“But surely not on purpose. No one could be that wicked. All those men and boys could have been killed. All those horses!”
Lord Melton looked stern.
“Let us give him the benefit of the doubt, my dearest girl. Perhaps he intended to just steal Demon and somehow the lamp was knocked from his hand into the straw.”
Rosanna swayed slightly and his arm tightened around her.
“I am sorry this had to happen. I want nothing to spoil this precious moment for us.”
Rosanna took a deep breath. She was free!
Sir Walter was dead. And no matter how shocking and terrible that was, she could only feel a sense of relief.
“William,” she said, “I beg you not to concern yourself about my sensibilities. We will no doubt face all sorts of difficulties in our lives in the future. I am not silly enough to believe that everything will be roses and champagne. But our love has been forged in the fire of endurance. I truly believe that nothing can touch it now.”
And she raised her face for the kisses that he rained down on her lips.
*
On a brisk winter’s day, the bells of the old stone church in the village of Melton rang out across the frosty fields and woodlands, joyfully celebrating the wedding of the year.
Lord Melton was marrying Lady Rosanna Donnington and the church was packed with friends and relations.
They watched as the slight, golden haired girl walked down the aisle in a dress of ivory lace, her long veil a cloud so light around her head it seemed as if it would take flight.
Standing at the ancient altar, Lord Melton turned and watched Rosanna come towards him.
He could feel his heart surge with a never-ending love. There she was – his angel. His for ever, at last. He had found her and would never let her go.
At his side, Viscount Blackwood, bursting out of his cherry red waistcoat, nervously fingered the rings in his pocket.
George was sad that his sister, Verity, was not present. She had travelled to Baden Baden to take the waters and had sent word that unfortunately she was feeling too ill to travel back for the wedding.
Up in the gallery, Mr. and Mrs. Bates sat with Mr. Digby.
The two elderly men exchanged satisfied glances.
“Sir Leonard would have been so pleased,” Mr. Bates whispered and Mr. Digby nodded.
“The Earl’s father would have been delighted too.”
He chuckled.
“Remind me to tell you about Nurse Robinson some day!”
Next to them, Mr. and Mrs. John Barker, who had married only the month before, sat close together.
Edie had her arm around little Milly who did not quite understand what was going on, but was thrilled with the new red ribbons Lady Rosanna had bought her.
Edie dashed away the tears running down her cheeks. This was not a time for crying, but for rejoicing. Love had rescued Rosanna and all would now be well.
“Be glad to get back to the Castle,” she whispered to her husband as the organ music swelled to a climax through the ancient stone church.
“After this I reckon we’ll all be in need of a nice hot cup of tea!”
The words of the tender ceremony continued their stately progress and a delicate gold ring was slipped onto Rosanna’s finger.
She raised her eyes to her new husband as he lifted her veil back from her face.
Smiling, he silently mouthed the words, “I love you so much,” as the prayers continued.
Rosanna felt a wave of happiness sweep over her. They would walk out of the church as they would spend the rest of their lives – together in their love for each other.
Theirs was a marriage that would last for all Eternity.
Love Rescues Rosanna Page 14
