Louisa looked up into Luc’s eyes and he looked back at her with love and wonder. She remembered her mother’s words describing how, when her father looked at her, she felt perfect in his eyes. Louisa now understood completely.
Louisa repeated every word, as the magistrate instructed, in a clear, light voice. She promised to always love and honor him. Luc’s voice was deep and clear in the morning air as he repeated his vows solemnly.
The magistrate held up both of his hands and pronounced them, saying aloud, “Ladies and gentlemen I give you Luc and Louisa Almquist. Mr. Almquist, you may kiss your bride.”
Luc reached up and carefully lifted Louisa’s veil from her shoulders, letting it fall behind her back. He bent to kiss her and put his lips against hers gently. Louisa wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss fervently. As the guests of the only daughter of Stavewood and her handsome groom erupted into cheers, a single beam of sunlight reflected from the golden spire on the turret down onto the kissing couple.
Rebecca touched Timothy’s arm. “Look!” she gasped. “Stavewood approves.”
Timothy smiled and pulled Rebecca to his side.
Seventy-Five
Louisa leaned forward and looked down the receiving line of family and then at the guests gathering across the lawns. She was even more appreciative of her mother’s tea the night before. It appeared as though she would be greeting guests all through the day.
She leaned to her handsome groom, kissed his smoothly shaved cheek and whispered into his ear. “Guess what?”
Luc turned from his conversation and smiled at the devilish look in her eye.
“Yes, dear?”
“I’m not a spinster. So there!” Louisa smiled brightly.
“Indeed, you are not!” Luc laughed.
“Want to know something else?”
“Alright,” he said cautiously.
“You asked me once who would want to marry me. Guess who?” Louisa laughed.
Luc chuckled. “It was me, all along.”
Together they kissed elderly ladies and little children. Louisa smiled every time Luc got on one knee to flirt with a young girl and let her kiss him on the cheek. Now he was one of the handsome princes that little girls inserted into their own fairy tales. Louisa was less amused however by the bevy of women closer to her own age who teased him that now all hope was lost since he had married. She playfully shooed away a trio of very forward young women who promised they would wait in the wings should Louisa ever throw him over.
Louisa leaned and whispered into his ear. “I never knew you were such a popular item.”
“I had to do something with myself while you were traipsing around New York City wasting our time.”
Louisa kissed his cheek. “Well, now I’m here and they all need to go find their own husbands,” she said.
“I’ll kiss them all goodbye,” he joked, “and let them know that.”
Luc understood completely how she was feeling when the rows of workers from the mills came in large numbers to congratulate them. He could see that he’d want to keep a watchful eye on them when the dancing began.
Rebecca unhooked the length of Louisa’s veil and stepped outside leaving her and Luc standing in the parlor. Louisa sipped a cool cider and Luc downed a strong cup of coffee.
“Have I told you yet today that you are beautiful?” Luc asked.
Louisa set her cider on the mantel and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Oh?” she asked teasingly.
“Very,” he replied, his voice low and husky in her ear.
“Have I told you yet today that I love you?” she asked, running her fingertip across his forehead and brushing it along his golden hair softly.
“No, I don’t believe you have,” he replied, pulling her to him.
“Mr. Almquist, you are being quite bold.” Louisa could feel the firm muscles of his thighs pressed against her.
“Mrs. Almquist, you can’t say no to me any longer,” he teased.
“Do you think our guests would mind terribly if we chose to begin our honeymoon at this very moment?” Louisa slipped her finger under his shirt collar.
“Don’t tempt me, Louisa.”
She giggled lightly. He was not the only one anxious for lovemaking.
“I would not mind myself in the least,” she whispered close to his ear.
Louisa heard the double door slide open and Mark stood in the doorway.
“I had a feeling,” he laughed.
“Oh no you don’t!” Louisa stepped toward him shaking her finger. “I’m a married woman and you can stop spying on me now!”
“Not quite, little sister!” He put his hands on his hips. “There’s hundreds of people waiting out there for you to smile and look beautiful. So I get to keep my eye on you a little while longer.”
Louisa laughed. “Alright.” She downed her cider, took Luc’s hand and pretended to pull him through the foyer.
“I guess I do whatever she wants now,” Luc called to Mark.
“Welcome to married life, my friend,” Mark called back as they passed through the big front door.
Louisa’s face nearly hurt from all the smiling but she never wanted to stop. She had been terrified of being the center of attention but now it felt magical. It was her day and she wanted to live every moment of it. The weather was beautiful and they posed for the photographer amid the roses in the garden with the wedding party and their parents. By late in the day she and Luc had greeted everyone and moved through the crowd enjoying their guests. Louisa could not help but notice that many of the goblets that should have held freshly pressed cider fizzed with champagne. Roland appeared and put a glass into her and Luc’s hand and she smiled with appreciation. The wine was crisp, perfectly chilled and deliciously forbidden.
The yard was dotted with members of her family, the women in their pretty apricot dresses and the men sharp in dark tuxedos. She smiled as she watched the family she loved so well celebrating their love and lives together. She could no longer imagine wanting to be gone very long again. Whenever she looked up at Luc his eyes met hers and she felt wonderful.
Seventy-Six
Luc and Louisa stepped out onto the dance floor and Louisa’s gown fell softly around her feet. Luc bowed gallantly and Louisa curtsied and took his arms. The trio began to play and a smiling vocalist stepped up and began to sing in a rich, sweet voice that carried out over the crowd as they stood watching the bride and groom.
At last I meet you face to face
The ideal of my dreams
I've waited to behold you, dear
For years and years 'twould seem
And now you've come to live, to breathe
From out the mystic night
My burning heart, my very soul
Cries out in all its might
I love you, I love you, I love you
You are the ideal of my dreams
I always knew, ‘twould be someone like you
I've loved you forever it seems
The couple moved gracefully across the floor, Louisa lost in Luc’s eyes. She had chosen the tune, always one of her favorites, because every word spoke of how she felt.
For years in my mind's fondest fancy
A picture of your face I drew
And I knew you somehow
When I met you just now
You are the ideal of my dreams
Somehow I feel you can't be real
You'll vanish like the mist
Before I hold you in my arms
Before your lips I've kissed
But no, you speak, you really live
Warm blood through your veins flows
Come nestle to my throbbing breast
I want the world to know
I love you, I love you, I love you
You are the ideal of my dreams
I always knew, ‘twould be someone like you
I've loved you forever it seems
“I love you,” Louisa whispered into Luc’s
ear. He kissed her full on the lips. Louisa let her back arch into his grasp and the wedding guests applauded.
The trio launched into a waltz and he took her hand and led her around the floor. Her parents stepped up and began their waltz as well, followed by Mark and Colleen, Roland and Emma and then Karl and Irene. Louisa had loved the parties and dances at the estate and in Billington. How, for so many years, had she not found this wonderful man who now led her so gracefully on the dance floor? When the song ended she smiled.
“I had no idea you were such a wonderful dancer,” she said.
“I am quite good at many things.” He winked at her suggestively. Louisa had a suspicion that Luc would not be one of those who was shy on his wedding night.
The wedding festivities continued until sunset and beyond. When Louisa emerged from the upstairs bedroom after freshening up, Luc grabbed her playfully around the waist.
“This party has been very exciting, but I believe it has come time to bid our farewells.” He pulled her closer.
“Why, sir. What exactly do you have in mind?” she teased.
“This,” he said, looking at her hungrily, and he nuzzled her neck boldly.
“You are completely right,” she said seriously. “It’s time. I want to be alone with you.” She lifted up onto her tiptoes and kissed him, pulling him to her.
Luc knew it was time for them to say goodbye.
Louisa took his hand and led him down the stairs and out the front door. She found her parents on the porch and hurried to them.
“We would like to say our goodbyes but I don’t want it to take all evening,” she said discreetly.
Rebecca nodded. “Come with me.” She and Timothy led the young couple to the stage where the music played, waited until the band finished their song and then Timothy helped her up onto the platform.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Luc and Louisa would like to thank you all for coming before they depart to begin their lives together.” Rebecca stepped aside and Luc and Louisa stepped up.
“Louisa and I thank each and every one of you for sharing this wonderful day with both of us.” He nodded to Louisa and she looked out into the crowd before them.
“Growing up at Stavewood has been a perfect life,” she called out. “And it has been perfect because of my loving family and all of you. You have all made the most important day of my life wonderful and magical. I will never forget today. Thank you all!” Louisa blew a kiss out into the crowd and they applauded with enthusiasm. Both her and Luc waved goodbye.
A white coach pulled from behind the stables. Avalanche, adorned in apricot roses, stepped high and tossed his head. The crowd parted as he trotted towards them and stopped in front of the stage, pawing at the ground.
Mark tipped his top hat from the driver’s seat and smiled. “Your carriage has arrived,” he announced.
Louisa laughed with delight as Luc took her hand and helped her inside.
“You knew he was going to do this?” she asked as Luc climbed in beside her.
“He thought it would make you feel like Cinderella,” Luc chuckled. “It took him a week to teach Avalanche to high step.”
Louisa was delighted. “I feel more wonderful than any Cinderella!” She kissed his cheek and waved out the window as they pulled away.
Seventy-Seven
As the carriage pulled up in front of the cottage Louisa gasped with wonder. In every window a sparkling candle flickered invitingly.
Mark stepped down, opened the carriage door and bowed gallantly. Luc climbed out and took Louisa’s hand.
“This was a wonderful idea!” She leaned and kissed her brother’s cheek. “Thank you.”
Mark nodded and smiled. “And now my next gift to you both. Privacy. I will not be back until you both reappear. Congratulations.” He kissed Louisa’s cheek and shook Luc’s hand firmly. “I could not leave her in better hands.” He tipped his hat, climbed into the coach, shook out the reins and he and Avalanche pulled away.
Louisa looked up at the cottage. “I dreamed I would live here one day, in love with a perfect man. I kept trying to put a face on that perfect man in all of my dreams.” Louisa reached up and put her hands on either side of his strong jaw. “It is this face. Your face.”
In a swift movement he lifted her into his arms and swept her from her feet. Louisa giggled with delight. He carried her up the steps and the door swung open with a push from his foot. The fire crackled, champagne chilled in a bowl of ice and bowls of fruit filled the air with a sweet scent. Luc lowered her to the floor and she took his hand. “Come with me,” she said softly. She closed and locked the door behind them and led him towards the bedroom.
“I’ll be right back,” she whispered close to his ear and slipped away to the bath.
Luc paced the room nervously. The bed was freshly made, the sheets folded back invitingly with lofty pillows at the head. He looked around the room. Louisa had added a valet stand and he pulled off his jacket and tie and hung them there. He stood for a moment wondering what he ought to do next. The room was rather bright with several candles so he pinched off the wicks until only one candle remained lit. The soft orange glow from the firelight was much more appropriate. He began to unbutton his shirt and then thought better of it. He was certainly eager but didn’t want to appear too bold. He sat down on the bed, then stood back up and looked around. He kicked off his dress shoes, as they weren’t too comfortable to begin with, and stood in his stocking feet.
The door to the bath swung open and Louisa stepped into the room. She wore a soft, embroidered cotton gown, as light and delicate as the sheerest handkerchief. Along one side was embroidered a long, stretched dragon sweeping delicately from her shoulder to the floor. She took a deep breath and Luc could see the soft silhouette of her bare breasts against the fabric.
Louisa felt beautiful and magical. The gown was perfect. It enhanced her femininity and allure and she felt strong and confident.
She stepped up to her captivated groom and began unbuttoning his shirt slowly. It was clear to Louisa that Luc was pleased with her choice of a nightdress.
He pulled her to him and felt her soft skin, the warmth of her flesh and smooth, lithe muscles within the sheer gown. Louisa pushed the shirt from his shoulders and their eyes locked. The fire reflected in the depths of her gaze and Luc fell completely under her spell. She pressed into him boldly, her warm breasts and thighs against him.
Luc groaned with the pleasure of the sensations and her hunger for him. Louisa reached down and unfastened his trousers and her desire sparked his own. He gathered her up into his arms, kissed her passionately and laid her on the bed. She pushed him down beside her and moved over him, and he surrendered to her gentle, maddening touch.
She freed him from his now quite confining slacks and stood beside the bed. He watched her, frozen in desire. Louisa slipped her gown from her shoulders and it fell from her body in a light, gentle movement. Luc caught his breath and moaned as she moved onto him in the bed.
Louisa wanted him. She had imagined this moment a thousand times in her most secret fantasies. When he took her and rolled her beneath him her body cried out for him, for all of what she had craved for years. He pressed into her and she moved her hips to meet his.
Louisa trembled with the perfection and beauty of it. She had waited for a love of which she was certain. A love that was pure. She had set a standard of what was right for her and sometimes thought she had dreamt of too much. She had nearly abandoned all hope of it. Now in his powerful arms, joined with him, Louisa was fulfilled. She let her body surrender to him. She parted her lips and a soft moan escaped.
“Oh, Louisa,” Luc moaned loudly and she pressed into him again.
As his body stiffened she felt her own shudder of pleasure and she clung to him, entirely in love.
They looked into each other’s eyes and saw flawless trust. He saw in her an understanding that he himself felt. It was not casual, or simply physical. It was perfect and honest and pure.
/>
“I love you, Louisa” he whispered as he touched a single tear that glistened upon her cheek. “For all of time.”
When she raised up and kissed him she pressed against him and felt him stir. This time she wanted to be the one making love to him.
Seventy-Eight
Luc greeted her with a broad smile as Louisa walked into the kitchen with her hair mussed and sleepy eyes. “Good morning, lazy bones.” The room smelled of freshly fried potatoes and thick slices of bacon and Louisa felt her stomach grumble.
“This smells wonderful.” Louisa took the steaming mug of rich coffee he offered her and slid down into a chair.
She watched him in only his undershirt and trousers as he set food onto the table and she smiled with contentment.
“Did you sleep well, Mrs. Almquist?” Luc asked as he set a plate in front of her and sat down.
“Very well, Mr. Almquist. In fact, I plan to sleep well from now on.” Louisa winked at him and bit into a thick slice of toast.
Luc reached into his pocket, pulled out the bag of diamonds and set it onto the table. He opened it and let a few of the gems spill out into the light. Louisa watched them sparkle.
“They’re really beautiful,” she said, over her coffee.
“And very valuable,” Luc added. “They were meant to ensure Zhi would live a good life.”
“What do you know about her?” Louisa asked.
“Well, I know she’s still alive and probably living a frugal life somewhere in California, maybe San Francisco.” A grin spread across Luc’s face. “So, Sherlock, do you think you can figure out the mystery of how to return the diamonds?”
Louisa looked at her handsome husband in the soft morning light and smiled. “It would be elementary, my dear Watson. Elementary.”
The Secret of Stavewood (Stavewood Saga Book 4) Page 23
