“Alright.” She thought it was sweet that he insisted on being so formal with everything, but she figured that was how he did things back in Virginia and Ireland. The important thing was, she no longer had to wait until May. “Let’s find him so you can talk to him tonight.”
He laughed and wrapped his arm around her waist. “I’ll talk to your father tomorrow.”
“Must you wait so long?”
“Tomorrow is only a day away.”
“I know, but it seems much longer than that. Do you think we can marry this month? Next week?”
“I’ll let you know what he tells me.” Leading her back into the barn, he added, “You’ll just have to have patience, my dear.”
Chapter Eighteen
As it turned out, Rose didn’t have long to wait. Two weeks later, she was in a small room at the back of the church waiting for her cue to walk down the aisle. Her mother worked on her hair, pinning it up in a fashionable style that Rose saw in a magazine. Though Rose tried to sit still, she had a terrible time doing so.
Her mother chuckled and gently placed her hands on her shoulders. “Rose, if you keep shifting about, I won’t be able to put these pins in. We’re almost done.”
Rose clasped her hands in her lap and did her best not to squirm. “I’m trying. Really, I am. I just can’t believe how magical everything is. I read a story about a lovely princess who was endowed with the finest of silks and jewelry. She was supposed to marry this horrible man who planned to poison her shortly after the wedding, but another man who had taken a fancy to her found out about the plot and—”
“You already told me about that story.”
“I did?”
“Yes.” Her mother slipped another pin into her hair. “This is better than that story because this is happening to you, and I have no doubt Kent will always be a gentleman in how he treats you.”
“I know he will. Oh, thank you for helping me with this dress. I love the way lace looks. You did a wonderful job. But then, you do a wonderful job at everything you do.”
“Why Rose, that is very sweet of you to say.”
“It’s the truth. I can’t sew lace into a gown as well as you can, and I’ll never be able to cook as well as you. I’m not sure what I can offer Kent.”
“Well, from what your pa says, you won’t have to worry about sewing and cooking, so I wouldn’t let those things concern you. The best thing you can be is yourself. If anyone wants you to be someone you’re not, then they aren’t worth you’re time.”
Rose studied her mother’s reflection in the mirror. “I won’t have to worry about sewing and cooking? Why not?”
“I just got through telling you to be yourself, and you only focus on the sewing and cooking part?”
“I find it awfully curious, that’s all.” She had a feeling there was something her parents knew that they weren’t telling her. Hopeful to get her mother to reveal this secret, she asked, “Does Kent like to cook and sew?”
“From what I understand, he doesn’t.”
“Then what is it you and Pa aren’t telling me about him?”
“You’ll find out soon enough, and,” she finished putting the last pin in her hair, “you’ll be very happy. It’ll be like one of those stories you love.”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “Which ones?”
“I’m not saying.”
A knock at the door interrupted Rose before she could ask more questions. As her mother answered it, Rose stood up and adjusted the skirt of her gown, her pulse racing with excitement. It was time to walk down the aisle!
“Is it safe to come in?” her father asked from the other side of the door.
Her mother stepped aside and waved him in. “We’re ready for the ceremony.”
As he entered the room carrying a thin rectangular box, his smile grew wide. “You’re just as beautiful as your mother.”
Her mother shook her head but grinned. “Rose takes after your side of the family, Dave. She looks more like your sister Jenny than she does me.”
“Nonsense. You’re her mother. She gets her good looks from you.” Before her mother could respond, he turned his attention to Rose. “Kent has a gift for you.”
“He does?” Intrigued, Rose’s gaze went to the box. What in the world could be in it?
“He said you don’t have to wear it for the wedding if you don’t want to.”
She waited for him to open it, but he simply shot her a teasing grin. It was the same grin he used to give her and her siblings on Christmas morning when it was time to open their gifts. She groaned but laughed. “Pa, I’m not a little kid anymore. You don’t have to make me wait for an entire minute before you let me see it.”
“Stop torturing her and let her see it,” her mother added, also chuckling.
“Oh, alright. Though it’s fun to watch you squirm,” he admitted. He opened the box and showed her the diamond necklace. “What do you think?”
Rose gasped as she examined it. “Are those real diamonds?”
“Yep.”
“But how can he afford something that expensive?”
“Kent made me promise to let him tell you.”
She glanced at her mother who gave her an innocent shrug. “Both of you know something I don’t. I gather it has nothing to do with Kent living a life of crime.”
“Oh for goodness’ sakes,” her mother kindly admonished. “Kent isn’t a criminal.”
“Is he a spy? Spies get paid pretty well, don’t they?” Rose pressed.
“Do you want to wear this for the wedding or should I put it in your valise?” her father asked.
“I’ll wear it, of course.” Not only was it beautiful, but it was something Kent bought for her. She turned around and let her father clasp it around the back of her neck. The white gold chain with the heart-shaped diamond had to have cost him a lot of money. “Is he a prince?”
Her mother sighed. “No, but we won’t say anything else.” Looking at her father, she asked, “Is it time to walk her down the aisle?”
“Almost. I’ll put this,” he lifted the box, “in your valise and be back when it’s time.”
Rose nodded as he left the room. Pressing her hands to her stomach, she said, “I can’t believe how nervous and excited I am.”
“What you’re feeling is normal.” Her mother picked up the veil. “I think all brides feel this way.” She placed the veil on her hair, reaching into her pocket to slip a couple more pins to set it in place. “Your father’s right. You make a lovely bride. Kent will be pleased when he sees you.”
“Thank you for helping me with everything, Ma.”
“You’re welcome.” After a moment’s pause, she asked, “Do you have any questions about what to expect tonight?”
“You already answered them.”
“Alright, but if you think of any more, let me know.”
“Will do, Ma.”
Her mother took a long look at her, her eyes shining with pride. Then she drew her in for a hug. “I’m so happy for you, Rose. You’re going to make a wonderful wife.”
“Thank you, Ma.”
There was another knock at the door, and this time her father called out that everyone was ready for her. With a squeal of excitement, she lifted the skirt of her gown and opened the door.
Her mother tapped her on the shoulder. “Let me take a seat before you run down the aisle.”
“Don’t be silly, Ma. I won’t go in there until you’re seated.”
She moved aside so her mother could pass her. After her mother found her seat, she slipped her arm around her father’s and got ready for their cue to go down the aisle.
“Kent’s very lucky to have you, Rose.”
Blinking back tears, she said, “Thank you, Pa.”
He patted her hand. “You know, there’s a mixed blessing in a day like this. While it’s hard to see my little girl all grown up, I’m also glad to see you with such a fine young man.”
The organist began the music, so she quic
kly kissed his cheek then proceeded to stroll with him down the aisle. In front of the altar stood the preacher and Kent. She’d seen Kent in suits, but she hadn’t seen him in anything as expensive as the dark one he had on now. She thought of her necklace and figured Kent either saved up everything he had for this day or his job paid much better than she assumed.
Before she could give it too much thought, her father placed her hand in Kent’s and patted the small of her back and wished them both well. Kent’s eyes met hers, and he smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Her heartbeat picked up. It was so much like a fairytale. She couldn’t think of a single book she’d read that came close to the thrill she was now experiencing. She never thought she’d ever be as happy as this.
As her father went to sit with her mother, she turned to the preacher. She listened as he began the ceremony, acutely aware of Kent’s solid presence next to her. From this day forward, she would belong to him and he would belong to her. She couldn’t think of anything lovelier than that.
The vows didn’t take as long to say as she thought they would, and before she knew it, she finished her promise to love, honor, and obey Kent. When the preacher told Kent to give her the ring, she had to blink a few times. The large diamond sparkled back at her. She’d never seen a ring so expensive.
Curious, she glanced at Kent and whispered, “Are you sure you’re not a prince from another country?”
Amused, his lips curled up at the ends. “No,” he softly replied. “I’m not a prince.”
They turned their attention back to the preacher who told Kent he could kiss her. As he leaned forward, she caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. Her gaze went to the back of the church where someone—a man—slipped out of the building. Her eyebrows furrowed and she scanned the pews. Everyone who’d been invited to the wedding was still there. So who was the man and what had he been doing there? Had he watched the whole ceremony? She didn’t recall seeing him in the foyer before she headed down the altar.
“Rose?” Kent whispered.
Snapping her head back in his direction, she offered him an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I got distracted for a moment.”
She closed her eyes and let him kiss her. When she opened her eyes, she looked at the back of the church. No one was there. How odd. Why would someone who wasn’t invited come to the wedding? Unless they got the wrong wedding. Maybe the man meant to be at another wedding. Sometimes there were two weddings that took place on the same day. It didn’t seem likely such was the case today, but it was possible.
“Rose, are you alright?” Kent asked.
“Uh…yes.” With a laugh, she accepted his arm. “Just nervous, that’s all.”
“I am, too.”
“Are you?”
“A little bit. But mostly excited.”
“Me too.”
They faced the guests and the preacher said, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Kent Ashton. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”
Rose’s skin tingled with delight. Mrs. Kent Ashton. What could sound lovelier than that? Thrilled to no end to finally be Kent’s wife, she joined him in walking over to their family and friends.
Chapter Nineteen
On their way home, Kent took Rose’s hands in his and kissed her knuckles.
She giggled. “That tickles.”
He lifted his head, eyebrow raised. “It’s not supposed to tickle.”
“I know but it does.” She squeezed his hands and scooted closer to him. “I like it, though.”
“Do you?”
“Of course, I do. I love it when you touch and kiss me.”
“Well, in that case…” Smiling, he brought her into his arms and kissed her, his lips gentle on hers.
She let out a contented sigh and melted against him. The whole day had been so magical. She got to walk down the aisle in a beautiful gown wearing the jewelry he’d bought her, both of which made her feel like a princess. And now he was taking her to his home in a white carriage covered in gold trim. It was just like a fairytale.
His kiss deepened and she responded to him, brushing his tongue with hers, her body tingling in pleasure. She wanted nothing more than for him to make her his wife in every sense of the word. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she wiggled even closer to him, loving how her body felt as it pressed against his. Maybe she should be showing more restraint. She was, after all, a virgin and virgins were supposed to be shy, but she found she was more eager to experience the joy of being vulnerable and safe with him, as her mother had told her.
Kent’s hands lowered and cupped her breasts, something that brought an unexpected thrill up and down her spine. His thumbs brushed her nipples and they hardened in response. She loved how his hands felt on her. And to think it’d be even better once her clothes were off.
The carriage came to a stop and he pulled away from her. Though slightly out of breath, he grinned and quickly gave her another kiss. “For a moment, I forgot we were in this carriage,” he admitted as he adjusted his pants.
Her gaze went to the bulge between his legs. “Is that the thing that’ll go in me?” she whispered, pointing to it. Before he could answer her, the footman opened the door and she directed her attention to him. She blinked at the manor then glanced back at Kent. “Where are we?”
He chuckled. “We’re home, silly girl.”
“Home?”
She returned her gaze to the large white house. She had to step out of the carriage to see the entire thing. She’d never seen any house this big before. Just how many bedrooms did this thing have? She could probably fit all of her brothers, sisters, and their children in this place.
He stood beside her and reached for her hand. “I have a significant amount of money to my name.”
She dumbly scanned the land surrounding their home. From where she stood, she didn’t see another house for miles. Her gaze settled on the stables and a pasture where several horses nibbled on grass.
“I thought you might like going for rides during the day,” he said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.
“All of this,” she motioned to the house, the stables, and the iron post at the end of the driveway that had ‘The Ashtons’ inscribed on it, “is for us?”
“Us,” he nodded, “and the children we’ll have.”
“I don’t believe it.”
With a chuckle, he told the footman to bring her luggage into the house and led her to the porch. She was sure this was some elaborate dream she was having. At any moment, she’d wake up and find herself lying in the hammock beneath the trees by her parents’ house. She would tell Harriett how real her dream had been, and after she described it, her sister would laugh and say that only she could imagine all of this. But no matter how many times she pinched herself, she didn’t wake up.
“What are you doing?” Kent asked her as the footman set her luggage on the porch and opened the door for them.
“This can’t be real,” she insisted as she pinched herself again. “I’ve had many daydreams but none as elaborate as this.” She peered inside the entryway and glimpsed the chandelier and oak bench with a peach-colored cushion on it. On the wall above the bench was a shelf with porcelain horses on it. “Good heavens,” she whispered. “If the entryway is this fancy, what’s the rest of the house like?”
With a grin, he picked her up in his arms and carried her over the threshold, allowing her a view of the formal parlor where she spied a piano, grandfather clock, and two settees. Before she could take note of the other things in the room, he was already carrying her up the stairs.
“You’ll have time to explore every room in this place,” he promised, “but for now, you’ll have to tell me if your bedchamber is to your liking.”
“Bedchamber?”
He waited until they reached the top of the stairs and set her on her feet. “Where I grew up, we had bedchambers. In a bedchamber, there is the room you slept in, the lounging room where you can read a book or take a nap, and another
room to dress and bathe in.”
She glanced at the footman as he took her luggage to a nearby room. “Is that my bedchamber?” she asked, thinking the word ‘bedchamber’ was an odd one.
“Yes. Mine is connected to it. Over here.” He cupped her elbow in his hand and led her to his bedchamber. Opening the door, he encouraged her to enter. “You can check yours out after your lady’s maid has put your things away.”
“Lady’s maid?”
“Mrs. Hughes. An older woman. She’s married to the butler. She will tend to your needs.”
“How many servants are there?”
He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. “We can discuss this later. Right now, I’d like to get to know you better.”
Her face warmed at his meaning. As he closed the door to his bedchamber, she studied the room, surprised his bed was as big as it was. The four posts almost reached the ceiling, and he had a dark red canopy tied to the posts. The canopy matched his sheets and the rugs that graced the hardwood floors. Near the fireplace was a smaller room which had a desk, chair and cabinet. She turned and saw another room where he was to dress and bathe in. Her room would be similar, she knew, but it was strange to think she had a bedchamber separate from his.
He placed his tie and hat on a small table by a chair and approached her.
“I’ve never heard of a married couple having two separate rooms,” she said, watching as he unbuttoned his suit.
“It’s common where I come from. In fact, I thought it was strange when I realized your parents shared a bedroom.”
“But I don’t understand. Having a separate bedroom seems,” she shrugged, “impersonal.”
“Most marriages among wealthier families were arranged out of convenience. Usually, they’re a way to amass more wealth between families. So the separate bedrooms were a nice thing to have. That way if you didn’t like the person you married, you didn’t have to sleep in the same room with them.”
“That’s a depressing thought,” she replied.
He closed the gap between them and ran his hands up her arms. “You’re right. It is. But it was how things were and still are, depending on the couple who marries.” He kissed her and smiled. “That’s not us. I never wanted a marriage like that. I love you, Rose.”
Catching Kent Page 15
