Velvet Chains (Historical Romance)

by Constance O'Banyon

  Season saw Lucas' throat work convulsively, and she realized he was deeply affected by what she had just told him. "How can you love such a man, Season? You say you gave yourself to him willingly, but I feel you would never have done so if he hadn't used his experience with women against you. I had heard there was some kind of scandal about you in England, was that also true?"

  "There is no reason you should believe me after what I have just told you about myself, but The Raven is the only man I have ever been with. If it were possible, I would tear him from my heart, but I just cannot seem to forget him. Believe me, Lucas, I am not the woman for you."

  "I think you are wrong. None of what you have told me matters. If you will give me a chance, I can prove to you that not all men are like The Raven. I have never wanted to marry a woman before. Please, take what I offer you, Season."

  "Lucas, you don't understand. If The Raven were to come to me at this moment and ask me to go away with him ... I would go. That's the kind of woman I have become."

  "You must have seen his face then, or you could not love him."

  "No, I cannot even offer that as an excuse. I know you will find it hard to understand that I could love a man whose face I have never seen. But I believe I would recognize him if I ever saw him unmasked. I will never forget the sound of his voice."

  Lucas traced a pattern across the arm of the chair he was sitting in. "Suppose, after all you have told me, I still want you for my wife?"

  "Then I would think you mad. You can have any woman you want for your wife. Have you forgotten about the child I carry?"

  He ran his open palm down the leg of his trousers as if he was nervous—the one emotion Season would never have associated with Lucas Carrington. "No. I could hardly forget the child. You have my word that if you become my wife, I will raise this child the same as any other child you would give me. Think about that, Season."

  "Why, Lucas? I don't understand."

  He looked into her eyes. "Suppose I told you I have been unable to get you out of my mind since that first night you swept into my life? Suppose I said I am hopelessly in love with you and will find no peace until you belong to me? Would you believe me if I say you are the only woman I have ever loved?"

  "No. I would say you speak a lie."

  He smiled. "All right. What if I should tell you that I would like to have a wife who is beautiful and kind and carries a title?"

  "Then I would believe you."

  "Will you say yes, then?"

  "No."

  "Have you thought of the child?"

  "I try not to."

  "I think you should consider the child's future. You know what a child is branded if it is born without a father. The word is bastard, Season. Do you want that stigma to be attached to your child?"

  Her eyes filled with tears again, and she despised herself for crying. "No, I wouldn't want that for this child. I try to think I don't care about this baby, but I find I am developing a true mother's heart."

  "There is no reason for you to agonize over the baby's future. When the child is born he will have the Carrington name if you say yes to me."

  Season thought of the other reasons why she should say yes to Lucas' proposal: she was more than a little drawn to him, and he lived a long way from London—she had to consider her father's good name in England. Still she was a little frightened of Lucas, not because she thought he would harm her but because he seemed bigger than life and was so overpowering.

  "I could never make you happy, Lucas."

  "That is not a requirement, Season, but I would do all in my power to make you a good husband and to give you happy days."

  She smiled slightly. "Would that include giving up all your lady friends?"

  For a moment his golden eyes blazed and his voice was passionate. "If you belonged to me, I would never want another woman. This I solemnly vow to you before God."

  Season placed her fingertips to her throbbing temples. "I don't know, Lucas. You have taken me completely by surprise. I never expected you would want to marry me."

  "Say yes, Season," he urged.

  "If I did accept your proposal, you might live to regret it, Lucas."

  "Not in a million years."

  "I am not even sure I could ever be a proper wife to you."

  Suddenly his golden eyes danced, for he could see that she was weakening. "Let us strike a bargain, my lady. If you marry me, I will not force my attentions on you…neither will I adopt a hands-off policy. Perhaps with patience on my part, you will one day come to me willingly."

  She bit her lower lip and then smiled. I cannot tor the life of me, understand why you would want me. There are so many other young ladies, without my problem, who would leap at the chance to be the wife of Lucas Carrington."

  "It's all very simple, Season. When I see something I want, I never give up until I acquire it—I want you." He took her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed it softly. "Do we strike a bargain, my lady?"

  Suddenly Season knew she was going to say yes. She couldn't understand why, but for some reason her heart was pounding and she could hardly breathe. "I will say yes, if you are sure this is what you want. I must warn you though, the day may come when you will regret the deal we struck today. If you ever begin to have second thoughts, remember the warning I give you today."

  His eyes seemed to dance with new life. "I think not, my lady. And I will do my best to see that you never have cause to regret it either."

  Lucas stood up and drew Season up beside him. He didn't try to kiss her, but merely held her tightly against him. She felt a tremor shake his body, and then her own body melted against his. Somehow it felt so right to be in Lucas' arms. Season closed her eyes, wondering what the future would bring. This was the first time she did not dislike the man she was supposed to marry.

  Neither of them realized the front door had opened until they heard a gasp and turned around to see Rebecca staring at them in amazement.

  Lucas smiled and held his hand out to his sister. "Come and congratulate me. I believe I will be a husband before you will become a wife."

  Rebecca's face lit up and she flew across the veranda. 370

  VELVET CHAINS

  Lucas hugged both women to him.

  "When did all this happen, Lucas? I never knew that the two of you were in love. I have suspected for a long time, however, that the two of you would be perfect for each other."

  Lucas laughed down into his sister's face. "I didn't think anything would ever escape your notice, minx."

  "Season, I am going to love having you for a sister, and it will be a comfort to me to know you will be taking care of Lucas." Turning to her brother she said, "I am overjoyed for you, Lucas. I just know you and Season are going to be happy together."

  Lucas caught Season's eye. "Yes, I believe we are perfect for each other."

  Rebecca's hand flew to her mouth. "We have so many plans to make, Lucas. Season you will need a trousseau, and invitations must be sent out. I think a spring wedding would be nice. Or you could have a double wedding with me and Robert? No, of course not—that would be too soon."

  Lucas laughed and placed a finger over his sister's mouth. "Slow down, minx. Since there is a war going on, Season and I want a very small wedding. In fact, if Season has no objection, I had thought we would have a very private ceremony tomorrow night."

  "Surely that is too soon," Season protested. "Rebecca's wedding is in two days. Can we not wait until she and Robert are married?"

  "No, I believe there is no cause to delay. You will find that once I have made up my mind about something, I usually get my way."

  "He's right there, Season. My brother is a very persuasive man. You may as well give in, or he will wring an agreement out of you," Rebecca stated impishly.

  Season smiled at Lucas, silently thanking him for his thoughtfulness. She knew the need for haste, and was glad that he had realized she would want a private ceremony.

  As Season's father rode up the dri
ve and dismounted, Lucas took her hand and led her toward the front of the veranda.

  "I believe we should tell your father the happy news," he said, smiling. Then he leaned close to Season and whispered in her ear. "You have made me a very happy man, my lady."

  22

  Hearing of his daughter's impending marriage put the duke in a jovial mood. While he and Lucas went into the study to talk privately, Rebecca took Season upstairs so they could make plans.

  As the two girls sat in the middle of Season's bed, Rebecca could hardly contain her joy. "Just think, we will be sisters. When Robert and I are married, we will only be living a few miles away. We can spend Christmas and Thanksgiving together. Won't that be glorious fun?"

  "What is Thanksgiving?" Season asked.

  "Oh, you wouldn't know about that. It is a holiday that is set aside in America for giving thanks. We spend days preparing for the feast of venison, turkey, and more food than you can imagine. Lucas once told me it was something like England's harvest festival."

  Season smiled, feeling as if she would soon be a part of this wonderful new land. Suddenly her heart felt lighter than it had in a long time. "I am looking forward to spending my first holiday at Rosemont, Rebecca. I will love having you for my sister. The one thing that grieved me about returning to England was the thought of never seeing you again."

  "Are you happy, Season?" Rebecca asked, giving her a searching look.

  "Yes, Rebecca, I believe I am."

  "Do you love my brother?"

  "I will be very honest with you, Rebecca; I like and respect your brother more than any man I know. I hope one day I will grow to love him."

  Rebecca looked confused for a moment. "But why are you marrying Lucas if you don't love him?"

  Season knew she couldn't bring herself to tell Lucas' sister the reason for the marriage. "I will make your brother a good wife, Rebecca; you have my word on that."

  "When you get to know Lucas, you can't help but love him, Season. He is truly wonderful."

  Season hugged Rebecca. "I think we both agree that he is wonderful."

  The rest of the day was spent in busy preparation. Molly pressed the beautiful wedding gown that Season was supposed to have worn for her marriage to the Earl of Ransford and then to Edmund Kensworthy.

  That evening when Molly came into Season's bedroom, she looked at her lady and clicked her tongue. "Such goings-on. You have near been married twice before, but this time it appears to me you will go through with it."

  "This time it was my choice, Molly."

  "Well, I have to admit this one is better than the other two, even if he is a colonist."

  "Molly I never knew you to be a snob," Season said, smiling. Will you be wanting to return to England with my father, or will you remain here at Rosemont with me?"

  "I will be staying with you, of course, and don't try changing the subject with me. Don't think I have forgotten the night you told me about Lucas Carrington. He's the one you met at the ball and was all dreamy-eyed over."

  "Yes, he is the same man."

  The maid frowned. "I remember I told you that night he was probably Lucifer himself, but I have to admit he is a handsome devil—and I like him. Probably the woman ain't yet drawn breath who wouldn't like Mr. Carrington."

  Season laughed at her maid's assessment. "Molly, you are incorrigible."

  Molly lifted a bundle of clothing in her arms. "This is the last of the lot. All your belongings have been moved into Mr. Carrington's bedroom, except what you will need for the wedding tomorrow." She walked to the door and turned back to Season. "I almost forgot, my lady, His Grace has asked if you will join him in the garden."

  When Season reached the garden, she found her father waiting for her. He took her hand and pulled her into his arms. "I am finding this a bit difficult, Season. I believe it will be very hard to leave you and go back to England alone. I never felt that I was losing you before now."

  "I will miss you, Papa," she said, resting her cheek against his. "You will never lose me, Papa. You will always be my father."

  "My own dear little girl. You have suffered more than most girls your age. Let us hope all your unhappiness will be left behind now."

  "I am not a little girl anymore, Papa. I am a woman with a woman's responsibilities."

  He held her at arm's length. "I know you will think it is a little late in the day, but I want you to be happy more than anything in this world."

  "I am not unhappy."

  He sighed heavily. "I believe Lucas Carrington to be a man of honor, and he will make you a good husband. But you must never forget who you are or where you come from. You are a Chatsworth, and you will honor the commitment you are about to make to Carrington."

  "I will honor him as my husband, Papa."

  He kissed her cheek and said in a gruff voice. "Find happiness, little girl."

  They both heard someone coming down the garden path, and Season saw Lucas come into view.

  "I'm sorry if I am interrupting something," Lucas apologized when he saw Season and her father.

  "No, my boy, I was just having a talk with my daughter." Mason took Season's hand and gave it to Lucas. "I now turn her over to your keeping. I am sure the two of you have many things to discuss."

  Lucas felt Season's hand tremble, and he waited until her father had departed before he pulled her into his arms. "Are you cold?" he asked.

  "No, merely scared."

  Season felt her senses reeling as he laid his cheek against hers. "Never be afraid of me, my lady. I would never harm a hair on your head."

  "Lucas, it isn't too late; you can still back out. If you were wise, you would do just that."

  He laughed deeply and looked down on her face which was clearly defined in the moonlight. "Be warned, Season, you cannot get rid of me by throwing yourself into the arms of my stable boy. At Rosemont he happens to be seventy-five years of age."

  "You know about that?" she asked, smiling.

  "Yes, your father told me."

  "There will be no tricks between us, Lucas, and no lies. You are marrying me with full knowledge that I carry another man's child and knowing that I love him."

  He tilted her face up to his. "I will wipe him out of your mind so thoroughly that he will be no more than a fleeting memory," he whispered.

  Season closed her eyes as she felt his warm breath on her face. "Yes, Lucas, help me to forget The Raven." Her words sounded like a plea from the heart.

  Lucas stared at her beautiful face and felt a jealous anger because The Raven stood, like a dark shadow, between him and Season. He bent his head and softly touched his mouth to hers.

  Season knew he was going to kiss her, and she didn't pull away. She was surprised at the warmth that spread throughout her at the touch of his mouth. She felt a tingling in her body, and her lips parted as he deepened the kiss. Her head was spinning, and she was confused by the wild feelings she was experiencing. She had never expected to feel this way with anyone but The Raven. Her response to Lucas frightened more than pleased her.

  Lucas broke off the kiss and smiled down at her. "I do not think it will be as hard as you suppose to wipe him out of your mind, Season."

  She took a step back. "I…think I had better go inside now, Lucas," she said in a breathless voice.

  He touched her face gently. "Yes, I believe that would be a good idea. I won't see you until tomorrow night. Sleep well, my lady love."

  Season watched him disappear down the path, a look of confusion stamped on her face. Dear lord, she thought, how is it possible to have such deep feelings for two men? What if I am the kind of woman who reacts this way to every man she meets?

  She shook her head and made her way quickly toward the house. Season didn't want to analyze her feelings too closely. She didn't want to think about tomorrow night at all.

  Season wondered if every bride felt as nervous and unsure of herself as she did at the moment. As she descended the stairs and took her father's arm, she was anythin
g but a happy bride. Solemnly he led her into the sitting room where Lucas awaited her. When the Duke of Chatsworth placed Season's hand in Lucas', he gave his daughter an encouraging smile.

  The only guests present were Rebecca and Molly. Season glanced briefly at her bridegroom, and he nodded at her reassuringly.

  The reverend cleared his throat and began to speak. "Dearly beloved we are gathered together here to unite this man and this woman in the bonds of holy wedlock."

  Suddenly Season's nervousness disappeared, and a serene calm settled over her. It seemed so right that she should stand beside Lucas Carrington and be united with him in marriage. She listened to Lucas' clear tone when he answered the reverend's questions.

  "Do you, Lucas Michael Carrington, take Season Marie Chatsworth to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

  "I do."

  "Do you, Season Marie Chatsworth, take Lucas Michael Carrington to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

  "I... do."

  In a daze, Season listened to the reverend pronounce that they were man and wife. Lucas bent down and gave her a chaste kiss on the lips, and she blinked in astonishment. Was it possible to go from being single to being wedded in such a short space of time? Could two people be united for a lifetime with just a few spoken words? She stared at the diamond and emerald ring that sparkled on her finger, and she realized she was Mrs. Lucas Carrington.

  Season's father hugged her, and then Rebecca kissed her on the cheek and wished her happiness. Molly looked solemn-faced and said nothing.

  Afterward, the reverend took his leave, and the small wedding party went into the dining room where a lavish dinner had been laid out for them.

  As Season sat beside Lucas, he took her hand and raised it to his lips. "Today is the first day of many happy days to come, Season."

  She could do no more than give him a weak smile as she toyed with the food on her plate, unable to take a bite. She was thinking about the latter part of the evening when Lucas would take her to his bedroom and the two of them would be alone. She was afraid and nervous. How will I ever be a true wife to Lucas? she wondered.