair. A little rouge, not much, but enough to disguise her constant blushing.
What had she gotten herself into?
Her sisters had been ecstatic of course. Truly happy for her.
“He’s so handsome,” Beatrice had said. “You are so lucky.”
“It is so romantic. Marrying the man who saved you from certain death,” Alice had added with a heavy sigh.
Caroline didn’t have the heart to tell them the truth. Besides, she couldn’t help wonder if their happiness was tempered with the knowledge that they would not be living in abject poverty.
She smiled to herself. It was amazing how their attitude towards life had changed once she announced she was getting married and that in fact, they would have a season next year after all.
Viscount Beachmont, correction, Alexander. She must remember that. It wouldn’t do to think of her husband as only a title. He was a man. A person in his own right. Not simply a path to a better life.
Alexander had been gracious as always. Smiling as the girls squealed at the news. He had accepted their hugs and placed a chaste kiss on each of their cheeks. Welcoming them into his family.
James had furrowed his brow in confusion. The concept of three new sisters was hard to grasp. However, once he learned that Caroline would become a permanent part of his life he smiled and asked if pudding would be served at the wedding dinner.
Everyone was overjoyed about the marriage. Dr. Chase was supportive. At least to her face. She wondered what he told his friend behind closed doors. Surely he had warned Alexander not to marry in such haste.
The servants had all seemed pleased. Each coming to her separately to congratulate her and wish her well.
True, she would be the new mistress of the house. At least when she visited Armherst. Would she visit Armherst? Or would she spend her days in London. Alone except for her sisters. What would happen when they married?
If everyone was so accepting why was she so nervous?
Because they don’t have to spend a wedding night with the Viscount, she thought. The idea terrified her. Not the physical parts so much. Although that seemed a little intimidating. But what if she failed to please him. What if he found her lacking somehow?
He had called her beautiful once. But what if he was only being nice. What did he really think? The idea of not being enough for him was maddening.
The knowledge of what they would do and how they would do it was so embarrassing. What is more? Everyone would know what they had done.
Every time she talked to someone she would know what they were thinking, imagining. She would surely burst into flames from the embarrassment.
Granted. It was to be a marriage in name only. It was this one and only night. But surely she would die of embarrassment if she failed. Her cheeks grew warm just thinking about it.
A gentle knock at her bedroom door had her turn from the mirror. Happy that something might interrupt her racing mind.
“Come in,” she said.
Nanny stepped into the room. Her arms cradling a heavy white satin dress.
“This was the late countess’s wedding dress,” the old woman said with a hesitant hitch to her voice. “I thought you might have it,”
Caroline’s heart jumped with joy. She had been so worried about being married in one of her ball gowns. It had seemed so not right.
She gently took the dress from the servant and held it up. The fabric was exquisite, with fine lace attached to the sleeves and neckline. Small pearls had been sown into the fabric where lace met satin.
He heart melted. It was beautiful. If she had hired the best modeste in London, she would have told them to create just such a dress.
“Oh Nanny, it is beautiful. Thank you so much. But are you sure. Will his Lordship welcome this? I mean, it was his mother’s.”
The old women snorted. “He’s never seen it. It’s not like he was there. Oh, such a wedding it was. Hundreds of people. The feast lasted for days I tell you.” The old servant paused for a moment as she remembered her youth.
“I was only a downstairs maid at the time. But the countess, she went out of her way to make us feel special. I put it away when she died. Put it away for her son’s bride.” Here she smiled at the young woman letting her know she was happy with his choice. “Besides,” she continued. “He’ll do what he’s told or I’ll box his ears.”
Caroline laughed. On impulse, she reached out to hug the old woman, being careful not to wrinkle the dress. Nanny hesitated for a moment, surprised, then returned the hug, patting the young woman on the back.
“Do you think it will fit,” Caroline asked.
“It not, we’ll fix it,” Nanny said.
For the first time in several days, Caroline began to feel a little better about the marriage. With everyone being so supportive. How could it fail?
.o0o.
Alexander wore his dress uniform. Pleased that it still fit so well, only a year from France. Although, he had to admit, the shoulders were a little snug.
He stood in his parlor and waited. His heart beating faster than normal. He was not the kind of man to second guess his decisions. He had learned long ago that doubt only hindered a man. If he saw a problem, he took action and never looked back. Such a philosophy had served him well. At least to this point.
This, though. A marriage. No man could make such a decision and not have doubts. Was he doing the right thing? Granted, it was in name only. But it tied him to this woman for the rest of his life.
What if he met someone and fell in love?
He laughed at himself at the absurdity of the idea. No, that wasn’t likely to happen. But still. A marriage was it the right thing.
Her family, he was now responsible for them.
His family? James seemed pleased with the idea. What little he understood. Ann though, was sure to erupt when she found out that he had gotten married and not obtained her approval nor allowed her to meddle.
James fidgeted next to him. Pulling Alexander from his introspection. The young boy’s fingers tried to pull the collar from his neck. You’d think he was choking. He’d balked at getting dressed in his finest suit. He’d wanted a uniform like Alexander’s.
A sudden commotion at the parlor door drew his attention. Both doors slo
wly swung open to reveal Thomas with Miss Jennings on his arm. The woman was a vision. A beautiful dream of what a woman should look like on her wedding day.
Her chin raised regally. She looked like a princess come to claim her crown.
James gasped when he saw her. Alexander smiled to himself. Even his brother recognized true beauty.
She gracefully made her way down the aisle. Flashing a quick smile to her sisters then looking at him. Her eyes searching for something.
He smiled to her and nodded, taking her hand from Thomas, who bowed and stepped away.
“You look lovely,” he said to her. “Do you often travel with a wedding dress?” He teased.
She blanched for a moment then said, “It was your mother’s. I hope that is all right.”
The look of worry in her eyes tugged at him. He glanced over at Nanny, who stood there daring him to make a mistake just so she could correct him. He smiled at the old woman and nodded his appreciation.
Turning back to his bride he said, “I think it is perfect. She would have been so proud.”
Miss Jennings, no, Caroline, he reminded himself, relaxed and returned his smile.
“She would have liked you,” he added, surprised at how happy it made him see her smile at his little gesture of kindness.
The wedding proceeded as it was supposed to. There were no major mistakes. No one coughed at the wrong time. Nothing dropped to rattle and interrupt the Vicar.
They said the words they were told to say.
His stomach turned over as he thought of the night before them. Of course, a beautiful woman like this. No man could not look forward to such an evening without great anticipation. But Alexander didn’t feel as he should. He was worried.
How did a man seduce his own wife?
He didn’t have a lot of experience with innocents. He normally preferred the experienced woman who knew what they were doing. This was different. He wanted it to be special for her. It would be his one and only chance. It was important that things go well.
“You may kiss the bride,” the vicar announced.
Caroline paled for a moment. He felt her draw back just a little, but then she looked up and smiled.
He bent slowly and brushed his lips against hers. It was to be a chaste kiss. Nothing more. But his body reacted immediately. It was as if he had tasted ambrosia. A shock of power flashed between them.
The Viscount's Bride (Love's Pride Book 2) Page 7
