The Lady and the Earl (Seabrook Family Saga)

by Donovan, Christine

  Amelia smiled at his heartwarming words. “You are that confident I want to marry you?” The startled look on his face surprised her. “Yes. Oh, yes. I want to marry you,” she blurted out, hoping to put his sudden doubts to rest.

  “Thank God. I was beginning to think I kidnapped the wrong lady.” William reached across the table and brought Amelia’s hand to his lips. His warm, moist lips brushed across her knuckles, making her shiver from her head to her toes. Could they not have their wedding night tonight?

  As if William could read her mind he placed her hand back on the table. “We have separate rooms. But I am right across the hall in case you need anything. I’m sorry we did not think to bring your maid with you. But I came up with the plan so suddenly.” William paused. “Well, actually, I’ve been thinking about this since the first time I called upon you at your London residence. The day I learned that Wentworth would never give his consent to a marriage between us.”

  “I think that was the day I thought about it as well,” Amelia admitted. Of course, she’d only daydreamed and never thought her dream would come to fruition.

  The innkeeper’s wife, having noticed they had finished their meal, approached their table, and escorted Amelia and William to their chambers.

  Amelia’s nervousness returned as she stood outside her chamber. Her feet became the focus of her attention. “Goodnight, Lord Bridgeton.”

  Right before she closed her bedchamber door Amelia heard William’s deep voice say, “Goodnight, Lady Amelia. Sleep well.”

  Now, behind the locked door, she was thankful she wore a traveling gown that buttoned up the front. Otherwise she would have to seek the innkeeper’s wife’s help. Or even William’s.

  William’s help would not be a good idea. Amelia did not trust herself to be near him in such a situation. Since she did indeed know what transpired between a man and woman, she was anxious to experience it again with William. Whenever William touched her lightly anywhere on her body, she tingled and heated up with desire. To have him help her undress would certainly be her downfall…

  A soft knock on her door started her. “Who is it?” Amelia asked as her heart fluttered, in the hope that William had changed his mind about them spending the night together.

  “Who do you think it is?” Wentworth.

  “Wentworth?” she asked in disbelief. Her heart pounded. How had he found them?

  “Open the door this minute.”

  Just as Amelia opened her door William opened his across the hall. At the murderous look on her brother’s face her body began to shake in fear for William’s safety.

  “How did you find us?” William asked before Amelia could say anything to her brother.

  “Do you think you are the only ones privileged to know about the secret inns along the path to Scotland?” Wentworth said.

  That had William pausing. “Yes. No.”

  “Is that all you have to say to me after you steal my sister away in the middle of the night? I said I would consider a marriage between you two. I had not refused.”

  Before Amelia knew it, Wentworth shoved William up against the wall.

  “What are you doing?” she cried out in panic.

  “Stay out of this, Amelia,” Wentworth warned. “This is between him and me.”

  “But––,” she protested.

  “But nothing,” her brother warned again.

  Amelia watched, helpless as the man she loved fought her brother. Her brother had William at a disadvantage until William wrestled free and took control. Her heart pounded inside her chest in panic. She did not want either of them hurt.

  “Stop it right this minute,” a female voice Amelia recognized as Emma’s cried from the top of the stairs. “Wentworth, you promised to be civil.”

  Emma picked up her skirts and hurried down the hall, bravely proceeding to separate the men. After the altercation stopped Emma removed a lacy handkerchief from her reticule and dabbed William’s bloody mouth.

  “Lord Bridgeton, please accept my apology for my husband’s behavior.” Then she turned to her husband, who also had a bloody lip. “Wentworth, how could you?”

  Her heart still pounding, Amelia covered her mouth to hide a smile at hearing her brother chastised by his wife. Not that the situation was funny––far from it––but Amelia could not help it. Then Amelia thought about the situation and wondered what Emma was doing here. She expected Sebastian to travel with Wentworth, not Emma.

  “Emma,” Amelia interrupted the exchange between husband and wife. “I did not expect you to come with Wentworth to stop our wedding.”

  Emma stepped around her husband and gave him a stern look before returning her gaze to Amelia. “We are not here to stop the wedding. Do you think I would let you marry without me in attendance? And before you say anything, Sebastian and Bella are downstairs in the dining room. It’s a wonder we made it alive with Sebastian and Wentworth driving the carriage.”

  “I don’t understand.” Amelia truly didn’t. “If you are not here to stop the wedding then why were Wentworth and William fighting?”

  Emma glared at her husband. “I do not know why they were fighting, although I have my suspicions. Amelia darling, do you have a handkerchief for your brother’s mouth? We don’t want him to bleed all over the floor. I’m quite certain the innkeeper’s wife has more pressing things to do than mop up your brother’s blood.”

  Swallowing her laughter along with her tears, Amelia entered her room and rummaged around inside her bag for a handkerchief. She hurried back out into the hall and handed it to Emma, who proceeded to gently dab her husband’s lip.

  “Ouch,” Wentworth said as he took the cloth from Emma and held it himself.

  “Anyway,” Emma said as she stood by her husband’s side and linked her hand with his, “we are here to support you in your marriage choice and to escort you safely to Gretna Green for the ceremony. Wentworth decided he did not want the ton to think he did not approve of this union.”

  William stepped forward, and Amelia cringed at his swollen, bloody lip and the beginnings of a black eye. “But how did you know we planned to elope?”

  “Because of me,” Emma said. “I had an inkling, and Bella spilled all when I interrogated her.”

  “So much for Bella keeping our secret,” Amelia said with a smile of surprise and forgiveness.

  “We were but an hour behind you,” Wentworth chimed in. “I had a quick conversation with Myles, and he told me all about this place and several more on the road. Thank goodness I have devious friends, although how Myles knows about this place is a mystery.”

  “So let me understand,” William said, leaning against the hallway wall as if he needed support, which he must after fighting with her brother. “You are not here to take Amelia back home? You’re allowing her to marry me?”

  “Shocking, I know,” Wentworth said. “But regardless of what you think, Bridgeton, I am not cruel and heartless.”

  “Wentworth,” Emma warned.

  “Indeed,” Wentworth continued, “Emma made me see the error of my ways. You have my wholehearted permission to marry my sister.”

  ***

  William could not believe his ears when Wentworth gave consent for Amelia and him to marry. Never did he expect to hear those words. “Thank you. You will not regret your decision.”

  “I’d better not,” Wentworth said as he dabbed his lip. “Damn, you have a powerful right punch.”

  “Years spent sparring with my valet. If you think I have a powerful punch, you should feel the power of his.” William smiled, and just like that, his muscles loosened one by one. For the first time he believed him and Wentworth could become friends in the near future.

  “What did I miss?” Sebastian asked as he and Lady Bella strolled down the hallway toward them.

  “Your brother tried to take my head off,” William said.

  “I know how that feels,” Sebastian laughed. “In the past we’ve had a row or two.”

  The duke a
nd duchess looked at each other, and the duchess blushed a deep pink.

  Then William had an idea. “Wentworth, may I please have a private word with Lady Amelia?”

  Wentworth took his time giving his consent, and for a moment William feared he would refuse.

  ***

  Once both he and Amelia were sitting in upholstered chairs, in front of the warmth from the fireplace in the private downstairs dining room, William spoke. “Since your brother has given his approval for our marriage, would you mind if we turned around and said our vows in the chapel at my estate in Dover so your mother and my family can attend?”

  Amelia looked at William with a wide smile and eyes alight with excitement. And he knew he’d made the right decision. “Oh, William, I would love that. But may I ask a favor?”

  “Anything, my love.”

  ***

  Amelia did not know how William would receive her request. But it meant so much to her. “Do you mind if we marry in the chapel at Stony Cross Manor? It is where Emma and Wentworth married, and…” She paused for courage. “It would make me happy to marry there.”

  “Very well,” William stood up and held out his hand, “Come, let us share this with your family.” He glanced at the open doorway. “That is, if they were not already listening.”

  Amelia placed her hand in the warm confines of William’s as he helped her to her feet. They joined her family who waited for them in the public dining hall. “I think you should tell them,” Amelia said softly.

  “Lady Amelia and I hope you will not be disappointed, but we wish to turn around and marry at Stony Cross Manor.” William nodded to Wentworth. “That is, with your permission, Your Grace.”

  “You have my permission.” Wentworth glanced at Emma, then back to them. “We had hoped you would say that and have already sent word to Mother and to your family. I also sent word to the Archbishop of Canterbury begging for a special license. I do not think there will be a problem.”

  Amelia’s legs almost gave way at the relief she felt. She was to wed the man she loved, in her family’s chapel, with their families’ blessings. The day could not come soon enough for her.

  ***

  Once the ladies had retired to their rooms, Wentworth, Sebastian and William sat downstairs in the private dining room in front of the roaring stone fireplace. William’s mind was still trying to grasp all that had transpired that evening. He had a hard time believing he was going to marry the woman he loved. He never thought he would be welcome in any family, never mind the Seabrook family. Yet here he sat, brandy in hand, discussing things as mundane as the weather with his future brother-in-laws. His muscles were lose, his heart light and his mind free from worry. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt this relaxed and content.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  On the morning of her wedding to William Amelia had not only her maid Gretchen but also Bella, Emma, and her mother fussing over her. Thank God her mother had brought Amelia’s favorite pale yellow silk evening gown from London for her to wear. With her mother’s pearl necklace and earnings, even Amelia had to admit she looked beautiful. Against her mother’s wishes, her dark hair hung loose, curly and cascading down her back. The contrast between her light clothing and dark hair was stunning. At least Amelia thought so.

  They were exchanging vows at eleven and then celebrating with the traditional wedding breakfast. Amelia did not think she would be able to eat with her stomach jumping around in excitement––she had to admit to a case of the nerves. She might not be pure, but she was worried about her wedding night nonetheless. Suddenly her lungs lacked air. “Could someone please open a window?” she whispered.

  She stumbled over to the open window and took several deep breaths, hoping the cool morning air would settle her nerves.

  “Amelia,” Emma said as she rubbed her back. “I felt the same way the day I married your brother. I remember switching back and forth between excitement and panic.” Emma continued to rub her back, which had a calming effect. “Bridgeton loves you. Anyone can see that. You have nothing to worry about.”

  “Yes,” Bella chimed in, coming up on the other side of her. “The way he looks at you…” Bella sighed. “I would give anything to see that look on a man’s face.”

  Emma burst out laughing, which had Amelia and Bella laughing as well. “I have seen many a gentleman look at you that way, Bella,” Emma said. “It is only a matter of time before we are here in this exact spot preparing for your wedding day.”

  “I certainly hope so,” Bella said. “And it better be soon––before Society considers me on the shelf.”

  “You…on the shelf? That will never happen,” Amelia said as she turned back from the open window, placing a hand on her now calm stomach. “Thank you. I think I’m ready to go now. Before we do, Gretchen, could you see if Olivia is ready?”

  Amelia stood in front of the cheval mirror one last time and ran her hands through her hair. “It is getting late. Can we please leave so Bridgeton doesn’t think I have left him at the altar?”

  ***

  “I’ve never seen you so nervous before,” Spencer said to William as they entered the carriage that would take them to Stony Cross Manor.

  “Indeed. I’ve never been before. What if she changes her mind? What if she comes to her senses and realizes I am too old or she cannot deal with my scandalous past?” If she did, William did not think he would ever leave his study again.

  “She loves you,” his cousins Mary and Elizabeth said at once.

  “My dear boy, you have been given a second chance at happiness. Take it and stop worrying,” William’s grandmother admonished.

  “Does anyone else have anything to say?” William asked as he eyed the occupants of the crowded carriage. “Aunt Sarah, you have not said anything.”

  “William, dear…” His aunt reached across the seat and patted his hand. “This is your wedding day. Relax and enjoy yourself. I only saw you and Lady Amelia together once, but even I could see she loves you.”

  As the carriage pulled up to the front of the Seabrook family’s small stone chapel, calmness descended over William. Wentworth and Sebastian greeted them and led them inside the chapel, which was decorated with white candles and numerous bouquets of white roses.

  William took his place at the front by the altar with Spencer and the vicar. The calmness he had felt moments ago was replaced with his pounding heart and sweat beading upon his brow. His slid his hand into his jacket pocket but found it empty.

  “Spencer, I seem to have misplaced my handkerchief,” he whispered. “Do you have one?”

  Spencer handed him a perfectly creased white handkerchief that William used to wipe his brow. “Thank you. Do you mind if I keep this?”

  William did not hear Spencer’s answer. At that precise moment, Amelia entered the chapel and William’s heart stopped. Amelia, a vision in pale yellow, walked down the center aisle toward him, she never took her eyes off his and his never left hers.

  “You look beautiful,” William said as they joined hands in front of the vicar and all of their family. During the short ceremony all William could do was grip Amelia’s hands to keep his from shaking and to keep himself from thinking he was dreaming the whole thing. When it was time to put a ring on Amelia’s finger, his trembling fingers placed a diamond and emerald ring there.

  “William,” she whispered with tears in her eyes, “it is lovely.”

  “It belonged to my mother.”

  “Thank you.”

  ***

  Amelia’s eyes went from the ring on her finger up to William’s face. So intent was the pull of both she never heard the vicar pronounce them man and wife.

  When Amelia had first entered the chapel and her eyes settled on William her steps had faltered. He had never looked so handsome dressed in his black formal wear. And now, surrounded by their family members, Amelia realized how blessed they were. And to have her daughter present, while she and William said their vows, made it even more s
pecial

  Sitting through the wedding breakfast, Amelia felt her body tingle every time William sent her a sensual, longing look. She knew what that look meant and what was to come, and her body hummed with anticipation. Which made her wonder if it would be considered bad manners if they were to leave their guests during the meal. Undoubtedly it would be. She pushed her food around her plate, sipped champagne, and waited for the real celebration to begin––the one where William made her his wife in every way.

  “My dear,” William said as he stood behind Amelia’s chair, “I believe it is time for us to depart.”

  Finally. That was all Amelia could think. They said their farewells and traveled the short distance to William’s country estate in his phaeton. The fresh air invigorated her and made her all too aware of her husband sitting close beside her. Several minutes later she found herself scooped up into William’s arms and carried up the curved staircase to the master chambers.

  “I apologize that I have not redecorated since my brother and his wife occupied these rooms.” He bowed. “I’ll leave you to prepare yourself.”

  Amelia watched William leave through an adjoining door that she presumed led to his bedchamber. She smiled as her eyes scanned her new bedroom. The previous countess had beautiful taste. The wood floors were covered with a lovely thick cream Oriental rug, with subtle splashes of pink and light blue flowers intricately woven here and there. On the large sleigh bed sat a soft blue silk coverlet. Numerous pillows made it inviting. A pink chaise sat in front of the blazing fireplace. Amelia didn’t think she had ever seen a warmer, more inviting room.

  Gretchen, her maid, knocked and entered her chambers. “My lady, marriage suits you. You look radiant.”

  “Thank you,” Amelia said as her heartbeat sped up in anticipation of what would come next in this fairy-tale day.

  When William knocked on the door a short time later Amelia stood ready in a long white chemise and dressing gown which did little to hide her figure beneath the gossamer silk fabric.

  “You look…beautiful,” William said as he entered the room wearing a thick navy robe.