Ecstasy's Promise (Historical Romance)

by Constance O'Banyon

  Victoria held the veil to her face. She could almost feel her mother's presence.

  "Now, I have something that Consuelo sent to you.

  "What is it, Grandmother?"

  Her grandmother removed the veil from the bed and laid a box across Victoria's lap. Victoria opened the box and found a white satin robe and a delicate gossamer nightgown. She looked quickly at her grandmother, whose eyes were twinkling.

  "It is lovely. Did Consuelo make this also?"

  "Indeed she did."

  Clarissa exclaimed over the beauty of the delicate negligee. "That is the loveliest thing I have ever seen, Victoria."

  For a moment Victoria saw envy in Clarissa's eyes and knew it was because she was marrying Edward. Victoria began to feel uncomfortable, and was glad when Clarissa finally left.

  Later that night Bodine came in and sat down beside her.

  "Well, Imp. Tomorrow I turn you over to another man's keeping."

  "Oh, Bodine, I love you. I do not want to be away from you." She held on to his big hand tightly.

  "I will never be far away if you need me, but something tells me you will not be needing me much in the future. I am confident that Edward will take the greatest care of you."

  "No one could take care of me as well as you, Bodine."

  He saw her tears.

  "It is not a time for tears, honey. This is a time for great happiness."

  If he only knew, she thought, how unhappy she really was. What would Bodine say if he knew she had agreed to marry Edward for his sake? He could read her so well; she must take care he did not find out.

  "Promise me I can come and talk to you anytime I need to, Bodine."

  He pulled her gently to him. "I did not say I would give you up completely." He kissed her cheek. "You are going to know great happiness, Victoria. I know you do not think so now, but you will." He raised her tear-stained face up to his. "Find the happiness that I could not have, honey. That is what I want for you.

  He left her quietly.

  Edward rode to Rio del Lobo. He had spent the day with Ray Courtney. They had put their heads together, trying to leave no stone unturned to clear Victoria. Ray had written some letters of his own, hoping to add his support to Edward's.

  As Edward rode up to the corral, he saw Old Ned coming out of the stables.

  Edward dismounted. "How are you, Old Ned?"

  "I am just fine, Mr. Hanover. Could I talk to you for a minute?"

  "Sure, what can I do for you?"

  "I just delivered Rebel to your stable."

  "I had completely forgotten about him."

  "Mr. Bodine told me to bring him over. I was wondering, seeing as how he won't let no one near him, maybe you would let me come to work for you, kinda look after him and do odd jobs around the stable for you."

  "You have been in Mammaw's employ for many years," Edward said in amazement. "Why would you want to make the change?"

  "Well, it's like this, Mr. Hanover. I became attached to that horse. Besides, I like keeping an eye on Miss Victoria."

  "So she has won you over, too, has she?" Edward laughed.

  "It kinda brightens up my day when she smiles at me. She is a sweet little lady, always has a kind word for everyone. She was never too busy to talk to Old Ned like most people."

  Edward studied him for a moment. "You talk this over with Mammaw, and if she is in agreement, come over tomorrow and report to Estancio. He will find you living quarters and get you settled in."

  "Thank you, Mr. Hanover. You won't regret it, I promise you."

  "Old Ned, how would you like to come to the wedding tomorrow?"

  Old Ned blinked his eyes. "You want me to come to the wedding, Mr. Hanover?"

  "Yes, and I know Victoria would like you to attend."

  Old Ned's face lit up. "I would be right proud to come, Mr. Hanover. Yes, I surely would."

  Edward smiled as he watched the old man's shining face, and thought he detected a hint of tears.

  After Old Ned rode away, Edward went into the stables. He walked up to Rebel's stall, folded his arms across the rail, and rested his chin on his hands. He watched Rebel as the beautiful animal tossed his head defiantly.

  "Your being here makes it official," he said out loud. He reached out his hand to Rebel, only to have the horse back away from him and paw the ground.

  "Just like your mistress, aren't you? No matter, I will win you both. I can be patient if it does not take too long."

  After a bath and a good dinner, Edward sat down to ponder his wedding day. Victoria would be his tomorrow, at least legally. Had he done the right thing? He knew she loved Paul O'Brian. It did not matter; he wanted her anyway. Edward knew she was attracted to him. He could not be mistaken in that. Maybe with time and patience, she would come to love him just a little.

  "Damn," he said, getting to his feet. He would have helped to clear her even if she had not agreed to marry him, but he was not so magnanimous as to offer her to Paul O'Brian. No, Victoria would be his, and he dared Paul O'Brian to try to take her from him.

  He went wearily up the stairs and paused at the door of the room Victoria would occupy tomorrow night. He opened the door and entered. The decorators had done a good job.

  The carpet and drapes were lilac. The bed covers and hangings were white. A lilac settee stood against the wall.

  Yes, it suited her.

  He remembered Juanita had told him at dinner that she had unpacked Victoria's trunk which had been sent over by Mammaw earlier in the day. He opened the door to the huge wardrobe where her few dresses hung. The faint scent of lilac engulfed him. He ran his hand down the skirt of the lilac-colored dress she had worn the day he had met her.

  Then he closed the wardrobe and went to his room through the connecting door.

  20

  Edward walked into the sitting room, where the wedding ceremony would take place. The air he breathed was dominated by the fragrance of the many flowers that Juanita had placed in the room. He looked about him, satisfied with the results of his week of planning. He wanted everything to be perfect for Victoria.

  Because of Victoria's injury, Edward had insisted there be few guests at the wedding, so it would not tax her strength.

  Rev. Blackstone's head was bent over his prayer book, as he refreshed his memory for the wedding ceremony. Edward smiled to himself. He had no doubt the good reverend could recite the words without the assistance of his book, but Edward knew the man was intimidated because it was his wedding he would be performing.

  Edward looked handsome in his black formal suit and white ruffled shirt. He talked for a few moments with Manuel and Consuelo, shook hands with Old Ned, and tried to put him at ease. Then he crossed the room to speak to Dan and Clarissa.

  Clarissa studied Edward's face. She felt a pang in her heart. There would always be a part of her that would belong to Edward, though he was totally unaware of it.

  "Congratulations, Edward. I hope you will be very happy," she said in all sincerity.

  "Thank you, Clarissa," he said kindly.

  Clarissa felt Dan's arm go about her shoulders, giving her comfort. She looked into his face and knew he was aware of what she was feeling. Closing her eyes, she thought that if she was lucky enough to win Dan's love, she would try to be worthy of it. She excused herself and made her way to Consuelo's side. Victoria had been right, the Delgados were very nice. Consuelo was gentle and kind, and seemed eager to be friendly.

  Dan looked at Edward. "Remind me never to underestimate you in the future," he said dryly.

  "What is that supposed to mean?" Edward asked, raising his eyebrows.

  "You always get what you want."

  Edward frowned and looked past Dan. "Do I? I wonder."

  "You must tell me how you got Victoria to agree to marry you, Edward, and how you got Paul out of the picture."

  "Some things are private, Dan, and this is one of them." Edward's reply was dry, his face unreadable.

  "Do not hurt Victor
ia, Edward. I could not stand to see her hurt."

  Edward looked at Dan for a moment, as though deciding how to answer. "I would rather cut off my own arm than cause Victoria pain."

  "I want to caution you once again about Victoria's condition. She is far from well and you should be patient until I have removed her bandages."

  Edward smiled. "Is this your revenge on me, Doctor? You are in a position to dictate to me where my wedding night is concerned."

  "I am serious, Edward!"

  "Rest easy, Dan. As I have already told you, I would never cause Victoria pain. I will…hold myself in check until I have your permission to . . . Hell, Dan, you know what I mean."

  "Is it possible you really care for Victoria?"

  "Good Lord, Dan, how can you ask?" Edward's hands formed fists at his sides. "I have been half out of my mind, fearing I could not convince her to marry me. Hell, even now I am afraid she will back out at the last minute."

  Dan opened his mouth in shocked surprise. "Are you saying you love Victoria?"

  Edward smiled. "I know I am not supposed to have a heart, but something has caused me considerable pain lately."

  Dan laughed. "Since I am a doctor, I could have told you one must have a heart to live." Dan's laughter deepened. "So the mighty Edward Hanover is human after all. How does it feel to be vulnerable like the rest of us?"

  "At the moment it hurts like hell, Dan . . . but things are looking up."

  Victoria rode in the buggy beside her grandmother and Bodine. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the blue sky was cloudless. "I ordered this day just for you, honey," Bodine told Victoria as the buggy pulled into the driveway of Rio del Lobo.

  The roadside was lined with the vaqueros and their families. The men threw their hats into the air, while the women and children threw flowers. Victoria smiled at the happy faces. They were showing her she was welcome, and she was overwhelmed by their friendliness.

  Clarissa and Consuelo were waiting on the steps to welcome Victoria. Bodine helped Victoria and her grandmother from the buggy. Standing on the steps of the big Spanish mansion, Victoria felt somewhat detached. She was vaguely aware that her grandmother and Clarissa straightened her gown, and Consuelo handed her a bouquet of flowers. Someone kissed her cheek. Victoria looked into her grandmother's misty eyes.

  "Be happy, child," she whispered.

  The double doors opened and Victoria heard the sound of Mexican guitars. She waited until her grandmother and her two friends entered the house; then Bodine led her slowly through the huge entry hall, past the staircase, and into the room where Edward stood waiting for her.

  Victoria's eyes were drawn to Edward. He looked so handsome as he stood beside Rev. Blackstone. His eyes never left her face as she walked gracefully toward him. Bodine squeezed her arm and left her. Edward reached out his hand and drew her to his side. Victoria felt the pressure of his hand on hers. She heard Rev. Blackstone's voice recite the wedding rites:

  "Do you, Eduardo Antonio Hanover, take Victoria Lee Farraday to be your lawfully wedded wife?" She heard Edward's deep voice reply to the reverend. Then Rev. Blackstone turned to her, and asked if she would love and honor this man. Her voice was steady as she made the right response.

  Edward slipped a ring on her finger.

  "I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

  It was over. She was his wife. Victoria's heart felt no joy—only sadness and a dark foreboding. Edward lifted her veil. She looked into his dark eyes as he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her softly. They were engulfed by their friends who offered congratulations and best wishes.

  Dan came up beside Victoria. "I have not kissed the bride yet, Edward."

  Victoria smiled at him.

  He kissed her tenderly on the lips. His first kiss, he thought sadly, and his last. "Be happy, Victoria," he whispered.

  Victoria felt Edward's grip tighten on her shoulder. Dan gave Edward an understanding smile and shrugged his shoulders.

  Edward led Victoria to the huge dining room where Juanita and two young girls were serving lunch. There was food of every description as well as a huge wedding cake. Edward explained to Victoria that there were tables set up on the patio for the vaqueros and their families, who would celebrate well into the morning hours, and the formal ballroom had been opened for any of the guests who wished to dance.

  Victoria pushed her food about her plate with her fork. She felt she would be unable to swallow one bite.

  "Are you not hungry, Victoria?" Edward asked, leaning forward to whisper in her ear.

  "I guess it is the excitement, Edward."

  He laughed. "I am excited also, but it has not hurt my appetite in the least."

  She turned to Bodine, who sat on her right, and dismissed Edward from her conversation, if not from her mind, because she still listened to his voice as he laughed and joked with his guests.

  After all the guests had finished eating and the cake had been served, they moved into the ballroom. Edward took her hand and seated her on a blue velvet sofa.

  "You rest for a while," he told her. "I will circulate among our guests for a short time."

  Victoria watched as Edward moved among the guests, his laughter showing his good humor. Why shouldn't he be happy, she thought, he had gotten his own way, hadn't he?"

  Her grandmother came up beside her. "Do you want to remove your veil, child?"

  "Yes, please, Grandmother."

  Alice Anderson helped her remove the veil that had been her mother's. Juanita took it from her and promised to pack it away.

  The music had started and couples began to dance. Old Ned came up beside Victoria. "Sit beside me, Ned," she offered. He looked uncomfortable for a moment. She noticed he wore a brown suit and his hair was neatly combed. She patted the cushion beside her. He hesitated a moment, then sat down.

  "Mr. Hanover told me you wanted me to come to your wedding, Miss Victoria."

  She smiled. "That was my wish, yes, Ned."

  He shook his head. "I never been to a grand house like this before. You were about the prettiest thing I ever saw today when you walked in with your white gown flowing about you."

  Victoria had a sudden impulse. She leaned over and kissed Ned's cheek. His face flushed red, but his eyes looked at her adoringly.

  "That was for coming to my aid in Cedarville the other day, Ned."

  "I didn't help you none, Miss Victoria. It was Mr. Hanover who saved you."

  "But you tried, Ned. That is what is important."

  "If there is ever a next time, Miss Victoria, you can bet I won't let anyone hurt you."

  "I know that Ned. I will always trust you to look after me and Rebel."

  "I will; I surely will, Miss Victoria," he said with conviction.

  "Well, Imp, you are a married woman now," Bodine said, kneeling down beside her.

  "Yes, and when you go home today, I will not be going with you," Victoria said, swallowing a lump in her throat.

  "You have your own home now, honey, and a husband to look after you."

  "Bodine, how will I ever be able to get along without you? You have always been with me. I love you, Bodine."

  He laughed. "I will be nearby, Imp; never doubt it." He slipped his arm about her shoulder and laid his rough cheek to hers. "I see doubts in your eyes, honey."

  She looked at him with big frightened eyes. "I was just thinking, Bodine, my life has taken such a different twist. I . . . always thought I would marry Paul. I felt so safe with him."

  Bodine frowned. "Is that what you want, Imp, to feel safe?"

  "N-no . . . but—"

  He smiled and covered her hand with his. "You felt safe with me, honey, as well as your father. Safety is no basis for marriage, although I have a hunch you will be well-protected as well as safe with Edward." He kissed her and stood up.

  Neither had noticed that Edward had overheard their conversation. They did not see the look of pain on his face.

  Bodine cla
pped Edward on the back. "Today you have taken my most prized possession. Handle her with care, Edward." The words were friendly, but the cool gray eyes held a hint of warning.

  "Your prized possession has become mine today, Bodine. Rest assured I shall treasure her above all else," Edward said quietly.

  "Come on, Old Ned," Bodine said, "let's sample that punch. I have a powerful thirst."

  Edward sat down beside Victoria. He took her hand in his and studied the ring on her finger. "Have I done the right thing, Victoria?"

  "What do you mean?"

  He looked at her long and hard. "Was it a mistake for us to be married?"

  Victoria stared at him. "If you had doubts, Edward, you should have voiced them before the ceremony. Maybe now that you have me, you do not want me?" She had never felt so crushed in all her life.

  He pulled her head to rest against his shoulder and whispered, "I want you, Victoria. If you never believe anything I say, believe this. I knew what I was letting myself in for. You are right not to feel safe with me, Victoria. I am not a gentleman like Paul O'Brian. You will be unable to twist me about your little finger, as you did him."

  "You heard what Bodine and I were discussing?"

  "Heaven help you, Victoria, if I ever hear Paul O'Brian's name mentioned again." The anger in his voice sliced into her heart.

  "There is no reason to threaten me, Edward. I have no intention of discussing Paul with you."

  "It's damned lucky for you, Victoria. Now this conversation is over." His tone of voice dared her to say another word. He was angry, but so was she. How dare he treat her in such a way! He forced her into marriage and then hinted that it was mistake.

  She turned to him and said icily, "If you wish to dance, Edward, please do not forgo the pleasure on my account."

  He laughed. "Did you know how beautiful you are when you are angry? Your eyes hold all the fire of hell in their depths." She opened her mouth to speak, but he cut her short. "Save your breath, Victoria, I know what you would say.'He leaned over to whisper in her ear. "I do not want to dance unless I can dance with you. I will be glad when everyone has gone and we can be alone together."

  "You go to hell," she whispered.